bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ocupação urbana no litoral brasileiro: déficits sanitários e impactos socioambientais
Authors: Oliveira Cristiane Fernandes de
Published: May 2012

O trabalho procura analisar alguns dos impactos socioambientais decorrentes do processo de ocupação urbana no litoral brasileiro. Esta análise está embasada no cruzamento de dados censitários, de saneamento e de saúde envolvendo informações sobre a população e a oferta de equipamentos e serviços públicos essenciais como saneamento básico e saúde em cidades-sede de municípios litorâneos brasileiros. O resultado dessa análise, bem como a discussão de alguns dos principais impactos relacionados à ocupação de áreas litorâneas, possui o intento de promover o conhecimento sobre as fragilidades socioambientais relacionadas à ocupação desta faixa territorial tendo em vista as pressões crescentes para uso do solo urbano.
La conformación paulatina de clases medias negras en Cali y Bogotá a lo largo del siglo XX y la primera década del XXI
Authors: Urrea Giraldo Fernando
Published: May 2012

After a brief review of the concept of the middle class in the English and French sociological literature, the article analyzes the integration of the Afro-Colombian population within this heterogeneous social group over a 100-year period (and, briefly, since the mid-nineteenth century with regard to the case of Cartagena). The literature shows that one of the main characteristics of this social group is the acquisition of undergraduate and graduate university degrees, first in the liberal professions and then as highly-educated professional employees. The article focuses on regions in the country with historically high concentrations of Black people – the city of Cartagena, the Department of Chocó, and the region of northern Cauca – and on selective migration to major cities for secondary and university education. It shows how these patterns evolved with regard to the kinds of university degrees studied, the participation of women, different regional dynamics between Cali and Bogota, and how an increasingly important Black middle class emerged in both cities. The article then highlights the particularities of Cali and the Cauca Valley with respect to the type of firms that located there during the period dominated by import substitution policies. Finally, through a comparison to the United States, the results are analyzed with respect to the relationship between race and social class among the Black Colombian middle class.
Culturas juveniles en tono de mujer. Hip hop en Medellín (Colombia)
Authors: Garcés Montoya Ángela
Published: May 2012

This article is part of the research project, “Youth musical mediations,” that explores the appropriation of alternative means of communication which allow the young to develop identities sharply differentiated from those the adult world. In particular, the article examines the world of hip hop in Medellín and the ways that youth participate in it. To follow key trajectories of women in hip hop, their voices, feelings, and memories must be uncovered. This will allow us to see how the few women who are currently part of hip hop scene in Medellín and Colombia enter, move through, and persevere in it. Since women constitute only a small percentage of the youth who live and remake hip hop in Medellín, it is important to understand how they manage to live in a male-colored world. If hip hop is about strength, denunciation, confrontation, and resistance, it seems that these qualities are more appropriate for men than for women.
Performative and Multimedia Aspects of Late-Renaissance Meditative Alchemy: The Case of Michael Maier’s Atalanta Fugiens (1617)
Authors: Hasler Johann F. W.
Published: May 2012

In 1617 the alchemist, counselor and court physician to the then recently deceased Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf II (1552-1612) published his Atalanta Fugiens (Atalanta fleeing). The book fits into the general category of an ‘alchemical emblem book’, very popular in the day: it contains 50 beautiful engravings to which are assigned poetic sextets in both Latin and German. The main difference with all known similar works is that it includes a three-part canon with each engraving. According to the author, the purpose is for all of this input “to be looked at, read, meditated, understood, weighed, sung and listened to, not without a certain pleasure” (Maier 1990, 91). In this sense, this book might be interpreted as a very early example of multimedia, and as a work which requires a performative attitude and activity (in the form of singing) and not merely to be read, for its original purpose to be fully accomplished. In this brief article I will describe the work, and present arguments to support my belief that it would be reasonable to conclude that it is an early form of multimedia.
Reivindicar para permanecer...:Expresiones de ciudadanía de un grupo de jóvenes hiphop de la ciudad de Bogotá
Authors: Echavarría Carlos Valerio , Linares Alejandra María , Dimas Rincón Juan Fernando
Published: May 2012

The purpose of this paper is to describe some of the ways in which a group of hiphop youths in Bogotá express their sense of citizenship and some of the ways in which they actively exercise this sense of citizenship. It reports part of the findings of the project, "Conceptions of citizenship in a group of schooled and nonschooled youth in Bogotá." The project was designed around multiple case studies, and pedagogical workshops were used to collect information. Discourse analysis, as proposed by T. van Dijk, was used to analyze the data. The results of the study indicate that this group envisions the exercise of citizenship as a series of aesthetic experiences with a clear political intention, oriented to the improvement of public, economic, and social conditions for the affirmation of hiphop culture. In addition, the results indicate that these expressions are motivated by a moral sense, which prompts the group to denounce social injustice, and the lack of recognition of human dignity and the contributions that their group can make to the building of a more democratic, diverse, and inclusive society.
Management Control Systems and ISO Certification as Resources to Enhance Internationalization and Their Effect on Organizational Performance
Authors: Conde Jacobo Gómez , Sampedro Ernesto López‐Valeiras , Feliu Vicente Ripoll , Sánchez María Beatriz González
Published: May 2012

There has been a general consensus in recent literature that internationalization is a key success factor in the competitive business environment we now live in. Using a sample of Spanish agri‐food companies, the main objective of this research is to determine the linkage of Management Control Systems (MCS), ISO certifications, internationalization and performance. The results obtained reveal, as expected, that internationalization has a direct and positive relationship with organizational performance. In addition, we find that both the use of MCS and the deployment of ISO certification positively influence companies' level of internationalization. Nevertheless, our findings clearly indicate that MCS and ISO do not influence performance directly.
Risk factors and musculoskeletal disorders among women workers performing fish processing
Authors: Nag Anjali , Vyas Heer , Shah Priyanka , Nag Pranab K.
Published: May 2012

Background

The study examined the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and discomfort (MSD) among workers engaged in fish processing activities and identified the occupational, environmental, and psychosocial factors contributing to the MSDs.

Methods

An ergonomics checklist and questionnaire on general health and psycho‐social issues were administered to women workers (N = 450). The relative risk for MSDs due to demographic factors, stress symptoms, and task variables were estimated.

Results

Nearly 71% of the women (age 23.0 ± 6.4 years) reported MSDs, chiefly in upper back (54%), lower back (33%), knee (35%), and shoulders (27%). Workers engaged in mixed task (OR 13.8; CI 8.7–22.0), ring cutting (OR 18.3; CI 11.8–24.7), having job experience <3 years (OR1.9; CI1.3–2.9), being married (OR 1.5; CI 1.1–2.2), BMI18–25 (OR 1.7; CI 1.1–2.8) had increased risk of MSDs in the upper back. The severity of pain was high among the workers with elevated co‐morbidity (pain in two or more regions). One third of the workers perceived the work environment to be cause of their MSDs. Multivariate analysis using binary logistic regression model indicated that highly specialized job (OR 13.0; CI 4.7–14.2), high physical activity (OR 11.7; CI 4.6–12.7), improperly designed tools (OR 8.1; CI 3.5–9.5), poor training (OR 7.0; CI 3.3–7.5), and poor job satisfaction (OR 1.5; CI 1.1–4.8) significantly increased the risk of MSDs. Almost all the psychosocial and work stress factors were associated with lower back MSD.

Conclusion

A cold and humid environment, awkward standing work posture for long hours, high physical activities, poor task clarity, and high mental overload are important risk factors for the development of MSDs. Am. J. Ind. Med. 55:833–843, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Middle meatal spacers for the prevention of synechiae following endoscopic sinus surgery: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Lee John M. , Grewal Aman
Published: May 2012

Background:

Middle meatal (MM) synechiae is the most common complication following endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for chronic rhinosinusitis. To prevent synechiae formation, a variety of MM spacers have been employed, with varying success in the reported literature. There remains a continued debate on whether MM spacers actually reduce the risk of synechiae following ESS.

Methods:

The Preferred Reporting of Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines was used for reporting this review of randomized controlled trials evaluating the effectiveness of MM spacers compared to no spacers in patients undergoing ESS. Where appropriate, a meta‐analysis on outcome data using a random effects model was performed.

Results:

Eight randomized controlled trials were included in this systematic review. A pooled analysis on relevant trials found a nonsignificant trend favoring MM spacers compared to no spacers for the prevention of synechiae following ESS (relative risk [RR], 0.40; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.14‐1.12). Subgroup analysis suggested that nonabsorbable spacers (NAS) may be more effective than absorbable spacers (AS) for reducing the risk of synechiae compared to no spacers.

Conclusion:

MM spacers may be more effective than no spacers for the prevention of synechiae following ESS, especially when employing the use of an NAS. However, significant heterogeneity is observed among included trials and future studies are needed to further validate these findings. © 2012; 2:477–486
Risk factors for development of chronic rhinosinusitis in patients with allergic rhinitis
Authors: Sedaghat Ahmad R. , Gray Stacey T. , Wilke Claus O. , Caradonna David S.
Published: May 2012

Background:

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a heterogeneous inflammatory condition of the sinonasal cavity. CRS may be preceded by other sinonasal inflammatory diseases including allergic rhinitis (AR). It is unclear what factors may predispose patients with AR to develop CRS.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective review of all patients diagnosed with AR (and not CRS) that presented to an otolaryngology clinic at a tertiary care center as part of a multidisciplinary allergy evaluation between March 2004 and November 2011. Medical records were evaluated for clinicodemographic factors including age, gender, smoking history, asthma, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), aspirin sensitivity, nasal polyposis, seasonal AR, perennial AR, categories of positive antigens on formal allergy testing, and the following sinonasal anatomic variants on computed tomography (CT): infraorbital (Haller) cells, concha bullosa, frontal intersinus cells, and anterior ethmoid frontal recess cells. Patients who did not develop CRS after at least 4 years of follow‐up were grouped into the AR cohort. Patients who developed CRS after at least 6 months of follow‐up were grouped into the AR‐CRS cohort.

Results:

We found a statistically significant association between the presence of infraorbital (Haller) cells (odds ratio [OR] = 6.27) and frontal intersinus cells (OR = 18.37) with development of CRS on both univariate and multivariate logistical regressions.

Conclusion:

Sinonasal anatomical variants, specifically infraorbital and frontal intersinus cells, are associated with development of CRS in patients with AR. The presence of these variants identifies patients who should be counseled on compliance with medical therapy for AR to potentially prevent progression to CRS. © 2012 ARS‐AAOA, LLC.
Brain–computer interfaces for communication with nonresponsive patients
Authors: Naci Lorina , Monti Martin M. , Cruse Damian , Kübler Andrea , Sorger Bettina , Goebel Rainer , Kotchoubey Boris , Owen Adrian M.
Published: May 2012

A substantial number of patients who survive severe brain injury progress to a nonresponsive state of wakeful unawareness, referred to as a vegetative state (VS). They appear to be awake, but show no signs of awareness of themselves, or of their environment in repeated clinical examinations. However, recent neuroimaging research demonstrates that some VS patients can respond to commands by willfully modulating their brain activity according to instruction. Brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) may allow such patients to circumvent the barriers imposed by their behavioral limitations and communicate with the outside world. However, although such devices would undoubtedly improve the quality of life for some patients and their families, developing BCI systems for behaviorally nonresponsive patients presents substantial technical and clinical challenges. Here we review the state of the art of BCI research across noninvasive neuroimaging technologies, and propose how such systems should be developed further to provide fully fledged communication systems for behaviorally nonresponsive populations. Ann Neurol 2012;72:312–323
MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION, EXPRESSION PATTERNS, AND LIGAND‐BINDING PROPERTIES OF TWO ODORANT‐BINDING PROTEIN GENES FROM Orthaga achatina (BUTLER) (LEPIDOPTERA: PYRALIDAE)
Authors: Liu Shi‐Jing , Liu Nai‐Yong , He Peng , Li Zhao‐Qun , Dong Shuang‐Lin , Mu Lan‐Fang
Published: May 2012

It is postulated that insect pheromone‐binding proteins (PBPs) are involved in sex pheromone reception, while the general odorant‐binding proteins (GOBPs) are involved in reception of the general odorants including plant volatiles. However, this functional specificity is not completely conclusive. In the present study, full‐length sequences of two new OBP genes were molecularly identified as OachPBP1 and OachGOBP2 from Orthaga achatina, an important pest of the camphor tree Cinnamomum camphora. Quantification of transcript levels by qRT‐PCR showed that the two genes highly expressed in antennae, with OachPBP1 male‐biased and OachGOBP2 similar between sexes. These expression patterns are consistent with the generally proposed functions of PBPs and GOBPs. With the recombinant proteins obtained by a bacterial expression system, the binding specificity of these proteins was further investigated and compared using the competitive binding assay. OachPBP1 exhibited high binding affinities with all three putative sex pheromones and 10 pheromone analogs, supporting its role in pheromone reception. On the other hand, in addition to binding with some plant volatiles, OachGOBP2 surprisingly displayed similar or even higher binding affinities with the sex pheromones than OachPBP1. Therefore, we propose that OachGOBP2 might play roles in reception of sex pheromone. Additionally, plant volatiles farnesol and farnesene showed high binding with both OachGOBP2 and OachPBP1, suggesting that these volatile chemicals have regulatory functions in the behavior of O. achatina.
Associated injuries in casualties with traumatic lower extremity amputations caused by improvised explosive devices (Br J Surg 2012; 99: 362–366)
Authors: Kurzer M
Published: May 2012

The Editors welcome topical correspondence from readers relating to articles published in the Journal. Responses should be sent electronically via the BJS website (http://www.bjs.co.uk). All letters will be reviewed and, if approved, appear on the website. A selection of these will be edited and published in the Journal. Letters must be no more than 250 words in length.
Video‐driven state‐aware facial animation
Authors: Zeng Ming , Liang Lin , Liu Xinguo , Bao Hujun
Published: May 2012

It is important in computer animation to synthesize expressive facial animation for avatars from videos. Some traditional methods track a set of semantic feature points on the face to drive the avatar. However, these methods usually suffer from inaccurate detection and sparseness of the feature points and fail to obtain high‐level understanding of facial expressions, leading to less expressive and even wrong expressions on the avatar. In this paper, we propose a state‐aware synthesis framework. Instead of simply fitting 3D face to the 2D feature points, we use expression states obtained by a set of low‐cost classifiers (based on local binary pattern and support vector machine) on the face texture to guide the face fitting procedure. Our experimental results show that the proposed hybrid framework enjoys the advantages of the original methods based on feature point and the awareness of the expression states of the classifiers and thus vivifies and enriches the face expressions of the avatar. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chronic fatigue syndrome and subsequent risk of cancer among elderly US adults
Authors: Chang Cindy M. , Warren Joan L. , Engels Eric A.
Published: May 2012

BACKGROUND:

The cause of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is unknown but is thought to be associated with immune abnormalities or infection. Because cancer can arise from similar conditions, associations between CFS and cancer were examined in a population‐based case‐control study among the US elderly.

METHODS:

Using linked Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)‐Medicare registry data, approximately 1.2 million cancer cases and 100,000 controls (age range, 66‐99 years; 1992‐2005) were evaluated. CFS was identified in the period more than 1 year prior to selection, using linked Medicare claims. Unconditional logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) comparing the CFS prevalence in cases and controls, adjusting for age, sex, and selection year. All statistical tests were 2‐sided.

RESULTS:

CFS was present in 0.5% of cancer cases overall and 0.5% of controls. CFS was associated with an increased risk of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) (OR = 1.29, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.16‐1.43, P = 1.7 × 10−6). Among NHL subtypes, CFS was associated with diffuse large B cell lymphoma (OR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.12‐1.61), marginal zone lymphoma (OR = 1.88, 95% CI = 1.38‐2.57), and B cell NHL not otherwise specified (OR = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.03‐2.23). CFS associations with NHL overall and NHL subtypes remained elevated after excluding patients with medical conditions related to CFS or NHL, such as autoimmune conditions. CFS was also associated, although not after multiple comparison adjustment, with cancers of the pancreas (OR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.07‐1.47), kidney (OR = 1.27, 95% CI = 1.07‐1.49), breast (OR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.74‐0.98), and oral cavity and pharynx (OR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.49‐1.00).

CONCLUSIONS:

Chronic immune activation or an infection associated with CFS may play a role in explaining the increased risk of NHL. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Effect of body mass index on the outcome of children with acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Inaba Hiroto , Surprise Harriet C. , Pounds Stanley , Cao Xueyuan , Howard Scott C. , Ringwald‐Smith Karen , Buaboonnam Jassada , Dahl Gary , Bowman W. Paul , Taub Jeffrey W. , Campana Dario , Pui Ching‐Hon , Ribeiro Raul C. , Rubnitz Jeffrey E.
Published: May 2012

BACKGROUND:

The effect of body mass index (BMI) on the treatment outcomes of children with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is unclear and needs further evaluation.

METHODS:

Children with AML (n = 314) who were enrolled in 4 consecutive St. Jude protocols were grouped according to BMI (underweight, <5th percentile; healthy weight, 5th to 85th percentile; and overweight/obese, ≥85th percentile).

RESULTS:

Twenty‐five patients (8%) were underweight, 86 patients (27.4%) were overweight/obese, and 203 patients (64.6%) had healthy weight. The 5‐year overall survival rate of overweight/obese patients (46.5% ± 7.3%) was lower than the rate of patients with healthy weight (67.1% ± 4.3%; P < .001); underweight patients also tended to have lower survival rates (50.6% ± 10.7%; P = .18). In a multivariable analysis that was adjusted for age, leukocyte count, French‐American‐British classification, and study protocols, patients with healthy weight had the best survival rate among the 3 groups (P = .01). When BMI was considered as continuous variable, patients with lower or higher BMI percentiles had worse survival (P = .03). There was no difference in the occurrence of induction failure or relapse among BMI groups, although underweight and overweight/obese patients had a significantly higher cumulative incidence of treatment‐related mortality, especially because of infection (P = .009).

CONCLUSIONS:

An unhealthy BMI was associated with worse survival and more treatment‐related mortality in children with AML. Meticulous supportive care with nutritional support and education, infection prophylaxis, and detailed laboratory and physical examination is required for these patients. These measures, together with pharmacokinetics‐guided chemotherapy dosing, may improve outcome. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Pilot prognostic model of extremely poor survival among high‐risk hepatocellular carcinoma patients
Authors: Wray Curtis J. , Harvin John A. , Silberfein Eric J. , Ko Tien C. , Kao Lillian S.
Published: May 2012

BACKGROUND:

Populations with low income, economic barriers, and cultural and/or linguistic access barriers to medical care are at risk for worse cancer‐related outcomes. Medically underserved patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have decreased survival compared with those in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. Given this suboptimal outcome, the high cost of HCC treatment, and unknown risk‐to‐benefit ratios of invasive therapies, the authors sought to identify a predictive model of extremely poor overall survival (OS).

METHODS:

A retrospective review of an institutional HCC database was conducted. Payor status, race, treatment, clinicopathologic, and outcome parameters were recorded. The primary outcome was OS <1 month. A logistic regression model predictive of OS <1 month was developed using backward, stepwise elimination and bootstrapping techniques.

RESULTS:

In total, 337 patients HCC (272 men and 65 women) were identified. Only 4% of patients had Medicare coverage; whereas 96% relied on publicly funded, safety‐net health programs. OS <1 month was noted in 90 patients (26.7%). There were no differences in race or sex between patients who had an OS <1 month and those with an OS >1 month. A higher percentage of patients who had an OS <1 month had advanced stage disease and did not receive therapy for HCC. Advanced liver disease, as measured by laboratory parameters and a composite score (Child‐Pugh and Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease [MELD]), alpha fetoprotein level, creatinine level, disease stage, and lack of treatment were predictors of OS <1 month.

CONCLUSIONS:

Survival for medically underserved patients with HCC remains poor. Advanced clinical stage and liver disease appear to preclude treatment, and novel methods to identify those who may benefit from palliative care/symptom control may be indicated for patients who are predicted to have poor survival. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction of pesticides and metabolites from soils using 1,3‐dipentylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ionic liquid as an alternative extraction solvent
Authors: Asensio‐Ramos María , Hernández‐Borges Javier , Ravelo‐Pérez Lidia M. , Afonso María M. , Palenzuela J. Antonio , Rodríguez‐Delgado Miguel Ángel
Published: May 2012

In this work, the use of the ionic liquid (IL) 1,3‐dipentylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([PPIm][PF6]) as an alternative extractant for IL dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (IL‐DLLME) of a group of pesticides and metabolites (2‐aminobenzimidazole, carbendazim/benomyl, thiabendazole, fuberidazole, carbaryl, 1‐naphthol, and triazophos) from soils is described. After performing an initial ultrasound‐assisted extraction (USE), the IL‐DLLME procedure was applied for the extraction of these organic analytes from soil extracts. Separation and quantification was achieved by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection (FD). Calibration, precision, and accuracy of the described USE‐IL‐DLLME‐HPLC‐FD method using [PPIm][PF6] as an alternative extractant was evaluated with two soils of different physicochemical properties. Accuracy percentages were in the range 93–118% with RSD values below 20%. A comparison of the performance of [PPIm][PF6] versus that of the so‐common 1‐hexyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([HMIm][PF6]) was accomplished. Results indicate a comparable extraction efficiency with both ILs, being slightly higher with [HMIm][PF6] for the metabolite 2‐aminobenzimidazole, and slightly higher with [PPIm][PF6] for triazophos. In all cases, LODs were in the low ng/g range (0.02–14.2 ng/g for [HMIm][PF6] and 0.02–60.5 ng/g for [PPIm][PF6]). As a result, the current work constitutes a starting point for the use of the IL [PPIm][PF6] for further analytical approaches.
Functional specific roles of H‐ras and N‐ras. A proteomic approach using knockout cell lines
Authors: Ferreira Laura , Fuentes‐Calvo Isabel , Muñoz‐Félix José M. , Muñiz‐Martín Carmen , Sánchez‐Juanes Fernando , Raposo César , González‐Buitrago José M. , López‐Novoa José M. , Martínez‐Salgado Carlos
Published: May 2012

Ras small GTPases function as transducers of extracellular signals regulating cell survival, growth and differentiation. There are three major ras isoforms: H‐, N‐ and K‐Ras. To improve the understanding of H‐ and N‐Ras protein signalling networks, we compared total proteome changes in mouse embryonic fibroblasts knock out for H‐ras and/or N‐ras, using proteomics tools combining 2DE, semi‐quantitative image analysis, in‐gel trypsin digestion and mass spectrometry. There are four up‐regulated proteins due to the loss of expression of H‐Ras (including cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor 2A) and eight down‐regulated (including stress‐70 protein, dihydropyrimidinase‐related‐protein 3, heat shock cognate 71 kDa protein, tropomyosin beta chain, Rho GDP‐dissociation inhibitor 1) and six up‐regulated proteins (e.g. leukocyte elastase inhibitor A, L‐lactate dehydrogenase B chain, c‐Myc‐responsive protein Rcl, interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist protein) due to the loss of expression of both N‐ and H‐Ras. Most of these proteins are related to Ras signalling in one way or another. Changes in expression of some of these proteins were further confirmed by Western blot. This proteomic comparative analysis from loss of function of H‐ and N‐Ras knockout fibroblasts yields interpretable data to elucidate the differential protein expression, and contributes to evaluate the possibilities for physiological and therapeutic targets.
Multiplex quantitative foodborne pathogen detection using high resolution CE‐SSCP coupled stuffer‐free multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification
Authors: Chung Boram , Shin Gi Won , Na Jeongkyeong , Oh Mi‐Hwa , Jung Gyoo Yeol
Published: May 2012

Sensitive multiplex detection methods for foodborne pathogens are important in controlling food safety, and detection of genetic markers is accepted to be one of the best tools for sensitive detection. Although CE technology offers great potential in terms of sensitive multiplex detection, the necessary amplification is confined to markers sharing common primers such as the 16S rRNA gene. For precise and sensitive detection, pathogen‐specific genes are optimal markers. Although multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MLPA) is appropriate for amplification of specific markers, the requirement for stuffers, to ensure length‐dependent separation on CE, is a major obstacle in detection of foodborne pathogens. In the present study, we developed stuffer‐free MLPA using high‐resolution CE‐SSCP to sensitively detect ten foodborne pathogens. The probe set for MLPA prior to CE‐SSCP analysis was designed for species‐specific detection. After careful optimization of each MLPA step, to ensure that CE‐SSCP analysis was informative, we found that all ten pathogens could be reliably identified; the limits of detection were 0.5–5 pg of genomic DNA, and more than 100‐fold increase could be quantitatively determined. Thus, MLPA‐CE‐SSCP is a sensitive and reliable technique for pathogen detection.
Toward a screening method for the analysis of small intact proteins by CE‐ESI‐TOF MS
Authors: Taichrib Angelina , Pioch Markus , Neusüß Christian
Published: May 2012

Capillary electrophoresis‐mass spectrometry (CE‐MS) more and more gains in importance as an analytical technique for the identification and characterization of intact proteins in the biopharmaceutical area. Thus, a CE‐ESI‐MS method was optimized and validated systematically with respect to the improved screening and characterization of intact proteins. The optimization was accomplished by variation of different CE‐MS parameters, such as capillary coating, background electrolyte, sheath liquid, and nebulizer gas pressure, while monitoring both the resolution and signal intensities. Achievable separation is discussed quantitatively in the context of the coating and the resulting EOF, the protein mobilities, and the suction effect of the sprayer. The observed precisions of the optimized method regarding the migration times (mean RSD = 1.4%) and peak areas (mean RSD = 12.3%) and an extensive principal component analysis revealed that the presented method is reliable and useful for the quantitation of intact proteins and protein isoforms. The applicability of this method to various proteins showing different characteristics (pI value, molecular mass, hydrophobicity, etc.) is discussed. The presented method will contribute to the improved characterization of a large variety of intact proteins in the biomedical and pharmaceutical area.
Molecular interactions of re‐released proteins in electrophoresis of human erythrocytes
Authors: Su Yan , Shen Jing , Gao Lijun , Tian Huifang , Tian Zhihua , Qin Wenbin
Published: May 2012

Recently, we found that hemoglobin (Hb) could be re‐released from live erythrocytes during electrophoresis release test (ERT). The re‐released Hb displays single‐band and multiple‐band re‐release types, but its exact mechanism is not well understood. In this article, the protein components of the single‐band re‐released Hb were examined. First, the re‐released band of erythrocytes and the corresponding band of hemolysate, which was used as control, were cut out from starch‐agarose mixed gel. Next, proteins were recovered from the starch‐agarose mixed gel by freeze‐thaw method. After condensing in a vacuum freeze drier, the samples were loaded onto a 5–12% SDS‐PAGE. After electrophoresis, three protein bands (16, 28.9, and 29.3 kDa) emerged from the erythrocytes re‐released Hb single‐band (R‐R), but only one band (29.3 kDa) emerged from the corresponding hemolysate control band (H‐R). Finally, these bands were analyzed by MALDI–TOF MS. The results showed that these proteins were beta‐globin (16 kDa), carbonic anhydrase 1 (CA1, 28.9 kDa), and carbonic anhydrase 2 (CA2, 29.3 kDa). Because CA2 exists in both erythrocytes re‐released band and hemolysate control band, we conclude that the single‐band re‐released Hb is mainly composed of HbA and CA1. Studying the possible interaction between HbA and CA1 will help us further understand the in vivo function of Hb.
Strategies for excluding false Y‐chromosomal SNP entries from human genome databases
Authors: Rothe Jessica , Nagy Marion
Published: May 2012

Current human genome databases for public single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) still contain a substantial fraction of false entries. The main reasons for errors include sequencing or assembly errors, paralogous sequence‐, and private variants. In the course of our studies on the Y chromosome, we established a set of internal laboratory guidelines for reliably identifying false SNP entries in databases.
Luminescent iridium(III) complexes as novel protein staining agents
Authors: Jia Junli , Fei Hao , Zhou Ming
Published: May 2012

This article reports a new class of luminescent metal complexes, biscyclometalated iridium(III) complexes with an ancillary bathophenanthroline disulfonate ligand, for staining protein bands that are separated by electrophoresis. The performances of these novel staining agents have been studied in comparison with tris(bathophenanthroline disulfonate) ruthenium(II) tetrasodium salt (i.e. RuBPS) using a commercially available imaging system. The staining agents showed different limits of detection, linear dynamic ranges, and protein‐to‐protein variations. The overall performances of all three stains were found to be better than or equivalent to RuBPS under the experimental conditions.
Rapid separations of nile blue stained microorganisms as cationic charged species by chip‐CE with LIF
Authors: Nuchtavorn Nantana , Bek Fritz , Macka Mirek , Suntornsuk Worapot , Suntornsuk Leena
Published: May 2012

Rapid detection of microorganisms by alternative methods is desirable. Electromigration separation methods have the capability to separate microorganisms according to their charge and size and laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) detection have single‐cell detection capability. In this work, a new combined separation and detection scheme was introduced using chip‐based capillary electrophoresis (chip‐CE) platform with LIF detection. Three microorganisms Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans were selected as representatives of Gram‐positive bacteria, Gram‐negative bacteria, and fungi. While their cells carry an overall negative charge in neutral to alkaline pH, staining them with nile blue (NB) provided highly sensitive LIF detection with excitation and emission wavelengths at 635 nm and 685 nm, respectively, and at the same time, the overall charge was converted to positive. Electrolyte pH and concentration of polyethylene oxide (PEO) significantly affected the resolution of the microorganisms. Their optimal separation in the 14 mm separation channel was achieved in less than 30 s (Rs > 5.3) in an electrolyte consisting of 3.94 mM Tris, 0.56 mM boric acid, 0.013 mM ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium salt dihydrate (pH 10.5), and 0.025% PEO, with injection/separation voltages of +1000/+1000 V. The separation mechanism is likely employing contributions to the overall cationic charge from both the prevalently anionic membrane proteins and the cationic NB. Importantly, the resulting cationic NB‐stained cells exhibited excellent separation selectivity and efficiency of ∼38000 theoretical plates for rapid separations within 30–40 s. The results indicate the potential of chip‐CE for microbial analysis, which offers separations of a wide range of species with high efficiency, sensitivity, and throughput.
Determination of metolcarb in food by capillary electrophoresis immunoassay with a laser‐induced fluorescence detector
Authors: Liu Cuicui , Fang Guozhen , Deng Qiliang , Zhang Yan , Feng Jingjing , Wang Shuo
Published: May 2012

A capillary electrophoresis immunoassay (CEIA) was developed for the determination of trace metolcarb (MTMC) in food. The method was based on the competitive reactions between fluorescently labeled MTMC tracer and free MTMC with a limited amount of anti‐MTMC antibody and the separation and determination by CE with LIF detector. A fluorescent reagent, FITC was labeled on MTMC to construct an immunofluorescent probe. CEIA experimental parameters such as the pH value and concentration of the running buffer and separation voltage as well as incubation time were systematically investigated. Under the optimized conditions, fluorescently labeled antigen and antibody bound could be well separated within 3 min using Na2B4O7/NaH2PO4 buffer (20:10 mmol/L, pH 9.0) for background electrolyte, 20 kV for the separation voltage, and 20°C for the column temperature. The linear range of the method was 0.25–50.0 μg/L with LOD 0.07 μg/L. The RSD for relative migration time and relative fluorescence intensity ratio were 2.90% (intraday) and 4.73% (intraday), respectively. The proposed method has been applied to determine the residue of MTMC in food samples with the satisfactory recovery.
Investigation of neutral monolithic capillary columns with varying n‐alkyl chain lengths in capillary electrochromatography
Authors: Puangpila Chanida , Nhujak Thumnoon , Rassi Ziad El
Published: May 2012

Two different neutral nonpolar monolithic columns series (designated as A and B columns series) each consisting of three columns at varying n‐alkyl chain length were prepared by the copolymerization of the functional monomers C8‐methacrylate, C12‐acrylate, or C16‐methacrylate with the cross‐linking monomer pentaerythritol triacrylate (PETA) to yield monoliths with surface bound C8, C12, and C16 chains. In the A columns series, the composition of the functional monomers and crosslinker was adjusted to yield comparable chromatographic retention regardless of the alkyl chain length. In the B columns series, the composition of the functional monomers and crosslinker was kept constant yielding chromatographic retention, which increased as expected in the order of increasing the n‐alkyl chain length. Due to their direct influences on the monolith porosity and retention energetic, the nature and composition of the monomers at a given porogen composition have largely affected the solute's mass transfer characteristics and sorption kinetics, as assessed by the van Deemter plots and separation efficiencies. The C16‐monolith of the A series yielded the highest separation efficiency toward small solutes, but the A columns series were inadequate for protein separation. The C8‐monolith of the B series provided the best separation efficiency for proteins while for tryptic peptide mapping, the C16‐monolith of the A series seems to provide the best separation. For large protein molecules, the energetically “softer” C8 surface allowed faster sorption kinetics and in turn improved efficiency, while an energetically “harder” C16 surface favored better separation of the smaller size peptide solutes.
Comparative fluorescence two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis using a gel strip sandwich assembly for the simultaneous on‐gel generation of a reference protein spot grid
Authors: Ackermann Doreen , Wang Weiqun , Streipert Benjamin , Geib Birgit , Grün Lothar , König Simone
Published: May 2012

The comparison of proteins separated on 2DE is difficult due to gel‐to‐gel variability. Here, a method named comparative fluorescence gel electrophoresis (CoFGE) is presented, which allows the generation of an artificial protein grid in parallel to the separation of an analytical sample on the same gel. Different fluorescent stains are used to distinguish sample and marker on the gel. The technology combines elements of 1DE and 2DE. Special gel combs with V‐shaped wells are placed in a stacking gel above the pI strip. Proteins separated on the pI strip are electrophoresed at the same time as marker proteins (commercially available purified protein of different molecular weight) placed in V‐wells. In that way, grids providing approximately 100 nodes as landmarks for the determination of protein spot coordinates are generated. Data analysis is possible with commercial 2DE software capable of warping. The method improves comparability of 2DE protein gels, because they are generated in combination with regular in‐gel anchor points formed by protein standards. This was shown here for two comparative experiments with three gels each using Escherichia coli lysate. For a set of 47 well‐defined samples spots, the deviation of the coordinates was improved from 7% to less than 1% applying warping using the marker grid. Conclusively, as long as the same protein markers, the same size of pI‐strips and the same technology are used, gel matching is reproducibly possible. This is an important advancement for projects involving comparison of 2DE‐gels produced over several years and in different laboratories.
Energy harvesting technologies for low‐power electronics
Authors: Alvarado U. , Juanicorena A. , Adin I. , Sedano B. , Gutiérrez I. , de Nó J.
Published: May 2012

Power consumption is one of the most critical issues when designing low‐cost electronic devices, such as sensing nodes in wireless sensor networks. To support their operation, such systems usually contain a battery; however, when the battery has consumed all its energy, the node (e.g. the sensor) must be retrieved and the battery replaced. If the node is located in a remote and non‐accessible placement, battery replacement can become an expensive (and even impossible) task. This way, energy harvesting has emerged as a suitable alternative to supply low‐power electronic systems, by converting ambient energy into electric power. Scavenged energy can be used to directly supply the circuits, or stored to be used when needed. This paper summarises the power needs of a general wireless sensor node and describes the main principles of most representative energy harvesting technologies. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of chemical structure on absolute odour thresholds and odour characteristics of ortho‐ and para‐halogenated phenols and cresols
Authors: Strube Andrea , Buettner Andrea , Czerny Michael
Published: May 2012

Halogenated phenols and cresols belong to a group of volatiles consistently reported as off‐flavour compounds. For example, 2‐iodophenol and 2‐iodo‐4‐methylphenol with their typical medicinal smell were found to negatively affect bottled mineral water. Even though these compounds are widespread in nature no comprehensive information about their chemo‐analytical as well as odour properties is available. Therefore, the objective of this study were (1) to provide systematic chemo‐analytical data on these substances, such as mass spectral data and retention parameters in gas chromatographic analysis, and (2) to determine, on a direct comparative basis, the sensory properties of eight mono‐halogenated phenols, four di‐halogenated phenols and four halogenated cresols. Evaluations focused on the determination of odour quality and odour threshold concentration in air and water. With regard to the relationship between substitution pattern and odour character, the location of an iodine atom in the ortho‐position was demonstrated to obviously be an important prerequisite for medicinal, plaster‐like or ink‐like smell. Faecal or horse stable‐like odour notes were predominantly related to compounds being substituted either by halogen moieties or by a methyl group in the para‐position. The 2‐halogenated 4‐methylphenols were found to be the odorants with the lowest odour threshold concentrations of all the compounds investigated in this study, and that, generally, compounds with ortho‐halogenation exhibited exceptionally low odour threshold concentrations. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microglia/monocytes with NG2 expression have no phagocytic function in the cortex after LPS focal injection into the rat brain
Authors: Zhu Lie , Xiang Ping , Guo Kun , Wang Anni , Lu Jia , Tay Samuel Sam Wah , Jiang Hua , He Bei Ping
Published: May 2012

While OX42+ microglia/macrophages have been considered as a scavenger in the brain, NG2+ cells are generally considered as oligodendrocyte progenitor cells or function‐unknown glial cells. Recent evidence showed that under some pathological conditions, certain cells have become positive for both anti‐NG2 and anti‐OX42 antibodies. Our results suggested that some OX42+ microglia or macrophages were induced to express NG2 proteins 3 and 5 days later after focal injection of lipopolysaccharide into the brain cortex of Sprague‐Dawley rats. In consideration of the induction of NG2 expression may associate with gaining or losing functions of microglia/macrophages, we further showed that, while OX42+ or ED1+ microglia/macrophages presented active phagocytic function, NG2+/OX42+ cells failed to engulf latex beads. The induced expression of NG2 protein may possibly indicate the functional diversity of activated microglia/macrophages in the brain. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The effects of dependence and function on costs of care for Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment in Ireland
Authors: Gillespie P , O'Shea E , Cullinan J , Lacey L , Gallagher D , Ni Mhaolain A ,   B. Lawlor for the Enhancing Care in Alzheimer's Disease (ECAD) Study Team
Published: May 2012

Objective

To explore the incremental effects of patient dependence and function on costs of care for patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in Ireland.

Methods

Cost analysis based on reported resource use for a cross‐section of 100 community‐based people with AD and MCI. Formal care included general practice visits, hospitalizations, outpatient clinic consultations, accident and emergency visits, respite care, meals on wheels services and other health and social care professional consultations. Informal care included time input provided by caregivers. Resource unit costs were applied to value formal care and the opportunity cost method was used to value informal care. Patient dependence on others was measured using the Dependence Scale and patient functional capacity using the Disability Assessment for Dementia scale. Multivariate regression analysis was used to model the cost of care.

Results

Both dependence and function were independently and significantly associated with total formal and informal care cost: a one point increase in dependence was associated with a €796 increase in total cost and a one point improvement in function with a €417 reduction in total cost over 6 months. Patient function was significantly associated with formal care costs, whereas patient function and dependence were both significantly associated with informal care costs.

Conclusion

The costs of care for patients with AD and MCI in Ireland are substantial. Interventions that reduce patient dependence on others and functional decline may be associated with important economic benefits. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.