bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abdominal Trauma in Durban, South Africa: Factors Influencing Outcome
Authors: Mnguni M.N. , Muckart D.J.J. , Madiba T.E.
Published: October 2012

Abdominal injury as a result of both blunt and penetrating trauma has an appreciable mortality rate from hemorrhage and sepsis. In this article, we present our experience with the management of abdominal trauma in Durban and investigate factors that influence outcome. We performed a prospective study of patients with abdominal trauma in one surgical ward at King Edward VIII Hospital in Durban over a period of 7 years, from 1998 through 2004. Demographic details, cause of injury, delay before surgery, clinical presentation, findings at surgery, management and outcome were documented. There were 488 patients with abdominal trauma with a mean age of 29.2 ± 10.7 years. There were 440 penetrating injuries (240 firearm wounds; 200 stab wounds) and 48 blunt injuries. The mean delay before surgery was 11.7 ± 16.4 hours, and 55 patients (11%) presented in shock. Four hundred and forty patients underwent laparotomy, and 48 were managed nonoperatively. The Injury Severity Score was 11.1 ± 6.7, and the New Injury Severity Score was 17.1 ± 11.1. One hundred and thirty-seven patients (28%) were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), with a mean ICU stay of 3.6 ± 5.5 days. One hundred and thirty-two patients developed complications (28%), and 52 (11%) died. Shock, acidosis, increased transfusion requirements, number of organs injured, and injury severity were all associated with higher mortality. Delay before surgery had no influence on outcome. Hospital stay was 9.2 ± 10.8 days. The majority of abdominal injuries in our environment are due to firearms. Physiological instability, mechanism of injury, severity of injury, and the number of organs injured influence outcome.
A Prospective Randomized Study to Assess the Optimal Duration of Intravenous Antimicrobial Prophylaxis in Elective Gastric Cancer Surgery
Authors: Haga Norihiro , Ishida Hideyuki , Ishiguro Toru , Kumamoto Kensuke , Ishibashi Keiichiro , Tsuji Yoshitaka , Miyazaki Tatsuya
Published: October 2012

The duration of antimicrobial prophylaxis in gastric cancer surgery is not yet established. This prospective randomized study was performed to confirm the noninferiority of single-dose versus multiple-dose antimicrobial prophylaxis in terms of the incidence of surgical-site infection in gastric cancer surgery. Three hundred twenty-five patients undergoing elective resection for gastric cancer were randomized to receive only single-dose cefazolin (1 g) during surgery (single-dose group) or an additional 5 doses every 12 hours postoperatively (multiple-dose group). The overall incidence of surgical-site infections was 9.1% in the single-dose group and 6.2% in the multiple-dose group [difference (95% confidence interval): −2.9% (−5.9%–0.0%)]. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified blood loss, being overweight, and advanced age as significant independent risk factors for surgical-site infection. Single-dose antimicrobial prophylaxis seemed to be acceptable, and choosing multiple-dose prophylaxis may have little impact on the prevention of surgical-site infections in elective gastric cancer surgery.
The validity of multiple choice practical examinations as an alternative to traditional free response examination formats in gross anatomy
Authors: Shaibah Hassan Sami , van der Vleuten Cees P. M.
Published: October 2012

Traditionally, an anatomy practical examination is conducted using a free response format (FRF). However, this format is resource‐intensive, as it requires a relatively large time investment from anatomy course faculty in preparation and grading. Thus, several interventions have been reported where the response format was changed to a selected response format (SRF). However, validity evidence from those interventions has not proved entirely adequate for the practical anatomy examination, and thus, further investigation was required. In this study, the validity evidence of SRF was examined using multiple choice questions (MCQs) constructed according to different levels of Bloom's taxonomy in comparison with the traditional free response format. A group of 100 medical students registered in a gross anatomy course volunteered to be enrolled in this study. The experimental MCQ examinations were part of graded midterm and final steeplechase practical examination. Volunteer students were instructed to complete the practical examinations twice, once in each of two separate examination rooms. The two separate examinations consisted of a traditional free response format and MCQ format. Scores from the two examinations (FRF and MCQ) displayed a strong correlation, even with higher level Bloom's taxonomy questions. In conclusion, the results of this study provide empirical evidence that the SRF (MCQ) response format is a valid method and can be used as an alternative to the traditional FRF steeplechase examination. Anat Sci Educ. © 2013 American Association of Anatomists.
Elastin signaling in wound repair
Authors: Almine Jessica F. , Wise Steven G. , Weiss Anthony S.
Published: October 2012

Skin is an important organ to the human body as it functions as an interface between the body and environment. Cutaneous injury elicits a complex wound healing process, which is an orchestration of cells, matrix components, and signaling factors that re‐establishes the barrier function of skin. In adults, an unavoidable consequence of wound healing is scar formation. However, in early fetal development, wound healing is scarless. This phenomenon is characterized by an attenuated inflammatory response, differential expression of signaling factors, and regeneration of normal skin architecture. Elastin endows a range of mechanical and cell interactive properties to skin. In adult wound healing, elastin is severely lacking and only a disorganized elastic fiber network is present after scar formation. The inherent properties of elastin make it a desirable inclusion to adult wound healing. Elastin imparts recoil and resistance and induces a range of cell activities, including cell migration and proliferation, matrix synthesis, and protease production. The effects of elastin align with the hallmarks of fetal scarless wound healing. Elastin synthesis is substantial in late stage in utero and drops to a trickle in adults. The physical and cell signaling advantages of elastin in a wound healing context creates a parallel with the innate features of fetal skin that can allow for scarless healing. Birth Defects Research (Part C) 96:248–257, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Scarless fetal skin wound healing update
Authors: Lo David D. , Zimmermann Andrew S. , Nauta Allison , Longaker Michael T. , Lorenz H. Peter
Published: October 2012

Scar formation, a physiologic process in adult wound healing, can have devastating effects for patients; a multitude of pathologic outcomes, affecting all organ systems, stems from an amplification of this process. In contrast to adult wound repair, the early‐gestation fetal skin wound heals without scar formation, a phenomenon that appears to be intrinsic to fetal skin. An intensive research effort has focused on unraveling the mechanisms that underlie scarless fetal wound healing in an attempt to improve the quality of healing in both children and adults. Unique properties of fetal cells, extracellular matrix, cytokine profile, and gene expression contribute to this scarless repair. Despite the great increase in knowledge gained over the past decades, the precise mechanisms regulating scarless fetal healing remain unknown. Herein, we describe the current proposed mechanisms underlying fetal scarless wound healing in an effort to recapitulate the fetal phenotype in the postnatal environment. Birth Defects Research (Part C) 96:237–247, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Optimizing websites in the post panda world
Authors: Sweeny Marianne
Published: October 2012

EDITOR'S SUMMARY

Webmasters' traditional approach to search engine optimization was long based on matching query terms with word tokens. The result was a machine‐oriented reflection of presumed relevance among retrieved items. Yet humans interpret content differently, focusing more on meaning than match, prompting programmers to focus on semantics, applied ontologies and predictive machine learning. Google Panda upended tradition with a focus on internal content quality and user engagement as well as the external influences of social media interaction, comments and reviews. Information architects can support a better search user experience through page layout, a flatter architecture, simpler site navigation and strong semantic connections between content and external authority resources.
A metaphor for content strategy
Authors: Dennison Carrie Hane
Published: October 2012

EDITOR'S SUMMARY

The planning, building and furnishing of a house create an illustrative metaphor for developing a website and handling its content. A construction blueprint demands consideration of how a building will be used, the total space, subdivision of space into rooms, intended uses for separate spaces, location and maintenance plans. Similarly, information architecture for a website requires understanding of who the users will be and how they will use the site, what options should be provided, maintenance and expansion plans and budget. Like furniture in a house, website content must be suited to user needs and to the subspaces, layout and functions of the site. Content should be actively managed, enhanced and pruned as needed without hoarding unnecessary material.
How to start sketchnoting
Authors: Erb Veronica
Published: October 2012

EDITOR'S SUMMARY

Sketchnoting is a graphic method for putting thoughts on paper, whether for taking notes or presenting a design process. Figures, scribbles, boxes and arrows provide the raw materials, with no need for artistic ability. Erb presents her process for sketchnoting, starting with preliminary elements to plan the sketch including title, speaker style, description of the talk and any other useful information. Content is captured as boxes holding main points, which can then be refined and connected to reflect flow and hierarchical organization. With these enhancements, the sketchnote gains focus, and personal flair can be added for visual pizazz. The process improves with practice, and the end product, mixing verbal and nonverbal, presents information in an innovative way.
Sustainability: Scholarly repository as an enterprise
Authors: Rieger Oya Yildirim
Published: October 2012

EDITOR'S SUMMARY

The expanding need for an open information sharing infrastructure to promote scholarly communication led to the pioneering establishment of arXiv.org, now maintained by the Cornell University Library. To be sustainable, the repository requires careful, long term planning for services, management and funding. The library is developing a sustainability model for arXiv, based on voluntary contributions and the ongoing participation and support of 200 libraries and research laboratories around the world. The sustainability initiative is based on a membership model and builds on arXiv's technical, service, financial and policy infrastructure. Five principles for sustainability drive development, starting with deep integration into the scholarly community. Also key are a clearly defined mandate and governance structure, a stable yet innovative technology platform, systematic creation of content policies and strong business planning strategies. Repositories like arXiv must consider usability and lifecycle alongside values and trends in scholarly communication. To endure, they must also support and enhance their service by securing and managing resources and demonstrating responsible stewardship.
Identification of the Verruculogen Prenyltransferase FtmPT3 by a Combination of Chemical, Bioinformatic and Biochemical Approaches
Authors: Mundt Kathrin , Wollinsky Beate , Ruan Han‐Li , Zhu Tianjiao , Li Shu‐Ming
Published: October 2012

Previous studies showed that verruculogen is the end product of a biosynthetic gene cluster for fumitremorgin‐type alkaloids in Aspergillus fumigatus and Neosartorya fischeri. In this study, we isolated fumitremorgin A from N. fischeri. This led to the identification of the responsible gene, ftmPT3, for O‐prenylation of an aliphatic hydroxy group in verruculogen. This gene was found at a different location in the genome of N. fischeri than the identified cluster. The coding sequence of ftmPT3 was amplified by fusion PCR and overexpressed in Escherichia coli. The enzyme product of the soluble His8‐FtmPT3 with verruculogen and dimethylallyl diphosphate (DMAPP) was identified unequivocally as fumitremorgin A by NMR and MS analyses. KM values of FtmPT3 were determined for verruculogen and DMAPP at 5.7 and 61.5 μM, respectively. Average turnover number (kcat) was calculated from kinetic parameters of verruculogen and DMAPP to be 0.069 s−1. FtmPT3 also accepted biosynthetic precursors of fumitremorgin A, for example, fumitremorgin B and 12,13‐dihydroxyfumitremorgin C, as substrates and catalyses their prenylation.
Graphene Oxide as Catalyst for the Acetalization of Aldehydes at Room Temperature
Authors: Dhakshinamoorthy Amarajothi , Alvaro Mercedes , Puche Marta , Fornes Vicente , Garcia Hermenegildo
Published: October 2012

Graphene oxide obtained through the standard Hummers oxidation of graphite and subsequent exfoliation promotes acetalization of aldehydes in methanol. It is a highly efficient reusable heterogeneous catalyst because of its advantages of absence of transition metals, sustainable resources, and high activity, large surface area, and accessibility of active sites. Analytical and spectroscopic data suggest that the sulfate groups introduced spontaneously during Hummers oxidation are the sites responsible for catalysis.
Heterogeneous Catalysis: A Key Tool toward Sustainability
Authors: Descorme Claude , Gallezot Pierre , Geantet Christophe , George Christian
Published: October 2012

The scope of this concept article is to demonstrate through few selected examples taken from recent literature that heterogeneous catalysis is presently an essential tool to achieve a sustainable use of resources for energy, chemical, and material production and to preserve and rehabilitate our environment. Using heterogeneous catalysts for the production of fuels and chemicals reduce the energy demand and minimize the formation of non‐recyclable wastes by increasing the activity and selectivity of fossil and renewable resource conversion. It is now the essential tool for the treatment of pollutants in air and water. The efficiency of photocatalytic processes for the treatment of toxic compounds in air and water is also highlighted. The destruction of pollutants by mineral dust in the atmosphere demonstrates the major role that heterogeneous catalytic processes plays for global environmental preservation.
The Impact of Reaction Pressure on the Catalytic Performance of the PdSb/TiO2 Catalyst in the Acetoxylation of Toluene into Benzyl Acetate
Authors: Madaan Neetika , Gatla Suresh , Kalevaru Venkata Narayana , Radnik Jörg , Pohl Marga‐Martina , Lücke Bernhard , Brückner Angelika , Martin Andreas
Published: October 2012

The acetoxylation of toluene in the presence of acetic acid and oxygen was performed over a PdSb/TiO2 catalyst at 210 °C and at various reaction pressures (1–10 bar). A remarkable improvement in the catalytic performance and a significant shortening of the induction period were found with an increase in pressure. At a pressure of 6 bar, the highest toluene conversion of 75 % and 100 % selectivity for benzyl acetate were observed. This result could be due to both the restructuring of the catalyst surface and to the formation of active PdSb particles of desired size, composition, and shape during the course of the induction period. Samples of the most‐active and spent catalysts were studied by ex situ and in situ XRD, XPS, and TEM.
High‐Speed Particle Image Velocimetry Measurements of Turbulent Pipe Flows for Verification of a Fluid‐Dynamic Cavitation Model
Authors: Opitz K. M. , Engel S. R. , Koegler A. F. , Leipertz A. , Schlücker E.
Published: October 2012

The design of reciprocating pumps for the chemical industry requires a detailed knowledge of the apparent phenomena such as undesirable pipe pulsation and harmful cavitation. Since the detailed understanding of the entire mechanism is rather limited, emphasis will be put on the verification of a fluid‐dynamic cavitation model for reciprocating positive displacement pumps. This model was established by means of particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurements carried out at a repetition rate of 2 kHz. The PIV results indicate that the fluid‐dynamic cavitation model corresponds with the physical reality. While common practice dictates that cavitation should be prevented at all times, the proposed model offers a great opportunity for manufacturers to predict a limit for the extent of occurring cavitation.
Synthesis and Chiral Recognition of Nickel(II) Macrocyclic Complex with (R)‐Naphthylethyleneamine Pendant Groups and its Self‐Assembled Framework
Authors: Min Kil Sik , Park Mi Jung , Ryoo Jae Jeong
Published: October 2012

A novel nickel(II) hexaaza macrocyclic complex, [Ni(LR,R)](ClO4)2 (1), containing chiral pendant groups was synthesized by an efficient one‐pot template condensation and characterized (LR,R═1,8‐di((R)‐α‐methylnaphthyl)‐1,3,6,8,10,13‐hexaazacyclotetradecane). The crystal structure of compound 1 was determined by single‐crystal X‐ray analysis. The complex was found to have a square‐planar coordination environment for the nickel(II) ion. Open framework [Ni(LR,R)]3[C6H3(COO)3]2 (2) was constructed from the self‐assembly of compound 1 with deprotonated 1,3,5‐benzenetricarboxylic acid, BTC3−. Chiral discrimination of rac‐1,1′‐bi‐2‐naphthol and rac‐2,2,2‐trifluoro‐1‐(9‐anthryl)ethanol was performed to determine the chiral recognition ability of the chiral complex (1) and its self‐assembled framework (2). Binaphthol showed a good chiral discrimination on the framework (2). The optimum experimental conditions for the chiral discrimination were examined by changing the weight ratio between the macrocyclic complex 1 or self‐assembled framework 2 and racemates. The detailed synthetic procedures, spectroscopic data including single‐crystal X‐ray analysis, and the results of the chiral recognition for the compounds are described. Chirality, 25:54‐58, 2013 © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Characteristics of Activated Sludge in an Anoxic Baffled Reactor
Authors: Wu Huifang , Sun Jian , Kong Huoliang , Wang Shihe , Deng Feng
Published: October 2012

This study characterized sludge from an anoxic baffled reactor (ABR) used to treat textile dyeing wastewater. The process was run over 150 days. On day 152, five sludge samples were collected from compartments 1–5 of the ABR and a set of captive tests was conducted to investigate their particle size distributions (PSDs), dye biosorption and biodegradation properties, and dehydrogenase activity (DHA). The results indicated that the PSD of the five sludge samples from the ABR were similar. Methylene blue biosorption to the sludge samples followed the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model and the actual biosorption process was controlled by external and intraparticle diffusion, simultaneously. After the sludge samples were cultivated for 24 h, the acid red GR dye removal efficiencies were 59.5, 68.3, 76.4, 61.5, and 65.4%, respectively. Eliminating dye biosorption, the dye biodegradation efficiencies were only 38.8, 46.3, 52.6, 48.3, and 46.0%, respectively. Furthermore, the DHA values were 28.2, 45.3, 56.5, 41.0, and 35.0 µg TF mL−1 h−1, respectively, and the DHA variation was in accordance with the dye biodegradation efficiency variation.
Medical use of cannabis. Cannabidiol: A new light for schizophrenia?
Authors: Deiana Serena
Published: October 2012

The medical properties of cannabis have been known for many centuries; its first documented use dates back to 2800 BC when it was described for its hallucinogenic and pain‐relieving properties. In the first half of the twentieth century, a number of pharmaceutical companies marked cannabis for indications such as asthma and pain, but since then its use has sharply declined, mainly due to its unpredictable effects, but also for socio‐political issues. Recently, great attention has been directed to the medical properties of phytocannabinoids present in the cannabis plant alongside the main constituent Δ9‐Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC); these include cannabinoids such as cannabidiol (CBD), cannabigerol (CBG), and tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV). Evidence suggests an association between cannabis and schizophrenia: schizophrenics show a higher use of marijuana as compared to the healthy population. Additionally, the use of marijuana can trigger psychotic episodes in schizophrenic patients, and this has been ascribed to THC. Given the need to reduce the side effects of marketed antipsychotics, and their weak efficacy on some schizophrenic symptoms, cannabinoids have been suggested as a possible alternative treatment for schizophrenia. CBD, a non‐psychoactive constituent of the Cannabis sativa plant, has been receiving growing attention for its anti‐psychotic‐like properties. Evidence suggests that CBD can ameliorate positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia. Behavioural and neurochemical models suggest that CBD has a pharmacological profile similar to that of atypical anti‐psychotic drugs and a clinical trial reported that this cannabinoid is a well‐tolerated alternative treatment for schizophrenia. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Subjective and objective binge eating in relation to eating disorder symptomatology, negative affect, and personality dimensions
Authors: Brownstone Lisa M. , Bardone‐Cone Anna M. , Fitzsimmons‐Craft Ellen E. , Printz Katherine S. , Le Grange Daniel , Mitchell James E. , Crow Scott J. , Peterson Carol B. , Crosby Ross D. , Klein Marjorie H. , Wonderlich Stephen A. , Joiner Thomas E.
Published: October 2012

Objective:

The current study explored the clinical meaningfulness of distinguishing subjective (SBE) from objective binge eating (OBE) among individuals with threshold/subthreshold bulimia nervosa (BN). We examined relations between OBEs and SBEs and eating disorder symptoms, negative affect, and personality dimensions using both a group comparison and a continuous approach.

Method:

Participants were 204 adult females meeting criteria for threshold/subthreshold BN who completed questionnaires related to disordered eating, affect, and personality.

Results:

Group comparisons indicated that SBE and OBE groups did not significantly differ on eating disorder pathology or negative affect, but did differ on two personality dimensions (cognitive distortion and attentional impulsivity). Using the continuous approach, we found that frequencies of SBEs (not OBEs) accounted for unique variance in weight/shape concern, diuretic use frequency, depressive symptoms, anxiety, social avoidance, insecure attachment, and cognitive distortion.

Discussion:

SBEs in the context of BN may indicate broader areas of psychopathology. © 2012 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2013)
Caregiving and coping in carers of people with anorexia nervosa admitted for intensive hospital care
Authors: Raenker Simone , Hibbs Rebecca , Goddard Elizabeth , Naumann Ulrike , Arcelus Jon , Ayton Agnes , Bamford Bryony , Boughton Nicky , Connan Frances , Goss Ken , Lazlo Bert , Morgan John , Moore Kim , Robertson David , Schreiber‐Kounine Christa , Sharma Sonu , Whitehead Linette , Beecham Jennifer , Schmidt Ulrike , Treasure Janet
Published: October 2012

Objective:

The aim of the study was to examine how carers cope practically and emotionally with caring for individuals with anorexia nervosa who require intensive hospital care.

Method:

This study explores objective burden (time spent with caregiving and number of tasks), subjective burden (psychological distress), and social support in a sample of parents (n = 224) and partners (n = 28) from a consecutive series of patients (n = 178) admitted to inpatient units within the United Kingdom.

Results:

Most time was spent providing emotional support and less with practical tasks. Time spent with caregiving was associated with carer distress and was fully mediated by carer burden. This was ameliorated by social support. Partners received minimal support from others, and we found similar levels of burden and distress for mothers and partners.

Discussion:

The data indicate that professional and social support alleviates carer distress and may be of particular value for partners who are more isolated than parents. The data also suggest that time spent with practical support may be of more value than emotional support. © 2012 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2013;)
Effect of dietary organic selenium on fatty acid composition in nutria (Myocastor coypus Mol.) livers
Authors: Głogowski Robert , Czauderna Marian , Rozbicka‐Wieczorek Agnieszka , Krajewska Katarzyna A.
Published: October 2012

Young, female nutrias (n = 13) were fed a diet supplemented with 0.36 mg/kg selenium in selenium‐enriched yeast (SeY; Sel‐Plex; Alltech, Inc., Nicholasville, KY) for 60 days (total Se concentration in the basal diet was ∼0.1 mg/kg). Concentrations of fatty acids (FA) in the liver were compared to those of nutrias on a control diet (n = 11). Animals were sacrificed at 8 months of age and liver samples (approximately 30 g) were collected. The gas‐chromatographic analysis of tissue samples from the experimental group revealed a significant decrease in saturated fatty acids (p<0.001), monounsaturated fatty acid (p = 0.006), and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) (p = 0.02) compared to controls. The linoleic and linolenic acids, which are precursors of n‐6 and n‐3 PUFA, respectively, were significantly lower (p = 0.01 and p<0.001, respectively) in the supplemented group. The n‐6 to n‐3 PUFA ratio was significantly affected (p = 0.001) by the SeY dietary supplement (13.17 vs. 8.93, respectively).
Regional and cultivar comparison of Italian single cultivar olive oils according to flavor profiling
Authors: Tura Debora , Failla Osvaldo , Bassi Daniele , Attilio Cristina , Serraiocco Arnaldo
Published: October 2012

Geographical origin, cultivar, and olive ripening stage are important factors which affect the typical flavor profile of extra virgin olive oils. Aromatic compounds and sensorial profiles of “Casaliva”, “Frantoio”, and “Leccino” olive oils from three different Italian production regions Abruzzo (eastern‐central Italy), Lombardy (northern Italy), and Tuscany (western‐central Italy) were assessed in two cropping years and at three olive ripening stages (green, veraison, and ripe). The chemical aromatic compounds were more effective in discriminating the oils than their sensorial attributes. Oils showed peculiar aromatic and sensorial profiles according to their region of origin. Genetically similar “Casaliva” and “Frantoio” showed also analogous profiles, but distinct from “Leccino”. The interaction between regions of cultivation and cultivars significantly affected the flavor profiling.

Practical applications: This research provides a sound proof that geographical origin, cultivar, and fruit ripening stage, could play an important interactive role in shaping the flavor profiling of extra virgin olive oils. This represents a scientific basis of the “typicality” concept, which should address the marketing strategies for exploiting of the PDO products.
Solid‐phase extraction of nitrophenols in water by using a combination of carbon nanotubes with an ionic liquid coupled in‐line to CE
Authors: Polo‐Luque Mari L. , Simonet Bartolomé M. , Valcárcel Miguel
Published: October 2012

This paper describes the combined use of carbon nanotubes and an ionic liquid directly coupled in‐line to commercial CE equipment for sample treatment. The extraction unit operates as a spin column to preconcentrate the analytes. The extraction unit is inserted into the sample vial. The elution is performed in‐line, placing the vial on the carrousel of the CE equipment. The joint use of carbon nanotubes and ionic liquids as sorbent is based on the high adsorption capacity of these materials, which makes them highly suitable for microextraction purposes. The LOQ of analytes were within the range of 0.65–0.83 μg/L with a RSD of less than 7%. The values of recovery range between 90 and 112%. The absolute recovery obtained from samples containing 1 μg/L of analytes was 38%.
An accurate multiplex antibiotic susceptibility test using a high‐resolution CE‐SSCP‐based stuffer‐free multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification system
Authors: Chung Boram , Shin Gi Won , Choi Woong , Hwang Hee Sung , Oh Mi‐Hwa , Jung Gyoo Yeol
Published: October 2012

The success of antimicrobial therapy depends on effective prescription of antibiotics. Assessment of clinical isolates using rapid antimicrobial susceptibility tests allows effective microbiological therapy to be commenced in a timely manner. However, conventional antimicrobial susceptibility testing is time‐consuming and laborious. In the present study, we employed stuffer‐free multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MLPA) coupled with analysis of single‐strand conformation polymorphisms, via high‐resolution CE, to develop a multiplex antibiotic susceptibility test. Using this method, parallel analysis of specific genetic markers was employed to determine minimal inhibitory concentration values. The values derived using the stuffer‐free MLPA method agreed with those estimated using a conventional broth dilution method. These findings indicate that the stuffer‐free MLPA‐based approach is a viable alternative to the conventional method.
Analysis of thiols by microchip capillary electrophoresis for in situ planetary investigations
Authors: Mora Maria F. , Stockton Amanda M. , Willis Peter A.
Published: October 2012

The detection of thiols on extraterrestrial bodies could provide evidence for life, as well as a host of potential prebiological or abiological processes. Here, we report a novel protocol to analyze organic thiols by microchip CE with LIF detection. Thiols were labeled with Pacific Blue C5 maleimide and analyzed by MEKC. The separation buffer consisted of 15 mM tetraborate pH 9.2 and 25 mM SDS. The optimized method provided LODs ranging from 1.4 to 15 nM. The method was validated using samples collected from geothermal pools at Hot Creek Gorge, California, which were found to contain 2‐propanethiol and 1‐butanethiol in the nanomolar concentration range. These samples serve as chemical analogues to material potentially present in the reducing environment of primitive Earth and also at sulfurous regions of Mars. Hence, the protocol developed here enables highly sensitive thiol analysis in samples with complexity comparable to that expected in astrobiologically relevant extraterrestrial settings. This new protocol could be readily added to the existing suite of microfluidic chemical analyses developed for in situ planetary exploration; all that is required is the incorporation of two new reagents to the payload of an existing instrument concept.
In‐depth proteomic analysis of banana (Musa spp.) fruit with combinatorial peptide ligand libraries
Authors: Esteve Clara , D'Amato Alfonsina , Marina María Luisa , García María Concepción , Righetti Pier Giorgio
Published: October 2012

Musa ssp. is among the world's leading fruit crops. Although a strong interest on banana biochemistry exists in the scientific community, focused on metabolite composition, proteins have been scarcely investigated even if they play an important role in food allergy and stability, are a source of biologically active peptides, and can provide information about nutritional aspects of this fruit. In this work we have employed the combinatorial peptide ligand libraries after different types of protein extractions, for searching the very low‐abundance proteins in banana. The use of advanced MS techniques and Musa ssp. mRNAs database in combination with the Uniprot_viridiplantae database allowed us to identify 1131 proteins. Among this huge amount of proteins we found several already known allergens such as Mus a 1, pectinesterase, superoxide dismutase, and potentially new allergens. Additionally several enzymes involved in degradation of starch granules and strictly correlated to ripening stage were identified. This is the first in‐depth exploration of the banana fruit proteome and one of the largest descriptions of the proteome of any vegetable system.
Neuroproteomics approach and neurosystems biology analysis: ROCK inhibitors as promising therapeutic targets in neurodegeneration and neurotrauma
Authors: Raad Mohamad , El Tal Tala , Gul Rukhsana , Mondello Stefania , Zhang Zhiqun , Boustany Rose‐Mary , Guingab Joy , Wang Kevin K. , Kobeissy Firas
Published: October 2012

Several common degenerative mechanisms and mediators underlying the neuronal injury pathways characterize several neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's disease, as well as brain neurotrauma. Such common ground invites the emergence of new approaches and tools to study the altered pathways involved in neural injury alongside with neuritogenesis, an intricate process that commences with neuronal differentiation. Achieving a greater understanding of the impaired pathways of neuritogenesis would significantly help in uncovering detailed mechanisms of axonal regeneration. Among the several agents involved in neuritogenesis are the Rho and Rho kinases (ROCKs), which constitute key integral points in the Rho/ROCK pathway that is known to be disrupted in multiple neuropathologies such as spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, and Alzheimer's disease. This in turn renders ROCK inhibition as a promising candidate for therapeutic targets for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Among the novel tools to investigate the mechanisms involved in a specific disorder is the use of neuroproteomics/systems biology approach, a growing subfield of bioinformatics aiming to study and establishing a global assessment of the entire neuronal proteome, addressing the dynamic protein changes and interactions. This review aims to examine recent updates regarding how neuroproteomics aids in the understanding of molecular mechanisms of activation and inhibition in the area of neurogenesis and how Rho/ROCK pathway/ROCK inhibitors, primarily Y‐27632 and Fasudil compounds, are applied in biological settings, promoting neuronal survival and neuroprotection that has direct future implications in neurotrauma.
Wood dynamics in upland streams under different disturbance regimes
Authors: King Leonora , Hassan Marwan A. , Wei Xiaohua , Burge Leif , Chen Xiaoyong
Published: October 2012

This paper presents reach scale large wood (LW) budgets of 12 upland streams in the Okanagan Basin of British Columbia. The study included 100 m long reaches at three wildfire sites and three undisturbed sites in the Interior Douglas‐fir (IDF) biogeoclimatic zone, and three recent Mountain Pine Beetle (MPB) infestation sites and three undisturbed sites in the Montane Spruce (MS) zone. Detailed information on wood recruitment, output and storage were obtained from repeated annual surveys. Recruitment from the riparian zone was found to dominate wood inputs, with fluvial import of secondary importance. In undisturbed streams, wood exhumation was found to be of tertiary importance, but was not observed in disturbed streams. Relative wood length was found to be a strong predictor of wood stability, with wood length to channel width and wood diameter to channel depth ratios of 1:1 forming an approximate maximum threshold of wood mobility. Volumetric decomposition was, on average, a third of the value of fluvial export, and the average residence time of wood in the channels was 20 years. In undisturbed reaches, wood storage indicated a slow depletion of wood from the channels. In the disturbed reaches, wildfire was found to significantly increase annual wood recruitment by more than an order of magnitude over undisturbed or control streams. MPB had not significantly increased LW recruitment, but is expected to increase over the coming decades. Storage rates at the disturbed streams indicated a net accumulation of wood over the study period. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effectiveness of Abbreviated CBT for Insomnia in Psychiatric Outpatients: Sleep and Depression Outcomes
Authors: Wagley J. Nile , Rybarczyk Bruce , Nay William T. , Danish Steven , Lund Hannah G.
Published: October 2012

Objective

To test the efficacy of cogntive‐behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT‐I) as a supplement treatment for psychiatric outpatients. Comorbid insomnia is prevalent among individuals with varied psychiatric disorders and evidence indicates that CBT‐I may be effective for reducing insomnia and other psychiatric symptoms.

Method

The present study randomly assigned 30 psychiatric outpatients (mean duration of treatment = 3.6 years) with low sleep quality and residual depressive symptoms to two sessions of CBT‐I or a treatment as usual control group. Assessment included the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) for insomnia and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ‐9) for depression at pretreatment and 4 and 8 weeks posttreatment.

Results

Patients who received CBT‐I demonstrated within group changes in PSQI and the PHQ‐9 scores at both 4 and 8 weeks posttreatment, but did not show between‐group differences. Additionally, 38% of the treatment participants achieved normal sleep at follow‐up compared with none in the control condition.

Conclusions

This study provides preliminary evidence that abbreviated behavioral treatment has beneficial effects on residual insomnia and depression in long‐term psychiatric outpatients.
Qualitative analysis of files of four different rotary systems, before and after being used for the twelfth time
Authors: Yamazaki‐Arasaki Andréa Kanako , Cabrales Ricardo Júlio Salgado , Kleine Brígida Mônica , Araki Ângela Toshie , Dos Santos Marcelo , Prokopowitsch Igor
Published: October 2012

The aim of this study was to make a comparative evaluation of the surface topography of the cervical third and tip of four different rotary systems, before and after being used 12 times, in resin blocks with simulated root canals with standardized 45° curvatures, and analyzed by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM). A total of 1,440 resin blocks with simulated root canals and standardized curvatures were used. The blocks were divided into four groups and prepared by the crown down technique according to the manufacturers' recommendations: Group 1 (G1)—K3®, Group 2 (G2)—Protaper Universal®, Group 3 (G3)—Twisted Files®, and Group 4 (G4)—Biorace®. After each preparation, the instruments were washed and autoclaved. A total of 24 instruments were selected, being three new instruments and three after having been used for the 12th time, from each group. These instruments were analyzed by SEM. To perform the evaluation, 24 micrographs were observed by 12 evaluators who attributed a score to the images according to a template. In the qualitative analysis of the cervical region and tip of new instruments, it was observe that the files of Groups G4 and G2 were the least rough and those of G1, the roughest. In the same manner, the cervical region of the instruments was qualitatively analyzed after the 12th time of using them, and there was no statistically significant difference at a level of 1% (ANOVA P < 0.01) between G2 and G4 as well as between G1 and G3. As regards the tip, it was observed that there was no statistically significant difference, at a level of 1%, between the groups: G1 and G3, G1 and G4, and between G3 and G4, and there was statistically significant difference at a level of 1%, between group G2 and the other groups, with G3 having the greatest roughness (ANOVA P < 0.01). Microsc. Res. Tech., 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Oral biofilm formation on the titanium and zirconia substrates
Authors: Do Nascimento Cássio , Da Rocha Aguiar Caio , Pita Murillo Sucena , Pedrazzi Vinícius , De Albuquerque Rubens Ferreira , Ribeiro Ricardo Faria
Published: October 2012

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this randomized crossover investigation was to assess the biofilm formation on two titanium and one zirconia substrates in relation to the topography and surface roughness of the materials. METHODS: Twenty‐four discs specimens for each evaluated material (Machined pure titanium, Cast pure titanium, or Zirconia) were evaluated after oral cavity exposure in six healthy subjects. The study was conducted in 3 phases according to the material evaluated. Each subject was asked to use a removable splint containing 4 disks of the same tested substrate, 2 located in the anterior, and 2 in the posterior region. Participants were asked to use the intraoral splint during 24 h. The total biofilm covering on the discs was evaluated by 1% of neutral red staining. EMV and surface roughness was carried out to correlate with the biofilm found between different substrates. RESULTS: Data showed higher mean roughness values for zirconia (Zc) when compared with titanium specimens (MPT and CPT; P < 0.001). MPT and CPT presented no differences between them (P > 0.05). The mean percentage (%) of covering biofilm on substrates was 84.14 for MPT, 86.22 for CPT and 90.90 for Zc. CONCLUSION: There were no significant differences in the total area of formed biofilm among the tested groups. No correlation was found between surface roughness and the total amount of formed biofilm in the groups. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Characterization of some tin‐contained ancient glass beads found in China by means of SEM–EDS and raman spectroscopy
Authors: Li Qinghui , Liu Song , Su Bomin , Zhao Hongxia , Fu Qiang , Dong Junqing
Published: October 2012

A total of nine tin‐contained ancient glass beads were characterized by a combination of scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectrometry and Raman spectroscopy. These glass beads dated from 1st century BC to 10th century AD were excavated from the Xinjiang and Guangxi provinces of China. Two kinds of tin‐based opacifiers/colorants included crystalline cassiterite (SnO2) and lead‐tin yellow types II were first found in these soda lime glass beads. The tentative chronology of the tin‐based opacifiers/colorants used in ancient glasses from China and the West was compared. In addition, several transition metal ions colorants were also found in these beads. The detailed study of the glassy matrices, crystalline inclusions, and the microstructural heterogeneities for these glass beads has revealed some valuable information to trace the possible making technology and provenances. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Structural characterization of the capybara (Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris) tongue by light, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy
Authors: Watanabe Ii‐Sei , Dos Santos Haemmerle Carlos Alexandre , Dias Fernando José , Cury Diego Pulzatto , Da Silva Marcelo Cavenaghi Pereira , Sosthines Marcia Consentino Kronka , Dos Santos Tatiana Carlesco , Guimarães Juliana Plácido , Miglino Maria Angélica
Published: October 2012

Capybara is the largest rodent in the world and displays a seasonally dependent herbivore feeding behavior. Here, we present an anatomical contribution for understand this fact, by light, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy methodologies for tongue tissue analysis. The histological preparations revealed filiform, fungiform, vallate, and foliate papillae on the dorsal mucosa of the capybara tongue. The epithelial layer exhibited a lining of keratinized stratified squamous epithelial cells. The lamina propria was characterized by a dense connective tissue composed of the primary and secondary papillar projections. We also revealed the original aspects of the connective papillae. The shapes of the papillae varied by region of the tongue, and filiform, fungiform, vallate, and foliate papillae and subjacent layers of muscular fibers were observed. Pyriform taste buds occupying the epithelial layer of fungiform, vallate and foliate papillae were identified and the intracellular components of the taste buds and the intracorpuscular amyelinated nerve fibers were observed. The taste buds were characterized by the distribution of granular endoplasmic reticulum throughout the perinuclear area, the Golgi apparatus, and mitochondrial assemblies of various distinct diameters. Mitochondrial accumulation was also observed in the collagen bundle‐surrounded amyelinated nerve fibers beside the basal cells. Therefore, these peculiar anatomical descriptions may contribute to understanding the adaptation of the feeding behavior of capybaras in a seasonally changing environment. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
That Used to Be Us: How America Fell Behind in the World It Invented and How We Can Come Back
Authors: DiLorenzo Norma
Published: October 2012

By Thomas L. Friedman and Michael Mandelbaum

New York, NY: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, 2011. 400 pp. ISBN 978‐0‐374‐28890‐7. $28.00

Reviewed by Norma DiLorenzo, PsyD
Effects of brassinosteroid analogues on total phenols, antioxidant activity, sugars, organic acids and yield of field grown endive (Cichorium endivia L.)
Authors: Serna Mario , Hernández Francisca , Coll Francisco , Coll Yamilet , Amorós Asunción
Published: October 2012

BACKGROUND

Cichorium endivia L., either cooked or eaten raw in salads, is a favourite cultivated vegetable around the world and the popularity is attributed to its healthy properties, which are mainly due to its high levels of antioxidant compounds and high content of minerals, provitamin A and vitamins. Brassinosteroids are a family of hormones that are found in plants and which serve as potent growth promoters. The effects of two brassinosteroid analogues, DI‐31 and DI‐100, were evaluated at concentrations of 4, 8 and 12 ppm together with a seaweed extract and amino acid mixture called Tomex Amin to enhance their activity.

RESULTS

All treatments with DI‐100 and DI‐31 resulted in the highest production increases. The chemical variables related to endive quality, such as moisture, carbon and nitrogen content, sugar and organic acid content were similar in the control and treated endives. Total antioxidant activity and total phenols increased significantly in endive treated with brassinosteroid analogues.

CONCLUSION

The results showed that sprayed brassinosteroid analogues mixed with Tomex Amin may play an important role in increasing the yield and the contents of total antioxidant activity and total phenols of field grown endives. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry