bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Near Infrared and Mid-Infrared Spectroscopy for the Quantification of Adulterants in Ground Black Pepper
Authors: McGoverin Cushla M. , September Danwille J.F. , Geladi Paul , Manley Marena
Published: September 2012

Adulteration of food products remains a food security risk. Spices are food components with a high value per unit mass due to their desired flavour attributes and are therefore economically worthwhile targets for adulteration. Vibrational spectroscopy techniques could be ideal to detect adulterants due to benefits such as speed of analysis. Near infrared (NIR) and mid-infrared (mid-IR) spectra were used to quantify the amount of adulterant (buckwheat or millet) in ground black pepper. NIR spectra used for calibration were the average spectra of individual hyperspectral images recorded with a spatial resolution of 300 μm × 300 μm from 1000 nm to 2500 nm at 6.3 nm intervals; hyperspectral images were collected to cope with the heterogeneity of the samples. The calibrations calculated, using the averaged NIR spectra, were more accurate than those calculated from mid-IR spectra. This was a direct result of sample heterogeneity and the insufficient sampling area in the mid-IR measurements. NIR-based calibrations were suitable for process control when the appropriate spectral data pre-treatment was used: standard normal variate followed by first derivative pre-processing of the 1100–2500 nm spectral range resulted in a root mean square error of prediction equal to 2.7% w/w and a ratio of standard error of prediction to standard deviation (validation set) of 11.1.
Wavelength Selection for Development of a near Infrared Imaging System for Early Detection of Bruise Damage in Mushrooms (Agaricus Bisporus)
Authors: Esquerre Carlos , Gowen Aoife A. , Downey Gerard , O'Donnell Colm P.
Published: September 2012

Previous research has demonstrated the potential use of near infrared (NIR) hyperspectral imaging for non-destructive monitoring of mushroom quality. The mushroom industry demands economical and high-throughput imaging systems that can reliably classify groups of mushrooms according to quality parameters. Multispectral imaging systems based on the acquisition of just a few (2–10) wavelengths fulfil these criteria. This research concerns the development of a low-cost robust multispectral system for mushroom quality control which can identify slightly damaged mushroom tissue using NIR spectral images. A three step approach was employed: HI the most suitable pre-treatment was selected; (2) wavelengths with the most stable normalised regression coefficients were identified using ensemble Monte Carlo variable selection (EMCVS); and (3) partial least square discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) models were built using the selected regions (49 nm bandwidth) to simulate a multispectral system. Minimum scaled reflectance spectra produced better results than maximum scaled, mean scaled, median scaled or raw spectra. Five key spectral regions were identified, centred around 971 nm, 1090 nm, 1188 nm, 1384 nm and 1454 nm. A PLS-DA model built using three spectral regions (1090 nm, 1188 nm, 1384 nm) and scaled by the 1454 nm band (minimum reflectance) correctly classified 100% of the physically damaged mushrooms.
Classification of Maize Kernel Hardness Using near Infrared Hyperspectral Imaging
Authors: McGoverin Cushla M. , Manley Marena
Published: September 2012

Maize is an internationally important food crop that is usually milled before use. Milling yield is strongly influenced by maize hardness which, in turn, is controlled by the relative proportions of vitreous and floury endosperm within a single kernel. Current conventional near infrared (NIR) spectroscopic methods for determining maize hardness require reference data, which is obtained by destroying multiple kernels. In contrast, NIR hyperspectral imaging (NIR-HSI) has shown promise for determining the hardness of individual maize kernels without sample destruction or the need for reference data. This is possible due to the spatial dimension, in addition to the spectral dimension, offered by NIR-HSI. To illustrate this, NIR-HSI was used to characterise regions of germ, vitreous endosperm and floury endosperm from both the endosperm-rich (germ-down; GD) and endosperm-poor (germ-up; GU) surfaces of 155 single maize kernels. The proportions (expressed as % of whole image) of germ, vitreous and floury endosperm were determined from these images after principal component analysis was applied. Subsequent manual kernel dissection confirmed that the ratio of vitreous to floury endosperm was higher in kernels determined to be harder by NIR-HSI. The correlation coefficients between the manually obtained proportions (i.e. dissected) and proportions determined from NIR hyperspectral images (i.e. GU and GD images averaged) were 0.61, 0.59 and 0.11 for vitreous endosperm, floury endosperm and germ, respectively. The incongruence between the two types of determination reflects the surface-bias of reflectance spectroscopy. Irrespectively, NIR-HSI reflectance models could be developed without a reference method and applied to rapidly determine very hard from very soft kernels.
The removal of acetabular bone in hip resurfacing and cementless total hip replacement
Authors: Cross M. B. , Dolan M. M. , Sidhu G. S. , Nguyen J. , Mayman D. J. , Su E. P.
Published: September 2012

The purpose of this study was to compare the amount of acetabular bone removed during hip resurfacing (HR) and cementless total hip replacement (THR), after controlling for the diameter of the patient’s native femoral head. Based on a power analysis, 64 consecutive patients (68 hips) undergoing HR or THR were prospectively enrolled in the study. The following data were recorded intra-operatively: the diameter of the native femoral head, the largest reamer used, the final size of the acetabular component, the size of the prosthetic femoral head and whether a decision was made to increase the size of the acetabular component in order to accommodate a larger prosthetic femoral head. Results were compared using two-sided, independent samples Student’s t-tests. A statistically significant difference was seen in the mean ratio of the size of the acetabular component to the diameter of the native femoral head (HR: 1.05 (sd 0.04) versus THR: 1.09 (sd 0.05); p <  0.001) and largest acetabular reamer used to the diameter of the native femoral head (HR: 1.03 (sd 0.04) versus THR: 1.09 (sd 0.05); p < 0.001). The ratios varied minimally when the groups were subdivided by gender, age and obesity. The decision to increase the size of the acetabular component to accommodate a larger femoral head occurred more often in the THR group (27% versus 9%). Despite the emphasis on avoiding damage to the femoral neck during HR, the ratio of the size of the acetabular component to the diameter of the native femoral head was larger in cementless THR than in HR.
Array-Based Karyotyping in Plasma Cell Neoplasia After Plasma Cell Enrichment Increases Detection of Genomic Aberrations
Authors: Zehentner Barbara K. , Hartmann Luise , Johnson Krystal R. , Stephenson Christine F. , Chapman Douglas B. , de Baca Monica E. , Wells Denise A. , Loken Michael R. , Tirtorahardjo Budi , Gunn Shelly R. , Lim Lony
Published: September 2012

The discovery of genomic abnormalities present in monoclonal plasma cells has diagnostic, prognostic, and disease-monitoring implications in plasma cell neoplasms (PCNs). However, technical and disease-related limitations hamper the detection of these abnormalities using cytogenetic analysis or fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). In this study, 28 bone marrow specimens with known PCNs were examined for the presence of genomic abnormalities using microarray analysis after plasma cell enrichment. Cytogenetic analysis was performed on 15 of 28 samples, revealing disease-related genomic aberrations in only 3 (20%) of 15 cases. FISH analysis was performed on enriched plasma cells and detected aberrations in 84.6% of specimens while array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) detected abnormalities in 89.3% of cases. Furthermore, aCGH revealed additional abnormalities in 24 cases compared with FISH alone. We conclude that aCGH after plasma cell enrichment, in combination with FISH, is a valuable approach for routine clinical use in achieving a more complete genetic characterization of patients with PCN.
Reagent-free analytical flow methods for the soft drink industry: Efforts for environmentally friendly chemical analysis
Authors: Mantim Thitirat , Saetear Phoonthawee , Teerasong Saowapak , Chan-Eam Sumonmarn , Sereenonchai Kamonthip , Amornthammarong Natchanon , Ratanawimarnwong Nuanlaor , Wilairat Prapin , Meesiri Wanchai , Uraisin Kanchana , Nacapricha Duangjai
Published: September 2012

The evolution of an entirely green analytical system for industrial quality control of carbonated drinks is described. The developed flow system is capable of providing analytical data of the dissolved CO2, sucrose, and color of a sample consecutively in real-time. The system has been carefully designed on the basis of “reagent-free”, meaning that no added chemicals are required for the analysis. The system first vaporizes CO2 from the soft drink in a gas–liquid separation chamber, with a channel for a flow of pure water as the CO2 acceptor. The dissolved CO2 alters the conductivity of the water stream, which is directly related to the concentration of CO2 in the soft drink. The sucrose content is measured based on the “schlieren effect”, the sample plug flows out of the vaporization chamber into a colorimeter with a near-infrared/light-emitting diode (NIR/LED) as light source. The schlieren effect arises at the boundary of pure water and soft drink with refraction of light in proportion to the sugar concentration. The system also measures the absorbance of the sample using an RGB-LED. The related principles and preliminary experiments as proof of concept are described as well as the construction of the flow system for this completely reagent-free analyzer. A simple flow injection system using the schlieren effect was also developed for rapid quantitative analysis of sugar in noncarbonated soft drinks.
Death of an avatar: Implications of presence for learners and educators in virtual worlds
Authors: Ferguson Rebecca
Published: September 2012

Virtual worlds such as Second Life® offer learners and educators environments in which they can engage in activities that would be too difficult, dangerous or impossible in the physical world. Increasingly, these settings provide learners with a sense of presence – an impression
that their mediated presence is not mediated. Presence includes realistic representations, sophisticated social interaction and immersive experiences. What are the implications for learners when death is introduced into an immersive, but apparently safe and protected, educational environment?
To answer this question, this article draws on a virtual ethnographic study carried out over four years in Second Life and Teen Second Life™. It finds that there are different types of death within Second Life, some permanent and some transient, some wholly virtual, others reflecting
a situation in the physical world. Analysis of the theme of death in different settings and subject categories shows that learners and educators make use of some of these types of death to help with exploration of subjects as diverse as Roman history, military training and classic literature.
In order to make use of these types of death, educators vary levels of realism, immersion and social interaction, thus altering the levels of presence available within an environment. Other types of Second Life death are not typically explored in educational settings but nevertheless raise
a series of legal, social and ethical issues that will need to be addressed by future curricula.
REVIEW
Authors: Mullen Mark
Published: September 2012

A Casual Revolution: Reinventing Video Games and their Players, Jesper Juul (2010) Cambridge, Massachusetts: The MIT Press, 256 pp. ISBN 978-0-2620-1337-6, Hardback, $24.95 (USD)
Observational film: Administration of social reality
Authors: Gronlund Melissa
Published: September 2012

This article identifies a mode of observational film-making among female artists such as Megan Fraser, Beatrice Gibson, Anna Lucas, Rosalind Nashashibi, Elizabeth Price and Emily Wardill, and situates it both formally and historically, in relation to its mode of montaged construction
and its relative downplaying of the importance of medium and installation. It argues that through this approach to the moving image, these artists are attempting to understand filming as an act within a social field, for which the act of filming is more important than the act of display. Secondly,
it seeks to show that their work bears a consistent fascination with systems and with the materialization of administration, mirroring their understanding of identity and gender as relational rather than static constructs.
Films for empty rooms
Authors: Rees A. L.
Published: September 2012

This article is based on a paper I gave for the first seminar of a series organized by the AHRC Artists’ Moving Image Research Network, held at Chelsea College of Art and Design in January 2011 – ‘Rewriting History: Interrogating the Past and the Question of Medium
Specificity’. The printed version tries to preserve the informal style of the talk, including its jumps of focus and attention. At the risk of being churlish about the ‘Moving Image’, which after all is embedded in the name of the Network and that of this journal, I argue
against the notion of a Moving Image culture and its tendency towards homogeneity. I strongly support MIRAJ and its mission, and am glad to be part of it, but I want to question some of the consequences, as I see them, of an inclusive approach to media art in all its many shapes and forms,
to which the Network is dedicated in principle and deed. In particular, I think we need more critical distinction and debate in this ever-growing area of practice. I refer to some of the seminar discussion and objections the paper led to, in the hope of stimulating still more responses. The
debate goes on, in events, conferences and the art press. Originally, I was going to name this paper after King Lear’s angry growl ‘I’ll teach you differences’, but that hostage to fortune pitched it a bit high. I settled for a milder title, and I hope a milder tone.
The moving image: Looped, to be Mukt!1 – the Cinemā Prayōga conscience
Authors: Gangar Amrit
Published: September 2012

Cinema of Prayōga is a conceptual framework that locates the history of experimental film in India within an ancient pre-modern tradition of innovation, of prayōga. Cinema of Prayōga is a theory of filmic practice, which challenges the dominant forms of filmic expression
in contemporary India, including the all-pervading contemporary Bollywood or the social realism of Indian New Wave. Cinema of Prayōga celebrates a cinematographic idiom that is deeply located in the polyphony of Indian philosophy and cultural imagination. It attempts to reconfigure the
generally accepted notion of the experimental and the avant-garde in Indian cinema by conjuring the term ‘Prayōga’ from Indian philosophical thought. Etymologically, the term prayōga in Sanskrit refers to a theory of practice that emphasizes the potential of any form
of contemplation – ritualistic, poetic, mystic, aesthetic, magical, mythical, physical or alchemical. In cinema, it is a practice of filmic interrogation that is devised as a quest toward a continuing process in time and space. This is a cinema that in contrast to mainstream formulations
anywhere else in the world, employs Indian music, poetry, mythology and performance to examine the relationship between their status as filmic texts and the ‘fictions-in-progress’ of their subjects.
Rising from the Ashes: How Brands and Categories Can Overcome Product-Harm Crises
Authors: Cleeren Kathleen , van Heerde Harald J. , Dekimpe Marnik G.
Published: September 2012

Product-harm crises are omnipresent in today's marketplace. Such crises can cause major revenue and market-share losses, lead to costly product recalls, and destroy carefully nurtured brand equity. Moreover, some of these effects may spill over to nonaffected competitors in the category when they are perceived to be guilty by association. The extant literature lacks generalizable knowledge on the effectiveness of different marketing adjustments that managers often consider to mitigate the consequences of such events. To fill this gap, the authors use large household-scanner panels to analyze 60 fast-moving consumer good product crises that occurred in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands and resulted in the full recall of an entire variety. The authors assess the effects of postcrisis advertising and price adjustments on the change in consumers’ brand share and category purchases. In addition, they consider the extent to which the effects are moderated by two key crisis characteristics: the extent of negative publicity surrounding the event and whether the affected brand had to publicly acknowledge blame. Using the empirical findings, the authors provide context-specific managerial recommendations on how to overcome a product-harm crisis.
Buy What is Advertised on Television? Evidence from Bans on Child-Directed Food Advertising
Authors: Huang Rui , Yang Muzhe
Published: September 2012

The authors examine whether the Children's Food and Beverage Advertising Initiative (CFBAI), the food industry's self-regulatory program that restricts child-directed advertising, has been effective in reducing children's advertising exposure and in changing household purchasing behaviors. During 2006–2008, Hershey's, Mars, and Cadbury Adams implemented their CFBAI pledges. The current findings indicate that CFBAI implementation reduced purchasing frequency by households with children of Cadbury Adams's bubble gum (by 80%) but not Hershey's or Mars chocolate. This seems to have resulted from Cadbury Adams's eliminating advertising to all age groups, whereas children continued to be exposed at high levels to Hershey's and Mars chocolate advertising on general programs. The authors conclude that restricting (only) child-directed advertising may not effectively reduce advertising exposure to children, but reducing advertising exposure can significantly lessen household purchasing.
Agents of Change: A Scale to Identify Diversity Seekers
Authors: Brumbaugh Anne M. , Grier Sonya A.
Published: September 2012

People who are interested in learning about and experiencing other cultures can be important to social and policy initiatives undertaken to motivate societal change. The authors develop a scale to identify “diversity seeking,” which they define as a person's propensity to seek out cultural diversity in products, services, and experiences. They examine this scale in three experimental studies and show that the scale measures this propensity and is reliable, valid, and distinct from other constructs. The results also demonstrate that people's level of diversity seeking is related to past, present, and intended diversity-related consumption behaviors. The authors suggest directions for further research regarding application of the scale to leverage the benefits of a multicultural marketplace for social marketing, public policy, and transformative consumer research efforts.
Factors Affecting Judgments of Prevalence and Representation: Implications for Public Policy and Marketing
Authors: Briley Donnel A. , Shrum L.J. , Wyer Robert S.
Published: September 2012

Public policies are typically established to eliminate important social problems (e.g., minority discrimination, crime, poverty). In addition, the importance of these problems, and urgency people feel about addressing them, is influenced by perceptions of their prevalence. These perceptions, however, can be unwittingly biased by extraneous sources of information that lead some people to either overestimate or underestimate the seriousness of the problem at hand. The authors review empirical work on the construction of perceptions of frequency and representativeness and the processes that underlie them. They show that these perceptions are often biased in ways that differ over segments of the population. They conclude with a discussion of implications of these findings for developing public policy initiatives and de-biasing strategies.
In-Group and Out-Group Influences on the Consumption Behavior of Minority Groups: The Case of Gay Men
Authors: Hildebrand Diogo , DeMotta Yoshiko , Sen Sankar , Kongsompong Kritika
Published: September 2012

This article examines how and why members of a stigmatized minority group respond to in-group and out-group influences in their consumption decisions. Specifically, the authors demonstrate through a field survey that gay men are more [less] likely, compared with their straight counterparts, to conform to influences from in-group [out-group] members. Moreover, the authors show that these patterns are driven by differences across these two groups in both their horizontal and vertical collectivism values. In doing so, this article provides evidence of the influence of coping with continual threats to identity (as are faced by stigmatized minorities) on gay men's cultural values and explores these driving role of these values in gay men's susceptibility to influences from in- and out-groups that go beyond those based on majority–minority status.
Endlessly Creating Myself: Examining Marketplace Inclusion through the Lived Experience of Black and White Male Millennials
Authors: Thomas Kevin D.
Published: September 2012

This study qualitatively examines the synergetic relationship between identity projects and the marketplace. The sample consisted of 20 men between the ages of 18 and 29 years; 10 self-identified as black, and 10 self-identified as white. Consumers must navigate multiple sites of identification that constantly shift in importance and involvement. To more closely reflect actual consumers, this study incorporated gender orientation, age, and race into an intersectional analysis. By taking a more “true-to-life” approach to consumption/identity research, this project unearths new knowledge that is proximate to the lived experience of consumers. While both white and black informants use the symbolic meaning of commodities as a mode of self-expression, key differences exist. Dominant discourse pertaining to white and black male identity appears to influence how informants perceive possibilities of self, which in turn affects marketplace interaction. The author concludes with a discussion of ways public policy can be used to remedy marketplace inequities.
Toward Intercultural Competency in Multicultural Marketplaces
Authors: Demangeot Catherine , Adkins Natalie Ross , Mueller Rene Dentiste , Henderson Geraldine Rosa , Ferguson Nakeisha S. , Mandiberg James M. , Roy Abhijit , Johnson Guillaume D. , Kipnis Eva , Pullig Chris , Broderick Amanda J. , Zúñiga Miguel Angel
Published: September 2012

Intercultural competency plays a pivotal role in creating a more equitable and just marketplace in which situations of marketplace vulnerability are minimized and resilience is enhanced. Intercultural competency is the ability to understand, adapt, and accommodate another's culture. In this essay, the authors present a framework of intercultural competency development in multicultural marketplaces. They discuss resilience-building actions for multicultural marketplace actors, specifically, consumers, companies/marketers, community groups and nongovernmental organizations, and policy makers for three phases of intercultural competency development.
Inclusive Economic Development Programs and Consumers’ Access to Credit in Emerging Market Economies: The Public Policy Role of Marketing in Rural Bank Programs in Ghana
Authors: Dadzie Kofi Q. , Dadzie Charlene A. , Winston Evelyn M. , Blankson Charles
Published: September 2012

The mobilization of rural consumers’ potential savings to generate credit for inclusive lending to the rural/urban poor consumers in emerging market countries presents a strategic challenge for policy makers. Large-scale credit aggregation can only be achieved by the use of modern banks. However, rural consumers may resist the use of banks as objects of nonlocal origin. The authors rely on the classic theory of demand aggregation advantage to critically analyze the public policy framework underpinning rural banking for the attainment of inclusive economic development goals of bottom-of-the-pyramid countries. An empirical test of the framework in Ghana's rural banking programs shows that demand aggregation advantage predicts consumer satisfaction with the inclusive lending practices of banking institutions among existing clients but not new clients. The study suggests that the public policy framework for promoting compliance with inclusive lending goals of rural banking programs in Ghana does not adequately consider rural consumers’ interpretation of demand aggregation activities.
Cross-Cultural Cool: Consumer Implications of Urban Identification in the United States and Hong Kong
Authors: Towns Marlene Morris
Published: September 2012

Identification with a particular subculture can mitigate feelings of animosity toward a country and its brands, making steps toward a truly global marketplace. The current research introduces a scale measure of urban identification and tests the urban construct cross-culturally on U.S. and Hong Kong populations. This scale measure shows the effects of urban identification on sources of consumer information, influence, and attitudes toward the United States and American products.
Elastin peptides in aging and pathological conditions
Authors: Baud Stéphanie , Duca Laurent , Bochicchio Brigida , Brassart Bertrand , Belloy Nicolas , Pepe Antonietta , Dauchez Manuel , Martiny Laurent , Debelle Laurent
Published: September 2012

Elastin is the protein responsible for the resilience of vertebrate tissue. It is an extremely stable protein deposited during the early stages of life and experiencing almost no renewal. As a consequence, it can be considered that each individual has an elastin capital for life. Despite its extreme stability, elastin can be degraded by several enzymes termed elastases. Elastases are among the most aggressive proteases, and their presence is increased with age. As a consequence, elastin fragmentation resulting in the generation of elastin peptides is one of the hallmarks of aging. This review will examine their nature and further expose our current understanding of the role played by these peptides in aging and their contribution to tissue homeostasis and several pathologies.
Cooperation experience in a multicentre study to define the upper limits in a normal population for the diagnostic assessment of the functional lupus anticoagulant assays
Authors: Pradella Paola , Azzarini Gabriella , Santarossa Liliana , Caberlotto Livio , Bardin Cristina , Poz Alessandra , D’Aurizio Federica , Giacomello Roberta
Published: September 2012

Background:Phospholipid-dependent coagulation tests for lupus anticoagulant (LA) are considered an important step for the diagnosis of anti-phospholipid syndrome; however, LA laboratory detection is difficult because of many variables. Five hospital laboratories, located in a North-Italy area and using the same method for LA testing, cooperated to standardise sample treatment and analytical procedure in order to define the upper values for LA negativity.

Methods:In total, 200 normal subjects (40 for each centre) were studied for six LA functional assays, using the same procedure, reagent lot and analyser type. The first tests done were LA screen and LA confirm assays, based on diluted Russell’s Viper Venom Time, with low and high phospholipid content, respectively. The second tests performed were silica clotting time screen and confirm assays, based on activated partial thromboplastin time, with low and high phospholipid content, respectively. Finally, two mixing assays were executed for both screening assays, diluting patient sample with a pool prepared with plasma collected from the study population.

Results:Data analysis demonstrated a difference between centres for all assays when results were expressed in seconds; the difference disappeared when results are normalised with the local mean normal value of each centre and are expressed as a normalised ratio. The study population was normally distributed; so the value corresponding to 99th percentile was used as limit value for LA negativity. Values expressed as normalised ratio, for LA and silica clotting time screenings were 1.22 and 1.23, respectively.

Conclusions:The study allowed us to define a uniform approach to LA testing and evaluation for laboratories employing the same methods.
Faecal calprotectin: comparative study of the Quantum Blue rapid test and an established ELISA method
Authors: Coorevits Liselotte , Baert Filip J. , Vanpoucke Hilde J.M.
Published: September 2012

Background: Faecal calprotectin is a non-invasive marker for neutrophilic intestinal inflammation. It can be used in the differential diagnosis between functional and organic bowel disease. Moreover, it correlates with endoscopic organic bowel disease activity. The objective of this study is to evaluate a recently launched quantitative immunochromatographic point-of-care test: Quantum Blue Calprotectin (Bühlmann Laboratories AG, Schönenbuch, Switzerland) in comparison to an established ELISA method (Bühlmann Laboratories AG).

Methods: We included 142 samples, either archived (–80°C) faecal extracts or fresh routine samples. Both the normal range cartridges as well as the high range cartridge from the point-of-care test were used. The ELISA was compared with the point-of-care test and the optimal the point-of-care test cut-off values were searched for using Microsoft® Excel 2002 and MedCalc Software version 10.0.0.0 (Mariakerke, Belgium).

Results: In the method comparison a determination coefficient (R2) of 0.89 was found. The Passing Bablok regression analysis showed a significant deviation from linearity (y=–40.8+1.0x). The use of a cut-off value of 30 μg/g faeces and a grey zone of 30–110 μg/g faeces resulted in the best agreement between the ELISA interpretation and the point-of-care test interpretation, with 89.4% (127/142) agreement and 10.6% (15/142) mismatches.

Conclusions: We may conclude that the point-of-care test can serve as a reliable alternative to the time consuming ELISA in the differential diagnosis between functional and organic bowel disease. Furthermore, it seems to be reliable in the follow-up of inflammatory bowel disease patients.
In vitro effects of three antidepressant drugs on plasma paraoxonase activity
Authors: Saadaoui Mohamed Hachem , Hellara Ilhem , Neffati Fadoua , Mechri Anouar , Douki Wahiba , Gaha Lotfi , Najjar Mohamed Fadhel
Published: September 2012

Background: Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) is important in organophosphates and xenobiotic metabolism and as an antioxidant bio-scavenger. PON1 activity was shown to significantly decrease in depressed patients after antidepressant treatment instauration. Our aim was to investigate the in vitro inhibitory effects of three antidepressants (imipramine, amitriptyline and fluoxetine) on PON1 activity.

Methods: Plasma from healthy volunteers was spiked with antidepressant drugs. The working solutions were then diluted with plasma to obtain concentrations that covered the therapeutic margin. PON1 was tested by a kinetic method in triplicate after incubation at 37°C for 2 h.

Results: Tricyclic antidepressants significantly inhibited PON1. Fluoxetine had no effect. The inhibition percentage for imipramine was 15.6% at 100 μg/L after incubation for 1 h (131±1 vs. 155±2 IU/L; p<0.01). At 350 μg/L, the inhibition percentage for imipramine 19.2% after 1 h and 20.2% after 2 h. Amitriptyline was a stronger inhibitor: 26% after 30 min at 125 μg/L. At 250 μg/L, the inhibition percentage for amitriptyline was 36.5% after 30 min (100±4 vs. 159±2 IU/L; p<0.01).

Conclusions: The tested tricyclic antidepressants significantly inhibit PON1 activity in a concentration-dependent manner. Amitriptyline had a higher inhibition potency than imipramine.
A Role for the Subthalamic Nucleus in Response Inhibition during Conflict
Authors: Brittain John-Stuart , Watkins Kate E. , Joundi Raed A. , Ray Nicola J. , Holland Peter , Green Alexander L. , Aziz Tipu Z. , Jenkinson Ned
Published: September 2012

The subthalamic nucleus (STN) is a key node in the network that supports response inhibition. It is suggested that the STN rapidly inhibits basal ganglia activity, to pause motor output during conflict until an appropriate motor plan is ready. Here, we recorded neural activity during a Stroop task from deep brain stimulation electrodes implanted in the human STN. We intended to determine whether cognitive psychological phenomena such as the Stroop effect can be explained via mechanisms of response inhibition involving the STN, or whether higher cognitive centers are alone responsible. We show stimulus-driven desychronization in the beta band (15–35 Hz) that lasts throughout the verbal response, in keeping with the idea that beta-band synchrony decreases to allow motor output to occur. During incongruent trials—in which response times were elongated due to the Stroop effect—a resynchronization was seen in the beta band before response. Crucially, in the incongruent trials during which the participant was unable to withhold the prepotent response, this resynchronization occurred after response onset. We suggest that this beta-band resynchronization pauses the motor system until conflict can be resolved.
Bcl-x Pre-mRNA Splicing Regulates Brain Injury after Neonatal Hypoxia-Ischemia
Authors: Xiao Qingli , Ford Andria L. , Xu Jan , Yan Ping , Lee Kuang-Yung , Gonzales Ernesto , West Tim , Holtzman David M. , Lee Jin-Moo
Published: September 2012

Thebcl-xgene appears to play a critical role in regulating apoptosis in the developing and mature CNS and following CNS injury. Two isoforms of Bcl-x are produced as a result of alternative pre-mRNA splicing: Bcl-xL(the long form) is anti-apoptotic, while Bcl-xS(short form) is pro-apoptotic. Despite the antagonistic activities of these two isoforms, little is known about how regulation of alternative splicing ofbcl-xmay mediate neural cell apoptosis. Here, we report that apoptotic stimuli (staurosporine or C2-ceramide) reciprocally altered Bcl-x splicing in neural cells, decreasing Bcl-xLwhile increasing Bcl-xS. Specific knockdown of Bcl-xSattenuated apoptosis. To further define regulatory elements that influenced Bcl-x splicing, a Bcl-x minigene was constructed. Deletional analysis revealed several consensus sequences within intron 2 that altered splicing. We found that the splicing factor, CUG-binding-protein-1 (CUGBP1), bound to a consensus sequence close to the Bcl-xL5′ splice site, altering the Bcl-xL/Bcl-xSratio and influencing cell death.In vivo, neonatal hypoxia–ischemia reciprocally altered Bcl-x pre-mRNA splicing, similar to thein vitrostudies. Manipulation of the splice isoforms using viral gene transfer of Bcl-xSshRNA into the hippocampus of rats before neonatal hypoxia–ischemia decreased vulnerability to injury. Moreover, alterations in nuclear CUGBP1 preceded Bcl-x splicing changes. These results suggest that alternative pre-mRNA splicing may be an important regulatory mechanism for cell death after acute neurological injury and may potentially provide novel targets for intervention.
Implementing a Classification Scheme for Enterprise 2.0
Authors: Back Andrea , Irmler Peter
Published: September 2012

Enterprise 2.0 is a broad term. It comprises not only the diverse applications of social software in organisations, but also the cultural and organisational change along with them. A generally accepted classification scheme that covers the diverse aspects of specific social software solutions had not yet been established. Such a classification scheme would be helpful to clarify young terms like Enterprise 2.0 or social software and to establish a common understanding. In this paper we present a classification scheme and how it was developed. Through a literature analysis of publications from academia and practice and of keywords used in online case study sites, 37 classification categories were derived. Based on a survey, 13 classification categories were chosen to be implemented in a web-based case study platform, and their value ranges were determined. Round about 100 case studies in the Enterprise 2.0 Case Study Network e20cases.org have been tagged accordingly and can be easily used for search and retrieval. In this article we describe selected categories in more detail: objectives, fields of application and success factors as well as barriers in the implementation process of Enterprise 2.0 in organizations, as they are not self-explanatory.
From Groupware to Social Media — Extending an Existing Shared Workplace System with Social Media Features
Authors: Prinz Wolfgang , Kolvenbach Sabine
Published: September 2012

This paper investigates major differences between organizational cooperation and social media platforms to identify ways for the evolution of a cooperation platform into a social media platform. This analysis starts with an investigation of existing social media application to identify important characteristics related to organizational cooperation. This is followed by mapping these to traditional cooperation platforms using BSCW for illustration.
The Connected Company — Bridging Data Silos
Authors: Schmaltz Christoph , Aziz Imran
Published: September 2012

Enterprise applications need to be connected effectively to successfully connect employees. This article looks at the different use cases for integrating social software and legacy systems, discusses different integration approaches, highlights the technical challenges and provides an outlook on the next evolution of integration frameworks.
Blick in die Zukunft der Fertigungsmesstechnik
Authors: Imkamp Dietrich , Schmitt Robert , Berthold Jürgen
Published: September 2012

“Scheller, Sicherer, Genauer und Flexibler” ist der Titel der von der VDI/VDE-Gesellschaft Mess- und Automatisierungstechnik herausgegebenen “Roadmap Fertigungsmesstechnik”. Das Dokument liefert einen Ausblick auf die Entwicklung der Messtechnik in der industriellen Produktion in den nächsten zehn Jahren. Es wurde von einer deutschen Expertengruppe aus Forschung und Industrie erarbeitet. Dieses Manuskript fasst den Inhalt der Roadmap zusammen und erläutert die einzelnen Überschriften “Scheller, Sicherer, Genauer und Flexibler” anhand von Beispielen.
Application of Light Refractive Tomography for Reconstructing Ultrasound Fields in Various Media
Authors: Chen Lizhuo , Rupitsch Stefan J. , Lerch Reinhard
Published: September 2012

This paper describes an optical measurement technique, referred to as light refractive tomography (LRT), which enables noninvasive measurement of ultrasound pressure fields in water. The pressure field arising from a cylindrically focused ultrasound transducer is measured separately by means of LRT and hydrophone. Good agreement is achieved between the results obtained by these two different methods. After that, LRT is extended and applied to the reconstruction of density variations in a PMMA block induced by ultrasound. The results appear plausible, however, a quantitative verification is currently still missing, since we know of no other published methods succeeding so far in the measurement of density change in solids induced by ultrasound.
Impedance Spectra of Pt(100) in Aqueous H2SO4 and HCl Solutions Around the Hydrogen Adsorption-Desorption Peak
Authors: Pajkossy Tamás
Published: September 2012

Impedance spectra of Pt(100) in aqueous 0.5 M H2SO4 and 1 M HCl solutions have been measured in a potential range which includes the hydrogen adsorption/desorption peak and the double layer region. In the latter potential region the positive surface charge and the large dc capacitance imply that the double layer consist mostly of adsorbed anions; the capacitance spectra are markedly different for the two systems, revealing that adsorption/desorption is much faster for sulphate than for chloride.
Adsorption of Additives: Hardness and Softness at Electrified Interfaces
Authors: Plieth Waldfried
Published: September 2012

The search for effective additives is important for the development of new metal deposition processes. The hard/soft concept is a possible way for the selection of suitable substances.

Hardness or softness are connected with molecular properties like electronegativity or the chemical potential of electrons. The density functional theory (DFT) provides methods for calculating the respective values. Corresponding function of the side of the electrode is the Fermi energy, the upper level of occupied electron energy levels. Hardness and softness of the electrode depend on the electrode potential. This dependence will be discussed.
Parahydrogen Induced Polarization in Scalar Coupled Systems: Analytical Solutions for Spectral Patterns and their Field Dependence
Authors: Ivanov Konstantin L. , Yurkovskaya Alexandra V. , Vieth Hans-Martin
Published: September 2012

We have obtained analytical solutions for Para-Hydrogen Induced Polarization (PHIP) for several types of coupled spin systems, namely, for AB-, ABX-, AA´A´´- and A2B-systems. Scalar spin-spin interactions were considered the factor, that determines the PHIP spectral pattern; it is the variation of the spin coupling regime (from strong coupling at low field to weak coupling at high field), which is responsible for the PHIP magnetic field dependence. The field dependence of polarization was considered in detail, general peculiarities of PHIP were found, PHIP patterns were calculated for the systems mentioned. Special attention was paid to the effects of field switching on PHIP.
NMR Study of Local and Long Range Dynamics of Adsorbed Water in Zeolite NaY(Br)
Authors: Pahlke Hannes , Lusceac Sorin Adrian , Geil Burkhard , Fujara Franz
Published: September 2012

The dynamics of partially deuterated water in zeolite NaY(Br) are investigated by a combination of several NMR methods for two different loadings, 4 water molecules and 18 water molecules per supercage. Information on local dynamics is obtained by1H and2H NMR spin-lattice relaxation,2H NMR solid-echo spectra and2H NMR stimulated echo decay curves. The water long range diffusion has been studied by1H NMR static field gradient experiments. The most important findings are as follows: The mechanism of water dynamics depends strongly on the degree of loading. This is clearly reflected in both, local and long range motion. The intermediate2H NMR spectra might be explained referring to a model proposed by O'Hare et al.: It is based on two different populations of water molecules performing tetrahedral jumps respectively C2-flips of their OH bonds. Alternative models for the local water dynamics, distorted tetrahedral jumps and a distribution of correlation times, are also discussed.
Lifting of Thermally-Induced Surface Reconstruction on Au(100) Electrode by Protonated Molecules of Dopamine
Authors: Skoluda Piotr
Published: September 2012

A study of the current-potential and capacity curves of Au(100) electrode prepared by flame method provide evidence that not only anions or organic molecules but also cations (protonated molecules of dopamine) can lift the reconstruction. Our investigation indicate also that coumarin hinders the adsorption of these cations and thus delays lifting of the reconstruction. It was found that the deprotonated form of dopamine also lifts the reconstruction but at much more negative potentials.
Differences in wildfires among ecoregions and land management agencies in the Sierra Nevada region, California, USA
Authors: Miller Jay D. , Collins Brandon M. , Lutz James A. , Stephens Scott L. , van Wagtendonk Jan W. , Yasuda Donald A.
Published: September 2012

Recent research has indicated that in most of the western United States, fire size is increasing, large fires are becoming more frequent, and in at least some locations percentage of high‐severity fire is also increasing. These changes in the contemporary fire regime are largely attributed to both changing climate and land management practices, including suppression of fires and past timber harvesting, over the last century. Fire management, including suppression and using wildfire for resource benefits, varies among federal land management agencies, yet no published studies have directly compared fire statistics between federal land management agencies in our study area. The primary response to wildfire on Forest Service areas is immediate suppression, while the National Park Service is more likely to use wildfire for resource benefits. We use fire perimeters and satellite‐derived estimates of fire severity to compare fire statistics for wildfires (fire size, percentage of high‐severity fire and high‐severity patch size) among ecoregions, forest types, and land management agencies 1984–2009 in the Sierra Nevada, Southern Cascades, and Modoc Plateau of California, USA. High‐severity patch size and percentage of high‐severity fire, regardless of forest type, were less (P< 0.05) in Yosemite National Park than on Forest Service lands. Yosemite fires were smaller on average than fires on Forest Service lands on the east side of the Sierra Nevada, southern Cascades and Modoc Plateau. Depending upon whether fires that crossed boundaries were included or not, mean size of Yosemite fires was either smaller or not significantly different from Forest Service fires on the west side of the Sierra Nevada. Even under current conditions, it appears that fire management practices that emulate those used in Yosemite could moderate effects of past land management, restoring and helping to maintain old forest conditions within the greater Sierra Nevada region, including the southern Cascades and Modoc Plateau.
Risk of Violent Crime Victimization During Major Daily Activities
Authors: Lemieux Andrew M. , Felson Marcus
Published: September 2012

Exposure to risk of violent crime is best understood after considering where people are, what they do, and for how long they do it. This article calculates Americans’ exposure to violent attack per 10 million person-hours spent in different activities. Numerator data are from the National Crime Victimization Survey (2003–2008) estimates of violent incidents occurring during nine major everyday activities. Comparable denominator data are derived from the American Time Use Survey. The resulting time-based rates give a very different picture of violent crime victimization risk. Hour-for-hour, the greatest risk occurs during travel between activities. This general result holds for demographic subgroups and each type of violent crime victimization.