bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous determination of phenolic acids and flavonoids in rice using solid‐phase extraction and RP‐HPLC with photodiode array detection
Authors: Irakli Maria N. , Samanidou Victoria F. , Biliaderis Costas G. , Papadoyannis Ioannis N.
Published: July 2012

An analytical method based on an optimized solid‐phase extraction procedure and followed by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) separation with diode array detection was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of phenolic acids (gallic, protocatechuic, 4‐hydroxy‐benzoic, vanillic, caffeic, syringic, p‐coumaric, ferulic, sinapic, and cinnamic acids), flavanols (catechin and epicatechin), flavonols (myricetin, quercetin, kaempferol, quercetin‐3‐O‐glucoside, hyperoside, and rutin), flavones (luteolin and apigenin) and flavanones (naringenin and hesperidin) in rice flour (Oryza sativa L.). Chromatographic separation was carried out on a PerfectSil Target ODS‐3 (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 3 μm) column at temperature 25°C using a mobile phase, consisting of 0.5% (v/v) acetic acid in water, methanol, and acetonitrile at a flow rate 1 mL min−1, under gradient elution conditions. Application of optimum extraction conditions, elaborated on both Lichrolut C18 and Oasis HLB cartridges, have led to extraction of phenolic acids and flavonoids from rice flour with mean recoveries 84.3–113.0%. The developed method was validated in terms of linearity, accuracy, precision, stability, and sensitivity. Repeatability (n = 5) and inter‐day precision (n = 4) revealed relative standard deviation (RSD) <13%. The optimized method was successfully applied to the analysis of phenolic acids and flavonoids in pigmented (red and black rice) and non‐pigmented rice (brown rice) samples.
Preparation of bi‐layer‐polymer coated silica using atom transfer radical polymerization and its application as restricted access phase for HPLC separation of hydrophobic molecules in biological fluids
Authors: Xu Dan , Dong Xiangchao , Zhang Haiyan , Wang Huaisong , Jiang Ping , Zhang Min
Published: July 2012

A novel restricted access material was prepared by surface initiated atom transfer radical polymerization. The bi‐layer‐polymer structures were created on the surface of silica layer‐by‐layer. The inner layer was composed of poly(styrene‐co‐divinylbenzene), which was grafted first for binding small molecules based on hydrophobic and π–π interactions. The poly(styrene‐co‐divinylbenzene) bonded silica has good selectivity for aromatic hydrocarbons. It also has hydrophobicity and column efficiency similar to a C18 bonded silica. The material has shown good ability of protein exclusion after grafting hydrophilic polymer on the external surface while its hydrophobicity and selectivity do not have obvious change. It demonstrated that the material is still qualified for hydrophobic extraction. In the study, the relations between the polymer structures and chromatographic properties of the materials were investigated. The synthetic conditions were optimized. The results have shown that the material prepared in the study has application potential in the HPLC analysis of hydrophobic molecules from biological samples by direct injection. It demonstrated that atom transfer radical polymerization can be used as a method in the preparation of restricted access material.
Isolation and characterization of flavonols from blackcurrant by high‐performance counter‐current chromatography and electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Mbeunkui Flaubert , Grace Mary H. , Yousef Gad G. , Ann Lila Mary
Published: July 2012

Blackcurrant is considered as a natural high‐value food raw material and possesses a variety of therapeutic properties. The health benefits of blackcurrant have generally been credited to its high anthocyanin content; however, the therapeutic properties of other minor flavonoids constituents have not yet been investigated due the difficulties related to their isolation. Multiple steps of high‐performance counter‐current chromatography in combination with ESI tandem mass spectrometry (MSn) were successfully used for the preparative isolation of flavonols from blackcurrant extract, to study their electrospray ionization mass spectrometry fragmentation behavior. Seven flavonols, namely myricetin‐3‐O‐rutinoside (145.5 mg), myricetin‐3‐O‐hexoside (79.7 mg), myricetin‐3‐O‐(6″‐malonyl)‐glucoside (17.4 mg), kaempferol‐3‐O‐glucoside (20.5 mg), quercetin‐3‐O‐rutinoside (55.1 mg), quercetin‐3‐O‐hexoside (25.8 mg), and myricetin (129.1 mg) have been successfully isolated and their multistage MSn data were used for detailed structure characterization. The results of these experiments demonstrated that high‐performance counter‐current chromatography along with ESI‐MSn is a sensitive, selective, and effective technology for isolation and characterization of minor constituents from a complex mixture.
Internet‐enabled Tourism Entrepreneurs. International Entrepreneurial Values Elicited through Repertory Test and Laddering Analysis
Authors: Glavas Charmaine , Pike Steven , Mathews Shane
Published: July 2012

Although the tourism industry has been dramatically altered due to the Internet, there has been limited research published about international entrepreneurial values and Internet use in tourism firms. The findings of this study point to a relationship between the values of Internet‐enabled international entrepreneurs in small‐sized to medium‐sized enterprises and the inclination of the firm to develop and initiate international activity. The findings of this study suggest that Internet‐enabled tourism entrepreneurs share similar construct values. Two effective but underutilized qualitative methods were used in this study. The first method, repertory test, is an efficient technique for exploring constructs in decision making; the second method, laddering analysis, facilitates understanding of the perceived consequences and personal values guiding behaviour. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of pneumonia on short‐term outcomes and cost of care after head and neck cancer surgery
Authors: Semenov Yevgeniy R. , Starmer Heather M. , Gourin Christine G.
Published: July 2012

Background:

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has threatened to discontinue reimbursements for ventilator‐associated pneumonia (VAP) as a preventable “never event.” We sought to determine the relationship between pneumonia and in‐hospital mortality, complications, length of hospitalization and costs in head and neck cancer (HNCA) surgery.

Study Design:

Retrospective cross‐sectional study.

Methods:

Discharge data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample for 93,663 patients who underwent an ablative procedure for a malignant oral cavity, laryngeal, hypopharyngeal, or oropharyngeal neoplasm from 2003 to 2008 were analyzed using cross‐tabulations and multivariate regression modeling.

Results:

VAP was rarely coded. Infectious pneumonia was significantly associated with chronic pulmonary disease (odds ratio [OR], 1.5; P < .001), while aspiration pneumonia was associated with dysphagia (OR, 2.0; P < .001). Pneumonia from any cause was associated with weight loss (OR, 3.3; P < .001), age >80 years (OR, 2.0; P = .007), comorbidity (OR, 2.3; P < .001), and major procedures (OR, 1.6; P < .001), with increased in‐hospital mortality for infectious (OR, 2.9; P < .001) and aspiration pneumonia (OR, 5.3; P < .001). Both infectious and aspiration pneumonia were associated with postoperative medical and surgical complications, increased length of hospitalization, and hospital‐related costs.

Conclusions:

Postoperative pneumonia is associated with increased mortality, complications, length of hospitalization, and hospital‐related costs in HNCA surgical patients. Variables associated with an increased risk of pneumonia are inherent comorbidities in HNCA and known risk factors for VAP, making this a high‐risk group for this never event. Caution must be used in the institution of reforms that threaten to inadequately reimburse the provision of care to this vulnerable population. Aggressive preoperative identification and treatment of underlying pulmonary disease, weight loss, and dysphagia may reduce morbidity and mortality. Laryngoscope, 2012
Fatal adverse effects of injected ceftriaxone sodium in China
Authors: Yao Yi , Zhou RanYun , Wang Ying
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The incidence of adverse reactions to ceftriaxone, which is widely used in China, has gradually increased, with an associated increase in patient fatality. An analysis of the reported data from articles published in China highlights the importance and extent of this growing public health problem.

Methods

We identified previously reported cases of adverse effects to ceftriaxone sodium by searching the Chinese Medical Text Database System for reports published between January 2002 and December 2009. The references cited in the articles were examined for additional reports.

Results

A total of 17 articles were identified that cited fatal adverse reactions in 22 cases. Most patients had been treated for upper respiratory tract infection and bronchitis and had no reported history of ceftriaxone allergy. Of the patients, 77% were treated with ceftriaxone without undergoing intradermal testing, and 36% were not offered any information on intradermal testing. Concomitant intravenous medications were prescribed in 7 cases, and an overdose of ceftriaxone sodium was prescribed for two patients. The delay between drug administration and the onset of adverse drug reactions occurred within 30 min in 72.7% of the patients. Of the deaths, 73% occurred on the first day of treatment.

Conclusions

The fatal adverse events associated with ceftriaxone occurred because of inappropriate drug usage, drug overdoses, careless medical personnel, poor medical conditions, and possibly poor drug quality. Although some deaths may be unavoidable, the risks can be minimized by the appropriate administration of ceftriaxone and further consultation with the Chinese medical profession and research. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Frequency of adverse drug reactions in hospitalized patients: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Miguel Ana , Azevedo Luís Filipe , Araújo Manuela , Pereira Altamiro Costa
Published: July 2012

Purposes

To perform a comprehensive systematic review of prospective studies about frequency of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) occurring during hospitalization (ADRIn), including a thorough study quality assessment, meta‐analysis and heterogeneity evaluation.

Methods

Systematic review of several databases: Pubmed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane, ISI, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, Scirus, NHS economic, and others, as well as manual search. Inclusion criteria were: prospective studies (assessing all patients before discharge, by a specialized team, at least once a week); with data about ADRs occurring during hospitalization, using WHO's or similar definition of ADR. Two independent reviewers assessed eligibility criteria, extracted data, and evaluated risk of bias.

Results

From 4139 studies initially found, 22 were included. Meta‐analysis indicate that ADRs may occur in 16.88% (CI95%: 13.56,20.21%) of patients during hospitalization; however, this estimate has to be viewed with caution because there was significant heterogeneity (I2 = 99%). The most significant moderators of heterogeneity were risk of bias, population, ward, and methodology for ADR identification. Low risk of bias studies adjusted for population (pediatric versus adult) had I2 = 0%.

Conclusions

These data are useful as a broad characterization of in‐hospital ADRs and their frequency. However, due to heterogeneity, our estimates are crude indicators. The wide variation in methodologies was one of the most important moderators of heterogeneity (even among studies using intensive monitoring). We suggest criteria to standardize methodologies and reduce the risk of bias. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Off‐label antidepressant use in children and adolescents compared with young adults: extent and level of evidence
Authors: Czaja Angela S. , Valuck Robert
Published: July 2012

Purpose

To estimate the degree of, and level of evidence supporting, off‐label antidepressant (AD) prescribing for children and adolescents compared with young adults.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study utilizing medical and pharmacy claims data from US‐managed care plans, 1997–2009.

Participants

Patients aged 5–24 years, with at least one (index) AD claim during a period of continuous enrollment.

Main outcome measures

Drug‐diagnosis pairs, on the basis of medical claims within 30 days pre‐index or post‐index AD, were grouped as (1) Food and Drug Administration (FDA)‐approved or (2) off‐label with one of three evidence categories based on Micromedex®2.0: favorable, inconclusive or limited‐to‐none (Thomson Micromedex, Greenwood Village, CO, USA).

Results

Over the study period, 290 816 subjects met eligibility criteria: 17% 5–12 years old, 40% 13–18 years old, and 43% 19–24 years old. Sertraline was the most commonly prescribed index AD (19–23%). Psychiatrists more often prescribed the AD for children (31%) and adolescents (35%) versus young adults (17%). Only 28% of all subjects had a diagnosis consistent with an FDA‐approved indication within 30 days pre‐index and post‐index AD. Children less than 13 years old were less likely to have had an FDA‐approved indication (5–10%). Most off‐label prescribing had inconclusive to no evidence supporting efficacy. The lack of evidence was especially pronounced for younger children. Trends were consistent over the study period. Increasing the time period for potential indications pre‐index and post‐index AD did not result in significantly reduced off‐label rates.

Conclusions

Pediatric off‐label AD prescribing occurs frequently without a strong evidence base, highlighting a need to generate additional evidence to ensure safe and effective use. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Controlling the surface wettability of poly(sulfone) films by UV‐assisted treatment: benefits in relation to plasma treatment
Authors: Kessler Felipe , Kühn Sidiney , Radtke Cláudio , Weibel Daniel E.
Published: July 2012

Hydrophilic and superhydrophilic surfaces of poly(sulfone) (PSU) thin films were prepared by UV irradiation in the presence of O2 or acrylic acid (AA) vapor. Treated surfaces were then investigated by water contact angle measurements, Fourier transformed IR spectroscopy in attenuated total reflectance mode (FTIR‐ATR), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), near‐edge X‐ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) and AFM. Water contact angle values of treated PSU films using either O2 or AA vapor as the reactive atmosphere reached about 6° after more than 120 min of irradiation. FTIR‐ATR, XPS and NEXAFS analysis showed incorporation of oxygenated groups onto the surface that led to its hydrophilic characteristics. In addition, when AA vapor was used as the reactive atmosphere, a photopolymerization process of poly(acrylic acid) onto the surface of the PSU was observed. AFM analysis showed a very low level of roughness after the treatments. A comparison of UV‐assisted surface modifications of PSU films with traditional plasma treatments showed excellent qualitative agreement between the two techniques. Our results show that UV‐assisted treatments in the presence of AA vapor or O2 are efficient ways of controlling the surface wettability and functionalities grafted on the surface of PSU films. This treatment can be considered as a permanent dry grafting method that resists aging and uses a simple experimental setup. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis, post‐modification and characterization of linear polystyrene‐based supports for interaction with immobilized biocatalysts
Authors: Petenzi Michele , Bavaro Teodora , Cornaggia Claudio , Ubiali Daniela , Pregnolato Massimo , Pasini Dario
Published: July 2012

A series of linear polystyrene‐based supports has been synthesized using conventional or controlled (reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer or nitroxide‐mediated) free radical polymerizations, in order to modulate their molecular weight characteristics. Polymer post‐modification via esterification of the primary hydroxyl alcohol functionalities, pendant from the polymer backbone, with a mandelic acid derivative introduces efficiently (>85% yield) racemic, enzyme‐cleavable moieties. A study of the interactions of these polymeric substrates with immobilized penicillin G acylase, in mixed organic/aqueous buffer solvent systems, results in a modest enantioselectivity (comparable with that of racemic mandelic acid methyl ester), but reveals that the biocatalytically active moieties on the linear polymers can be cleaved with first‐order rate kinetics, as observed with small molecules in solution; the reaction rates (which can differ by more than one order of magnitude) are influenced both by the synthetic polymer length and by the polymer structure resulting from the method of polymerization used. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Reaction routes for the synthesis of CuInSe2 using bilayer compound precursors
Authors: Krishnan R. , Wood D. , Chaudhari V. U. , Payzant E. A. , Noufi R. , Rozeveld S. , Kim W. K. , Anderson T. J.
Published: July 2012

The reaction pathways and phase evolution during synthesis of CuInSe2 (CIS) by a novel bilayer approach were investigated using in situ high‐temperature X‐ray diffraction. Two bilayer precursor structures, glass/Mo/γ‐In2Se3/β‐CuSe + β‐Cu2Se/Se and glass/Mo/γ‐In2Se3/β‐Cu2Se/Se, were examined in this study. Temperature ramp experiments revealed that the phase transformation sequence for each bilayer precursor qualitatively follows that predicted by the phase diagram and that the onset temperatures for decomposition of the sub‐binary compounds depend on the Se partial pressure. Measurement of the isothermal rate of formation of CuInSe2 at six temperatures in the range 260 to 310 °C for the γ‐In2Se3/β‐CuSe + β‐Cu2Se/Se bilayer suggests relatively slow nucleation followed by diffusion‐limited reaction with estimated activation energy of 162(±7) and 225 (±16) kJ/mol from Avrami and parabolic models, respectively. Interestingly, the measured activation energy for the same precursor in a 4 mol % H2/He ambient (108 (±8) kJ/mol) was lower than that observed in pure N2 (158 (±16) kJ/mol). The results of isothermal measurements in the temperature range 250 to 300 °C for the γ‐In2Se3/β‐Cu2Se/Se precursor film in an inert ambient are consistent with one‐dimensional diffusion‐limited growth with estimated activation energy from the Avrami and parabolic models of 194 (±10) and 203 (±12) kJ/mol, respectively. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proteomic profiling of the molecular targets of interactions of the mastoparan peptide Protopolybia MP‐III at the level of endosomal membranes from rat mast cells
Authors: Delazari dos Santos Lucilene , Aparecido dos Santos Pinto José Roberto , Ribeiro da Silva Menegasso Anally , Menezes Saidemberg Daniel , Caviquioli Garcia Ana Maria , Sergio Palma Mario
Published: July 2012

It is well known that the activation of mast cells due to the binding of mastoparan to the Gα subunit of trimeric G proteins involves exocytosis regulation. However, experimental evidence in the literature indicates that mastoparan can also activate certain regulatory targets of exocytosis at the level of the mast cell endosomal membranes that have not yet been identified. Therefore, the aim of the present investigation was the proteomic identification of these targets. To achieve these objectives, mast cells were activated by the peptide Protopolybia MP‐III, and the proteins of the endosomal membranes were converted to proteoliposomes using sonication. Proteins were separated from one another by affinity chromatography using proteoliposomes as analytes and Protopolybia MP III‐immobilized Sepharose 4B resin as the ligand. This experimental approach, which used SDS‐PAGE, in‐gel trypsin digestion and proteomic analysis, permitted the identification of five endosomal proteins: Rho GTPase Cdc 42 and exocyst complex component 7 as components of the Ca2+‐independent FcεRI‐mediated exocytosis pathway, synaptosomal‐associated protein 29, and GTP‐binding protein Rab3D as components of the Ca2+‐dependent FcεRI‐mediated exocytosis pathway and Ras‐related protein M‐Ras, a protein that is related to the mediation of cell shaping and proliferation following exocytosis. The identification of the five proteins as targets of mastoparans may contribute in the near future to the use of this family of peptides as novel tools for dissecting the mechanism of exocytosis in mast cells.
Label‐free MSE proteomic analysis of chronic myeloid leukemia bone marrow plasma: disclosing new insights from therapy resistance
Authors: Pizzatti Luciana , Panis Carolina , Lemos Gabriela , Rocha Moisés , Cecchini Rubens , Souza Gustavo H. M. F. , Abdelhay Eliana
Published: July 2012

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a pluripotent hematopoietic disorder that is currently considered incurable. The tyrosine kinase product of the Philadelphia chromosome, P210 BCR‐ABL, provided a pathogenetic explanation for the initiation of the CML chronic phase and is the molecular therapeutic target for the disease. Imatinib mesylate, an orally available BCR‐ABL kinase inhibitor, can induce haematologic and cytogenetic remission of CML. However, imatinib resistance occurs frequently, resulting in relapse. New treatment strategies are focusing on resistant CML stem cells and the bone marrow stroma. The identification of novel pathways and mechanisms in the bone marrow microenvironment could significantly contribute to the development of such strategies. In this work, we used a high‐resolution label‐free MSE proteomic approach to identify differential protein expression in the CML bone marrow plasma of responsive and resistant patients. Oxidative lipid metabolism and regulation of the switch from canonical to noncanonical WNT signaling may contribute to CML resistance in the bone marrow compartment.
Charge‐based DFT descriptors for Diels‐Alder reactions
Authors: Gupta Kartick , Giri Santanab , Chattaraj P. K.
Published: July 2012

The geometries of 8 dienes and 18 dienophiles are optimized at the B3LYP/6‐311 + G (d) level. The ionization potential (I), electron affinity (A), electronegativity (χ), hardness (η), chemical potential (μ), global electrophilicity (ω), electron accepting power (ω+) and electron donating power (ω−) values are computed employing ΔSCF method. The net reactivity index (Δ), electrophilicity difference of the reactants (Δω), the fractional number of electrons transferred (ΔN), energy change (ΔE) and electrophilicity‐based charge transfer descriptor (ECT) for the Diels‐Alder (DA) reactions are computed. Charge‐based descriptors like ΔN, ΔE and ECT exhibit good quadratic / linear correlation with of the diene to dienophile electron flow (DDpF) type of DA reactions. Δω has also reasonably good quadratic / linear correlation with ΔN, ΔE ECT and. Charge‐based descriptors like ΔN, ΔE and ECT have relatively worse correlation (quadratic / linear) with of the dienophile to diene electron flow (DpDF) type of DA reactions. Δω has also similar poor correlation (quadratic / linear) with ΔN, ΔE, ECT and for these types of reactions. It can be concluded that charge‐based Density Functional Theory (DFT) descriptors can illustrate the DDpF type of DA reactions properly. A possible reason for not so good correlation in the case of DpDF‐type reactions is provided. The charges of the reactive sites of the dienes and dienophiles are also computed with the Mulliken population analysis and natural population analysis schemes at the same level of theory. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Poly(ε‐caprolactone) by combined ring‐opening polymerization and azeotropic polycondensation—the role of cyclization and equilibration
Authors: Kricheldorf Hans R. , Weidner Steffen M. , Scheliga Felix
Published: July 2012

Using three different catalysts, water‐initiated polymerizations of ε‐caprolactone were conducted in bulk with variation of the monomer/water ratio. The resulting CH2OH and CO2H‐ terminated polylactones were subjected in situ to azeotropic polycondensations. With Bi‐triflate and temperatures, the polycondensations were not much successful and involved side reactions. With ZnCl2, and especially SnCl2, considerably higher molar masses were achieved. The substitution of toluene for chlorobenzene for refluxing gave better results. The polycondensations broadened the molar mass distribution of the ROP‐based prepolymers, and polydispersities between 1.4–1.8 were obtained. The MALDI–TOF mass spectra revealed that the polycondensations significantly enhanced the fraction of rings due to efficient “end‐biting” reactions. By comparison with copolymerization experiments and Sn methoxide‐initiated polymerizations, it was demonstrated that equilibration reactions, such as the formation of rings by “back‐biting,” did not occur. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Factors that Might Give Rise to Musculoskeletal Disorders when Mothers Lift Children in the Home
Authors: Vincent Renee , Hocking Clare
Published: July 2012

Objective

The objective of this research was to identify the risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders present when mothers lift normally developing children weighing between 20 and 31 lbs (9–14 kg) in the home.

Method

Twenty five mothers aged 28–40 years completed Sanders and Morse's (2005) self‐report survey of pain and high‐risk practices. In addition, the OMLITH, a structured checklist for observing mothers lifting children in the home, was developed. Criteria to rate variables relating to the load (child), environment, person (mother) and task as low, moderate or high risk were developed, on the basis of published manual handling assessments. The mothers were observed performing 87 lifts, and risk factors were rated.

Results

The majority of participants reported low back pain (64%). They self‐rated bending while carrying a child as most stressful, and various other tasks involving carrying; prolonged bending, squatting or stooping; and lifting a child as physically stressful. At least one risk factor related to the load was recorded in all 87 observations, with moderate to high risk most frequently related to the child's weight (73.6%) or the mother's grip on the child (93.1%). Common environmental factors presenting a moderate to high risk related to space constraints (59.7% of tasks) and equipment (58.6%). Factors related to the mothers' strength and fitness (57.5% of tasks) commonly posed moderate to high risk, as did horizontal reach distances (82.8%), vertical lift distances (78.2%) and reaches above shoulder height or below mid thigh level (88.5%). Trunk rotation greater than 45° or combining rotation and side bending while lifting resulted in a moderate to high risk rating in 72.4% of tasks. The developmental age of the child interacted with weight to increase or decrease the requirement for lifting.

Conclusion

Risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders are present to a significant degree, and further research in this area is warranted. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Peptide‐mediated cell penetration and targeted delivery of gold nanoparticles into lysosomes
Authors: Dekiwadia Chaitali D. , Lawrie Ann C. , Fecondo John V.
Published: July 2012

There is considerable interest in the sub‐cellular targeting and delivery of biomolecules, therapeutic and imaging agents, and nanoparticles and nanoparticle conjugates into organelles for therapeutic and imaging purposes. To date, a number of studies have used sorting peptides for targeted delivery of cargo into different cell organelles but not into lysosomes. In this study, the delivery of 13‐nm gold nanoparticles across the cell membrane followed by targeted localisation into the lysosomes of a mammalian cell line was examined using novel combinations of cell‐penetrating peptides and lysosomal sorting peptides conjugated to the nanoparticles. Using a combination of fluorescence spectroscopy, fluorescence microscopy and transmission electron microscopy techniques, we show that these nanoconjugates were efficiently and selectively delivered into the lysosomes with minimal cytotoxic effects. This novel targeted delivery system may underpin the development of a new strategy for the treatment of lysosomal storage diseases by exploiting the large surface area of nanoparticles to deliver drugs or replacement enzymes directly to the lysosomes. Copyright © 2012 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessment of the Toxicity of the Brazilian Pepper Trees Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi (Aroeira‐da‐praia) and Myracrodruon urundeuva Allemão (Aroeira‐do‐sertão)
Authors: Carlini Elisaldo Araujo , Duarte‐Almeida Joaquim Maurício , Tabach Ricardo
Published: July 2012

The present study aimed to assess the preclinical toxicity of two plants commonly used to treat “stomach ailments” in Brazil: Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi (S) and Myracrodruon urundeuva Allemão (M). In male rats, chronic treatment (83 days) with both pepper trees (17.6 and 13.8 mg/kg, S and M, respectively) has been shown to decrease hematocrit. However, a reduction in the number of red blood cells and hemoglobin was only seen following administration of S. terebinthifolius. None of the plants caused anatomopathological alterations following chronic treatment, and mating ability and fertility were not affected. Both pepper trees showed moderate toxicity following acute and chronic treatment by gavage, particularly S. terebinthifolius. Moreover, bone malformations were induced in fetuses, and a slight delay in recovery time of the postural reflex was observed in pups from female animals treated (18 days) with S. terebinthifolius. Given these results, a better assessment of the risks and benefits of the internal use of these plants is necessary, especially when used by women of childbearing age. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bioactivity of Diosmetin Glycosides Isolated from the Epicarp of Date Fruits, Phoenix dactylifera, on the Biochemical Profile of Alloxan Diabetic Male Rats
Authors: Michael Helana Naguib , Salib Josline Yehia , Eskander Emad Fawzi
Published: July 2012

The new natural flavonoid compounds – diosmetin 7‐O‐β‐L‐arabinofuranosyl (1 → 2) β‐D‐apiofuranoside (1) and diosmetin 7‐O‐β‐D‐apiofuranoside (2) – were isolated from the acetone extract of date fruits epicarp belonging to family Arecaceae (Palmae). Elucidation of their chemical structures was determined by different spectroscopic methods in addition to the chemical and physical methods of analysis. These compounds were assessed for their biological activity on alloxan diabetic rats. A dose of 1.5 ml of (1) and (2) suspensions/100 gm b. wt were orally administrated to alloxan diabetic rats for 30 days. The treatment of diabetic rats with these compounds resulted in marked improvement of the different biochemical results, i.e. the serum glucose level (highly significant, from 330 + 5.5 mg/dL to 140 + 1.2 mg/dL) treated with (1); liver functions markedly developed both by AST and ALT levels, (reduced significantly from 68.3 + 4.8 μ/L to 54 + 5.5 μ/L and from 61.0 + 3.6 μ/L to 40.1 + 3.6 μ/L, respectively) treated with (2), accompanying with mild decrease in both cholesterol and triglycerides levels with (1) or (2). Decrease of TBARS level was observed in whole blood when treated with (1) or (2), while levels of glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase were increased in liver. Serum testosterone level was highly significantly increased (from 705.1 + 3.6 mg/100 ml to 720 + 4.7 mg/100 ml), total acid phosphatase and prostate acid phosphatase activities were highly significantly decreased (from 16.9 + 0.28 μ/L to 10.7 + 1.2 μ/L and from 9.7 + 0.7 μ/L to 6.5 + 1 μ/L, respectively) for compound (1). Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A study on the theoretical and practical accuracy of conoscopic holography‐based surface measurements: toward image registration in minimally invasive surgery
Authors: Burgner J. , Simpson A. L. , Fitzpatrick J. M. , Lathrop R. A. , Herrell S. D. , Miga M. I. , Webster R. J.
Published: July 2012

Background

Registered medical images can assist with surgical navigation and enable image‐guided therapy delivery. In soft tissues, surface‐based registration is often used and can be facilitated by laser surface scanning. Tracked conoscopic holography (which provides distance measurements) has been recently proposed as a minimally invasive way to obtain surface scans. Moving this technique from concept to clinical use requires a rigorous accuracy evaluation, which is the purpose of our paper.

Methods

We adapt recent non‐homogeneous and anisotropic point‐based registration results to provide a theoretical framework for predicting the accuracy of tracked distance measurement systems. Experiments are conducted a complex objects of defined geometry, an anthropomorphic kidney phantom and a human cadaver kidney.

Results

Experiments agree with model predictions, producing point RMS errors consistently < 1 mm, surface‐based registration with mean closest point error < 1 mm in the phantom and a RMS target registration error of 0.8 mm in the human cadaver kidney.

Conclusions

Tracked conoscopic holography is clinically viable; it enables minimally invasive surface scan accuracy comparable to current clinical methods that require open surgery. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Robust multiactuator fault‐tolerant MPC design for constrained systems
Authors: Yetendje Alain , Seron Maria M. , De Doná José A.
Published: July 2012

In this paper, we present a robust actuator fault‐tolerant control strategy for constrained linear systems in the presence of bounded state and input disturbances. The scheme is based on a bank of state estimators that match different fault situations that can occur in the system. A fault detection and isolation unit verifies that suitable residual variables lie inside pre‐computed sets and selects the estimate that matches the current plant behaviour. A bank of robustly stabilizing tube‐based model predictive control laws is designed, each associated to a fault scenario, and the appropriate controller is selected among them by using the information provided by the fault detection and isolation module. By means of ‘tubes’ of trajectories, we ensure robust closed‐loop exponential stability of the constrained system and good performance in the fault‐free case and under the occurrence of abrupt actuator faults, including actuator outage and loss of effectiveness by an unknown amount. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A rotor speed estimation algorithm in variable speed permanent magnet synchronous generator wind energy conversion system
Authors: Thongam Jogendra Singh , Beguenane Rachid , Tarbouchi Mohammed , Okou Aime Francis , Merabet Adel , Fofana Issouf , Bouchard Pierre
Published: July 2012

A rotor speed estimation algorithm in a direct vector controlled permanent magnet synchronous generator wind energy conversion system is proposed. The proposed method is based on a simple equation obtained from the flux model of the machine and contains only stator flux and current. Constant gain recursive least squares estimator is used for implementing the speed estimation algorithm. Rotor position information used for coordinate transformation is computed using the estimated speed. Stator flux information required by the speed estimator is obtained using the stator voltage equation by implementing a programmable low pass filter. The estimated speed is used as the feedback signal for the speed control loop of the vector controlled machine side converter control system whose command speed is obtained from a wind speed sensorless maximum power point tracking controller, thus, we obtain a complete rotor speed and wind speed sensorless permanent magnet synchronous generator wind energy conversion system. Simulation is carried out to validate the performance of the proposed method. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Remarks on the stabilizability of integrator switching systems
Authors: Mendoza‐Torres Angelica , Cervantes Ilse
Published: July 2012

In this work, a class of switching systems known as integrator is studied. Such systems have the feature of being very simple and allow us to gain insight on the effect that the switching sequence has on system stability. Three problems are analyzed. First, the practical stabilizability problem under system uncertainty is studied. Confinement regions are explicitly computed, and switching sequences based on the nominal behavior of the systems are derived. Second, the practical stabilizability problem using output feedback is solved; in this case, sufficient conditions are proposed. Finally, by joining both results, sufficient conditions for practical stabilizability of uncertain systems under output feedback are given. The results are illustrated with examples and some extensions for uncertain linear system and event‐based switching are given. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stable‐protocol output consensualization for high‐order swarm systems with switching topologies
Authors: Xi Jianxiang , Shi Zongying , Zhong Yisheng
Published: July 2012

Stable‐protocol (SP) output consensus analysis and design for high‐order linear time‐invariant swarm systems with switching topologies are dealt with. Firstly, on the basis of observability decomposition, a dynamic output feedback consensus protocol with switching topologies is given. Then, a necessary and sufficient condition for SP output consensus is shown, and an explicit expression of the output consensus function is presented, which is independent of switching topologies. Furthermore, necessary and/or sufficient conditions for SP output consensualization, which are independent of the number of agents, are shown respectively. Finally, a numerical example is shown to demonstrate theoretical results. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Output‐feedback robust adaptive backstepping control for a class of multivariable nonlinear systems with guaranteed tracking performance
Authors: Wang Chenliang , Lin Yan
Published: July 2012

This paper is devoted to output‐feedback adaptive control for a class of multivariable nonlinear systems with both unknown parameters and unknown nonlinear functions. Under the Hurwitz condition for the high‐frequency gain matrix, a robust adaptive backstepping control scheme is proposed, which is able to guarantee the tracking performance and needs only one parameter to be updated online regardless of the system order and input–output dimension. To cope with the unknown nonlinear functions and improve the tracking performance, a kind of high‐gain K‐filters is introduced. It is proved that all signals of the closed‐loop system are globally uniformly bounded. Simulation results on coupled inverted double pendulums are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Appreciative Inquiry Method—A Suitable Candidate for Action Research?
Authors: Stowell Frank
Published: July 2012

The Appreciative Inquiry method (AIM) is an approach to ‘finding out’ about issues of concern. The method has been used in a variety of situations where the issue to be investigated is well defined and accepted by the stakeholders. We have also found that the method provides a framework for undertaking research in the field or action research. The new researcher undertaking action research can find such an undertaking to be daunting. The dilemma is finding an approach that will enable insight into a situation without the method used distorting its findings. We have found that thinking about the underlying philosophy and the approach to be adopted is a key decision to be made in advance before embarking upon the research. In this paper, we consider the contribution that AIM can make to action research by providing examples of the outcomes of enquiry into several distinctly different areas of interest. Although springing from research ideas about knowledge elicitation, there have been several developments that enhance its capability for enquiry and as a consequence its potential as a method for action research. Since its conception, AIM has been used in a number of projects and developed through several research programmes and has shown its usefulness in supporting the researchers' investigations. This paper provides a summary of the developments with reference to some applications that have contributed to the idea and in moving its application forward. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Semimetallic Paramagnetic Nano‐Bi2Ir and Superconducting Ferromagnetic Nano‐Bi3Ni by Microwave‐Assisted Synthesis and Room Temperature Pseudomorphosis
Authors: Boldt Regine , Grigas Anett , Heise Martin , Herrmannsdörfer Thomas , Isaeva Anna , Kaskel Stefan , Köhler Daniel , Ruck Michael , Skrotzki Richard , Wosnitza Joachim
Published: July 2012

Uniform nanocrystals of the intermetallic compounds Bi2Ir (diameter ≥ 50 nm) and Bi3Ni (typical size 200 × 600 nm) were obtained by a microwave‐assisted polyol process at 240 °C. The method was also applied to the spatially confined reaction environment in the microporous exo‐template SBA‐15 resulting in Bi3Ni particles of about 6 nm. Non‐crystalline bundles of parallel Bi3Ni nanofibres that have an individual diameter of less than 1 nm were obtained by reductive pseudomorphosis of the subiodide Bi12Ni4I3 at room temperature. Magnetic susceptibility measurements demonstrate coexistence of ferromagnetism and superconductivity in a single phase for the nanostructured Bi3Ni materials. Curie temperature, coercive field, remnant magnetization, saturation moment, diamagnetic screening, and critical field vary with particle size. The crystal structure of Bi2Ir was determined by Rietveld refinement of powder X‐ray diffraction data. Bi2Ir crystallizes in the monoclinic arsenopyrite type (space group P21/c), a superstructure of the markasite type, with a = 690.11(1), b = 678.85(1), c = 696.17(1) pm, and β = 116.454(1)°. In contrast to most of the other phases of this type, the Bi2Ir is not a diamagnetic semiconductor but a weakly paramagnetic semimetal. Conductivity measurements down to 4 K and magnetization measurements in a field of μ0H = 10 mT down to 1.8 K give no evidence for a transition into the superconducting state. Bonding analysis shows prevailing contribution of Bi–Bi interactions to the conduction, whereas Bi–Ir bonding is mostly covalent and localized.
Uranyl Halides from Liquid Ammonia: [UO2(NH3)5]Cl2·NH3 and [UO2F2(NH3)3]2·2NH3 and Their Decomposition Products [UO2Cl2(NH3)3] and [UO2F2(NH3)3]
Authors: Woidy Patrick , Karttunen Antti J. , Kraus Florian
Published: July 2012

Uranyl chloride UO2Cl2 and uranyl fluoride UO2F2 react with dry liquid ammonia under the formation of traffic‐green crystals of pentaammine dioxido uranium(VI) dichloride ammonia (1/1) [UO2(NH3)5]Cl2·NH3 (1) and sulfur‐yellow crystals of triammine difluorido dioxido uranium(VI) ammonia (2/2) [UO2F2(NH3)3]2·2NH3 (2), respectively. Low‐temperature X‐ray structure analyses on single crystals of the two compounds were conducted. Compound 1 crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Cmcm with a = 12.7865(2), b = 10.5106(2), c = 8.7089(2) Å, V = 1170.45(4) Å3 at 123 K with Z = 4. Compound 2 crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pnma with a = 20.8451(5), b = 9.1267(2), c = 8.3371(2) Å, V = 1586(6) Å3 at 123 K with Z = 4. Further investigations on the room‐temperature decomposition products of compounds 1 and 2 by Raman and IR spectroscopy, TGA MS and X‐ray powder diffraction measurements and deuteration studies led to the identification of triammine dichlorido dioxido uranium(VI) UO2Cl2(NH3)3 (3) and triammine difluorido dioxido uranium(VI) UO2F2(NH3)3 (4) in the form of fern‐green and zinc‐yellow powders. Quantum chemical studies at the DFT‐PBE0/TZVP level of theory support the experimental observations andalso show that the O≡U≡O triple bonding in the [UO2F2(NH3)3] molecule of compound 2 is weaker in comparison to the one in the [UO2(NH3)5]2+ dication of compound 1.
Cobalt (II) and Copper (I) Complexes of Rigid Bidentate [N‐(2, 6‐Diisopropyl‐phenyl)imino]acenapthenone Ligand: Synthesis and Structural Studies
Authors: Anga Srinivas , Paul Mitali , Naktode Kishor , Kottalanka Ravi K. , Panda Tarun K.
Published: July 2012

The cobalt(II) complex [CoCl2(2, 6‐iPrC6H3‐BIAO)]2 (1) of rigid unsymmetrical imine, carbonyl mixed ligand [N‐(2, 6‐diisopropylphenyl)‐imino]acenapthenone] (2, 6‐iPrC6H3‐BIAO) (L1) can be achieved by the reaction of CoCl2 and neutral [N‐(2, 6‐diisopropylphenyl)‐imino]acenapthenone] ligand. When ligand L1 reacted with CuCl in dichloromethane solution, only nitrogen coordinated copper complex [CuCl(2, 6‐iPrC6H3‐BIAO)] (2) was obtained. In the solid‐state structure, compound 1 is dimeric through the chelating two μ2 chlorine atoms and each cobalt atom adopts either a distorted trigonal bipyramidal or a distorted square pyramidal arrangement. In contrast, the molecular structure of compound 2 reveals that copper is coordinated by imino nitrogen and adopts a linear arrangement around the central metal atom. The crystal structure of the rigid bidentate mixed nitrogen and oxygen ligand (2, 6‐iPrC6H3‐BIAO) (L1) is also reported.
Structural Chemistry of Magnesium Acetates
Authors: Scheurell Kerstin , König René , Troyanov Sergey I. , Kemnitz Erhard
Published: July 2012

Magnesium acetate solvates, Mg(OAc)2·nL, and their hydrates were prepared by crystallization of Mg(OAc)2·4H2O or Mg(OAc)2 from different solvents (L = MeOH, EtOH, HOAc). Anhydrous Mg(OAc)2 was obtained by thermal dehydration of the tetrahydrate at 150 °C. X‐ray single crystal diffraction mostly with the use of synchrotron radiation allowed the structure determination of Mg(OAc)2(H2O)3(EtOH) (I), Mg(OAc)2(HOAc)2(H2O)2 (II), Mg3(OAc)6(MeOH)6 (III), Mg3(OAc)6(HOAc)2(H2O)2·2HOAc (IV), Mg(OAc)2(HOAc)·1.8(HOAc) (V), Mg(OAc)2·H2O (VI), [Mg3(OAc)6(EtOH)2]·2EtOH (VII), and Mg(OAc)2 (VIII). Structural data were discussed in terms of the number of neutral O‐donor ligands per magnesium atom, coordination environment of magnesium atoms, structural functions of acetate groups, and hydrogen bonding systems.
Composite scalar dark matter
Authors: Frigerio Michele , Pomarol Alex , Riva Francesco , Urbano Alfredo
Published: July 2012

Abstract

We show that the dark matter (DM) could be a light composite scalar η, emerging from a TeV-scale strongly-coupled sector as a pseudo Nambu-Goldstone boson (pNGB). Such state arises naturally in scenarios where the Higgs is also a composite pNGB, as in O(6)/O(5) models, which are particularly predictive, since the low-energy interactions of η are determined by symmetry considerations. We identify the region of parameters where η has the required DM relic density, satisfying at the same time the constraints from Higgs searches at the LHC, as well as DM direct searches. Compositeness, in addition to justify the lightness of the scalars, can enhance the DM scattering rates and lead to an excellent discovery prospect for the near future. For a Higgs mass m

h
 ≃ 125 GeV and a pNGB characteristic scale f ≲ 1 TeV, we find that the DM mass is either m

η
 ≃ 50–70 GeV, with DM annihilations driven by the Higgs resonance, or in the range 100–500 GeV, where the DM derivative interaction with the Higgs becomes dominant. In the former case the invisible Higgs decay to two DM particles could weaken the LHC Higgs signal.
Hadronic contributions to the muon anomaly in the constituent chiral quark model
Authors: Greynat David , de Rafael Eduardo
Published: July 2012

Abstract

The hadronic contributions to the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon which are relevant for the confrontation between theory and experiment at the present level of accuracy, are evaluated within the same framework: the constituent chiral quark model. This includes the contributions from the dominant hadronic vacuum polarization as well as from the next-to-leading order hadronic vacuum polarization, the contributions from the hadronic light-by-light scattering, and the contributions from the electroweak hadronic Zγγ vertex. They are all evaluated as a function of only one free parameter: the constituent quark mass. We also comment on the comparison between our results and other phenomenological evaluations.