bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study habits among Nigerian secondary school students with brain fag syndrome
Authors: Ola Bolanle A. , Morakinyo Olufemi
Published: March 2010

Brain Fag Syndrome (BFS) is a psychiatric disorder associated with study affecting two to four out of every ten African students. One of the consequences of this illness is early fore-closure of education in affected students. Etiological factors such as nervous predisposition, motivation for achievement, and psycho-stimulant use have been found associated with it. However, the contributions of study habits to the pathogenesis of this study-related illness deserve more attention than has been given. We carried out this cross-sectional study to ascertain the types of study habits associated with BFS among a sample of senior secondary school students in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Five hundred students from six schools in Ile-Ife were selected using a stratified random sampling technique. The selected students completed the Socio-demographic Data Schedule, the Brain Fag Syndrome Scale, and Bakare's Study Habit Inventory. The prevalence of BFS was 40.2% (201). There were no significant socio-demographic variables identifying BFS students apart from those without BFS. The significant measures of study habits that predicted BFS were homework and assignments, examinations, and written work. Those with BFS had 3.58 times the odds to perform poorly on homework and assignments, 3.27 times the odds to perform poorly on examinations, and 1.01 times the odds to perform poorly on written work compared to those without BFS. We concluded that the results of this study suggest that homework and assignments, examinations, and written work were significant study habit variables associated with BFS.
Tachykinin Receptor Assays
Authors: Meini Stefania , Alberto Maggi Carlo
Published: March 2010

Described in this unit are methods for obtaining, preparing, and testing smooth muscle preparations bearing tachykinin receptors to study the agonist or antagonist properties of test compounds. Concentration‐response curves to agonists are constructed to measure their ability to produce smooth muscle contractions and thus evaluate the potency and efficacy of the agonists. Antagonists are tested for their ability to shift the agonist concentration‐response curve and to calculate their potency. Two different protocols are described for each of the three tachykinin receptors (NK1, NK2, and NK3). The NK1receptor assays use guinea pig ileum longitudinal muscle myenteric plexus (GPI) and rat urinary bladder (RUB), the NK2receptor assays use isolated endothelium‐deprived rabbit pulmonary artery (RPA) and hamster trachea (HT), and the NK3receptor assays use GPI and rat portal vein (RPV).Curr. Protoc. Pharmacol. 48:4.10.1‐4.10.28. © 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
In Vivo Pharmacodynamic Assays for M2and M3Muscarinic Receptors
Authors: Armstrong Scott , Steinfeld Tod , Pulido‐Rios M. Teresa , Hegde Sharath S.
Published: March 2010

M2and M3muscarinic receptor subtypes are attractive drug targets for the treatment of pulmonary and urological disorders. Described in this unit is an in vivo pithed rat assay for estimating agonist and antagonist potency at M2and M3receptors. In the pithed rat, the muscarinic agonist methacholine induces reduction in heart rate (bradycardia) and blood pressure (depressor response) through interaction with M2and M3receptors, respectively. The dissociation of the peripheral and central nervous system in the pithed rat preparation permits the direct assessment of compound effects on the heart and vasculature in the absence of cardiovascular reflexes. Estimates of antagonist potency can be reliably established by quantifying the shift in the agonist dose‐effect curve produced under appropriate equilibrium or non‐equilibrium conditions.Curr. Protoc. Pharmacol. 48:12.13.1‐12.13.10. © 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
In Vitro Selection of RNA Aptamers to a Protein Target by Filter Immobilization
Authors: Hall Bradley , Arshad Seyed , Seo Kyunghyun , Bowman Catherine , Corley Meredith , Jhaveri Sulay D. , Ellington Andrew D.
Published: March 2010

This unit describes the selection of aptamers from a pool of single‐stranded RNA by binding to a protein target. Aptamers generated from this selection experiment can potentially act as protein function inhibitors, and may find applications as therapeutic or diagnostic reagents. A pool of dsDNA is used to generate an ssRNA pool, which is mixed with the protein target. Bound complexes are separated from unbound reagents by filtration, and the RNA:protein complexes are amplified by a combination of reverse transcription, PCR, and in vitro transcription.Curr. Protoc. Nucleic Acid Chem. 40:9.3.1‐9.3.27. © 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Molecular reconstruction of complex hydrocarbon mixtures: An application of principal component analysis
Authors: Pyl Steven P. , Van Geem Kevin M. , Reyniers Marie‐Françoise , Marin Guy B.
Published: March 2010

Three methods for reconstruction of the detailed molecular composition of complex hydrocarbon mixtures, based on their global properties, are compared: a method based on the Shannon entropy criterion, an artificial neural network and a multiple linear regression model. In spite of the broad range of naphthas included in the training set, the application range of the last two methods proved to be limited. Principal component analysis allowed to identify their three‐dimensional ellipsoidal application range. In this subspace, the artificial neural network is more accurate than the multiple linear regression model and the Shannon entropy method. However, outside its application range, the performance of the neural network, as well as the regression model, decreases drastically. In contrast, the performance of the Shannon entropy method is not influenced by the characteristics of the considered naphtha, but rather depends on the number of available commercial indices. The Shannon entropy method yields comparable results to the artificial neural network, provided that a sufficient amount of distillation data is available to supply information on the carbon number distribution. Combining the reconstruction methods with a fundamental simulation model illustrates the necessity of having accurate feedstock reconstruction methods since they allow to capture the full power of fundamental simulation models for the simulation of industrial processes. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2010
Hydrodynamics of cocurrent two‐phase flows in slanted porous media—Modulation of pulse flow via bed obliquity
Authors: Schubert Markus , Hamidipour Mohsen , Duchesne Carl , Larachi Faïçal
Published: March 2010

A packed bed operated with descending gas–liquid cocurrent flows in slanted configuration to force trickle flow pattern to segregate due to gravity was studied, in addition to dependences to inclination angle of liquid saturation and pressure drop. Inception of pulse flow regime could take place regardless of inclination angle and the transition from segregated/trickle regime to pulse flow regime was experimentally determined. The Grosser et al. flow regime transition model was modified by considering only axial components of the gas and liquid superficial velocities to predict the slant‐dependent shifts in transition from segregated/trickle to pulse flow and was found to agree with experimental data. Pulse flow regime at different inclinations was characterized with respect to frequency, velocity, and shape of pulses. Bed obliquity was unveiled as a new artifice to pulse flow modulation with possible prospects for catalytic reactions requiring antagonistically high‐interaction regime mass transfer coefficients and partial catalyst wetting. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2010
The proinflammatory activity of recombinant serum amyloid A is not shared by the endogenous protein in the circulation
Authors: Björkman Lena , Raynes John G. , Shah Chandrabala , Karlsson Anna , Dahlgren Claes , Bylund Johan
Published: March 2010

Objective

Elevated serum levels of the acute‐phase protein serum amyloid A (SAA) are a marker for active rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and SAA can also be found in the tissues of patients with active RA. Based on a number of studies with recombinant SAA (rSAA), the protein has been suggested to be a potent proinflammatory mediator that activates human neutrophils, but whether endogenous SAA shares these proinflammatory activities has not been directly addressed. The present study was undertaken to investigate whether SAA in the plasma of patients with RA possesses proinflammatory properties and activates neutrophils in a manner similar to that of the recombinant protein.

Methods

Neutrophil activation was monitored by flow cytometry, based on L‐selectin shedding from cell surfaces. Whole blood samples from healthy subjects and from RA patients with highly elevated SAA levels were studied before and after stimulation with rSAA as well as purified endogenous SAA.

Results

Recombinant SAA potently induced cleavage of L‐selectin from neutrophils and in whole blood samples. Despite highly elevated SAA levels, L‐selectin was not down‐regulated on RA patient neutrophils as compared with neutrophils from healthy controls. Spiking SAA‐rich whole blood samples from RA patients with rSAA, however, resulted in L‐selectin shedding. In addition, SAA purified from human plasma was completely devoid of neutrophil‐ or macrophage‐activating capacity.

Conclusion

The present findings show that rSAA is proinflammatory but that this activity is not shared by endogenous SAA, either when present in the circulation of RA patients or when purified from plasma during an acute‐phase response.
A petri nets‐based process planning system for wastewater treatment
Authors: Yao Albert W. L. , Ji Zhiming , Liao H. T.
Published: March 2010

It is always challenging to simulate, debug or diagnose automated systems. The aim of this paper is to present the development of a convenient tool for reengineering the control system in a complicated industrial wastewater treatment plant. In this project, a PC‐based Human‐Machine Interface (HMI) in conjunction with Petri nets (PN) theory is adopted to develop and simulate the operational process for wastewater treatment. The resultant tool offers many advantages to the reality of the automated control world. It not only reduces the process reengineering time and the cost of error recovery, but also builds a panel of human interface for the process. The discrete event control sequence of wastewater treatment can be easily modeled and evaluated before its build‐up. Furthermore, this PN‐based system can be used as an online diagnostic tool when the wastewater treatment process is malfunctioning. That is, the presented PN tool provides an adequate means for offline process development, simulation, performance evaluation, and quick online process diagnosis. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley and Sons Asia Pte Ltd and Chinese Automatic Control Society
Perspectives on Synthetic Promoters for Biocatalysis and Biotransformation
Authors: Ruth Claudia , Glieder Anton
Published: February 2010

Acting on the transcriptional level, synthetic promoters have been useful tools for controlling gene expression and have applications in many fields. Here, we discuss synthetic promoters and libraries in regard to current and future applications in the field of biocatalysis or biotransformation. We also focus on synthetic promoter design principles and distinguish between prokaryotic and eukaryotic destinations. The natural toolboxes available for tuneable gene expression and the regulation of enzyme function are limited and primarily host specific. Synthetic biology offers generally applicable concepts and quick implementation. Smart alternatives to transcriptional regulation enrich the engineer's tool box for optimizing industrial enzyme production and host‐cell physiology for whole‐cell processes. Industrially applicable, tuneable enzyme cascades and artificial circuits for iterative up‐ and down‐regulation will soon be achieved.
Adenosyl Radical: Reagent and Catalyst in Enzyme Reactions
Authors: Marsh E. Neil G. , Patterson Dustin P. , Li Lei
Published: February 2010

Adenosine is undoubtedly an ancient biological molecule that is a component of many enzyme cofactors: ATP, FADH, NAD(P)H, and coenzyme A, to name but a few, and, of course, of RNA. Here we present an overview of the role of adenosine in its most reactive form: as an organic radical formed either by homolytic cleavage of adenosylcobalamin (coenzyme B12, AdoCbl) or by single‐electron reduction of S‐adenosylmethionine (AdoMet) complexed to an iron–sulfur cluster. Although many of the enzymes we discuss are newly discovered, adenosine's role as a radical cofactor most likely arose very early in evolution, before the advent of photosynthesis and the production of molecular oxygen, which rapidly inactivates many radical enzymes. AdoCbl‐dependent enzymes appear to be confined to a rather narrow repertoire of rearrangement reactions involving 1,2‐hydrogen atom migrations; nevertheless, mechanistic insights gained from studying these enzymes have proved extremely valuable in understanding how enzymes generate and control highly reactive free radical intermediates. In contrast, there has been a recent explosion in the number of radical‐AdoMet enzymes discovered that catalyze a remarkably wide range of chemically challenging reactions; here there is much still to learn about their mechanisms. Although all the radical‐AdoMet enzymes so far characterized come from anaerobically growing microbes and are very oxygen sensitive, there is tantalizing evidence that some of these enzymes might be active in aerobic organisms including humans.
Stabilization of the Charge‐Separated States of Covalently Linked Zinc Porphyrin–Triphenylamine–[60]Fullerene
Authors: El‐Khouly Mohamed E. , Han Ki‐Jong , Kay Kwang‐Yol , Fukuzumi Shunichi
Published: February 2010

Spectroscopic, redox, computational, and electron transfer reactions of the covalently linked zinc porphyrin–triphenylamine–fulleropyrrolidine system are investigated in solvents of varying polarity. An appreciable interaction between triphenylamine and the porphyrin π system is revealed by steady‐state absorption and emission, redox, and computational studies. Free‐energy calculations suggest that the light‐induced processes via the singlet‐excited porphyrin are exothermic in benzonitrile, dichlorobenzene, toluene, and benzene. The occurrence of fast and efficient charge‐separation processes (≈1012 s−1) via the singlet‐excited porphyrin is confirmed by femtosecond transient absorption measurements in solvents with dielectric constants ranging from 25.2 (benzonitrile) to 2.2 (benzene). The rates of the charge separation processes are much less solvent‐dependent, which suggests that the charge‐separation processes occur at the top region of the Marcus parabola. The lifetimes of the singlet radical‐ion pair (70–3000 ps at room temperature) decrease substantially in more polar solvents, which suggests that the charge‐recombination process is occurring in the Marcus inverted region. Interestingly, by utilizing the nanosecond transient absorption spectral technique we can obtain clear evidence about the existence of triplet radical‐ion pairs with relatively long lifetimes of 0.71 μs (in benzonitrile) and 2.2 μs (in o‐dichlorobenzene), but not in toluene and benzene due to energetic considerations. From the point of view of mechanistic information, the synthesized zinc porphyrin–triphenylamine–fulleropyrrolidine system has the advantage that both the lifetimes of the singlet and triplet radical‐ion pair can be determined.
Effect of Optical Absorbance on the Raman Spectra of Ce0.9Tb0.1O2−δ Solid Solution
Authors: Guo Ming , Lu Jiqing , Bi Qingyuan , Luo Mengfei
Published: February 2010

Concentration of oxygen vacancies, optical absorption and microstructure of Ce0.9Tb0.1O2−δ material under different atmospheres (O2, He and H2) and temperatures are characterized by in situ X‐ray diffraction, in situ Raman spectroscopy and confocal microscopy. In this paper, we focus on how the change in optical absorption of the sample significantly affects the observed Raman information (peak intensity and the variation rule of oxygen vacancy concentration) under in situ conditions. With increasing temperature, the optical absorption of the sample decreases because of the release of oxygen and consequent changes of the microstructure. The decline in the optical absorption enables the Raman laser to increase its sampling depth, therefore, the deeper layer phonons in the structure are also sampled and contribute to the Raman scattering when the same excitation laser line is used. A more pronounced effect is observed when 514 nm laser line is used rather than 785 nm excitation, because both Tb and oxygen vacancies are enriched on the surface of the material and the 514 nm light provides surface information, while 785 nm light provides almost complete information on the sample.
Suzuki–Miyaura Cross‐Coupling Reactions in Aqueous Media: Green and Sustainable Syntheses of Biaryls
Authors: Polshettiwar Vivek , Decottignies Audrey , Len Christophe , Fihri Aziz
Published: February 2010

Carbon–carbon cross‐coupling reactions are among the most important processes in organic chemistry, and Suzuki–Miyaura reactions are among the most widely used protocols for the formation of carbon–carbon bonds. These reactions are generally catalyzed by soluble palladium complexes with various ligands. However, the use of toxic organic solvents remains a scientific challenge and an aspect of economical and ecological relevance. This Review will summarize various recently developed significant methods by which the Suzuki–Miyaura coupling was conducted in aqueous media, and analyzes if they are “real green” protocols.
Notch and delta mRNAs in early‐stage and mid‐stage drosophila embryos exhibit complementary patterns of protein‐producing potentials
Authors: Shepherd Andrew , Wesley Uma , Wesley Cedric
Published: March 2010

Notch and Delta proteins generate Notch signaling that specifies cell fates during animal development. There is an intriguing phenomenon in Drosophila embryogenesis that has not received much attention and whose significance to embryogenesis is unknown. Notch and Delta mRNAs expressed in early‐stage embryos are shorter than their counterparts in mid‐stage embryos. We show here that the difference in sizes is due to mRNA 3′ processing at alternate polyadenylation sites. While the early‐stage Notch mRNA has a lower protein‐producing potential than the mid‐stage Notch mRNA, the early‐stage Delta mRNA has a higher protein‐producing potential than the mid‐stage Delta mRNA. Our data can explain the complementary patterns of Notch and Delta protein levels in early‐ and mid‐stage embryos. Our data also raise the possibility that the manner and regulation of Notch signaling change in the course of embryogenesis and that this change is effected by 3′ UTR and mRNA 3′ processing factors. Developmental Dynamics 239:1220–1233, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Highly Efficient, Ligand‐Free, and Recyclable Cu2S‐Catalyzed Coupling of Aryl Iodides with Diaryl Disulfides
Authors: Wang Huifeng , Jiang Linlin , Chen Tao , Li Yaming
Published: March 2010

A highly efficient and ligand‐free copper(I) sulfide catalyzed cross‐coupling reaction of aryl iodides with diaryl disulfides was developed. With only 1 mol‐% of Cu2S as the catalyst, iron powder as the reductant, and K2CO3 as the base, aryl iodides reacted with disulfides in DMSO at 90–110 °C for 18–24 h under an atmosphere of argon to give the corresponding aryl sulfides in good to excellent yields. In addition, the catalyst is recyclable and reusable with some loss of activity.
When planning is not enough: Fighting unhealthy snacking habits by mental contrasting with implementation intentions (MCII)
Authors: Adriaanse Marieke A. , Oettingen Gabriele , Gollwitzer Peter M. , Hennes Erin P. , de Ridder Denise T. D. , de Wit John B. F.
Published: March 2010

In two experiments a self‐regulatory strategy combining mental contrasting with the formation of implementation intentions (MCII) was tested for its effectiveness in diminishing unhealthy snacking habits. Study 1 (N = 51) showed that participants in the MCII condition consumed fewer unhealthy snacks than participants in a control condition who thought about and listed healthy options for snacks. In Study 2 (N = 59) MCII was more effective than mental contrasting or formulating implementation intentions alone and mental contrasting was found to increase perceived clarity about critical cues for unhealthy snacking. Together, these findings suggest that MCII is an effective strategy for fighting habits and that one of the underlying processes making MCII superior to implementation intentions alone may be that mental contrasting produces clarity about the critical cues for the unwanted habitual behavior. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Numerical analysis on longitudinal location optimization of vortex generator in compact heat exchangers
Authors: Gorji M. , Mirgolbabaei H. , Barari A. , Domairry G. , Nadim N.
Published: March 2010

In this paper, numerical, curvilinear and turbulent model has been used to investigate the effect of vortex generator's longitudinal displacement on heat transfer and fluid flow in different Reynolds numbers ranging from 500 to 3000. The numerical model has been validated with experimental results of a former study, which is resembled in a particular case. Numerical simulation shows that the vorticity enhancement would increase both Nusselt number and pressure drop. Proposed trend is not constant and the pattern in which parameters change is dependent on Reynolds number. Finally, a conjugated optimization of pressure drop and the Nusselt number has been suggested based on the order of parameter changes. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
p27Kip1 is a predictive factor for tamoxifen treatment response but not a prognostic marker in premenopausal breast cancer patients
Authors: Stendahl Maria , Nilsson Sofie , Wigerup Caroline , Jirström Karin , Jönsson Per Ebbe , Stål Olle , Landberg Göran
Published: March 2010

The cell‐cycle regulating protein p27Kip1 (p27) has dual roles by acting as both a cdk inhibitor and as an assembly factor for different cdk complexes. Loss of p27 has been linked to malignant features in tumours; however, the exact role of p27 deregulation in breast cancer regarding prognostic and treatment predictive information has not been fully clarified. We have evaluated p27 expression in 328 primary, Stage II breast cancers from premenopausal patients who had been randomised to either tamoxifen treatment or no adjuvant treatment after surgery. p27 was associated with the oestrogen receptor and cyclin D1, and p27 downregulation was associated with high proliferation. There was no association between recurrence‐free survival (RFS) and p27 (HR = 0.800, 95% CI 0.523–1.222, p = 0.300), indicating that p27 is not a prognostic marker. The predictive value of p27 was analysed by comparing RFS in tamoxifen‐treated and untreated patients in subgroups of low and high p27 expression (HR = 0.747, 95% CI 0.335–1.664, p = 0.474 and HR = 0.401, 95% CI 0.240–0.670, p < 0.001, respectively). Only patients with p27‐high tumours benefited from tamoxifen (multivariate interaction analysis p = 0.034). Our study suggests that p27 downregulation is associated with tamoxifen resistance in premenopausal breast cancer but is not linked to impaired prognosis.
A specific immunoassay for monitoring human bone resorption: Quantitation of type I collagen cross-linked N-telopeptides in urine
Authors: Hanson Dennis A. , Weis Mary Ann E. , Bollen Anne-Marie , Maslan Shoshana L. , Singer Frederick R. , Dr. Eyre David R.
Published: March 2010

Peptides of low molecular weight that contain pyridinoline cross-links were isolated from adolescent human urine. A fraction was selected that was enriched in the N-telopeptide-to-helix intermolecular cross-linking domain of bone type I collagen. Mouse monoclonal antibodies were generated against these urinary peptides conjugated to a carrier protein as immunogen. A high-affinity antibody was identified that specifically bound to the trivalent peptides derived from the N-telopeptide-to-helix pyridinoline cross-linking site in type I collagen of human bone. This was confirmed by the direct isolation from human bone collagen of similar fragments recognized selectively by the antibody. A sensitive inhibition ELISA was established on microtiter plates that could quantify the bone-derived peptides in human urine. The assay, which can be run directly on untreated urine, was thoroughly tested against samples from normal subjects and from patients with metabolic bone disease. For example, strong correlations with urinary hydroxyproline and total pyridinoline cross-links were found in patients with Paget's disease of bone. The method shows considerable promise as a rapid and specific index of human bone resorption rates, with greatly improved specificity and convenience over total pyridinoline analysis. Potential applications include the study of normal metabolism, the diagnosis and monitoring of bone disease, and evaluating the effectiveness of antiresorption therapies.
Sodium nitroprusside induces autophagic cell death in glutathione‐depleted osteoblasts
Authors: Son Min Jeong , Lee Seong‐Beom , Byun Yu Jeong , Lee Hwa Ok , Kim Ho‐Shik , Kwon Oh‐Joo , Jeong Seong‐Whan
Published: March 2010

Previous studies reported that high levels of nitric oxide (NO) induce apoptotic cell death in osteoblasts. We examined molecular mechanisms of cytotoxic injury induced by sodium nitroprusside (SNP), a NO donor, in both glutathione (GSH)‐depleted and control U2‐OS osteoblasts. Cell viability was reduced by much lower effective concentrations of SNP in GSH‐depleted cells compared to normal cells. The data suggest that the level of intracellular GSH is critical in SNP‐induced cell death processes of osteoblasts. The level of oxidative stress due to SNP treatments doubled in GSH‐depleted cells when measured with fluorochrome H2DCFDA. Pretreatment with the NO scavenger PTIO preserved the viability of cells treated with SNP. Viability of cells treated with SNP was recovered by pretreatment with Wortmannin, an autophagy inhibitor, but not by pretreatment with zVAD‐fmk, a pan‐specific caspase inhibitor. Large increases of LC3‐II were shown by immunoblot analysis of the SNP‐treated cells, and the increase was blocked by pretreatment with PTIO or Wortmannin; this implies that under GSH‐depleted conditions SNP induces different molecular signaling that lead to autophagic cell death. The ultrastructural morphology of SNP‐treated cells in transmission electron microscopy showed numerous autophagic vacuoles. These data suggest NO produces oxidative stress and cellular damage that culminate in autophagic cell death of GSH‐depleted osteoblasts. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 24:313–322, 2010; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/jbt.20340
Assessment of adequate sodium hypochlorite concentration for pre‐oxidization of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Yang Jhih‐Ci , Yen Chia‐Hsien , Wang Wei‐Jhih , Horng Jao‐Jia , Tsai Yung‐Pin
Published: March 2010

BACKGROUND: Inadequate surface oxidization can potentially destroy the structure and chemical characteristics of the carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and result in loss of sorption capacity and weight. It is necessary to carefully oxidize CNTs using an adequate NaOCl concentration before using it as a sorbent.

RESULTS: FE‐SEM images showed that the structure of CNTs oxidized with 7% NaOCl concentration was significantly destroyed and agglomerated as larger carbon particles instead of nanotubes. The surface acidities of CNTs oxidized with 3% and 5% NaOCl concentration were almost the same, with maximum values 6.20 and 6.25 mmol g−1, respectively, in all studied cases. Conversely, increasing NaOCl concentration to 7% decreased the acidity from 6.25 to 5.0 mmol g−1, indicating that 7% NaOCl concentration is not suitable for oxidization of CNTs. Assessing the factors (CNTs mass, contact time, pH, and ionic strength), that influence adsorption performance showed that CNTs oxidized with 5% NaOCl concentration performed better than those with 1%, 3% and 7% concentrations.

CONCLUSION: Considering simultaneously the percentage recovery, adsorption performance and isotherms of CNTs oxidized by NaOCl solutions at four different concentrations, an optimum NaOCl concentration of 5% is suggested by this study. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Relationship between textural properties and sensory qualities of cookies made from medium‐ and long‐chain triacylglycerol‐enriched margarines
Authors: Arifin Norlelawati , Peng Koh Soo , Long Kamariah , Ping Tan Chin , Affandi Yusoff Mohd Suria , Nor Aini Idris , Ming Lai Oi
Published: March 2010

BACKGROUND: This study aims to investigate the textural properties and sensory qualities of cookies made from medium‐ and long‐chain triacylglycerol (MLCT)‐enriched margarines. Margarine with formulations of MLCT:palm olein:palm stearin, 60:30:10 and 70:20:10, were selected to produce cookies. The textural properties of cookies were determined using a texture analyser. Quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA) and acceptance test were carried out to describe the attributes and to evaluate the degree of liking of cookies, respectively.

RESULTS: Cookies made from MLCT‐enriched margarines showed high values for hardness, fracturability, but also for cohesiveness and adhesiveness. Trained panelists rated the cookies made from MLCT‐enriched margarines to be lower as compared to those made from commercial margarine for most of QDA attributes. However, cookies made from MOS 603010 and commercial margarines were scored similarly (P > 0.05) for all acceptance test attributes. Overall acceptability was found to be highly and negatively correlated for hardness, fracturability and cohesiveness (R2 > 0.90). Principal component analysis showed that the taste attribute of cookies and the % solid fat content of margarine at 35 °C highly influenced the overall quality of the cookies.

CONCLUSION: Cookies made from MLCT‐enriched margarines were not successfully produced. However, the findings obtained provide new perspectives in the production of low‐calorie bakery fat. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of wax coatings and postharvest storage on sensory quality and aroma volatile composition of ‘Mor’ mandarins
Authors: Tietel Zipora , Bar Einat , Lewinsohn Efraim , Feldmesser Ester , Fallik Elazar , Porat Ron
Published: March 2010

BACKGROUND: Mandarins suffer from accumulation of off‐flavours after harvest. In this study the sensory quality and aroma profile composition of homogenised segments of untreated (control) and wax‐coated ‘Mor’ mandarins after 7 days at 20 °C or 3 or 6 weeks of cold storage at 5 °C were examined.

RESULTS: Fruit taste score decreased during storage and following wax coating, and this was attributed to decreases in sourness and mandarin flavour and accumulation of off‐flavours. Aroma profiling identified 31 volatiles that decreased by at least 50% during storage and after waxing and thus may be involved in the observed flavour loss. In contrast, 13 volatiles, mostly belonging to ethanol fermentation and fatty acid and amino acid catabolism pathways, significantly increased at least twofold and probably contributed to off‐flavour enhancement.

CONCLUSION: The results showed that after harvest there was a progressive decrease in sensory quality of ‘Mor’ mandarins. It is proposed that observed decreases in contents of sesqui‐ and monoterpenes and short‐chain oxygenated fatty acids may contribute to the decrease in mandarin flavour, whereas increases in the contents of ethanol fermentation metabolites and derivates of fatty acid and amino acid catabolism are most likely involved in causing the enhanced sensation of off‐flavours. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Retention behavior of estrogen metabolites on hydrophilic interaction chromatography stationary phases
Authors: Nguyen Hien P. , Yang Samuel H. , Wigginton Jane G. , Simpkins James W. , Schug Kevin A.
Published: March 2010

Estrogens and estrogen metabolites are important biological mediators of the endocrine system. They have also been implicated in detrimental carcinogenesis and beneficial neuroprotective processes. The retention behavior of estrogen metabolites was investigated on five polar stationary phases, used for hydrophilic interaction chromatography, and coupled with ESI‐MS. Data were fit to partitioning and surface adsorption models. Retention of the compounds, especially estrogen glucuronides, on the amide‐ and diol‐bonded stationary phases, could be best described by the surface adsorption model; however, mixed modes of retention were observed on most stationary phases. Retention time increased while the peak efficiency decreased proportional to the number of hydroxyl groups in the analytes. The effects of salt concentration and salt type were also investigated. The presence of solvated salt ions, which interact with the stationary phase and the analyte, enhanced retention of the analytes. This was believed to be due to two effects. The increased ionic strength reduced the contribution of secondary electrostatic interactions (mixed‐mode effects). It also enhanced hydrogen‐bonding and partitioning (hydrophilic interaction) between the analyte and the stationary phase, likely facilitated by the associated solvated salt ions.
Preparative separation and purification of bufadienolides from Chinese traditional medicine of ChanSu using high‐speed counter‐current chromatography
Authors: Li Jingkui , Ma Xiaochi , Li Fengyun , Wang Jingkui , Chen Huirong , Wang Gang , Lv Xia , Sun Changkai , Jia Jingming
Published: March 2010

A preparative high‐speed counter‐current chromatography method for isolation and purification of bufadienolides from ChanSu was developed by using a stepwise elution with two‐phase solvent system composed of n‐hexane/ethyl acetate/methanol/water at the ratios of 4:6:2:4 v/v, 4:6:2.5:4 v/v and 4:6:3.2:4 v/v. A total of 3.8 mg of gamabufotalin (1), 7.2 mg of arenobufagin (2), 3.4 mg of telocinobufagin (3), 5.3 mg of bufotalin (4), 8.5 mg of cinobufotalin (5) and 8 mg of bufalin (6) were obtained in one‐step separation from 80 mg of the crude extract with purity of 92.7, 96.7, 87.2, 97.3, 94.9 and 99.4%, respectively. Their chemical structures were identified on the basis of 1H‐NMR and 13C‐NMR technology.
Molecularly imprinted silica as a selective SPE sorbent for triazine herbicides
Authors: Gomes Costa Silva Raquel , Rosa Morais Vigna Camila , Bottoli Carla B. G. , Collins Carol H. , Augusto Fabio
Published: March 2010

A molecularly imprinted organically modified silica was prepared through a simple sol‐gel procedure and evaluated as a specific sorbent for SPE of triazine herbicides. The material proved to be highly selective for the template molecule, atrazine, as well as for other structurally related species such as simazine and propazine. The performance of this material was shown to be comparable with commercial acrylate‐based molecularly imprinted polymers. The molecularly imprinted silica was applied for the determination of trace levels of the target triazine analytes in sugar cane juice (locally called “garapa”).
Glycaemic outcomes following discharge from an intermediate care diabetes clinic
Authors: Sharp PS
Published: March 2010

In a previous report, we described an intermediate care diabetes service which achieved a new:follow up ratio of close to 1:1. This report examines the glycaemic outcomes over the following 18 months of those individuals who were discharged back to primary care.

Between June 2007 and May 2008, the service saw 166 new and 238 follow‐up patients with 91 discharges back to the primary care team. The referral HbA1c was 10.1%, and on discharge was 8.7%. Patients were discharged with a management plan. At 12 months post discharge the HbA1c was 8.6% and at 18 months 8.8%.

These results are encouraging in the sense that robust management plans produce sustainable improvements in glycaemic control. However, it is clear that following discharge, further improvements in glycaemic control cannot be expected. It is therefore suggested that follow up should be continued until the individual glycaemic target is reached. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons.
Screening and diagnosing diabetes in optometrists' practices: an evaluation of perceptions, attitudes and beliefs
Authors: Howse JH , Jones S , Hungin APS
Published: March 2010

In the UK, optometrists examine 17 million people yearly, many of whom will not have consulted a doctor and may have undiagnosed diabetes. Selective testing in optometry practices presents a new detection strategy.

The purpose of this research was to ascertain optometrists' perceptions, attitudes and beliefs towards diabetes and screening, prior to evaluating a pilot service.

Focus groups and interviews were conducted with 21 optometrists in Northern England. Analysis was based on grounded theory.

Four themes emerged: varying awareness of diabetes and its early diagnosis, a reluctance in accepting a screening role, organisational barriers in implementing such a service, and controversies around the changing roles of optometrists. Although optometrists' awareness of diabetes was varied, all had seen patients they suspected of having diabetes and felt that the public under‐estimated risks of diabetes. Some felt that diagnosis of asymptomatic diabetes was unnecessary, although most felt that early diagnosis would be beneficial. Optometrists believed that the public and doctors had mixed attitudes to their possible involvement in screening. Specific barriers included additional cost, time, remuneration and litigation fears. However, optometrists felt that their professional role has evolved and that a greater, extended clinical involvement would be positive.

In conclusion, optometrists are willing to carry out capillary blood glucose tests, provided that the scheme is simple, is supported by other health care professionals and is properly funded. There is a clear advantage in identifying undiagnosed diabetes in people attending optometry practices who are not accessing other health care providers. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons.
Encephalopathy following diabetic ketoacidosis in a type 1 diabetes patient
Authors: Miras AD , Ward H
Published: March 2010

A 44‐year‐old gentleman with type 1 diabetes mellitus was found collapsed with diabetic ketoacidosis. Following correction of the metabolic derangements his level of consciousness improved but he became encephalopathic, exhibiting unprecedented aggression with non‐specific neurological signs. This profound neurological state persisted for one month. Reversible causes of encephalopathy were investigated and excluded. The patient made a slow and almost complete recovery over a period of six months.

Encephalopathy is an unusual complication of hyperglycaemic emergencies with poorly understood underlying mechanisms. This case demonstrates the importance of considering and treating the numerous reversible causes of an encephalopathic state before attributing altered levels of consciousness to the acute metabolic disturbances only. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons.
Diabetes and cardiovascular risk in severe mental illness: a missed opportunity and challenge for the future
Authors: Holt RIG , Peveler RC
Published: March 2010

Schizophrenia and bipolar illness are severe mental illnesses that affect around 1–2% of the population. They are associated with premature mortality with a reduced life‐expectancy of 10–20 years. Although suicide and trauma contribute the highest relative risk of mortality, physical illness accounts for around three‐quarters of all deaths, with cardiovascular disease being the most common cause of death. Traditional cardiovascular risk factors including diabetes, dyslipidaemia, obesity and smoking are all more common in people with severe mental illness (SMI).

Although there has been an increasing awareness of physical health issues in people with SMI, the level of screening for and management of cardiovascular risk factors has remained low. A number of national and international bodies have developed guidelines to address the challenge of physical morbidity in SMI. The principles of screening for and managing cardiovascular disease in people with SMI are similar to those in the general population, but there are additional challenges. Health care professionals within psychiatry, general practice and medical specialties need to work together to reduce the burden of physical health problems in people with SMI. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons.
‘We are survivors too’: African‐American youths' experiences of coping with parental breast cancer
Authors: Davey Maureen P. , Tubbs Carolyn Y. , Kissil Karni , Niño Alba
Published: March 2010

Objective: To explore how African‐American youth cope with the diagnosis and treatment of parental breast cancer, and to identify culturally sensitive ways to recruit and sustain participation of this vulnerable population in intervention programs.

Methods: Three qualitative focus groups which were part of a larger study were conducted with 12 African‐American youth between the ages of 11 and 18, currently coping with parental breast cancer from the Northeastern part of the United States. Interviews were audio‐taped and transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using content analysis.

Results: African‐American youth described fear and uncertainty about the mortality of their parent, their unpredictable future, and discomfort in negotiating breast cancer's relationship with the entire family. Four primary themes emerged which were coping with cancer, it affects us too, changes in family functioning, and growth through pain. African‐American youth described feeling overlooked by their families and oncology staff treating their parents, often being in the role of protecting their parents physically and emotionally.

Conclusions: This study suggests that clinicians can improve the care of African‐American breast cancer patients and their adolescent children by being more family‐centered. Adolescents need more developmentally appropriate preparation for the family changes likely to occur when a parent is diagnosed and treated for breast cancer. Developing a support group comprised of other youth coping with parental breast cancer from diagnosis throughout treatment was described as a preferred intervention to promote a shared understanding in order to overcome feelings of isolation, worry, and fear. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of hydrostatic pressure, agitation and CO2 stress on Phytophthora nicotianae zoospore survival
Authors: Ahonsi Monday O , Banko Thomas J , Doane Stargel R , Demuren Ayodeji O , Copes Warren E , Hong Chuanxue
Published: March 2010

BACKGROUND: Phytophthora nicotianae Breda de Haan is a common pathogen of ornamental plants in recycled irrigation systems. In a previous study, annual vinca (Catharanthus roseus Don) inoculated with zoospore suspensions using a CO2‐pressurized sprayer had less foliage blight than plants inoculated using a hand sprayer. Here, the impact of hydrostatic pressure, agitation and aeration with CO2 on the survival of P. nicotianae zoospores was examined.

RESULTS: Exposure of zoospores to 840 kPa hydrostatic pressure for 8 min or agitation at a mixing intensity (G) of 6483 s−1 for 4 min at 22–23 °C did not kill zoospores, but resulted in viable cysts. Motile and forcefully encysted zoospores of P. nicotianae were equally infectious on vinca or lupine (Lupinus polyphylus Lindl.). Bubbling CO2 into zoospore‐infested water at 110.4 mL (0.2 g) min−1 for 5 min caused 81% reduction in the number of germinated zoospores. Pressure at 630 kPa (16.3 g CO2) or 70 kPa (3.85 g CO2) facilitated CO2 injection and shortened the zoospore inactivation time to 30 s. When air was bubbled through the suspension, germination was similar to the control.

CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to CO2 killed P. nicotianae zoospores in water. Neither pressure nor agitation had an effect on zoospore viability or infectivity. Based on results of this study, the authors designed a recycling CO2 water treatment system that is currently under evaluation. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Evaluation of the biocontrol potential of various Metarhizium isolates against green peach aphid Myzus persicae (Homoptera: Aphididae)
Authors: Shan Le‐Tian , Feng Ming‐Guang
Published: March 2010

BACKGROUND: Twenty‐three isolates of Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschnikof) Sorokin and M. acridum (Driver & Milner) JF Bischoff, Rehner & Humber from non‐aphid host insects around the globe were evaluated for their aphid biocontrol potential, which is not well known.

RESULTS: The apterous adults of green peach aphid Myzus persicae (Sulzer) were exposed to the fungal sprays of 11.5, 99 and 1179 conidia mm−2 and blank control in three leaf‐dish bioassays. All the tested isolates except one were proven to be infective to the aphid species at 21 ± 1 °C and 14:10 h light:dark photoperiod, causing corrected mortalities of 10.1–95.3% at the high spore concentration. The data from ten isolates causing > 50% mortality at the high concentration were found to fit a time–concentration–mortality model well, yielding parameters for the estimates of their LC50 and LT50 that vary with post‐spray time and spore concentration respectively. Four isolates of M. anisopliae (ARSEF 759, 4132, 2080 and 576) had LC50 values of 44–80 conidia mm−2 on day 8 and LT50 values of 4.9–6.8 days at 100 conidia mm−2, with 91–98% of the killed aphids being well mycotised after death.

CONCLUSION: The Metarhizium infectivity to M. persicae differs greatly among the tested isolates. The four mentioned isolates with desired virulence and sporulation potential are excellent candidates for microbial control of aphids. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Recommended drug options for nausea and vomiting
Authors: Fallon Rachael , Boulger Sarah , Fraser Christopher , Moriarty Kieran
Published: March 2010

The management of nausea and vomiting requires a careful history followed by the use of an appropriate antiemetic. Our Drug review discusses the available drug options and their properties, followed by sources of further information. Copyright © 2010 Wiley Interface Ltd
The physical properties of SnS films grown on lattice‐matched and amorphous substrates
Authors: Devika M. , Koteeswara Reddy N. , Prashantha M. , Ramesh K. , Venkatramana Reddy S. , Hahn Y. B. , Gunasekhar K. R.
Published: February 2010

The development of high‐quality tin monosulphide (SnS) layers is one of the crucial tasks in the fabrication of efficient SnS‐based optoelectronic devices. Reduction of strain between film and the substrate by using an appropriate lattice‐matched (LM) substrate is a new attempt for the growth of high‐quality layers. In this view, the SnS films were deposited on LM Al substrate using the thermal evaporation technique with a low rate of evaporation. The as‐grown SnS films were characterized using appropriate techniques and the obtained results are discussed by comparing them with the properties of SnS films grown on amorphous substrate under the same conditions. From structural analysis of the films, it is noticed that the SnS films deposited on amorphous substrate have crystallites that were oriented along different directions. However, the SnS crystallites grown on Al substrate exhibited epitaxial growth along the [101] direction. Photoluminescence (PL) and Raman studies reveal that the films grown on Al substrate have better optical properties than those of the films grown on amorphous substrates.