bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early second trimester maternal plasma levels of thrombin‐inhibitor complexes and subsequent spontaneous preterm delivery
Authors: Lee Da Eun , Park So Yeon , Choi June Seek , Kim Shin Young , Lim Ji Hyae , Yang Jae Hyug , Ryu Hyun Mee
Published: September 2012

Objective

Increased thrombin generation has been implicated as a mechanism for several obstetric syndromes including preterm birth preceded by preterm labor (PTL) and preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). In this study, we attempted to determine whether PTL or PPROM are associated with changes in the maternal plasma thrombin level during the early second trimester.

Methods

This is a case–control study in which maternal thrombin–antithrombin (TAT) III complex concentrations at 15–21 weeks were compared between normal controls (n = 85) and women subsequently delivering preterm, due to either PTL with intact membranes (n = 21) or PPROM (n = 20). Statistical analysis was conducted using non‐parametric statistics.

Results

PTL patients with intact membranes showed non‐significant differences in median plasma TAT level (110.1 µg/L) compared with the control group (107.9 µg/L). Similarly, women destined to deliver preterm because of PPROM had non‐significantly higher plasma TAT level (134.3 µg/L) than those in the control group (107.9 µg/L) (p > 0.05). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that after controlling for confounders including vaginal bleeding, TAT levels remained not significantly associated with subsequent spontaneous preterm birth (p = 0.27).

Conclusion

Maternal plasma TAT level is unsuitable as an early second trimester predictor of preterm birth preceded by PTL or PPROM. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
N‐protonated and O‐protonated tautomers of 1‐azabicyclo[3.3.1]nonan‐2‐one: observation of individual 13C‐NMR carbonyl peaks and comparisons with protonated tautomers of planar and other distorted lactams
Authors: Morgan Jessica , Greenberg Arthur
Published: September 2012

An earlier study fit calculated dynamic 13C‐NMR spectra in trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) (with added sulfuric acid) to slow exchange between N‐protonated and O‐protonated tautomers of 1‐azabicyclo[3.3.1]nonan‐2‐one. The present study reports simultaneous observation of both carbonyl 13C peaks in 40% sulfuric acid/60% TFA at −40 °C. This furnishes the only example in which experimental carbonyl 13C chemical shifts may be compared with a neutral lactam (in TFA or CDCl3) with its N‐protonated and O‐protonated derivatives. The seemingly anomalous upfield chemical shifts (experimental and computational) of the 13C carbonyl peaks in this N‐protonated lactam (and other twisted N‐protonated lactams) relative to the free bases are compared with data for unstrained protonated lactams and amides. The results are rationalized through conventional resonance structures. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Homo‐Diels–Alder reaction of a very inactive diene, bicyclo[2,2,1]hepta‐2,5‐diene, with the most active dienophile, 4‐phenyl‐1,2,4‐triazolin‐3,5‐dione. Solvent, temperature, and high pressure influence on the reaction rate
Authors: Kiselev Vladimir D. , Shakirova Ilzida I. , Kornilov Dmitry A. , Kashaeva Helen A. , Potapova Lubov N. , Konovalov Alexander I.
Published: September 2012

Solvent, temperature, and high pressure influence on the rate constant of homo‐Diels–Alder cycloaddition reactions of the very active hetero‐dienophile, 4‐phenyl‐1,2,4‐triazolin‐3,5‐dione (1), with the very inactive unconjugated diene, bicyclo[2,2,1]hepta‐2,5‐diene (2), and of 1 with some substituted anthracenes have been studied. The rate constants change amounts to about seven orders of magnitude: from 3.95.10−3 for reaction (1+2) to 12200 L mol−1 s−1 for reaction of 1 with 9,10‐dimethylanthracene (4e) in toluene solution at 298 K. A comparison of the reactivity (ln k2) and the heat of reactions (∆r‐nH) of maleic anhydride, tetracyanoethylene and of 1 with several dienes has been performed. The heat of reaction (1+2) is −218 ± 2 kJ mol−1, of 1 with 9,10‐dimethylanthracene −117.8 ± 0.7 kJ mol−1, and of 1 with 9,10‐dimethoxyanthracene −91.6 ±0.2 kJ mol−1. From these data, it follows that the exothermicity of reaction (1+2) is higher than that with 1,3‐butadiene. However, the heat of reaction of 9,10‐dimethylanthracene with 1 (−117.8 kJ mol−1) is nearly the same as that found for the reaction with the structural C=C counterpart, N‐phenylmaleimide (−117.0 kJ mol−1). Since the energy of the N=N bond is considerably lower (418 kJ/bond) than that of the C=C bond (611 kJ/bond), it was proposed that this difference in the bond energy can generate a lower barrier of activation in the Diels–Alder cycloaddition reaction with 1. Linear correlation (R = 0.94) of the solvent effect on the rate constants of reaction (1+2) and on the heat of solution of 1 has been observed. The ratio of the volume of activation (∆V≠) and the volume of reaction (∆Vr‐n) of the homo‐Diels–Alder reaction (1+2) is considered as “normal”: ∆V≠/∆Vr‐n = −25.1/−30.95 = 0.81. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tuning exchange bias through zero field cooling from different remanent states above blocking temperature in Ni50Mn36Sb14 alloy
Authors: Wang R. L. , Xu L. S. , Sun Z. G. , Marchenkov V. V. , Xiao H. B. , Xu L. F. , Huang J. C. A. , Yang C. P.
Published: September 2012

Changing remanent states above blocking temperature (TB) in Ni50Mn36Sb14 alloy has been proven to be an effective way of tuning the value and sign of exchange bias (EB) field. The hysteresis loops at 5 K exhibit double shifted shape, indicating that there are two opposite EB signs resulting from an imprint of domain pattern of ferromagnetic (FM) regions into anti‐ferromagetic (AFM) ones during cooling. All the results demonstrate that the interfacial spin configuration plays a crucial role on the origin of EB, while the high cooling field not only induces a single FM domain state above TB but also tunes the fractions of FM and AFM interactions through martensitic transition. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effect of Diphlorethohydroxycarmalol Isolated From Ishige okamurae on Apoptosis in 3 t3‐L1 Preadipocytes
Authors: Park Mi Hwa , Jeon You‐Jin , Kim Hak‐Ju , Han Ji Sook
Published: September 2012

Obesity is an important issue in the world of public health and preventive medicine. Inhibition of proliferation of preadipocytes plays an important role in proposed antiobesity mechanisms. In this study, we investigated the effect of diphlorethohydroxycarmalol (DPHC) isolated from Ishige okamurae on the apoptotic pathway. The results showed that DPHC inhibited population growth in 3 T3‐L1 preadipocytes as assessed using the 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Flow cytometric analysis of 3 T3‐L1 preadipocytes showed that the number of early and late apoptotic cells increases in a dose‐dependent manner after exposure to DPHC, while the number of normal cells was reduced. Our findings indicate that the induction of apoptosis in 3 T3‐L1 preadipocytes by DPHC is mediated through the activation of caspase‐3, Bax, and caspase‐9, and then through the cleavage of poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase and the down‐regulation of Bcl‐2. The data also indicated that treatment with DPHC inhibits histone deacetylase activity in 3 T3‐L1 preadipocytes. These results show that DPHC efficiently induces apoptosis in 3 T3‐L1 preadipocytes. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Species Differences in the Antidiarrheal and Antispasmodic Activities of Lepidium sativum and Insight into Underlying Mechanisms
Authors: Gilani Anwarul‐Hassan , Rehman Najeeb‐ur , Mehmood Malik Hassan , Alkharfy Khalid M.
Published: September 2012

The aim of this study was to see if the crude extract of Lepidium sativum (Ls.Cr) exhibits species specificity in its antidiarrheal and antispasmodic activities along with insight into the underlying mechanisms using the in‐vivo and in‐vitro experiments. Ls.Cr inhibited castor oil‐induced diarrhea in mice at doses (300 and 1000 mg/kg) three times higher dose than for rats. In isolated rat ileum and jejunum, Ls.Cr completely inhibited carbachol (CCh), low K+ (25 mM) and high K+ (80 mM)‐induced contractions, while in guinea‐pig tissues, Ls.Cr caused complete inhibition of only CCh‐induced contraction. In rabbit tissues, Ls.Cr completely inhibited CCh and low K+‐induced contractions sensitive to K+ channel antagonists. Pretreatment of guinea‐pig and rat tissues with Ls.Cr caused a rightward shift in CCh‐induced contractions in a pattern similar to dicyclomine, while in rabbit and rat tissues, Ls.Cr shifted isoprenaline curves to the left similar to papaverine. These data indicate that the antidiarrheal and antispasmodic activities of L. sativum are species dependent, mediating its antispasmodic effect through combinations of multiple pathways including activation of K+ channels, and inhibition of muscarinic receptors, Ca++ channels and PDE enzyme. Rat tissues showed the highest potency. Based on the results, we recommend using multiple species to know the real pharmacological profile of medicinal products. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Maohuoside A Acts in a BMP‐dependent Manner during Osteogenesis
Authors: Cai Ming , Li Guodong , Tao Kun , Yang Yunji , Lou Lieming , Cai Zhengdong , Yu Yongchun
Published: September 2012

There has been a strong interest in searching for natural therapies for osteoporosis. Epimedium koreanum Nakai is an herb that is commonly used in East Asia to treat osteoporosis, and most studies of its activity have focused on its major ingredient, icariin. In this study, maohuoside A (MHA), a single compound isolated from the E. koreanum, was found to promote osteogenesis in mouse bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells. We hypothesise that, if MHA potently induces osteogenic differentiation in a bone morphogenetic protein‐dependent manner, it may be used to broaden the sources for cell transplantation and thereby establish more efficient bone regeneration systems. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction and western blot were used to detect the expression of SMAD4, a marker of bone formation. Microcomputed tomography and histomorphometric techniques showed that oral treatment with MHA was followed by an increase in the bone mineral density of the lumbar vertebrae in mice. This result also indicates that MHA may directly activate osteopontin gene transcription. In conclusion, MHA seems to enhance the osteogenesis of bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells at least partly via bone morphogenetic protein signalling. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structure and cooperativity of the hydrogen bonds in sodium dihydrogen triacetate
Authors: Ahmed Ashour A. , Kühn Oliver , Hilal Rifaat H. , Shibl Mohamed F.
Published: September 2012

Geometry and energetics of low energy conformers of sodium dihydrogen triacetate (SDHTA) and its anion are studied using density functional theory (DFT) at the Becke, Lee‐Yang‐Parr hybrid functional (BLYP) and Becke, three‐parameter, Lee‐Yang‐Parr hybrid functional (B3LYP) levels. For both cases, two structures of comparable energy are found, which have different symmetry with respect to the two hydrogen bonds (HBs). DFT‐based Born–Oppenheimer molecular dynamics simulations are performed for SDHTA, which show that both structures are visited at room temperature conditions. The trajectory analysis further reveals that the two HBs behave anticooperative, that is, on average elongation of one HB is accompanied by a compression of the other one. This is in accord with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experimental studies for a similar counter ion–dihydrogen triacetate complex. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Electrospray ionization and collision‐induced dissociation tandem mass spectrometric discrimination of polyphenolic glycosides: exact acylation site determination of the O‐acylated monosaccharide residues
Authors: Liao Shang‐Gao , Zhang Li‐Juan , Wang Zhen , Sun Fa , Li Yong‐Jun , Wang Ai‐Min , Huang Yong , Lan Yan‐Yu , Wang Yong‐Lin
Published: September 2012

RATIONALE

Acylated monosaccharide residues are structural subunits of natural products or synthetic intermediates that have received much attention in past years. Determination of the acylation sites of these residues still relies heavily on the comparison of their characteristic NMR signals with those of known standards and synthesized acylated glycosides. It is important to develop a rapid analytical method for determining the acylation sites for these compounds, and this is described in this study.

METHODS

Six known polyphenolic glycosides were used for the electrospray ionization and collision‐induced dissociation tandem mass spectrometry (ESI‐CID‐MS/MS) discrimination of the acylated monosaccharide residues with different acylation sites. A combination of ESI‐CID‐MS/MS, using a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer, with ultra‐performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) and photo‐diode array (PDA) detection (UPLC‐PDA) has been applied to the identification or characterization of polyphenolic glycosides in Polygonum capitatum that possess an acylated monosaccharide residue.

RESULTS

An ESI‐MS and CID‐MS/MS method has been developed for the determination of the acylation sites of polyphenolic glycosides that possess an acylated monosaccharide residue. Twelve polyphenolic glycosides including four new ones have been identified or characterized in P. capitatum. Eight (including the new ones) of the twelve glycosides were reported for the first time from this plant.

CONCLUSIONS

The developed ESI‐MS and CID‐MS/MS method provided a very useful strategy for the determination of the sites of polyphenolic glycosides that possess an acylated monosaccharide residue. The acylation site could be determined by the characteristic product ion spectra of the in‐source CID‐generated O‐acyl monosaccharide ion [B1]+. The presented work may facilitate the structural characterization of these types of compounds. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Extraction and analysis of carnitine and acylcarnitines by electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry directly from dried blood and plasma spots using a novel autosampler
Authors: Will Thompson J. , Zhang Haoyue , Smith Peter , Hillman Steven , Arthur Moseley M. , Millington David S.
Published: September 2012

RATIONALE

Acylcarnitines are routinely analyzed by electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS/MS) both in clinical diagnostic and public health newborn screening laboratories from plasma and dried whole blood spots (DBS) on filter paper. The use of DBS as a convenient method of collecting and storing samples for subsequent analysis of various biomolecules is increasing, thus prompting the development of new devices to recover and quantify such analytes in an automated manner.

METHODS

Acylcarnitines were extracted directly from DBS using a novel autosampler that sequentially loads DBS cards into a pneumatic clamp and then pumps a fixed volume of solvent containing appropriate internal standards through a section of the DBS card directly into a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer via ESI. Plasma was first spiked with internal standard then spotted onto filter paper for analysis.

RESULTS

Acylcarnitines were analyzed in DBS, and both free and total carnitine were assayed in dried plasma spots (DPS). Results using the new autosampling technique were of equal quality to those obtained by punching a 3‐mm diameter disk from a DBS or DPS, then extracting and analyzing the target analytes from conventional 96‐well microtiter plates, with far reduced time per sample. Recovery for most analytes was >60% and reproducibility was generally within 20% (CV).

CONCLUSIONS

The simplicity and robustness of the DBS autosampler make it an attractive alternative to conventional methods of analyzing DBS specimens, thus saving time and labor costs, especially in high‐throughput applications. Although the method as described is for direct infusion analysis, the autosampler is easily coupled to column hardware for applications requiring liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS). Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An experimental and theoretical study on fragmentation of protonated N‐(2‐pyridinylmethyl)indole in electrospray ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: You Zhushuang , Guo Cheng , Pan Yuanjiang
Published: September 2012

RATIONALE

The dissociation reactions of protonated molecules are the base of structural analysis in electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI‐MSn). However, general rules for elucidating the numerous fragmentation reactions in ESI‐MSn are still rather lacking. Therefore, it is very important at all times to carry out mechanistic investigations for fragmentation reactions in the gas phase.

METHODS

The fragmentation reactions of protonated N‐(2‐pyridinylmethyl)indoles were studied by both of ESI ion trap tandem mass spectrometry and ESI Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance tandem mass spectrometry in positive‐ion mode.

RESULTS

In ESI‐MS/MS, the ionizing proton is first bound to the most thermodynamically favored site, the pyridine nitrogen; then it transfers to the dissociative protonation sites and triggers the fragmentation. In the fragmentation of the target compounds, some interesting reactions, such as rearrangement, proton transfer and electron transfer reactions, take place via ion/neutral complexes. The proposed mechanisms are supported by both theoretical calculations and isotopic labeling experiments.

CONCLUSIONS

This study is a case for better understanding the dissociative protonation sites and enriching the knowledge about the role of ion/neutral complexes in ESI‐MS. It also provides useful information for the structural analysis of organic compounds, especially drug analysis in pharmaceutical chemistry. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anomalously long‐lived molecular negative ions of duroquinone
Authors: Khvostenko O. G. , Lukin V. G. , Tseplin E. E.
Published: September 2012

The problem under investigation here is establishment of mechanisms of the resonant electron capture by molecules, using the example of duroquinone (2,3,5,6‐tetramethyl‐1,4‐benzoquinone). A solution is important because it will provide new insights into the fundamental physical laws and widespread applications in various fields like molecular nanoelectronics, touched upon herein too. Resonant electron capture (REC) in duroquinone was studied with negative ion mass spectrometry of the REC as the main method, and UV absorption and the photoelectron spectroscopy as the auxiliary ones. The latter were used to study the electronic structures of the various neutral molecular states that are the parent ones for the negative molecular ions formed by electron attachment to the molecules. B3LYP/6‐311 + G(d,p) calculations were widely used throughout the study. As a result, an intensive peak of the negative molecular ions with anomalously high lifetime (200 microseconds) was registered at the attached electron energy of 1.8 eV. The ions were determined to be quartets delaying the electron autodetachment because of spin prohibition and appearing via inter‐system crossing from the negative molecular ion doublets produced in the core‐excited Feshbach resonances. Finally, the pattern of the REC in duroquinone was obtained for the energy region of 1–4 eV which is presented by shape resonances, core‐excited Feshbach resonances and by mechanisms little‐known for molecules of inter‐shell resonances and the formation of ion quartets. The latter were proposed to be related to the negative differential resistance in molecular nanoelectronics. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Extension of the focusable mass range in distance‐of‐flight mass spectrometry with multiple detectors
Authors: Gundlach‐Graham Alexander W. , Dennis Elise A. , Ray Steven J. , Enke Christie G. , Carado Anthony J. , Barinaga Charles J. , Koppenaal David W. , Hieftje Gary M.
Published: September 2012

RATIONALE

Distance‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (DOFMS) is a velocity‐based mass separation technique in which ions are spread across a spatially selective detector according to m/z. In this work, we investigate the practical mass range available for DOFMS with a finite‐length detector.

METHODS

A glow‐discharge DOFMS instrument has been constructed for the analysis of atomic ions. This instrument was modified to accommodate two spatially selective ion detectors, arranged co‐linearly, along the mass‐separation axis of the analyzer. With this geometry, each detector covers a different portion of the distance‐of‐flight spectrum and ions are detected simultaneously at the two detectors. The total flight distance covered by the two detectors is 106 mm and simulates DOF detection across a broad mass range.

RESULTS

DOFMS theory predicts that ions of all m/z values are focused at a single flight time, but at m/z‐dependent flight distances. Therefore, ions that are detected across a wide portion of the DOF axis should all yield the same peak widths. With a focal‐plane camera detector and a micro‐channel plate/phosphor‐screen detection assembly, we found simultaneous, uniform focus of 40Ar2+ and of 65Cu+ and 63Cu+ with the ions spread 82 mm across the DOF axis. This detection length, combined with the current instrument geometry, allows for a simultaneously detectable m/z value of 4:3 (high mass‐to‐low mass).

CONCLUSIONS

These results are the first experimental verification that constant‐momentum acceleration (CMA)‐DOFMS provides energy focus across an extended detection length. Evidence presented demonstrates that DOFMS is amenable to detection with (at least) a 100‐mm detector surface. These results indicate that DOFMS is well suited for detection of broader mass ranges. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
UFLE: a user‐friendly location‐free encryption system for mobile users
Authors: He Yi‐Jun , Chan Patrick P. F. , Hui Lucas C. K. , Yiu S. M.
Published: September 2012

Leakage of sensitive data stored on lost or stolen portable devices has been an open problem in the data security community. Clumsiness of existing solutions hinders them from being deployed. We propose a user‐friendly location‐free encryption system for mobile users (UFLE) to improve the solution Mobile User Location‐specific Encryption (MULE) from Studer and Perrig on both the security and usability. In particular, we solve the problem of (i) enhancing the convenience and security of MULE, (ii) accessing sensitive data in untrusted locations, and (iii) protecting data on stolen or lost USB flash drive, which were not addressed in their solution. Moreover, UFLE does not require any special hardware except a mobile phone and a Bluetooth adapter, which are readily available nowadays. This significantly improves the practicability of the proposed system in contexts such as business companies, government offices, hospitals, and banks. Evaluation of our system shows that it is both faster and more stable than MULE. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Conflict Theory, Complexity and Systems Approach
Authors: Gallo Giorgio
Published: September 2012

Since the end of the Cold War, we have been witnessing the emergence of new types of conflicts. These are progressively more complex, but are, still too often, conceptualised and approached simplistically, using a linear type of reasoning. Complexity is disregarded, and the need for systemic thinking is underestimated, not rarely leading to disastrous results. Feedbacks are most often ignored, and the complex dynamics which make a conflict to change over time, following often unpredictable paths, are rarely taken into account. A shift from a precomplexity mindset to a mindset founded in an understanding of complexity is necessary. In the paper, using concrete examples, we will try to show how a systems thinking approach is essential to analyse today's conflict, to prevent them, and to act so as to make them develop along non violent constructive paths rather than along violent destructive ones. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Computed tomography in coronary imaging: current status
Authors: Nair Arjun , Devaraj Anand
Published: September 2012

Recent technological advances have led to improvements in the use of computerised tomography for coronary imaging. In this article, the authors consider the common applications, technical aspects and limitations of coronary computerised tomography angiography. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons
Urine collection systems: the need for change
Authors: Feneley Roger
Published: September 2012

The self‐retaining catheter was developed in the 1930s without recognising the need to preserve the antibacterial mechanisms of the bladder. Professor Feneley discusses how future research should be seeking a urine collection system that enables the bladder to fill and empty regularly and completely, thus mimicking the wash‐out effect of the healthy bladder. He provides an example of the way in which new technologies can improve the quality of life for the catheter user. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons
Energy awareness workflow model for wireless sensor nodes
Authors: Zhu Zhenhuan , Olutunde Oyadiji S. , He Hongmei
Published: September 2012

Before the development of a large‐scale wireless sensor network (WSN) infrastructure, it is necessary to create a model to evaluate the lifespan of the infrastructure, the system performance and the cost so that the best design solution can be obtained. Energy consumption is an important factor that influences the lifespan of WSNs. One of the ways to extend the lifespan of WSNs is to design wireless sensor nodes with low power consumption. This involves component selection and the optimisation of hardware architecture, monitoring software system and protocols to satisfy the requirements of the particular applications. This paper proposes a comprehensive model to describe the workflow of a wireless sensor node. Parameter setup and energy consumption calculation are demonstrated through the model simulation. It provides a mathematical approach to dynamically evaluate the energy consumption of a sensor node. This will benefit the development of wireless sensor nodes based on microprocessors with limited computational capability. Therefore, the model can be applied in dynamic power management systems for wireless sensor nodes or in wireless communication protocols with energy awareness, in particular, for WSNs with self‐organisation. More importantly, the generalisation of the model may be employed as a standard paradigm for the development of wireless sensor node with energy awareness. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Duality covariant non-BPS first order systems
Authors: Bossard Guillaume , Katmadas Stefanos
Published: September 2012

Abstract

We study extremal black hole solutions to four dimensional
$ \mathcal{N} = {2} $
supergravity based on a cubic symmetric scalar manifold. Using the coset construction available for these models, we define the first order flow equations implied by the corresponding nilpotency conditions on the three-dimensional scalar momenta for the composite non-BPS class of multi-centre black holes. As an application, we directly solve these equations for the single-centre subclass, and write the general solution in a manifestly duality covariant form. This includes all single-centre under-rotating non-BPS solutions, as well as their non-interacting multi-centre generalisations.
Spectroscopic Investigations of Physicochemical Interactions on Mild Steel in an Acidic Medium by Environmentally Friendly Green Inhibitors
Authors: Sakunthala Pitchai , Vivekananthan Shanmuga Sundaram , Gopiraman Mayakrishnan , Sulochana Nagarajan , Vincent Alex Ramani
Published: September 2012

The influences of Polycarpaea corymbosa (PC) and Desmodium triflorum (DT) leaf extracts on the corrosion behavior of mild steel (MS) in 1.0 M HCl was investigated by weight loss, potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements. The effect of temperature on the corrosion behavior of MS in 1.0 M HCl with the addition of plant extracts was studied in the temperature range of 300 K–320 ± 1 K. The results revealed that PC and DT were excellent green inhibitors and the inhibition efficiencies obtained from weight loss and electrochemical experiments were in good agreement. Inhibition efficiencies up to 91.78 % for PC and 92.99 % for DT were obtained. Potentiodynamic polarization studies revealed that both the inhibitors behaved as mixed‐type inhibitors. Adsorption behavior of these green inhibitors on the MS surface was found to obey the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The thermodynamic parameter values of free energy of adsorption (∆Gads) and enthalpy of adsorption (∆Hads) revealed that each inhibitor was adsorbed on the MS surface via both chemisorption and physisorption mechanisms. The adsorption mechanism of inhibition was supported by FT–IR, UV–Visible, WAXD and SEM–EDS.
A Direct Synthesis of Renewable Sulfonate‐Based Surfactants
Authors: Kraus George A. , Lee Jennifer J.
Published: September 2012

Sulfonate‐based anionic surfactants were generated in 2–3 steps from fructose by conversion of fructose to a furan followed by generation of the sulfonate.
Direct Transesterification/Isomerization/Methoxycarbonylation of Various Plant Oils
Authors: Walther Guido , Martin Andreas , Köckritz Angela
Published: September 2012

A selection of plant oils was catalytically transferred into 1,19‐nonadecanedioate by a direct transesterification, isomerization and methoxycarbonylation under mild conditions using Pd/o‐C6H4(CH2PtBu2)2. Additionally, sulfuric acid was demonstrated as being able to substitute methane sulfonic acid as co‐catalyst without any significant loss of activity and selectivity.
Creative in finding creativity in the curriculum: the CLIL second language classroom
Authors: Cross Russell
Published: September 2012

Modern education is often characterized by a tension between learning and creativity (Connery et al. in Vygotsky and creativity: A cultural-historical approach to play, meaning making, and the arts, 2010). “The Arts”—if attended to at all—is often positioned as a distinct element of the broader curriculum, and separate from teaching and learning within other curricular domains. Yet, despite being largely neglected within contemporary social constructivist literature, Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory of mind (Vygotsky in Mind in society, 1978; Vygotsky in The collected works of L. S. Vygotsky (Vol. 1: Problems of general psychology, 1987)) has as its core a fundamental concern for creativity, affect, and emotion as the basis for human development. This paper argues that Vygotsky’s understanding of catharsis—in particular, the transformative potential of emotion—gives cause to rethink the qualitative nature of pedagogy, and especially the importance of “mundane creativity” (Holzman in Vygotsky and creativity: A cultural-historical approach to play, meaning making, and the arts, 2010, p. 27) at the core of teaching and learning. This, in turn, opens up new possibilities for conceiving of how creativity might be understood and realized within and across different dimensions of the curriculum more broadly. For an empirical example to explore these constructs, the paper considers data from a “content and language integrated learning” (CLIL) context. Emerging in the mid-1990s as a European response to the success of the Canadian French immersion method for teaching languages (Johnson and Swain in Immersion education: International perspectives, 1997), CLIL sets out several guiding principles for integrating second language (L2) with content to develop both simultaneously. With a focus on how Japanese mediates a unit of work on Geography, the study highlights how the integrated language/content focus affords a space for creative pedagogical engagement in terms of learners making their own creative choices on what language to use, and how it could be used, to facilitate the learning of both language and content (Bachman and Palmer in Language assessment in practice: Developing language assessments and justifying their use in the real world, 2010; Mahn and John-Steiner in The gift of confidence: A Vygotskian view of emotions, 2002).
Evaluation of Potential Noise Exposures in Hospital Operating Rooms
Authors: Chen Lilia , Brueck Scott E. , Niemeier Maureen T.
Published: September 2012

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health received a health hazard evaluation request from West Virginia University Hospital, Morgantown, to evaluate noise exposures from surgical instruments in the OR. Four surgical technologists, four RNs, and one surgeon wore noise dosimeters to measure full‐shift personal noise exposures during two days while they performed typical daily activities. Measurements did not exceed Occupational Safety and Health Administration or National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health noise exposure limits; however, area sound level measurements indicated that some intermittent activities can generate sound levels above 90 A‐weighted decibels. Examples include surgery preparation, drilling or noise from other powered surgical instruments during surgeries, and clean up. Preventive maintenance of powered surgical instruments can reduce noise exposures, and noise output should be considered when selecting replacement instruments. Keeping music at a low level and using hearing protection are other interventions to consider to improve noise levels in an OR.
Trauma Radiology Companion: Methods, Guidelines, and Imaging Fundamentals
Authors: Gasiorowski Kara L.
Published: September 2012

Trauma Radiology Companion: Methods, Guidelines, and Imaging Fundamentals, Michelle M. Bittle, Martin L. Gunn, Joel A. Gross, Eric J. Stern, 2012, Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 416 pages, paperback
Leading the Lean Healthcare Journey: Driving Culture Change to Increase Value
Authors: Philbrick Violet
Published: September 2012

Leading the Lean Healthcare Journey: Driving Culture Change to Increase Value, Joan Wellman, Patrick Hagan, Howard Jeffries, 2011, Taylor & Francis Group, 279 pages, softbound
Clinical Issues
Authors: Blanchard Joan C. , Burlingame Byron L. , Ogg Mary J.
Published: September 2012

This Month

Cross contamination of paper forms used in health care facilities

Key words: inoculate, cross contamination, paper forms.

Manual cleaning of flexible endoscopes

Key words: flexible endoscope, endoscope washers, manual cleaning, reprocessor, endoscope reprocessor, automatic endoscope reprocessor.

Achieving a comfortable fit when double gloving

Key words: double gloving, comfort, glove fit.
[NiFe]‐hydrogenase maturation: Isolation of a HypC–HypD complex carrying diatomic CO and CN− ligands
Authors: Soboh Basem , Stripp Sven T. , Muhr Enrico , Granich Claudia , Braussemann Mario , Herzberg Martin , Heberle Joachim , Gary Sawers R.
Published: September 2012

The HypC and HypD maturases are required for the biosynthesis of the Fe(CN)2CO cofactor in the large subunit of [NiFe]‐hydrogenases. Using infrared spectroscopy we demonstrate that an anaerobically purified, Strep‐tagged HypCD complex from Escherichia coli exhibits absorption bands characteristic of diatomic CO and CN− ligands as well as CO2. Metal and sulphide analyses revealed that along with the [4Fe–4S]2+ cluster in HypD, the complex has two additional oxygen‐labile Fe ions. We prove that HypD cysteine 41 is required for the coordination of all three ligands. These findings suggest that the HypCD complex carries minimally the Fe(CN)2CO cofactor.
Structure of the upper mantle in the Circum-Arctic region from regional seismic tomography
Authors: Jakovlev A.V. , Bushenkova N.A. , Koulakov I.Yu. , Dobretsov N.L.
Published: September 2012

We present a new three-dimensional model of P-velocity anomalies in the upper mantle beneath the Circum-Arctic region based on tomographic inversion of global data from the catalogues of the International Seismological Center (ISC, 2007). We used travel times of seismic waves from events located in the study area which were recorded by the worldwide network, as well as data from remote events registered by stations in the study region. The obtained mantle seismic anomalies clearly correlate with the main lithosphere structures in the Circum-Arctic region. High-velocity anomalies down to 250–300 km depth correspond to Precambrian thick lithosphere plates, such as the East European Platform with the adjacent shelf areas, Siberian Plate, Canadian Shield, and Greenland. It should be noted that lithosphere beneath the central part of Greenland appears to be strongly thinned, which can be explained by the effect of the Iceland plume which passed under Greenland 50–60 million years ago. Beneath Chukotka, Yakutia, and Alaska we observe low-velocity anomalies which represent weak and relatively thin actively deformed lithosphere. Some of these low-velocity areas coincide with manifestations of Cenozoic volcanism. A high-velocity anomaly at 500–700 km depth beneath Chukotka may be a relic of the subduction zone which occurred here about 100 million years ago. In the oceanic areas, the tomography results are strongly inhomogeneous. Beneath the North Atlantic, we observe very strong low-velocity anomalies which indicate an important role of the Iceland plume and active rifting in the opening of the oceanic basin. On the contrary, beneath the central part of the Arctic Ocean, no significant anomalies are observed, which implies a passive character of rifting.
The Belomorian eclogite province: sequence of events and age of the igneous and metamorphic rocks of the Gridino association
Authors: Dokukina K.A. , Bayanova T.B. , Kaulina T.V. , Travin A.V. , Mints M.V. , Konilov A.N. , Serov P.A.
Published: September 2012

Within the Belomorian eclogite province, near Gridino Village, rocks of different compositions (tonalite-trondhjemite-granodioritic gneisses, granites, mafic and ultramafic rocks) were metamorphosed. The metamorphism included subsidence with increasing pressure and temperature, an eclogite stage, decompression in the granulitic facies, and a retrograde stage in the amphibolitic facies. We attempted to characterize the succession and to date igneous and metamorphic events in the evolution of the Gridino eclogite association. For this purpose, we conducted the following studies: U–Pb isotope dating of zircon (conventional and SHRIMP II methods) from gneisses, a mafic dike, and a high-pressure granitic leucosome; U–Pb dating of rutile from mafic dikes; 40Ar/39Ar dating of amphibole and mica; and Sm–Nd studies of rocks and minerals. The Sm–Nd model ages of felsic (2.9–3.1 Ga) and mafic (3.0–3.4 Ga) rocks from the Gridino eclogite association and individual magmatic zircon grains with an age of ca. 3.0 Ga indicate the Mesoarchean age of the metamorphic-rock protoliths. The most reliable result is the upper age bound of eclogitic metamorphism (2.71 Ga), which reflects the time of the posteclogitic decompression melting of eclogitized rocks under high-pressure retrograde granulitic metamorphism. The mafic dikes formed from 2.82 Ga to 2.72 Ga, most probably, at 2.82 Ga, in accordance with the crystallization age of magmatic zircon from metagabbro. Superimposed amphibolitic metamorphism and the “final” exhumation of metamorphic complexes at 2.0–1.9 Ga are associated with the later Svecofennian tectonometamorphic stage. Successive cooling of the metamorphic associations to 300 °C at 1.9–1.7 Ga is shown by U–Pb rutile dating and 40Ar/39Ar mica dating.
Geochemistry of lepidolitic granitoids from the Mungutiyn Tsagaan Durulj occurrence (central Mongolia)
Authors: Kuznetsova L.G. , Spiridonov A.M. , Dril’ S.I. , Kulikova Z.I.
Published: September 2012

We studied the geologic position, geodynamic setting, petrology, and geochemistry of veined lepidolitic granitoids from the Mungutiyn Tsagaan Durulj (MTD) occurrence (central Mongolia), found within the area of Mesozoic intraplate rare-metal magmatism. It has been established that their trace-element enrichment resulted from the intense effect of fluids rich in F, K, Li, Rb, Cs, Sn, Be, and W, which arrived from a deep magma chamber of rare-metal granitic melts, on leucogranites with originally weak rare-metal mineralization. Very high contents of F, rare alkali metals, Sn, Be, and W, characteristic of MTD granitoids, are close only to those in greisens of rare-metal granites and topaz-lepidolite-albitic pegmatites. The difference from the greisens in each case might be due to the features of the original rocks. The difference between the greisenized MTD leucogranites and the topaz-lepidolite-albitic pegmatites is more radical: Along with evident petrographic distinctions, it includes an evolution trend toward the albite norm decrease, not typical of Li–F igneous rocks; rock shearing and gneissosity, which must have contributed to their chemical transformation according to this trend; and stably lower contents of Nb and Ta (trace elements which usually accumulate during crystallization fractionation of F–Li granitic melts and are poorly soluble in magmatic fluids). The greisenized MTD granitoids are not only high-grade rare-metal ores of Li, Rb, F, and Sn but are also regarded as an indicator of a deep concealed pluton of rare-metal granites.
Locating the sources of potential fields in areal data using the singularity method
Authors: Utyupin Yu.V. , Mishenin S.G.
Published: September 2012

In an effort to develop and improve potential geophysical field interpretation we suggest that the singularity method should be extended toward areal data. This procedure enables mass and fast calculation of singularities in area and stable solutions. Studying the behavior of model fields and localization of singularities in the phase planes of vector fields permits the use of findings in interpreting geopotential fields. Model and real-life cases of this procedure as applied to tectonic dislocations and local geologic features are exemplified. We show that the proposed procedure significantly enhances the application of the singularity method to interprete geopotential fields.
Recent trends in cartilage regenerative medicine and its application to oral and maxillofacial surgery
Authors: Hoshi Kazuto , Fujihara Yuko , Asawa Yukiyo , Nishizawa Satoru , Kanazawa Sanshiro , Sakamoto Tomoaki , Watanabe Makoto , Ogasawara Toru , Saijo Hideto , Mori Yoshiyuki , Takato Tsuyoshi
Published: September 2012

Greater progress has been made in the clinical application of cartilage regenerative medicine, compared with that of other organs. A typical example of cartilage regenerative medicine is autologous chondrocyte implantation, in which chondrocytes isolated from the patient's cartilage are cultured and injected into the cartilage defects in a liquid‐ or gel‐form. However, the classic autologous chondrocyte implantation has been applicable to only limited diseases, including focal cartilage lesion. Therefore, we developed “implant‐type” tissue‐engineered cartilage that shows mechanical strength and three‐dimensional shape. This type of tissue‐engineered cartilage uses scaffold composed of atelocollagen hydrogel and poly‐l‐lactic acid porous material, which is administered with cultured autologous auricular chondrocytes. Its clinical application to nasal deformity of cleft lip and palate patients has been ongoing at present. This review presents an overview of the current situation regarding cartilage regenerative medicine, as well as introducing our research and the development of implant‐type tissue‐engineered cartilage for the cleft‐lip nose. The discussion of the future development of regenerative medicine is also mentioned.
Olive oil intake and CHD in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition Spanish cohort
Authors: Buckland Genevieve , Travier Noemie , Barricarte Aurelio , Ardanaz Eva , Moreno-Iribas Conchi , Sánchez María-José , Molina-Montes Esther , Chirlaque María Dolores , Huerta José María , Navarro Carmen , Redondo Maria Luisa , Amiano Pilar , Dorronsoro Miren , Larrañaga Nerea , Gonzalez Carlos A.
Published: September 2012

Olive oil is well known for its cardioprotective properties; however, epidemiological data showing that olive oil consumption reduces incident CHD events are still limited. Therefore, we studied the association between olive oil and CHD in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) Spanish cohort study. The analysis included 40 142 participants (38 % male), free of CHD events at baseline, recruited from five EPIC-Spain centres from 1992 to 1996 and followed up until 2004. Baseline dietary and lifestyle information was collected using interview-administered questionnaires. Cox proportional regression models were used to assess the relationship between validated incident CHD events and olive oil intake (energy-adjusted quartiles and each 10 g/d per 8368 kJ (2000 kcal) increment), while adjusting for potential confounders. During a 10·4-year follow-up, 587 (79 % male) CHD events were recorded. Olive oil intake was negatively associated with CHD risk after excluding dietary mis-reporters (hazard ratio (HR) 0·93; 95 % CI 0·87, 1·00 for each 10 g/d per 8368 kJ (2000 kcal) and HR 0·78; 95 % CI 0·59, 1·03 for upperv. lower quartile). The inverse association between olive oil intake (per 10 g/d per 8368 kJ (2000 kcal)) and CHD was more pronounced in never smokers (11 % reduced CHD risk (P = 0·048)), in never/low alcohol drinkers (25 % reduced CHD risk (P < 0·001)) and in virgin olive oil consumers (14 % reduced CHD risk (P = 0·072)). In conclusion, olive oil consumption was related to a reduced risk of incident CHD events. This emphasises the need to conserve the traditional culinary use of olive oil within the Mediterranean diet to reduce the CHD burden.
A review of current statistical methodologies for in-storage sampling and surveillance in the grains industry
Authors: Elmouttie D. , Hammond N.E.B. , Hamilton G.
Published: September 2012

Effective, statistically robust sampling and surveillance strategies form an integral component of large agricultural industries such as the grains industry. Intensive in-storage sampling is essential for pest detection, integrated pest management (IPM), to determine grain quality and to satisfy importing nation's biosecurity concerns, while surveillance over broad geographic regions ensures that biosecurity risks can be excluded, monitored, eradicated or contained within an area. In the grains industry, a number of qualitative and quantitative methodologies for surveillance and in-storage sampling have been considered. Primarily, research has focussed on developing statistical methodologies for in-storage sampling strategies concentrating on detection of pest insects within a grain bulk; however, the need for effective and statistically defensible surveillance strategies has also been recognised. Interestingly, although surveillance and in-storage sampling have typically been considered independently, many techniques and concepts are common between the two fields of research. This review aims to consider the development of statistically based in-storage sampling and surveillance strategies and to identify methods that may be useful for both surveillance and in-storage sampling. We discuss the utility of new quantitative and qualitative approaches, such as Bayesian statistics, fault trees and more traditional probabilistic methods and show how these methods may be used in both surveillance and in-storage sampling systems.
Sexual asphyxia causing blunt carotid artery injury and Horner's syndrome
Authors: Muddaiah A , Banigo A , Galli F , Latif M A
Published: September 2012

Objective:

To highlight a rare cause of Horner's syndrome, and to review the management of blunt carotid artery injury.

Method:

Literature search via PubMed for related articles.

Results:

Horner's syndrome and blunt carotid artery injury are rare phenomena; sexual asphyxia as a cause has not previously been reported. This case is also the first of its kind to have radiological evidence of injury to the external carotid artery but not the internal carotid artery. In Horner's syndrome, additional symptoms of ipsilateral headache or neck pain, tinnitus, or any cerebral ischaemic symptoms should raise suspicion of blunt carotid injury.

Conclusion:

Blunt carotid artery injury is a potentially fatal condition and can present without radiological evidence. Early recognition and management with anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs is crucial to prevent mortality and morbidity.