bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Frequency, Depth, and Duration of Sales at High–Low Pricing Supermarkets
Authors: Volpe Richard J. , Li Chenguang
Published: March 2012

This study examines the phenomenon of advertised sales, or price discounts, at major high–low pricing (HLP) supermarkets in the United States. The authors measure and document price variability and movement using a unique and rich dataset on prices and sales drawn directly from supermarkets. Several of their key findings pertain directly to an influential study by Hosken and Reiffen (2004) on retail price variation. However, the authors’ estimate of price rigidity is lower than Hosken and Reiffen's while their estimate of sale frequency is higher. Moreover, the earlier study's key findings apply only to national brand products and not private labels. The authors also highlight the issue of sale duration, indicating that sales frequently run considerably longer than 1 or 2 weeks, to the point at which they argue they can no longer be considered temporary price reductions. Comparisons with alternative definitions of sale reveal that the empirical definition of a sale impacts the results significantly.
Toxicokinetic Profile of N‐(2‐Aminoethyl)ethanolamine in the Female Wistar Rat and Distribution into the Late Gestation Fetus and Milk
Authors: Moore Nigel P. , Saghir Shakil A. , Clark Amy J. , Hansen Steven C. , Carney Edward W. , Marshall Valerie A. , Rasoulpour Reza , Bartels Michael J.
Published: March 2012

N‐(2‐aminoethyl)ethanolamine (AEEA) caused aneurysms of the great vessels in rats exposed in utero and during the first days post partum, exacerbated by postnatal treatment of the lactating dams (Moore et al., 2012. Birth Defects Res B Dev Reprod Toxicol [95:116‐122]). The purpose of this work was to examine the systemic availability of AEEA during gestation and early lactation. The absorption of AEEA was determined following oral administration to nonpregnant and pregnant female Wistar rats. A single dose administered by gavage (0.5 or 50 mg/kg) on gestation day 18 was rapidly and extensively (>90%) absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract (absorption t1/2 = 0.1–0.2 hr). Elimination from the plasma followed a biphasic pattern, with a rapid elimination phase (t1/2 α = 1.6–1.8 hr) followed by a slower phase (t1/2 β = 16.7–17.3 hr). Following repeated gavage administration during gestation day 17 to 19, 14C‐AEEA–derived radioactivity readily partitioned into the fetus and was evenly distributed therein, but cleared approximately twofold slower from the fetal blood and tissues than the maternal blood and chorioallantoic placenta. When administered to lactating dams during lactation days 1 to 12, 14C‐AEEA–derived radioactivity preferentially partitioned into the milk reaching levels that were between 1.6‐ and 2.5‐fold higher than the maternal blood. Although the concentration of AEEA equivalents in the maternal blood remained quite consistent, the concentration in the milk fell by almost 40% between lactation days 4 and 12, probably reflecting an increase in milk production over this same period. We confirm exposure of the offspring to AEEA both in utero and during lactation, but that AEEA does not appear to specifically concentrate in the great vessels.
Developmental engineering the kidney: Leveraging principles of morphogenesis for renal regeneration
Authors: Basu Joydeep , Ludlow John W.
Published: March 2012

Multiple methodological approaches are currently under active development for application in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine of tubular and solid organs. Most recently, developmental engineering (TE/RM), or the leveraging of embryonic and morphological paradigms to recapitulate aspects of organ development, has been proposed as a strategy for the sequential, iterative de novo assembly of tissues and organs as discrete developmental modules ex vivo, prior to implantation in vivo. In this article, we focus on the kidney to highlight in detail how principles of developmental biology are impacting approaches to TE of this complex solid organ. Ultimately, such methodologies may facilitate the establishment of clinically relevant therapeutic strategies for regeneration of renal structure and function, greatly impacting treatment regimens for chronic kidney disease. Birth Defects Research (Part C) 96:30–38, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Machine Learning Approach for the Identification of Protein Secondary Structure Elements from Electron Cryo‐Microscopy Density Maps
Authors: Si Dong , Ji Shuiwang , Nasr Kamal Al , He Jing
Published: March 2012

The accuracy of the secondary structure element (SSE) identification from volumetric protein density maps is critical for de‐novo backbone structure derivation in electron cryo‐microscopy (cryoEM). It is still challenging to detect the SSE automatically and accurately from the density maps at medium resolutions (∼5–10 Å). We present a machine learning approach, SSELearner, to automatically identify helices and β‐sheets by using the knowledge from existing volumetric maps in the Electron Microscopy Data Bank. We tested our approach using 10 simulated density maps. The averaged specificity and sensitivity for the helix detection are 94.9% and 95.8%, respectively, and those for the β‐sheet detection are 86.7% and 96.4%, respectively. We have developed a secondary structure annotator, SSID, to predict the helices and β‐strands from the backbone Cα trace. With the help of SSID, we tested our SSELearner using 13 experimentally derived cryo‐EM density maps. The machine learning approach shows the specificity and sensitivity of 91.8% and 74.5%, respectively, for the helix detection and 85.2% and 86.5% respectively for the β‐sheet detection in cryoEM maps of Electron Microscopy Data Bank. The reduced detection accuracy reveals the challenges in SSE detection when the cryoEM maps are used instead of the simulated maps. Our results suggest that it is effective to use one cryoEM map for learning to detect the SSE in another cryoEM map of similar quality. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 97: 698–708, 2012.
Evidence of Myocardial Edema in Patients With Nonischemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Jeserich Michael , Föll Daniela , Olschewski Manfred , Kimmel Simone , Friedrich Matthias G. , Bode Christoph , Geibel Annette
Published: March 2012

Background:

Nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is associated with high mortality and morbidity. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance allows for the noninvasive assessment of function, morphology, and myocardial edema. Activation of inflammatory pathways may play an important role in the etiology of chronic DCM and may also be involved in the disease progression.

Hypothesis:

The purpose of our study was to assess the incidence of myocardial edema as a marker for myocardial inflammation in patients with nonischemic DCM.

Methods:

We examined 31 consecutive patients ( mean age, 57 ± 12 years) with idiopathic DCM. Results were compared with 39 controls matched for gender and age (mean age, 53 ± 13 years). Parameters of left ventricular function and volumes, and electrocardiogram‐triggered, T2‐weighted, fast spin echo triple inversion recovery sequences were applied in all patients and controls. Variables between patients and controls were compared using t tests for quantitative and χ2 tests for categorical variables.

Results:

Ejection fraction (EF) was 40.3 ± 7.8% in patients and 62.6 ± 5.0% in controls (P < 0.0001). In T2‐weighted images, patients with DCM had a significantly higher normalized global signal intensity ratio compared to controls (2.2 ± 0.6 and 1.8 ± 0.3, respectively, P = 0.0006), consistent with global myocardial edema. There was a significant but moderate negative correlation between signal intensity ratio in T2‐weighted images and EF (−0.39, P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Evidence shows that myocardial edema is associated with idiopathic nonischemic DCM. Further studies are needed to assess the clinical and prognostic impact of these findings. Clin. Cardiol. 2012 DOI: 10.1002/clc.21979

The authors have no funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose.
Fine‐needle cytology of Kaposi's sarcoma in an intramammary lymphnode: Report of one case
Authors: Fulciniti Franco , De Chiara Annarosaria , Apice Gaetano , Petrillo Antonella , Botti Gerardo , Feroce Florinda , Mozzillo Nicola
Published: March 2012

Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is the most common human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection disease‐associated malignancy. It consists of an angiosarcomatous change of the epithelial and mucous membrane‐associated connective tissue not only in various sites, for example, skin, gastrointestinal system, lungs, and so on, but may also involve nonepithelial organs, such as lymphnodes. An unusual localization of KS to an intramammary lymphnode is reported here.

The patient, an HIV‐negative 69‐year‐old woman with a clinical history of rheumatoid arthritis treated with hydrocortisone, had an 8‐month pathological history of biopsy‐proven Kaposi sarcoma of the skin with visceral extension (stomach and duodenum). The appearance of a well‐defined 23 × 20 mm2 breast nodule during chemotherapy elicited fine‐needle cytology to exclude breast carcinoma. Surgical excision confirmed the cytopathological diagnosis of Kaposis's sarcoma. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Application of Fault Tree Analysis to Fuel Cell diagnosis
Authors: Yousfi Steiner N. , Hissel D. , Moçotéguy P. , Candusso D. , Marra D. , Pianese C. , Sorrentino M.
Published: March 2012

Reliability and lifetime are common issues for the development and commercialization of fuel cells technologies'. As a consequence, their improvement is a major challenge and the last decade has experienced a growing interest in activities that aims at understanding the degradation mechanisms and at developing fuel cell systems diagnosis tools.

Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) is one of the deductive tools that allow “linking” an undesired state to a combination of lower‐level events via a “top–down” approach which is mainly used in safety and reliability engineering.

The objective of this paper is to give an overview of the use and the contribution of FTA to both SOFC and PEFC diagnosis.
Extensive cell migration, axon regeneration, and improved function with polysialic acid‐modified Schwann cells after spinal cord injury
Authors: Ghosh Mousumi , Tuesta Luis M. , Puentes Rocio , Patel Samik , Melendez Kiara , El Maarouf Abderrahman , Rutishauser Urs , Pearse Damien Daniel
Published: March 2012

Schwann cell (SC) implantation after spinal cord injury (SCI) promotes axonal regeneration, remyelination repair, and functional recovery. Reparative efficacy, however, may be limited because of the inability of SCs to migrate outward from the lesion‐implant site. Altering SC cell surface properties by overexpressing polysialic acid (PSA) has been shown to promote SC migration. In this study, a SCI contusion model was used to evaluate the migration, supraspinal axon growth support, and functional recovery associated with polysialyltransferase (PST)‐overexpressing SCs [PST‐green fluorescent protein (GFP) SCs] or controls (GFP SCs). Compared with GFP SCs, which remained confined to the injection site at the injury center, PST‐GFP SCs migrated across the lesion:host cord interface for distances of up to 4.4 mm within adjacent host tissue. In addition, with PST‐GFP SCs, there was extensive serotonergic and corticospinal axon in‐growth within the implants that was limited in the GFP SC controls. The enhanced migration of PST‐GFP SCs was accompanied by significant growth of these axons caudal to lesion. Animals receiving PST‐GFP SCs exhibited improved functional outcome, both in the open‐field and on the gridwalk test, beyond the modest improvements provided by GFP SC controls. This study for the first time demonstrates that a lack of migration by SCs may hinder their reparative benefits and that cell surface overexpression of PSA enhances the ability of implanted SCs to associate with and support the growth of corticospinal axons. These results provide further promise that PSA‐modified SCs will be a potent reparative approach for SCI. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Transition‐Metal Catalysts for Controlled Radical Polymerization: A First Update
Authors: Fetzer Ludivine , Toniazzo Valerie , Ruch David , di Lena Fabio
Published: March 2012

This article, a follow‐up on a recent review co‐authored by one of us (Prog. Polym. Sci. 2010, 35, 959–1021) discusses the most recent discoveries in the field of metal‐catalyzed, reversible‐deactivation radical polymerization. Remarkable examples include the use of non‐toxic polyethylene glycols simultaneously as solvents and ligands for the iron‐catalyzed ATRP, nickel complexes that promote polymerization via a dual radical/migratory‐insertion pathway, and metalloenzymes as mediators of ARGET ATRP‐type reactions. A thorough and critical overview of the mechanistic details as well as the experimental conditions used to carry out the polymerizations are given together with an overview of the future challenges.
Coexistence of multiple and widespread cardiovascular complications in a patient with Marfan syndrome
Authors: Magnoni Marco , Figini Filippo , Piraino Daniela , Cianflone Domenico
Published: March 2012

Inherited connective tissue diseases such as Marfan syndrome are frequently associated with cardiovascular manifestations. Aortic involvement with dilation and dissection is the most common finding and the major cause of death in Marfan syndrome patients. We report the echocardiographic study of a 53‐year‐old male patient with uncommon coexistence of cardiovascular abnormalities typical of connective tissue disease at first clinical presentation in acute clinical setting: dissection of the descending aorta associated with severe mitral regurgitation due to leaflet flail and massive aortic insufficiency due to ascending aortic enlargement, leading to left ventricular dilation and dysfunction. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2013
Number of harvested lymph nodes is the main prognostic factor in Stage IIa colorectal cancer patients
Authors: La Torre Marco , Lorenzon Laura , Pilozzi Emanuela , Barucca Viola , Cavallini Marco , Ziparo Vincenzo , Ferri Mario
Published: March 2012

Background

Current international guidelines on colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment suggest performing adjuvant chemotherapy only in Stage II patients presenting with high‐risk prognostic factors. Aim of the study was to a the impact of these parameters on the survival of Stage IIa CRC patients, focusing on the prognostic value of the number of harvested lymph nodes (NHLN).

Patients and Methods

Out of 651 CRC patients undergoing surgical resection, 204 T3‐N0‐M0 were selected and reviewed. Univariate and multivariate survival analyses were adapted for the evaluation of the prognostic factors.

Results

The 5 years actuarial DFS, DSS, and OS rates of patients with a NHLN >12 were significantly better compared to those of patients with a NHLN <12 (respectively: 72.8% vs. 50.4% P = 0.001; 82% vs. 56% P = 0.001; 78.5% vs. 53.1% P = 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that a NHLN >12 was the only independent parameter of statistical significance influencing DFS, DSS, and OS.

Conclusions

According to our findings, the NHLN is the main predictor of survival in Stage IIa CRC patients. This would appear to suggest the need of a better stratification of Stage IIa CRC patients, sub‐dividing patients with more or less than 12 NHLN. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 106:469–474. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Indeterminate pulmonary nodules in rectal cancer: A recommendation for follow‐up guidelines
Authors: Baek Se‐Jin , Kim Seon‐Hahn , Kwak Jung‐Myun , Cho Jae‐Sung , Shin Jae‐Won , Amar Azali Hafiz Yafee , Kim Jin
Published: March 2012

Background

Incidental visualization of indeterminate pulmonary nodules is considered a clinical dilemma.

Methods

We identified patients for inclusion in this study by searching for the term “indeterminate nodules” in the radiology database of rectal cancer patients who underwent surgery. Patients with definite metastatic disease were excluded.

Results

In total, 224 patients underwent chest computerized tomography (CT) and 59 of these patients had indeterminate pulmonary nodules detected more than twice by CT scan. Six patients (10.2%) were confirmed to have metastatic lesions on follow‐up evaluation. Pulmonary nodule size (P = 0.028), pathologic N status (P = 0.049), positive nodal status (P = 0.036) and the number of positive lymph nodes (P = 0.033) were significant risk factors for pulmonary metastasis. In the pulmonary metastasis group, the patients who had received adjuvant oxaliplatin‐based (FOLFOX4) chemotherapy had longer intervals to developing metastasis compared to patients who had not received it.

Conclusions

It is not necessary to perform excessive surveillance routinely for all rectal cancer patients who have indeterminate pulmonary lesions. Intensive follow‐up chest CT or other invasive diagnostic modalities should be considered only in patients with pulmonary nodules larger than 5.7 mm or positive nodal status. In addition, patients receiving adjuvant FOLFOX4 chemotherapy should be followed‐up for longer periods. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 106:481–485. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Airway management for intubation in newborns with pierre robin sequence
Authors: Marston Alexander P. , Lander Timothy A. , Tibesar Robert J. , Sidman James D.
Published: March 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To review airway management in Pierre Robin sequence (PRS) newborns undergoing general anesthesia and to determine if endotracheal intubation is safe in this population.

Study Design:

Case series and retrospective chart review at a tertiary children's hospital.

Methods:

PRS newborns who underwent endotracheal intubation or other airway intervention before 3 months of age between January 2000 and July 2011 were identified from a pediatric otolaryngology practice database. Indications for airway intervention, anesthetic management, method of intubation, and comorbid conditions were collected.

Results:

Thirty‐three PRS newborns were identified. Twenty had isolated PRS, and 13 had PRS related to a coexisting syndrome. Thirteen of 35 (37%) endotracheal intubations performed in PRS newborns prior to mandibular distraction osteogenesis were accomplished with direct laryngoscopy. The remaining 22 of 35 (63%) who failed intubation with direct laryngoscopy were intubated over a flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope. No significant difference was observed between the isolated and syndromic PRS newborns with regard to technique utilized for intubation. No patient required rescue laryngeal mask airway or emergent tracheotomy, and no case resulted in death.

Conclusions:

This series demonstrates that endotracheal intubation is safe and effective in PRS newborns. In patients who failed intubation with direct laryngoscopy, intubation over a flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope provided a reliable alternative method. Although airway management in PRS newborns poses a significant challenge, experienced otolaryngologists and anesthesiologists can successfully manage these difficult airway cases.
Is the use of topical fluorescein helpful for management of CSF leakage?
Authors: Ozturk Kayhan , Karabagli Hakan , Bulut Serap , Egilmez Meryem , Duran Mutlu
Published: March 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of topical intranasal fluorescence application together with high‐resolution computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging and/or magnetic resonance cisternography for the preoperative diagnosis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage and for intraoperative localization of CSF fistulas. We also assessed postoperative recurrence.

Study Design:

Descriptive study.

Methods:

Twenty‐four cases underwent endonasal endoscopic repair for CSF leakage. Following intranasal topical application of fluorescein 10% to the middle turbinate‐cribriform plate region and anterior wall of the sphenoid sinus, a color change of the fluorescein from yellow‐brown to green was accepted as evidence of CSF leakage. A nasoseptal flap, collagen matrix, or fascia lata and septal cartilage graft were used for reconstruction of the CSF fistula.

Results:

The use of topical fluorescein application was helpful in diagnosing CSF rhinorrhea preoperatively and locating the CSF fistula intraoperatively. One case had both ethmoid roof and sphenoid sinus defects, and this case underwent a second operation for closure of the sphenoid defect. All CSF leakages were successfully repaired by endoscopic endonasal surgery using a nasoseptal flap.

Conclusions:

Cases with traumatic CSF leakage pose a higher risk of meningitis than the cases with spontaneous CSF leakage. Topical application of fluorescein is highly specific and sensitive in identifying preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative CSF leakage. It is a simple, quick, and sensitive technique. The surgeon should be vigilant for multiple defects.
Fabrication and Properties of Reinforced Membranes Based on Sulfonated Poly(arylene ether sulfone) Copolymers for Proton‐Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Yu Duk Man , Yoon Kyungseok , Yoon Young Jun , Kim Tae‐Ho , Lee Jang Yong , Hong Young Taik
Published: March 2012

Reinforced membranes are prepared by incorporation of SPAES copolymers into electrospun LCP nonwovens with the aim to improve dimensional stability and tensile properties. Two types of copolymers with different degrees of sulfonation are chosen for fabricating the reinforced membranes. Proton conductivity, dimensional stability, and morphology of the reinforced membranes are studied and compared to those of pristine membranes. The reinforced membranes reduce dimensional change due to water swelling by approximately 45–50% and enhance the tensile strength by about a factor of two. The proton conductivity shows a decline in the reinforced membranes because the LCP nonwovens serve as a barrier for proton transport. The reinforced membranes exhibit an adequate performance for DMFC applications.
Chemical Synthesis of Carbon Materials With Intriguing Nanostructure and Morphology
Authors: Lu An‐Hui , Hao Guang‐Ping , Sun Qiang , Zhang Xiang‐Qian , Li Wen‐Cui
Published: March 2012

In the past decades, carbon materials retain great development because of their indispensable applications in energy storage and conversion, adsorption, catalysis, and others. The evidence is that a number of new structured carbon materials have been synthesized from molecular level, bottom‐up strategy. To date, it has been possible to synthesize carbon materials with defined nanostructure and morphology, tunable surface area, and pore size. In this review, we focus on discussing the recent development of chemically synthesized carbon materials with intriguing nanostructure and morphology. For convenience, these materials are grouped into four categories — 0D quantum dots and spheres; 1D fibers, tubes, and wires; 2D films and membranes; and 3D monolithic structure. In each category, materials synthesis strategies are discussed, whereas their applications are briefly touched. In the last section, we made a brief summary and discussed the future perspectives of carbon materials. We expect that this review not only summarizes the main achievements in this area, but also creates interdisciplinary activities in between carbon chemistry and other research areas.
Coverings and matchings in r‐partite hypergraphs
Authors: Altner Douglas S. , Brooks J. Paul
Published: March 2012

Ryser's conjecture postulates that for r ‐partite hypergraphs, τ ≤ (r ‐ 1)ν where τ is the covering number of the hypergraph and ν is the matching number. Although this conjecture has been open since the 1960s, researchers have resolved it for special cases such as for intersecting hypergraphs where r ≤ 5. In this article, we prove several results pertaining to matchings and coverings in r ‐partite intersecting hypergraphs. First, we prove that finding a minimum cardinality vertex cover for an r ‐partite intersecting hypergraph is NP‐hard. Second, we note Ryser's conjecture for intersecting hypergraphs is easily resolved if a given hypergraph does not contain a particular subhypergraph, which we call a “tornado.” We prove several bounds on the covering number of tornados. Finally, we prove the integrality gap for the standard integer linear programming formulation of the maximum cardinality r ‐partite hypergraph matching problem is at least r ‐ k where k is the smallest positive integer such that r ‐ k is a prime power. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 2012
Optimal gossiping in geometric radio networks in the presence of dynamical faults
Authors: Clementi Andrea , Monti Angelo , Pasquale Francesco , Silvestri Riccardo
Published: March 2012

We study deterministic fault‐tolerant gossiping protocols in geometric radio networks. Node and link faults may happen during every time‐slot of the protocol's execution. We first consider the model where every node can send at most one message per time‐slot. We provide a protocol that completes gossiping in O(nΔ) time (where n is the number of nodes and Δ is the maximal in‐degree) and has message complexity O(n2). Both bounds are then shown to be optimal. Second, we consider the model where messages can be arbitrarily combined and sent in one time‐slot. We give a protocol working in optimal completion time O(DΔ) (where D is the maximal source eccentricity) and message complexity O(Dn). © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 2012
Distributed tree comparison with nodes of limited memory
Authors: Fusco Emanuele G. , Pelc Andrzej
Published: March 2012

We consider the task of comparing two rooted trees with port labels. Roots of the trees are joined by an edge and the comparison has to be performed distributedly, by exchanging messages among nodes. If the two trees are isomorphic, all nodes must finish in a state YES; otherwise they have to finish in a state NO and break symmetry, nodes of one tree getting label 0 and nodes of the other getting label 1. Nodes are modeled as identical automata, and our goal is to establish trade‐offs between the memory size of such an automaton and the efficiency of distributed tree comparison, measured either by the time or by the number of messages used for communication between nodes. We consider both the synchronous and the asynchronous communication and establish exact trade‐offs in both scenarios. For the synchronous scenario, we are concerned with memory versus time trade‐offs. We show that if the automaton hasxbits of memory, wherex≥clogn, for a small constantc, then the optimal time to accomplish the comparison task in the class of trees of size at mostnand of height at mosth> 1 is Θ(h+n/x). For the asynchronous scenario, we study memory versus number of messages trade‐offs. We show that if the automaton hasxbits of memory, wheren≥x≥clogn, then the optimal number of messages to accomplish the comparison task in the class of trees of size at mostnis Θ(n2/x). © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 2012
Ultrasonication‐assisted synthesis of molecularly imprinted polymer‐encapsulated magnetic nanoparticles for rapid and selective removal of 17β‐estradiol from aqueous environment
Authors: Xia Xinlong , Lai Edward P.C. , Ormeci Banu
Published: March 2012

Molecularly imprinting technique was combined with magnetic nanoparticles to synthesize molecularly imprinted polymer‐encapsulated particles for selective removal and efficient separation of estrogenic compounds from water. The core‐shell‐structured particles were successfully prepared by a novel 2‐h ultrasonication‐assisted synthesis in a mixture of water and organic solvent using dual‐layer surfactant‐modified magnetic particles as core, the most physiologically active estrogenic compound (17β‐estradiol) as template, and widely adapted methacrylic acid as functional monomer. Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and magnetic separation were used to characterize the particles. High‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry was used for quantitative binding performance analysis at low‐nanogram per milliliter levels. The particles exhibited satisfactory recognition of 17β‐estradiol in water. They possessed great potential for rapid, cost‐effective, and efficient separation of estrogenic compounds from aqueous environment with specificity. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
X‐ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry studies of a BaTiO3/polyvinylidene fluoride composites
Authors: Elzayat M.Y.F. , El‐Sayed S. , Osman H.M. , Amin M.
Published: March 2012

Barium titanate/polyvinylidene fluoride (BaTiO3)x (PVDF)100–x composite samples were prepared and characterized using X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) techniques. In this work, the ratio of the constituents of this composite was altered, and the structural and thermal changes were studied. Also, the variation of tetragonality of BaTiO3 (BT) in the composite samples as a function of BT content was studied for the first time. The results show that all the samples are in the α‐phase, and the hindrance to the PVDF crystallization increases with the increase of BaTiO3 (BT) ratio in the composite. Tetragonal distortion of BT nanoparticles in the composite increases with the increase in BT ratio up to 30%, where it gets a saturation value. Also, it seems that stretching the samples enhances the BT tetragonality. Both melting and crystallization behaviors of the composite samples show double‐melting endotherms (reorganization) and crystallization exotherms. The inclusion of BT in the composite samples results in a decrease in the melting temperature of the samples. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 52:1945–1950, 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Processing and mechanical properties of thermoplastic composites based on cellulose fibers and ethylene—acrylic acid copolymer
Authors: Ariño Ruth , Boldizar Antal
Published: March 2012

The melt processing and the tensile mechanical properties of composites consisting of 30 wt% softwood kraft pulp cellulose fibers and ethylene‐acrylic acid copolymer (EAA) with 7% acrylic acid content were studied. The compounding techniques used were extrusion mixing performed with a single screw extruder and elongation dispersive mixing performed with the injection‐molding machine. All blends were injection‐molded in a final step. Fiber length, fiber content, and mechanical properties were measured and the number and the size of the fiber aggregates were determined by microscopy analysis. It was concluded that two passes of elongation dispersive mixing had a beneficial effect on the mechanical properties, which could be related to the fewer and smaller amounts of aggregates. The different types of processing performed had a small or insignificant effect on the fiber length since the fiber lengths measured were within the same range as that of the starting material. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 52:1951–1957, 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Identification of pesticide transformation products in agricultural soils using liquid chromatography/quadrupole‐time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Padilla‐Sánchez Juan A. , Michael Thurman E. , Plaza‐Bolaños Patricia , Ferrer Imma
Published: March 2012

RATIONALE

A study of pesticide transformation products (TPs) was carried out in soils of agricultural areas working under integrated pest management programs (IPMs). Bupirimate and cyromazine were the pesticides detected in soils after an initial pre‐screening. The aim of this work was the identification of relevant TPs of these two pesticides.

METHODS

Soil samples were extracted by pressurized liquid extraction (PLE), using a mixture of ethyl acetate/methanol (3:1, v/v), and analyzed by ultra‐high‐pressure liquid chromatography coupled to hybrid quadrupole‐time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐QTOF‐MS). For confirmation purposes, tandem mass spectrometry (MS2) experiments were carried out using QTOF‐MS, obtaining specific fragment structures of the pesticides and their degradates.

RESULTS

Retention times and exact masses of the protonated molecules were used for the identification of the pesticides bupirimate (m/z 317.1642) and cyromazine (m/z 167.1040) and their respective TPs, namely ethirimol (m/z 210.1601) and melamine (m/z 127.0727). A novel strategy using pseudo‐MS3 experiments was developed to confirm the structure of bupirimate TP (ethirimol). This strategy consists of generating the particular TP in the ion source, via collision‐induced fragmentation, and then performing MS/MS to the fragment ion formed in‐source.

CONCLUSIONS

Ethirimol and melamine were identified as degradation products of bupirimate and cyromazine, respectively. The study was applied to the analysis of 15 agricultural soil samples finding bupirimate and ethirimol in seven samples, cyromazine in one sample and melamine in four samples. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
When does incentive compensation motivate managerial behaviors? An experimental investigation of the fit between incentive compensation, executive core self‐evaluation, and firm performance
Authors: Chng Daniel Han Ming , Rodgers Matthew S. , Shih Eric , Song Xiao‐Bing
Published: March 2012

We develop and test an integrative model that examines the fit between compensation schemes, executives' characteristics, and situational factors. We propose that a fit among all three factors is crucial to motivate desirable managerial behaviors. Using a specially designed management simulation, our study demonstrates that the effectiveness of incentive compensation to motivate managerial behaviors depends on executives' core self‐evaluation and firm performance. Our results show that, relative to fixed salary compensation, executives with higher core self‐evaluation respond to incentive compensation with greater perseverance, competitive strategy focus, ethical behavior, and strategic risk taking during organizational decline. However, these interaction effects are not present during organizational growth. Our theory and empirical evidence provide significant insights into the complex relationships among compensation schemes, executives' characteristics, firm performance, and managerial behaviors. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effects of energy drink in combination with alcohol on performance and subjective awareness
Authors: Alford Chris , Hamilton-Morris Jennifer , Verster Joris C.
Published: March 2012

Rationale

This study investigated the coadministration of an energy drink with alcohol to study the effects on subjective intoxication and objective performance.

Objectives

This study aims to evaluate the objective and subjective effects of alcohol versus placebo at two alcohol doses, alone and in combination with an energy drink, in a balanced order, placebo-controlled, double-blind design.

Methods

Two groups of ten healthy volunteers, mean (SD) age of 24 (6.5), participated in the study. One group consumed energy drink containing 80 mg of caffeine and the other consumed a placebo drink, with both receiving two alcohol doses (0.046 and 0.087% breathalyser alcohol concentration). Tests included breath alcohol assessment, objective measures of performance (reaction time, word memory and Stroop task) and subjective visual analogue mood scales.

Results

Participants showed significantly impaired reaction time and memory after alcohol compared to the no alcohol condition and had poorer memory after the higher alcohol dose. Stroop performance was improved with the energy drink plus alcohol combination compared to the placebo drink plus alcohol combination. Participants felt significant subjective dose-related impairment after alcohol compared to no alcohol. Neither breath alcohol concentration nor the subjective measures showed a significant difference between the energy drink and the placebo energy drink when combined with alcohol.

Conclusions

Subjective effects reflected awareness of alcohol intoxication and sensitivity to increasing alcohol dose. There were no overall significant group differences for subjective measures between energy drink and placebo groups in the presence of alcohol and no evidence that the energy drink masked the subjective effects of alcohol at either dose.
Role of chemotherapy in treatments for biliary tract cancer
Authors: Furuse Junji , Kasuga Akiyoshi , Takasu Atsuko , Kitamura Hiroshi , Nagashima Fumio
Published: March 2012

The purpose of chemotherapy in patients with advanced solid cancers, including biliary tract cancer, is generally to improve the survival and quality of life of the patients. Also, adjuvant chemotherapy is expected to increase the curability of surgery in patients scheduled to undergo surgery. Most patients with unresectable biliary tract cancer develop obstructive jaundice, and biliary drainage is needed before any of the aforementioned treatments. Once jaundice is resolved by stenting of the bile duct or bilio‐intestinal bypass, cholangitis often develops, leading to rapid deterioration of the patient's general condition. Therefore, the beneficial effect of chemotherapy in such patients remains controversial. A few randomized controlled trials have demonstrated the survival benefit of chemotherapy as compared with supportive care. In one of these trials, improvement of the quality of life was also confirmed. Recently, since the survival benefit of combined gemcitabine plus cisplatin therapy over gemcitabine alone has been demonstrated in randomized controlled clinical trials, this combined regimen has been recognized as a standard therapy for unresectable biliary tract cancer. A second‐line regimen is now expected to be established for patients with gemcitabine‐refractory biliary tract cancer, although the significance of second‐line therapy remains unclear. One of the next issues in relation to chemotherapy for biliary tract cancer is the development of molecular‐targeted agents; however, few large clinical trials of such agents have been conducted for biliary tract cancer. Various issues in chemotherapy for biliary tract cancer remain to be investigated, and global cooperation is necessary to conduct large clinical trials.
Plasma succinylacetone is persistently raised after liver transplantation in tyrosinaemia type 1
Authors: Bartlett David C. , Preece Mary Anne , Holme Elisabeth , Lloyd Carla , Newsome Phil N. , McKiernan Patrick J.
Published: March 2012

Background

Tyrosinaemia type 1 (HT1) is a rare disorder leading to accumulation of toxic metabolites such as succinylacetone (SA) and a high risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. Children with HT1 traditionally required liver transplantation (OLT) and while the need for this has been reduced by the introduction of nitisinone some still require OLT. SA inhibits the enzyme porphobilinogen (PBG) synthase and its activity can be used as a marker of active SA. Elevated urinary SA post OLT has been reported previously. This study describes a novel finding of elevated plasma SA following OLT for HT1.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed of patients treated for HT1 at our institution from 1989‐2010.

Results

Thirteen patients had an OLT for HT1. In patients who received nitisinone prior to OLT, mean urinary and plasma SA were elevated prior to treatment but normalised by the time of OLT (p ≤ 0.01). Mean PBG synthase activity increased from 0.032 to 0.99 nkat/gHb (ref range 0.58‐1.25) at the time of OLT (p < 0.01). Mean urinary SA in patients not treated with nitisinone was also elevated prior to OLT; plasma levels and PBG synthase activity were not available prior to OLT for this group. Following OLT, mean urinary and plasma SA were elevated in all for the duration of follow‐up and associated with low‐normal PBG synthase activity.

Conclusion

Urinary and plasma SA levels are elevated following OLT for HT1. Low‐normal PBG synthase activity suggests the plasma SA may be active. The clinical significance of this is unclear.
Preparation and Surface Activities of Modified Double‐Tailed Anionic Surfactants
Authors: Lin Li‐Huei , Liu Hsin‐Jiant , Chu Hawn‐Chung , Dong Min‐Yan , Hwang Mou‐Chuan , Wang Chien‐Fu , Chen Keng‐Ming
Published: March 2012

We prepared a series of modified double‐tailed surfactants containing two identical nonionic moieties and an anionic spacer group. Each surfactant was prepared through the reaction of two moles of polyoxyethylene alkyl ether with one mole of maleic anhydride to form a diester having a gemini structure; an anionic sulfonate group was then introduced through reaction of the olefinic bond with sodium hydrogen sulfite. The structures of these compounds were confirmed through infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. These modified double‐tailed surfactants exhibit good surface properties, including low‐foaming, wetting and lime‐soap dispersing power. Their excellent dispersing abilities toward disperse dyes were due to the double‐tailed structures of the surfactants, with the hydrophobic moieties increasing the binding ability to the dyes and its anionic units providing dispersing power.
Mechanisms Underlying Decreased Hepatic Triacylglycerol and Cholesterol by Dietary Bitter Melon Extract in the Rat
Authors: Senanayake Gamarallage V. K. , Fukuda Nobuhiro , Nshizono Shoko , Wang Yu‐Ming , Nagao Koji , Yanagita Teruyoshi , Iwamoto Masako , Ohta Hideaki
Published: March 2012

In these studies, we focused on finding the mechanism(s) underlying the bitter melon (Momordica charantia L.) methanol fraction (MF)‐dependent reduction in the concentration of hepatic triacylglycerol (TAG) and cholesterol in the rat. Rats were fed diets containing low (5 %) fat for 2 weeks (experiment 1), or low (5 %) and high (15 %) fat for a longer period of 8 weeks (experiment 2). MF was supplemented at 1 % level in both experiments. After feeding, rats were sacrificed, and their livers were prepared as slices and hepatocytes, followed by incubation with [1(2)‐14C] acetate or [1‐14C] oleic acid (18:1 n‐6). Under these conditions, we found that rats fed diets containing MF, as compared to those without MF, showed: (1) no adverse effects on food intake and growth, (2) a decreased hepatic TAG and total cholesterol, irrespective of the difference in dietary fat level or feeding period, and (3) a decreased incorporation of [1(2)‐14C] acetate and [1‐14C] oleic acid into TAG of liver slices and hepatocytes. MF‐supplemented rats also showed no altered incorporation of labeled acetate into cholesterol and cholesterol ester, an increased fecal excretion of neutral steroids, but not of acidic steroids, and an enhanced mRNA abundance of carnitine palmitoylacyltransferase I, which is the rate‐limiting enzyme for fatty acid oxidation. These results suggest that dietary MF decreases hepatic TAG synthesis while enhancing fatty acid oxidation, thereby reducing the concentration of hepatic TAG. The liver cholesterol‐lowering effect of MF, however, is probably mediated through an increased fecal excretion of neutral steroids, without an effect on cholesterogenesis.
Klimaanpassung auf regionaler Ebene: Herausforderungen einer regionalen Klimawandel-Governance
Authors: Baasch Stefanie , Bauriedl Sybille , Hafner Simone , Weidlich Sandra
Published: March 2012

The implementation of climate change adaptation strategies mainly takes part at a regional scale. This scale refers to the functional and spatial dimensions of most climate change effects. Therefore, the regional scale is most adequate for processing cooperative governance formations, for progressing the regulatory framework, for implementing institutional innovations and conducting collective conflict solutions. One of the main findings in the new field of climate adaptation research refers to the necessity of an intersectoral and integrative cross-cutting issue for the consideration of climate change effects. The main aspects of an integrative perspective include a reconciliation of adaptation measures with global climate change mitigation goals, dealing with uncertainties in climate change scenarios, the integration of adaptation measures into various sectors and creating of acceptance for adaptation measures and their implementation instruments. These aspects lead to extensive discussion and coordination needs between governmental and civil society actors. This paper summarizes a framework of regional climate change governance and offers conclusions for the local practice and climate adaptation research. Referring to the action fields of spatial and regional planning, forestry and agriculture in the model region of Northern Hesse, generalizable good practice examples of institutional settings, governance formations and instruments for conducting successful adaptation strategies will be presented.
Implementation of an Intraoperative Clinical Experience for Senior Level Baccalaureate Nursing Students
Authors: Mott Jason
Published: March 2012

Perioperative nursing is a specialty that has been eliminated from many nursing education programs. With the loss of perioperative clinical experiences, the number of students pursuing a career in perioperative nursing after graduation has declined. A faculty member at one Midwestern school of nursing developed and implemented a perioperative clinical experience for senior‐level baccalaureate nursing students in a critical care nursing course. This program, developed with the assistance of four local hospitals and the college of nursing, included an eight‐hour OR orientation and 56 clinical hours. Students were placed in the OR under preceptor guidance and supervision. Feedback from evaluations was positive and provided recommendations for improving the program, in particular, to allow more clinical hours and more hands‐on experience for the students.
Redesigning OR Orientation
Authors: Wilson Gail
Published: March 2012

The nursing shortage triggered by retiring nurses is expected to affect all areas of nursing but particularly specialized nursing areas, such as perioperative units. In addition, the perioperative environment is a difficult place for novice nurses to fit in. Many factors contribute to making the OR environment stressful, and novice nurses often feel the effects of not being readily accepted into the social culture of the OR. Leaders in the OR department of a busy trauma center with a large number vacancies, an inability to recruit experienced perioperative nurses, and difficulty retaining new nurses redesigned the orientation process with the intent of recruiting high quality RNs, improving the nurse retention rate after orientation, and making the perioperative area a positive learning environment. The new process is a consistent, structured program that includes AORN's Periop 101: A Core Curriculum, dedicated preceptors, daily feedback and goals for orientees, regular meetings for new staff members, and increased inclusion of existing staff members.
Using YouTube in Perioperative Nursing Education
Authors: Logan Rebecca
Published: March 2012

Educators today need innovative teaching strategies to meet the learning needs of the multigenerational population of perioperative nurses. Emerging technologies, such as YouTube, the world's largest video‐sharing web site, can be used as a component of an active learning strategy that can appeal to a broad group of nurses along the novice‐to‐expert proficiency continuum. Using video clips can be a useful method to engage learners and promote critical thinking, decision making, and creativity. YouTube videos can be used to teach skills or as a platform for discussion. Learners also can create and upload their own videos to educate others. Increased engagement and active learning can lead the perioperative nurse to a deeper understanding of the educational material.
ROPGEF1 and ROPGEF4 are functional regulators of ROP11 GTPase in ABA‐mediated stomatal closure in Arabidopsis
Authors: Li Zixing , Liu Dong
Published: March 2012

ROPGEF1
physically interacts with
Rop11
by two hybrid (
View interaction
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