bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous determination of ampicillin, cefoperazone, and sulbactam in pharmaceutical formulations by HPLC with β‐cyclodextrin stationary phase
Authors: Tsou Tai‐Li , Huang Yu‐Chuan , Lee Chiu‐Wey , Lee An‐Rong , Wang Hsian‐Jenn , Chen Su‐Hwei
Published: August 2007

An accurate and reproducible method for the simultaneous determination of ampicillin (AMP), sulbactam (SUL), and cefoperazone (CFP) in pharmaceutical formulations by using HPLC with β‐CD stationary phase was developed. It involved the use of the added tetraethylammonium acetate (TEAA) reagent, pH, and methanol as the significant parameters to find the optimum separation condition. A high resolution and selectivity of analytes was obtained by running the mobile phase in methanol–5 mM TEAA buffer = 35:65 (v/v, pH 4.5) at 280 nm. The mean recoveries ranged from 96.6 to 103.3% for AMP in the synthetic mixture, 97.6 to 103.0% for SUL, and 97.0 to 104.0% for CFP. The low LOD (<1.8 μg/mL) and low CV (<0.9%) assured that this method was sensitive and reproducible. The assay of analytes in commercial products exhibited that it was convenient and reproducible for routine analyses of these components in sterilized H2O, saline, or 5% dextrose injection solutions.
Dissolving Cellulose in a NaOH/Thiourea Aqueous Solution: A Topochemical Investigation
Authors: Yan Lifeng , Chen Juan , Bangal Prakriti R.
Published: August 2007

Various kinds of cellulose/cellulose‐aggregate films have been prepared on newly cleaved mica by the deposition of the suspensions of microcrystalline cellulose in water in the presence or in absence of NaOH/thiourea at different temperatures. The topochemistry of the cellulose surfaces have been directly observed by employing both SEM‐EDX and AFM. These studies show that both NaOH and thiourea have a homogeneous distribution around the cellulose fibers during the dissolving process, and it is believed that their synergic interactions play a key role to dissolve the cellulose aggregates. It is also found that the dissolving process is continuous while the ice state formation promotes the dissolving process.

magnified image
Effect of Branch Length on 13C NMR Relaxation Properties in Molten Poly[ethylene‐co‐(α‐olefin)] Model Systems
Authors: Parkinson Matthew , Klimke Katja , Spiess Hans Wolfgang , Wilhelm Manfred
Published: August 2007

The potential of branch length discrimination for branches containing six and more carbons via bulk NMR relaxation properties in the melt‐state has been explored. A systematic increase in the 13C spin‐lattice relaxation time (T) of the terminal branch carbons 1 and 2 was observed when the branch increased from 6 to 16 carbons in length. The measurement of T via inversion recovery at high‐field showed the most reliable data. The effects of saturation and NOE were addressed by using recycle delays longer than 5 × T and the use of the saturation recovery was found to be unsatisfactory. All nuclear relaxation times were determined in a highly time efficient manner using a previously developed melt‐state MAS NMR method.

magnified image
Initial value problems for singular and nonsmooth second order differential inclusions
Authors: Biles Daniel C. , Ángel Cid J. , López Pouso Rodrigo
Published: August 2007

We study the existence of W2,1 solutions for singular and nonsmooth initial value problems of the type

equation image

whereT > 0 is a priori fixed, x0, x1 ∈ ℝ, and F: [0, T ] × ℝ → 𝒫(ℝ) \ {∅︁} is a multivalued mapping. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Controlled Release of DNA from Self‐Degrading Microcapsules
Authors: Borodina Tatiana , Markvicheva Elena , Kunizhev Stanislav , Möhwald Helmuth , Sukhorukov Gleb B. , Kreft Oliver
Published: August 2007

Self‐disintegrating microcapsules were prepared by encapsulating a highly active mix of proteases (Pronase®) into biodegradable polyelectrolyte shells. Pronase was captured by micron‐sized calcium carbonate particles that were subsequently embedded into onion‐like shells of poly(L‐arginine) and poly(L‐aspartic acid). EDTA treatment was used to extract the calcium carbonate constituents from the resulting core‐shell particles. As a consequence, Pronase was released into the capsule interior and started to digest the surrounding polyelectrolyte shell. Lifetimes of such self‐disintegrating capsules could be successfully adjusted to seconds, hours or days by varying the amount of encapsulated Pronase. The enzyme‐mediated, sustained release of encapsulated DNA is presented as a prospective application in drug delivery.

magnified image
Konstitutive Beschreibung eines 10 %Cr‐Stahls zur Berechnung betriebsnaher Kriechermüdungsbeanspruchung
Authors: Simon A. , Samir A. , Scholz A. , Berger C.
Published: August 2007

Leistungsschwankungen regenerativer Kraftwerksformen wie z. B. Windkraftanlagen erfordern eine flexible Nutzung von schnell zuschaltbaren konventionellen Spitzenlastkraftwerken wie z. B. GuD‐Kraftwerken. Hierbei steht aber die Forderung nach einer schnell zuschaltbaren und zugleich flexiblen Nutzung dieser Anlagen im Konflikt mit der Ermüdungsempfindlichkeit insbesondere der massiven Kraftwerkskomponenten durch Temperatur‐ und Leistungsschwankungen. Die Kriechermüdungsbeanspruchung dieser Anlagen ist dabei durch das auf die Oberfläche aufgebrachte Temperaturprofil vorgegeben. Dies bedingt eine anisotherme Betrachtung dieser Materialbeanspruchung mit der Forderung nach einer ebenfalls anisothermen Materialbeschreibung. Es wurde daher eine konstitutive Materialbeschreibung auf Basis Chaboche zur Beschreibung des anisothermen Materialverhaltens angepasst und anhand von Verifikationsexperimenten an einem modernen 10 %Cr‐Schmiedestahl überprüft. Als wesentliches Verifikationsexperiment wurde dabei eine in Anlehnung an ein Temperaturprofil auf der Oberfläche eines Dampfturbinenrotors abgeleitete einaxiale Beanspruchung nachgerechnet. Weiter wurden Versuche an Kerbproben durchgeführt um die Schädigungsentwicklung bei mehraxialen Beanspruchungen zu überprüfen. Eine modifizierte Dehnungsenergiefreisetzungrate als treibende Kraft der Schädigungsevolution konnte dabei das von herkömmlichen warmfesten Stähle abweichende Verhalten des 10 %Cr‐Wellenstahls gut beschreiben.
A new high performance copper based alloy for electro‐mechanical connectors
Authors: Kuhn H.‐A. , Käufler A. , Ringhand D. , Theobald S.
Published: August 2007

The precipitation hardened high‐copper alloy CuNi1Co1Si (UNS design. C70350) was developed in two tempers in a high strength spring material for small connector devices. The combination of high strength, moderate conductivity, excellent thermal stability and good formability is explained by the microstructure of the strip material. In comparison to the nickel silicide hardened connector material CuNi3Si (C70250) the cobalt containing mixed silicides improve significantly strength. The weak anisotropy of the spring characteristics is explained by a process‐dependent texture. The good formability is calculated by FEM and proven by standardized bend test, as well as by manufacturing a demonstration part which is similar to a connector.
Schwingfeste Auslegung von Schweiß‐ verbindungen aus der Magnesiumknetlegierung AZ31(ISO‐MgAl3Zn1) mit dem Konzept der fiktiven Ersatzradien von rf = 1,0 mm und 0,05 mm
Authors: Karakas Ö. , Morgenstern C. , Sonsino C. M.
Published: August 2007

Die hier vorgestellten Ergebnisse basieren auf Schwingfestigkeitsuntersuchungen mit drei verschiedenen MIG‐ und WIG geschweißten Magnesiumverbindungen der Legierung AZ31,Stumpfstöße mit und ohne Wurzelspalt und Quersteifen. Die Auswertung der Ergebnisse zeigt, dass das örtliche Kerbspannungskonzept mit dem fiktiven Ersatzradius von rf = 1,0 mm auf Magnesiumschweißverbindungen mit Dicken von t ≥ 5 mm, unabhängig von der Schweißnahtgeometrie, angewendet werden kann. Es werden Bemessungs‐Wöhlerlinien für verschiedene Spannungsverhältnisse, R = ‐1, sowie 0 und 0,5, abgeleitet, die eine Berücksichtigung sowohl von Eigenspannungen als auch belastungsinduzierten Mittelspannungen zulassen. Darüber hinaus wird aus den Ergebnissen Δσ = 28 MPa als FAT‐Klasse für das IIW‐Regelwerk vorgeschlagen. Zusätzlich wurde für den fiktiven Ersatzradius von rf = 0,05 mm, anzuwenden bei Magnesiumschweißverbindungen mit t < 5 mm, der FAT‐Wert von Δσ = 73 MPa bestimmt. Die Ermittelten FAT‐Werte für beide Ersatzradien werden mit denjenigen für Stahl und Aluminium verglichen. Es wird ein linearer Zusammenhang zwischen den FAT‐Werten und den Elastizitätsmodulen festgestellt.
Study on poly(ε‐caprolactone)‐based shape memory copolymer fiber prepared by bulk polymerization and melt spinning
Authors: Meng Qinghao , Hu Jinlian
Published: August 2007

In this paper, a poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL)‐based shape memory polyurethane fiber was prepared by melt spinning. The shape memory switching temperature was the melting transition temperature of the soft segment phase mainly composed of PCL at 47°C. The mechanical properties especially shape memory effect were explicitly characterized by thermomechanical cyclic tensile testing. The results suggest that the prepared fiber has shape memory effects. The prepared 40 denier shape memory fiber had a tenacity of about 1.0 cN/dtex, and strain at break 562–660%. The shape fixity ratio reached 84% and the recovery ratio reached 95% under drawing at high temperature and thermal recovery testing.1 Finally, the fiber thermal/mechanical properties were measured using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficacy of various pyrethroid structures against a highly metabolically resistant isogenic strain of Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) from China
Authors: Tan Jianguo , McCaffery Alan R
Published: August 2007

BACKGROUND: Resistance to pyrethroids and other types of insecticides in Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) has been documented in many countries. The isolation of specific resistance mechanisms in isogenic strains is an optimal approach to investigate cross‐resistance pattern, and to validate resistance breaking pyrethroids. In this study an isogenic metabolic resistance CMR strain was successfully isolated from a field pyrethroid‐resistant population of H. armigera. With this strain, cross‐resistance among 19 pyrethroid insecticides with varying chemical structures was analysed.

RESULTS: Resistance to pyrethroids in the CMR strain was likely to be due to enhanced oxidative metabolism. The most significant cross‐resistance in the CMR strain was between pyrethroids such as fenvalerate, tau‐fluvalinate and flumethrin characterised by having both phenoxybenzyl and aromatic acid moieties. Substitution of the phenoxybenzyl group with a polyfluorobenzyl group, as in tefluthrin, benfluthrin and transfluthrin, overcame most of this resistance.

CONCLUSION: The findings in this study support the assertion that it is possible to find pyrethroids that are active against resistant populations. Such pyrethroids could be considered as possible partners or resistance breaking pyrethroids in a pyrethroid resistance management programme for H. armigera in China and in other Asian countries where the oxidative metabolism resistance is a dominant mechanism. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Protective role of Hemidesmus indicus R. Br. root extract against Salmonella typhimurium‐induced cytotoxicity in Int 407 cell line
Authors: Das Sarita , Devaraj S. Niranjali
Published: August 2007

The present investigation deals with the effect of the chloroform fraction composed of sterols and fatty acids isolated from Hemidesmus indicus root extract (CHI) on Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. typhimurium)‐induced cytotoxicity in a human intestinal epithelial cell line (Int 407). The optimum dose was fixed as 100 µg/mL for CHI against S. typhimurium, which was quite safe for Int 407 cells as the CD50 concentration (50% cell death) of CHI was determined to be 500 µg/mL in the Int 407 cell line. CHI‐treated S. typhimurium were 10‐fold less cytotoxic and 40% less adherent to host cells than wild‐type. Treatment of CHI significantly abrogated the invasion ability to 10‐ to 15‐fold in S. typhimurium. The cells infected with CHI‐treated S. typhimurium had a comparable viability to uninfected cells in the epithelial cell detachment assay. Immunofluorescence showed the CHI‐treated bacteria were unhealthy and shrunken rods in comparison with the wild‐type bacteria; those were firmly attached and invaded to deceased and hypertrophoid Int 407 cells. Transmission electron micrographs of Int 407 cells infected with wild bacteria showed a coat of adherent and invaded bacteria completely occupying the cytoplasm with characteristic Salmonella‐containing vacuoles (SCV). Both necrotic and apoptotic type of cell death were observed in cells infected with wild‐type bacteria, whereas most of the cells infected with treated bacteria were normal in morphology and a few had invaded bacteria, but the typical proliferated SCV was not observed in cells infected with CHI‐treated S. typhimurium. In summary, the sterols and fatty acids present in CHI may be capable of taming S. typhimurium by suppressing its cytotoxic activity in an intestinal epithelial cell line. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Low concentration of 3‐carene stimulates the differentiation of mouse osteoblastic MC3T3‐E1 subclone 4 cells
Authors: Jeong Jong‐Geun , Kim Young Sup , Min Yong Ki , Kim Seong Hwan
Published: August 2007

Recently, natural products have gained more interest as alternative treatments for metabolic bone disorders and for the maintenance of bone health. In this study, the anabolic activities of 89 natural compounds were evaluated by measuring the amount of newly synthesized calcium in the differentiation process of mouse osteoblastic MC3T3‐E1 subclone 4 cells. Of these compounds, a low concentration (up to 5 µm) of 3‐carene, which is a bicyclic monoterpene in essential oils extracted from pine trees, was shown to stimulate significantly the activity and expression of alkaline phosphatase, an early phase marker of osteoblastic differentiation, on differentiation day 9. On day 15, it dramatically promoted the induction of calcium in a dose‐dependent manner. The stimulatory effect of 3‐carene on mineralization might be associated with its potential to induce the protein expression/activation of the mitogen‐activated protein kinases and the transcript levels of osteoblast mineralization‐related genes such as osteopontin and type I collagen. Further studies are needed to determine the precise mechanism, but the anabolic activity of 3‐carene in bone metabolism suggested that the use of natural additives to the diet including essential oils could have a beneficial effect on bone health. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analgesic and antiinflammatory effects of mollic acid glucoside, a 1α‐hydroxycycloartenoid saponin extractive from Combretum molle R. Br. ex G. Don (Combretaceae) leaf
Authors: Ojewole John A. O.
Published: August 2007

The analgesic and antiinflammatory properties of mollic acid glucoside (MAG), a 1α‐hydroxycycloartenoid extract from Combretum molle leaf, have been investigated in mice and rats. The effects of graded doses of mollic acid glucoside (MAG, 5–80 mg/kg i.p.) were examined against thermally‐ and chemically‐induced nociceptive pain in mice. Furthermore, the effects of graded doses of the plant extract (MAG, 5–80 mg/kg p.o.) were also investigated on rat paw oedema induced by subplantar injections of fresh egg albumin (0.5 mg/kg). Morphine (MPN, 10 mg/kg i.p.) and diclofenac (DIC, 100 mg/kg i.p.) were used as reference analgesic and antiinflammatory agents for comparison, respectively. Like DIC (100 mg/kg i.p.) and MPN (10 mg/kg i.p.), MAG (5–80 mg/kg i.p.) produced dose‐dependent, significant (p < 0.05–0.001) analgesic effects against thermally and chemically induced nociceptive pain in mice. The extractive (MAG, 5–80 mg/kg i.p.) also significantly reduced (p < 0.05–0.001) rat paw oedema induced by subplantar injections of fresh egg albumin in a dose‐related fashion. However, the extract (MAG, 5–80 mg/kg i.p.) was found to be less potent than diclofenac (DIC) as an analgesic or antiinflammatory agent. Experimental evidence obtained from this laboratory animal study indicates that the Combretum molle leaf extractive (MAG) possesses analgesic and antiinflammatory properties, and thus lend pharmacological credence to the folkloric, ethnomedical uses of the plant's leaf in the management, control and/or treatment of painful, arthritic and other inflammatory conditions in some rural communities of southern Africa. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A ‘Yang‐Invigorating’ Chinese herbal formula protects against gentamicin‐induced nephrotoxicity in rats
Authors: Poon Michel K. T. , Chiu P. Y. , Leung H. Y. , Siu Ada H. L. , Ko K. M.
Published: August 2007

The effects of VI‐28 (a Yang‐invigorating Chinese herbal formula) treatment on the renal mitochondrial antioxidant system and susceptibility to gentamicin‐induced nephrotoxicity were investigated in rats. VI‐28 treatment (80 or 240 mg/kg/day × 12) enhanced the renal mitochondrial antioxidant system, as indicated by dose‐dependent increases in the level/activities of reduced glutathione, Mn‐superoxide dismutase, Se‐glutathione peroxidase and glutathione S‐transferases. VI‐28 treatment protected against nephrotoxicity induced by gentamicin administration (100 mg/kg/day × 8) and the nephroprotection was associated with an enhancement in the renal mitochondrial antioxidant system. In conclusion, VI‐28 treatment enhanced the renal mitochondrial antioxidant system, thereby protecting against gentamicin nephrotoxicity. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intra and intermolecular hydrogen bonding in formohydroxamic acid
Authors: Kaur Damanjit , Kohli Ruchi
Published: August 2007

The presence of hydrogen bonding interactions in several tautomeric forms of formohydroxamic acid (FHA) and 1:1 association among the tautomeric forms and water‐coordinated tautomeric forms of FHA is explored theoretically. Out of the seven equilibrium structures, four tautomeric forms have been selected for aggregation with single water molecule and dimer formation. Fifteen aggregates of FHA with H2O have been optimized at MP2/AUG‐cc‐PVDZ level and analyzed for intramolecular and intermolecular H‐bond interactions. Twenty‐seven dimers of the four tautomeric forms have been obtained at MP2/6‐31+G* level. The stabilization energies associated with dimerization and adduct formation with water are the result of H‐bond interactions and range from very weak to medium. The atomic charges and NBO analysis indicate that the electrostatic and the charge transfer are the important components favoring H‐bond formation. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2008
Performance of DFT hybrid functionals in the theoretical treatment of H‐bonds: Analysis term‐by‐term
Authors: Guadarrama Patricia , Soto‐Castro Delia , Rodríguez‐Otero Jesús
Published: August 2007

The performance of DFT to reproduce noncovalent interactions like H‐bonds was assessed. Three DFT hybrid functionals (B3LYP, BHandHLYP from Jaguar5.5, and BHandHLYP from G03) were used to calculate the interaction energies and H‐bond distances of several host–guest complexes theoretically designed. Two reference systems (whose experimental data were available) were also calculated at the same levels of theory. In all the cases B3LYP and BHandHLYP from G03 gave rather the same results of interaction energy and distances, whereas the functional BHandHLYP from Jaguar5.5 overestimated the interaction energies and underestimated the H‐bond distances. Considering the construction of each functional, the terms responsible for such differences are the gradient correction to the exchange functional (Becke88) and the correlation functional (VWN, LYP) and not the Hartree–Fock contribution. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2008
Investigation of patinas formed on Chinese bronzes using modern multianalytical techniques
Authors: Hou Shuhong , Li Yanping , Xie Mengxia , De Beer Thomas R. M. , Baeyens Willy R. G. , Hu Shenghong , Ouyang Jin
Published: August 2007

This paper presents an integrated study on nine natural Chinese bronze patinas without causing any damage to the bronze substrates, employing five modern analytical techniques including X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) and Raman spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP‐AES), and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS). Two artificial Chinese bronze patinas were also investigated by the same techniques for comparative purposes. As a result, XRD determined the chemical compositions of all selected samples and showed that the primary compound was malachite in natural soil environment under the general situation. Meanwhile, some interesting corrosion products such as gerhardtite and free copper were also observed. Three groups were classified according to the XRD results in order to provide a deeper insight into their spectroscopic characterization. Spectroscopic data of these patinas from FT‐IR and Raman spectroscopy are shown and interpreted in detail. ICP‐AES and ICP‐MS analyses provided valuable quantitative information, and made the study of the patinas more profound. Furthermore, all analytical results indicated that bronze patinas are extremely complex by virtue of the storage environment and their substrate alloys. The natural samples were rather heterogeneous and the artificial samples, especially the sample formed in the laboratory, were rather homogeneous of which the chemical constituents could be well defined. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Total reflection x‐ray fluorescence analysis—a review
Authors: Wobrauschek P.
Published: August 2007

Total reflection x‐ray fluorescence analysis (TXRF) is a special energy‐dispersive x‐ray analytical technique extending XRF down to the ultra trace element range. Detection limits of picograms or nanograms per gram levels are reached with x‐ray tube excitation. Using synchrotron radiation as excitation source, femtogram levels are detectable, particularly important for Si wafer surface analysis. TXRF is specially suited for applications in which only a very small amount of sample is available, as only a few micrograms are required for the analysis. In this review, an overview of theoretical principles, advantages, instrumentation, quantification and application is given. Chemical analysis as well as surface analysis including depth profiling and thin‐film characterization is described. Special research results on extension to low‐Z elements, excitation with synchrotron radiation and x‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) for chemical speciation at trace levels are reviewed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Energies and relative intensities of Kα3 and Kα4 x‐ray satellites of sulfur and sulfides by photon excitation
Authors: Sattar S. Abdul , Murti M. V. R. , Raju S. S. , Koteswara Rao V. , Seshi Reddy T. , Premachand K. , Seetharami Reddy B.
Published: August 2007

Energies and relative intensities of the K x‐ray satellites Kα4 and Kα3 of sulfur and two sulfides K2S and FeS are measured by a wavelength dispersive spectrometer. The energy shifts of these satellites relative to the diagram line are compared with Dirac–Fock theoretical values. The energy shifts and relative intensities are examined for chemical effects. Supplementing the present data to the available data, Z dependence of Kα4/Kα3 intensity ratio is studied in the low Z region. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prognostic Factors in Patients Undergoing Surgery for Severe Necrotizing Pancreatitis
Authors: Mofidi R. , Lee A. C. , Madhavan K. K. , Garden O. J. , Parks R. W.
Published: August 2007

Pancreatic necrosectomy remains an important treatment modality for the management of infected pancreatic necrosis but is associated with significant mortality. The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with mortality following pancreatic necrosectomy. Patients who underwent pancreatic necrosectomy from January 1995 to December 2004 were reviewed. The association between admission, preoperative and postoperative variables, and mortality was assessed using logistic regression analysis. A total of 1248 patients presented with acute pancreatitis, of whom 94 (7.5%) underwent pancreatic necrosectomy (51 men, 43 women). The preoperative median Acute Physiology, Age, and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE II) score was 9 (range 2–19). The median cumulative organ dysfunction score was 2 (0–9) preoperatively and 4 (1–11) postoperatively. In all, 23 patients (24.5%) died. Those who died were older than the survivors; the ages (median and range) were 69 years (40–80 years) versus 52 years (19–79 years) (p < 0.05). They also had higher admission APACHE II scores (median and range): 14 (12–19) versus 9 (2–22) (p < 0.001). There were significant associations between preoperative (p < 0.01) and postoperative (p < 0.01) Marshall scores and mortality following pancreatic necrosectomy. The presence of the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) during the first 48 hours (p < 0.01) and the time between presentation and necrosectomy (p < 0.01) were independent predictors of survival. Pancreatic necrosectomy is associated with higher mortality in patients with increased APACHE II scores, early persistent SIRS, and unresolved multiorgan dysfunction. Necrosectomy is associated with poorer outcome when performed within 2 weeks of presentation.
The antioxidative function of eicosapentaenoic acid in a marine bacterium, Shewanella marinintestina IK‐1
Authors: Nishida Takanori , Morita Naoki , Yano Yutaka , Orikasa Yoshitake , Okuyama Hidetoshi
Published: August 2007

When the eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)‐deficient mutant strain IK‐1Δ8 of the marine EPA‐producing Shewanella marinintestina IK‐1 was treated with various concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), its colony‐forming ability decreased more than that of the wild type. Protein carbonylation, induced by treating cells with 0.01 mM H2O2 under bacteriostatic conditions, was enhanced only in cells lacking EPA. The amount of cells recovered from the cultures was decreased more significantly by the presence of H2O2 for cells lacking EPA than for those producing EPA. Treatment of the cells with 0.1 mM H2O2 resulted in much lower intracellular concentrations of H2O2 being consistently detected in cells with EPA than in those without EPA. These results suggest that cellular EPA can directly protect cells against oxidative damage by shielding the entry of exogenously added H2O2 in S. marinintestina IK‐1.
The GluCre‐ROSA26EYFP mouse: A new model for easy identification of living pancreatic α‐cells
Authors: Quoix Nicolas , Cheng-Xue Rui , Guiot Yves , Herrera Pedro L. , Henquin Jean-Claude , Gilon Patrick
Published: August 2007

The control of glucagon secretion by pancreatic α‐cells is poorly understood, largely because of the difficulty to recognize living α‐cells. We describe a new mouse model, referred to as GluCre‐ROSA26EYFP (or GYY), allowing easy α‐cell identification because of specific expression of EYFP. GYY mice displayed normal glycemic control during a fasting/refeeding test or intraperitoneal insulin injection. Glucagon secretion by isolated islets was normally inhibited by glucose and stimulated by adrenaline. [Ca2+]c responses to arginine, adrenaline, diazoxide and tolbutamide, were similar in GYY and control mice. Hence, this new mouse model is a reliable and powerful tool to specifically study α‐cells.
P‐glycoprotein models of the apo and ATP‐bound states based on homology with Sav1866 and MalK
Authors: O'Mara Megan L. , Tieleman D. Peter
Published: August 2007

We exploit the biochemical and sequence similarity betweenStaphylococcus aureusSav1866 and P‐glycoprotein to develop a homology model of P‐glycoprotein representing an ATP‐bound state, which captures the major features of the low‐resolution EM structure and is consistent with cysteine mutagenesis studies. Using insights from the MalK crystal structures and BtuCD simulations, we model two nucleotide‐free conformations. Conformational changes are characterized by pincering rigid‐body rotations of the nucleotide‐binding domains, inducing transmembrane domain reorganizations which correspond to the two lowest frequency normal modes of the protein. These conformations (see supplementary material) may characterize some of the major steps in the nucleotide catalytic cycle.
Medial Sural Artery Perforator Flap for Repair of the Hand
Authors: XIE R. G. , GU J. H. , GONG Y. P. , TANG J. B.
Published: August 2007

We report our experience of using the medial sural artery perforator flap in the reconstruction of soft tissue defects in the hand in seven cases with 1 to 2 year follow-up. The flap is harvested from the posteromedial aspect of the leg, just below the knee and superficial to the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle. It is based on the perforator arteries and veins supplied by the medial sural artery. The flaps ranged in size from 14 × 10 cm to 8 × 6 cm. The donor area was closed directly or by a skin graft. All but one flap survived. The cosmetic results were satisfactory and without apparent bulkiness. Similarity of colour and thickness of the donor and recipient sites are advantages. We feel that this new flap is a satisfactory option for use in the hand, particularly for extended soft tissue defects on the dorsal hand.
‘Cunning, Unprincipled, Loathsome’: The Racist Tail Wags the Welfare Dog
Authors: CRAIG GARY
Published: August 2007

Britain's stance towards ethnic minorities has been janus-faced: developing an increasingly repressive and restrictive stance towards immigration, and – supported by a strident media – portraying minorities and migrants as undermining British culture and values, ‘sponging’ on the welfare state. Immigrants have been characterised as ‘cunning’, ‘loathsome’, ‘unprincipled’ and likely to ‘swamp’ British culture. Domestic policies of successive governments apparently balanced this stance with ‘community’-based initiatives, from race relations policies, community relations policies to present community cohesion policies. These have not fundamentally addressed the racism inherent in immigration policy and practice. The consequence is that the welfare of Britain's minorities – measured by outcomes in every branch of welfare provision – has largely been disregarded by the British state. Despite some liberal initiatives aimed at improving the lot of Britain's minorities, the racism inherent in policy and practice persists.
Swapping Policies: Alternative Tax-Benefit Strategies to Support Children in Austria, Spain and the UK
Authors: LEVY HORACIO , LIETZ CHRISTINE , SUTHERLAND HOLLY
Published: August 2007

Three European countries with very different tax-benefit systems have recently substantially increased the level of support for children: Austria, Spain and the UK. Austria mainly makes use of universal benefits; Spain, tax concessions; and the UK means-tested benefits and tax credits. This article addresses the question of whether the chosen strategies are in fact the most effective for each country. It considers what would have happened if these countries had transformed the architecture of their systems in either of the other two directions. It makes use of EUROMOD, the European tax-benefit microsimulation model that is designed for making cross-country comparisons, to explore the distributional and, in particular, child poverty effects of budget-neutral alternatives. The results show that three factors – the level of spending, its structure, and the way it impacts in a particular national context – affect the outcomes to varying degrees.
INFORMATION AND UNCERTAINTY IN A QUEUING SYSTEM
Authors: Hassin Refael
Published: August 2007

This article deals with the effect of information and uncertainty on profits in an unobservable single-server queuing system. We consider scenarios in which the service rate, the service quality, or the waiting conditions are random variables that are known to the server but not to the customers. We ask whether the server is motivated to reveal these parameters. We investigate the structure of the profit function and its sensitivity to the variance of the random variable. We consider and compare variations of the model according to whether the server can modify the service price after observing the realization of the random variable.
SERIES EXPANSIONS FOR FINITE-STATE MARKOV CHAINS
Authors: Heidergott Bernd , Hordijk Arie , van Uitert Miranda
Published: August 2007

This article provides series expansions of the stationary distribution of a finite Markov chain. This leads to an efficient numerical algorithm for computing the stationary distribution of a finite Markov chain. Numerical examples are given to illustrate the performance of the algorithm.
ORDERING CONDITIONAL DISTRIBUTIONS OF GENERALIZED ORDER STATISTICS
Authors: Hu Taizhong , Jin Wei , Khaledi Baha-Eldin
Published: August 2007

The concept of generalized order statistics was introduced as a unified approach to a variety of models of ordered random variables. The purpose of this article is to establish the usual stochastic and the likelihood ratio orderings of conditional distributions of generalized order statistics from one sample or two samples, strengthening and generalizing the main results in Khaledi and Shaked [15], and Li and Zhao [17]. Some applications of the main results are also given.
ON WEIGHTED PATH LENGTHS AND DISTANCES IN INCREASING TREES
Authors: Kuba M. , Panholzer A.
Published: August 2007

We study weighted path lengths (depths) and distances for increasing tree families. For those subclasses of increasing tree families, which can be constructed via an insertion process (e.g., recursive trees, plane-oriented recursive trees, and binary increasing trees), we can determine the limiting distribution that can be characterized as a generalized Dickman's infinitely divisible distribution.
STOCHASTIC OPTIMAL CONTROL OF ATO SYSTEMS WITH BATCH ARRIVALS VIA DIFFUSION APPROXIMATION
Authors: Dai Wanyang , Jiang Qian
Published: August 2007

We study the stochastic optimal control for an assemble-to-order system with multiple products and components that arrive at the system in random batches and according to renewal reward processes. Our purpose is to maximize expected infinite-horizon discounted profit by selecting product prices, component production rates, and a dynamic sequencing rule for assembly. We refine the solution of some static planning problem and a discrete review policy to batch arrival environment and develop an asymptotically optimal policy for the system operating under heavy traffic, which indicates that the system can be approximated by a diffusion process and exhibits a state space collapse property.
Peer-led approaches to dietary change: report of the Food Standards Agency seminar held on 19 July 2006
Authors: Gibson Sigrid
Published: August 2007

Objective

To summarise the discussions of a seminar on peer-led approaches to dietary change held at the Food Standards Agency (FSA) on 19 July 2006.

Design

Following presentations on three FSA-commissioned research projects involving peer-led dietary interventions, discussions in small workshop groups identified learning points for researchers, policy-makers and practitioners and considered how the findings of such studies can be effectively communicated to each of these groups. The target groups in the three separate projects were: older people living in sheltered accommodation; mothers and babies during the weaning period; and people with diabetes.

Results

The projects discussed here were quite different from one another, involving three separate populations, having different aims and approaches and different styles of peer leading. Their effectiveness in achieving quantitative dietary change was disappointing. However, results for some of the qualitative outcomes (social, psychological, behavioural) were more positive. Process evaluation, whether built in or post hoc, provided useful learning to inform future projects and potentially improve their effectiveness and usefulness for researchers, policy-makers and health promotion practitioners.

Conclusions

The projects discussed here showed that peer-led interventions can achieve positive changes in outcomes such as knowledge, confidence and attitudes, as well as small improvements in diet. They also demonstrated that there is a need for a more sophisticated analysis of peer-led interventions that recognises the diversity of approaches and their suitability in different situations.
Physiological responses of the Australian cattle dog to mustering exercise
Authors: Hampson B A , McGowan C M
Published: August 2007

The aim of this study was to determine the heart rate (HR) and work variables of working cattle dogs during actual mustering exercise using a global positioning satellite (GPS) tracking unit‡ with an integrated HR monitor§. The GPS units allowed tracking of seven different Collie and Kelpie working cattle dogs over a total of ten sessions while employed in their usual role of mustering cattle in three locations in Queensland, Australia. Speed, distance and HR data were collected from the dogs during mustering in a variety of working situations. The working dogs covered distances between 13.3 and 30.2 km during mustering sessions ranging from 1 h 59 min to 4 h 24 min at working speeds of up to 43.7 km h− 1. Working temperatures ranged from 29 to 38°C. HR during working exercise ranged between 120 and 237 bpm and was above 180 bpm for 51–68% of the duration of work sessions. There was a positive linear relationship between speed and HR until HRmax (speed 26.0 km h− 1, 233 ± 4.2 bpm), then HR plateaued (R2 = 97.14%, P < 0.001). This study has documented the type of work done by cattle dogs and has shown that GPS devices and HR monitors can be utilized in field conditions to assess the exercise physiology of dogs.
Evaluation of oxygen consumption during field exercise tests in Standardbred trotters
Authors: van Erck Emmanuelle , Votion Dominique-Marie , Serteyn Didier , Art Tatiana
Published: August 2007

Reasons for performing the study: In human exercise physiology, the current gold standard for evaluating aerobic capacity is the measurement of oxygen consumption (VO2) and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). The evaluation of VO2in horses is performed in some laboratories equipped with a treadmill but has only been exceptionally reported in field conditions because of the lack of adapted equipment.Objectives: The aim of this study was (1) to assess the feasibility of VO2measurement on the track using a recently validated portable breath-by-breath gas analyser system adapted to horses (Cosmed K4b2®and Equimask®), (2) to compare these results with those obtained during a treadmill exercise test and (3) to study correlations between VO2and physiological parameters usually measured in field condition such as heart rate (HR), lactataemia (LA) and the speed at which HR equals 200 beats per minute (bpm) (V200) or LA 4 mmol l− 1(VLA4).Methods: Five healthy Standardbred trotters in training were submitted to two stepwise incremental exercise tests, one driven on the racetrack and the other on a high-speed treadmill with a 4% incline. Speed (v), HR, ventilatory parameters and VO2were continuously recorded throughout the duration of the tests and LA was evaluated after each step.Results: All horses completed the test satisfactorily after an initial acclimatization to the mask. There were marked individual differences in ventilatory strategy, and breathing frequency (Rf) at the higher levels of exercise was noticeably low. The VCO2measurements were incoherent. There were no significant differences between track and treadmill maximal data obtained during the last step [VO2peak(track: 139.9 ± 8.9 ml kg− 1 min− 1; treadmill: 139.9 ± 13.4 ml kg− 1 min− 1), LAmax(track: 6.5 ± 1.6 mmol l− 1; treadmill: 7.3 ± 3.0 mmol l− 1), HRmax(track: 229 ± 6.2 bpm; treadmill: 222 ± 13 bpm)], although the maximal speed required to reach similar workloads was significantly higher on the track (11.9 ± 0.6 m s− 1vs.9.7 ± 0.4 m s− 1). The correlation between VO2and HR (r = 0.87;P < 0.001) and VO2and LA (r = 0.75;P < 0.0001) during both tests was good but no correlation was found between VO2peakand HRmax, LAmax, V200 or VLA4.Conclusions: This is the first report of a practical portable system to measure VO2and ventilation continuously during high-speed field exercise tests. However, current mask design markedly influences ventilation and could have prohibited the attainment of VO2max. Furthermore, consistent VCO2measurements should be implemented by the manufacturers.Potential relevance: Continuous breath-by-breath ventilation and VO2measurements can be recorded in horses in the field at submaximal levels. With necessary adaptations to the system entailed, this study opens new perspectives in the analysis of physiological and metabolic mechanisms of exercise in the equine species in genuine track conditions.
A multi-criteria evaluation of the environmental performances of conventional, organic and integrated olive-growing systems in the south of Spain based on experts' knowledge
Authors: Parra-López Carlos , Calatrava-Requena Javier , de-Haro-Giménez Tomás
Published: August 2007

The medium to long-term environmental performances of organic, integrated and conventional olive-growing systems in the average conditions of the south of Spain are evaluated and compared with respect to soil erosion, soil fertility, rational use of irrigation water, water contamination, atmospheric pollution and biodiversity, based on experts’ knowledge. The aim of the research was to test the common implicit assumption of environmental superiority of the two alternative farming systems over the conventional system. For this purpose, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), a widely used multi-criteria decision-making tool, has been implemented. AHP enables us to deal with complex decision-making problems with multiple criteria, stakeholders and decision-makers, high uncertainty and risk, such as in the case of multi-criteria environmental comparison of alternative farming systems. Twenty experts in olive production, clustered into three groups according to their professional field of interest, were involved in the analysis. The utilization of experts' knowledge is justified when information relevant for urgent decision-making is not available, is partial or is time and resource demanding, and a holistic perspective is required. Indexes and procedures are proposed for group decision-making, to detect variation in expert opinions and differences between alternative systems' performances. Despite bias in the judgments of the groups of experts in some topics, results confirm the holistic environmental superiority of organic and integrated alternatives over the conventional olive system in Andalusia in the medium to long-term. The results represent a scientific base to justify and endorse institutional support regarding the promotion and implementation of organic and integrated olive-growing systems in the region, which are likely to result in greater social welfare.
An alternative way to evaluate the environmental effects of integrated pest management: Pesticide risk indicators
Authors: Greitens Thomas J. , Day Esther
Published: August 2007

This study examines whether pesticide risk indicators can be used to evaluate the environmental effects of pesticide applications within integrated pest management (IPM) projects. Pesticide risk indicators, commonly used in European countries, are mathematical equations that consider data inputs such as application rates, toxicity levels of a pesticide's active ingredient, meteorological data, the soil characteristics of farm fields, and other information to generate potential risk scores for pesticide applications. These potential risk scores represent the best estimate of a pesticide's impact on the surrounding environment. This project analyzed eight pesticide risk indicators, developed throughout Europe and the United States, with two years of pesticide application data from four farms using IPM. This two-year study allowed for a determination of the validity and reliability of pesticide risk indicators. The findings reveal that only three pesticide risk indicators performed consistently and gave valid results. These indicators are: the synoptic evaluation model for plant protection agents (SYNOPS) indicator from Germany, the multi-attribute toxicity factor from the United States, and the environmental impact quotient from the United States. As a result, the authors recommend these three indicators for future research and for IPM evaluative efforts that emphasize the environmental effects of pesticides.
Farm-gate nutrient balance assessment of organic dairy farms at different intensity levels in Germany
Authors: Haas G. , Deittert C. , Köpke U.
Published: August 2007

Organic farms are characterized as low external input agro-ecosystems. Currently, some organic dairy farmers feed higher amounts of concentrates and succulent feed, some of which is purchased, to increase the dairy performance of their cows. To assess the environmental impact of this practice, nutrient balances at the farm-gate level of 26 organic dairy farms located in two different regions in Germany were compiled and analysed. The farms are characterized by different production features and feeding intensity levels [0–2.72 t dry matter (DM) of concentrates per cow and year, which was 0–378 g kg−1 milk] yielding 5150–8790 kg milk on average per cow and year. The area- and product (milk)-related farm-gate nutrient budgets for P and K are almost balanced [mean −3 kg P ha−1, range (R): −14 to 4 kg P ha−1; −0.5 g P kg−1 milk, R: −2.8 to 0.9 g P kg−1 milk and 1 kg K ha−1, R: −13 to 15 kg K ha−1; 0.1 g K kg−1 milk, R: −2.4 to 3.9 g K kg−1 milk]. The N surplus averages only 43 kg ha−1 (R: 8–85 kg N ha−1) and 8.2 g kg−1 milk (R: 2.1–17.1 g kg−1 milk), but the correlation between the amount of feed purchased on a net basis and N surplus is significant (r=0.56, P=0.003). Average area-related nutrient use efficiency for all farms calculated as the proportion of input to output is high for N (45%), P (164%) and K (91%). The share of nutrient input and output components and correlations between parameters are presented. To classify the results, investigations comparing organic and conventional dairy farming in Europe are listed, indicating an N surplus for organic farms, which is often only half or a third of the surplus of conventional farms. However, intensification in organic dairy farming has, in some cases, significant impacts that need to be assessed to determine its environmental performance and profile.
Der Beitrag der Körperuntersuchung zum klinischen Assessment: Wirksames Instrument der professionellen Pflege
Authors: Lindpaintner Lyn S.
Published: August 2007

Klinisches Assessment durch die professionelle Pflege beruht auf dem Erheben relevanter subjektiver und objektiver biopsychosozialen Daten und deren fachgerechter Interpretation. Die Körperuntersuchung liefert primäre objektive Daten basierend auf vier Verfahren: Inspektion, Perkussion, Palpation und Auskultation. Pflegende in vielen Ländern betrachten die Körperuntersuchung als wesentliche Quelle klinischer Information. Die problemorientierte Beurteilung der körperlichen und psychischen Verfassung eines kranken Menschen ist eine im Pflegealltag kontinuierlich erforderliche Maßnahme, und eingehende Körperuntersuchungen sind ein wiederkehrendes Element der erweiterten vertieften Pflegepraxis auf Masterniveau. Im vorliegenden Artikel wird die Bedeutung der Körperuntersuchung für das klinische Assessment in der professionellen Pflege besprochen, entsprechende Verfahren dargestellt und an Beispielen illustriert. Die Bedeutung einer vertieften Ausbildung in den entsprechenden Fertigkeiten der Körperuntersuchung, und die Integration in Lehrpläne von Studiengängen der Pflegewissenschaft werden aufgezeigt.