bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microbiological diagnosis of tuberculosis in Serbia in the period 2001 - 2003
Authors: Savic Branislava , Vukovic Dragana , Dakic Ivana , Kurucin Tatjana , Vukelic Anka
Published: March 2009

Introduction. The National tuberculosis Reference Laboratory (NTRL) and the National TB Laboratory Network in Serbia, provided data on drug susceptibility profiles of M. tuberculosis, incidence of TB among laboratory workers and on protective measures. Material and methods. The TB laboratory network in Serbia comprises 46 laboratories. 11 laboratories perform acid fast microscopy only, 24 perform microscopic and culture examinations, and complete identification and drug susceptibility testing (DST) is performed in 11 laboratories. Protective measures for laboratory workers are mostly inadequate. Four cases of occupational TB were reported over the study period. Results. DST was performed in 61.8% to 62.8% of bacteriologically proven TB cases. Isolates of M. tuberculosis strains showing drug-resistance ranged from 7.9% to 8.9%, while multidrug resistant (MDR) isolates varied from 2.2% to 2.5%. In order to determine the accuracy of DST in 6 local laboratories, NTRL carried out a quality assurance program for DST. Four laboratories reached 100% agreement with NTRL for rifampicin. At least 90% agreement with NTRL for isoniazid was achieved in three tested laboratories. Conclusion. A relatively low and stable rates of drug-resistant and MDR TB in our study indicate that the situation in Serbia is still satisfactory. However, a reliable surveillance of drug-resistant TB in the region requires routine DST of all patients with culture confirmed TB. This is one of the goals included in the new National TB Program. In summary, all laboratories in Serbia should be included in the quality assurance program and their number should be reduced in accordance with the annual number of analyses performed, geographical location and results of proficiency testing. .
Proinflammatory Impact of Staphylococcus Aureus Enterotoxin B on Human Nasal Epithelial Cells and Inhibition by Dexamethasone
Authors: Yu Rui-Li , Dong Zhen
Published: March 2009

Background

The pathophysiology and etiology of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) are poorly understood. Although a potential role of staphylococcal enterotoxins (SE) in the pathogenesis of CRSwNP has been detected, additional studies are needed on the impact of SE on nasal epithelial cells. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin B (SEB) on proinflammatory cytokine/chemokine releases in primary human nasal epithelial cells (HNEC) of subjects with and without CRSwNP and the inhibitory effect of glucocorticoid on it.

Methods

Epithelial cells of NP and inferior turbinate (IT) were cultured serum free under stimulus of SEB, and interleukin (IL)-ajra.2009.23.32521beta, respectively. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of glucocorticoid on the proinflammatory response was investigated by addition of dexamethasone. In situ hybridization and Western immunoblot assays were used to investigate the proinflammatory impact of SEB on IL-5 and granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) mRNA levels and protein production in HNEC.

Results

Results indicate (1) stimulation of HNEC with SEB resulted in increased IL-5 and GM-CSF expression, which could be suppressed by dexamethasone (p < 0.05), and SEB at concentrations of 1-100 ng/mL effectively promoted IL-5 and GM-CSF release by HNEC (p < 0.05); (2) patients with CRSwNP showed a significantly increased expression of IL-5 and GM-CSF in HNEC than patients without CRSwNP (p < 0.05); and (3) the expression of IL-5 and GM-CSF was significantly up-regulated under the stimulus of SEB compared with IL-1β (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

SEB acts as a superantigen and exhibits a dramatic proinflammatory impact on HNEC, which can be inhibited by the addition of glucocorticoid.
Deleterious Effect of Smoking and Nasal Septal Deviation on Mucociliary Clearance and Improvement after Septoplasty
Authors: Karaman Murat , Tek Arman
Published: March 2009

Objectives

To investigate the effect of septal deviation, septoplasty, and smoking upon nasal mucociliary clearance by using saccharine test.

Methods

Included in this study were 40 patients (15 women and 25 men) who had septal deviation and septoplasty surgery performed between March and June 2006. Patients are classified into three groups: group I (n = 20) nonsmoking patients who had septoplasty surgery, group II (n = 20) smoking patients who had septoplasty surgery, and the control (n = 20) group. None of the control group has nasal breathing problem or smoking history. For determining preoperative and postoperative nasal mucociliary clearance (MCC) time, a saccharine test was performed on the patients 1 day before surgery and at the third month of postoperative control.

Results

Preoperative and postoperative nasal MCC time in patients of group I are statistically significantly lower than the group II (p < 0.01). Postoperative MCC time in group I and II is significantly decreased compared with preoperative MCC time, statistically (p < 0.01). Preoperative and postoperative MCC time of group I and group II is significantly higher than MCC time of the control group (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Nasal septal deviation and smoking deteriorates nasal MCC time and this result can be shown easily with the saccharine test. Properly performed septoplasty surgery decreases nasal MCC time during the late postoperative period but MCC times are still longer than normal. The saccharine test can be used for following up the effect of septoplasty upon nasal mucosa.
Preoperative Prognostic Factors for Olfactory Change after Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Authors: Jiang Rong-San , Su Mao-Chang , Liang Kai-Li , Shiao Jiun-Yih , Hsin Chung-Han , Lu Fung-Jou , Chen Wen-Kang
Published: March 2009

Background

Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) has been considered to improve the olfactory function in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. However, which factors might affect the olfactory outcome after FESS has not been well investigated.

Methods

A total of 70 patients with chronic rhinosinusitis who underwent FESS were enrolled in the study. The potential prognostic factors for improvement in olfaction after FESS were evaluated in these patients. On the day before FESS, the olfactory function was evaluated by a symptom score, a phenyl ethyl alcohol odor detection threshold test, the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test, and a short-term odor memory/discrimination test, and were reevaluated by the same methods 6 months after FESS.

Results

The degree of nasal obstruction, the second minimal cross-sectional area measured by acoustic rhinometry, computed tomography scores before FESS, the degree of preoperative olfactory loss indicated by threshold and identification scores, and coexistence of nasal polyps or allergic rhinitis were not significantly reliable to influence the rates of olfactory improvement after FESS.

Conclusion

Degree of nasal obstruction, extent of rhinosinusitis disease, and coexistence of nasal polyps or allergic rhinitis did not predicate the overall possibility of any olfactory improvement after FESS.
Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine by Patients Attending a Rhinology Outpatient Clinic
Authors: Newton Jonathan R. , Santangeli Louise , Shakeel Muhammad , Ram Bhaskar
Published: March 2009

Background

There are 50,000 practitioners of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) within the United Kingdom. The current U.K. prevalence of CAM use is reported to be 25% and is rising. The national expenditure on CAM is an estimated £1.6 billion. The aim of this study was to explore the pattern of CAM use in patients attending a rhinology outpatient clinic in Aberdeen.

Methods

Questionnaires were provided to 100 patients over a 2-month period. The questionnaire consisted of demographic sections and whether they had ever used CAM from a list of 49 herbal and nonherbal alternative therapies. Subjects were also asked why they used CAM, where they learned of CAM, whether they found it efficacious, and whether their general practitioner was aware they were using it.

Results

One hundred subjects completed questionnaires. Patients attending the clinic were suffering from the most common rhinological complaints including rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps. Sixty-five percent of patients had ever used CAM. Women were statistically significantly more likely to use CAM than men (p = 0.012). Patients who were employed were more likely to use CAM, but there was no significant difference in CAM usage depending on marital status, social class, and age. Only 6% of patients felt CAM use was definitely ineffective. Only 43% of users of CAM had informed their doctor about its use.

Conclusion

CAM usage is growing in popularity. All health care professionals should be aware of this and of the potential for adverse drug reactions occurring. The dangers of noncompliance with conventional medications should be emphasized to CAM users.
Endoscopic Endonasal Resection of Esthesioneuroblastoma: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Folbe Adam , Herzallah Islam , Duvvuri Umamaheswar , Bublik Michael , Sargi Zoukaa , Snyderman Carl H. , Carrau Ricardo , Casiano Roy
Published: March 2009

Background

This study reports the combined experience of the University of Miami and University of Pittsburgh with endoscopic endonasal resection of esthesioneuroblastoma (ENB). A retrospective case series review was performed in a tertiary care university hospital.

Methods

Twenty-three patients, 16 men and 7 women, were reviewed. Mean age was 56.6 years (15-79 years). Nineteen patients received primary endoscopic endonasal anterior skull base resection. Of these, the modified Kadish stage at presentation was A in 2 patients, B in 11 patients, C in 5 patients, and D in 1 patient. Three patients had revision surgeries for recurrent tumors. The main outcome measures were complete resection and margin assessment, short-term and long-term complications, and recurrence rate.

Results

Complete resection and negative intraoperative resection margins were achieved endoscopically in 17 of the primarily treated cases. The two other cases had one patient that required an additional craniotomy approach to complete the resection of a positive lateral dual margin, another patient had positive margins at the orbital apex. All patients tolerated the endoscopic procedure very well with no meningitis. There were four cerebral spinal fluid leaks. Mean follow-up period for the primarily treated cases was 45.2 months (11-152 months), all were disease free at the most recent available follow-up.

Conclusion

In experienced hands and carefully selected patients, endoscopic resection of ENB respects the principles of oncologic surgery, providing an adequate exposure for margin assessment as well as reliable reconstruction of the anterior skull defect with a relatively low morbidity.
Endoscopic Approach to the Infratemporal Fossa for Treatment of Invasive Fungal Sinusitis
Authors: Goyal Parul , Leung Man-Kit , Hwang Peter H.
Published: March 2009

Background

Invasive fungal sinusitis is a progressive disease that can often extend beyond the nasal cavities and paranasal sinuses into surrounding soft tissue and bone. Aggressive antifungal therapy and surgical debridement are the mainstays of management. The pterygopalatine fossa and infratemporal fossa are two regions that are commonly involved in patients with invasive fungal sinusitis. When fungal disease extends to the infratemporal fossa, surgical debridement can be challenging. Traditionally, open approaches have been used for the management of disease in these areas. Advances in endoscopic skull base surgery may allow for less invasive approaches for the management of disease in the infratemporal fossa. This article describes a transnasal endoscopic approach to the infratemporal fossa for debridement of invasive fungal sinusitis.

Methods

Patients with invasive fungal sinusitis extending into the infratemporal fossa were treated with endoscopic debridement. Records of these patients were reviewed.

Results

Endoscopic debridement was performed in four patients with infratemporal fossa extension of invasive fungal sinusitis. Responsible organisms included Aspergillus, Mucor, and Candida. Adequate access and excellent visualization of the infratemporal fossa were obtained in all patients. The endoscopic anatomy and surgical technique are presented.

Conclusion

Endoscopic approaches have been used to manage a variety of disease processes that extend beyond the confines of the paranasal sinuses. Invasive fungal sinusitis disease with extension into the infratemporal fossa can be safely debrided via a transnasal endoscopic technique. The approach provides excellent visualization with low morbidity.
Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma: The Expanded Endonasal Approach
Authors: Hackman Trevor , Snyderman Carl H. , Carrau Ricardo , Vescan Allan , Kassam Amin
Published: March 2009

Background

Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA) is a benign but locally aggressively vascular tumor that may involve the skull base and extend intracranially. Endoscopic excision has become the new standard for smaller tumors but remains a challenge for large tumors, leading some to advocate radiation therapy. We reviewed our experience managing JNA, specifically with respect to utility of the expanded endonasal approach (EEA) for lesions with skull base and intracranial extension.

Methods

All cases of JNA at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center from 1995 to 2006 were reviewed with respect to tumor size and location, vascular supply and results of embolization, skull base involvement and intracranial extension, surgical approach, blood loss, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and recurrence.

Results

Thirty-one cases of JNA were identified. The majority of tumors were completely excised using the EEA, regardless of size or extension into adjacent compartments. Surgical excision of some tumors with intracranial blood supply was staged. Recurrence rates were not associated with extent of tumor or surgical technique. Long-term morbidity was minimal.

Conclusion

Most JNA, regardless of tumor extent, may be completely excised using EEA alone or in combination with minor sublabial incisions avoiding the morbidity associated with larger open approaches or postoperative radiation therapy.
Rigorous modeling and physical interpretation of terahertz near-field imaging using SNOM techniques
Authors: Li Yanlu , Popov Sergei , Friberg Ari T. , Sergeyev Sergey
Published: March 2009

Apertureless scanning near-field optical microscopy (SNOM) operating with terahertz (THz) laser pulses is a subject of great research interest. The Mie scattering theory is commonly used to explain the features of the optical waves produced by field interactions with SNOM tips and microstructures. However, since Mie scattering fails with SNOMs at submillimeter wavelengths, a rigorous model and analysis are desirable to assess the feasibility of the THz tip-enhanced scanning near-field techniques. In this paper, we present a numerical simulation of an apertureless SNOM imaging system in the THz band. A 2-dimensional model based on the finite element method (FEM) is investigated and discussed. The modeling results are in good agreement with the experimental data obtained for this system at 2 THz radiation [8]. Additionally, a physical interpretation using the antenna theory is successfully confirmed by the simulation results.
Prospects for poor-man’s cloaking with low-contrast all-dielectric optical elements
Authors: Mortensen Niels Asger , Sigmund Ole , Breinbjerg Olav
Published: March 2009

We discuss the prospects for low-contrast all-dielectric cloaking and offer a simple picture illustrating the basic obstacle for perfect cloaking without materials with an effective double-negative response. However, the same simple picture also gives directions for less perfect designs allowing for planar transmitted fields, but at the price of phase-slips which can only be eliminated at well-defined frequencies where the phase-slip amounts to a multiple of 2π. As a particular example, we consider assemblies of all-dielectric Lüneburg lenses forming a porous structure allowing for hiding objects inside the pores, independently on the polarization of the incident field. Cloaking must in general be realized with metamaterials realized through sub-wavelength structures, i.e. Λ ≪ λ with Λ being the period and λ the free-space wavelength. Interestingly, cloaking-like operations with Lüneburg-lens arrays perform in the opposite limit with Λ ≫ λ.
Polymer‐Supported Highly Enantioselective Catalyst for Nitro‐Michael Addition: Tuning through Variation of the Number of H‐Bond Donors and Spacer Length
Authors: Tuchman‐Shukron Lital , Portnoy Moshe
Published: March 2009

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Two series of polymer‐bound bifunctional organocatalysts, based on chiral diamine scaffolds, were prepared by solid‐phase synthesis. The series, incorporating a single hydrogen bond donor carbamate functionality, was notably more enantioselective in the Michael reaction of acetone and nitrostyrene than the series that includes a double hydrogen bond donor urea moiety, or the polymer‐bound diamine that lacks sufficiently acidic protons. The best aminocarbamate catalyst promoted the addition of acetone to nitroolefins with enantioselectivity unmatched by known heterogeneous catalysts. Introduction of a short linear spacer between the support and the scaffold improves the activity but reduces the selectivity of the catalyst. Alternatively, an increase in the reaction yield could be induced by the benzoic acid additive.
Characteristics of a group of Hubei Golden Snub‐nosed Monkeys (Rhinopithecus roxellana hubeiensis) before and after major snow storms
Authors: Li Yiming , Liu Xuecong , Liao Mingyao , Yang Jingyuan , Stanford Craig B.
Published: March 2009

Natural disasters can negatively affect primate population demography and social group structure. A clear understanding of these effects has important implications for wildlife conservation. The worst snow storms in nearly five decades hit portions of southern and central China between January 10 and February 6, 2008, presenting a unique opportunity to observe their immediate effects on a previously studied group of Hubei Golden Snub‐nosed Monkeys (Rhinopithecus roxellana hubeiensis) in temperate forests in Shennongjia Nature Reserve, Hubei Province, China. We recorded social and demographic characteristics of the group before and after the snow storms. The average group size decreased from 270 individuals before the storms to 197 individuals after the storms, a reduction of 27.2%. Adult females (30.1%), juveniles (38.1%) and infants (55.4%) suffered higher mortality than did adult males (15.7%). Despite age and sex‐based differences in mortality, the ratios of adult males to adult females, adults to immatures and adult females to immatures remained similar before and after the storms. However, higher mortality among females, juveniles and infants may reduce the group's long‐term potential for growth. Am. J. Primatol. 71:523–526, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hypergolic Ionic Liquids with the 2,2‐Dialkyltriazanium Cation
Authors: Gao Haixiang , Joo Young‐Hyuk , Twamley Brendan , Zhou Zhiqiang , Shreeve Jean'ne M.
Published: March 2009

Gefährliche Nähe: Eine hypergole Mischung aus stabilen Verbindungen reagiert rasch oder entzündet sich bei molekularem Kontakt. Anion wie Kation einer ionischen Flüssigkeit haben einen großen Einfluss auf die hypergolen Eigenschaften und die Zündverzögerung. Im Fall des Kations 2,2‐Dialkyltriazanium sind die Nitrat‐, Chlorid‐, Nitrocyanamid‐ und Dicyanamidsalze hypergol.

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Direct Aerosol Synthesis of Large‐Pore Amorphous Mesostructured Aluminosilicates with Superior Acid‐Catalytic Properties
Authors: Pega Stéphanie , Boissière Cédric , Grosso David , Azaïs Thierry , Chaumonnot Alexandra , Sanchez Clément
Published: March 2009

An old dream comes true: A direct and environmentally benign synthetic strategy was developed for the aerosol‐based mass production of large‐pore mesostructured aluminosilicate powders (see TEM image). Although amorphous, some powders exhibit higher activity towards m‐xylene isomerization and lower coke formation than a Y‐zeolite based industrial reference catalyst.

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Single‐Scan 2D Hadamard NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Tal Assaf , Shapira Boaz , Frydman Lucio
Published: March 2009

Scan and deliver: By combining imaging‐based spectral/spatial 2D radiofrequency manipulations (see scheme, left) with Hadamard‐weighting principles, 2D NMR spectra can be retrieved within a single scan (right). This approach can give homo‐ or heteronuclear correlations with an enhanced sensitivity over conventional ultrafast 2D NMR spectroscopy.

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Hypergolic Ionic Liquids with the 2,2‐Dialkyltriazanium Cation
Authors: Gao Haixiang , Joo Young‐Hyuk , Twamley Brendan , Zhou Zhiqiang , Shreeve Jean'ne M.
Published: March 2009

No flame, no gain: A hypergolic mixture is composed of stable species that readily react/ignite on molecular contact. Both the anion and the cation in an ionic liquid play prominent roles in determining hypergolic properties as well as ignition delay times. With the 2,2‐dialkyltriazanium cation, salts with nitrate, chloride, nitrocyanamide, and dicyanamide anions are hypergolic.

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Zweihundert Jahre Soleleitung Reichenhall–Rosenheim – Ein bayerisches Wasserbau‐Großprojekt vor dem Hintergrund der zeitgenössischen Ingenieurwissenschaft
Authors: Holzer Stefan M.
Published: March 2009

In den Jahren von 1807 bis 1810, also vor zweihundert Jahren, wurde in Bayern ein wasserbauliches Großprojekt verwirklicht: Die Salzquellen in Reichenhall wurden mit der 79km entfernten, neugegründeten Saline in Rosenheim durch eine Soleleitung verbunden. Zwischen 1816 und 1817 kam noch die Verlängerung dieser Leitung von Reichenhall bis zum Salzbergwerk in Berchtesgaden zur Ausführung. Die Soleleitung und die Salzgewinnung in Rosenheim blieben bis 1958 in Betrieb. Bei beiden Soleleitungen waren erhebliche Höhenunterschiede zu bewältigen, was die Einrichtung leistungsstarker Pumpwerke erforderte. Dieser Beitrag erläutert am Beispiel der bayerischen Salz‐Pipeline den damaligen Stand der Ingenieurwissenschaft zum Themenkreis des Rohrleitungs‐ und Anlagenbaus und stellt die schnelle Adaption wissenschaftlicher Erkenntnisse für baupraktische Aufgaben durch deutsche Ingenieure heraus, insbesondere für die rechnerische Bemessung und Auslegung.
Non‐viral gene delivery transfection profiles influence neuronal architecture in an in vitro co‐culture model
Authors: Houchin‐Ray Tiffany , Zelivyanskaya Marina , Huang Alyssa , Shea Lonnie D.
Published: March 2009

Gene delivery from tissue engineering scaffolds can induce expression of tissue inductive factors to stimulate the cellular processes required for regeneration. Transfected cells secrete diffusible proteins that can create local concentration gradients, depending on the number, distribution, and expression level of transfected cells. These gradients are linked to cellular organization and tissue architecture during embryogenesis. In this report, we investigate neuronal architecture and neurite guidance in response to the concentration gradients achieved by localized secretion of a neurotrophic factor from transfected cells. A co‐culture model was employed to examine neuronal responses to multiple transfection profiles, which affects the local concentration of secreted nerve growth factor (NGF). Neuronal architecture, as defined by number of neurites per neuron and length of neurites, was influenced by the transfection profile. Low levels of NGF production by few transfected cells produced longer primary neurites with less branching relative to the higher expression levels or increased numbers of transfected cells. Furthermore, for low NGF production by few transfected cells, the growth cone of the axons was marked by longer extensions and larger surface area, suggesting the presence of a guidance cue. Control studies with varying NGF concentrations did not substantially alter the neuronal architecture, further supporting an effect of localized concentration gradients, and not simply the concentration. Mathematical modeling of NGF diffusion was employed to predict the concentration gradients produced by the transfection profiles, and the resultant gradients were correlated to the cellular response. This report connects the transfection profile, concentration gradients, and the resulting cellular architecture, suggesting a critical design consideration for the application of gene delivery to regenerative medicine. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2009;103: 1023–1033. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dissection of Two Acyl‐Transfer Reactions Centered on Acyl‐S‐Carrier Protein Intermediates for Incorporating 5‐Chloro‐6‐methyl‐O‐methylsalicyclic Acid into Chlorothricin
Authors: He Qing‐Li , Jia Xin‐Ying , Tang Man‐Cheng , Tian Zhen‐Hua , Tang Gong‐Li , Liu Wen
Published: March 2009

Making the microbes work for us: An acyl‐carrier‐protein‐centered strategy that involves two distinct acyl‐transfer steps for generation and regiospecific attachment of the 5‐chloro‐6‐methyl‐O‐methylsalicyl group onto the C3′ position of D‐olivose was elucidated in the biosynthetic pathway of chlorothricin. Identification of the mutant of the acyltransferase‐associated intermediate validated the critical role of the highly conserved Cys residue, which channels the acyl transfer by using its thiolate side chain as a nucleophile in a two‐step process.

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Cell‐Permeable β‐Peptide Inhibitors of p53/hDM2 Complexation
Authors: Harker Elizabeth A. , Schepartz Alanna
Published: March 2009

Look at what the cat(ionic motif) dragged in! We report a general strategy to increase the cell permeability of β3‐peptides. Introduction of a minimal cationic motif within the folded structure of a high‐affinity β3‐peptide ligand for hDM2 led to molecules with high 314‐helical structure, high hDM2 affinity and sufficient cell permeability to upregulate p53‐dependent genes in live mammalian cells. Minimally cationic β3‐peptides represent the critical first step towards a class of protease‐resistant peptidomimetics that might modulate intracellular biological pathways.

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Design of Protein–Protein Interaction Inhibitors Based on Protein Epitope Mimetics
Authors: Robinson John A.
Published: March 2009

On the scaffold: Grafting protein epitopes onto conformationally designed scaffolds represents a very promising approach to protein ligand design, with potential applications in many areas of chemical biology and molecular medicine. The highlighted article describes the design and anticancer activity of novel p53/MDM2 inhibitors built upon a scorpion toxin scaffold. Other approaches to protein epitope mimetics are also briefly discussed.

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Green Medium for the Hydrolysis of 5‐Cyanovaleramide
Authors: Duan P.‐G. , Li S. , Yang Y. , Wang Z.‐Z. , Dai L.‐Y.
Published: March 2009

Hydrolysis of 5‐cyanovaleramide (5‐CVAM) in near‐critical water without the addition of any catalyst has been demonstrated. The results demonstrated that the cyano group at one end of the carbon of 5‐CVAM is more reactive than the amide group at the other end, under the same experimental conditions. The relations between 5‐CVAM concentration and residence time revealed that hydrolysis of 5‐CVAM shows second‐order reaction kinetics in the investigated temperature range. The rate constants, average apparent activation energy and pre‐exponential factor were evaluated according to the Arrhenius equation. Based on the experimental results, a carbon balance was calculated, and a hydrolysis reaction scheme of 5‐CVAM was proposed.
Tuning of Electronic Properties of Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes under Homogenous Conditions
Authors: Maeda Yutaka , Sagara Akiko , Hashimoto Masahiro , Hirashima Yuya , Sode Katsuya , Hasegawa Tadashi , Kanda Makoto , Ishitsuka Midori O. , Tsuchiya Takahiro , Akasaka Takeshi , Okazaki Toshiya , Kataura Hiromichi , Lu Jing , Nagase Shigeru , Takeuchi Seiji
Published: March 2009

Reversible and non‐bonding interaction between SWNTs and ODCB is observed from the analyses of visible near‐infrared absorption data and Raman spectroscopies (see spectra). The solvent effect on SWNTs effectively controls the electronic structure of SWNTs under homogeneous conditions.

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The dispersion of single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) in o‐dichlorobenzene (ODCB) is studied. Reversible and non‐bonding interaction between SWNTs and ODCB is observed from the analyses of visible near‐infrared (Vis‐NIR) absorption data and Raman spectroscopy. This interaction should be one of the important factors for stable dispersion of SWNTs in ODCB. The solvent effect on SWNTs effectively controls the electronic structure of SWNTs under homogeneous conditions.
Dynamics of gonococcal type IV pili during infection
Authors: Opitz Dirk , Clausen Martin , Maier Berenike
Published: March 2009

Keep that motor running: Type IV pili are among the strongest molecular motors characterized to date. Herein it is reported that pilus motors of the human pathogen Neisseria gonorrhoeae are very active for at least one day post‐infection of epithelial cells. They generate force in the range on 70 pN and retract at a higher velocity as compared to abiotic environments (see picture).

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Type IV pili are important bacterial virulence factors that mediate attachment to mammalian host cells and elicit downstream signals. When adhered to abiotic surfaces, the human pathogen Neisseria gonorrhoeae generates force by retracting these polymeric cell appendages. We recently found that single pili generate stalling forces that exceed 100 pN, but it is unclear whether bacteria generate force once they adhere to their human host cells. Here, we report that pili retract very actively during infection of human epithelial cells. The retraction velocity is bimodal and the high velocity mode persisted at higher forces in contrast to an abiotic environment. Bacteria generate considerable force during infection, but the maximum force is reduced from 120±40 pN on abiotic surfaces to 70±20 pN on epithelial cells, most likely due to elastic effects. Velocity and maximum force of pilus retraction are largely independent of the infection period within 1 h and 24 h post‐infection. Thus, the force generated by type IV pili during infection is high enough to induce cytoskeletal rearrangements in the host cell.
Electron‐Capture‐Induced Dissociation of Microsolvated Di‐ and Tripeptide Monocations: Elucidation of Fragmentation Channels from Measurements of Negative Ions
Authors: Zettergren Henning , Adoui Lamri , Bernigaud Virgile , Cederquist Henrik , Haag Nicole , Holm Anne I. S. , Huber Bernd A. , Hvelplund Preben , Johansson Henrik , Kadhane Umesh , Koefoed Larsen Mikkel , Liu Bo , Manil Bruno , Brøndsted Nielsen Steen , Panja Subhasis , Rangama Jimmy , Reinhed Peter , Schmidt Henning T. , Støchkel Kristian
Published: March 2009

The branching ratio between ammonia loss and NCα bond cleavage of singly charged microsolvated peptides after electron capture from cesium depends on the solvent molecule attached. Density functional calculations reveal that for [GA+H]+(CE) (G=glycine, A=alanine, CE=crown ether), the singly occupied molecular orbital of the neutral radical is located mainly on the amide group (see picture).

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The results from an experimental study of bare and microsolvated peptide monocations in high‐energy collisions with cesium vapor are reported. Neutral radicals form after electron capture from cesium, which decay by H loss, NH3 loss, or NCα bond cleavage into characteristic z. and c fragments. The neutral fragments are converted into negatively charged species in a second collision with cesium and are identified by means of mass spectrometry. For protonated GA (G=glycine, A=alanine), the branching ratio between NH3 loss and NCα bond cleavage is found to strongly depend on the molecule attached (H2O, CH3CN, CH3OH, and 18‐crown‐6 ether (CE)). Addition of H2O and CH3OH increases this ratio whereas CH3CN and CE decrease it. For protonated AAA ([AAA+H]+), a similar effect is observed with methanol, while the ratio between the z1 and z2 fragment peaks remains unchanged for the bare and microsolvated species. Density functional theory calculations reveal that in the case of [GA+H]+(CE), the singly occupied molecular orbital is located mainly on the amide group in accordance with the experimental results.
On the Origin of the “Giant” Electroclinic Effect in a “De Vries”‐Type Ferroelectric Liquid Crystal Material for Chirality Sensing Applications
Authors: Kapernaum Nadia , Walba David M. , Korblova Eva , Zhu Chenhui , Jones Chris , Shen Yongqian , Clark Noel A. , Giesselmann Frank
Published: March 2009

W415 is a chiral smectic compound with a remarkably weak temperature dependence of its giant electroclinic effect in the liquid crystalline smectic A* phase. Furthermore it possesses a high spontaneous polarization in the smectic C* phase. The origin of this striking electroclinic effect is the co‐occurrence of a de Vries‐type ordering with a weak first‐order tilting transition (see the synchroton X‐ray scattering profiles).

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Sustainability evaluation of biodiesel production using multicriteria decision‐making
Authors: Dinh Linh T.T. , Guo Yuyan , Mannan M. Sam
Published: March 2009

Higher crude‐oil prices, increases in energy imports, concerns about petroleum supplies, and greater recognition of environmental consequences of fossil fuels have spurred a search for alternative sources of fuel. In the aspect of choosing an appropriate source for a long‐term development, it is necessary to decide which is the most sustainable. This article describes a systematic method based on Analytical Hierarchical Process technique to compare biodiesel feedstock alternatives on technical, economical, and sustainable aspects throughout life cycles of biodiesel production. Five biodiesel feedstocks which are jatropha, algae, palm oil, rapeseed, and soybean are taken into consideration in a quantified evaluation. Among these alternatives and with a recommended scoring structure, biodiesel from algae is shown in the calculation results to be the highest ranking substitute for diesel fuel due to its overall better performance in the aspects of environment, economical, safety, raw material performance, and fuel performance. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2009
Toward developing competent evaluation managing
Authors: Baizerman Michael , Compton Donald W.
Published: March 2009

Here the essentials of the expertise of managing are presented as orientation toward (ethos, stance, and gaze), knowledge about, and knowledge how‐to (“know‐how”). These are grounded to specific content, summarized, and then connected to a typology of managing evaluation. The orienting questions for the field are reviewed to reveal what it means to prepare expert evaluation managers and expertise in managing evaluation. This includes very brief introductions to curricula, pedagogy, and learning styles. A short discussion presents a proposed managing career path for evaluators and nonevaluators. The chapter ends with two answers to focal questions of the text and a stance for the profession on the practice and preparation for managing evaluation. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Kinematics of level terrestrial and underwater walking in the California newt, Taricha torosa
Authors: Ashley‐Ross Miriam A. , Lundin Rebecca , Johnson Kristy L.
Published: March 2009

Salamanders are acknowledged to be the closest postural model of early tetrapods and are capable of walking both in a terrestrial environment and while submerged under water. Nonetheless, locomotion in this group is poorly understood, as is underwater pedestrian locomotion in general. We, therefore, quantified the movements of the body axis and limbs of the California newt, Taricha torosa, during steady‐speed walking in two environments, both of which presented a level surface: a treadmill and a trackway that was submerged in an aquarium. For treadmill walking at a relative speed of 0.63 snout–vent lengths (SVL)/sec, newts used a diagonal couplets lateral sequence walk with a duty factor of 77%. In contrast, submerged speeds were nearly twice as fast, with a mean of 1.19 SVL/sec. The submerged gait pattern was closer to a trot, with a duty factor of only 41%, including periods of suspension. Environment appears to play a critical role in determining gait differences, with reduction of drag being one of the most important determinants in increasing duration of the swing phase. Quantitative analysis of limb kinematics showed that underwater strides were more variable than terrestrial ones, but overall were strikingly similar between the two environments, with joint movement reversals occurring at similar points in the step cycle. It is suggested that the fundamental walking pattern appears to function well under multiple conditions, with only minor changes in motor control necessary. J. Exp. Zool. 311A:240–257, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecularly imprinted polymer for solid‐phase extraction of ephedrine and analogs from human plasma
Authors: Lasáková Martina , Thiébaut Didier , Jandera Pavel , Pichon Valérie
Published: March 2009

A molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) was synthesized and evaluated to selectively extract ephedrine from human plasma. The MIP synthesis was performed in chloroform with methacrylic acid as a functional monomer and the target alkaloid as a template molecule. The resulting MIP was applied to the selective extraction of ephedrine from a pure aqueous medium. A recovery about 74% was obtained using the MIP with only 7% on the nonimprinted polymer (NIP). A very straightforward selective SPE procedure was then successfully applied to the direct extraction of ephedrine from spiked human plasma with a high extraction recovery (68%) on the MIP with no recovery on the NIP. Moreover, the MIP was used for the selective extraction of catecholamine neurotransmitters, i.e. adrenaline and noradrenaline.
Structure determination of Aervins A‐D, new coumaronochromone analogues from Aerva persica, by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Imran Muhammad , Ibrahim Muhammad , Riaz Naheed , Malik Abdul
Published: March 2009

Aervins A‐D (1‐4), four new coumaronochromone analogues have been isolated from the CHCl3‐soluble fraction of the MeOH extract of the whole plant of Aerva persica. Their structures were assigned based on 1H NMR, 13C NMR spectra, DEPT, and by 2DNMR experiments. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simulation of brittle crack growth in functionally graded materials
Authors: Mahnken Rolf
Published: March 2009

We consider a thermodynamic consistent framework for crack propagation by applying a dissipation inequality to a time dependent migrating control volume. The direction of crack growth is obtained in terms of material forces as a result of the principle of maximum dissipation. In the numerical implementation a staggered algorithm – deformation update for fixed geometry followed by geometry update for fixed deformation – is employed within each time increment. The corresponding mesh is generated by combining Delaunay triangulation with local mesh refinement. A numerical example with inhomogeneous material properties illustrates the capability of the resulting algorithm. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Perturbation Sensitivity and Limit Loads of Shells
Authors: Pontow J. , Dinkler D.
Published: March 2009

The perturbation sensitivity and its influence on the limit loads of shells are widely discussed phenomena. Both phenomena may be classified with respect to the type of perturbation. As perturbations influence the stability of shells, the identification of unfavourable perturbations is essential. The perturbation energy concept enables to identify unfavourable non–initial perturbation loads and to evaluate the perturbation sensitivity of fundamental states by the perturbation energy. This measure is also the basis for a load–level–specific optimisation of the perturbation sensitivity. Hence, the present paper discusses primarily the perturbation sensitivity of axially loaded cylindrical shells with different boundary conditions. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Longitudinal track‐bridge interaction due to loading sequences
Authors: Widarda D.R. , Ruge P. , Birk C.
Published: March 2009

For continuously welded rails the longitudinal track–bridge interaction plays an important role. The coupling between track and bridge consists of a ballasted interface or a slab track with rail–pads.

European codes describe this coupling by means of a bilinear force–displacement relation with making a difference wether the track is loaded or not.

This contribution is focussed on an incremental treatment of the long–term loading from seasonal temperature–change followed by several cycles unloaded–loaded–unloaded due to passing trains. As one cycle happens in a rather short time, the mass accelerations are involved, too. The load–character of the coupling–variation will be explained and a comparison between a statical and a dynamical treatment will be presented. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Overexpression of Akt/PKB modulates N‐myristoyltransferase activity in cancer cells
Authors: Shrivastav Anuraag , Varma Shailly , Senger Arnie , Khandelwal Ramji L , Carlsen Svein , Sharma Rajendra K
Published: March 2009

N‐myristoyltransferase (NMT) catalyses the myristoylation reaction. Since NMT activity is elevated in various cancers and activated Akt/PKB leads to cell survival, we were interested in studying if activation of Akt/PKB has any effect on NMT. Overexpression of constitutively active Akt/PKB in HepG2 cells (HepG2‐CA‐Akt/PKB) led to an approximately 50% reduction of NMT compared with parental HepG2 cells. Reduced NMT activity in HepG2‐CA‐Akt/PKB was found to be due to the NMT1 phosphorylation. We determined NMT activity in various human breast cancer cell lines with differing metastatic potentials and pseudo‐normal breast cells (HBL‐100). Tumourigenic or metastatic breast cancer cell lines such as MDA‐MB‐231, MDA‐MB‐435, and Hs 578T displayed reduced NMT activity. Western blot analysis revealed that NMT1 is phosphorylated in these breast cancer cells. Furthermore, patients' breast cancer tissue array revealed strong positivity and high intensity for NMT in malignant breast tissues compared with normal breast cells. A gradation in the NMT staining was observed for grade I, II, and III infiltrating ductal carcinoma breast tissues. These studies demonstrate that overexpression of Akt/PKB results in NMT1 phosphorylation and that NMT1 is phosphorylated in breast cancer cells. Immunohistochemical analysis suggests that NMT may prove to be an added diagnostic biomarker for breast cancer. Copyright © 2009 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New genetic opportunities from legume intercrops for controlling Striga spp. parasitic weeds
Authors: Hooper Antony M , Hassanali Ahmed , Chamberlain Keith , Khan Zeyaur , Pickett John A
Published: March 2009

In smallholder farming in East Africa, intercropping of maize with the cattle forage legume, Desmodium uncinatum Jacq., prevents parasitism by Striga hermonthica (Del.) Benth. (witchweed) through an allelopathic mechanism. Isoschaftoside, a di‐C‐glycosylflavone, isolated from the root extract and root exudate of Desmodium, interferes with in vitro radicle development of germinated Striga. The biosynthetic pathway of this class of compound is already mostly present in edible legumes and in cereals, so characterisation of the enzyme and genes that control C‐glycosylflavone biosynthesis has the potential to create this protection mechanism in other agriculturally important plants. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Interconnection between ground state and excited state gain in InAs/GaAs quantum dot semiconductor optical amplifiers
Authors: Crowley M. T. , Andreev A. D. , Piwonski T. , Houlihan J. , O'Reilly E. P. , Huyet G.
Published: March 2009

Different energy levels are generally assumed to be associated with ground state (GS) and excited state (ES) gain in semiconductor quantum dot lasers and amplifiers. We present calculations based on an 8 band k ·P Hamiltonian which show that this is not the case. Two distinct absorption bands are calculated due to transitions between the GS electrons and all dot hole states. In addition to the peak due to transitions between GS electron and GS hole levels, a higher energy band is also calculated due to transitions between GS electrons and highly excited dot hole states. We demonstrate that the removal of electron–hole pairs through stimulated emission at the ES gain maximum can result in an amplitude reduction for a probe pulse tuned to the GS gain maximum, due to the existence of these higher energy transitions, and also due to the effects of two photon absorption. We also find that the instantaneous phase change at the ES gain maximum due to dot to dot interband transitions is small compared to the measured value. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Evaluation of a screening method for classifying virgin and recycled paper and board samples
Authors: Asensio Esther , Nerín Cristina
Published: March 2009

This paper deals with the study of volatile compounds released by recycled paper and board. The aim of the study was to demonstrate the feasibility of headspace procedure coupled to gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) applied to complex paper‐based samples together with a chemometric procedure as a powerful method for screening potential volatile contaminants released by the recycled and virgin paper samples. Using this procedure, the identification of virgin or recycled paper could be achieved based on the identification on specific markers of the recycled pulp. Fifteen different samples within virgin and recycled paper were studied. After equilibration, the vapour phase of the samples was analysed by automatic headspace coupled online to GC/MS. The analytical approach for volatile compounds, their identification and the selection of some compounds as markers for recycled pulp are shown and discussed. A discriminate analysis applied to the set of results obtained allows classification of the samples into four different groups according to the content of recycled pulp (0, 10–30 and > 80% of recycled pulp), the surface treatment of the paper (no surface treatment, clay coating and plastic coating), the grammage (from < 100 to > 300 g/m2) and the sample thickness (from < 300 to > 600 µm). The matrix effect on the volatilization of some compounds from the paper samples and the analytical behaviour are also discussed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.