bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Very Low Dose Fetal Exposure to Chernobyl Contamination Resulted in Increases in Infant Leukemia in Europe and Raises Questions about Current Radiation Risk Models
Authors: Busby Christopher C.
Published: December 2009

Following contamination from the Chernobyl accident in April 1986 excess infant leukemia (0–1 y) was reported from five different countries, Scotland, Greece, Germany, Belarus and Wales and Scotland combined. The cumulative absorbed doses to the fetus, as conventionally assessed, varied from 0.02 mSv in the UK through 0.06 mSv in Germany, 0.2 mSv in Greece and 2 mSv in Belarus, where it was highest. Nevertheless, the effect was real and given the specificity of the cohort raised questions about the safety of applying the current radiation risk model of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) to these internal exposures, a matter which was discussed in 2000 by Busby and Cato [7,8] and also in the reports of the UK Committee examining Radiation Risk from Internal Emitters. Data on infant leukemia in the United Kingdom, chosen on the basis of the cohorts defined by the study of Greece were supplied by the UK Childhood Cancer Research Group. This has enabled a study of leukemia in the combined infant population of 15,466,845 born in the UK, Greece, and Germany between 1980 and 1990. Results show a statistically significant excess risk RR = 1.43 (95% CI 1.13 < RR < 1.80 (2-tailed); p = 0.0025) in those born during the defined peak exposure period of 01/07/86 to 31/12/87 compared with those born between 01/01/80 and 31/12/85 and 01/01/88 and 31/12/90. The excess risks in individual countries do not increase monotonically with the conventionally calculated doses, the relation being biphasic, increasing sharply at low doses and falling at high doses. This result is discussed in relation to fetal/cell death at higher doses and also to induction of DNA repair. Since the cohort is chosen specifically on the basis of exposure to internal radionuclides, the result can be expressed as evidence for a significant error in the conventional modeling for such internal fetal exposures.
Nanostructured Photocatalysts and Their Applications in the Photocatalytic Transformation of Lignocellulosic Biomass: An Overview
Authors: Colmenares Juan Carlos , Luque Rafael , Campelo Juan Manuel , Colmenares Fernando , Karpiński Zbigniew , Romero Antonio Angel
Published: December 2009

Heterogeneous photocatalysis offer many possibilities for finding appropiate environmentally friendly solutions for many of the the problems affecting our society (i.e., energy issues). Researchers are still looking for novel routes to prepare solid photocatalysts able to transform solar into chemical energy more efficiently. In many developing countries, biomass is a major energy source, but currently such countries lack of the technology to sustainably obtain chemicals and/or fuels from it. The Roadmap for Biomass Technologies, authored by 26 leading experts from academia, industry, and government agencies, has predicted a gradual shift back to a carbohydrate-based economy. Biomass and biofuels appear to hold the key to satisfy the basic needs of our societies for the sustainable production of liquid fuels and high value-added chemicals without compromising the scenario of future generations. In this review, we aim to discuss various design routes for nanostructured photocatalytic solid materials in view of their applications in the selective transformation of lignocellulosic biomass to high value-added chemicals.
Synthesis and Antitumor Activities of Phenanthrene-Based Alkaloids
Authors: Li Songtao , Han Li , Sun Liang , Zheng Dan , Liu Jiang , Fu Yingbo , Huang Xueshi , Wang Zhanyou
Published: December 2009

A series of phenanthrene-based tylophorine derivatives (PBTs) were synthesized and their cytotoxic activities against the H460 human large-cell lung carcinoma cell line were evaluated. Among these compounds, N-(3-hydroxy-2,6,7-tri-methoxyphenanthr-9-ylmethyl)-L-prolinol (5a), and N-(3-hydroxy-2,6,7-trimethoxy-phenanthr-9-ylmethyl)-L-valinol (9) exhibited good activities, with IC50 values of 11.6 and 6.1 mM, respectively.
Neuroprotection by Radical Avoidance: Search for Suitable Agents
Authors: Hardeland Rüdiger
Published: December 2009

Neurodegeneration is frequently associated with damage by free radicals. However, increases in reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, which may ultimately lead to neuronal cell death, do not necessarily reflect its primary cause, but can be a consequence of otherwise induced cellular dysfunction. Detrimental processes which promote free radical formation are initiated, e.g., by disturbances in calcium homeostasis, mitochondrial malfunction, and an age-related decline in the circadian oscillator system. Free radicals generated at high rates under pathophysiological conditions are insufficiently detoxified by scavengers. Interventions at the primary causes of dysfunction, which avoid secondary rises in radical formation, may be more efficient. The aim of such approaches should be to prevent calcium overload, to reduce mitochondrial electron dissipation, to support electron transport capacity, and to avoid circadian perturbations. l-Theanine and several amphiphilic nitrones are capable of counteracting excitotoxicity and/or mitochondrial radical formation. Resveratrol seems to promote mitochondrial biogenesis. Mitochondrial effects of leptin include attenuation of electron leakage. Melatonin combines all the requirements mentioned, additionally regulates anti- and pro-oxidant enzymes and is, with few exceptions, very well tolerated. In this review, the perspectives, problems and limits of drugs are compared which may be suitable for reducing the formation of free radicals.
Antarctic Ice Sheet and Radar Altimetry: A Review
Authors: Rémy Frédérique , Parouty Soazig
Published: December 2009

Altimetry is probably one of the most powerful tools for ice sheet observation. Our vision of the Antarctic ice sheet has been deeply transformed since the launch of the ERS1 satellite in 1991. With the launch of ERS2 and Envisat, the series of altimetric observations now provides 19 years of continuous and homogeneous observations that allow monitoring of the shape and volume of ice sheets. The topography deduced from altimetry is one of the relevant parameters revealing the processes acting on ice sheet. Moreover, altimeter also provides other parameters such as backscatter and waveform shape that give information on the surface roughness or snow pack characteristics.
Telemedicine and Neonatal Regionalization of Care — Ensuring that the Right Baby Gets to the Right Nursery
Authors: Hall-Barrow Julie , Hall R. Whit , Burke Bryan L.
Published: December 2009

CME Educational Objectives

1.

Discuss the recent trend toward deregionalization of newborn care and the potential negative effects of this trend.

2.

Identify an innovative telemedicine approach toward the phenomenon of deregionalization of newborn care.

3.

Explain the societal and medical benefits of using a telemedicinebased approach for the assessment and appropriate triage of neonatal patients from a distance.
A 3-month-old Girl with a Rash on Her Neck and Upper Chest
Authors: Spec Andrej , Molero Helena , Noronha Peter A.
Published: December 2009

CME Educational Objectives

1.

Describe the differential diagnosis for intertiginous dermatitis in infants.

2.

Identify the differences between candidal and streptococcal intertrigo.

3.

Review the current therapeutic options and indicated follow-up for streptococcal intertrigo.
Elevated Temperature Trends After Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Tai Ta-Wei , Chang Chih-Wei , Lin Chii-Jeng , Lai Kuo-An , Yang Chyun-Yu
Published: December 2009

Fever after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a common phenomenon. However, the pattern of temperature change and its correlation with perioperative factors remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to define the trend of postoperative body temperature in patients undergoing TKA. This study also sought any factors influencing body temperature. We reviewed the charts of 186 clinically uncomplicated patients to record the changes of body temperature in the first 5 postoperative days and to determine the factors affecting it. The temperature trends of patients with acute prosthetic infection were also reviewed for comparison. In uncomplicated patients, the average peak temperature was 37.9°C, a 3.3% increase from the preoperative baseline, 36.7°C. The temperature elevation was most remarkable on postoperative days 1 and 2, but only 4 patients experienced fever up to 39°C. Patients with lower hemoglobin loss showed higher peak temperature. Patients with postoperative infection tended to have prolonged fever and delayed presentation of peak temperature. Our study illustrated the elevated pattern of body temperature after uncomplicated TKA and determined the loss of hemoglobin might be the affecting factor. Fever up to 39°C, prolonged fever, and delayed presentation of peak temperature were uncommon and should raise the clinical suspicion of infection or other complication.
Method for Quantifying Patient Expectations and Early Recovery After Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Howell Stephen M. , Rogers Stephanie L.
Published: December 2009

Many components of a surgeon's total knee arthroplasty (TKA) treatment regimen affect the rate of recovery, such as patient selection, preoperative education, surgical technique, pain management, and postoperative rehabilitation. Therefore, accurate counseling requires that the surgeon quantifies patient expectations and early recovery of the treatment regimen with a method that minimizes interviewer bias.

Preoperatively and 4 to 5 weeks after TKA, 285 patients (306 consecutive primary TKAs) responded to a survey consisting of customized questions, the Oxford score, the SF-12, and Knee Society scores on a handheld data acquisition device. The average response to each question on the 4- to 5-week postoperative survey defined patient expectations, and the change in a response between the 4- to 5-week postoperative and the preoperative survey determined whether the surgical intervention improved the patient.

At 4 to 5 weeks postoperatively, 80% of patients walked without a cane, 54% drove a car, 88% thought the treated knee was functioning better than before surgery, 93.5% thought the treated knee was normal or nearly normal, and 98% thought the alignment of their limb was “just right.” By 4 to 5 weeks, patients experienced less pain and showed significant improvements in 11 of 12 activities queried by the Oxford score, SF-12 physical score, Knee function score, Knee Society score, and knee extension. Flexion was significantly less at 4 to 5 weeks, and the SF-12 mental score was not significantly different. Average hospital stay was 2 nights, with 98% discharged home. Surgeons should consider a method that minimizes interviewer bias to quantify patient expectations and rate of recovery of their specific treatment regimen, and then use this information to counsel their patients to avoid disappointment after TKA.
Subtalar Arthroscopic Procedures for the Treatment of Subtalar Pathologic Conditions: 115 Consecutive Cases
Authors: Ahn Jae Hoon , Lee Sang Ki , Kim Kap Jung , Kim Yong In , Choy Won Sik
Published: December 2009

Arthroscopic procedures of subtalar pathology has shown promising results in previous studies, but the number of patients was relatively small. This article describes our experience and evaluated the clinical outcomes of 115 patients treated with subtalar arthroscopy for a range of subtalar pathologies. One hundred fifteen patients were followed up for >1 year after undergoing a subtalar arthroscopic procedure. Mean patient age was 40 years, and mean follow-up period was 42 months. Preoperative diagnosis included sinus tarsi syndrome in 31 patients, degenerative arthritis in 30, calcaneal fracture in 15, arthrofibrosis in 10, os trigonum syndrome in 8, talar fracture in 5, talocalcaneal coalition in 7, and calcaneal tumor in 1. The clinically modified American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) and AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scales and patient satisfaction were evaluated.

Thirty-one patients had subtalar synovitis and underwent synovectomy; 9 had mild degenerative disease and underwent debridement and chondroplasty; 6 had chondromalacia and underwent intra-articular shaving; 11 had a loose body removed; 10 underwent arthroscopic resection for arthrofibrosis; 8 had symptomatic os trigonum and underwent arthroscopic excision; 6 underwent excision and multiple drilling for an osteochondral lesion of the talus; and 26 had severe degenerative joint disease and underwent arthroscopic subtalar arthrodesis. The mean modified AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scale in the subtalar fusion group was increased from 33 points preoperatively to 84 points postoperatively (
P
< .005), and the mean AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scale in the other-than-fusion group increased from 69 points preoperatively to 89 points postoperatively (
P
<.005). Ninety-seven percent of patients were satisfied with the procedure, and there were no serious complications.
Solitary Giant Hemangioma of the Humerus
Authors: Yu Li , Cai Lin , Yu GuoRong , Zeng ZhongHua , Tao ShengXiang
Published: December 2009

Osseous hemangiomas are mainly seen in the skull or spine and rarely occur in other bones. They are small lesions usually localized in the metaphyseal and diaphyseal regions. This article describes a rare case of a giant intraosseous hemangioma occupying nearly the whole humerus for 28 years. Initially, the patient, a 36-year-old woman, had been misdiagnosed with fibrous hyperplasia of the left humerus. We intended to curette the lesions and transplant fibula to fill the bone defect, but the initial surgical attempt could not be completed due to massive intraoperative bleeding. In the second surgery, she was treated by blocking the blood flow of the subclavian artery temporarily through a balloon catheter, curetting lesions, and filling the defect of bone with bone cement and K-wires. At 12-month follow-up, there was no evidence of local recurrence of hemangioma or loosening of bone cement. However, longer-term follow-up is needed to confirm the success of the surgery. Although hemangiomas of long bone are rare, they should be considered in the differential diagnosis of bone tumors.
Femoroacetabular Impingement Due to Synovial Chondromatosis of the Hip Joint
Authors: Padhy Debabrata , Park Sang-Won , Jeong Woong-Kyo , Lee Dae-Hee , Park Jong Hoon , Han Seung-Beom
Published: December 2009

This article describes a rare case of primary synovial chondromatosis of the hip associated with classical femoroacetabular impingement. A 38-year-old man presented with left hip pain of 3 years' duration and range of motion (ROM) limitations. Flexion abduction external rotation and impingement tests were positive and preoperative Harris Hip Score was 68. Radiographs showed multiple loose bodies, a calcified labrum, and a bump at the head–neck junction. Computed tomography (CT) confirmed the findings. Acetabular overcoverage and the crossing over sign were present. The lateral center edge angle was 48°, acetabular roof angle was +2°, alpha angle was 80°, triangular index was 2 mm more than the radius of the femoral head, and anterior offset was 4.5 mm. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an acetabular labral tear, impaction on the femoral head–neck junction, and mild synovial hypertrophy with no acetabular cartilage damage. Loose body removal along with a total synovectomy, excision of the calcified labrum, and osteochondroplasty of the head–neck junction were performed after safe surgical dislocation. At 6-month follow-up, the patient was doing well with a Harris Hip Score of 96, improved ROM, and negative flexion abduction external rotation and impingement tests.

Early diagnosis of synovial chondromatosis and impingement can be made by MRI and CT. Clinically, flexion abduction external rotation and impingement tests are positive in 99% and 97% of cases, respectively. Although arthroscopy management has been described for both the entities separately, it has drawbacks. With an open procedure, debridement of the hip joint and excision of femoral and acetabular impingement deformities are possible at the same time.
A morbidade por causas externas em uma região do município de Porto Alegre/RS - DOI: 10.4025/cienccuidsaude.v7i3.6479
Authors: Bueno André Luis Machado , Lopes Marta Julia Marques
Published: December 2009

A partir da década de 1980 as causas externas de morbimortalidade passaram a figurar como relevante problema de saúde pública. Dados recentes do DATASUS apontaram, para o ano de 2007, 831.165 internações no território nacional, sendo o Rio Grande do Sul responsável por 15,7% desses casos. Na perspectiva de compreender os diversos fatores que influenciam esta problemática e os fatores locais desta casuística, este estudo tem como objetivo descrever a morbidade por causas externas em uma região do município de Porto Alegre/RS, no período de fevereiro de 2002 a fevereiro de 2005, correspondente à demanda de 14 Serviços de Atenção Básica. A análise baseou-se em 1.594 registros da demanda dos serviços da base de dados do Observatório de Causas Externas, sediado na Região Lomba do Pinheiro e Partenon. O domicílio foi o local de ocorrência mais registrado, indicando a precariedade do ambiente físico e a fragilidade das relações familiares. Os acidentes domésticos, com 33,2% dos dados, corresponderam à maioria dos atendimentos, enquanto os agravos decorrentes de violência perfizeram 20,3% dos registros. A análise dos dados apontou vulnerabilidades socioeconômicas, geracionais e de gênero, sugerindo a necessidade de medidas estruturais e promocionais de educação e prevenção.
Predominant Expression of CCL2 at the Tumor Site of Prostate Cancer Patients Directs a Selective Loss of Immunological Tolerance to CCL2 That Could Be Amplified in a Beneficial Manner
Authors: Izhak Liat , Wildbaum Gizi , Uri Weinberg , Shaked Yuval , Alami Jennifer , Dumont Daniel , Stein Avi , Karin Nathan
Published: December 2009

We have previously shown that, during inflammatory autoimmune diseases in humans, the immune system develops a neutralizing auto-Ab–based response to a very limited number of inflammatory mediators, and that amplification of each response could be beneficial for the host. Our working hypothesis has been that this selective breakdown of immunological tolerance is due to a predominant expression of an inflammatory mediator at an immune-restricted site undergoing a destructive process. All three conditions also take place in cancer diseases. In this study, we delineate this hypothesis for the first time in a human cancer disease and then explore its clinical implications. We show that in primary tumor sections of prostate cancer subjects, CCL2 is predominantly expressed at the tumor site over other chemokines that have been associated with tumor development, including: CXCL12, CXCL10, CXCL8, CCL3, and CCL5. Subsequently, the immune response selectivity mounts an Ab-based response to CCL2. These Abs are neutralizing Abs. These findings hold diagnostic and therapeutic implications. The current diagnosis of prostate cancer is based on prostate-specific Ag measurements that do not distinguish benign hypertrophy from malignancy. We show in this study that development of anti-CCL2 Abs is selective to the malignant stage. From a clinically oriented perspective, we show, in an experimental model of the disease, that DNA-based amplification of this response suppresses disease, which has implications for a novel way of therapy in humans.
Evaluation of IgM Antibody Capture Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Kits for Detection of IgM against Japanese Encephalitis Virus in Cerebrospinal Fluid Samples
Authors: Ravi Vasanthapuram , Robinson Jaimie S. , Russell Brandy J. , Desai Anita , Ramamurty Nalini , Featherstone David , Johnson Barbara W.
Published: December 2009

Infection with Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is a major public health problem in Asia. Detection of JEV-specific IgM in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) by the IgM antibody capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (MAC-ELISA) is currently the most widely used diagnostic method to detect JEV infection. Because of the possible presence of IgM cross-reactivity with other flaviviruses in serum and the high ratio of inapparent-to-apparent JEV infections, a positive result in serum only suggests a recent infection and not necessarily an encephalitic illness caused by JEV. Consequently, detection of JEV-specific IgM in CSF assumes great diagnostic relevance. We evaluated two commercial JEV MAC-ELISA kits using 60 CSF samples obtained from patients with acute encephalitis syndrome. The Panbio and XCyton kits had sensitivities of 65–80% and 95% and specificities of 90% and 97.5%, respectively. Performance information on these commercial JEV MAC-ELISA kits for CSF should assist in laboratory-based JE surveillance programs.
Genotyping of Trypanosoma cruzi: Systematic Selection of Assays Allowing Rapid and Accurate Discrimination of All Known Lineages
Authors: Lewis Michael D. , Ma Jonathan , Yeo Matthew , Carrasco Hernán J. , Llewellyn Martin S. , Miles Michael A.
Published: December 2009

Trypanosoma cruzi, the agent of Chagas disease, can be subdivided into six discrete typing units (DTUs), TcI, TcIIa, TcIIb, TcIIc, TcIId or TcIIe, each having distinct epidemiologically important features. Dozens of genetic markers are available to determine the DTU to which a T. cruzi isolate belongs, but there is no consensus on which should be used. We selected five assays: three polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphisms based on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the HSP60, Histone H1, and GPI loci, and PCR product size polymorphism of the LSU rDNA and mini-exon loci. Each assay was tested for its capacity to differentiate between DTUs using a panel of 48 genetically diverse T. cruzi clones. Some markers allowed unequivocal identification of individual DTUs, however, only by using a combination of multiple markers could all six DTUs be resolved. Based upon the results we recommend a triple-assay comprising the LSU rDNA, HSP60 and GPI markers for reliable, rapid, low-cost DTU assignment.
Clinical and Molecular Evidence for a Case of Buruli Ulcer (Mycobacterium ulcerans Infection) in Kenya
Authors: Walsh Douglas S. , Eyase Fredrick , Onyango David , Odindo Alfred , Otieno Walter , Waitumbi John N. , Bulimo Wallace D. , Schnabel David C. , Meyers Wayne M. , Portaels Françoise
Published: December 2009

Mycobacterium ulcerans infection is an emerging disease that causes indolent, necrotizing skin lesions known as Buruli ulcer (BU) and occasional contiguous or metastatic bone lesions. Buruli ulcer is named after Buruli County in Uganda (east Africa), where an epidemic occurred in the 1960s. Today, BU is most common in central and west Africa. We describe clinical and molecular evidence for a case of BU in Kenya.
Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) for Rapid Identification of Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles arabiensis Mosquitoes
Authors: Bonizzoni Mariangela , Afrane Yaw , Yan Guiyun
Published: December 2009

The main malaria vectors of sub-Saharan Africa, Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto and Anopheles arabiensis are morphologically indistinguishable, but often occur in sympatry and differ in feeding preference and vector competence. It is important to assess vector species identity for understanding the vectorial system and establishing appropriate vector control measures. The currently available species diagnosis methods for An. gambiae sensu latu require equipment to which public health practitioners in many African countries may not have access. This report describes a loop-mediated isothermal amplification technique (LAMP) for An. gambiae species diagnosis. The LAMP method was tested in single mosquito legs and whole body. The sensitivity and specificity of the LAMP method, in reference to the conventional rDNA-polymerse chain reaction (PCR) method, ranged from 0.93 to 1.00. The LAMP-based species identification method can be performed in a water bath and completed within 65 minutes, representing an alternative method for rapid and field applicable vector species diagnosis.
Therapeutic Efficacy and Effects of Artesunate-Mefloquine and Mefloquine Alone on Malaria-Associated Anemia in Children with Uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum Malaria in Southwest Nigeria
Authors: Sowunmi Akintunde , Gbotosho Grace O. , Happi Christian , Okuboyejo Titilope , Folarin Onikepe , Balogun Sulayman , Michael Obaro
Published: December 2009

The treatment efficacy and effects of artesunate-mefloquine (AMQ) and mefloquine (MQ) on malaria-associated anemia (MAA) were evaluated in 342 children ≤ 10 years of age with uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria randomized to receive either drug/drug combination. All children recovered clinically. Fever clearance times were similar. Parasite clearance was significantly faster with AMQ (mean ± SD = 1.4 ± 0.6 days, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.3–1.5, P < 0.0001), but polymerase chain reaction–corrected cure rates were similar (97% versus 94%). Gametocyte carriage rates and the drug-attributable fall in hematocrit were significantly lower with AMQ (mean ± SD = 4.8 ± 3.8%, 95% CI = 3.6–6.0, P = 0.03), but the rates of resolution of MAA were similar. Both regimens were well tolerated. AMQ clears parasitemia and reduces gametocyte carriage more rapidly and causes lesser fall in hematocrit than MQ, but both regimens are effective treatment of uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria in Nigerian children.
High Mortality in a Cholera Outbreak in Western Kenya after Post-Election Violence in 2008
Authors: Shikanga O-Tipo , Mutonga David , Abade Mohammed , Amwayi Samuel , Ope Maurice , Limo Hillary , Mintz Eric D. , Quick Robert E. , Breiman Robert F. , Feikin Daniel R.
Published: December 2009

In 2008, a cholera outbreak with unusually high mortality occurred in western Kenya during civil unrest after disputed presidential elections. Through active case finding, we found a 200% increase in fatal cases and a 37% increase in surviving cases over passively reported cases; the case-fatality ratio increased from 5.5% to 11.4%. In conditional logistic regression of a matched case-control study of fatal versus non-fatal cholera infection, home antibiotic treatment (odds ratio [OR] 0.049; 95% CI: < 0.001–0.43), hospitalization (OR, 0.066; 95% CI, 0.001–0.54), treatment in government-operated health facilities (OR, 0.15; 95% CI, 0.015–0.73), and receiving education about cholera by health workers (OR, 0.19; 95% CI, 0.018–0.96) were protective against death. Among 13 hospitalized fatal cases, chart review showed inadequate intravenous and oral hydration and substantial staff and supply shortages at the time of admission. Cholera mortality was under-reported and very high, in part because of factors exacerbated by widespread post-election violence.
Iterative adaptive robust control of multivariable CD processes
Authors: Farahmand Fazel , Dumont Guy A. , Loewen Philip
Published: December 2009

In this paper we present a novel adaptive robust control approach to the multivariable cross‐directional (CD) process of continuous web manufacturing. The common assumption of spatial frequency decomposition (SFD) is used to allow the process analysis in terms of a family of single‐input single‐output (SISO) transfer functions across the spatial frequencies. We then apply discretized Windsurfing adaptive robust control to each individual separated spatial frequency, starting with a stable initial model and a robust stabilizing controller at each spatial frequency. This approach allows the 2D bandwidth of the closed‐loop system to be increased progressively at each spatial frequency through an iterative relevant system identification and control design procedure. The method deals with both model uncertainty and measurement noise issues. Simulation results are given to illustrate the performance of the applied method. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adaptive function Q‐S synchronization of chaotic systems with unknown parameters
Authors: Zhao Jiakun , Zhang Kecun
Published: December 2009

This work investigates the adaptive function Q‐S synchronization of non‐identical chaotic systems with unknown parameters. The sufficient conditions for achieving Q‐S synchronization with a desired scaling function of two different chaotic systems (including different dimensional systems) are derived based on the Lyapunov stability theory. By the adaptive control technique, the control laws and the corresponding parameter update laws are proposed such that the Q‐S synchronization of non‐identical chaotic systems is to be achieved. Finally, four illustrative numerical simulations are also given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Novel NADH Model: Design, Synthesis, and its Chiral Reduction and Fluorescent Emission
Authors: Wang Nai‐Xing , Zhao Jia
Published: December 2009

A novel chiral nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide hydrogen (NADH) model with C3 symmetry was designed and synthesized. Hydrogens at the C‐4 position of all dihydropyridine rings in the inner part of the bowl could transfer to the substrate with powerful enantioselectivity. This novel C3 symmetrical NADH model is capable of fluorescence emission at 455 nm when excited at 390 nm.
Highly Efficient and Enantioselective Iridium‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Hydrogenation of N‐Arylimines
Authors: Li Wei , Hou Guohua , Chang Mingxin , Zhang Xumu
Published: December 2009

A catalytic method employing the cationic iridium‐(Sc,Rp)‐DuanPhos [(1R,1′R,2S,2′S)‐2,2′‐di‐tert‐butyl‐2,2′,3,3′‐tetrahydro‐1H,1′H‐1,1′‐biisophosphindole] complex and BARF {tetrakis[3,5‐bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]borate} counterion effectively catalyzes the enantioselective hydrogenation of acyclic N‐arylimines with high turnover numbers (up to 10,000 TON) and excellent enantioselectivities (up to 98% ee), achieving the practical synthesis of chiral secondary amines.
Transition‐Metal‐Catalyzed Direct Arylation of (Hetero)Arenes by CH Bond Cleavage
Authors: Ackermann Lutz , Vicente Rubén , Kapdi Anant R.
Published: December 2009

The area of transition‐metal‐catalyzed direct arylation through cleavage of CH bonds has undergone rapid development in recent years, and is becoming an increasingly viable alternative to traditional cross‐coupling reactions with organometallic reagents. In particular, palladium and ruthenium catalysts have been described that enable the direct arylation of (hetero)arenes with challenging coupling partners—including electrophilic aryl chlorides and tosylates as well as simple arenes in cross‐dehydrogenative arylations. Furthermore, less expensive copper, iron, and nickel complexes were recently shown to be effective for economically attractive direct arylations.
A multilevel view on interpersonal knowledge transfer
Authors: Kang Minhyung , Kim Young‐Gul
Published: December 2009

Knowledge transfer among employees is a critical enabler of organizational learning. In this article, the direct and moderating effects of the multilevel (i.e., dyadic and individual levels) antecedents of knowledge transfer are examined based on social network and knowledge management research. By analyzing the survey responses from eight R&D groups of five firms using hierarchical linear modeling, we find that structural equivalence significantly influences interpersonal knowledge transfer at the dyadic level, even when strength of ties is controlled. At the individual level, the knowledge recipient's motivational factors such as group identification and the perceived expertise of colleagues show significant effects on knowledge transfer. Finally, the effect of strength of ties at the dyadic level is more influential when the recipient's group identification is low.
Assessing Systemic Drug Exposure in Repeated Dose Toxicity Studies in the Case of Complete and Incomplete Sampling
Authors: Wolfsegger Martin J. , Jaki Thomas
Published: December 2009

Repeated dose toxicity studies are performed to characterize the toxicological profile of a test compound following repeated administrations. The findings and interpretations from these systemic exposure studies in animals are essential for designing subsequent studies and evaluating the safety of the test item for humans. Blood samples for assessment of systemic exposure are usually collected on day one and at the end of the study with multiple dosings of the compound in between. Restrictions in blood volume often require an incomplete sampling design, in which each animal contributes sample measurements at some but not all time points. In this manuscript we derive an estimator for the ratio of area under the concentration versus time curves (AUCs), a frequently used measure of exposure to a compound, and a corresponding confidence interval to assess differences in exposure as well as equivalence between first and repeated administration that is applicable in such sparse sampling designs as well as complete data situations. An illustrative example is provided and the statistical properties of the proposed estimator, which incorporates the dependencies of measurements between first and repeated dosings as well as the dependency inherent in repeated sampling for each dosing, is studied asymptotically as well as in simulation.
An accumulative site‐specific gene integration system using cre recombinase‐mediated cassette exchange
Authors: Kameyama Yujiro , Kawabe Yoshinori , Ito Akira , Kamihira Masamichi
Published: December 2009

The Cre‐loxP system is frequently used for site‐specific recombination in animal cells. The equilibrium and specificity of the recombination reaction can be controlled using mutated loxPs. In the present study, we designed an accumulative site‐specific gene integration system using Cre recombinase and mutated loxPs in which the Cre‐mediated cassette exchange reaction is infinitely repeatable for target gene integration into loxP target sites. To evaluate the feasibility and usefulness of this system, a series of integration reactions were repeated and confirmed in vitro using Cre recombinase protein and plasmids. Accumulative gene integration was also performed on the genome of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. The results indicated that the system was applicable for repeated gene integration of multiple genes to the target sites on both plasmids and CHO cell genomes. This gene integration system provides a novel strategy for gene amplification and for biological analyses of gene function through the genetic modification of cells and organisms. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2010;105: 1106–1114. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Multi‐species nitrifying biofilm model (MSNBM) including free ammonia and free nitrous acid inhibition and oxygen limitation
Authors: Park Seongjun , Bae Wookeun , Rittmann Bruce E.
Published: December 2009

A multi‐species nitrifying biofilm model (MSNBM) is developed to describe nitrite accumulation by simultaneous free ammonia (FA) and free nitrous acid (FNA) inhibition, direct pH inhibition, and oxygen limitation in a biofilm. The MSNBM addresses the spatial gradient of pH with biofilm depth and how it induces changes of FA and FNA speciation and inhibition. Simulations using the MSNBM in a completely mixed biofilm reactor show that influent total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) concentration, bulk dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration, and buffer concentration exert significant control on the suppression of nitrite‐oxidizing bacteria (NOB) and shortcut biological nitrogen removal (SBNR), but the pH in the bulk liquid has a weaker influence. Ammonium oxidation increases the nitrite concentration and decreases the pH, which together can increase FNA inhibition of NOB in the biofilm. Thus, a low buffer concentration can accentuate SBNR. DO and influent TAN concentrations are efficient means to enhance DO limitation, which affects NOB more than ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria (AOB) inside the biofilm. With high influent TAN concentration, FA inhibition is dominant at an early phase, but finally DO limitation becomes more important as TAN degradation and biofilm growth proceed. MSNBM results indicate that oxygen depletion and FNA inhibition throughout the biofilm continuously suppress the growth of NOB, which helps achieve SBNR with a lower TAN concentration than in systems without concentration gradients. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2010;105: 1115–1130. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Religion, religiosity, and South Korean consumer switching behaviors
Authors: Choi Youngtae
Published: December 2009

This study investigated the relationship between religious affiliation and level of religiosity and consumer product‐ and store‐switching behavior among South Korean consumers. Comparisons in switching behavior are reported for three different denominational groups prevalent in South Korea (Buddhism, Catholicism, and Protestantism), non‐religious affiliated respondents, and among persons exhibiting different levels of religiosity. Religious affiliation, including non‐affiliation, was not found to be significantly related to switching behavior. However, consumers reporting high levels of religiosity were found to be significantly less likely to engage in product purchase‐ and store‐switching behaviors than those reporting lower levels of religiosity. Consumers reporting high levels of religiosity are also less likely to engage in product purchase switching behavior than non‐religious affiliated consumers (i.e., no religiosity consumers). This pattern held across denominations. Statistically significant differences in switching behavior were not obtained between consumers reporting low levels of religiosity and those respondents who expressed no religious affiliation.

Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Consumption of disposed goods for moral identities: a nexus of organization, place, things and consumers
Authors: Brace‐Govan Jan , Binay Itir
Published: December 2009

A complex intersection of a charity organization, a retail space, vintage fashion and the customers were investigated to better understand the effect of the re‐commodification of goods. The convivial retail space attracted customers through the promise of something special and different. Immersed in the space, customers' moral values aligned with a type of consumption that began with disposal. However, these consumers did not belong to a politically motivated collectivity but instead addressed personal moral identity projects. The organization achieved a moral layer to its identity through its interaction with the disposed of garments, but this moral intention was different from the customers. The charity retailer transformed discarded, donated goods through processes of selection and re‐presentation. It was a highly professionalized commercial outlet whose intention was to raise funds and to model ethical business practices. The retail setting was pivotal and extensive observation, visual and interview data were taken at the site. The analysis revealed that the customers espoused a view of anti‐consumption, which encompassed anti‐corporatism. At the centre of this nexus of practices were the garments which were disposed of through donation, re‐commodified by the charity organization for their specialized, immersive retail outlet and then purchased by consumers to address their individualized moral identity projects. It is concluded that all facets contributed to this nexus of disposal practices, although the garments had a significant linking and facilitating role to play, and that further investigation is required.

Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Silica‐Supported Silver Nanoparticles with Surface Oxygen Species as a Reusable Catalyst for Alkylation of Arenes
Authors: Shimizu Ken‐ichi , Miyamoto Yuji , Satsuma Atsushi
Published: December 2009

A series of silica‐supported silver catalysts with various Ag loading (3–30 wt %) and different treatment (oxidation and subsequent reduction by H2) were prepared, and their local structures were characterized by extended X‐ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) analysis. In oxidized catalysts, silver were mainly present as small nanoparticles with surface oxygen atoms, and the number of surface oxygen atoms decreased with increased silver loading. The H2 reduction of these samples resulted in a removal of the surface oxygen atoms. The structure–activity relationship was studied for the alkylation of anisole with benzyl alcohol and styrene. AgI oxide, AgI ion, bulk silver metal, and silica‐supported silver nanoparticles were non‐active species. In contrast, silica‐supported silver nanoparticles with the surface oxygen atoms acted as an effective heterogeneous catalyst for the alkylation of arenes with alcohols and styrenes. Kinetic studies in alkylation of anisole with alcohols showed that the cleavage of the α‐CH bond of alcohol was the rate‐limiting step. It is proposed that the surface oxygen adjacent to the silver surface atoms plays an important role in the dissociation of the α‐CH bond.
On further application of r as a metric for validation of QSAR models
Authors: Mitra Indrani , Roy Partha Pratim , Kar Supratik , Ojha Probir Kumar , Roy Kunal
Published: December 2009

Validation is a crucial aspect for quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) model development. External validation is considered, in general, as the most conclusive proof of predictive capacity of a QSAR model. In the absence of truly external data set, external validation is usually performed on test set compounds, which are members of the original data set but not used in model development exercise. In the case of small data sets, QSAR researchers experience problem in model development due to the fact that the developed models may be less reliable on account of the small number of training set compounds and such models may also show poor external predictability because the models may not have captured all necessary features required for the particular structure–activity relationships. The present paper attempts to show that ‘true r(LOO)’ statistic calculated based on the model derived from the undivided data set with application of variable selection strategy at each cycle of leave‐one‐out (LOO) validation may reflect external validation characteristics of the developed model thus obviating the requirement of splitting of the data set into training and test sets. This approach may be helpful in the case of small data sets as it uses all available data for model development and validation thus making the resulting model more reliable. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lanthanide(III) Bis(phthalocyaninato)–[60]Fullerene Dyads: Synthesis, Characterization, and Photophysical Properties
Authors: Ballesteros Beatriz , de la Torre Gema , Shearer Axel , Hausmann Anita , Herranz M. Ángeles , Guldi Dirk M. , Torres Tomás
Published: December 2009

A novel series of double‐decker lanthanide(III) bis(phthalocyaninato)–C60 dyads [LnIII(Pc)(Pc′)]–C60 (M=Sm, Eu, Lu; Pc=phthalocyanine) (1 a–c) have been synthesized from unsymmetrically functionalized heteroleptic sandwich complexes [LnIII(Pc)(Pc′)] (Ln=Sm, Eu, Lu) 3 a–c and fulleropyrrolidine carboxylic acid 2. The sandwich complexes 3 a–c were obtained by means of a stepwise procedure from unsymmetrically substituted free‐base phthalocyanine 5, which was first transformed into the monophthalocyaninato intermediate [LnIII(acac)(Pc)] and further reacted with 1,2‐dicyanobenzene in the presence of 1,8‐diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec‐7‐ene (DBU). 1H NMR spectra of the bis(phthalocyaninato) complexes 3 a–c and dyads 1 a–c were obtained by adding hydrazine hydrate to solutions of the complexes in [D7]DMF, a treatment that converts the free radical double‐deckers into the protonated species, that is, [LnIII(Pc)(Pc′)H] and [LnIII(Pc)(Pc′)H]–C60. The electronic absorption spectra of 3 a–c and 1 a–c in THF exhibit typical transitions of free‐radical sandwich complexes. In the case of dyads 1 a–c, the spectra display the absorption bands of both constituents, but no evidence of ground‐state interactions could be appreciated. When the UV/Vis spectra of 3 a–c and 1 a–c were recorded in DMF, typical features of the reduced forms were observed. Cyclic voltammetry studies for 3 a–c and 1 a–c were performed in THF. The electrochemical behavior of dyads 1 a–c is almost the exact sum of the behavior of the components, namely the double‐decker [LnIII(Pc)(Pc′)] and the C60 fullerene, thus confirming the lack of ground‐state interactions between the electroactive units. Photophysical studies on dyads 1 a–c indicate that only after irradiation at 387 nm, which excites both C60 and [LnIII(Pc)(Pc′)] components, a photoinduced electron transfer from the [LnIII(Pc)(Pc′)] to C60 occurs.
A Micellar Multitasking Device: Sensing pH Windows and Gauging the Lipophilicity of Drugs with Fluorescent Signals
Authors: Denat Franck , Diaz‐Fernandez Yuri Antonio , Pasotti Luca , Sok Nicolas , Pallavicini Piersandro
Published: December 2009

A multitasking fluorescent device can be obtained by forming micelles of Triton X‐100, containing a lipophilic macrocyclic Cu2+ complex and the coordinating fluorophore Coumarin 343 (C343), which features a COOH moiety. At low pH the two micellised components do not interact, and the fluorescence of Courmarin 343 (C343) is intense. At intermediate pH, C343 is deprotonated and coordinates to the Cu2+ centre in its apical position, with fluorescence quenching. At higher pH the deprotonated C343 is displaced from Cu2+ by the formation of an OH− complex, and the fluorescence is revived. This allows the system to carry out its first task as it behaves as an “on–off–on” fluorescent sensor for pH windows. The “off” part of the window ranges from pH 6 to 8. In this interval, in which the carboxylate form of C343 is apically coordinated to the Cu2+ complex inside micelles, the device carries out its second task, that is, it behaves as a gauge for lipophilicity. For pHs between 6 and 8, molecules containing a COOH group are in their COO− form and distribute between bulk water and micelles proportionally to their lipophilicity. Upon entering the micelle, their COO− moiety competes for coordination with C343, displacing it from the Cu2+ centre, and this results in fluorescence revival, the intensity of which is also proportional to the lipophilicity of the examined molecule. We have chosen the physiological pH value (7.4) as the working pH, and we have examined the lipophilicity of fatty acids and of the widely used family of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The device successfully measures their lipophilicity, expressing it with an “off–on” type fluorescent signal, as demonstrated by the correlation of the fluorescence increase with the logarithmic water/octanol partition coefficient (log P) and with the difference between the pKa observed in micelles and that measured in water for NSAIDs.
Reversible Switching of a Micelle‐to‐Vesicle Transition by Compressed CO2
Authors: Li Wei , Zhang Jianling , Zhao Yueju , Hou Minqiang , Han Buxing , Yu Cailan , Ye Jianping
Published: December 2009

The study of the micelle‐to‐vesicle transition (MVT) is of great importance from both theoretical and practical points of view. Herein, we studied the effect of compressed CO2 on the aggregation behavior of dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (DTAB)/sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) mixed surfactants in aqueous solution by means of direct observation, turbidity and conductivity measurements, steady‐state fluorescence, time‐resolved fluorescence quenching (TRFQ), fluorescence quantum yield, and template methods. Interestingly, all these approaches showed that compressed CO2 could induce the MVT in the surfactant system, and the vesicles returned to the micelles simply by depressurization; that is, CO2 can be used to switch the MVT reversibly by controlling pressure. Some other gases, such as methane, ethylene, and ethane, could also induce the MVT of the surfactant solution. A possible mechanism is proposed on the basis of the packing‐parameter theory and thermodynamic principles. It is shown that the mechanism of the MVT induced by a nonpolar gas is different from the MVT induced by polar and electrolyte additives.