bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ChemInform Abstract: Radionuclide Sensors for Environmental Monitoring: From Flow Injection Solid‐Phase Absorptiometry to Equilibration‐Based Preconcentrating Minicolumn Sensors with Radiometric Detection
Authors: Grate Jay W. , Egorov Oleg B. , O'Hara Matthew J. , DeVol Timothy A.
Published: April 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Very High Density Sensing Arrays
Authors: LaFratta Christopher N. , Walt David R.
Published: April 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Chiral Recognition in Noncovalent Bonding Interactions Between Helicenes: Right‐Handed Helix Favors Right‐Handed Helix over Left‐Hended Helix.
Authors: Amemiya Ryo , Yamaguchi Masahiko
Published: April 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Pyrolysis Mechanism of Woody Biomass Relating to Product Selectivity
Authors: Kawamoto Haruo , Saka Shiro
Published: April 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Dynamics in Polypeptides by Solid State 2H NMR
Authors: Hiraoki Toshifumi
Published: April 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
α,α‐Cyclopentaneglycine Dipeptides Capped with Biaryls as Tachykinin NK2 Receptor Antagonists
Authors: Porcelloni Marina , D'Andrea Piero , Rossi Cristina , Sisto Alessandro , Ettorre Alessandro , Madami Andrea , Altamura Maria , Giuliani Sandro , Meini Stefania , Fattori Daniela
Published: April 2008

The NK2 receptor belongs to the family of tachykinin neurotransmitters. It has been reported to be involved in several pathological conditions, and selective antagonists are potentially useful drugs for the treatment of asthma, irritable bowel syndrome, cystitis, and depression. Starting from in‐house capped dipeptide libraries, we were able to identify a number of molecules with sub‐nanomolar binding affinity for the hNK2 receptor. All were characterized by a rigid core structure with a strong constraint induced by an α,α‐cyclopentaneglycine fragment. Herein we report the further elaboration of three initial basic structures. The planar benzothiophene group was substituted with a series of biphenyl and heterobiphenyl moieties that are well tolerated in terms of receptor affinity. The new compounds also maintained good antagonist potency in an in vitro functional assay, and a number of them showed significant in vivo activity after intravenous administration in our guinea pig model.
The perception of static colored noise: Detection and masking described by CIE94
Authors: Lucassen Marcel P. , Bijl Piet , Roelofsen Jolanda
Published: April 2008

We present psychophysical data on the perception of static colored noise. In our experiments, we use the CIE94 color difference formula to quantify the noise strength and for describing our threshold data. In Experiment 1 we measure the visual detection thresholds for fixed pattern noise on a uniform background color. The noise was present in one of three perceptual color dimensions lightness (L*), chroma (C*), or hue (h). Results show that the average detection threshold for noise in L* is independent of hue angle and significantly lower than that for noise in C* or h. Thresholds for noise in C* and h depend on hue angle in an opponent fashion. The measured detection thresholds, expressed in terms of the components ΔL*/kLSL, ΔC*/kCSC, and ΔH*/kHSH that build up the CIE94 color difference formula are used to tune CIE94 to our experimental conditions by adjusting the parametric scaling factors kL, kC, and kH. In Experiment 2, we measure thresholds for recognizing the orientation (left, right, up, down) of a test symbol that was incremental in L*, C*, or h, masked by supra‐threshold background noise levels in L*, C*, or h. On the basis of the CIE94 color difference formula we hypothesized (a) a constant ratio between recognition threshold and noise level when the test symbol and background noise are in the same perceptual dimension, and (b) a constant recognition threshold when in different dimensions. The first hypothesis was confirmed for each color dimension, the second however, was only confirmed for background noise in L*. The L*, C*, h recognition thresholds increase with increasing background noise in C* or h. On the basis of some 16,200 visual observations we conclude that the three perceptual dimensions L*, C*, and h require different scaling factors (hue dependent for C* and h) in the CIE94 color difference formula, to predict detection threshold data for color noise. In addition these dimensions are not independent for symbol recognition in color noise. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 33, 178–191, 2008
Danger—early maladaptive schemas at work!: the role of early maladaptive schemas in career choice and the development of occupational stress in health workers
Authors: Bamber Martin , McMahon Rachel
Published: April 2008

The schema‐focused model of occupational stress and work dysfunctions (Bamber & Price, 2006; Bamber, 2006) hypothesizes that individuals with EMS (unconsciously) gravitate toward occupations with similar dynamics and structures to the toxic early environments and relationships that created them. They subsequently re‐enact these EMS and their associated maladaptive coping styles in the workplace. For most individuals, this results in ‘schema healing’, but for some individuals with more rigid and severe EMS, schema healing is not achieved and the structures and relationships of the workplace, together with the utilization of maladaptive coping styles, serve to perpetuate their EMS. The model hypothesizes that it is these individuals who are most vulnerable to developing occupational stress syndromes

To date, this model has been subjected to very little empirical investigation, so the main aim of this study was to address this gap in the literature by testing out some of its main assumptions and to provide empirical data, which would either support or reject the model using a population of health workers. Specifically, it was hypothesized that ‘occupation‐specific’ EMS would be found in health workers from a range of different healthcare professions. It was also hypothesized that the presence of higher levels of EMS would be predictive of raised levels of occupational stress, psychiatric caseness and increased sickness absence in those individuals.

A cross‐sectional study design was employed and a total of 249 staff working within a NHS Trust, belonging to one of five occupational groups (medical doctors, nurses, clinical psychologists, IT staff and managers), participated in the study. All participants completed the Young Schema Questionnaire‐Short Form (Young, 1998); the Maslach Burnout Inventory‐Human Services Form (Maslach & Jackson, 1981), and the General Health Questionnaire‐28‐item version (Goldberg, 1978). A demographic questionnaire and sickness absence data was also collected. The results of a between groups analysis of variance and further post hoc statistical analyses identified a number of occupation specific EMS. Also, the results of a series of multiple linear regression analyses indicated the presence of some EMS to be predictive of higher levels of burnout, psychiatric caseness and sickness absence in health workers. In conclusion, the findings of this study provide empirical support for the schema‐focused model of occupational stress and work dysfunctions (Bamber & Price, 2006; Bamber, 2006), and it appears that the existence of underlying EMS may constitute a predisposing vulnerability factor to developing occupational stress. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Monocyte‐dependent oncostatin M and TNF‐α synergize to stimulate unopposed matrix metalloproteinase‐1/3 secretion from human lung fibroblasts in tuberculosis
Authors: O'Kane Cecilia M. , Elkington Paul T. , Friedland Jon S.
Published: April 2008

Leukocyte‐derived matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) are implicated in the tissue destruction characteristic of tuberculosis (TB). The contribution of lung stromal cells to MMP activity in TB is unknown. Oncostatin M (OSM) is an important stimulus to extrapulmonary stromal MMP induction, but its role in regulation of pulmonary MMP secretion or pathophysiology of TB is unknown. We investigated OSM secretion from Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb)‐infected human monocytes/macrophages and the networking effects of such OSM on lung fibroblast MMP secretion. Mtb increased monocyte OSM secretion dose dependently in vitro. In vivo tuberculous granulomas immunostained positively for OSM. Further, conditioned media from Mtb‐infected monocytes (CoMTb) induced monocyte OSM secretion (670 ± 55 versus 166 ± 14 pg/mL in controls), implicating an autocrine loop. Mtb‐induced OSM secretion was prostaglandin (PG) sensitive, and required activation of surface G‐protein coupled receptors. OSM induction was ERK MAP kinase dependent, p38‐requiring but JNK‐independent. OSM synergized with TNF‐α, a key cytokine in TB granuloma formation, to stimulate pulmonary fibroblast MMP‐1/‐3 secretion, while suppressing secretion of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases‐1/‐2. In summary, Mtb infection of monocytes results in PG‐dependent OSM secretion, which synergizes with TNF‐α to drive functionally unopposed fibroblast MMP‐1/‐3 secretion, demonstrating a previously unrecognized role for OSM in TB.
Mast cell‐mediated immune responses through IgE antibody and Toll‐like receptor 4 by malarial peroxiredoxin
Authors: Furuta Takahisa , Imajo‐Ohmi Shinobu , Fukuda Hiroyuki , Kano Shigeyuki , Miyake Kensuke , Watanabe Naohiro
Published: April 2008

In this study, 2‐Cys Plasmodium berghei ANKA (PbA) peroxiredoxin (Prx) was identified as an antigenic protein recognized by an anti‐PbA IgE antibody using two‐dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and proteomic analysis. Innate immune responses to PbAPrx were examined using cells from mice deficient in Toll‐like receptors (TLR) or related molecules, and it was demonstrated that responses were severely impaired in TLR4–/–, MyD88–/– and MD‐2–/– mice, but not in Toll/IL‐1 receptor domain‐containing adaptor inducing IFN‐γ (TRIF)–/–, TLR2–/– or radioprotective 105 (RP105)–/– mice. An association between PbAPrx and TLR4 was observed following immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting, suggesting that PbAPrx was associated with TLR4/MD‐2. Interactions between Prx and TLR4/MD‐2 were also examined by flow cytometry using TLR4/MD‐2‐ or TLR2‐expressing cells. NFκB/GFP activity was observed in TLR4/MD‐2‐ but not in TLR2‐expressing cells following stimulation with Prx. However, this effect was not observed after treatment with proteinase K, suggesting that PbAPrx is a protein ligand for TLR4 and that the PbAPrx activity observed in this study is not due to contamination with LPS. These findings indicate that malarial Prx induces IgE‐mediated protection through FcϵRI on mast cells and innate immunity through TLR4 with MyD88 and MD‐2, suggesting a novel function for malarial Prx in innate and acquired immune responses in malaria.
Coupling of Allenes with μ‐Alkylidyne Ligands in Diiron Complexes: Synthesis of Novel Bridging Thio‐ and Aminobutadienylidene Complexes
Authors: Busetto Luigi , Marchetti Fabio , Salmi Mauro , Zacchini Stefano , Zanotti Valerio
Published: April 2008

The diiron aminocarbyne complexes [Fe2{μ‐CN(Me)(R)}(μ‐CO)(CO)2(Cp)2][SO3CF3] (R = Xyl, 1a; R = 4‐C6H4OMe, 1b; R = Me, 1c; Xyl = 2,6‐Me2C6H3) react with allenes of the type CH2=C=CR′R″, in the presence of Me3NO/Et3N, to give the novel butadienylidene complexes [Fe2{μ‐η1:η3‐CαN(R)(Me)Cβ(H)CγCδ(R′)(R″)}(μ‐CO)(CO)(Cp)2] (R = Xyl, R′ = R″ = Me, 3a; R = Xyl, R′ = Me, R″ = H, 3b; R = Xyl, R′ = CO2Et, R″ = H, 3c; R = 4‐C6H4OMe, R′ = CO2Et, R″ = H, 3d; R = R′ = R″ = Me, 3e; R = Me, R′ = CO2Et, R″ = H, 3f) in high yields. Analogously, the diiron thiocarbyne complex [Fe2(μ‐CSMe)(μ‐CO)(CO)2(Cp)2][SO3CF3] (2) reacts with CH2=C=CR′R″, in the presence of Me3NO/Et3N, to afford the compounds[Fe2{μ‐η1:η3‐CαS(Me)Cβ(H)CγCδ(R′)(R″)}(μ‐CO)(CO)(Cp)2](R′ = R″ = Me, 4a; R′ = CO2Et, R″ = H, 4b; R′ = SiMe3, R″ = Me, 4c). Complexes 3–4 exist in solution as mixtures of cis and trans isomers. Compounds 3a and 3e, upon treatment with HSO3CF3, are transformed into the corresponding vinyliminium complexes [Fe2{μ‐η1:η3‐Cγ(CδHMe2)CβHCαN(R)(Me)}(μ‐CO)(CO)(Cp)2][SO3CF3] (R = Xyl, 5a; R = Me, 5b), in nearly quantitative yields. Conversely, compounds 4a,b undergo methylation (by CH3SO3CF3) at the sulfur to give the cationic complexes [Fe2{μ‐η1:η3‐Cα(SMe2)Cβ(H)CγCδ(R′)(R″)}(μ‐CO)(CO)(Cp)2][SO3CF3] (R′ = R″ = Me, 7a; R′ = CO2Et, R″ = H, 7b). Protonation of 3a is not reversible: treating 5a with sodium hydride results in the formation of the 1‐metalla‐2‐amino‐cyclopenta‐1,3‐dien‐5‐one species [Fe(Cp)(CO){CN(Me)(Xyl)CHC(CHMe2)C(O)}] (6). The molecular structures of cis‐3a, cis‐4b, 5a[CF3SO3]·CH2Cl2 and 7a[CF3SO3]·0.5CH2Cl2 have been determined by X‐ray diffraction studies. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Three‐Component Indium‐Mediated Domino Allylation of 1H‐Indole‐3‐carbaldehyde with Electron‐Rich (Hetero)arenes: Highly Efficient Access to Variously Functionalized Indolylbutenes
Authors: Colombo Francesca , Cravotto Giancarlo , Palmisano Giovanni , Penoni Andrea , Sisti Massimo
Published: April 2008

We have developed a three‐component, one‐pot domino reaction that combines the allylindation of 1H‐indole‐3‐carbaldehyde with the dehydrative alkylation of stabilized Cnucleophiles (e.g., electron‐rich heteroarenes, electron‐rich aromatics, and stabilized enols) or N nucleophiles (e.g., azoles). (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Evaluating the performance of a portable water–mist fire extinguishing system with additives
Authors: Chang Wen‐Yao , Fu Ping‐Kun , Chen Chiun‐Hsun , Shu Yi‐Liang
Published: April 2008

This study investigates how high‐pressure water–mist system discharge methodologies influence the fire extinction performance for pan pool fires and the corresponding mechanisms of restraining fire. The fire source is a pool‐fire burner. Fine water spray is injected using a portable device. The additive in the water–mist is neither toxic nor corrosive. All the tests are regarded as fuel controlled. The fire test parameters are fuel type, nozzle discharge angle, and additive solution volume. The fuels used are heptane, gasoline, and diesel. Nozzle discharge angles are 30, 45, and 60° with respect to the ground. Additive solution volumes are 0% (pure water), 3, 6, and 10%. Test results indicate that the nozzle discharge angle and additive solution volume in a water–mist fire extinction system play a significant role. Fire extinguishing efficiency is influenced by mist effects and the additive. Furthermore, the water–mist system can reduce radiation and can provide good protection for operators using portable fire extinguishing equipment. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The chemical composition of essential oils and lipophilic extracts of Silphium integrifolium Michx. and S. trifoliatum L. leaves
Authors: Kowalski Radosław
Published: April 2008

The research presented in this paper revealed that secretory ducts in leaf stalks and main nerves of leaf blades of S. integrifolium and S. trifoliatum were of schizogenic origin and were present in varied number around vascular bundles. GC–FID and GC–MS analyses of essential oils and lipophilic extracts made from leaves collected from tested Silphium species in 1999–2001 and 2007 indicated that sesquiterpene compounds were the main constituents: germacrene D, β‐caryophyllene, caryophyllene oxide and silphiperfol‐6‐en‐5‐one. Only the oil and extracts from S. integrifolium contained significant amounts of allo‐aromadendr‐9‐ene (8.5 ± 4.2% in oil achieved in 1999–2001, as well as 3.7 ± 0.1% and 5.7 ± 0.3 µg/ml, respectively in essential oil and extract (1:10) from 2007). Besides volatile compounds, sterols such as γ‐sitosterol and stigmasterol as well as triterpene alcohols (β‐amyrine and α‐amyrine), higher alkanes, free fatty acids and their derivatives along with vitamin E were present in tested lipophilic extracts. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Composition of the essential oil of Petagnaea gussonei (Sprengel) Rauschert, a relict species from Sicily (Southern Italy)
Authors: De Castro Olga , Senatore Felice , Rigano Daniela , Formisano Carmen , Cennamo Paola , Gianguzzi Lorenzo
Published: April 2008

The essential oil from leaves, stems and roots of Petagnaea gussonei (Sprengel) Rauschert ( = Petagnia saniculifolia Guss.), endemic to the Nebrodi Mountains (Sicily, Italy), has been analysed by the gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) system on two fused‐silica capillary columns of different polarities. A total of 94 components were identified. Quantitative and qualitative differences were found among the analysed parts. The principal compounds from the leaves oil were found to be (w/w%) germacrene D (19.9%), γ‐muurolene (7.96%) and caryophyllene oxide (6.85%), while in the oil from stems hexadecanoic acid (23.40%), germacrene D (18.50%) and (Z,Z)‐9,12‐octadecadienoic acid (13.20%) were the main constituents. The oil from the roots presented instead hexadecanoic acid (21.50%), 4‐vinylguaiacol (6.81%) and germacrene D (5.22%) as the major constituents. A comparison with essential oils from taxonomically‐related species of P. gussonei is reported. This is the first report on the chemical composition of this species. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Aroma extract dilution analysis of a beef flavouring prepared from flavour precursors and enzymatically hydrolysed beef
Authors: Song Huanlu , Xia Lingjun
Published: April 2008

Volatile components of a beef flavouring prepared from a thermal reaction model system of enzymatically hydrolysed beef/amino acids/sugars were extracted by simultaneous distillation/extraction (SDE) and dynamic headspace sampling (DHS) methods, then subjected to aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA) and dynamic headspace dilution analysis (DHDA) methods; 32 and 48 odour‐active peaks were revealed from the SDE and DHS isolates, respectively. With the highest flavour dilution (FD) factors, 2‐methyl‐3‐furanthiol, 3‐methylthiopropanal and 2‐furanmethanethiol were identified as the key aroma compounds of the beef flavouring by both sample preparative methods, SDE and DHS. Moreover, methyl propyl disulphide, ethyl‐2‐methylbutyrate, allyl methyl disulphide, thiazole, 1‐butanol, 1‐nonen‐3‐one, 2‐ethenyl‐3,5‐dimethylpyrazine, (E, E)‐2,4‐heptadienal and 2‐undecenal were also identified as important aroma components of the beef flavouring. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rye bread reduces plasma cholesterol levels in hypercholesterolaemic pigs when compared to wheat at similar dietary fibre level
Authors: Lærke Helle Nygaard , Pedersen Camilla , Mortensen Marianne Asp , Theil Peter Kappel , Larsen Torben , Knudsen Knud Erik Bach
Published: April 2008

BACKGROUND: Rye is a whole‐grain cereal with the potential of contributing to a healthy diet, but research on rye in relation to chronic diseases is scarce compared to wheat and oats. In this study, a total of 17 hypercholesterolaemic pigs were fed high‐fat high‐cholesterol rye (n = 9) or wheat‐based buns (n = 8) with similar dietary fibre (DF) content for 9–10 weeks to study the effect on cardiovascular risk factors.

RESULTS: Ingestion of rye bread resulted in a 40% lower plasma total and LDL cholesterol compared to the wheat group, whereas HDL cholesterol, insulin and glucose concentrations were not affected by dietary treatments. Intestinal viscosity was 7.2 times higher, and organic matter and fat digestibility significantly reduced in the pigs fed rye buns. The hepatic expression of the cholesterol 7α‐hydroxylase gene (CYP7A1) was lower in rye‐fed pigs, whereas four other key genes involved in cholesterol metabolism were not affected. Plasma cholesterol correlated inversely with intestinal viscosity and organic matter digestibility.

CONCLUSION: The ability of DF from rye to interfere with digestion and absorption is more important for whole‐body cholesterol homeostasis than regulation in the liver at gene level. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Designing supercritical carbon dioxide extraction of rice bran oil that contain oryzanols using response surface methodology
Authors: Wang Chih‐Hung , Chen Chao‐Rui , Wu Jia‐Jiuan , Wang Ling‐Ya , Chang Chieh‐Ming J. , Ho Wai‐Jane
Published: April 2008

This study examines the supercritical carbon dioxide (SC‐CO2) extraction of oryzanols contained rice bran oil from powdered rice bran. The extraction efficiencies and concentration factors of oryzanols, free fatty acids and triglycerides in the SC‐CO2 extracts were determined. With top‐flow type SC‐CO2 extraction the total oil yield was 18.1% and the extraction efficiencies of oryzanols and triglycerides were 88.5 and 91.3% respectively, when 2750 g CO2 was consumed during the extraction of 35 g rice bran powder. The concentration factors of oryzanols and triglycerides in SC‐CO2‐extracted oil were higher than in the Soxhlet n‐hexane extracted oil. SC‐CO2 extractions indicated that pressure can be used more effectively than temperature to enhance the extraction efficiency and concentration factor of oryzanols. A two‐factor central composite scheme of response surface methodology was employed to determine the optimal pressure (300 bar) and temperature (313 K) for increasing the concentration of oryzanols in the SC‐CO2 extracted oil.
Quantification of doxazosin in human plasma using hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Ji Hye Young , Park Eun Jeong , Lee Kang Choon , Lee Hye Suk
Published: April 2008

Hydrophilic interaction LC with MS/MS (HILIC‐MS/MS) was described as a rapid, sensitive, and selective method for the quantification of doxazosin in human plasma. Doxazosin and cisapride (internal standard) were extracted from human plasma with ethyl acetate at alkaline pH and analyzed on an Atlantis HILIC Silica column with the mobile phase of ACN/ammonium formate (100 mM, pH 4.5) (93:7 v/v). The analytes were detected using an ESI MS/MS in the selective‐reaction‐monitoring mode. The standard curve was linear (r = 0.9994) over the concentration range of 0.2–50 ng/mL. The LOQ for doxazosin was 0.2 ng/mL using 100 μL plasma sample. The CV and relative error for intra‐ and interassay at four QC levels were 3.7–8.7% and 0.0–9.8%, respectively. The matrix effect for doxazosin and cisapride were practically absent. The recoveries of doxazosin and cisapride were 67.4 and 61.7%, respectively. This method was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic study of doxazosin in humans.
Development of Electroactive and Elastic Nanofibers that contain Polyaniline and Poly(L‐lactide‐co‐ε‐caprolactone) for the Control of Cell Adhesion
Authors: Jeong Sung In , Jun In Dong , Choi Moon Jae , Nho Young Chang , Lee Young Moo , Shin Heungsoo
Published: April 2008

In this work, electrically conductive polyaniline (PAni) doped with camphorsulfonic acid (CPSA) is blended with poly(L‐lactide‐co‐ε‐caprolactone) (PLCL), and then electrospun to prepare uniform nanofibers. The CPSA‐PAni/PLCL nanofibers show a smooth fiber structure without coarse lumps or beads and consistent fiber diameters (which range from 100 to 700 nm) even with an increase in the amount of CPSA‐PAni (from 0 to 30 wt.‐%). However, the elongation at break decreases from 391.54 ± 9.20% to 207.85 ± 6.74% when 30% of CPSA‐PAni is incorporated. Analysis of the surface of the nanofibers demonstrates the presence of homogeneously blended CPSA‐PAni. Most importantly, a four‐point probe analysis reveals that electrical properties are maintained in the nanofibers where the conductivity is significantly increased from 0.0015 to 0.0138 S · cm−1 when the nanofibers are prepared with 30% CPSA‐PAni. The cell adhesion tests using human dermal fibroblasts, NIH‐3T3 fibroblasts, and C2C12 myoblasts demonstrate significantly higher adhesion on the CPSA‐PAni/PLCL nanofibers than pure PLCL nanofibers. In addition, the growth of NIH‐3T3 fibroblasts is enhanced under the stimulation of various direct current flows. The CPSA‐PAni/PLCL nanofibers with electrically conductive properties may potentially be used as a platform substrate to study the effect of electrical signals on cell activities and to direct desirable cell function for tissue engineering applications.

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An in situ optical second harmonic generation study of carbon steel in contact with an alkaline aqueous solution containing glutamic acid
Authors: Bozzini B. , D'Urzo L. , Lin C.
Published: April 2008

In this paper we report a spectroelectrochemical investigation—relevant to the elucidation of rebar corrosion processes—based on in situ optical second‐harmonic generation spectroscopy. We studied the corrosion behaviour of a carbon steel electrode in contact with an alkaline aqueous solution—simulating the electrolyte of freshly prepared cement paste—containing glutamic acid, a candidate corrosion inhibitor 1. The non‐linear time‐dependent optical response to exciting radiation at 1064 nm has been recorded as a function of applied potential. This approach allows to obtain detailed information regarding the dynamic electronic structure of the corrosion interface, which is not available from other electrochemical or spectroelectrochemical approaches.
Mechanical and corrosion properties of spot‐welded high‐strength austenitic stainless steel EN 1.4318
Authors: Alenius M. T. , Somervuori M. E. , Hänninen H. E.
Published: April 2008

Mechanical and corrosion properties of spot‐welded high‐strength austenitic stainless steels EN 1.4318 2H/C1150 and EN 1.4318 2H/C850 were studied. Microhardness measurements, lap shear and cross‐tension tests, corrosion fatigue tests and corrosion tests were carried out. The corrosion environment was 3.5% sodium chloride solution at +50 °C in the corrosion fatigue tests and 3.5% sodium chloride solution at ambient temperature in the electrochemical pitting corrosion tests. Stainless steel EN 1.4318 2H/C850, t = 1.92 mm, exhibited better fatigue endurance than EN 1.4318 2H/C1150, t = 1.2 mm, and EN 1.4318 2H/C850, t = 1.0 mm, stainless steels did. There were no significant differences between the stainless steels of different strength levels (2H/C850 vs. 2H/C1150) in the line load range analysis of the fatigue data. High hardness gradient was found in the heat‐affected zone (HAZ) of EN 1.4318 2H/C1150 stainless steels. EN 1.4318 2H/C1150, t = 1.2 mm, stainless steels seemed to have slightly higher lap shear strength with the same nugget diameter as EN 1.4318 2H/850, t = 1.9 mm, stainless steel. In the case of EN 1.4318 2H/C1150 stainless steel increase in the nugget diameter bigger than required 5√t did not increase the cross‐tension force significantly. The pitting corrosion susceptibility of the spot‐welded samples and the base materials of the steels EN 1.4318 2H/C850 and EN 1.4318 2H/C1150, t = 1.2 mm, was investigated by measuring the corrosion current for 1 h at +100 mV versus saturated calomel electrode (SCE) in 3.5% sodium chloride solution at ambient temperature. Pitting corrosion occurred in all spot‐welded samples but not in the base materials. There was a difference between the investigated steels in the location of the pits. In stainless steels EN 1.4318 2H/C850 the pits appeared around the spot weld, but in the steel EN 1.4318 2H/C1150, t = 1.2 mm, the pits are located mainly at the spot‐weld area.
Evaluation of effective biocides for SRB to control microbiologically influenced corrosion
Authors: Raman V. , Tamilselvi S. , Rajendran N.
Published: April 2008

The effects on microbiologically induced corrosion (MIC) of mild steel resulting from the presence of corrosion products in the biofilm of sulphate‐reducing bacteria (SRB) have been investigated. The culture‐media‐containing sulphide of biogenic origin was used to find out the effect of metal‐sulphide layers developed. The SRB were isolated from the Ennore brackish water (Chennai, India). Biocides with different concentrations were used to inhibit the metabolic activity of bacteria. Open circuit potentials (OCP) followed by potentiostatic polarisation measurements were carried out for the specimens with and without the biofilm. Electrochemical impedance spectrometry (EIS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to study the accumulation of the biofilms. The corrosion rates and the mechanism of corrosion processes were understood from the investigation.
Preparation of Amylose/Polycarbonate Inclusion Complexes by Means of Vine‐Twining Polymerization
Authors: Kaneko Yoshiro , Beppu Koutarou , Kadokawa Jun‐ichi
Published: April 2008

In this paper, we describe the preparation of inclusion complexes composed of amylose and hydrophobic polycarbonates by “vine‐twining polymerization”, which was achieved by means of the phosphorylase‐catalyzed enzymatic polymerization of an α‐D‐glucose 1‐phosphate from a maltoheptaose in the presence of the polycarbonates with appropriate methylene chain lengths. We found that the polycarbonate with the shorter methylene chain length such as poly(tetramethylene carbonate) was more favorable as the guest polymer to form the inclusion complex with amylose on vine‐twining polymerization than that with the longer one.

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Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using a Novel Graft Copolymer and Enhanced Particle Stability via a “Polymer Brush Effect”
Authors: Vivek A. V. , Pradipta S. M. , Dhamodharan R.
Published: April 2008

Polymer‐encapsulated silver nanoparticles were synthesized and sterically stabilized by a new core‐shell type system consisting of poly(S‐alt‐MA)‐graft‐PMMA copolymer that acts as a scaffold for the synthesis of size confined nanoparticles. The graft copolymer is synthesized via ambient temperature ATRP using the CuBr/PMDETA catalytic system at ambient temperature. The graft copolymer is hypothesized to function as a scaffold with the anhydride part interacting strongly with the silver ions, while the PMMA graft functions as a polymer brush that stabilizes the dispersion and prevents the particle aggregation due to a ‘polymer brush effect’. UV absorption and TEM studies confirm that the synthesized silver composite particles have a core‐shell structure.

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A Thermosensitive and Biodegradable Physical Gel with Chemically Crosslinked Nanogels as the Building Block
Authors: Yang Zigang , Ding Jiandong
Published: April 2008

A triblock copolymer, poly(ethylene glycol)–poly(propylene glycol)–poly(ethylene glycol) was end‐capped by acryloyl groups using a biodegradable oligolactide as spacer, and such biodegradable amphiphilic macromers could form micelles in water. A nanogel was prepared via polymerizing macromers in a micelle, and a macroscopic physical gelation was found upon heating a concentrated aqueous nanogel suspension. Such a sol–gel transition with a chemically crosslinked nanogel as the building block was thermoreversible. While the hydrogel affords a promising injectable biomaterial; this research reveals new physics of the thermogelling mechanism of amphiphilic block copolymers.

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Multiple Vesicle Morphologies Formed from Reactive H‐Shaped Block Copolymers
Authors: Zou Peng , Pan Cai‐Yuan
Published: April 2008

Amphiphilic H‐shaped block copolymers (PTMSPMA)2PEG(PTMSPMA)2 with 91 ethylene glycol (EG) units and four PTMSPMA chains have been synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization of trimethoxylsilylpropyl methacrylate (TMSPMA) at room temperature in methanol. The structure, molecular weight, and molecular weight distribution have been characterized by 1H NMR spectroscopy and GPC traces. These H‐shaped block copolymers can self‐assemble in DMF/water, and multiple vesicle aggregates from large‐compound vesicles, to multilayer vesicles and unilamillar vesicles are formed. These morphologies can be simply controlled by variation of the chain length ratios.

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Novel Amphiphilic Degradable Poly(ε‐caprolactone)‐graft‐poly(4‐vinyl pyridine), Poly(ε‐caprolactone)‐graft‐poly(dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) and Water‐Soluble Derivatives
Authors: Nottelet Benjamin , Vert Michel , Coudane Jean
Published: April 2008

New amphiphilic graft copolymers that have a poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) biodegradable hydrophobic backbone and poly(4‐vinylpyridine) (P4VP) or poly(2‐(N,N‐dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) hydrophilic side chains have been prepared by anionic polymerization of the corresponding 4VP and DMAEMA monomers using a PCL‐based macropolycarbanion as initiator. The water solubility of these amphiphilic copolymers is improved by quaternization, which leads to fully water‐soluble cationic copolymers that give micellar aggregates in deionized water with diameters ranging from 65 to 125 nm. In addition, to improve the hydrophilicity of PCL‐g‐P4VP, grafting of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) segments has been carried out to give a water‐soluble double grafted PCL‐g‐(P4VP;PEG) terpolymer.

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Characterisation of different types of hay by solid‐phase micro‐extraction–gas chromatography mass spectrometry and multivariate data analysis
Authors: Valtiner S. M. , Bonn G. K. , Huck C. W.
Published: April 2008

The volatile organic compounds of different ground hay samples from Austria, Italy and Switzerland were collected at 50°C on a Supelco Carbowax Divinylbenzene headspace solid‐phase microextraction fibre, separated by capillary gas chromatography on an HP5‐ms column running a temperature programme and using helium as carrier gas, detected with a mass sensitive detector and studied with principal component analyses after autoscaling selected variables. The analytes, mainly mono‐ and sesquiterpenes, were able to cluster differences resulting from the site of production. Coumarin can be used to differentiate hay grown north and south of the main chain of the Alps. Acetic acid is appropriate for distinguishing between hay from Kastelruth and Passeier Valley, two South Tyrolean regions. The average linalool content in aftermath is higher than in hay. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The use of central nervous system drugs and analgesics among very old people with and without dementia
Authors: Lövheim Hugo , Karlsson Stig , Gustafson Yngve
Published: April 2008

Purpose

Old people in general, and particularly those with dementia, are more sensitive to adverse drug effects than younger people. Despite this, the use of central nervous system (CNS) drugs among old people is common. The aim of the present study was to compare the use of central nervous system drugs and analgesics among people aged 85 years or older, with and without dementia.

Methods

One half of all people aged 85 years old and all those aged 90, 95 and above in Umeå, Sweden and Vaasa and Mustasaari, Finland, were asked to participate in this part of the GERDA/Umeå 85+ study. Both those living in their own homes and those in institutions were included. Trained investigators performed structured interviews and assessments. Medication data were obtained from the participants and medical records. Dementia disorders were diagnosed according to DSM‐IV.

Results

Dementia was diagnosed in 247/546 participants (45.2%). A higher proportion of the participants with dementia used paracetamol (50.6% compared to 21.4%, p < 0.001), antipsychotics (22.3% and 2.7%, p < 0.001), antidepressants (33.6% and 11.4%, p < 0.001) and anxiolytics (19.0% and 8.0%, p < 0.001). There were no differences in the use of opioid analgesics, anticonvulsants and hypnotics.

Conclusions

The use of CNS drugs and analgesics was common among this population of very old people. Furthermore, the prescription of CNS drugs was more common among people with dementia. The use of antipsychotics in people with dementia should arouse particular concern, because of the high risk of severe adverse events and the limited evidence of positive effects. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microplasmas: Sources, Particle Kinetics, and Biomedical Applications
Authors: Iza Felipe , Kim Gon Jun , Lee Seung Min , Lee Jae Koo , Walsh James L. , Zhang Yuantao T. , Kong Michael G.
Published: April 2008

Thanks to their portability and the non‐equilibrium character of the discharges, microplasmas are finding application in many scientific disciplines. Although microplasma research has traditionally been application driven, microplasmas represent a new realm in plasma physics that still is not fully understood. This paper reviews existing microplasma sources and discusses charged particle kinetics in various microdischarges. The non‐equilibrium character highlighted in this manuscript raises concerns about the accuracy of fluid models and should trigger further kinetic studies of high‐pressure microdischarges. Finally, an outlook is presented on the biomedical application of microplasmas.

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Proteomic studies in animal models of diabetes
Authors: Resjö Svante , Berger Karin , Fex Malin , Hansson Ola
Published: April 2008

The aim of this review is to provide an overview of proteomic studies in animal models of diabetes and to give some insight into the different methods available today in the rapidly developing field of proteomics. A summary of 31 papers published between 1997 and 2007 is presented. For instance, proteomics has been used to study the development of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, diabetic complications in tissues like heart, kidney and retina and changes after treatment with anti‐diabetic drugs like peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors agonists. Together, these studies give a good overview of a number of experimental approaches. Proteomics holds the promise of providing major contributions to the field of diabetes research. However, to achieve this, a number of issues need to be resolved. Appropriate data representation to facilitate data comparison, exchange, and verification is required, as well as improved statistical assessment of proteomic experiments. In addition, it is important to follow up the results with functional studies to be able to make biologically relevant conclusions. The potential of proteomics to dissect complex human disorders is now beginning to be realized. In the future, this will result in new important information concerning diabetes.
Structure, morphology, and growth dynamics of perfluoro‐pentacene thin films
Authors: Kowarik Stefan , Gerlach Alexander , Hinderhofer Alexander , Milita Silvia , Borgatti Francesco , Zontone Federico , Suzuki Toshiyasu , Biscarini Fabio , Schreiber Frank
Published: April 2008

We report high structural order in thin films of the organic semiconductor perfluoro‐pentacene (PFP), which is a candidate material for n‐type applications, deposited by vacuum sublimation on oxidized silicon wafers. Bragg reflections up to high order in both specular and grazing incidence geometries and a mosaicity of less than 0.01° demonstrate the well defined structure. The thin film entirely consists of crystallites with a structure close to the bulk phase without any contamination with a second phase. Real‐time X‐ray measurements show that PFP grows in a Stranski–Krastanov growth mode with the first monolayer wetting the substrate before 3d‐growth sets in during growth of the second monolayer. Implications for its use are discussed. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Immunomodulatory effect of extracts of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (Family Malvaceae) in a mouse model
Authors: Fakeye Titilayo O. , Pal Anirban , Bawankule D. U. , Khanuja S. P. S.
Published: April 2008

The immunomodulatory activity of water and alcohol extracts (including its fractions) of the dried calyx of the plant was evaluated in mice. The ability of the extracts to inhibit or enhance the production of two cytokines, namely tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐ α) and interleukin‐10 (IL‐10), respectively, implicated as proinflammatory and antiinflammatory interleukins were also evaluated.

The extracts at doses of 50 mg/kg were found to possess higher immunostimulatory activities in comparison with levamisole (positive control), with significant effects when compared with the vehicle‐treated group (p < 0.01). Increased activity was observed with increase in doses of the 50% ethanol and absolute ethanol extracts. The insoluble fraction exhibited a significant dose‐dependent immunostimulatory activity (p < 0.05), while the residual water‐soluble fraction exhibited activity at 100 mg/kg body weight. The production of tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), was low in all the extract groups tested, while the production of interleukin 10 (IL‐10) was high compared with the control. The production of IL‐10 was high in 300 mg/kg aqueous extract. The insoluble fraction exhibited a profound dose‐dependent immunostimulatory activity higher than the positive control at 100 mg/kg.

This study established the immunoenhancing properties of the extracts of this plant confirming that the immunomodulatory activity is cell mediated and humoral. The insoluble fraction could find use as an immunostimulatory agent in humans. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Kwyjibo: automatic domain name generation
Authors: Crawford Heather , Aycock John
Published: April 2008

Automatically generating ‘good’ domain names that are random yet pronounceable is a problem harder than it first appears. The problem is related to random word generation, and we survey and categorize existing techniques before presenting our own syllable‐based algorithm that produces higher‐quality results. Our results are also applicable elsewhere, in areas such as password generation, username generation, and even computer‐generated poetry. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Magnetronzerstäubung – Meilensteine aus 20 Jahren
Authors: Bräer G.
Published: April 2008

Die Magnetronzerstäubung ist heute die bedeutendste Technologie zur Abscheidung hochwertiger dünner Schichten. Seit ihrer Einführung gegen Ende der siebziger Jahre hat sie einen Siegeszug durch alle industriellen Branchen angetreten, die zur Realisierung oder Verbesserung ihrer Produkte Dünnschichttechnologien benötigen. Die Magnetronkathode vereint die Vorzüge der ökonomischen Schichtherstellung mit der Möglichkeit, auch sehr temperaturempfindliche Kunststoffe zu beschichten. Wesentliche Probleme wie die schlechte Targetmaterialausnutzung des planaren Magnetrons oder die Stabilitätsprobleme bei der Abscheidung hochisolierender Schichten wurden in den vergangenen 20 Jahren durch zahlreiche Innovationen weitgehend gelöst. Gepulste Entladungen bei Leistungen bis hin zum MW‐Bereich liefern hochionisierte Plasmen, die eine Basis für noch bessere Schichten bilden können.
Trockenlaufende Vakuumpumpen für die Prozess‐Industrie
Authors: Jorisch Wolfgang
Published: April 2008

In den Jahren des Bestehens unserer Zeitschrift VIP sind von allen Europäischen Herstellern von Vakuumpumpen große Anstrengungen zur Entwicklung von echten Alternativen zu Flüssigkeitsringvakuumpumpen und ölgedichteten Drehschiebervakuumpumpen in Form von trockenlaufenden Vakuumpumpen für die Chemische und Pharmazeutische Verfahrenstechnik unternommen worden. Ziel war es, betriebsmittelfreie und prozessösen, wenn Betriebsmittel den Vakuumprozess stören.

Immer wurden bei diesen Entwicklungen auch sicherheitstechnische Anforderungen in höchstem Masse berücksichtigt, denn in diesen betrachteten Zeitraum fällt auch die Schaffung der Europäischen Explosionsschutzrichtlinie RL 94/9 EG, auch besser bekannt als ATEX.
Vakuummessgeräte: gestern, heute und morgen
Authors: Jitschin Wolfgang
Published: April 2008

Der Artikel gibt einen kurzen Überblick über die Entwicklung der Vakuummessgeräte. Im ersten Kapitel werden die Ursprünge aufgezeigt, wie seit der ersten Vakuummessung in der Mitte des 17. Jh. bis zur Mitte des 20. Jh. eine Reihe von Messprinzipien gefunden wurden. Das zweite Kapitel beschreibt den Stand der Technik im Jahr 1989, als die Zeitschrift “Vakuum in der Praxis” erstmals erschien. Schließlich reflektiert das dritte Kapitel den heutigen Stand und deutet mögliche Weiterentwicklungen an.
Reduction of aflatoxin levels in cottonseed and peanut meals by ozonization
Authors: Dwarakanath C. T. , Rayner E. T. , Mann G. E. , Dollear F. G.
Published: April 2008

Cottonseed and peanut meals were treated with ozone to destroy or eliminate aflatoxins. High meal moistures (cottonseed 22%, peanut 30%), high temperature (100C), and longer treatment times favored inactivation as measured by thin‐layer chromatography. Aflatoxins B1 and G1 were readily destroyed by the ozone processes whereas aflatoxin B2 appeared relatively resistant. In cottonseed meal, 91% of the total aflatoxins was destroyed in 2 hr, a decrease from 214 to 20 ppb; in peanut meal, 78% was destroyed in 1 hr, a decrease from 82 to 18 ppb. In both meals, aflatoxin B1 was totally inactivated within the times specified.
Expression and function of alternative splice variants of the mouse TGF‐β type I receptor
Authors: Murakami Masaru , Kondo Shoko , Funaba Masayuki
Published: April 2008

Mouse TGF‐β type I receptor, Alk5, encodes two types of mRNA generated by alternative splicing of four amino acids in the extracellular region. In the present study, the expression and function of alternative splice variants of Alk5, i.e., Alk5‐L (Alk5 with the four amino acids) and Alk5‐S (Alk5 without the four amino acids), were examined. Expression of Alk5 was detected in all examined tissues, and no significant differences in the ratio of Alk5‐S to Alk5‐L were detected between tissues. Expression of Alk5 was also detected in various cells, with Alk5‐L being especially abundant in A‐6 ES cells when it was examined by RT‐PCR and subsequent image analyses. No clear difference in Smad2 phosphorylation in response to treatment with TGF‐β1 was detected between L17 cells expressing Alk5‐S and those expressing Alk5‐L. Consistent with these results, transcription mediated by Alk5‐S in L17 cells treated with TGF‐β1 was comparable to that mediated by Alk5‐L. In addition, alternative splicing had no effect on transcriptional activation induced by GDF‐8, a member of the TGF‐β family. The present results indicate ubiquitous expression of Alk5 isoforms in mouse tissues and cells, and insignificant effects of alternative splicing on signaling induced by TGF‐β1 and GDF‐8.