bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a New Coated Graphite Phenylephrine Potentiometric Sensor and Its Applications to Pharmaceutical and Biological Analysis
Authors: Soleymanpour Ahmad , Abdifar Sorush , Bani Reza
Published: November 2011

The construction and performance characteristics of a coated graphite phenylephrine‐selective electrode based on incorporation of the ion‐association complex of phenylephrine‐tetraphenylborate in plasticized PVC matrix was studied. The electrode exhibited a Nernstian slope of 59.0 mV/decade to phenylephrine over a wide concentration range from 3.0×10−6 to 5.6×10−2 M with a low detection limit of 1.5×10−6 M. The proposed electrode manifested advantages of fast response, long life time and, most important, good selectivities for phenylephrine relative to a wide variety of common foreign inorganic cations, anions and also organic species. The electrode was successfully applied to determine phenylephrine in adult cold tablets, phenylephrine eye‐drops and also blood serum samples. The inclusion complex formation between α‐ and β‐cyclodextrine and phenylephrine was studied potentiometrically by the proposed electrode.
Rapid Flow Injection Electrochemical Detection of Arochlor 1242 Using Stabilized Lipid Membranes with Incorporated Sheep anti‐PCB Antibody
Authors: Michaloliakos Antonis I. , Nikoleli Georgia‐Paraskevi , Siontorou Christina G. , Nikolelis Dimitrios P.
Published: November 2011

This work describes a novel electrochemical biosensor based on a supported polymerized lipid film with incorporated Sheep anti‐PCB antibody for the rapid detection of arochlor 1242 in flowing solution streams. The antibody was incorporated into the lipid film during polymerization. Injections of antigen were made into flowing streams of a carrier electrolyte solution. Experiments were done in a stopped‐flow mode using lipid mixtures containing 15 % (w/w) dipalmitoylphosphatidic acid (DPPA) to provide only a single transient current signal with a magnitude related to the antigen concentration. Lipid films containing 35 % DPPA were used to examine regeneration of the active sites of antibody after complex formation by washing with the carrier electrolyte solution. Repetitive cycles of injection of antigen have shown that the maximum number of cycles is about 5.
Multioperational Oxidase Biosensors Based on Carbosilane Dendrimers with Interacting Ferrocenes
Authors: García Martínez M. , Alonso B. , Casado C. M. , Losada J. , García Armada M. P.
Published: November 2011

The bioelectrocatalytical properties and kinetic characteristics of new oxidase biosensors based on two different carbosilane dendrimers are described. The best glucose biosensor developed displayed, in an ascorbate interference free work potential interval, a strictly linear range from 0 to 4.0 mM, a detection limit of 40,6 μM and a response time less than 3 s. The lactate biosensor displayed a linear range from 0 to 0.8 mM, a detection limit of 0.73 µM and a response time less than 2 s. The apparent Michaelis–Menten constants were calculated to be 4.39 mM and 2.08 mM respectively, according to Lineweaver–Burk equation.
Removal of surfactant dodecylbenzenesulfonate by consecutive use of ozonation and biodegradation
Authors: Rivera‐Utrilla José , Bautista‐Toledo María I. , Sánchez‐Polo Manuel , Méndez‐Díaz José D.
Published: November 2011

Successful surfactant removal from wastewater is often limited by the high concentration of the surfactant. The use of advanced oxidation processes can be the key to aid biological treatment of water containing high amounts of surfactants. The present study analyzes the biodegradation of the anionic surfactant sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS) and the effects of its combination with ozonation. SDBS pre‐ozonation favors the metabolism by microorganisms. Experimental results indicate that the application of a concentration of up to 60 μM of ozone for 60 min, prior to contact with microorganisms, increases the percentage of SDBS removed by biodegradation alone. These results demonstrate that the removal of SDBS and of the total organic carbon is increased by the consecutive use of ozonation and biodegradation.
Structural Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Eating Disorders: A Systematic Review of Voxel‐Based Morphometry Studies
Authors: Van den Eynde Frederique , Suda Masashi , Broadbent Hannah , Guillaume Sébastien , Van den Eynde Magali , Steiger Howard , Israel Mimi , Berlim Marcelo , Giampietro Vincent , Simmons Andrew , Treasure Janet , Campbell Iain , Schmidt Ulrike
Published: November 2011

This systematic review summarises and critically appraises the literature on structural magnetic resonance imaging in people with a current or past eating disorder. Studies using voxel‐based morphometry image analysis were included. Ten studies reported on a total of 236 people with a current or past eating disorder and 257 healthy controls. Sample heterogeneity prohibited a meta‐analytic approach. The findings do not unequivocally indicate grey or white matter volume abnormalities in people with an eating disorder. Nevertheless, these preliminary data suggest that, compared with healthy controls, people with anorexia nervosa have decreased grey matter in a range of brain regions and that those with bulimia nervosa have increased grey matter volumes in frontal and ventral striatal areas. Research in the recovery phase and longitudinal studies suggest that potential brain tissue abnormalities may recover with clinical improvement. Overall, as the available data are inconclusive, further efforts in this field are warranted. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Revisiting psychophysical work on the quantitative and qualitative odour properties of simple odour mixtures: a flavour chemistry view. Part 1: intensity and detectability. A review.
Authors: Ferreira Vicente
Published: November 2011

The different psychophysical studies carried out on the quantitative properties of binary mixtures are reviewed. Results from 520 mixtures have been reprocessed and plotted together. The most likely outcome of a binary mixture of two different odorants at supra‐threshold levels is a significant reduction of its odour intensity not only with respect to the total addition of intensities, but also to what could be expected from an auto‐addition following Stevens's law. Half of the mixtures behave asymmetrically, so that one of the odorants can reduce the overall odour intensity of the mixture more efficiently than the other. This is most frequent when there is a marked difference in the hedonic character of the odorants, and the least pleasant odorant plays the role of suppressor. Such suppression can be quantitatively relevant. The addition of the third, fourth or fifth isointense constituent do not cause any further intensity increase, which indicates the existence of strong signal compression mechanisms at supra‐receptor level. Synergism is highly infrequent and may be linked to the appearance of new odour concepts. In the case of mixtures of sub‐threshold odorants, the oldest reports are based on the odour activity value concept, and, in general, show the existence of a certain degree of cooperation between the components of the mixture. The most recent research makes use of detectability functions and probabilistic considerations and has demonstrated that cooperation can be categorized as hypoaddition, perfect addition (independence of response) or even synergy. Hypoaddition is most frequent at higher concentrations. Some reports suggest that hypoaddition is related to the structural similarity but results are not conclusive. Other reports demonstrate that under or peri‐threshold odorants are able to introduce significant qualitative and quantitative changes on supra‐threshold odour solutions. So far it is not feasible to assess when and why this enhancing effect takes place. It can be hypothesized that the answer will require an integral treatment of quality and intensity. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Direct measurement of backflux between oxaloacetate and fumarate following pyruvate carboxylation
Authors: Brekke Eva , Walls Anne B. , Nørfeldt Lasse , Schousboe Arne , Waagepetersen Helle S. , Sonnewald Ursula
Published: November 2011

Pyruvate carboxylation (PC) is thought to be the major anaplerotic reaction for the tricarboxylic acid cycle and is necessary for de novo synthesis of amino acid neurotransmitters. In the brain, the main enzyme involved is pyruvate carboxylase, which is predominantly located in astrocytes. Carboxylation leads to the formation of oxaloacetate, which condenses with acetyl coenzyme A to form citrate. However, oxaloacetate may also be converted to malate and fumarate before being regenerated. This pathway is termed the oxaloacetate‐fumarate‐flux or backflux. Carbon isotope‐based methods for quantification of activity of PC lead to underestimation when backflux is not taken into account and critical errors have been made in the interpretation of results from metabolic studies. This study was conducted to establish the degree of backflux after PC in cerebellar and neocortical astrocytes. Astrocyte cultures from cerebellum or neocortex were incubated with either [3‐13C] or [2‐13C]glucose, and extracts were analyzed using mass spectrometry or nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Substantial PC compared with pyruvate dehydrogenase activity was observed, and extensive backflux was demonstrated in both types of astrocytes. The extent of backflux varied between the metabolites, reaffirming that metabolism is highly compartmentalized. By applying our calculations to published data, we demonstrate the existence of backflux in vivo in cat, rat, mouse, and human brain. Thus, backflux should be taken into account when calculating the magnitude of PC to allow for a more precise evaluation of cerebral metabolism. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Role of FDG‐PET as a biological marker for predicting the hypoxic status of tongue cancer
Authors: Han Myung Woul , Lee Hee Jin , Cho Kyung–Ja , Kim Jae Seung , Roh Jong–Lyel , Choi Seung–Ho , Nam Soon Yuhl , Kim Sang Yoon
Published: November 2011

Background

To determine whether 2‐[18F]fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) could serve as a useful technique predicting tumor hypoxia and prognosis in tongue cancer, we assessed the relationship between FDG uptake and the levels of hypoxia‐related markers.

Methods

Tumor uptake of FDG in 33 patients with T2 tongue cancer was assessed by measuring maximum standardized uptake values (SUVmax). Expression of hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF)‐1α, carbonic anhydrase (CA)‐9, glucose transporter (GLUT)‐1, and erythropoietin receptor (EPOR), was determined by immunohistochemical staining. Correlation between SUVmax and the expression of hypoxia‐related markers was assessed and multivariate analysis was performed to determine what parameters affected clinical outcomes.

Results

We observed strong correlations between SUVmax and expression of HIF‐1α (p < .05), CA‐9 (p < .01), and GLUT‐1 (p < .01). SUVmax, HIF‐1α expression, and tumor grade were significant independent predictors of disease‐free survival (DFS).

Conclusion

SUVmax may be a good noninvasive biomarker for prediction of hypoxic status and prognosis of patients with T2 tongue cancer. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011
Comparative analysis of a geomorphology‐based instantaneous unit hydrograph in small mountainous watersheds
Authors: López J. J. , Gimena F. N. , Giráldez J. V. , Ayuso J. L. , Goñi M.
Published: November 2011

A conceptual insytnataneous unit hydrograph (IUH) based on geomorphologival association of linear reservoirs (GR) previously developed by the authors has been compared with other IUH models: a distributed GR variation (GR(v)), the Nash IUH, the Chutha and Dooge IUH, and the Troutman and Karlinger IUH for the analysis of direct runoff hydrographs recorded in three experimental watershed of the north of Spain. The comparison was made through a calibration‐validation process in which a leave‐one‐out cross‐validation method was applied. The results indicate the satisfactory performance of all the models, with the advantage for the GR model of the dependence on only one parameter, which can be identified from the watershed and event characteristics. This property makes its use easier than that of other models. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A systems perspective on the integrative child psychiatry approach. Discussion of paper: “Working here and now with the individual and family system: A case of a traumatized child”
Authors: Fivaz‐Depeursinge Elisabeth
Published: November 2011

In this discussion, after a few general comments, I will propose a systems reading of the intervention so elegantly described by Kaija Puura. I will draw parallels between the therapeutic and the family groups as framing‐developing systems and formalize the steps taken by the family toward healing under the influence of the therapist's team.
Temporal stability of alexithymia in cancer patients following a psychological intervention
Authors: Porcelli Piero , Tulipani Cinzia , Di Micco Concetta , Spedicato Maria R. , Maiello Evaristo
Published: November 2011

Objective: The state‐trait nature of alexithymia is not fully resolved. The aim of this article was to evaluate the temporal stability of alexithymia in cancer patients after psychological intervention. Design: Absolute and relative stability of alexithymia was evaluated in 104 cancer patients who received multicomponent psychological treatment or usual medical care. Results: Alexithymia scores significantly decreased in treated patients and increased in the control group, thus showing that the lack of absolute stability (i.e., the change of personality scores over time) likely was because of the effect of the treatment versus the control condition. The relative stability (i.e., the extent to which the inter‐individual differences remain the same over time) of alexithymia after 6 months was, however, demonstrated with multiple regressions, after controlling for anxiety, depression, and cancer‐related pain. Conclusions: This study confirms the relative stability of alexithymia and that the lack of absolute stability of the construct is influenced by psychological intervention in cancer patients. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 67:1–11, 2011.
Temperature effects on the stereospecificity of nucleophilic fluorination: formation of trans‐[18F]4‐fluoro‐l‐proline during the synthesis of cis‐[18F]4‐fluoro‐l‐proline
Authors: Behnam Azad Babak , Ashique Rezwan , Labiris N. Renée , Chirakal Raman
Published: November 2011

Fluorine‐18 labeled (2S,4S)‐4‐fluoro‐l‐proline (cis‐[18F]4‐FPro) has been reported to be a potential positron emission tomography tracer to study abnormal collagen synthesis occurring in pulmonary fibrosis, osteosarcomas, mammary and colon carcinomas. In this paper, we report the stereospecific radiofluorination of (2S,4R)‐N‐tert‐butoxycarbonyl‐4‐(p‐toluenesulfonyloxy) proline methyl ester (at 110°C) to produce diastereomerically pure cis‐[18F]4‐FPro in 38% radiochemical yield at the end of a 90‐min synthesis. Investigation of the effect of temperature on the stereospecificity of nucleophilic fluorination showed that diasteriomerically pure cis‐[18F]4‐FPro or trans‐[18F]4‐FPro was produced at lower temperatures (85°C–110°C) during the fluorination of (2S,4R) or (2S,4S) precursors, respectively. However, at higher temperatures (130°C–145°C), fluorination of (2S,4R) precursor produced a mixture of cis‐[18F]4‐FPro and trans‐[18F]4‐FPro diastereomers with cis‐[18F]4‐FPro as the predominant isomer. Hydrolysis of the purified fluorinated intermediate was carried out either in one step, using 2 m triflic acid at 145°C for 10 min, or in two steps where the intermediate was heated in 1 m HCl at 110°C for 10 min followed by stirring at room temperature in 1 N NaOH for 5 min. The aqueous hydrolysis mixture was loaded onto an anion exchange column (acetate form for one‐step hydrolysis) or an ion retardation column (two‐step hydrolysis) followed by a C18 Sep‐Pak® (Waters Corporation, Milford, MA, USA). Pure cis‐[18F]4‐FPro was then eluted with sterile water. We also report that epimerization of cis‐[18F]4‐FPro occurs during the two‐step hydrolysis (H+ followed by OH−) of the intermediate, resulting in 5 ± 3% trans‐[18F]4‐FPro, whereas the one‐step acid hydrolysis yielded pure cis‐[18F]4‐FPro in the final product. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clinical evaluation of multiplex real‐time PCR panels for rapid detection of respiratory viral infections
Authors: Sanghavi Sonali K. , Bullotta Arlene , Husain Shahid , Rinaldo Charles R.
Published: November 2011

Respiratory viral infections are one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality, particularly in children, the elderly and immunocompromised persons. Rapid identification of viral etiology is critical in ruling out non‐viral infections, initiating antiviral treatment and limiting the spread of the infection. Multiplex assays of more than one viral gene target in a single tube have the advantage of rapid screening of a large number of potential viral pathogens in a short time. A multiplex real‐time PCR assay was used in this study for detection of respiratory RNA and DNA viral infections in 728 specimens received from 585 adult and pediatric patients comprised of symptomatic and asymptomatic organ transplant recipients and non‐recipients for diagnosis of respiratory illnesses and for routine clinical monitoring. Multiplex PCR was more sensitive than the multiplex immunofluoresence culture assay (R‐mix) and also detected additional respiratory viruses that were not covered by the R‐mix panel. The number of respiratory viruses detected in symptomatic patients was significantly higher than asymptomatic patients in both adult and pediatric patients. Herpesviral infections were the predominant cause of lower respiratory tract infection in the organ transplant recipients, whereas respiratory syncytial virus was the most common pathogen in non‐transplant patients particularly children. Multiplex real‐time PCR for detection of respiratory viruses has the potential for rapid identification of viral pathogens. In this era of emerging viral infections, addition of newer viral targets to the multiplex PCR panels will be beneficial in determining both patient management and public health epidemiology. J. Med. Virol. 84:162–169, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evolution of Anelloviridae strains distribution in serial blood and biopsy samples from a renal transplant patient
Authors: Biagini Philippe , Bédarida Sandra , Dussol Bertrand , Daniel Laurent , Berland Yvon , de Micco Philippe
Published: November 2011

A few studies investigated the natural history of viruses belonging to the family Anelloviridae in transplant patient. The case of a 64‐year‐old kidney transplant recipient is described. Molecular analysis of serial blood samples collected before and after transplant was performed during a period of 510 days. Two kidney biopsies were also analyzed. All blood samples tested positive for Anelloviridae DNA, with the identification of sequences belonging to the three taxonomic genera identified in humans. Sequences distribution during the follow‐up was multimodal. A sequence nearly identical to one present in the blood before transplant was further characterized in one biopsy sample. J. Med. Virol. 84:96–98, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
BapC autotransporter protein of Bordetella pertussis is an adhesion factor
Authors: Bokhari Habib , Bilal Iram , Zafar Sadia
Published: November 2011

Bordetella pertussis, the causative agent of whooping cough, attaches to mucosal surfaces in upper respiratory tract, where it produces, a variety of surface‐associated and secreted molecules. Among various secreted products, some of the proteins belonging to autotransporter family; pertactin (Prn), bordetella resistance to killing (BrkA) and a newly identified member, bordetella autotransporter protein‐C (BapC), are investigated in this study for their adherence potential to various respiratory and non‐respiratory tract specific cell lines. Our results reveal that BapC and Prn mutants adhere significantly less (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.05) respectively to human non‐respiratory (HeLa‐229) and murine macrophages (P‐388 D‐1) cells compared to their wild‐type strains. Prn, BrkA and BapC share no homology in their passenger domains except existence of common motifs arginine‐glycine‐asparctic (RGD) and glycosaminoglycan binding site (SGXG). We have shown that RGD and SGXG motifs are present in the coiled region in Prn and BrkA proteins with the exception in BapC where R (463) of RGD and S (597) of SGXG motif were observed in beta sheet of the modeled protein structures. Therefore, there is possibility that such arrangement of motifs can confer greater probability of BapC in better selective adherence to binding sites on the HeLa‐229 and P‐388 D‐1 cell lines. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A statistical approach to multi‐site multivariate downscaling of daily extreme temperature series
Authors: Khalili Malika , Van Nguyen Van Thanh , Gachon Philippe
Published: November 2011

Downscaling methods for describing the linkage between global‐scale climate variables and local climatic conditions have been frequently used in climate‐related impact assessment studies. Previous works, however, have been mainly dealing with downscaling of climatic processes for a single site, but very few studies are concerned with the downscaling of these processes for multi‐sites because of the complexity in accurately describing both observed at‐site temporal persistence and spatial dependence between different locations. In the present study, a multi‐site multivariate statistical downscaling (SD) approach was developed for simulating daily maximum (Tmax) and minimum (Tmin) temperature series at many sites concurrently. The proposed approach consists of a combination of a linear regression component to describe the linkage between global climate predictors and local temperature extremes, and a stochastic component based on a spatial moving average process to reproduce the observed spatial dependence between temperature extremes at different sites. The feasibility of the suggested SD method was assessed using observed daily extreme temperature data available at 10 weather stations located in the southwest region of Quebec and the southeast region of Ontario in Canada, as well as climate predictors from the NCEP/NCAR (National Centers for Environmental Prediction/National Centre for Atmospheric Research) reanalysis dataset for the 1961–1990 period. It was found that the proposed SD approach was able to accurately describe various Tmax and Tmin characteristics, including their spatial and temporal variation as well as their interannual anomalies. In addition, comparison of the results from the proposed multi‐site multivariate SD method and one simulation series from the Canadian Regional Climate Model (CRCM) at a 45‐km resolution (a dynamic downscaling procedure) has indicated that the suggested SD approach was able to more accurately describe the observed spatial and temporal characteristics of extreme temperature series at the regional scale than the CRCM‐based dynamic downscaling method. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Wave front sets for ultradistribution solutions of linear partial differential operators with coefficients in non‐quasianalytic classes
Authors: Albanese A. A. , Jornet D. , Oliaro A.
Published: November 2011

We prove the following inclusionwhereWF*denotes the non‐quasianalytic Beurling or Roumieu wave front set, Ω is an open subset of\documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}$\mathbb {R}^n$\end{document},Pis a linear partial differential operator with suitable ultradifferentiable coefficients, and Σ is the characteristic set ofP. The proof relies on some techniques developed in the study of pseudodifferential operators in the Beurling setting. Some applications are also investigated.
Regularity results of Stokes/Lamé interface problems
Authors: Mercier D. , Nicaise Serge
Published: November 2011

This paper is devoted to some transmission problems involving the Lamé and stationary Stokes systems in two‐dimensional nonsmooth domains. We first show that these problems may be obtained as a limit of a transmission Lamé problem when the Lamé coefficient λ goes to infinity. We further investigate the behavior of the solutions of these problems near geometrical singularities, especially near corner points where the interface intersects the boundaries. In particular we show stable decompositions with respect to the perturbation parameter λ. Some minimal regularity results are deduced from similar minimal regularity result of transmission Lamé problems obtained in 13. Some numerical results for the calculation of the singular exponents in the asymptotic expansion are presented and confirm these minimal regularity results.
Flexible Outsourcing
Authors: Moretto Michele , Rossini Gianpaolo
Published: November 2011

Flexibility is definitely a key for success and is crucial in vertical relationships. Then, it seems worth analyzing the selection of the optimal degree of vertical integration and/or separation in a dynamic uncertain environment, where a flexible firm can switch from a certain degree of outsourcing back to vertical integration. The enterprise we investigate never throws away the vertical control of the manufacturing chain as it does not outsource the entire input requirement. On the contrary, it keeps the ability to make the intermediate good in‐house as a kind of prudential conduct. Higher uncertainty lets firms enter earlier, as vertical flexibility provides a hedge against risk. After entry, an increase in uncertainty boosts the probability of outsourcing. These results differ from received literature. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simulation studies on the motor unit potentials with satellite components in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and spinal muscle atrophy
Authors: Zalewska Ewa , Rowinska‐Marcinska Katarzyna , Gawel Małgorzata , Hausmanowa‐Petrusewicz Irena
Published: November 2011

Introduction: We compared motor unit potentials (MUPs) with satellite components recorded in two anterior horn disorders: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA, types II and III). Methods: We analyzed MUPs recorded from biceps brachii muscle, including 209 associated with ALS (12 patients) and 127 with SMA (5 patients). Simulations were applied to determine the origin of satellites in these processes. Results: MUP parameters differ in ALS and SMA. Simulations indicate that the satellite potential in ALS often originated from a single fiber, whereas in SMA it originated from a group of fibers of smaller diameters than the surrounding ones. Conclusions: These results suggest that, except for neurogenic factors, the variability of muscle fiber diameters also leads to the formation of MUPs with satellites. This variability seems to be responsible for the differences in the shape of the main and satellite MUP components in ALS and SMA. Muscle Nerve, 2012
A Markov‐modulated fluid flow queueing model under D‐policy
Authors: Baek Jung Woo , Lee Ho Woo , Lee Se Won , Ahn Soohan
Published: November 2011

We consider a Markov‐modulated fluid flow queueing model under D‐policy. As soon as the fluid level reaches zero, the server becomes idle. During the idle period, fluid arrives from outside according to an underlying continuous time Markov chain (UMC) and the idle server does not process the fluid. We consider two increase patterns of fluid during the idle period: vertical increase (Type‐V) and linear increase (Type‐L). The idle server is reactivated only when the cumulative fluid level in the system exceeds a predetermined threshold value D. We derive the distributions of fluid level and mean performance measures for both types. We also present cost optimization model to minimize average operating cost per unit time. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antimicrobial agents as photostabilizers for rigid poly(vinyl chloride)
Authors: Rabie Samira T. , Khalil Ahmed M.
Published: November 2011

Some amide derivatives of ethylene glycol‐bis(2‐aminoethylether)‐N,N,N′,N′‐tetraacetic acid (EGTA) have been prepared via their coupling with different aniline derivatives: amino, methyl, chloro, and hydroxy aniline. The EGTA amide derivatives were characterized, and their antimicrobial activities were evaluated. These antimicrobial agents have been investigated as photostabilizers for rigid poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), suspension PVC, with a K value of 70. Their stabilizing efficiencies were evaluated by determining the percentage of weight loss, the intrinsic viscosities, as well as the amount of formed gel of the photodegraded PVC. The extent of discoloration and the change in the mechanical properties of the photodegraded polymer were also evaluated. The applied materials reduced the loss in weight that resulted from HCl evolution during photodegradation. Both viscosity and gel content measurements showed also a decrease in their values during the degradation process. The decrease in the percentage of gel formation upon applying the investigated photostabilizers reflects the lowering in extent of cross‐linking of the polymer, which implies preserving the mechanical properties of PVC. The extent of discoloration was also improved in the presence of the investigated compounds. The results have proved a greater stabilizing efficiencies of the antimicrobial EGTA amide derivatives than that of the phenyl salicylate ultraviolet (UV) absorber, which is commonly used as an industrial stabilizer. A radical mechanism was proposed to account for the stabilizing action of the investigated products. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparative Separation of Methylswertianin, Swerchirin and Decussatin from the Tibetan Medicinal Plant Swertia Mussotii Using High‐speed Counter‐current Chromatography
Authors: Jia Jing , Chen Tao , Wang Ping , Chen Guichen , You Jinmao , Liu Yongjun , Li Yulin
Published: November 2011

Introduction

Xanthones, the primary constituents of Swertia mussotii, are known to possess a variety of biological activities, including anti‐depressant, anti‐leukaemic, anti‐tumour, anti‐tubercular, choleretic, diuretic, anti‐microbial, anti‐fungal, anti‐inflammatory, anti‐viral, cardiotonic and hypoglycemic properties. However, high performance, environmentally friendly methods for isolating and purifying xanthones from S. mussotii are not currently available.

Objective

To develop a high performance and environmentally friendly method for the preparative separation of xanthones methylswertianin, swerchirin and decussatin from S. mussotii using high‐speed counter‐current chromatography (HSCCC).

Methodology

A solvent system composed of n‐hexane:ethyl acatate:methanol:water (5:5:10:4, v/v/v/v) was developed for the separation method. The upper phase was used as the stationary phase, and the lower phase was used as the mobile phase at a flow rate of 1.5 mL/min, a rotation speed of 800 rpm and a temperature of 25 °C.

Results

Using the described method, 8 mg of methylswertianin, 21 mg of swerchirin and 11 mg of decussatin with purities of over 98% could be isolated from a 150 mg crude sample. They were identified by 1H‐NMR and 13 C‐NMR analysis.

Conclusion

Three xanthones in Swertia mussotii could be systematically isolated and purified using HSCCC. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Two‐stage method to remove population‐ and individual‐level outliers from longitudinal data in a primary care database
Authors: Welch C. , Petersen I. , Walters K. , Morris R. W. , Nazareth I. , Kalaitzaki E. , White I. R. , Marston L. , Carpenter J.
Published: November 2011

Purpose

In the UK, primary care databases include repeated measurements of health indicators at the individual level. As these databases encompass a large population, some individuals have extreme values, but some values may also be recorded incorrectly. The challenge for researchers is to distinguish between records that are due to incorrect recording and those which represent true but extreme values. This study evaluated different methods to identify outliers.

Methods

Ten percent of practices were selected at random to evaluate the recording of 513,367 height measurements. Population‐level outliers were identified using boundaries defined using Health Survey for England data. Individual‐level outliers were identified by fitting a random‐effects model with subject‐specific slopes for height measurements adjusted for age and sex. Any height measurements with a patient‐level standardised residual more extreme than ±10 were identified as an outlier and excluded. The model was subsequently refitted twice after removing outliers at each stage. This method was compared with existing methods of removing outliers.

Results

Most outliers were identified at the population level using the boundaries defined using Health Survey for England (1550 of 1643). Once these were removed from the database, fitting the random‐effects model to the remaining data successfully identified only 75 further outliers. This method was more efficient at identifying true outliers compared with existing methods.

Conclusions

We propose a new, two‐stage approach in identifying outliers in longitudinal data and show that it can successfully identify outliers at both population and individual level. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of carbon containing SiNx antireflection coating on the screen‐printed contact and low illumination performance of silicon solar cell
Authors: Kang Moon Hee , Rohatgi Ajeet , Hong Junegie , Rounsaville Brian , Upadhyaya Vijaykumar , Ebong Abasifreke , Das Arnab
Published: November 2011

Screen‐printed metal contact formation through a carbon containing antireflection coating was investigated for silicon solar cells by fabricating conventional carbon‐free SiNx and carbon‐rich SiCxNy film. An appreciable difference was found in the average shunt resistance (Rsh), which was about an order of magnitude higher for SiCxNy‐coated solar cells relative to the counterpart SiNx‐coated solar cells. Series resistance (Rs) and fill factor (FF) were comparable for both antireflection coatings but the starting efficiency of SiCxNy‐coated cell was ~0·2% lower because of slightly inferior surface passivation. However, SiCxNy‐coated solar cells showed less degradation under lower illumination (<1000 W/m2) compared with the SiNx‐coated cells due to reduced FF degradation under low illumination. Theoretical calculations in this paper support that this is a direct result of high Rsh. Detailed photovoltaic system and cost modeling is performed to quantify the enhanced energy production and the reduced levelized cost of electricity due to higher shunt resistance of the SiCxNy‐coated cells. It is shown that Rsh value below 30 Ω (7000 Ω cm2 for 239 cm2 cell) can lead to appreciable loss in energy production in regions of low solar insolation. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Innovation and fabrication of 5.5 generation image‐patterned translucent photovoltaic module by using laser scribing technology
Authors: Lien Shui‐Yang , Hsu Chia‐Hsun , Ou Yu‐Chih
Published: November 2011

The building‐integrated photovoltaic (PV) technology is one of the most promising applications for amorphous silicon (a‐Si) thin film solar cells. It is necessary to develop more various building‐integrated PV modules, which will provide architects and industries more options for the PV installation to their buildings or construction bodies. In this paper, a new type of a‐Si PV module, called image‐patterned translucent a‐Si PV module, is developed. Any required image can be displayed on the module by using laser processes. In the present result, a 5.5 generation (1100 × 1400 mm) image‐patterned translucent PV module with 10% transmittance exhibits the stabilized maximum power output (Pmax) of 92.5 W, which can be further improved by optimizing the laser parameters. The remarkable features of our module such as the image displaying, natural light transmission, and heat reduction create entirely new applications including windows and logos and provide an option that adds personal style and unique design to the building interiors. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In der Schwebe
Authors: Becker Michael , Meiser Jerome , Koblischka Michael R. , Hartmann Uwe
Published: November 2011

Eine Leviationswaage kann die Levitationskraft zwischen einer Hochtemperatur‐Supraleiter‐Probe und einem Permanentmagneten in Abhängigkeit des Abstands zwischen beiden messen. Der Artikel stellt eine Waagenkonstruktion vor, die sich für Praktika in Hochschulen und Schulen eignet. Der Versuch läuft computergesteuert. Für den Einsatz in fortgeschrittenen Semestern ist besonders interessant, dass man aus der Levitationskraft die kritische Stromdichte und das Haftkraftpotential der Flussschläuche in der Probe errechnen kann.
Streit um das Unsichtbare
Authors: Bührke Thomas
Published: November 2011

Nach dem heutigen Standardmodell der Kosmologie besteht 23 % aller im Universum vorhandenen Materie aus nicht‐baryonischen Elementarteilchen. Den Löwenanteil stellt die Dunkle Energie (72 %), während die uns bekannte, baryonische Materie nur knapp 4, 6 % ausmacht. Seit Jahren laufen in Untergrundlaboratorien extrem empfindliche Experimente zum Nachweis der Dunkle‐Materie‐Teilchen. Jüngst gab es Meldungen, wonach einige Gruppen Hinweise auf solche Teilchen gefunden haben. Noch sind die Ergebnisse jedoch widersprüchlich.
Enhancement of the inhibitory effect of an IL‐15 antagonist peptide by alanine scanning
Authors: Savio Alicia Santos , Acosta Osvaldo Reyes , Pérez Haydee Gerónimo , Álvarez Yunier Rodríguez , Chico Araceli , Pérez Hilda Garay , Ojeda Miriam Ojeda , Aguero Celia Aurora Arrieta , Estévez Miguel , Nieto Gerardo Guillen
Published: November 2011

IL‐15 is a proinflammatory cytokine that acts early in the inflammatory response and has been associated with several autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, where it had been proposed as a therapeutic target. We recently reported an IL‐15 antagonist peptide corresponding to sequence 36–45 of IL‐15 (KVTAMKCFLL) named P8, which specifically binds to IL‐15Rα and inhibits IL‐15 biological activity with a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 130 µ m in CTLL‐2 proliferation assay. In order to improve binding of peptide P8 to the receptor IL‐15Rα, we used an Ala scan strategy to study contribution of each individual amino acid to the peptide's antagonist effect. Here, we found that Phe and Cys are important for peptide binding to IL‐15Rα. We also investigated other single site mutations and replaced the second Lys in the sequence by the polar non‐charged amino acid threonine. The resulting peptide [K6T]P8 exhibited a higher activity than P8 with an IC50 of 24 µm. We also found that this peptide was more active than peptide P8 in the inhibition of TNFα secretion by synovial cells from rheumatoid arthritis patients. The peptide [K6T]P8 described in this work is a new type of IL‐15 antagonist and constitutes a potential therapeutic agent for rheumatoid arthritis. Copyright © 2011 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sialic acid and sialyl‐lactose glyco‐conjugates: design, synthesis and binding assays to lectins and swine influenza H1N1 virus
Authors: Zevgiti Stella , Zabala Juliana Gonzalez , Darji Ayub , Dietrich Ursula , Panou‐Pomonis Eugenia , Sakarellos‐Daitsiotis Maria
Published: November 2011

The terminal parts of the influenza hemagglutinin (HA) receptors α2,6‐ and α2,3‐sialyllactoses were conjugated to an artificial carrier, named sequential oligopeptide carrier (SOC4), to formulate human and avian receptor mimics, respectively. SOC4, formed by the tripeptide unit Lys‐Aib‐Gly, adopts a rigid helicoids‐type conformation, which enables the conjugation of biomolecules to the Lys‐NεH2 groups. By doing so, it preserves their initial conformations and functionalities of the epitopes. We report that SOC4‐glyco‐conjugate bearing two copies of the α2,6‐sialyllactose is specifically recognized by the biotinylated Sambucus nigra (elderberry) bark lectin, which binds preferentially to sialic acid in an α2,6‐linkage. SOC4‐glyco‐conjugate bearing two copies of the α2,3‐sialyllactose was not recognized by the biotinylated Maackia amurensis lectin, despite its well‐known α2,3‐sialyl bond specificity. However, preliminary immune blot assays showed that H1N1 virus binds to both the SOC4‐glyco‐conjugates immobilized onto nitrocellulose membrane. It is concluded that Ac‐SOC4[(Ac)2,(3′SL‐Aoa)2]‐NH2 5 and Ac‐SOC4[(Ac)2,(6′SL‐Aoa)2]‐NH2 6 mimic the HA receptors. These findings could be useful for easy screening of binding and inhibition assays of virus–receptor interactions. Copyright © 2011 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sick at Work: Presenteeism among Nurses in a Portuguese Public Hospital
Authors: Martinez Luis F. , Ferreira Aristides I.
Published: November 2011

Presenteeism refers to attending work despite being ill. This article focuses on this innovative organizational concept. Data from nurses at a major Portuguese public hospital (N = 296) reported some major causes of presenteeism, namely lower‐back pain, breath infections, migraines and stress. Although females revealed higher prevalence levels for most of the presenteeism causes, no gender differences were found regarding the number of hours people were affected by presenteeism. Moreover, other work variables were correlated—age, perceived health state, number of working hours, income and seniority—with a presenteeism scale (SPS‐6) and a Health Condition Index. Most importantly, a negative correlation was found between perceived health status and presenteeism. Additionally, more experienced and highly paid nurses tended to be less affected by presenteeism. Finally, the limitations of this study—as well as some implications of presenteeism on productivity loss—are discussed. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Increasing software development efficiency and maintainability for complex industrial systems – A case study
Authors: Lagerström Robert , Sporrong Ulf , Wall Anders
Published: November 2011

It is difficult to manage complex software systems. Thus, many research initiatives focus on how to improve software development efficiency and maintainability. However, the trend in the industry is still alarming, software development projects fail, and maintenance is becoming more and more expensive. One problem could be that research has been focusing on the wrong things. Most research publications address either process improvements or architectural improvements. There are few known approaches that consider how architectural changes affect processes and vice versa. One method proposed, called the Business–Architecture–Process method, takes these aspects into consideration. In 2007 the method was tested in one case study. Findings in the 2007 case study show that the method is useful, but in need of improvements and further validation. The present paper employs the method in a second case study. The contribution in this paper is thus a second test and validation of the proposed method, and useful method improvements for future use of the method. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of malachite green on the mRNA expression of detoxification‐related genes in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and other major Chinese freshwater fishes
Authors: Li Guangyu , Shen Dan , Liang Xu‐Fang , He Yan , He Shan
Published: November 2011

The use of malachite green (MG) in fish farming is prohibited in China due to its potentially toxicological and carcinogenic nature, but it is still illegally used in some places. The aim of this study was to investigate the time and concentration‐dependent responses of xenobiotic metabolizing and detoxification‐related genes in diverse fishes exposed to MG both in vivo and in vitro. Experimental fish were administered to two exposure groups of malachite green (MG) (0.10 and 0.50 mg L−1) for 8 h. The hepatocytes isolated from Nile tilapia were incubated with MG (0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mg L−1) for 8 and 24 h, respectively. In vivo, exposure to 0.10 and 0.50 mg L−1 MG for 8 h caused significant changes of the detoxification‐related genes on the mRNA expression levels. Low‐concentration (0.10 mg L−1) level of MG induced significant increase on the mRNA expression level of GSTR gene in Nile tilapia and other fishes. The mRNA expression of grass carp UCP2 was significantly induced when exposed to 0.5 mg L−1 MG. However, the mRNA expression levels of GSTA, CYP1A, and GPX were inhibited significantly by 0.5 mg L−1 MG in Nile tilapia, grass carp, and Taiwan snakehead. In vitro, the significant increase of mRNA expression of these genes was detected after exposure to 0.5 mg L−1 MG (UCP2), and 1.0 mg L−1 MG (CYP1A1, GSTA, GSTR, and UCP2). The induction of hepatic CYP1A1, GSTA, GSTR, and UCP2 in response to MG suggested a potential role of fish CYP1A1, GSTA, GSTR, and UCP2 in MG metabolism. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2013.
Nullifying the climate null hypothesis
Authors: Curry Judith
Published: November 2011

This essay addresses Trenberth's statement that ‘Given that global warming is “unequivocal”, and is “very likely” due to human activities to quote the 2007 IPCC report, the null hypothesis should now be reversed, thereby placing the burden of proof on showing that there is no human influence.’ We examine how the concept of a null hypothesis is being used implicitly and explicitly in the scientific and policy debate on climate change, in the context of scientific hypothesis testing, as a framework for ‘burden of proof’ arguments and policy deliberations, and metaphorically in the context of a polemic. It is argued that the statement of a null hypothesis is not particularly useful in the broader context of the scientific inferences surrounding the topic of the attribution of climate change and also policy decisions. WIREs Clim Change 2011, 2:919–924. doi: 10.1002/wcc.141

This article is categorized under:

Paleoclimates and Current Trends > Detection and Attribution

Climate Models and Modeling > Knowledge Generation with Models
Long-Term Outcomes of Proximal Row Carpectomy: A Minimum of 15-Year Follow-up
Authors: Ali Mir H. , Rizzo Marco , Shin Alexander Y. , Moran Steven L.
Published: November 2011

Introduction

Proximal row carpectomy (PRC) is a popular procedure for the treatment of wrist arthritis; however, the long-term clinical outcomes of this procedure are not well-characterized. The purpose of this study was to evaluate long-term results with PRC and to identify factors that may improve clinical outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed on all patients who underwent proximal row carpectomy between January 1967 and January 1992. Medical records and available radiographs were reviewed. The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand, and Patient Rated Wrist Exam, as well as hand motion diagrams were sent to all surviving patients. The contralateral extremity was used as a control. Data was analyzed using multivariant analysis and a Student's t test.

Results

Eighty-one patients underwent PRC. Average age at the time of surgery was 41 years. Average follow-up was 19.8 years. Sixty-one patients responded to the questionnaires. On final follow-up, wrist motion and grip strength were not significantly different from preoperative values. Radiographic follow-up beyond 2 years revealed joint narrowing and arthritic changes within the radiocapitate joint. Forty-six patients (74%) were not satisfied with the results of their surgery due to persistent pain or inability to return to previous occupational activities. Fifty-two patients required daily pain medication for wrist pain. Twelve patients had undergone a wrist arthrodesis.

Conclusions

Post-operative motion and grip strength values following PRC appear to remain stable over time. Surgical failure rates with conversion to wrist fusion occurred early within the post-operative follow-up. Many patients continued to complain of pain requiring daily medication and were unable to return to manual labor type jobs. The results of this study suggest that long-term patient satisfaction following PRC can be poor and the surgeon may wish to consider alternative treatment options for younger patients and those with high-demand jobs.