bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surveillance for the prevention of chronic diseases through information association
Authors: Pollettini Juliana Tarossi , Baranauskas José Augusto , Ruiz Evandro Seron , da Graça Pimentel Maria , Macedo Alessandra Alaniz
Published: January 2014

Background

Research on Genomic medicine has suggested that the exposure of patients to early life risk factors may induce the development of chronic diseases in adulthood, as the presence of premature risk factors can influence gene expression. The large number of scientific papers published in this research area makes it difficult for the healthcare professional to keep up with individual results and to establish association between them. Therefore, in our work we aim at building a computational system that will offer an innovative approach that alerts health professionals about human development problems such as cardiovascular disease, obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Methods

We built a computational system called Chronic Illness Surveillance System (CISS), which retrieves scientific studies that establish associations (conceptual relationships) between chronic diseases (cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and obesity) and the risk factors described on clinical records. To evaluate our approach, we submitted ten queries to CISS as well as to three other search engines (Google™, Google Scholar™ and Pubmed®;) — the queries were composed of terms and expressions from a list of risk factors provided by specialists.

Results

CISS retrieved a higher number of closely related (+) and somewhat related (+/-) documents, and a smaller number of unrelated (-) and almost unrelated (-/+) documents, in comparison with the three other systems. The results from the Friedman’s test carried out with the post-hoc Holm procedure (95% confidence) for our system (control) versus the results for the three other engines indicate that our system had the best performance in three of the categories (+), (-) and (+/-). This is an important result, since these are the most relevant categories for our users.

Conclusion

Our system should be able to assist researchers and health professionals in finding out relationships between potential risk factors and chronic diseases in scientific papers.
Caught in the middle with multiple displacement amplification: the myth of pooling for avoiding multiple displacement amplification bias in a metagenome
Authors: Marine Rachel , McCarren Coleen , Vorrasane Vansay , Nasko Dan , Crowgey Erin , Polson Shawn W , Wommack K Eric
Published: January 2014

Background

Shotgun metagenomics has become an important tool for investigating the ecology of microorganisms. Underlying these investigations is the assumption that metagenome sequence data accurately estimates the census of microbial populations. Multiple displacement amplification (MDA) of microbial community DNA is often used in cases where it is difficult to obtain enough DNA for sequencing; however, MDA can result in amplification biases that may impact subsequent estimates of population census from metagenome data. Some have posited that pooling replicate MDA reactions negates these biases and restores the accuracy of population analyses. This assumption has not been empirically tested.

Results

Using mock viral communities, we examined the influence of pooling on population-scale analyses. In pooled and single reaction MDA treatments, sequence coverage of viral populations was highly variable and coverage patterns across viral genomes were nearly identical, indicating that initial priming biases were reproducible and that pooling did not alleviate biases. In contrast, control unamplified sequence libraries showed relatively even coverage across phage genomes.

Conclusions

MDA should be avoided for metagenomic investigations that require quantitative estimates of microbial taxa and gene functional groups. While MDA is an indispensable technique in applications such as single-cell genomics, amplification biases cannot be overcome by combining replicate MDA reactions. Alternative library preparation techniques should be utilized for quantitative microbial ecology studies utilizing metagenomic sequencing approaches.
Immuno-haematologic and virologic responses and predictors of virologic failure in HIV-1 infected adults on first-line antiretroviral therapy in Cameroon
Authors: Meriki Henry D , Tufon Kukwah A , Afegenwi Mbunkah H , Nyindem Bernard A , Atanga Pascal N , Anong Damian N , Cho-Ngwa Fidelis , Nkuo-Akenji Theresa
Published: January 2014

Background

Contemporary data on the immunologic, haematologic and virologic responses and predictors of virologic failure after initiation of free antiretroviral treatment in Cameroon are needed to evaluate the current treatment-monitoring algorithm and to complement efforts to scale-up and improve on the management of HIV infections.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study conducted between October 2010 and June 2012. A total of 951 participants aged 18–74 years were recruited from selected approved HIV treatment centres of the Northwest and Southwest regions. This comprised 247 males and 704 females. Demographic, self-reported risk behaviours and socioeconomic data were obtained using a structured questionnaire. Full blood and CD4 + T-cell counts were done using standard automated techniques. Determination of viral load (VL) was done using Abbott RealTime HIV-1 m 2000™ system. Data was analysed using SPSS version 17. The statistical significance level was P < 0.05.

Results

The median duration of antiretroviral therapy (ART) was 24 months. The population mean CD4 + T-cell count was 255.3 cells/μL [95% CI, 236.8 – 273.9]. Overall, 45.9%, 43.8% and 10.2% of the participants had CD4 + T-cell counts of < 200 cells/μL, 200–499 cells/μL and > 500 cells/μL respectively. Anaemia was present in 26.2% of the participants with 62.3%, 25.7% and 12% described as mild, moderate and severe anaemia respectively. Virologic failure occurred in 23.2% of the participants with 12.3% having VL > 10,000 RNA copies/mL. Meanwhile 76.8% of patients attained adequate viral suppression with 40.8% having undetectable viral load. The age group 18–29 years (P = 0.024), co-infection with tuberculosis (P = 0.014), anaemia (P = 0.028) and distance from the treatment centre (P = 0.011) independently predicted virologic failure.

Conclusion

The majority of the participants achieved adequate viral suppression after ≥ 6 months of ART. Despite these favourable immuno-haematologic and virologic outcomes, the National AIDS Control Program should step-up efforts to improve on antiretroviral drug distribution, as well as proper assessment and management of anaemia, foster early diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis and enhance treatment adherence counselling especially in younger patients.
Influence of the ABCG2 gout risk 141 K allele on urate metabolism during a fructose challenge
Authors: Dalbeth Nicola , House Meaghan E , Gamble Gregory D , Pool Bregina , Horne Anne , Purvis Lauren , Stewart Angela , Merriman Marilyn , Cadzow Murray , Phipps-Green Amanda , Merriman Tony R
Published: January 2014

Introduction

Both genetic variation in ATP-binding cassette sub-family G member 2 (ABCG2) and intake of fructose-containing beverages are major risk factors for hyperuricemia and gout. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that the ABCG2 gout risk allele 141 K promotes the hyperuricaemic response to fructose loading.

Methods

Healthy volunteers (n = 74) provided serum and urine samples immediately before and 30, 60, 120 and 180 minutes after ingesting a 64 g fructose solution. Data were analyzed based on the presence or absence of the ABCG2 141 K gout risk allele.

Results

The 141 K risk allele was present in 23 participants (31%). Overall, serum urate (SU) concentrations during the fructose load were similar in those with and without the 141 K allele (PSNP = 0.15). However, the 141 K allele was associated with a smaller increase in SU following fructose intake (PSNP <0.0001). Those with the 141 K allele also had a smaller increase in serum glucose following the fructose load (PSNP = 0.002). Higher fractional excretion of uric acid (FEUA) at baseline and throughout the fructose load was observed in those with the 141 K risk allele (PSNP <0.0001). However, the change in FEUA in response to fructose was not different in those with and without the 141 K risk allele (PSNP = 0.39). The 141 K allele effects on serum urate and glucose were more pronounced in Polynesian participants and in those with a body mass index ≥25 kg/m2.

Conclusions

In contrast to the predicted responses for a hyperuricemia/gout risk allele, the 141 K allele is associated with smaller increases in SU and higher FEUA following a fructose load. The results suggest that ABCG2 interacts with extra-renal metabolic pathways in a complex manner to regulate SU and gout risk.

Clinical Trials Registration

The study was registered by the Australian Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12610001036000).
Glutathione S-transferase Mu 2-transduced mesenchymal stem cells ameliorated anti-glomerular basement membrane antibody-induced glomerulonephritis by inhibiting oxidation and inflammation
Authors: Li Yajuan , Yan Mei , Yang Jichen , Raman Indu , Du Yong , Min Soyoun , Fang Xiangdong , Mohan Chandra , Li Quan-Zhen
Published: January 2014

Introduction

Oxidative stress is implicated in tissue inflammation, and plays an important role in the pathogenesis of immune-mediated nephritis. Using the anti-glomerular basement membrane antibody-induced glomerulonephritis (anti-GBM-GN) mouse model, we found that increased expression of glutathione S-transferase Mu 2 (GSTM2) was related to reduced renal damage caused by anti-GBM antibodies. Furthermore, mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-based therapy has shed light on the treatment of immune-mediated kidney diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate if MSCs could be utilized as vehicles to deliver the GSTM2 gene product into the kidney and to evaluate its potential therapeutic effect on anti-GBM-GN.

Methods

The human GSTM2 gene (hGSTM2) was transduced into mouse bone marrow-derived MSCs via a lentivirus vector to create a stable cell line (hGSTM2-MSC). The cultured hGSTM2-MSCs were treated with 0.5mM H2O2, and apoptotic cells were measured by terminal dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. The 129/svj mice, which were challenged with anti-GBM antibodies, were injected with 106 hGSTM2-MSCs via the tail vein. Expression of hGSTM2 and inflammatory cytokines in the kidney was assayed by quantitative PCR and western blotting. Renal function of mice was evaluated by monitoring proteinuria and levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and renal pathological changes were analyzed by histochemistry. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed to measure inflammatory cell infiltration and renal cell apoptosis.

Results

MSCs transduced with hGSTM2 exhibited similar growth and differentiation properties to MSCs. hGSTM2-MSCs persistently expressed hGSTM2 and resisted H2O2-induced apoptosis. Upon injection into 129/svj mice, hGSTM2-MSCs migrated to the kidney and expressed hGSTM2. The anti-GBM-GN mice treated with hGSTM2-MSCs exhibited reduced proteinuria and BUN (58% and 59% reduction, respectively) and ameliorated renal pathological damage, compared with control mice. Mice injected with hGSTM2-MSCs showed alleviated renal inflammatory cell infiltration and reduced expression of chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2), interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 (53%, 46% and 52% reduction, respectively), compared with controls. Moreover, hGSTM2-MSCs increased expression of renal superoxide dismutase and catalase, which may associate with detoxifying reactive oxygen species to prevent oxidative renal damage.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that the enhanced protective effect of GSTM2-transduced MSCs against anti-GBM-GN might be associated with inhibition of oxidative stress-induced renal cell apoptosis and inflammation, through over-expression of hGSTM2 in mouse kidneys.
RIP140 Represses the “Brown-in-White” Adipocyte Program Including a Futile Cycle of Triacyclglycerol Breakdown and Synthesis
Authors: Kiskinis Evangelos , Chatzeli Lemonia , Curry Edward , Kaforou Myrsini , Frontini Andrea , Cinti Saverio , Montana Giovanni , Parker Malcolm G. , Christian Mark
Published: January 2014

Receptor-interacting protein 140 (RIP140) is a corepressor of nuclear receptors that is highly expressed in adipose tissues. We investigated the role of RIP140 in conditionally immortal preadipocyte cell lines prepared from white or brown fat depots. In white adipocytes, a large set of brown fat-associated genes was up-regulated in the absence of RIP140. In contrast, a relatively minor role can be ascribed to RIP140 in the control of basal gene expression in differentiated brown adipocytes because significant changes were observed only in Ptgds and Fabp3. The minor role of RIP140 in brown adipocytes correlates with the similar histology and uncoupling protein 1 and CIDEA staining in knockout compared with wild-type brown adipose tissue (BAT). In contrast, RIP140 knockout sc white adipose tissue (WAT) shows increased numbers of multilocular adipocytes with elevated staining for uncoupling protein 1 and CIDEA. Furthermore in a white adipocyte cell line, the markers of BRITE adipocytes, Tbx1, CD137, Tmem26, Cited1, and Epsti1 were repressed in the presence of RIP140 as was Prdm16. Microarray analysis of wild-type and RIP140-knockout white fat revealed elevated expression of genes associated with cold-induced expression or high expression in BAT. A set of genes associated with a futile cycle of triacylglycerol breakdown and resynthesis and functional assays revealed that glycerol kinase and glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase activity as well as [3H]glycerol incorporation were elevated in the absence of RIP140. Thus, RIP140 blocks the BRITE program in WAT, preventing the expression of brown fat genes and inhibiting a triacylglycerol futile cycle, with important implications for energy homeostasis.
In vivo cell biology in zebrafish – providing insights into vertebrate development and disease
Authors: Vacaru Ana M. , Unlu Gokhan , Spitzner Marie , Mione Marina , Knapik Ela W. , Sadler Kirsten C.
Published: January 2014

Over the past decades, studies using zebrafish have significantly advanced our understanding of the cellular basis for development and human diseases. Zebrafish have rapidly developing transparent embryos that allow comprehensive imaging of embryogenesis combined with powerful genetic approaches. However, forward genetic screens in zebrafish have generated unanticipated findings that are mirrored by human genetic studies: disruption of genes implicated in basic cellular processes, such as protein secretion or cytoskeletal dynamics, causes discrete developmental or disease phenotypes. This is surprising because many processes that were assumed to be fundamental to the function and survival of all cell types appear instead to be regulated by cell-specific mechanisms. Such discoveries are facilitated by experiments in whole animals, where zebrafish provides an ideal model for visualization and manipulation of organelles and cellular processes in a live vertebrate. Here, we review well-characterized mutants and newly developed tools that underscore this notion. We focus on the secretory pathway and microtubule-based trafficking as illustrative examples of how studying cell biology in vivo using zebrafish has broadened our understanding of the role fundamental cellular processes play in embryogenesis and disease.
Solvent Effect on Reaction Rate of Ruthenium–Fulvalene Complexes Intramolecularly Bridged by Alkyl Disulfides and the Effect of Chalcogen
Authors: Yasuhara Hiroki , Kaneko Masashi , Koga Kazuki , Tahara Tetsuya , Nakashima Satoru
Published: January 2014

The reaction rate of [(PPh3)(MeCN)Ru(µ2-η5:η5-C10H8)(µ-MeSSMe)Ru(MeCN)(PPh3)](BF4)2 (2A), the intermediate of oxidative addition of disulfide to produce bis(thiolato)-bridged complex [(PPh3)Ru(µ2-η5:η5-C10H8)(µ2-SMe)2Ru(PPh3)](BF4)2 (2), changed depending on the solvent (CDCl3, CD2Cl2, CD3COCD3, and CD3NO2). The dependency is well explained by the stabilization energy of solvation of eliminated nitrile during the reaction. The corresponding PhCN complexes [(PhCN)2(PPh3)Ru(µ2-η5:η5-C10H8)Ru(PPh3)(PhCN)2](BF4)2 (1C) and [(PPh3)(PhCN)Ru(µ2-η5:η5-C10H8)(µ-MeSSMe)Ru(PhCN)(PPh3)](BF4)2 (2C) were newly synthesized to know the effect of nitrile. The intermediate of oxidative addition of diselenide [(PPh3)(MeCN)Ru(µ2-η5:η5-C10H8)(µ-MeSeSeMe)Ru(MeCN)(PPh3)](BF4)2 (3A) and the corresponding end product [(PPh3)Ru(µ2-η5:η5-C10H8)(µ2-SeMe)2Ru(PPh3)](BF4)2 (3) were also isolated, and the structures were determined by single-crystal X-ray structural analysis.
A rare variation of hydranencephaly: case report
Authors: Wijerathne Buddhika TB , Rathnayake Geetha K , Ranaraja Sisira K
Published: January 2014

Hydranencephaly is a rare congenital abnormality characterized by the absence and replacement of the cerebral hemispheres with cerebrospinal fluid. Here, we present an ultrasonographic diagnosis of a case of a rare variant of fetal hydranencephaly at 38 weeks of gestation. Obstetric sonography revealed the absence of the cerebral cortex, thalami and basal ganglia with a disrupted falx and preserved posterior fossa structures. This is the first reported case of hydranencephaly with the absence of the thalami and basal ganglia, which was diagnosed prenatally. The diagnosis was confirmed with postnatal computed tomography. The early prenatal diagnosis allowed for prompt obstetric attention at a tertiary care hospital which had specialized pediatric facilities including prenatal counseling and support.
Papular granuloma annulare of palms and soles: case report of a rare presentation.
Authors: Sonthalia Sidharth , Arora Rahul , Sarkar Rashmi , Khopkar Uday
Published: January 2014

We report the case of a 44-year-old Indian male patient who presented with mildly tender isolated papular lesions confined to the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. The histopathology was characteristic of granuloma annulare. There was an excellent response with 4-week treatment with a potent topical steroid ointment and no recurrence was reported at the follow-up one year later. This report is interesting because of the rare presentation of a common disease.
MANAGERIAL STRATEGIES AND POLICIES AS CONDITIONED BY THE CHANGING EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENT
Authors: Иванушко Дмитрий , Ivanushko Dmitriy , Харитонова Татьяна , Kharitonova Tatyana , Кривошеева Татьяна , Krivosheeva Tatiana , Дрон Арвид , Dron Arvid
Published: January 2014

The article focuses on strategic management, planning and decision-making conditional on varied and varying external environment/s. The authors consider four management types, which are further ranked according to market prediction possibilities and the managerial confidence in and commitment to a strategy. Emphasis is laid on the expediency of altering the strategic plan as a response to hostile external factors interference. The authors also propose that external factors be classified in accordance with their relevance for and effect on flows of funds and, ultimately, business performance.
MONITORING TECHNOLOGIES CONTRIBUTION TO HOSPITALITY MARKET DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY (CASE-STUDY: MOSCOW REGION)
Authors: Харитонова Татьяна , Kharitonova Tatyana , Кривошеева Татьяна , Krivosheeva Tatiana , Асоян Тигран , Asoyan Tigran
Published: January 2014

The necessity for continuous market condition monitoring, which is called forth by the intensive external environment dynamics, makes monitoring technologies a priority in terms of industry research. Unlike conventional marketing analysis, monitoring affords the opportunity to collect and store information over a relatively extended period of time, which provides a solid ground for and benefits the quality of managerial decision making.

The article aims at identifying the special aspects of pre- and in-monitoring with the hotel industry targeted, and presents the monitoring procedure worked out and applied by the authors (case study: the Moscow region hotel service sector).
TEAM PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT AS A TOOL FOR HR STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT WITHIN THE SERVICE SECTOR
Authors: Панова Александра , Panova Alyeksandra
Published: January 2014

The Service Sector labour force is seen as critical to and an integral part of the end product as well as a major source of competitive advantage. Team performance assessment is not to be seen as a trivial function of service sector HR management but as a strategic tool for efficiency improvement through setting performance standards/requirements and identifying ways to raise service quality, which is ultimately determined by the expertise and efficiency of the personnel.
HOTEL YIELD MANAGEMENT TECHNOLOGIES
Authors: Чхиквадзе Нелли , Chkhikvadze Nelli
Published: January 2014

The article deals with the issue of hotel development stabilization. The author describes Yield Management (Revenue Management) as especially relevant for the hotel industry, identifies the flaws in the current practices, provides details of strategic revenue management tools, dwells on the concept of yield management process and specifies the features requisite for Yield management implementation in the hotel industry.
MODERN APPROACHES TO SERVICE STRATEGY TYPOLOGY
Authors: Вапнярская Ольга , Vapnyarskaya Olga , Ким до Йонг , Kim do Yong
Published: January 2014

The article presents the results of a research aimed at evaluating service in terms of modern strategic management. The authors summarise the different treatments of service strategy peculiarities, account for their selection of individual features for the purpose of the research, and suggest a classification of service strategies.
PROSPECTIVE LINES OF UPMARKET RECREATIONAL PRODUCT COMPETITIVE GROWTH IN MOSCOW REGION
Authors: Милютина Олеся , Milyutina Olesya
Published: January 2014

The article analyses the prospective lines of competitive growth for upmarket

recreational product providers operating in the Moscow Region. The author bases the analysis

on consumer preferences and employs the marketing toolkit to rate the factors determining the

competitive potential of guesthouses and boarding houses.
PROCESS APROACH AS A FRAMEWORK FOR HOTEL QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Authors: Кузнецова Екатерина , Kuznetsova Ekaterina , Морозова Любовь , Morozova Lyubov , Трусевич Ирина , Trusevich Iryna
Published: January 2014

The article considers the process framework of a hotel business, focusing on the register of hotel unit processes and a summary chart of their interaction, which is viewed as a critical prerequisite for a quality management system in general, and a hotel quality management system in particular.
THE CONSTITUTIONAL LEGAL SYSTEM OF PROTECTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS, FREEDOMS AND LEGITIMATE INTERESTS AS A STRATEGIC FACTOR OF THE PREVENTION OF WRONG
Authors: Романова Маргарита , Romanova Margarita
Published: January 2014

The article covers a research into the concept, the subjects, the tools of human rights,

freedoms and legitimate interests protection. The author presents her arguments in favour of a

differentiation between “protection” and “security” as individual categories, recognizing the

former as an independent and autonomous interim protection mechanism. The author further

proposes an introduction of “the constitutional legal system of protection of human rights,

freedoms and legitimate interests” as a term for scientific and everyday use, defines the concept

and identifies the features of the system proposed.
Two case reports of perineal hernia after laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection with a proposed modification to the operative technique
Authors: Ewan LC , Charleston PJ , Pettit SH
Published: January 2014

Perineal hernia is a rare complication following laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection (APR) for rectal cancer. We present two case reports of perineal hernia following laparoscopic APR and discuss their management. We suggest that they developed because the pelvic peritoneum was left open during laparoscopic APR and propose that closure of the pelvic peritoneum should be routine in this operation.
Smile Design: Rules, Tools and Strategies to Help Plan Aesthetic Restorative Dentistry
Authors: Holyoak Matthew
Published: January 2014

This article is intended to provide dentists with a framework to help in objectively assessing upper anterior aesthetic restorations. Not all of the areas discussed will be equally important in all cases, and a degree of subjectivity, based on clinical experience, is essential. There has been a huge increase in settlements in cases when aesthetic treatment has not led to patient satisfaction. The author hopes that this type of approach, in conjunction with good patient communication and detailed records, will minimise the potential for litigation, should problems arise. Success or failure is largely defined during the planning stage.
Equivalent Width Evaluation Methods for Doppler, Lorentz, and Voigt Profiles
Authors: Habib Abdel Aziz M. , Rammah Yasser S.
Published: January 2014

An accurate technique has been developed to calculate the equivalent width of absorption lines. The calculations have been carried out for the pure Doppler and pure Lorentz limiting forms of the equivalent width. A novel expression for the equivalent width for Lorentz profile is given from direct integration of the line profile. The more general case of a Voigt profile leads to an analytical formula that permits a rapid estimate of the equivalent width for a wide range of maximum optical depths. The reliability of the approach is verified using a numerical application calculating the equivalent width for nickel resonance lines at 232.0 and 352.3 nm from atomic absorption (AA) measurements. The dependence of equivalent width on the number density of absorbing atoms is also provided. The results obtained for the equivalent width for the Voigt profile were compared with the data in the available literature obtained by different approaches.
In Situ Pulse Diffuse Reflection Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (DRIFTS) Mass Spectrometry Study of the Water-Gas Shift Reaction on Nickel(II) Oxide–Zinc(II) Oxide Catalysts
Authors: Tang Chih-Wei , Chuang Steven S.C.
Published: January 2014

The water-gas shift (WGS) reaction has been studied by pulsing carbon monoxide (CO) into a steady-state water (H2O)-Ar flow over nickel(II) oxide–zinc oxide (NiO–ZnO) catalysts using in situ diffuse reflection infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) coupled with a mass spectrometer method using the pulse technique (in situ pulse DRIFTS-MS) for different flow rates (gas hourly space velocity [GHSV] of 24 000–72 000 h−1) and reaction temperatures (250–350 °C). The results obtained from the in situ pulse DRIFTS-MS revealed that there are two types of water adsorption bands on the surface of the catalyst: (i) molecular adsorption (infrared [IR] bands in the 2500–3600 cm−1 range and at 1640 cm−1), and (ii) dissociative adsorption at 3700 cm−1, where carboxyl bands are formed at 1461 and 1368 cm−1 and the gas-phase CO is adsorbed at 2187 and 2111 cm−1 on the surface of the catalyst. After using a GHSV = 24 000 h−1 H2O/Ar flow, we probed the existence of two active intermediates via the formation of two hydrogen production peaks. The products of hydrogen gas (H2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) had two pathways: the redox process and the associative process via the intermediate of the carboxyl group. In situ pulse DRIFTS-MS proves to be an effective approach for studying the nature of adsorbed species on the catalyst surface and the nature of the reaction product.
A Novel Near-Infrared Spectroscopy and Chemometrics Method for Rapid Analysis of Several Chemical Components and Antioxidant Activity of Mint (Mentha haplocalyx Briq.) Samples
Authors: Dong Wenjiang , Ni Yongnian , Kokot Serge
Published: January 2014

A novel near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) method has been researched and developed for the simultaneous analyses of the chemical components and associated properties of mint ( Mentha haplocalyx Briq.) tea samples. The common analytes were: total polysaccharide content, total flavonoid content, total phenolic content, and total antioxidant activity. To resolve the NIRS data matrix for such analyses, least squares support vector machines was found to be the best chemometrics method for prediction, although it was closely followed by the radial basis function/partial least squares model. Interestingly, the commonly used partial least squares was unsatisfactory in this case. Additionally, principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis were able to distinguish the mint samples according to their four geographical provinces of origin, and this was further facilitated with the use of the chemometrics classification methods—K-nearest neighbors, linear discriminant analysis, and partial least squares discriminant analysis. In general, given the potential savings with sampling and analysis time as well as with the costs of special analytical reagents required for the standard individual methods, NIRS offered a very attractive alternative for the simultaneous analysis of mint samples.
Mid-Infrared, Long Wave Infrared (4–12 μm) Molecular Emission Signatures from Pharmaceuticals Using Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS)
Authors: Yang Clayton S.-C. , Brown Ei E. , Kumi-Barimah Eric , Hommerich Uwe H. , Jin Feng , Trivedi Sudhir B. , Samuels Alan C. , Snyder A. Peter
Published: January 2014

In an effort to augment the atomic emission spectra of conventional laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and to provide an increase in selectivity, mid-wave to long-wave infrared (IR), LIBS studies were performed on several organic pharmaceuticals. Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy signature molecular emissions of target organic compounds are observed for the first time in the IR fingerprint spectral region between 4–12 μm. The IR emission spectra of select organic pharmaceuticals closely correlate with their respective standard Fourier transform infrared spectra. Intact and/or fragment sample molecular species evidently survive the LIBS event. The combination of atomic emission signatures derived from conventional ultraviolet–visible-near-infrared LIBS with fingerprints of intact molecular entities determined from IR LIBS promises to be a powerful tool for chemical detection.
Enhancement of Raman Scattering for Silver Nanoparticles Located on Electrolessly Roughened Silicon
Authors: Liou Yen-Chen Maggie , Chen Jiann-Yeu , Yang Jyisy
Published: January 2014

To study the effect of roughness of a supporting substrate to Raman enhancement, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were prepared on Si with different degrees of roughness. To roughen the surface of silicon, electroless displacement was used first to grow AgNPs on smooth Si. By chemically removing the resulting AgNPs, an electrolessly roughened Si surface can be exposed. A second electroless displacement then was performed to grow new AgNPs on the roughened Si crystal to form surface-enhanced Raman scattering substrates. Another approach, called the protecting method, also was proposed and demonstrated to structure AgNPs on surface-roughened Si. In this second method, electroless displacement also was used to grow AgNPs on the Si crystal. The resulting AgNPs then were protected by thio compounds to control removal of the outer layer of AgNPs, thereby exposing the underlying AgNPs located directly on the electroless roughened Si surface. Results indicate that the structure of AgNPs on roughened Si surfaces provides approximately two orders of magnitude higher enhancement than AgNPs on non-roughened Si, and the substrates prepared in this work are highly sensitive, with enhancement factors reaching 108.
Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) Analysis of Calcium Ions Dissolved in Water Using Filter Paper Substrates: An Ideal Internal Standard for Precision Improvement
Authors: Choi Daewoong , Gong Yongdeuk , Nam Sang-Ho , Han Song-Hee , Yoo Jonghyun , Lee Yonghoon
Published: January 2014

We report an approach for selecting an internal standard to improve the precision of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) analysis for determining calcium (Ca) concentration in water. The dissolved Ca2+ ions were pre-concentrated on filter paper by evaporating water. The filter paper was dried and analyzed using LIBS. By adding strontium chloride to sample solutions and using a Sr II line at 407.771 nm for the intensity normalization of Ca II lines at 393.366 or 396.847 nm, the analysis precision could be significantly improved. The Ca II and Sr II line intensities were mapped across the filter paper, and they showed a strong positive shot-to-shot correlation with the same spatial distribution on the filter paper surface. We applied this analysis approach for the measurement of Ca2+ in tap, bottled, and ground water samples. The Ca2+ concentrations determined using LIBS are in good agreement with those obtained from flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Finally, we suggest a homologous relation of the strongest emission lines of period 4 and 5 elements in groups IA and IIA based on their similar electronic structures. Our results indicate that the LIBS can be effectively applied for liquid analysis at the sub-parts per million level with high precision using a simple drying of liquid solutions on filter paper and the use of the correct internal standard elements with the similar valence electronic structure with respect to the analytes of interest.
Infrared (IR) Spectral Markers of Bronchial Epithelia in Victims of Fatal Burns
Authors: Li Shiying , Zou Donghua , Deng Kaifei , Shao Yu , Li Zhengdong , Luo Yiwen , Sun Qiran , Xu Che , Chen Yijiu , Huang Ping
Published: January 2014

Changes in the infrared spectra of bronchial epithelia in victims of fatal burns were investigated. The mechanism of spectral changes on the basis of cellular morphological changes was considered. The ability of spectral parameters to diagnose fatal burns was assessed. Ten cases of fatal burns and 20 control cases were selected. Their lung tissues were removed, and sections were cut and mounted on glass and barium fluoride slides. Spectra of polarized bronchial epithelia were obtained by microscopy based on their morphological changes. In the spectra, 16 major absorbance bands were evaluated to determine their ability to act as positive markers for exposure to fire. Compared with the control group, the bronchial epithelia of the fatal burn victims showed three spectral results. (1) The absorbance of 16 major bands from the spectra of polarized bronchial epithelia in fatal burn victims significantly increased. (2) For the same cell number, the absorbance at 2850, 2920, 2959, and 3084 cm−1 decreased. (3) The degree of increased or decreased absorbance of bands is related to the degree of polarization. These spectral results suggest that there is a vital reaction induced by the inhalation of hot fumes that includes an increase in the number of bronchial epithelia and a polarization effect. Overall, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) microspectroscopy was shown to be a convenient and reliable method to provide objective spectral markers to assist the diagnosis of fatal burns by simultaneously monitoring several specific parameters, although these observations have yet to be applied at forensic scenes.
Spectroscopic Study of Proflavine Adsorption on the Carbon Nanotube Surface
Authors: Buchelnikov Anatoly S. , Dovbeshko Galina I. , Voronin Dmitry P. , Trachevsky Vladimir V. , Kostjukov Viktor V. , Evstigneev Maxim P.
Published: January 2014

Despite the fact that non-covalent interactions between various aromatic compounds and carbon nanotubes are being extensively investigated now, there is still a lack of understanding about the nature of such interactions. The present paper sheds light on one of the possible mechanisms of interaction between the typical aromatic dye proflavine and the carbon nanotube surface, namely, π-stacking between aromatic rings of these compounds. To investigate such a complexation, a qualitative analysis was performed by means of ultraviolet visible, infrared, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The data obtained suggest that π-stacking brings the major contribution to the stabilization of the complex between proflavine and the carbon nanotube.
In Situ Measurement Technique for Simultaneous Detection of K, KCl, and KOH Vapors Released during Combustion of Solid Biomass Fuel in a Single Particle Reactor
Authors: Sorvajärvi Tapio , DeMartini Nikolai , Rossi Jussi , Toivonen Juha
Published: January 2014

A quantitative and simultaneous measurement of K, KCl, and KOH vapors from a burning fuel sample combusted in a single particle reactor was performed using collinear photofragmentation and atomic absorption spectroscopy (CPFAAS) with a time resolution of 0.2 s. The previously presented CPFAAS technique was extended in this work to cover two consecutive fragmentation pulses for the photofragmentation of KCl and KOH. The spectral overlapping of the fragmentation spectra of KCl and KOH is discussed, and a linear equation system for the correction of the spectral interference is introduced. The detection limits for KCl, KOH, and K with the presented measurement arrangement and with 1 cm sample length were 0.5, 0.1, and 0.001 parts per million, respectively. The experimental setup was applied to analyze K, KCl, and KOH release from 10 mg spruce bark samples combusted at the temperatures of 850, 950, and 1050 °C with 10% of O2. The combustion experiments provided data on the form of K vapors and their release during different combustion phases and at different temperatures. The measured release histories agreed with earlier studies of K release. The simultaneous direct measurement of atomic K, KCl, and KOH will help in the impact of both the form of K in the biomass and fuel variables, such as particle size, on the release of K from biomass fuels.
A Two-Dimensionally Coincident Second Difference Cosmic Ray Spike Removal Method for the Fully Automated Processing of Raman Spectra
Authors: Schulze H. Georg , Turner Robin F.B.
Published: January 2014

Charge-coupled device detectors are vulnerable to cosmic rays that can contaminate Raman spectra with positive going spikes. Because spikes can adversely affect spectral processing and data analyses, they must be removed. Although both hardware-based and software-based spike removal methods exist, they typically require parameter and threshold specification dependent on well-considered user input. Here, we present a fully automated spike removal algorithm that proceeds without requiring user input. It is minimally dependent on sample attributes, and those that are required (e.g., standard deviation of spectral noise) can be determined with other fully automated procedures. At the core of the method is the identification and location of spikes with coincident second derivatives along both the spectral and spatiotemporal dimensions of two-dimensional datasets. The method can be applied to spectra that are relatively inhomogeneous because it provides fairly effective and selective targeting of spikes resulting in minimal distortion of spectra. Relatively effective spike removal obtained with full automation could provide substantial benefits to users where large numbers of spectra must be processed.
Femtosecond and Nanosecond Dual-Laser Optical Emission Spectroscopy of Gas Mixtures
Authors: Lin Cheng-Hsiang , Liang Zhi , Zhou Jun , Tsai Hai-Lung
Published: January 2014

A method employing an integrated femtosecond (fs) and nanosecond (ns) dual-laser system was developed to generate plasma with desired radical species from gas mixtures via a fs laser pulse and then to excite selected radical species to higher electronic states using a wavelength-tunable ns laser pulse. An optical spectrometer was used to measure the emission spectra and identify the transition from the excited electronic state to the ground state. The proposed technique has been demonstrated for an N2–CO2 mixture with various time delays between the two fs and ns pulses. The results have indicated that the population of selected radical species at the excited electronic state can be increased using the subsequent ns laser pulse, which also enhances the intensity of emission spectra allowing better identifications of the radical species. This technique holds a promise of detection and identification of signature plasma species, particularly for trace elements and long-distance standoff detections.
Spectroscopy of Scattered Light for the Characterization of Micro and Nanoscale Objects in Biology and Medicine
Authors: Turzhitsky Vladimir , Qiu Le , Itzkan Irving , Novikov Andrei A. , Kotelev Mikhail S. , Getmanskiy Michael , Vinokurov Vladimir A. , Muradov Alexander V. , Perelman Lev T.
Published: January 2014

The biomedical uses for the spectroscopy of scattered light by micro and nanoscale objects can broadly be classified into two areas. The first, often called light scattering spectroscopy (LSS), deals with light scattered by dielectric particles, such as cellular and sub-cellular organelles, and is employed to measure their size or other physical characteristics. Examples include the use of LSS to measure the size distributions of nuclei or mitochondria. The native contrast that is achieved with LSS can serve as a non-invasive diagnostic and scientific tool. The other area for the use of the spectroscopy of scattered light in biology and medicine involves using conducting metal nanoparticles to obtain either contrast or electric field enhancement through the effect of the surface plasmon resonance (SPR). Gold and silver metal nanoparticles are non-toxic, they do not photobleach, are relatively inexpensive, are wavelength-tunable, and can be labeled with antibodies. This makes them very promising candidates for spectrally encoded molecular imaging. Metal nanoparticles can also serve as electric field enhancers of Raman signals. Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is a powerful method for detecting and identifying molecules down to single molecule concentrations. In this review, we will concentrate on the common physical principles, which allow one to understand these apparently different areas using similar physical and mathematical approaches. We will also describe the major advancements in each of these areas, as well as some of the exciting recent developments.
Finding a place beyond place in the Rouge Park Project
Authors: Freeman Barry , Frijia Natalie
Published: January 2014

This article is a critical reflection on the 2012 Rouge Park Project, an applied theatre project in Toronto that looked at the relationship between urban life and the natural world. The impetus for the project was the transitioning of a large Toronto civic park into a national park, making it the first of Canada’s many national parks to be located inside a major city. Using Doreen Massey’s notion of a ‘place beyond place’ as a provocation, the facilitators of the project consider whether the theatrical process enabled among the participants and audience any sense of ethical engagement with the issues at stake in the park’s nationalization. While modest about the outcomes, the facilitators find worth in the direct contact the project’s participants had with members of the community throughout the process.
Misperformance ethnography
Authors: Prendergast Monica
Published: January 2014

Performance ethnography is a well-established area within ethnography, focusing as it does on a live performance of some kind. Within the hybrid field of performance studies, the notions of misperformance and the poetics of failure focus on the intrinsic qualities of ephemerality and contingency present in performance. More specifically, these concepts highlight how (un)planned mistakes, errors – even disasters – may befall those who perform, including the ever-pressing potential aesthetic disaster of a failed performance. How do these aspects of performance affect both performer and spectator, whether intended or not? And how might these concepts be of value and interest to a performance ethnographer/applied theatre researcher? This article presents an interdisciplinary investigation examining theories and practices of misperformance and failure in relation to how performance has been (successfully and perhaps less so) taken up as a form of ethnography.
Decomposing the Impact of Advertising: Augmenting Sales with Online Search Data
Authors: Hu Ye , Du Rex Yuxing , Damangir Sina
Published: January 2014

Unlike sales data, data on intermediate stages of the purchase funnel (e.g., how many consumers have searched for information about a product before purchase) are much more difficult to acquire. Consequently, most advertising response models have focused directly on sales and ignored other purchase funnel activities. The authors demonstrate, in the context of the U.S. automotive market, how consumer online search volume data from Google Trends can be combined with sales data to decompose advertising's overall impact into two underlying components: its impacts on (1) generating consumer interest in prepurchase information search and (2) converting that interest into sales. The authors show that this decompositional approach, implemented through a novel state-space model that simultaneously examines sales and search volumes, offers important advantages over a benchmark model that considers sales data alone. First, the approach improves goodness-of-fit, both in and out of sample. Second, it improves diagnosticity by distinguishing advertising effectiveness in interest generation from its effectiveness in interest conversion. Third, the authors find that overall advertising elasticity can be biased if researchers consider only sales data.
Evaluation of cell wall reinforcement in feather keratin-treated waterlogged wood as imaged by synchrotron X-ray microtomography (μXRT) and TEM
Authors: Endo Rie , Sugiyama Junji
Published: January 2014

Archaeological waterlogged woods (WLW) become considerably fragile over time because of chemical hydrolysis and the deterioration by microorganisms in the wet buried environment. The methods are sought for the dimensional stabilization of such woods. In the present article, the conservation of archaeological WLW of Chamaecyparis pisifera (Sieb. et Zucc.) Endl. by means of a commercially available feather keratin was in focus. The impregnation of an ancient wood from the 9th century A.D. was examined by the noninvasive synchrotron X-ray microtomography, which is well suited for imaging fragile samples. The thickness of the cell walls of keratin-treated wood was preserved and was comparable with that of recent wood. Notably, the middle lamella (ML) of keratin-treated wood appeared to be electron dense as indicated by transmission electron microscopy. Thus, it can be concluded that feather keratin is predominantly adsorbed on the ML and it prevents wood cell walls from collapsing and provides reinforcement.