bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ESI‐MS studies of palladium (II) complexes with 1‐(p‐toluenesulfonyl)cytosine/cytosinato ligands
Authors: Kobetić Renata , Gembarovski Dubravka , Višnjevac Aleksandar , Žinić Biserka , Gabelica‐Marković Vesna
Published: October 2009

The mononuclear complex Pd(1‐TosC‐N3)2Cl2 (2) containing 1‐(p‐toluenesulfonyl)cytosine (1) as a ligand, as well as dinuclear complexes Pd2(1‐TosC−‐N3,N4)4 (3) and Pd2(1‐TosC−‐N3,N4)2DMSO2Cl2 (4) containing the ligand anion (1‐TosC−), was mass analyzed by electrospray ionization ion trap MS/MS and high resolution MS. Complexes 3 and 4 were obtained by recrystallization of 2 from DMF and DMSO, respectively. The behavior of complex 2 in different solutions was monitored by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS). Under the applied ESI‐MS conditions, complex 2 in methanol reorganized itself dominantly as new complex 3 and the solvent did not coordinate the formed species. In H2O/DMSO, CH3CN/DMSO and CH3OH/DMSO solutions, complex 2 formed several new species with solvent molecules involved in their structure, e.g. complex 4 was formed as the major product. The newly formed species were also examined by LC‐MS‐DAD, confirming the solvent induced reorganization and the solution instability of complex 2. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of the HCV subtype on the virological response to pegylated interferon and ribavirin therapy
Authors: Legrand‐Abravanel Florence , Colson Philippe , Leguillou‐Guillemette Hélène , Alric Laurent , Ravaux Isabelle , Lunel‐Fabiani Françoise , Bouviers‐Alias Magali , Trimoulet Pascale , Chaix Marie Laure , Hézode Christophe , Foucher Juliette , Fontaine Hélène , Roque‐Afonso Anne‐Marie , Gassin Michèle , Schvoerer Evelyne , Gaudy Catherine , Roche Bruno , Doffoël Michel , D'Alteroche Louis , Vallet Sophie , Baazia Yazid , Pozzetto Bruno , Thibault Vincent , Nousbaum Jean‐Baptiste , Roulot Dominique , Coppere Henry , Poinard Thierry , Payan Christopher , Izopet Jacques
Published: October 2009

The hepatitis C virus genotype is considered to be the most important baseline predictor of a sustained virological response in patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with pegylated interferon and ribavirin. The influence of the subtype on the sustained virological response was investigated in patients infected with genotypes 1, 4, 5, or 6. This study was done on 597 patients with chronic hepatitis C who were given pegylated interferon and ribavirin for 48 weeks. The overall rate of sustained virological response in the 597 patients was 37.8%. Univariate analysis indicated that the sustained virological response of patients infected with subtype 1b (39%) tended to be higher than that of patients infected with subtype 1a (30.6%; P = 0.06) and it was similar to those patients infected with subtypes 4a (51.3%; P = 0.12) or 4d (51.7%; P = 0.16). Multivariate analysis indicated that five factors were independently associated with sustained virological response: the age (OR 0.97; 95% CI = 0.95–0.99), absence of cirrhosis (OR: 2.92; 95% CI = 1.7–5.0; P < 0.01), absence of HIV co‐infection (OR: 2.08; 95% CI = 1.2–3.5; P < 0.01), low baseline plasma HCV RNA concentration (OR: 1.74; 95% CI = 1.2–2.6; P < 0.01), and the subtype 1b (OR: 1.61; 95% CI = 1.0–2.5; P = 0.04) or subtypes 4a and 4d (OR: 2.03; 95% CI = 1.1–3.8; P = 0.03). In conclusion, among difficult‐to‐treat genotypes, the subtype 1a is associated with a lower response to anti‐HCV therapy than subtypes 1b, 4a, and 4d. J. Med. Virol. 81:2029–2035, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Epidemiology of herpes zoster and its relationship to varicella in Japan: A 10‐year survey of 48,388 herpes zoster cases in Miyazaki prefecture
Authors: Toyama Nozomu , Shiraki Kimiyasu ,   and Members of the Society of the Miyazaki Prefecture Dermatologists
Published: October 2009

From 1997 to 2006, a total of 48,388 patients with herpes zoster, ranging from a 3‐month‐old girl to a 102‐year‐old woman, were monitored at the 46 dermatology clinics in the Miyazaki Prefecture, which has a population of about 1.2 million. The mean herpes zoster incidence was 4.15/1,000 person‐years, ranging from 1.96 to 7.84/1,000 person‐years among different age groups, and the herpes zoster incidence was significantly higher in females (4.58) than in males (3.67). The incidence by age group was 1.96–2.86/1,000 person‐years below the age of 50 years, and it increased to 5.23–7.84/1,000 person‐years in persons 50–59 and older, with a trough in the ages 30–39, forming the small and large peaks. Females showed a significantly higher incidence than males, and the difference between the sexes was small below age 40 but greater at 40–49, 50–59, and 60–69. The incidence of herpes zoster was highest in August and lowest in winter, mirroring the prevalence of varicella. The number of herpes zoster cases at 60 years and older increased more than in the population from 1997 to 2006, and this increased incidence of herpes zoster in the 60–69 years and older, especially in females, might have raised the rate in contrast to the stable incidence below the age of 60 years. This large‐scale survey clarifies the epidemiology of herpes zoster by age, gender, and season in relation to the prevalence of varicella in the Miyazaki Prefecture in Japan. J. Med. Virol. 81:2053–2058, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Viral causes of influenza‐like illness: Insight from a study during the winters 2004–2007
Authors: Puzelli Simona , Valdarchi Catia , Ciotti Marco , Dorrucci Maria , Farchi Francesca , Babakir‐Mina Muhammed , Perno Carlo Federico , Donatelli Isabella , Rezza Giovanni ,   for the Italian ARI Study Group
Published: October 2009

Limited information is available on the viral etiology of influenza‐like illness in southern European countries, and it is still a matter of debate whether certain symptoms can be used to distinguish among the specific viruses that cause influenza‐like illness. The main objective of the present study was to identify the demographic and clinical predictors of influenza‐like illness due to specific viral agents. The study, which was observational in design, was conducted in Rome and Naples, Italy. Cases of influenza‐like illness were defined as individuals with fever >37.5°C and at least one systemic and one respiratory symptom, recruited during the winters of 2004–2005, 2005–2006, and 2006–2007. Influenza and other respiratory viruses were identified using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), performed on throat swabs. Basic individual information was collected using a standard form. A total of 580 persons were included in the analysis. Viral pathogens were identified in fewer than 50% of the cases. Overall, 240 viral agents were detected: 22.8% were positive for influenza viruses, 10.9% for adenoviruses, 6.0% for parainfluenza viruses, and 1.7% for respiratory syncytial virus. The month of diagnosis, and muscle and joint pain were associated with influenza virus, though the positive predictive value (PPV) was low. Abdominal pain was associated with adenovirus infection. Although the PPV of symptoms for influenza virus infection was low, especially in low activity periods, these findings may help clinicians to improve their ability to perform diagnoses. J. Med. Virol. 81:2066–2071, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genetic characterization of G3 rotaviruses detected in Italian children in the years 1993–2005
Authors: De Grazia Simona , Martella Vito , Colomba Claudia , Cascio Antonio , Arista Serenella , Giammanco Giovanni M.
Published: October 2009

In recent years an apparent increase in the frequency of detection of G3P[8] rotaviruses has been observed worldwide. Similarly, in Italy G3P[8] strains have been detected sporadically and in a scattered fashion over 20 years, whereas in 2003 and 2005 G3P[8] rotavirus activity increased markedly. By analysis of the VP7, VP4, VP6, and NSP4 genes of a selection of G3P[8] rotaviruses detected between 1993 and 2005, a remarkable sequence conservation was observed in the VP7, VP4, and VP6 genes. By converse, after 2002 the Italian G3P[8] strains were found to possess unique mutations in significant regions of the NSP4 protein. J. Med. Virol. 81:2089–2095, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of the performance of rapid HIV tests using samples collected for surveillance in Mozambique
Authors: Melo Josefa , Nilsson Charlotta , Mondlane José , Osman Nafissa , Biberfeld Gunnel , Folgosa Elena , Andersson Sören
Published: October 2009

Mozambique had low HIV prevalence until the mid‐1990s, but recent data indicate increasing rates. There is little information on HIV‐2. Therefore, HIV seroprevalence was assessed among pregnant women and field‐ready HIV diagnostic strategies were evaluated. A total of 6,930 samples collected by three health centers from 2002 to 2005 were tested on site by nurses with two simple/rapid tests, Determine HIV‐1/2 (Abbott Laboratories; screening) and Uni‐Gold HIV (Trinity Biotech; confirmation), which is the national HIV testing strategy. The prevalence of HIV was 14.0% (2002), 17.8% (2003), 16.5% (2004), and 20.2% (2005). A subset of 888 samples collected 2003 was sent to the Central Microbiology Laboratory, Maputo for evaluation of tests and testing strategies. The assays included for comparison were Capillus HIV‐1/HIV‐2 (Trinity Biotech), DoubleCheckGold HIV‐1&2 (Orgenics) and Enzygnost Anti‐HIV‐1/2 Plus (Behringwerke, reference ELISA). Confirmation of reactive samples was done by Uni‐Gold HIV and ImmunoComb II HIV‐1&2 BiSpot (for HIV type differentiation). The Capillus HIV‐1/ HIV‐2 + ImmunoComb II HIV‐1&2 BiSpot combination was the gold standard. The sensitivity of the rapid/simple screening assays (Determine HIV‐1/2, DoubleCheckGold HIV‐1&2) was 100% (N = 160) and their (initial) specificities were 99.6% and 99.7%, respectively. Repeated testing and combinations of assays increased the specificity. Four suspected cases of recent seroconversion were found. Together with the increasing prevalence rates, this may indicate that Mozambique is a high‐incidence area, although further studies are needed to confirm this. Testing strategies for on‐site screening and confirmation based on the combination of Determine HIV‐1/2, Uni‐Gold HIV and DoubleCheckGold HIV‐1&2 are well suited for local field use. J. Med. Virol. 81:1991–1998, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Serum KL‐6 levels as a biomarker of lung injury in respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis
Authors: Kawasaki Yukihiko , Aoyagi Yoshimichi , Abe Yusaku , Go Hayato , Imamura Takashi , Kaneko Mari , Ito Masaki , Katayose Masahiko , Hashimoto Koichi , Hosoya Mitsuaki
Published: October 2009

To evaluate whether KL‐6 concentration is a useful biomarker of the severity of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis, we determined KL‐6 concentrations in patients with RSV bronchiolitis with or without chronic heart disease (CHD). We enrolled 52 patients who had been diagnosed with RSV bronchiolitis and required admission to the hospital at the Department of Pediatrics of Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine from 2004 to 2005. These patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 consisted of patients without any underlying disease, and Group 2 consisted of patients with CHD. These patients were assigned to three categories. Stage A consisted of patients without oxygen dosage, stage B of patients who required oxygen dosage, and stage C of patients required artificial respiration. We evaluated baseline characteristics, clinical features, and serum KL‐6 concentration in Group 1, Group 2, and a control group (healthy infants without infection). Mean serum KL‐6 concentrations in patients with RSV bronchiolitis were higher than those in the control group (471.8 ± 236.9 and 127.1 ± 69.1 U/ml, respectively). Mean serum KL‐6 concentration was higher in Group 2 than in Group 1 (692.8 ± 313.1 and 390.4 ± 132.7 U/ml, respectively). Mean serum KL‐6 concentrations were higher in stage C than in stages A and B, and mean serum KL‐6 concentrations were higher in stage B than in stage A. These findings suggest that serum KL‐6 is associated with the severity of RSV bronchiolitis and that it may be a useful biomarker for the severity of RSV bronchiolitis. J. Med. Virol. 81:2104–2108, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
NS5AISDR‐V3region genetic variability of Tunisian HCV‐1b strains: Correlation with the response to the combined interferon/Ribavirin therapy
Authors: Bouzgarrou N. , Hassen E. , Mahfoudh W. , Gabbouj S. , Schvoerer E. , Yahia A. Ben , Mami N. Ben , Triki H. , Chouchane L.
Published: October 2009

In the non‐structural protein 5A (NS5A) of hepatitis C virus (HCV), mutations within the interferon sensitivity‐determining region (ISDR), the PKR‐binding domain (PKR‐BD), the variable region 3 (V3), and the interferon/ribavirin resistance‐determining region (IRRDR) have been correlated with the IFN‐based therapy response. In Tunisia, where a high prevalence of HCV‐1b has been found, no data regarding the implication of NS5A in treatment response were available. The current study examined the relationship between the pre‐treatment mutation number within ISDR, PKR‐BD, V3, IRRDR, as well as in the entire ISDR‐V3 region of NS5A (aa 2209–2379) and the response to the 48‐week course of combined IFNplusribavirin therapy in 15 HCV‐1b‐infected Tunisian patients. Referring to HCV‐J sequence, a significant high genetic variability was observed within PKR‐BD in the sustained virological responder patients compared to non‐responders (P = 0.040). More importantly, when considering the entire region from ISDR to V3, referred to as NS5AISDR‐V3, a clear difference in the mutation number was observed between sustained virological responders (19.6 ± 3.16) and non‐responders (15.0 ± 1.41) (P = 0.002). Additionally, a more detailed analysis of NS5AISDR‐V3region revealed an elevated degree of mutation rate within the region located between amino acids 2282 and 2308 (P = 0.0006). Interestingly, an analysis of specific amino acid variations defined proline and serine at position 2300 as signature patterns for sensitive and resistant strains, respectively. The genetic variability within the NS5A region of HCV‐1b strains was associated with the response to the combined IFNplusribavirin therapy in our Tunisian cohort. J. Med. Virol. 81:2021–2028, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Impacts of land cover data quality on regional climate simulations
Authors: Sertel Elif , Robock Alan , Ormeci Cankut
Published: October 2009

The land surface influences local, regional and global climate across many time scales. Accurate representation of land surfaces is an important factor for climate modelling studies because land surfaces control the partitioning of available energy and water. Here we introduce new, up‐to‐date and accurate land cover data for the Marmara Region, Turkey derived from Landsat Enhanced Thematic Mapper (ETM+) images into the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. We used several image processing techniques to create accurate land cover data from Landsat sensor images obtained between 2001 and 2005. By comparing the new land cover data with the default WRF land cover data, we found that there are two types of error in WRF land cover data that caused misrepresentation of the study region. WRF uses Global Land Cover Characteristics (GLCC) data created from images acquired during 1992 and 1993 and it does not reflect current land cover. And the GLCC includes misclassifications. As a result of these errors, GLCC data do not represent urban areas in the cities of Istanbul, Izmit and Bursa and there are spectral mixing problems between classes, e.g. croplands, urban areas and forests. We used WRF land cover and our new land cover data to conduct numerical simulations. Using meteorological station data within the study area, we found that simulation with the new land cover dataset produces more accurate temperature simulations for the region, thus demonstrating the importance of accurate land cover data. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Concentration and pH dependent SERS spectra of sulfanilic acid sodium salt on colloidal silver particles
Authors: Panicker C. Yohannan , Varghese Hema Tresa , Ushakumari L. , Mary Y. Sheena , Sarkar Jyotirmoy , Chowdhury Joydeep
Published: October 2009

IR, Raman and surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectra of sulfanilic acid sodium salt (SANA) were recorded and analysed. The vibrational wavenumbers were computed by the density functional theory method using the B3LYP/6–31G* basis and found to be in good agreement with the experimental values. The effect of concentration and pH dependence on the SERS intensity of the molecule was also studied. The molecular plane assumes a tilted orientation with respect to the silver surface. The observed changes of the relative intensities of some enhanced bands and the presence of in‐plane and out‐of‐plane modes of the phenyl ring suggest that the molecule assumes a more tilted orientation upon lowering the concentration of the adsorbate. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A GC – magnetic sector MS method for identification and quantification of fatty acids in ewe milk by different acquisition modes
Authors: Devle Hanne , Rukke Elling‐Olav , Naess‐Andresen Carl Fredrik , Ekeberg Dag
Published: October 2009

A general method for qualitative and quantitative determination of fatty acids (FAs) using GC‐MS was developed and tested on ewe milk. A total number of 38 poly unsaturated FAs, monounsaturated FAs and saturated FAs, from C6:0 to C24:1, were used in a comparative study of scan, reconstructed ion chromatogram and SIM. Fatty acid methyl esters in standard solutions as well as in milk from ewe were analyzed by these techniques, using a sector instrument. Instrument precision, linearity, LOD and LOQ, as well as calibration behavior and response factors were investigated for each approach. The quantitative results obtained by each technique were compared. All techniques had values for LOD and LOQ in the ng/mL region.
Capillary chromatography based on tube radial distribution of aqueous‐organic mixture carrier solvents: Introduction of inner‐wall‐modified capillary tubes
Authors: Jinno Naoya , Tsuji Katsuya , Shikatani Kaoru , Hashimoto Masahiko , Tsukagoshi Kazuhiko
Published: October 2009

We developed a novel capillary chromatography using an open capillary tube and a water‐hydrophilic/hydrophobic organic solvent mixture as a carrier solution. The capillary chromatography was called a tube radial distribution chromatography (TRDC) system. In this study we tried to introduce inner‐wall‐modified (e.g. phenylboronic‐acid‐ and iminodiacetic‐acid‐modified) fused‐silica capillary tubes to the TRDC system to separate model mixture analytes. The phenylboronic‐acid‐modified capillary tube was combined with absorption detection to analyze a mixture of adenosine and deoxyadenosine. The iminodiacetic‐acid‐modified capillary tube was combined with chemiluminescence detection using a luminol reaction to analyze a mixture of copper(II) and hematin. A water (carbonate buffer)/ACN/ethyl acetate (2:7:4 v/v/v) and a water (carbonate buffer)/ACN/ethyl acetate (15:3:2 v/v/v) mixture solution were used as carrier solutions in the TRDC system, and typical carbonate buffer solutions not containing any organic solvents were also used as carrier solutions as reference solutions. In both modified capillary tubes, the organic‐solvent‐rich carrier solution successfully improved the separation of the mixture analytes in the system, and the water‐rich carrier solution greatly depressed their separation, when compared with chromatography using carbonate buffer carrier solutions containing no organic solvents. Such observed phenomena were discussed considering the separation mechanism of the TRDC system.
Sensitive profiling of biogenic amines in urine using CE with transient isotachophoretic preconcentration
Authors: Xu Zhongqi , Okada Jiro , Timerbaev Andrei R. , Hirokawa Takeshi
Published: October 2009

A transient ITP‐CZE system is proposed for the determination of biogenic amines in urine. The complete separation and identification of dopamine, tyramine (TA), tryptamine (T), serotonin, epinephrine, norepinephrine, and normetanephrine have been achieved in a twofold diluted urine sample (in which the analytes were below the LODs by normal CZE). The tITP preconcentration conditions were created by introducing a 30 mM solution of NaOH, containing 0.1% hydroxypropylcellulose (pH 6.5 adjusted with MES), and 0.1 M HCl before and after the sample zone to work as leading and terminating electrolytes, respectively. This allowed the LODs of direct UV absorption detection to be decreased down to the 10–8 M level that is comparable with the sensitivity thresholds of LIF detection or inline SPE‐CE. The RSDs of migration time and peak area for real‐biofluid analysis were in the range of 0.1–4.5% and 0.8–16% (n=3), respectively. Quantification of dopamine, TA, T, and serotonin was performed using internal calibration. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on probing urinal biogenic amines and their metabolites by tITP‐CZE.
Kinetics of neuromuscular changes during low‐frequency electrical stimulation
Authors: Papaiordanidou Maria , Guiraud David , Varray Alain
Published: October 2009

The purpose of the study was to examine the time course of neuromuscular fatigue components during a low‐frequency electrostimulation (ES) session. Three bouts of 17 trains of stimulation at 30 HZ (4 s on, 6 s off) were used to electrically induce fatigue in the plantar flexor muscles. Before and after every 17‐train bout, torque, electromyographic activity [expressed as root mean square (RMS) and median frequency (MF) values], evoked potentials (M‐wave and H‐reflex), and the level of voluntary activation (LOA, using twitch interpolation technique) were assessed. Torque during maximal voluntary contraction decreased significantly from the very first stimulation bout (−6.6 ± 1.11%, P < 0.001) and throughout the session (−10.32 ± 1.68% and −11.53 ± 1.27%, for the second and third bouts, respectively). The LOA and RMS/Mmax values were significantly decreased during the ES session (−2.9 ± 1.07% and −17.5 ± 6.14%, P < 0.01 and P< 0.001, respectively, at the end of the protocol), while MF showed no changes. The Hmax/Mmax ratio and Mmax were not significantly modified during the session. All twitch parameters were significantly potentiated after the first bout and throughout the session (P < 0.001). The maximal torque decrease was evident from the early phase of a low‐frequency ES protocol, with no concomitant inhibition of motoneuron excitability or depression of muscle contractile properties. These results are consistent with an early failure of the central drive to the muscle. Muscle Nerve, 2010
Early effects of carbachol on the morphology of motor endplates of mammalian skeletal muscle fibers
Authors: Voigt Tilman
Published: October 2009

Long‐term disturbance of the calcium homeostasis of motor endplates (MEPs) causes necrosis of muscle fibers. The onset of morphological changes in response to this disturbance, particularly in relation to the fiber type, is presently unknown. Omohyoid muscles of mice were incubated for 1–30 minutes in 0.1 mM carbachol, an acetylcholine agonist that causes an inward calcium current. In these muscles, the structural changes of the sarcomeres and the MEP sarcoplasm were evaluated at the light‐ and electron‐microscopic level. Predominantly in type I fibers, carbachol incubation resulted in strong contractures of the sarcomeres underlying the MEPs. Owing to these contractures, the usual beret‐like form of the MEP‐associated sarcoplasm was deformed into a mushroom‐like body. Consequently, the squeezed MEPs partially overlapped the adjacent muscle fiber segments. There are no signs of contractures below the MEPs if muscles were incubated in carbachol in calcium‐free Tyrode's solution. Carbachol induced inward calcium current and produced fiber‐type–specific contractures. This finding points to differences in the handling of calcium in MEPs. Possible mechanisms for these fiber‐type–specific differences caused by carbachol‐induced calcium entry are assessed. Muscle Nerve, 2009
Joint angle dependence of intermuscle difference in postactivation potentiation
Authors: Miyamoto Naokazu , Mitsukawa Naotoshi , Sugisaki Norihide , Fukunaga Tetsuo , Kawakami Yasuo
Published: October 2009

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of ankle joint angle on the intermuscle difference in postactivation potentiation (PAP) between the medial gastrocnemius (MG) and soleus (SOL) muscles. At the neutral position of joint angle, dorsiflexion of 20°, and plantarflexion of 20°, twitch responses were evoked by stimulating the posterior tibial nerve with supramaximal intensity before and after a 10‐s maximal voluntary plantarflexion at each joint angle. Mechanical properties of the MG and SOL muscles were assessed simultaneously and separately by using mechanomyography (MMG), and the extent of potentiation of each muscle was evaluated by peak‐to‐peak amplitude of the MMG signal. The MG showed greater potentiation than the soleus after the conditioning MVC in the neutral and dorsiflexion position, while in the plantarflexion position no significant difference was found in PAP between MG and SOL. These results suggest that the difference in the magnitude of PAP between synergistic muscles is determined by a combination of the joint angle‐ and fiber composition‐dependence of PAP. Muscle Nerve, 2010
Synthesis and properties of bismuth oxide nanoshell coated polyaniline nanoparticles for promising photovoltaic properties
Authors: Mahmoud Waleed E. , Al‐Ghamdi A. A.
Published: October 2009

A novel heterostructure made of polyaniline (PANI) nanoparticles coated by nanolayer of bismuth oxide Bi2O3 was synthesized. The structure was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy. These characterizations showed that the bismuth oxide nanoshell was pure and crystalline, and has thickness in the range of 10 nm. The experiment on photoluminescence (PL) of Bi2O3 nanoshell coated polyaniline nanoparticle, at room temperature, shows an emission band peaked at around 385 nm. When compared with the PL spectrum of Bi2O3 nanoparticles, about 100 times PL enhancement was found in the PL spectrum of Bi2O3 nanoshell coated polyaniline nanoparticle. The current density versus voltage (J–V) measurements in dark and illumination showed that this heterojunction has 4 orders of magnitude rectification in the dark and 3 orders of magnitude rectification under illumination. The obtained power conversion efficiency of polyaniline nanoparticles coated by nanoshell of bismuth oxide (η = 7.453%) was much enhanced compared with polyaniline alone (η = 8.33 × 10−4%) this indicates that the prepared heterostructure represents a promising photovoltaic solar cell. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Blood‐feeding and immunogenic Aedes aegypti saliva proteins
Authors: Wasinpiyamongkol Ladawan , Patramool Sirilaksana , Luplertlop Natthanej , Surasombatpattana Pornapat , Doucoure Souleymane , Mouchet François , Séveno Martial , Remoue Franck , Demettre Edith , Brizard Jean‐Paul , Jouin Patrick , Biron David G. , Thomas Frédéric , Missé Dorothée
Published: October 2009

Mosquito‐transmitted pathogens pass through the insect's midgut (MG) and salivary gland (SG). What occurs in these organs in response to a blood meal is poorly understood, but identifying the physiological differences between sugar‐fed and blood‐fed (BF) mosquitoes could shed light on factors important in pathogens transmission. We compared differential protein expression in the MGs and SGs of female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes after a sugar‐ or blood‐based diet. No difference was observed in the MG protein expression levels but certain SG proteins were highly expressed only in BF mosquitoes. In sugar‐fed mosquitoes, housekeeping proteins were highly expressed (especially those related to energy metabolism) and actin was up‐regulated. The immunofluorescence assay shows that there is no disruption of the SG cytoskeletal after the blood meal. We have generated for the first time the 2‐DE profiles of immunogenic Ae. aegypti SG BF‐related proteins. These new data could contribute to the understanding of the physiological processes that appear during the blood meal.
Computational studies of the cone and 1,2,3 alternate calix[6]arene bis‐crown‐4 isomers: structures, NMR shifts, atomic charges, and steric compression
Authors: Lawson Meghan N. , Blanda Michael T. , Staggs Sara J. , Sederholm Lauren N. , Easter David C.
Published: October 2009

The cone and 1,2,3 alternate isomers of calix[6]arene bis‐crown‐4 were investigated computationally. Structural optimizations, energies, bond distances, and Mulliken charges were calculated by the application of the B3LYP/6‐31g(d) method/basis, followed by NMR calculations via both B3LYP/6‐31g(d) and HF/6‐31g(d). Calculations were completed at three different levels of imposed symmetry, and two calculations investigated the chloroform solvent effects. Better NMR results were obtained from HF/6‐31g(d) calculations that did not impose molecular symmetry constraints. Consideration of solvent effects improved ground state energies, but other improvements were minimal and not significant enough to justify the added computational expense of solvent calculations. Overall results are consistent with known experimental assignments and were valuable for assigning previously unknown NMR peaks. Net charges, electrostatic forces, and local dipoles – but not bond lengths – are strongly correlated to spectroscopic manifestations of steric compression. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Photochromic behavior of several new synthesized dyes via Zincke salts
Authors: Mahmoodi N. O. , Mamaghani M. , Ghanadzadeh A. , Arvand M. , Fesanghari M.
Published: October 2009

Synthesis of several ‘dyes’, analogs of retinal imine visual pigment via nucleophilic attack of some secondary amines to pyridinium salts following precyclic ring‐opening reaction, is discussed. The photochromic properties of these dyes have been studied by UV‐Vis spectroscopy under irradiation of UV light. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
PRIMO/PRIMONA: A coarse‐grained model for proteins and nucleic acids that preserves near‐atomistic accuracy
Authors: Gopal Srinivasa M. , Mukherjee Shayantani , Cheng Yi‐Ming , Feig Michael
Published: October 2009

The new coarse graining model PRIMO/PRIMONA for proteins and nucleic acids is proposed. This model combines one to several heavy atoms into coarse‐grained sites that are chosen to allow an analytical, high‐resolution reconstruction of all‐atom models based on molecular bonding geometry constraints. The accuracy of proposed reconstruction method in terms of structure and energetics is tested and compared with other popular reconstruction methods for a variety of protein and nucleic acid test sets. Proteins 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Protein structure prediction begins well but ends badly
Authors: Saunders Rhodri , Deane Charlotte M.
Published: October 2009

The accurate prediction of protein structure, both secondary and tertiary, is an ongoing problem. Over the years, many approaches have been implemented and assessed. Most prediction algorithms start with the entire amino acid sequence and treat all residues in an identical fashion independent of sequence position. Here, we analyze blind prediction data to investigate whether predictive capability varies along the chain. Free modeling results from recent critical assessment of techniques for protein structure prediction (CASP) experiments are evaluated; as is the most up‐to‐date data from EVA, a fully automated blind test of secondary structure prediction servers. The results demonstrate that structure prediction accuracy is dependent on sequence position. Both secondary structure and tertiary structure predictions are more accurate in regions near the amino(N)‐terminus when compared with analogous regions near the carboxy(C)‐terminus. Eight of 10 secondary structure prediction algorithms assessed by EVA perform significantly better in regions at the N‐terminus. CASP data shows a similar bias, with N‐terminal fragments being predicted more accurately than fragments from the C‐terminus. Two analogous fragments are taken from each model, the N‐terminal fragment begins at the start of the most N‐terminal secondary structure element (SSE), whereas the C‐terminal fragment finishes at the end of the most C‐terminal SSE. Each fragment is locally superimposed onto its respective native fragment. The relative terminal prediction accuracy (RMSD) is calculated on an intramodel basis. At a fragment length of 20 residues, the N‐terminal fragment is predicted with greater accuracy in 79% of cases. Proteins 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Solution structure and dynamics of human ubiquitin conjugating enzyme Ube2g2
Authors: Ju Tingting , Bocik William , Majumdar Ananya , Tolman Joel R.
Published: October 2009

Ube2g2 is an E2 enzyme which functions as part of the endoplasmic reticulum‐associated degradation (ERAD) pathway responsible for identification and degradation of misfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum. In tandem with a cognate E3 ligase, Ube2g2 assembles K48‐linked polyubiquitin chains and then transfers them to substrate, leading ultimately to proteasomal degradation of the polyubiquitin‐tagged substrate. We report here the solution structure and backbone dynamics of Ube2g2 solved by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Although the solution structure agrees well with crystallographic structures for the E2 core, catalytically important loops (encompassing residues 95–107 and 130–135) flanking the active site cysteine are poorly defined. 15N spin relaxation and residual dipolar coupling analysis directly demonstrates that these two loops are highly dynamic in solution. These results suggest that Ube2g2 requires one or more of its protein partners, such as cognate E3, acceptor ubiquitin substrate or thiolester‐linked donor ubiquitin, to assume its catalytically relevant conformation. Within the NMR structural ensemble, interactions were observed between His94 and the highly mobile loop residues Asp98 and Asp99, supporting a possible role for His94 as a general base activated by the carboxylate side‐chains of Asp98 or Asp99. Proteins 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Photoluminescence properties of blue‐emitting Sr2LiSiO4F:Ce3+,Li+ phosphor
Authors: Zhang Xinmin , Seo Hyo Jin
Published: October 2009

Sr2LiSiO4F:Ce3+,Li+ phosphors have been synthesized by solid‐state reaction. The photoluminescence (PL) emission and excitation behavior of blue‐emitting Sr2LiSiO4F:Ce3+,Li+ phosphors have been reported. Three dominant bands centered at about 250, 280, and 340 nm characterized the excitation spectra, which are consistent with the diffuse reflection spectra. Under the excitation of different UV light, the peak of the emission spectrum shifts. The PL excitation spectra monitored by different emission wavelength, the PL excitation spectra of different dopant concentration, and the optimum dopant content have been studied in detail.
Simultaneous stress and defect luminescence study on silicon
Authors: Gundel Paul , Schubert Martin C. , Warta Wilhelm
Published: October 2009

Internal stress is strongly correlated with the mechanical stability of silicon wafers and with the distribution of defects and thus the minority carrier lifetime, which is often the limiting parameter for multicrystalline (mc) silicon solar cells. Therefore, internal stress is a highly relevant parameter for mc silicon. In this paper, a qualitative internal stress measurement technique by photoluminescence spectroscopy for mc silicon is presented. This technique is based on the stress‐induced‐bandgap energy shift. Stress measurements are compared to defect luminescence images, which are gathered in the same measurement. The method is evaluated by stress measurements with micro‐Raman spectroscopy.
Diffraction from quasi one‐dimensional crystals and nanotubes
Authors: Damnjanović M. , Vuković T. , Milošević I.
Published: October 2009

Intensity distribution for diffraction from arbitrary quasi one‐dimensional crystal is calculated with the help of symmetry classification of such systems onto 15 conformation classes. Characteristic features of patterns are discussed. In particular, carbon nanotubes are single‐orbit systems generated by the fifth family line groups. It is shown how the identification of single‐wall tubes can be performed in two steps: at first we reconstruct the line group from the pattern, and afterwards the chirality indices are found easily due to the bi‐unique correspondence of the single‐wall carbon nanotubes and their symmetry groups. A comment on the diffraction from double‐ and multi‐wall nanotubes is made.
Properties of the exponential EWMA chart with parameter estimation
Authors: Ozsan Guney , Testik Murat Caner , Weiß Christian H.
Published: October 2009

Count rates may reach very low levels in production processes with low defect levels. In such settings, conventional control charts for counts may become ineffective since the occurrence of many samples with zero defects would cause control statistic to be consistently zero. Consequently, the exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) control chart to monitor the time between successive events (TBE) or counts has been introduced as an effective approach for monitoring processes with low defect levels. When the counts occur according to a Poisson distribution, the TBE observations are distributed as exponential. Although the assumption of exponential distribution is a reasonable choice as a model of TBE observations, its parameter, i.e. the mean (also the standard deviation), is rarely known in practice and its estimate is used in place of the unknown parameter when constructing the exponential EWMA chart. In this article, we investigate the effects of parameter estimation on the performance measures (average run length, standard deviation, and percentiles of the run length distribution) of the exponential EWMA control chart. A comprehensive analysis of the conditional performance measures of the chart shows that the effect of estimation can be serious, especially if small samples are used. An investigation of the marginal performance measures, which are calculated by averaging the conditional performance measures over the distribution of the parameter estimator, allows us to provide explicit sample size recommendations in constructing these charts to reach a satisfactory performance in both the in‐control and the out‐of‐control situation. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stabilization of linear systems with input delay and saturation—A parametric Lyapunov equation approach
Authors: Zhou Bin , Lin Zongli , Duan Guangren
Published: October 2009

This paper studies the problem of stabilizing a linear system with delayed and saturating feedback. It is known that the eigenstructure assignment‐based low‐gain feedback law (globally) stabilizes a linear system in the presence of arbitrarily large delay in its input, and semi‐globally stabilizes it when the input is also subject to saturation, as long as all its open‐loop poles are located in the closed left‐half plane. Based on a recently developed parametric Lyapunov equation‐based low‐gain feedback design method, this paper presents alternative, but simpler and more elegant, feedback laws that solve these problems. The advantages of this new approach include its simplicity, the capability of giving explicit conditions to guarantee the stability of the closed‐loop system, and the ease in scheduling the low‐gain parameter on line to achieve global stabilization in the presence of actuator saturation. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A simple analysis of a simple crossover trial with a dichotomous outcome measure
Authors: Schouten Hubert , Kester Arnold
Published: October 2009

For the two‐treatment two‐period crossover trial with a dichotomous outcome measure a simple and straightforward analysis is proposed: compute the treatment difference for each of the treatment sequences AB and BA, and then average over the sequence groups. The mean difference is used in the statistical test and in the computation of the 95 per cent confidence interval. The method is generalized to the case of a crossover trial including more than two treatments. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Conversation with a master: Brian L. Cochran
Authors: Carpenter Lauren , Mehrain Michael , Hart Gary C.
Published: October 2009

Brian Cochran was born in 1930 and raised in Los Angeles, California. He attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and graduated in 1954. He met his wife‐to‐be, Nancy, at UCLA, and they were married in March 1954 before Brian went into the Air Force. Brian spent 2 years with the Air Force at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Orthorhombic HP‐PrO2 – High‐Pressure Synthesis and Crystal Structure
Authors: Haberer Almut , Huppertz Hubert
Published: October 2009

The high‐pressure phase of PrO2 was synthesized under conditions of 5.5 GPa and 1000 °C in a Walker‐type multianvil apparatus. The crystal structure was determined on the basis of single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction data collected at room temperature. The title compound crystallizes in the orthorhombic α‐PbCl2‐type structure with the lattice parameters a = 637.6(3) pm, b = 384.4(2) pm, and c = 703.1(3) pm. The praseodymium ion is ninefold coordinated, the oxygen ions show either tetrahedral or square‐pyramidal coordination spheres.
Epidemiology of Traumatic Deaths: Comprehensive Population‐Based Assessment
Authors: Evans Julie A. , van Wessem Karlijn J. P. , McDougall Debra , Lee Kevin A. , Lyons Timothy , Balogh Zsolt J.
Published: October 2009

Background

The epidemiology of traumatic deaths was periodically described during the development of the American trauma system between 1977 and 1995. Recognizing the impact of aging populations and the potential changes in injury mechanisms, the purpose of this work was to provide a comprehensive, prospective, population‐based study of Australian trauma‐related deaths and compare the results with those of landmark studies.

Methods

All prehospitalization and in‐hospital trauma deaths occurring in an inclusive trauma system at a single Level 1 trauma center [400 patients with an injury severity score (ISS) >15/year] underwent autopsy and were prospectively evaluated during 2005. High‐energy (HE) and low‐energy (LE) deaths were categorized based on the mechanism of the injury, time frame (prehospitalization, <48 hours, 2–7 days, >7 days), and cause [which was determined by an expert panel and included central nervous system‐related (CNS), exsanguination, CNS + exsanguination, airway, multiple organ failure (MOF)]. Data are presented as a percent or the mean ± SEM.

Results

There were 175 deaths during the 12‐month period. For the 103 HE fatalities (age 43 ± 2 years, ISS 49 ± 2, male 63%), the predominant mechanisms were motor vehicle related (72%), falls (4%), gunshots (8%), stabs (6%), and burns (5%). In all, 66% of the patients died during the prehospital phase, 27% died after <48 hours in hospital, 5% died after 3 to 7 days in hospital, and 2% died after >7 days. CNS (33%) and exsanguination (33%) were the most common causes of deaths, followed by CNS + exsanguination (17%) and airway compromise 8%; MOF occurred in only 3%. Six percent of the deaths were undetermined. All LE deaths (n = 72, age 83 ± 1 years, ISS 14 ± 1, male 45%) were due to low falls. All LE patients died in hospital (20% <48 hours, 32% after 3–7 days, 48% after 7 days). The causes of deaths were head injury (26%) and complications of skeletal injuries (74%).

Conclusions

The HE injury mechanisms, time frames, and causes in our study are different from those in the earlier, seminal reports. The classic trimodal death distribution is much more skewed to early death. Exsanguination became as frequent as lethal head injuries, but the incidence of fatal MOF is lower than reported earlier. LE trauma is responsible for 41% of the postinjury mortality, with distinct epidemiology. The LE group deserves more attention and further investigation.
Brief report: Cognitive‐regulation across the adolescent years
Authors: Magar Emily C.E. , Phillips Louise H. , Hosie Judith A.
Published: October 2009

The human brain undergoes considerable maturational changes during adolescence which have been predicted to influence self‐regulatory control. In the current study, developmental trajectories associated with three domains of cognitive regulation; response inhibition, updating of working memory, and mental set‐switching, were assessed in a sample of 149 adolescents aged between 11 and 17 years. Findings support the premise that levels of self‐regulatory control increase over the course of adolescence but that different aspects of cognitive regulation are likely to mature along differing developmental trajectories.
Toward a model for Arf GTPases as regulators of traffic at the Golgi
Authors: Kahn Richard A.
Published: October 2009

In this review, I summarize the likely roles played by ADP‐ribosylation factor (Arf) proteins in the regulation of membrane traffic at the Golgi, from the perspective of the GTPase. The most glaring limitations to the development of a coherent molecular model are highlighted; including incomplete information on the initiation of Arf activation, identification of the “accessory proteins” required for carrier maturation and scission, and those required for directed traffic and fusion at the destination membrane. Though incomplete, the molecular model of carrier biogenesis has developed rapidly in recent years and promises richness in understanding this essential process.
The yeast Golgi apparatus: Insights and mysteries
Authors: Papanikou Effrosyni , Glick Benjamin S.
Published: October 2009

The Golgi apparatus is known to modify and sort newly synthesized secretory proteins. However, fundamental mysteries remain about the structure, operation, and dynamics of this organelle. Important insights have emerged from studying the Golgi in yeasts. For example, yeasts have provided direct evidence for Golgi cisternal maturation, a mechanism that is likely to be broadly conserved. Here, we highlight features of the yeast Golgi as well as challenges that lie ahead.
Social and Clinical Risk Assessment Among Pregnant Haitian Women in South Florida
Authors: Fordyce Lauren
Published: October 2009

This article describes the cultural experiences of pregnant Haitian women living in South Florida and their implications for clinical risk assessment. Contemporary clinical risk evaluation during pregnancy includes an assessment of external and social sources of risk, such as domestic violence, homelessness, and socioeconomic status. The accumulating data about the birth outcomes among Haitian women living in the United States underscores their biomedical risk status. However, it is important for clinicians to also have a more nuanced understanding of the influence of contemporary Haitian culture on risk during pregnancy to accurately assess a woman's risk status. Using ethnographic methods, including participant observation and interviews with pregnant women as well as their providers, this project examines the gender, class, and sociopolitical experiences among pregnant Haitian women living in South Florida. Findings have important implications for clinical risk assessment within prenatal care.
A Curious Case of Anti‐D Antibody Titer
Authors: Hensley Jennifer G. , Coughlin Katherine P. , Klein Laura L.
Published: October 2009

RhD alloimmunization remains a threat to 1% of the 10% of RhD‐negative women in the United States who are giving birth to RhD‐positive fetuses despite routine antenatal and postpartum administration of RhoD immune globulin (RhIG). This report examines the clinical course of an RhD‐negative woman who developed a high anti‐D antibody titer during her pregnancy while carrying an RhD‐positive female fetus yet had a negative antibody screen at the time she gave birth. Although she delivered a healthy newborn unaffected by hemolytic disease, subsequent pregnancies will be treated as though she is RhD alloimmunized. The discussion below includes possible causes for the abrupt rise in this woman's anti‐D antibody titer, a review of the complex Rh system and cellular anamnestic response, and current fetal surveillance for hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn.