bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Time energy budgets and food use of Atlantic brant across their wintering range
Authors: Ladin Zachary S. , Castelli Paul M. , Mcwilliams Scott R. , Williams Christopher K.
Published: March 2011

We conducted extensive behavioral and food sampling of Atlantic brant (Branta bernicla hrota) across their winter range and used time–activity budgets for brant to determine daily energy expenditure (DEE). Sampling occurred 1 December–31 May 2006–2008 in 11,225‐km2 sites between Rhode Island and Virginia containing important estuarine and upland habitat. To calculate DEE we used instantaneous scan sampling to estimate time–activity budgets. We also determined foods eaten by brant and energy density of food plants. Last, we quantified body condition of brant, which differed among years, months, regions, and ages, and sexes. Overall DEE for brant was 1,530 ± 64 kJ/day. There was considerable variation in time–activity budgets among years, months, regions, habitat, tide, temperature, and time‐of‐day, but we detected no significant difference in DEE of brant between years or among regions. However, DEE in January (2,018 ± 173 kJ/day) was nearly double the DEE of brant in May (1,048 ± 137 kJ/day). Brant spent their time feeding (32.3%), swimming (26.2%), resting (16.2%), and flying (14.5%). The percent of brant foreguts sampled contained macroalgae (53%) eelgrass (Zostera marina; 18%), salt marsh cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora; 17%), and terrestrial grass (Poa. sp.) and clover (Trifollium sp.; 9%). Energy density differed by vegetation type: macroalgae (12.6 ± 0.1 kJ/g), eelgrass (14.1 ± 0.1 kJ/g), new‐growth salt marsh cordgrass (16.9 ± 0.2 kJ/g), and terrestrial grass and clover (17.7 ± 0.1 kJ/g). Atlantic brant exhibited behavioral plasticity thereby allowing modification of daily activity budgets to meet seasonally varying energetic requirements associated with wintering and spring staging. Recognizing a variable DEE can be used along with eventual estimates of food biomass and total metabolizable energy on the landscape to calculate carrying capacity (goose use days) on state, region, or range‐wide scales. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Home range and habitat selection of spotted owls in the central Sierra Nevada
Authors: Williams Perry J. , Gutiérrez R.J. , Whitmore Sheila A.
Published: March 2011

We studied home range and habitat selection of radio‐marked adult California spotted owls (Strix occidentalis occidentalis) randomly selected from among the breeding population of owls in the central Sierra Nevada, California from June to October 2006. The most parsimonious home‐range estimate for our data was 555 ha (SE = 100 ha). Home‐range size was positively correlated with the number of vegetation patches in the home range (habitat heterogeneity). We used resource selection ratios to examine selection of vegetation types by owls within our study area. Owl home ranges contained a high proportion of mature conifer forest, relative to its availability, although the confidence interval for this estimate overlapped one. We also used resource selection functions (RSF) to examine owl foraging habitat selection. Relative probability of selection of foraging habitat was correlated with vegetation classes, patch size, and their interaction. Owls showed highest selection rates for large patches (>10 ha) of pole‐sized coniferous forest. Our results suggested that spotted owls in the central Sierra Nevada used habitat that contained a high proportion of mature conifer forest at the home‐range scale, but at a finer scale (foraging site selection) owls used other vegetation classes interspersed among mature forest patches, consistent with our hypothesis that spotted owls may use other forest types besides old growth and mature forests when foraging. Our study provides an unbiased estimate of habitat use by spotted owls in the central Sierra Nevada. Our results suggest that forest managers continue to protect remaining mature and old‐growth forests in the central Sierra Nevada because owl home ranges contain high proportions of these habitats. However, our results also showed that owls used younger stands as foraging habitat so that landscape heterogeneity, with respect to cover types, may be an important consideration for management but we did not attempt to relate our findings to fitness of owls. Thus management for some level of landscape heterogeneity for the benefit of owls should proceed with caution or under an adaptive management framework. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Using multiple methods to assess detection probabilities of forest‐floor wildlife
Authors: Otto Clint R. V. , Roloff Gary J.
Published: March 2011

Many previous comparisons of multiple sampling methods have assumed that detection probabilities for each method are either constant or equal to one. We used 4 sampling methods to estimate detection probabilities for forest‐floor dwelling amphibians, reptiles, and small mammals. We investigated associations between seasonality and precipitation on species detection and explored sample design tradeoffs for future studies. Although we captured 25 species, we could reliably detect (detection probability >0.15) only northern short‐tailed shrews (Blarina brevicauda) and pygmy and masked shrews (Sorex spp.) using drift fences and red‐backed salamanders (Plethodon cinereus) using visual encounter surveys (VES). The use of multiple sampling methods improved detection probabilities for only red‐backed salamanders (${\hat {p}}_{{\rm VES}} $ = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.24–0.38, ${\hat {p}}_{{\rm all methods}} $ = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.32−0.44). Parameter estimates indicated detection of both shrew species was positively related to increased precipitation. Detection probabilities for pygmy and masked shrews and red‐backed salamanders were positively and negatively associated with date, respectively. Our power analysis revealed that sampling during rain events increased the power of detecting a change in sorid occupancy by ≥40% (α = 0.05). Our results demonstrate the need to incorporate species detectability when comparing the effectiveness of different trapping methodologies. Furthermore, our study highlights the utility of power analyses for exploring study design tradeoffs for research and monitoring programs. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Effectiveness of AV‐1011® to reduce damage to drill‐planted rice from blackbirds
Authors: Cummings John L. , Byrd Robert W. , Eddleman William R. , Engeman Richard M. , Tupper Shelagh K.
Published: March 2011

We determined efficacy of AV‐1011® (a 50% anthraquinone product; Arkion® Life Sciences, New Castle, Delaware) on drill‐planted rice seed to reduce blackbird damage and determine residue levels of anthraquinone (AQ) in rice seeds and seedlings and in the mature rice crop under field enclosures at the University of Missouri‐Delta Center farm near Portageville, Missouri. Red‐winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) damage was higher for untreated than AV‐1011® treated rice seedlings at assessment period 3, 15 days postplanting (F1,141 = 15.81, P < 0.001), and at assessment period 4, 19 days postplanting (F1,136 = 11.54, P = 0.001). Blackbird damage to AV‐1011‐treated seedling for assessment periods 3 and 4 was 8% and 7%, respectively, while blackbird damage to untreated seedlings during the same assessment periods was 52% and 44%. More blackbirds used untreated plots than AV‐1011‐treated plots during assessment periods 2–4 (F1,17.8 = 20.02, P < 0.001). Overall concentrations of AQ on seeds averaged 5,993 µg/g or 0.59% during the test period. Concentrations of AQ in mature rice seed and plant collected at harvest averaged 1.22 µg/g and 0.10 µg/g, respectively. AV‐1011 offers promise for reducing bird depredations to newly planted rice, but additional testing should be conducted to evaluate this repellent in a large‐scale field setting. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Sensitivity‐enhancement methods for surface plasmon sensors
Authors: Shalabney A. , Abdulhalim I.
Published: March 2011

Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensors have been a mature technology for more than two decades now, however, recent investigations show continuous enhancement of their sensitivity and their lower detection limit. Together with the recent investigations in localized SPR phenomena, extraordinary optical transmission through nanoapertures in metals, and surface‐enhanced spectroscopies, drastic developments are expected to revolutionize the field of optical biosensing. Sensitivity‐enhancement (SE) techniques are reviewed focusing both on the physical transduction mechanisms and the system performance. In the majority of cases the SE is associated with the enhancement of the electromagnetic field overlap integral describing the interaction energy within the analyte. Other important mechanisms are the interaction between plasmons and excitons and between the analyte molecules and the metal surface. The lower detection limit can be reduced significantly if systems with high signal‐to‐noise ratio are used such as common‐path interferometry, ellipsometry or polarimetry systems.
Ultrafast fiber lasers for strong‐field physics experiments
Authors: Limpert J. , Hädrich S. , Rothhardt J. , Krebs M. , Eidam T. , Schreiber T. , Tünnermann A.
Published: March 2011

The recent demonstration of rare‐earth‐doped fiber lasers with a continuous‐wave output power approaching the 10‐kW level with diffraction‐limited beam quality proves that fiber lasers constitute a scalable solid‐state laser concept in terms of average power. In order to generate high peak power pulses from a fiber several fundamental limitations have to be overcome. This can be achieved by novel experimental strategies and fiber designs that offer an enormous potential towards ultrafast laser systems combining high average powers (> kW) and high peak power (> GW). In this paper the challenges, achievements and perspectives of ultrashort pulse generation and amplification in fibers are reviewed. This kind of laser system will have a tremendous impact on strong‐field physics experiments, such as the generation of coherent light by high‐harmonic generation. So far, applications in the interesting EUV spectral range suffer from the very low photon count leading to nonrelevant integration times with highly sophisticated detection schemes. High repetition rate high average power fiber lasers can potentially solve this issue. First demonstrations of high repetition‐rate strong‐field physics experiments using novel fiber laser systems will be discussed.
Design of Polyphosphazene Hydrogels with Improved Structural Properties by Use of Star‐Shaped Multithiol Crosslinkers
Authors: Potta Thrimoorthy , Chun ChangJu , Song Soo‐Chang
Published: March 2011

The feasibility of using a star‐shaped crosslinker to produce a hydrogel with controlled mechanical properties and degradation rates was investigated. The aqueous blends of functional polymers and crosslinkers formed a solution at low temperature and a hydrogel with desired mechanical properties at body temperature. The introduction of star‐shaped crosslinkers affected the microscopic and macroscopic properties of the hydrogel. The fabricated hydrogels could be suitable for many potential biomedical applications because of their injectability, tunable mechanical properties, controlled degradation rate and gel formation under physiological conditions.

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Free Radical Polymerization Kinetics of Vinylsulfonic Acid and Highly Acidic Properties of its Polymer
Authors: Okayasu Teruyuki , Hibino Toshiyasu , Nishide Hiroyuki
Published: March 2011

Poly(vinylsulfonic acid) (PVS) possesses a high acid content (ion‐exchange capacity in the chemical formula = 9.2 meq · g−1). Its monomer, vinylsulfonic acid (VSA), had a high acid dissociation ability (Hammett acid function = 0.74 in water), and a high ionic conductivity (0.04–0.11 S · cm−1). The radical polymerization of VSA with various initiators was kinetically investigated. The ESR spectrum of the VSA polymerization mixture showed a strong signal ascribed to the propagation carbon radical of VSA. The molecular weight of PVS increased with the increasing monomer concentration and decreasing radical initiator concentration to yield the PVS with a molecular weight of 4.0 × 104. Proton‐conductivity of PVS under hydrated and nonhumidified conditions was on the order of 10−1 and 10−3–10−6 S · cm−1, respectively.

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Controlled Alternating Copolymerization of (Meth)acrylates and Vinyl Ethers by Using Organoheteroatom‐Mediated Living Radical Polymerization
Authors: Mishima Eri , Yamago Shigeru
Published: March 2011

Alternating copolymers comprised of (meth)acrylates and vinyl ethers with controlled molecular weights and polydispersities were synthesized for the first time by living radical polymerization using organotellurium, stibine, and bismuthine chain transfer agents. Combining living alternating copolymerization and living radical or living cationic polymerization afforded hitherto unavailable block copolymers with controlled macromolecular structures.

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Solution‐processible Thieno‐[3,4‐b]‐pyrazine Derivatives with Large Stokes Shifts for Non‐doped Red Light‐emitting Diodes
Authors: Li Qing , Li Jiuyan , Ren Huicai , Duan Yongheng , Gao Zhanxian , Liu Di
Published: March 2011

A group of novel thieno‐[3,4‐b]‐pyrazine‐cored molecules containing polyphenyl dendrons with or without arylamino or carbazolyl surface groups (DTP, N‐DTP and C‐DTP) are synthesized and investigated. They are characterized by extra large Stokes shifts of over 250 nm. In addition, to provide the site‐isolation effect on the planar emissive core, the bulky dendrons enable these molecules to be solution processible. The peripheral carbazolyl or arylamino units facilitate the hole transporting ability in the neat films of these molecules. These dendritic materials are used as a non‐doped emitting layer to fabricate organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) using a spin coating technique and saturated red emission is obtained. The dendritic molecules with arylamino or carbazolyl surface groups (N‐DTP and C‐DTP) exhibit a brightness of 1020 cd m−2 and a luminous efficiency of 0.6 cd A−1, both higher than the dendritic analog without the surface functional groups (DTP), even superior to the small molecular reference compound which fails to transmit pure red emission under identical conditions. This performance is also comparable with that from vacuum deposited thieno‐[3,4‐b]‐pyrazine‐based counterparts and that for some other solution processible red fluorescent dendrimers. This is the first example of solution processible thieno‐[3,4‐b]‐pyrazine derivatives for OLED applications.

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Mass spectrometry of atmospheric aerosols—Recent developments and applications. Part II: On‐line mass spectrometry techniques
Authors: Pratt Kerri A. , Prather Kimberly A.
Published: March 2011

Many of the significant advances in our understanding of atmospheric particles can be attributed to the application of mass spectrometry. Mass spectrometry provides high sensitivity with fast response time to probe chemically complex particles. This review focuses on recent developments and applications in the field of mass spectrometry of atmospheric aerosols. In Part II of this two‐part review, we concentrate on real‐time mass spectrometry techniques, which provide high time resolution for insight into brief events and diurnal changes while eliminating the potential artifacts acquired during long‐term filter sampling. In particular, real‐time mass spectrometry has been shown recently to provide the ability to probe the chemical composition of ambient individual particles <30 nm in diameter to further our understanding of how particles are formed through nucleation in the atmosphere. Further, transportable real‐time mass spectrometry techniques are now used frequently on ground‐, ship‐, and aircraft‐based studies around the globe to further our understanding of the spatial distribution of atmospheric aerosols. In addition, coupling aerosol mass spectrometry techniques with other measurements in series has allowed the in situ determination of chemically resolved particle effective density, refractive index, volatility, and cloud activation properties. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., Mass Spec Rev 31:17–48, 2012
1H and 13C NMR characteristics of β‐blockers
Authors: Zielińska‐Pisklak Monika Agnieszka , Pisklak Dariusz Maciej , Wawer Iwona
Published: March 2011

The β‐blockers are important drugs and decades of clinical experience proved their high medical status. However, to the best of our knowledge, there is no complete assignment of 1H and 13C NMR resonances of popular representatives: acebutolol, alpenolol, pindolol, timolol and propranolol and the published NMR data on carvedilol and atenolol are incorrect. Therefore, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy was applied for the characterization of a series of β‐adrenolytics: carvedilol (1), pindolol (2), alprenolol (3), acebutolol (4), atenolol (5), propranolol (6) and timolol (7). Two‐dimensional NMR experiments (COSY, HMQC, HMBC, NOESY) allowed the unequivocal assignment of 1H and 13C spectra for solution (DMSO‐d6). Salts and bases can be easily distinguished based on 13C chemical shifts which are within 65.0–65.5 ppm (OC2) and 46.9–47.0 (NC3) for hydrochlorides and larger, ca. 68.4 ppm (OC2) and 50.3–52.6 (NC3) for bases. NMR data of 1–7 should be included in pharmacopoeias. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Selective 1D HCH experiment: a fast NMR tool that connect protons belonging to different spin systems
Authors: Gil Sergi , Espinosa Juan Félix , Parella Teodor
Published: March 2011

A selective 1D version of the HCH experiment (selHCH) is proposed for the efficient and fast correlation between protons belonging to different spin systems. The experiment consists of two consecutive, doubly selective heteronuclear J(CH) transfer steps that can individually be optimized. As any conventional proton‐selective 1D experiment, the successful application of a frequency‐selective 180° pulse on a well‐isolated proton is the only practical requirement. The resulting clean selHCH spectrum probes to be an excellent complement to the conventional selTOCSY experiment to trace out proton–proton J connectivities through transparent non‐protonated carbons or heteroatom centers. Several selHCH examples on small molecules are provided showing the improvements with respect to the selTOCSY experiment. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Isolation, proliferation, cytogenetic, and molecular characterization and in vitro differentiation potency of canine stem cells from foetal adnexa: A comparative study of amniotic fluid, amnion, and umbilical cord matrix
Authors: Filioli Uranio M. , Valentini L. , Lange‐Consiglio A. , Caira M. , Guaricci A. C. , L'Abbate A. , Catacchio C. R. , Ventura M. , Cremonesi F. , Dell'Aquila M. E.
Published: March 2011

The possibility to isolate canine mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from foetal adnexa is interesting since several canine genetic disorders are reported to resemble similar dysfunctions in humans. In this study, we successfully isolated, cytogenetically and molecularly characterized, and followed the differentiation potency of canine MSCs from foetal adnexa, such as amniotic fluid (AF), amniotic membrane (AM), and umbilical cord matrix (UCM). In the three types of cell lines, the morphology of proliferating cells typically appeared fibroblast‐like, and the population doubling time (DT) significantly increased with passage number. For AF‐ and AM‐MSCs, cell viability did not change with passages. In UCM‐MSCs, cell viability remained at approximately constant levels up to P6 and significantly decreased from P7 (P < 0.05). Amnion and UCM‐MSCs expressed embryonic and MSC markers, such as Oct‐4 CD44, CD184, and CD29, whereas AF‐MSCs expressed Oct‐4, CD44. Expression of the hematopoietic markers CD34 and CD45 was not found. Dog leucocyte antigens (DLA‐DRA1 and DLA‐79) were expressed only in AF‐MSCs at P1. Isolated cells of the three cell lines at P3 showed multipotent capacity, and differentiated in vitro into neurocyte, adipocyte, osteocyte, and chondrocyte, as demonstrated by specific stains and expression of molecular markers. Cells at P4 showed normal chromosomal number, structure, and telomerase activity. These results demonstrate that, in dog, MSCs can be successfully isolated from foetal adnexa and grown in vitro. Their proven stemness and chromosomal stability indicated that MSCs could be used as a model to study stem cell biology and have an application in therapeutic programs. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 78:361–373, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The effects of donation button design on aid agency transactional trust
Authors: Burt Chris David , Gibbons Sophie
Published: March 2011

The effects of web page donation link (donation button) design on aid agency transactional trust was examined in a survey and in two experiments. Experiment 1 compared three donation button designs, which were developed on the basis of study 1, which was a survey of 559 charity websites, and found no significant effects on rated transactional trust. Experiment 2 attempted to manipulate transactional uncertainty through donation button design by incorporating crisis/need and aid agency response photographs. These button design manipulations significantly increased rated transactional trust. In both experiments, transactional trust ratings were significantly correlated with donation compliance ratings. These results suggest that transactional trust can be enhanced through the considered design of the donation button, and increasing transactional trust in this manner may result in more online donations.

Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Novel THTPBA/PEG‐derived highly branched polyurethane scaffolds with improved mechanical property and biocompatibility
Authors: Luo Yan‐Ling , Zhang Chang‐Hu , Xu Feng , Chen Ya‐Shao
Published: March 2011

Highly branched polyurethane (PU) scaffolds that match mechanical properties are the preferred tissue engineering materials, which is composed of a multi‐hydroxyl‐terminated poly(butadiene‐co‐acrylonitrile) (THTPBA) prepolymer and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) via 1,6‐hexamethylene diisocyanate as anchor molecule. This combination is anticipated to influence or alter hydrophilicity or hydrophobicity, degradation and haemocompatibility of the PEG‐derived PUs. Hence, the surface properties, degradability, mechanical and biomedical properties of the PUs were scrutinized and assessed by FTIR, contact angles, gravimetry, stress‐strain measurement and haemolysis, platelet adhesion as well as methyl tretrazolium (MTT) assays. The experimental results indicated that the incorporation of THTPBA can mediate the degradation rate, which took place at the urethane or ester bonds in polymer chains. The haemolytic activity, platelet activation, and MTT investigations elicited that the component ratios of THTPBA to PEG had important influence on biomedical properties, including in vitro blood compatibility, cytotoxicity, and cell cycle or apoptosis of the PU scaffolds. The tensile stress‐strain investigations showed that the highly branched architecture offered high elastic modulus and mechanical strength. The novel PU scaffolds with highly branched architecture exhibited improved mechanical properties and biocompatibility as well as low toxicity by regulating proper component ratios, and are expected to be employed in tissue engineering, or as potential candidates for other blood‐contacting applications. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structure and properties of composites compression‐molded from silk fibroin powder and waterborne polyurethane
Authors: Tao Yongzhen , Xu Weilin , Yan Yun , Wu Haiyan
Published: March 2011

The degummed silk filament was pulverized with a home‐made machine to obtain the silk fibroin (SF) powder with the diameter of around 3 µm. The resulting SF powder was blended with waterborne polyurethane (WPU) aqueous dispersion, and then was dried and compression‐molded to prepare novel blended materials with improved miscibility and mechanical properties. WPU acted as a plasticizer and one of the components for the blends during the compression‐molded process. The structure, morphology, and properties of the blended films were investigated. The results indicated that β‐sheet of SF existed in the blended films. The SEM images showed that the cross‐section of the blended films exhibited an overall homogeneous morphology. Furthermore, the transmission electron microscope observation exhibited that some sphere‐like SF particles were well dispersed in the WPU matrix. The hydrogen bond interaction between SF and WPU in the blended films led to an increase of the glass transition temperature for the soft segment of WPU in the blended films. The blended films showed an improved Young's modulus and tensile strength from 1.2 to 288.9 MPa and 0.3 to 16.5 MPa, respectively, with the increasing of SF up to a content of 70 wt%. The hydrogen‐bonding interactions existing in SF and WPU and compression molding method played the important role in improving the miscibility and mechanical properties of the blended films. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mesoporous TiO2 as a nanostructured inorganic polymer thin film applied for a wide range ammonia concentration analyzer based on photoelectrochemical reaction
Authors: Kaneko Masao , Suzuki Takashi , Ueno Hirohito , Fujii Yuki , Nemoto Junichi , Takei Osamu , Shibuya Masaki , Kukisaki Shigenari
Published: March 2011

Mesoporous TiO2 as a nanostructured inorganic polymer thin film was applied for a wide range ammonia concentration analyzer in combination with an O2‐reducing Pt cathode based on photocurrent generation from ammonia induced by UV‐light irradiation. Various structured sensor units were fabricated comprised of a TiO2 photoanode, a Pt cathode, and an ultraviolet light‐emitting diode (UV‐LED) light source, and the photocurrent behavior was investigated as a function of ammonia concentration in water under stirring. Among the sensor units fabricated, the Type 4 sensor for which both the electrode surfaces are located perpendicular to the stirring direction gave the best characteristics, which was interpreted by the effective supply of ammonia and O2 onto the electrode surfaces. It was successfully demonstrated that this new type ammonia concentration analyzer gives a linear correlation of photocurrents against logarithmic ammonia concentration in the wide range of five orders of magnitude from 1 mM to nearly 10 M. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of physical properties on polymer flammability in the cone calorimeter
Authors: Patel Parina , Hull T. Richard , Stec Anna A. , Lyon Richard E.
Published: March 2011

The relationship between physical properties and fire performance as measured in the cone calorimeter is not well understood. A number of studies have identified relationships between the physical and chemical properties of polymeric materials and their gasification behavior which can be determined through numerical pyrolysis models. ThermaKin, a one‐dimensional pyrolysis model, has recently been employed to predict the burning behavior in fire calorimetry experiments. The range of thermal, chemical, and optical properties of various polymers have been utilized to simulate the processes occurring within a polymer exposed to a uniform heat flux, such as in a cone calorimeter. ThermaKin uses these material properties to predict the mass flux history in a cone calorimeter. Multiplying the mass flux history by the heat of combustion of the fuel gases gives the HRR history and these have been calculated for cone calorimeter experiments at 50 kW m−2 incident heat flux for the lowest, average, and highest values of physical parameters exhibited by common polymers. In contrast with actual experiments in fire retardancy, where several parameters change on incorporation of an additive, this study allows for the effect of each parameter to be seen in isolation. The parameters used in this study are grouped into physical properties (density, heat capacity, and thermal conductivity), optical properties (absorption and reflectivity), and chemical properties (heat of decomposition, kinetic parameter, and heat of combustion). The study shows how the thermal decomposition kinetic parameters effect the surface burning (pyrolysis) temperature and resulting heat release rate history, as well as the relative importance of other properties directly related to the chemical composition. It also illustrates the effect of thermal inertia (the product of density, heat capacity, and thermal conductivity) and of the samples' ability to absorb radiant heat. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Photoinitiating behavior of benzophenone derivatives covalently bonded tertiary amine group for UV‐curing acrylate systems
Authors: Cheng Liangliang , Zhang Yong , Shi Wenfang
Published: March 2011

A series of benzophenone derivatives (N‐BPs) containing tertiary amine group used as hydrogen abstraction‐type (type II) photoinitiators were synthesized through the addition reaction of secondary amines with 4‐(2,3‐epoxypropyloxy) benzophenone. The chemical structures were characterized with 1H NMR, FTIR spectroscopy, and UV spectrum measurements. The N‐BPs showed the higher absorption in 300–400 nm than benzophenone (BP). The photoinitiating activity was examined based on the photopolymerization of 1,6‐hexanediol diacrylate using photo‐DSC method. The results showed that the photoinitiating efficiency was negatively affected by the molecular structure of alkyl group connected to the tertiary amine with the order of isopropyl (N‐BPI) < methyl (N‐BPM) < ethyl (N‐BPE) < propyl (N‐BPP). Moreover, the diethanolamine‐modified benzophenone derivative (N‐BPOH) had the highest‐photoinitiating efficiency for free radical polymerization systems among the N‐BPs. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Congenital and acquired neutropenia consensus guidelines on diagnosis from the Neutropenia Committee of the Marrow Failure Syndrome Group of the AIEOP (Associazione Italiana Emato‐Oncologia Pediatrica)
Authors: Fioredda Francesca , Calvillo Michaela , Bonanomi Sonia , Coliva Tiziana , Tucci Fabio , Farruggia Piero , Pillon Marta , Martire Baldassarre , Ghilardi Roberta , Ramenghi Ugo , Renga Daniela , Menna Giuseppe , Barone Angelica , Lanciotti Marina , Dufour Carlo
Published: March 2011

Congenital and acquired neutropenia are rare disorders whose frequency in pediatric age may be underestimated due to remarkable differences in definition or misdiagnosed because of the lack of common practice guidelines. Neutropenia Committee of the Marrow Failure Syndrome Group (MFSG) of the AIEOP (Associazione Italiana Emato‐Oncologia Pediatrica) elaborated this document following design and methodology formerly approved by the AIEOP board. The panel of experts reviewed the literature on the topic and participated in a conference producing a document which includes a classification of neutropenia and a comprehensive guideline on diagnosis of neutropenia. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011;57:10–17. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Uncovering recurrent microdeletion syndromes and subtelomeric deletions/duplications through non‐selective application of a MLPA‐based extended prenatal panel in routine prenatal diagnosis
Authors: Konialis Christopher , Hagnefelt Birgitta , Sevastidou Sophia , Karapanou Sophia , Pispili Katerina , Markaki Aggeliki , Pangalos Constantinos
Published: March 2011

Objective

To present the application of multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MLPA)‐based screening approach in 1550 typical prenatal cases, for the simultaneous targeted detection of 23 recurrent microdeletion syndromes as well as subtelomeric copy number assessment for all chromosomes and discuss the implications in routine prenatal chromosomal diagnosis (PCD).

Methods

Following amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling, samples were processed for routine karyotype analysis while DNA was extracted in parallel for MLPA analysis. When necessary, parental samples were analyzed to determine the inheritance of the detected aberrations.

Results

This panel has been applied since 2006 in 1550 prenatal samples, referred for routine karyotype analysis, with (16.1%) or without (77.7%) ultrasound (US) findings. We identified eight fetuses with pathological genomic abnormalities (approximately 1 in 193), five of which had as sole indication advanced maternal age (1 in 240). In two cases an abnormality was suspected from karyotype analysis, while the remaining six cases would have otherwise remained totally undetected.

Conclusions

Our data represent the largest published series involving this type of genomic analysis in routine prenatal diagnosis, without indication bias. The panel increases significantly the diagnostic yield of conventional PCD and does not pose interpretation problems. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spontaneous reports of assumed herbal hepatotoxicity by black cohosh: is the liver‐unspecific Naranjo scale precise enough to ascertain causality?
Authors: Teschke Rolf , Schmidt‐Taenzer Wolfgang , Wolff Albrecht
Published: March 2011

Purpose

Causality assessment of cases with herbal hepatotoxicity represents a major regulatory challenge and included, in the past, the application of a diagnostic algorithm consisting of causality evaluation methods with either liver‐specific or liver‐unspecific characteristics. To evaluate various causality assessing methods in cases with suspected herbal hepatotoxicity, two different scales were now used for reasons of comparison.

Methods

We used the liver‐specific scale of the updated Council for International Organizations of Medical Sciences (CIOMS) as well as the Naranjo scale that is not organ specific and therefore not liver specific. Both scales were applied to 22 cases of spontaneous reports with initially assumed herbal hepatotoxicity caused by black cohosh, used for menopausal symptoms.

Results

The analysis shows that causality was either unlikely (n = 6) or excluded (n = 16), using the updated CIOMS scale. There were various confounding variables: pre‐existing liver diseases (n = 6) including genuine autoimmune hepatitis or alcoholic or cardiac hepatopathy; hepatotoxicity induced by interferon or fluoxetine (n = 2); marginally increased serum activities of alanine aminotransferase (n = 2) or gamma‐glutamyltranspeptidase (n = 2) of unassessable causality; a mixed group consisting of unassessable cases (n = 6) and cases with questionable, poorly documented hepato‐biliary diseases (n = 3); and rosuvastin‐induced rhabdomyolysis (n = 1). These confounding factors were not recognized by the Naranjo scale.

Conclusions

Structured hepatotoxicity‐specific causality assessment methods such as the updated CIOMS scale are the preferred tools for causality assessment of assumed herbal hepatotoxicity and should replace the liver‐unspecific Naranjo scale. Applying the updated CIOMS scale to cases with initially assumed hepatotoxicity by BC, causality was now found either unlikely or excluded. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clinical characteristics of patients with drug hypersensitivity in Norway: a single‐centre study
Authors: Chalabianloo Fatemeh , Berstad Aud , Schjøtt Jan , Riedel Bettina , Irgens Ågot , Florvaag Erik
Published: March 2011

Background

Drug hypersensitivity reactions (DHRs) represent an important public health problem. Knowledge of their clinical characteristics will provide improved diagnostic approaches to this topic.

Objectives

The aim of the present study was to describe the clinical characteristics of patients with suspected DHRs.

Methods

The medical records of 206 outpatients with suspected DHRs, who consulted a Norwegian allergy centre from January 2005 to December 2009, were investigated in a retrospective study.

Results

Mean age (range) was 44.3 (11–84) years, and 72% of the patients were women. The most common underlying diseases justifying the use of drugs were infections (49%) and pain‐related diseases (23%). Antibiotics (53%), non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (32%), paracetamol (15%) and other drugs (46%), used as monotherapy or combinations, were the most often suspected drugs. Cutaneous symptoms were the most frequently reported symptoms (83%). Hospitalisation or prolonged hospitalisation was needed in 38% of the cases, and anaphylaxis was reported in 28% of all the patients. Skin prick tests were performed in 185 patients, of which 14 patients had positive test results. Drug provocation tests (DPTs) were performed in only 86 patients, six of which had positive reactions. DHRs were confirmed in 24 and rejected in 81 patients. Unsettled cases (39%) were mainly due to not performing DPTs.

Conclusions

Suspected DHRs occur predominantly in women. The most common manifestations are cutaneous symptoms, but life‐threatening reactions justifying hospitalisation may occur. Antibiotics and NSAIDs are the two drug families most frequently suspected. DPTs need to be included in diagnostic protocols in order to evaluate suspected DHRs. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Safety profile of oseltamivir during the 2009 influenza pandemic
Authors: Donner Barbara , Bader‐Weder Silvia , Schwarz Roman , Peng Michael M. , Smith James Robert , Niranjan Viswanathan
Published: March 2011

Purpose

This study evaluated the safety of oseltamivir during the 2009 influenza pandemic.

Methods

Case reports were obtained from the Roche safety database. The incidence of adverse events (AEs) during the pandemic (1 May 2009 to 31 December 2009) was compared with that beforehand (during previous influenza seasons) for USA and Japan only, as exposure data in other countries were collected inconsistently. Events with significantly higher reporting during the pandemic (lower bound of 95%CI for crude rate ratio >1) were analyzed further.

Results

Global exposure in the pandemic and prepandemic periods was 18.3 and 64.7 million patients, respectively. In USA and Japan, exposure was 15.5 (1382 cases, 2225 events) and 62.0 million (8387 cases, 12 749 events), respectively. AEs with significantly higher reporting during the pandemic were generally consistent with influenza and its complications and/or with the circulation of a novel virus strain. As might be expected in a pandemic, mortality increased (crude rate ratio, 2.83; 95%CI, 2.23–3.59) versus the prepandemic period. Medical review of serious AEs (fatal or non‐fatal outcome) found that most were consistent with pre‐existing risk factors, underlying disease, and/or progression of influenza or its complications. Analysis of the remainder did not suggest a causal link with oseltamivir. A review of AEs in previously underexposed subpopulations did not support an association with oseltamivir.

Conclusions

During the first 8 months of the 2009 influenza pandemic, AEs reported in patients exposed to oseltamivir were consistent with the drug's labeled safety profile, underlying medical conditions, or infection with the pandemic virus. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of high‐temperature exposure of photovoltaic modules
Authors: Kurtz Sarah , Whitfield Kent , TamizhMani G. , Koehl Michael , Miller David , Joyce James , Wohlgemuth John , Bosco Nick , Kempe Michael , Zgonena Timothy
Published: March 2011

Photovoltaic (PV) modules operate at temperatures above ambient owing to the thermal energy of sunlight. The operating temperature primarily depends on the ambient temperature, incident sunlight, mounting configuration, packaging configuration, and wind speed. In this paper, the cumulative thermal degradation is modeled to follow Arrhenius behavior. The data are analyzed to determine the constant temperature that would give average aging equivalent to the variable temperatures observed in the field. These equivalent temperatures are calculated for various locations using six configurations, providing a technical basis for defining accelerated thermal‐endurance and ‐degradation testing. This data may also be useful as a starting point for studies of the combined effects of elevated temperature and other factors such as UV, moisture, and mechanical stress. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Immunodepletion of albumin and immunoglobulin G from bovine plasma
Authors: Faulkner Simon , Elia Giuliano , Hillard Mark , O'Boyle Padraic , Dunn Michael , Morris Dermot
Published: March 2011

Current MS‐based proteomics has facilitated the identification of large numbers of proteins from complex mixtures. The bovine plasma proteome has the potential to provide a wealth of information concerning the biological state of an animal. However, during MS‐based experiments, higher abundance proteins such as albumin and immunoglobulin G (IgG) can hinder the identification of potentially important proteins that are present in much lower abundance. While a variety of readily available technologies exist for the depletion of multiple high‐abundance proteins from human, mouse and rat samples, there are few available for bovine. In this study, we report the depletion of >97% of albumin and >92% of IgG from bovine plasma.
Proteomic analysis of urinary exosomes from patients of early IgA nephropathy and thin basement membrane nephropathy
Authors: Moon Pyong‐Gon , Lee Jeong‐Eun , You Sungyong , Kim Taek‐Kyun , Cho Ji‐Hoon , Kim In‐San , Kwon Tae‐Hwan , Kim Chan‐Duck , Park Sun‐Hee , Hwang Daehee , Kim Yong‐Lim , Baek Moon‐Chang
Published: March 2011

To identify biomarker candidates associated with early IgA nephropathy (IgAN) and thin basement membrane nephropathy (TBMN), the most common causes presenting isolated hematuria in childhood, a proteomic approach of urinary exosomes from early IgAN and TBMN patients was introduced. The proteomic results from the patients were compared with a normal group to understand the pathophysiological processes associated with these diseases at the protein level. The urinary exosomes, which reflect pathophysiological processes, collected from three groups of young adults (early IgAN, TBMN, and normal) were trypsin‐digested using a gel‐assisted protocol, and quantified by label‐free LC‐MS/MS, using an MSE mode. A total of 1877 urinary exosome proteins, including cytoplasmic, membrane, and vesicle trafficking proteins, were identified. Among the differentially expressed proteins, four proteins (aminopeptidase N, vasorin precursor, α‐1‐antitrypsin, and ceruloplasmin) were selected as biomarker candidates to differentiate early IgAN from TBMN. We confirmed the protein levels of the four biomarker candidates by semi‐quantitative immunoblot analysis in urinary exosomes independently prepared from other patients, including older adult groups. Further clinical studies are needed to investigate the diagnostic and prognostic value of these urinary markers for early IgAN and TBMN. Taken together, this study showed the possibility of identifying biomarker candidates for human urinary diseases using urinary exosomes and might help to understand the pathophysiology of early IgAN and TBMN at the protein level.
Fully automatable two‐dimensional reversed‐phase capillary liquid chromatography with online tandem mass spectrometry for shotgun proteomics
Authors: Siu S. O. , Lam Maggie P. Y. , Lau Edward , Kong Ricky P. W. , Lee Simon M. Y. , Chu Ivan K.
Published: March 2011

Herein, we describe the development of a fully automatable technology that features online coupling of high‐pH RP separation with conventional low‐pH RP separation in a two‐dimensional capillary liquid chromatography (2‐D LC) system for shotgun proteomics analyses. The complete analysis comprises 13 separation cycles, each involving transfer of the eluate from the first‐dimension, high‐pH RP separation onto the second RP dimension for further separation. The solvent strength increases across the 13 fractions (cycles) to elute all peptides for further resolution on the second‐dimension, low‐pH RP separation, each under identical gradient‐elution conditions. The total run time per analysis is 52 h. In triplicate analyses of a lysate of mouse embryonic fibroblasts, we used this technology to identify 2431 non‐redundant proteins, of which 50% were observed in all three replicates. A comparison of RP‐RP 2‐D LC and strong cation exchange‐RP 2‐D LC analyses reveals that the two technologies identify primarily different peptides, thereby underscoring the differences in their separation chemistries.
Inactivation of Staphylococcus aureus in Water by a Cold, He/O2 Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Microjet
Authors: Bai Na , Sun Peng , Zhou Haixia , Wu Haiyan , Wang Ruixue , Liu Fuxiang , Zhu Weidong , Lopez Jose L. , Zhang Jue , Fang Jing
Published: March 2011

A direct‐current, atmospheric pressure, cold plasma microjet (PMJ) sustained in a quasi‐steady gas cavity in liquid was used to inactivate Staphylococcus aureus suspended in distilled water. While helium gas (with 2% O2 as additive) was used as working gas, an effective inactivation (>99%) was achieved in 6 min. The inactivation of bacteria was further verified by surface morphology examination and LIVE/DEAD Baclight bacterial viability test (fluorescence microscopy). The overall pH and temperature of the liquid were monitored during the plasma treatment and were found to be below the critical values for the survival of S. aureus. Hydroxyl radical (•OH) was detected via electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy, and alongside other intermediate reactive species, is attributed to the effective inactivation of S. aureus. End‐on optical emission spectroscopy show strong atomic oxygen emission both in air and in water.

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Simultaneous Etching and Deposition Processes during the Etching of Silicon with a Cl2/O2/Ar Inductively Coupled Plasma
Authors: Tinck Stefan , Bogaerts Annemie , Shamiryan Denis
Published: March 2011

In this article, surface processes occurring during the etching of Si with a Cl2/O2/Ar plasma are investigated by means of experiments and modeling. Cl2‐based plasmas are commonly used to etch silicon, while a small fraction of O2 is added to protect the sidewalls from lateral etching during the shallow trench isolation process. When the oxygen fraction exceeds a critical value, the wafer surface process changes from an etching regime to a deposition regime, drastically reducing the etch rate. This effect is commonly referred to as the etch stop phenomenon. To gain better understanding of this mechanism, the oxygen fraction is varied in the gas mixture and special attention is paid to the effects of oxygen and of the redeposition of non‐volatile etched species on the overall etch/deposition process. It is found that, when the O2 flow is increased, the etch process changes from successful etching to the formation of a rough surface, and eventually to the actual growth of an oxide layer which completely blocks the etching of the underlying Si. The size of this etch stop island was found to increase as a function of oxygen flow, while its thickness was dependent on the amount of Si etched. This suggests that the growth of the oxide layer mainly depends on the redeposition of non‐volatile etch products. The abrupt change in the etch rate as a function of oxygen fraction was not found back in the oxygen content of the plasma, suggesting the competitive nature between oxidation and chlorination at the wafer. Finally, the wafer and reactor wall compositions were investigated by modeling and it was found that the surface rapidly consisted mainly of SiO2 when the O2 flow was increased above about 15 sccm.

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Analysis of changes in tyrosine and serine phosphorylation of red cell membrane proteins induced by P. falciparum growth
Authors: Pantaleo Antonella , Ferru Emanuela , Carta Franco , Mannu Franca , Giribaldi Giuliana , Vono Rosa , Lepedda Antonio J. , Pippia Proto , Turrini Francesco
Published: March 2011

This article was originally published in Proteomics 2010, 10, 3469–3479, DOI 10.1002/pmic.201000269
Proteomic analysis of testis biopsies in men treated with transient scrotal hyperthermia reveals the potential targets for contraceptive development
Authors: Zhu Hui , Cui Yugui , Xie Jin , Chen Ling , Chen Xiangxiang , Guo Xuejiang , Zhu Yefei , Wang Xinghai , Tong Jiansun , Zhou Zuomin , Jia Yue , Lue Yan‐he , Hikim Amiya Sinha , Wang Christina , Swerdloff Ronald S. , Sha Jiahao
Published: March 2011

This article was originally published in Proteomics 2010, 10, 3480–3493, DOI 10.1002/pmic.201000281