bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nutrient composition of five varieties of commonly consumed Nigerian groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)
Authors: Shokunbi O. S. , Fayomi E. T. , Sonuga O. S. , Tayo G. O.
Published: January 2012

The nutrient composition of the five major varieties of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) commonly consumed in the south-western part of Nigeria was investigated. Raw dryshelled samples were analyzed for proximate (moisture, ash, protein, fat, fiber and carbohydrate), ‘vitamins’ (β-carotene, thiamine, niacin and tocopherol) and minerals (Na, K, Ca, P, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Se, Co, Al, As, Cd and Pb). Results showed that the groundnuts had 4.12-9.26% moisture, 2.77-3.31% ash, 24.26-26.35% protein, 45.41-48.14% fat, 2.51-2.94% fiber and 15.90-17.75% carbohydrate. All the varieties analyzed showed β-carotene (63.32-65.35mg/100g), thiamin (0.73-0.98mg/100g), niacin (14.00-16.03mg/100g) and tocopherol (18.62-21.07mg/100g) activities; with boro red having significantly (P < 0.05) higher values in all but β-carotene. Heavy metals like Co, As, Cd and Pb were not detected in any of the samples and the other minerals vary with K> P> Mg> Ca> Mn> Cu> Na> Zn> Fe> Al> Se in most of the varieties. Boro red also had the highest elemental contents in most of the minerals analyzed. Thus, these groundnuts can be considered useful foodstuffs in minimizing proteinenergy malnutrition (PEM) and micronutrient deficiencies in Nigeria. However, the boro red variety is most recommended. The outcome of this research is a contribution to the food composition table.
Comparative study of the methanolysis and ethanolysis of Maize oil using alkaline catalysts
Authors: Rashid U. , Ibrahim M. , Ali S. , Adil M. , Hina S. , Bukhari I. H. , Yunus R.
Published: January 2012

With an increasing population and economic development, fuel from renewable resources needs to be widely explored in order to fulfill the future energy demand. In the present study, biodiesel from maize oil using transesterification reactions with methanol and ethanol was evaluated in the presence of NaOCH3, KOCH3, NaOCH2CH3, KOCH2CH3, NaOH and KOH as catalysts. The influence of reaction variables such as the alcohol to oil molar ratio (3:1-15:1), catalyst concentration (0.25-1.50%) and reaction time (20-120 min) to achieve the maximum yield was determined at fixed reaction temperatures. The optimized variables in the case of methanolysis were 6:1 methanol to oil molar ratio (mol/ mol), 0.75% sodium methoxide concentration (wt%) and 90 min reaction time at 65°C, which produced a yield of 97.1% methyl esters. A 9:1 ethanol to oil molar ratio (mol/mol), 1.00% sodium ethoxide concentration (wt%) and 120 min reaction time at 75°C were found to produce the maximum ethyl ester yield of up to 85%. The methanolysis of maize oil was depicted more rapidly as compared to the ethanolysis of maize oil. Gas chromatography of the produced biodiesel from maize oil showed high levels of linoleic acid (up to 50.89%) followed by oleic acid (up to 36.00%), palmitic acid (up to 9.98%), oleic acid (up to 1.80%) and linolenic acid (up to 0.98%). The obtained fatty acid esters were further analyzed by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to ensure the completion of transesterification. The fuel properties of the produced biodiesels i.e. kinematic viscosity, cetane number, oxidative stability, pour point, cloud point, cold filter plugging point, ash content, flash point, acid value, sulfur content, higher heating value, density, methanol content, free glycerol and bound glycerol were determined. The analyses were performed using the FTIR method and the results were compared to the biodiesel standards ASTM and EN.
Panel training programme for the Protected Designation of Origin “Aceituna Aloreña de Malaga”
Authors: Galán-Soldevilla H. , Ruiz Pérez-Cacho P.
Published: January 2012

A training programme (52 h) was developed for the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) Aceituna Aloreña de Málaga quality certification panel. Recruiting of the panel was done by personal interview with open questions between producers and technicians of the product and seven tests were submitted to potential candidates during the selection step (4h). Training was done in two stages: a basic training period (12h) in which the assessors developed their sensory memory and improved their aptitude for detecting, recognizing and describing the sensory stimuli and a specific training period (36 h), in which the sample preparation, test conditions and the sensory profile were established. The specific training finished when the evaluation method and requirements of the Aloreña olives for the PDO were established and the panel work as a whole. 9 positive descriptors were analyzed in order to characterize Aloreña table olives: 4 for odor (fruity, green, seasoning and lactic), 2 for aroma (fruit and seasoning), 2 for basic tastes (acid and bitter) and 1 for texture (crunchy). The Aloreña olive from Málaga is characterized by its fruity and seasoning odor and aroma, bitter taste and crunchy texture.
Applicability assessment of concrete with recycled coarse aggregates in Havana, Cuba
Authors: Pavón E. , Etxeberria M. , Díaz N. E.
Published: January 2012

The recent viability studies carried out in Havana, Cuba, according to natural or recycled aggregates, exhibited high volume production of construction and demolition waste (CDW). The last well-known data of concrete waste generation reached to 1800 m3/month. This situation, together with the depletion of the quarry aggregates closed to the capital, requires the use of such debris as aggregate for concrete production. In this work, four origin recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) were produced and characterized. Recycled aggregate concrete with 25%, 50% and 100% of RCA and 0.45, 0.50 and 0.55 of water-cement ratio were produced. Physical, mechanical and durabilidty properties of thoses concretes were determined and evaluated, and their applicability as structural material in different aggressive environments according to Cuban normative was defined.
Construction of a Pig Physical Interactome Using Sequence Homology and a Comprehensive Reference Human Interactome
Authors: Dreher Felix , Kamburov Atanas , Herwig Ralf
Published: January 2012

The analysis of interaction networks is crucial for understanding molecular function and has an essential impact for genome-wide studies. However, the interactomes of most species are largely incomplete and computational strategies that take into account sequence homology can help compensating for this lack of information using cross-species analysis. In this work we report the construction of a porcine interactome resource. We applied sequence homology matching and carried out bi-directional BLASTp searches for the currently available protein sequence collections of human and pig. Using this homology we were able to recover, on average, 71% of the proteins annotated for human pathways for the pig. Porcine protein-protein interactions were deduced from homologous proteins with known interactions in human. The result of this work is a resource comprising 204,699 predicted porcine interactions that can be used in genome analyses in order to enhance functional interpretation of data. The data can be visualized and downloaded from http://cpdb.molgen.mpg.de/pig .
COPD Exacerbations: Clinical Management Options
Authors: Desai Unnati , Gothi Dipti , Joshi Jyotsna M.
Published: January 2012

Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) is a sudden and sustained worsening in cough, dyspnoea and/or sputum production in patients with COPD. AECOPD is an infrequent occurrence in mild COPD, but is a common feature of moderate to severe COPD. It is essential to treat AECOPD early to prevent morbidity and mortality related to the disease. The treatment can be administered at home or in hospital depending on the facility and patient condition. The pharmacological and non pharmacological therapies are essential component of management and complimentary to each other. Prevention of further exacerbation after its optimum treatment is as important as the treatment, as these episodes lead to progressive decline in lung function. Evidence based management; newer advances and direction for future research are included in this review.
Peroxy radical chemistry and OH radical production during the NO3-initiated oxidation of isoprene
Authors: Kwan A. J. , Chan A. W. H. , Ng N. L. , Kjaergaard H. G. , Seinfeld J. H. , Wennberg P. O.
Published: January 2012

Abstract. Peroxy radical reactions (RO2 + RO2) from the NO3-initiated oxidation of isoprene are studied with both gas chromatography and a chemical ionization mass spectrometry technique that allows for more specific speciation of products than in previous studies of this system. We find high nitrate yields (>~80%), consistent with other studies. We further see evidence of significant hydroxyl radical (OH) formation in this system, which we propose comes from RO2 + HO2 reactions with a yield of ~42–62%. An additional OH source is the second generation oxidation of the nitrooxyhydroperoxide, which produces OH and a dinitrooxyepoxide with a yield of ~35%. The branching ratio of the radical propagating, carbonyl- and alcohol-forming, and dimer-forming channels of the RO2 + RO2 reaction are found to be ~18–38%, ~59–77%, and ~3–4%, respectively. HO2 formation in this system is lower than has been previously assumed. Addition of RO2 to isoprene is suggested as a possible route to the formation of several isoprene dimer compounds (ROOR). The nitrooxy, allylic, and C5 peroxy radicals present in this system exhibit different behavior than the limited suite of peroxy radicals that have been studied to date.
Multiple scattering in a dense aerosol atmosphere
Authors: Mukai S. , Yokomae T. , Sano I. , Nakata M. , Kokhanovsky A.
Published: January 2012

Abstract. This study was designed to develop an efficient algorithm to retrieve aerosol characteristics in aerosol events, which are associated with dense concentrations of aerosols in the atmosphere, such as a dust storm or a biomass burning plume. The idea of successive scattering of light is reviewed based on the theory of radiative transfer. Then derivation of the method of successive order of scattering (MSOS) is interpreted in detail, and it is shown that MSOS is available for a simulation scheme in the dense radiation field being used to retrieve aerosol properties in the event with the high optical thickness. Finally our algorithms are practically applied for the biomass burning aerosol event over the Amazon using Aqua/MODIS data.
Basal crevasses in Larsen C Ice Shelf and implications for their global abundance
Authors: Luckman A. , Jansen D. , Kulessa B. , King E. C. , Sammonds P. , Benn D. I.
Published: January 2012

Abstract. Basal crevasses extend upwards from the base of ice bodies and can penetrate more than halfway through the ice column under conditions found commonly on ice shelves. As a result, they may locally modify the exchange of mass and energy between ice shelf and ocean, and by altering the shelf's mechanical properties could play a fundamental role in ice shelf stability. Although early studies revealed that such features may be abundant on Antarctic ice shelves, their geometrical properties and spatial distribution has gained little attention. We investigate basal crevasses in Larsen C Ice Shelf using field radar survey, remote sensing and numerical modelling. We demonstrate that a group of features visible in MODIS imagery are the surface expressions of basal crevasses in the form of surface troughs, and find that basal crevasses can be generated as a result of stresses well downstream of the grounding line. We show that linear elastic fracture mechanics modelling is a good predictor of basal crevasse penetration height where stresses are predominantly tensile, and that measured surface trough depth does not always reflect this height, probably because of snow accumulation in the trough, marine ice accretion in the crevasse, or stress bridging from the surrounding ice. We conclude that all features visible in MODIS imagery of ice shelves and previously labelled simply as "crevasses", where they are not full thickness rifts, must be basal crevasse troughs, highlighting a fundamental structural property of many ice shelves that may have been previously overlooked.
Improved modelling of Siberian river flow through the use of an alternative frozen soil hydrology scheme in a land surface model
Authors: Finney D. L. , Blyth E. , Ellis R.
Published: January 2012

Abstract. A parameterisation to incorporate the effects of frozen soil on modelled hydrology is described and implemented within a land surface model, the Joint UK Land Surface Environment Simulator. It is shown to generally improve the modelled flow of Siberian rivers compared to observations, specifically in seasons of freezing or thawing soil. Most noticeably, the revised model increases the snowmelt flow peak by 26–100% compared to the control model thereby better matching observed flows. The model physics resulting in the changes to river flow are discussed and attention is given to the effect of inaccuracies in snowfall driving data which can hinder the comparison of new model processes.
In VitroAntimicrobial Effect of a Cold Plasma Jet againstEnterococcus faecalisBiofilms
Authors: Jiang Chunqi , Schaudinn Christoph , Jaramillo David E. , Webster Paul , Costerton J. William
Published: January 2012

The hypothesis that a cold plasma jet has the antimicrobial effect againstEnterococcus faecalisbiofilms was testedin vitro. 27 hydroxyapatite discs were incubated withE. faecalisfor six days to form a monoculture biofilm on the disc surface. The prepared substrata were divided into three groups: the negative control, the positive control (5.25% NaOCl solution), and the plasma treatment group. Resultant colony-forming unit counts were associated with observations of bacterial cell morphology changes using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Treatment ofE. faecalisbiofilm with the plasma and 5.25% NaOCl for 5 min resulted in 93.1% and 90.0% kill (P<0.0001), respectively. SEM detected that nearly no intact bacteria were discernible for the plasma-exposed HA disc surfaces. The demonstrated bactericidal effect of the plasma with direct surface contact may be due to the enhanced oxidation by the locally produced reactive plasma species.
Novel Robust Design Method of Multilayer Optical Coatings
Authors: Wu Suyong , Long Xingwu , Yang Kaiyong
Published: January 2012

We present a novel fast robust design method of multilayer optical coatings. The sensitivity of optical films to production errors is controlled in the whole optimization design procedure. We derive an analytical calculation model for fast robust design of multilayer optical coatings. We demonstrate its effectiveness by successful application of the robust design method to a neutral beam splitter. It is showed that the novel robust design method owns an inherent fast computation characteristic and the designed film is insensitive to the monitoring thickness errors in deposition process. This method is especially of practical significance to improve the mass production yields and repetitive production of high-quality optical coatings.
Prevalence of axial spondylarthritis in the United States: Estimates from a cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Reveille John D. , Witter James P. , Weisman Michael H.
Published: January 2012

Objective

The US national prevalence of spondylarthritis (SpA) was estimated for 2 published sets of classification criteria: the Amor criteria and the European Spondylarthropathy Study Group (ESSG) criteria. These 2 SpA criteria sets have been the most widely utilized in previous population‐based studies of SpA.

Methods

The US SpA prevalence estimates were based on a representative sample of 5,013 US adults ages 20–69 years who were examined in the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2009–2010.

Results

The overall age‐adjusted prevalence of definite and probable SpA by the Amor criteria was 0.9% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.7–1.1%), corresponding to an estimated 1.7 million persons (95% CI 1.4–2.1 million persons). The age‐adjusted prevalence of SpA by the ESSG criteria was 1.4% (95% CI 1.0–1.9%), corresponding to an estimated 2.7 million persons (95% CI 1.9–3.7 million persons). There were no statistically significant sex differences in SpA prevalence. The SpA prevalence among non‐Hispanic white persons was 1.0% (95% CI 0.7–1.5%) by the Amor criteria and 1.5% (95% CI 1.0–2.3%) by the ESSG criteria. SpA prevalence could not be reliably estimated in other race/ethnicity subgroups due to sample size imitations.

Conclusion

The SpA prevalence estimates are in the range of SpA prevalence estimates reported elsewhere in population‐based surveys and it is likely that SpA may affect up to 1% of US adults, a prevalence similar to that reported for rheumatoid arthritis. The current US SpA prevalence estimates may be lower than the true value because the NHANES 2009–2010 data collection did not capture a complete set of the elements specified in the 2 SpA criteria sets.
Are 3‐D models necessary to simulate packed bed reactors? analysis and 3‐D simulations of adiabatic and cooled reactors
Authors: Nekhamkina Olga , Sheintuch Moshe
Published: January 2012

Simulations and analysis of transversal patterns in a homogeneous three‐dimensional (3‐D) model of adiabatic or cooled packed bed reactors (PBRs) catalyzing a first‐order exothermic reaction were presented. In the adiabatic case the simulation verify previous criteria, claiming the emergence of such patterns when (ΔTad/ΔTm)/(PeC/PeT) surpasses a critical value larger than unity, where ΔTad and ΔTm are adiabatic and maximal temperature rise, respectively. The reactor radius required for such patterns should be larger than a bifurcation value, calculated here from the linear analysis. With increasing radius new patterned branches, corresponding to eigenfunction of the problem emerge, whereas other branches become unstable. The maximal temperature of the 3‐D simulations may exceed the 1‐D prediction, which may affect design procedures. Cooled reactor may exhibit patterns, usually axisymmetric ones that can be characterized by two anomalies: the peak temperature may exceed the corresponding value of an adiabatic reactor and may increase with wall heat‐transfer coefficient, and the peak temperature in a sufficiently wide reactor need not lie at the center but rather on a ring away from it. In conclusions, we argue that transversal patterns are highly unlikely to emerge in practical adiabatic PBRs with a single exothermic reaction, as in practice PeC/PeT > 1. That eliminates patterns in stationary and downstream‐moving fronts, whereas patterns may emerge in upstream‐moving fronts, as shown here. This conclusion may not hold for microkinetic models, for which stationary modes may be established over a domain of parameters. This suggests that a 1‐D model may be sufficient to analyze a single reaction in an adiabatic reactor and a 2‐D axisymmetric model is sufficient for a cooled reactor. The predictions of a 2‐D cylindrical thin reactor with those of a 3‐D reactor were compared, to show many similarities but some notable differences. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2012
The dual origin of tati‐speakers from dagestan as written in the genealogy of uniparental variants
Authors: Bertoncini Stefania , Bulayeva Kazima , Ferri Gianmarco , Pagani Luca , Caciagli Laura , Taglioli Luca , Semyonov Igor , Bulayev Oleg , Paoli Giorgio , Tofanelli Sergio
Published: January 2012

Objectives:

Tat language is classified in an Iranian subbranch of the Indo‐European family. It is spoken in the Caucasus and in the West Caspian region by populations with heterogeneous cultural traditions and religion whose ancestry is unknown. The aim of this study is to get a first insight about the genetic history of this peculiar linguistic group.

Methods:

We investigated the uniparental gene pools, defined by NRY and mtDNA high‐resolution markers, in two Tati‐speaking communities from Dagestan: Mountain Jews or Juhur, who speak the Judeo‐Tat dialect, and the Tats, who speak the Muslim‐Tat dialect. The samples have been collected in monoethnic rural villages and selected on the basis of genealogical relationships. A novel approach aimed at resolving cryptic cases in the recent history of human populations, which combines the properties of uniparental genetic markers with the potential of “forward‐in‐time” computer simulations, is presented.

Results:

Judeo‐Tats emerged as a group with tight matrilineal genetic legacy who separated early from other Jewish communities. Tats exhibited genetic signals of a much longer in situ evolution, which appear as substantially unlinked with other Indo‐Iranian enclaves in the Caucasus.

Conclusions:

The independent demographic histories of the two samples, with mutually reversed profiles at paternally and maternally transmitted genetic systems, suggest that geographic proximity and linguistic assimilation of Tati‐speakers from Dagestan do not reflect a common ancestry. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Newborn's condition at birth does not depend on maternal sexual strategy—evidence against the “hunting for good genes” hypothesis
Authors: Pawlowski Boguslaw , Zelazniewicz Agnieszka
Published: January 2012

Objectives:

Neonatal weight and health depend on many epigenetic and environmental factors and also on a child's genes as inherited from the mother and the father. The “Hunting for Good Genes” (HfGG) hypothesis claims that women pursue short‐term mating strategies in order to obtain good genes for their progeny. If this is true, one should expect that in comparison to children born in long‐term relationships (LR), children born in short‐term relationships (SR) should have a larger neonatal size and be healthier.

Methods:

To test the HfGG hypothesis, and whether sexual strategy influences neonatal parameters, we used an on‐line questionnaire aimed at mothers. Totally, 1,558 women took part in this study, and among them 130 conceived their first‐born child in a short‐term relationship (SR mothers) and 1,428 in a long‐term relationship (LR mothers).

Results:

There was no difference between those two groups of children in terms of birth weight and Apgar score. Although we found no difference in the occurrence of genetic diseases and birth defects between SR and LR boys, the girls born by LR mothers were healthier than those born by SR mothers. We also did not find any difference in the sex ratio of the children born to SR and LR mothers.

Conclusions:

The results of our study do not support the “Hunting for Good Genes” hypothesis for the first born child. In the contemporary western society of the study, women do not seem to derive genetic benefits expressed as child condition at birth from short‐term relationships. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Microenvironmental Control of the Breast Cancer Cell Cycle
Authors: Guo Xun , Wu Yuehan , Hathaway Helen J. , Hartley Rebecca S.
Published: January 2012

The mammary gland is one of the best‐studied examples of an organ whose structure and function are influenced by reciprocal signaling and communication between cells and their microenvironment. The mammary epithelial cell (MEC) microenvironment includes stromal cells and extracellular matrix (ECM). Abundant evidence shows that the ECM and growth factors co‐operate to regulate cell cycle progression, and that the ECM is altered in breast tumors. In particular, mammographically dense breast tissue is a significant risk factor for developing breast carcinomas. Dense breast tissue is associated with increased stromal collagen and epithelial cell content. In this article, we overview recent studies addressing the effects of ECM composition on the breast cancer cell cycle. Although the normal breast ECM keeps the MEC cycle in check, the ECM remodeling associated with breast cancer positively regulates the MEC cycle. ECM effects on the downstream biochemical and mechanosignaling pathways in both normal and tumorigenic MECs will be reviewed. Anat Rec, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Endogenous activation of adaptive immunity: Tenascin‐C drives interleukin‐17 synthesis in murine arthritic joint disease
Authors: Ruhmann Michaela , Piccinini Anna M. , Kong Philip L. , Midwood Kim S.
Published: January 2012

Objective

Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by persistent synovial inflammation and progressive joint destruction, which are mediated by innate and adaptive immune responses. Cytokine blockade successfully treats some patient subsets; however, ∼50% do not respond to this approach. Targeting of pathogenic T lymphocytes is emerging as an effective alternative/complementary therapeutic strategy, yet the factors that control T cell activation in joint disease are not well understood. Tenascin‐C is an arthritogenic extracellular matrix glycoprotein that is not expressed in healthy synovium but is elevated in the rheumatoid joint, where high levels are produced by myeloid cells. Among these cells, tenascin‐C expression is most highly induced in activated dendritic cells (DCs). The aim of this study was to examine the role of tenascin‐C in this cell type.

Methods

We systematically compared the phenotype of DCs isolated from wild‐type mice or mice with a targeted deletion of tenascin‐C by assessing cell maturation, cytokine synthesis, and T cell polarization.

Results

Dendritic cells derived from tenascin‐C–null mice exhibited no defects in maturation; induction of the class II major histocompatibility complex and the costimulatory molecules CD40 and CD86 was unimpaired. Dendritic cells that did not express tenascin‐C, however, produced lower levels of inflammatory cytokines than did cells from wild‐type mice and exhibited specific defects in Th17 cell polarization. Moreover, tenascin‐C–null mice displayed ablated levels of interleukin‐17 in the joint during experimental arthritis.

Conclusion

These data demonstrate that tenascin‐C is important in DC‐mediated polarization of Th17 lymphocytes during inflammation and suggest a key role for this endogenous danger signal in driving adaptive immunity in erosive joint disease.
Prediction of adverse pregnancy outcome by the presence of lupus anticoagulant, but not anticardiolipin antibody, in patients with antiphospholipid antibodies
Authors: Lockshin Michael D. , Kim Mimi , Laskin Carl A. , Guerra Marta , Branch D. Ware , Merrill Joan , Petri Michelle , Porter T. Flint , Sammaritano Lisa , Stephenson Mary D. , Buyon Jill , Salmon Jane E.
Published: January 2012

Objective

To investigate which serologic and clinical findings predict adverse pregnancy outcome in patients with antiphospholipid antibody (aPL) and to test the hypothesis that a pattern of clinical and serologic variables can identify women at highest risk of adverse pregnancy outcome.

Methods

Women enrolled in a multicenter prospective observational study of risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcome in patients with aPL (lupus anticoagulant [LAC], anticardiolipin antibody [aCL], and/or antibody to β2‐glycoprotein I [anti‐β2GPI]) and/or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) were recruited for the present prospective study. Demographic, clinical, serologic, and treatment data were recorded at the time of the first study visit. The relationship between individual and combined variables and adverse pregnancy outcome was assessed by bivariate and multivariate analysis.

Results

Between 2003 and 2011 we enrolled 144 pregnant patients, of whom 28 had adverse pregnancy outcome. Thirty‐nine percent of the patients with LAC had adverse pregnancy outcome, compared to 3% of those who did not have LAC (P < 0.0001). Among women with IgG aCL at a level of ≥40 units/ml, only 8% of those who were LAC negative had adverse pregnancy outcome, compared to 43% of those who were LAC positive (P = 0.002). IgM aCL, IgG anti‐β2GPI, and IgM anti‐β2GPI did not predict adverse pregnancy outcome. In bivariate analysis, adverse pregnancy outcome occurred in 52% of patients with and 13% of patients without prior thrombosis (P = 0.00005), and in 23% with SLE versus 17% without SLE (not significant); SLE was a predictor in multivariate analysis. Prior pregnancy loss did not predict adverse pregnancy outcome. Simultaneous positivity for aCL, anti‐β2GPI, and LAC did not predict adverse pregnancy outcome better than did positivity for LAC alone.

Conclusion

LAC is the primary predictor of adverse pregnancy outcome after 12 weeks' gestation in aPL‐associated pregnancies. Anticardiolipin antibody and anti‐β2GPI, if LAC is not also present, do not predict adverse pregnancy outcome.
Relationship of the lumbar lordosis angle to the abdominal aortic bifurcation and inferior vena cava confluence levels
Authors: Moussallem Charbel D. , Hamad Ibrahim Abou , El‐Yahchouchi Christine A. , Moussallem Maroun D. , Arnalsteen Damien M. , Mertl Patrice , Havet Eric
Published: January 2012

The objective of this study is to determine the relationship of the variations of the lumbar lordosis angle (LLA) to the aortic bifurcation level and inferior vena cava (IVC) confluence level using CT angiography. A retrospective study was conducted using the data available on abdominopelvic CT angiography scans. The LLA, the level and angle of bifurcation of the aorta, the level and angle of confluence of the IVC were identified using multiplanar and 3D reconstruction. Linear regression models were fitted to the data. We interpreted 181 scans for 181 individuals having a mean age of 55 years (18–89). The most common site of aortic bifurcation was at L4‐L5 disc space (34.8%) and that of vena confluence was at the upper of L5 (29.3%). The mean LLA was 34.65° (13°–77°). The mean aortic bifurcation angle was 47.43° (17°–100°) and the mean IVC confluence angle was 71.86° (30°–120°). The positions of the aortic bifurcation and venous confluence levels showed a proximal shift with an increasing LLA P < 0.001. This study showed that the level of bifurcation of the aorta and the level of confluence of the IVC may vary with the variations of the LLA. Clin. Anat. 25:866–871, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of Single Genetic Damage in Carbohydrate‐Recognizing Proteins in Mouse Serum N‐Glycan Profile Revealed by Simple Glycotyping Analysis
Authors: Amano Maho , Hashimoto Ryo , Nishimura Shin‐Ichiro
Published: January 2012

Gene knock‐out of C‐type lectin receptors expressed in dendritic cells induced significant alteration of serum N‐glycans compared with that of gender‐matched controls. Glycotyping analysis suggested that putative‐core fucosylation is strongly influenced by differences in the dominant mechanisms after carbohydrate recognition by pattern‐recognition receptors, endocytosis of ligands, or induction of cytokines/chemokines. However, the loss of galectin‐9, a ligand for T‐helper type 1‐specific cell‐surface molecule, did not affect most N‐glycan profiles. Interestingly, lack of the Chst3 gene (chondroitin 6‐sulfotransferase) appeared to influence markedly the expression of most N‐glycans, especially highly modified glycoforms bearing multiple Neu5Gc, Fuc, and LacNAc units. In contrast, genetic mutations in B4galnt1 and B4galnt2 (GalNAc transferase, responsible for the synthesis of many gangliosides) induced no discernable alteration. These results indicate that the biosynthesis of N‐glycans of serum glycoproteins can be affected not only by direct genetic mutations in the glycosyltransferases but also by changes in metabolite availability in sugar nucleotide synthesis and Golgi N‐glycosylation pathways caused concertedly in whole cells, tissues, and organs by milder deficiencies in immune cell‐surface lectins. Many common chronic conditions, such as autoimmunity, metabolic syndrome, and aging/dementia result.
Numerical Simulation of Flow and Particle Collision in a Rotating‐Drum Bioreactor
Authors: Jin J. , Shi S.‐Y. , Liu G.‐L. , Zhang Q.‐H. , Cong W.
Published: January 2012

Fluid flow and particle collision intensity in a rotating‐drum bioreactor are investigated by numerical simulation and a conventional stirred‐tank bioreactor is selected for comparison. Fluid flow is simulated by the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software package FLUENT® whereas particle collision intensity is approached numerically through a hard‐sphere model. The dissipation rate of turbulent kinetic energy and the maximum particle collision intensity in the rotating‐drum bioreactor are about one order of magnitude smaller than those in the stirred‐tank bioreactor. The rotating‐drum bioreactor is likely to have a less severe impact on bioleaching microorganisms, and thus is expected to have great potential in the field of bioleaching processes.
Two‐Dimensional Model for Oxidative Coupling of Methane in a Packed‐Bed Membrane Reactor
Authors: Holst N. , Jašo S. , Godini H. R. , Glöser S. , Arellano‐Garcia H. , Wozny G. , Steinbach J.
Published: January 2012

A two‐dimensional (2D) model of a packed‐bed membrane reactor was developed to describe ethylene production by oxidative coupling of methane (OCM). The model covers all relevant energy and mass transport processes in the reactor and allows a more precise prediction of the temperature and conversion patterns. It is demonstrated that the fast OCM reaction leads to oxygen depletion in the vicinity of the membrane, causing strong radial concentration gradients in the bed. Further results indicate that the detailed 2D model can provide more accurate predictions of experimental data than the simplified one.
Functions of Hydrotropes in Solutions
Authors: Subbarao C. V. , Chakravarthy I. P. K. , Sai Bharadwaj A. V. S. L. , Prasad K. M. M.
Published: January 2012

Hydrotropes affect a several‐fold increase of the solubility of sparingly soluble solutes under normal conditions. Their water‐solubility can significantly enhance the solubility of organic solutes such as esters, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, hydrocarbons, and fats. While the study of hydrotropes is pioneered by a biochemist, greater appreciation of their role and applicability has happened rather in chemistry and chemical engineering than in biology. Hydrotropes are widely used in drug solubilization, as extraction agents for fragrances, as agents to increase the rate of heterogeneous reactions, and for separation of close‐boiling liquid mixtures through extractive distillation and liquid‐liquid extraction. Applications of hydrotropy and its mechanism are discussed and the scope for future work is presented in this review.
Urea as a New and Cheap Nitrogen Source for the Synthesis of Metal Nitride Clusterfullerenes: The Role of Decomposed Products on the Selectivity of Fullerenes
Authors: Jiao Mingzhi , Zhang Wenfeng , Xu Ying , Wei Tao , Chen Chuanbao , Liu Fupin , Yang Shangfeng
Published: January 2012

By using urea as the new nitrogen source, for the first time, Sc‐based metal nitride clusterfullerenes (NCFs), Sc3N@C2n (2n=80, 78, 70, 68), have been synthesized successfully. The optimum molar ratio of Sc2O3/CO(NH2)2/C for the synthesis of Sc NCFs is 1:3:15. The yield of Sc3N@C80 (Ih+D5h) per gram of Sc2O3, using CO(NH2)2 as the new nitrogen source, was quantitatively compared to those obtained when using the reported nitrogen sources, including N2, NH3, and guanidinium thiocyanate. We find that there is a clear difference on the selectivity of Sc‐based NCFs within the extract mixture obtained from one rod and accumulative two rods. According to discharging experiments and XRD analysis, we conclude that NH3 generated in situ from the decomposition of CO(NH2)2 is mainly responsible for the formation of Sc‐based NCFs when using only one rod, whereas in the second rod CO(NH2)2 would decompose into melamine during discharging of the first rod. Thus, the selectivity of fullerenes is clearly dependent on the decomposed product of CO(NH2)2. Finally the difference in the decomposition behavior of CO(NH2)2 and melamine was studied in detail and a possible decomposition process of CO(NH2)2 during discharging was proposed. Accordingly, the difference in the selectivity and yield of Sc NCFs for CO(NH2)2 and melamine was interpreted.
Development of a validated capillary electrophoresis method for enantiomeric purity control and quality control of levocetirizine in a pharmaceutical formulation
Authors: Deng Xiaolan , De Cock Bart , Vervoort Ruud , Pamperin Dirk , Adams Erwin , Van Schepdael Ann
Published: January 2012

A chiral capillary electrophoresis method has been developed for the quantification of 0.1% of the enantiomeric impurity (dextrocetirizine) in levocetirizine and determination of both in pharmaceuticals using sulfated‐β‐cyclodextrins (CDs) as chiral selector. Several parameters affecting the separation were studied such as the type and concentration of chiral selectors, buffer composition and pH, organic modifier, mixtures of two CDs in a dual system, voltage, and temperature. The optimal separation conditions were obtained using a 50 mM tetraborate buffer (pH 8.2) containing 1% (w/v) sulfated‐β‐CDs on a fused‐silica capillary. Under these conditions, the resolution of two enantiomers was higher than 3. To validate the method, the stability of the solutions, robustness (two level half fraction factorial design for 5 factors using 19 experiments [2n−1+3]), precision, linearity (dextrocetirizine 0.25–2.5 μg/ml, R2 = 0.9994, y = 0.0375x + 0.0008; levocetirizine 15–100 μg/ml, R2 = 0.9996, y = 0.0213x + 0.0339), limit of detection (0.075 μg/ml, 0.03% m/m), limit of quantification (0.25 μg/ml, 0.1% m/m), accuracy (dextrocetirizine 84–109%, levocetirizine 97.3–103.1%), filter effect, and different CD batches were examined. The validated method was further applied to bulk drug and tablets of levocetirizine. Chirality, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Computer simulation of the polydispersive sol coagulation process
Authors: Smoczynski Lech , Wardzynska Regina , Pierozynski Bogulsaw
Published: January 2012

This work reports on a computer‐simulated investigation of the coagulation rate for a system comprising spherical sol and coagulant particles. The discussed experiment positively verified the functioning of the simulated coagulation system, where the aggregation process proceeds in line with the particle‐cluster model as a rapid and perikinetic coagulation process that satisfies the Smoluchowski equation. The rate of the simulated coagulation process satisfies kinetic equations for both first‐order and second‐order reactions. Selected concepts and models of the coagulation theory have been also verified. © 2012 Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering
The use of FTA cards for preserving unfixed cytological material for high‐throughput molecular analysis
Authors: Saieg Mauro Ajaj , Geddie William R. , Boerner Scott L. , Liu Ni , Tsao Ming , Zhang Tong , Kamel‐Reid Suzanne , da Cunha Santos Gilda
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND:

Novel high‐throughput molecular technologies have made the collection and storage of cells and small tissue specimens a critical issue. The FTA card provides an alternative to cryopreservation for biobanking fresh unfixed cells. The current study compared the quality and integrity of the DNA obtained from 2 types of FTA cards (Classic and Elute) using 2 different extraction protocols (“Classic” and “Elute”) and assessed the feasibility of performing multiplex mutational screening using fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy samples.

METHODS:

Residual material from 42 FNA biopsies was collected in the cards (21 Classic and 21 Elute cards). DNA was extracted using the Classic protocol for Classic cards and both protocols for Elute cards. Polymerase chain reaction for p53 (1.5 kilobase) and CARD11 (500 base pair) was performed to assess DNA integrity.

RESULTS:

Successful p53 amplification was achieved in 95.2% of the samples from the Classic cards and in 80.9% of the samples from the Elute cards using the Classic protocol and 28.5% using the Elute protocol (P = .001). All samples (both cards) could be amplified for CARD11. There was no significant difference in the DNA concentration or 260/280 purity ratio when the 2 types of cards were compared. Five samples were also successfully analyzed by multiplex MassARRAY spectrometry, with a mutation in KRAS found in 1 case.

CONCLUSIONS:

High molecular weight DNA was extracted from the cards in sufficient amounts and quality to perform high‐throughput multiplex mutation assays. The results of the current study also suggest that FTA Classic cards preserve better DNA integrity for molecular applications compared with the FTA Elute cards. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2012;. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
The emerging role of circulating tumor cells in breast cancer
Authors: Krishnamurthy Savitri
Published: January 2012

The evaluation of circulating tumor cells in peripheral blood of patients with breast cancer can be performed using different platforms. Standardization and comparison of the platforms to each other and their use in prospective clinical trials is needed for incorporation of circulating tumor cell assays into clinical practice.
Effect of Surface Hydrophobicity on the Formation and Stability of Oxygen Nanobubbles
Authors: Pan Gang , Yang Bo
Published: January 2012

The formation mechanism of a nanoscale gas state is studied on inorganic clay surfaces modified with hexamethyldisilazane, which show different contact angles in ethanol–water solutions. As the dissolved oxygen becomes oversaturated due to the decrease in ethanol–water ratio, oxygen nanoscale gas state are formed and stabilized on the hydrophobic surfaces so that the total oxygen content in the suspension is increased compared to the control solution without the particles. However, the total oxygen content in the suspension with hydrophilic surfaces is lower than the control solution without the particles because the hydrophilic particle surfaces destabilize the nanobubbles on the surfaces by spreading and coagulating them into microbubbles that quickly escape from the suspension solution. No significant correlation was observed between the nanobubble formation and the shape or roughness of the surfaces. Our results suggest that a nanoscale gas state can be formed on both hydrophobic and hydrophilic particle surfaces, but that the stability of the surface nanoscale gas state can vary greatly depending on the hydrophobicity of the solid surfaces.
Can Aromaticity Coexist with Diradical Character? An Ab Initio Valence Bond Study of S2N2 and Related 6π‐Electron Four‐Membered Rings E2N2 and E42+ (E=S, Se, Te)
Authors: Braïda Benoît , Lo Aurélien , Hiberty Philippe C.
Published: January 2012

A series of 6π‐electron 4‐center species, E2N2 and E42+ (E=S, Se, Te) is studied by means of ab initio valence bond methods with the aims of settling some controversies on 1) the diradical character of these molecules and 2) the radical sites, E or N, of the preferred diradical structure. It was found that for all molecules, the cumulated weights of the two possible diradical structures are always important and close to 50 %, making these molecules comparable to ozone in terms of diradical character. While the two diradical structures are degenerate in the E42+ dications, they have on the contrary strongly unequal weights in the E2N2 neutral molecules. In these three molecules, the electronic structure is dominated by one diradical structure, in which the radical sites are the two nitrogen atoms, while the other diradical structure is much less important. The ordering of the various VB structures in terms of their calculated weights is confirmed by the relative energies of individual VB structures. In all cases, the major diradical structure (or both diradical structures when they are degenerate) is (are) the lowest one(s), while the covalent VB structures lie higher in energy. The vertical resonance energies are considerable in S2N2 and S42+, about 80 % of the estimated value for benzene, and diminish as one goes down the periodic table (S→Se→Te). This confirms the aromatic character of these species, as already demonstrated for S2N2 on the basis of magnetic criteria. This and the high weights and stabilities of one or both diradical structures in all systems indicates that aromaticity and diradical character do not exclude each other, contrary to what is usually claimed. Furthermore, it is shown that the diradical structures find their place in a collective electron flow responsible for the ring currents in the π system of these species.
Growth of AlN single crystals on 6H‐SiC (0001) substrates with AlN MOCVD buffer layer
Authors: Zuo Sibin , Wang Jun , Chen Xiaolong , Jin Shifeng , Jiang Liangbao , Bao Huiqiang , Guo Liwei , Sun Wei , Wang Wenjun
Published: January 2012

6H‐SiC (0001) deposited 300 nm thick AlN film by MOCVD was used as the substrate to grow AlN crystals by the physical vapour transport (PVT) method. It was confirmed that c‐axis oriented AlN films were grown and this material had a 3D growth mode. The root mean square (RMS) value for the film was measured to be 2.17 nm. Nucleation and further growth of AlN on so prepared substrate was investigated. Colorless and transparent AlN crystal with 1 mm thick and 40 mm in diameter was obtained after 4 h growth on this substrate. The transparent AlN showed strong (0001) texture XRD patterns, only the (0002) reflection was observed in symmetric θ‐2θ scans. The full width at half maximum for a (0002) X‐ray rocking curve was less than 0.1° indicating good crystalline quality. Anisotropic etchings in molten KOH shows that the growth (0001) plane exposed to the AlN source predominately has an aluminum polarity, no N‐polar inversion domains were observed. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effect of solvent volume on the physical properties of sprayed fluorine‐doped zinc oxide thin films
Authors: Muruganantham G. , Ravichandran K. , Saravanakumar K. , Swaminathan K. , Begum N. Jabena , Sakthivel B.
Published: January 2012

Fluorine‐doped zinc oxide (FZO) films were deposited from aged starting solutions having different solvent volumes (10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 ml) using a simplified spray pyrolysis technique. The electrical studies showed that the resistivity is minimum (4.68 × 10–2 Ω cm) for lowest solvent volume (10 ml) and the value progressively increased with the increase in the solvent volume indicating that the fluorine incorporation increases with solvent volume. The systematic study clearly showed that the spray flux rate plays a crucial role in determining the electrical, optical, surface and structural properties of the FZO films. The optical transparency is found to be gradually increased (from 85 to 95%) as the volume of the solvent increases. The scanning electron microscope images depicted that the decrease in the spray flux rate caused an enhancement in the grain size. The X‐ray diffraction profile clearly showed that all the films have preferential orientation along the (002) plane with hexagonal wurtzite structure. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Optical properties and synthesis of CuInSe2 thin films by selenization of Cu/In layers
Authors: Shi Jen‐Bin , Chen Yu‐Cheng , Chen Chih‐Jung , Wu Po‐Feng
Published: January 2012

In this paper, we report the effect of annealing temperature on the properties of copper indium diselenide (CuInSe2) thin films. The CuInSe2 thin films were fabricated at 500 °C for 2 h by annealing Cu‐In layers (as precursors) selenized in a glass tube with pure selenium powder. The structural and morphological properties of the CuInSe2 thin films were characterized respectively by means of x‐ray diffraction (XRD) and field‐emission scanning electron microscope (FE‐SEM). The type of CuInSe2 thin film has been identified as direct allowed and the band gap value was determined. The study of UV/Visible/NIR absorption shows that the band gap value of CuInSe2 thin film is about 1.07 eV, which is within an optimal range for harvesting solar radiation energy. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)