bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Globalization and Policy Making; what capabilities and competencies should policy makers obey in globalization? (Market orientation)
Authors: Azizi Firuze , Noruzi Mohammad Reza
Published: August 2011

Globalization has effects on different issues of society especially in policy and policy making. Policy making in this era i.e. the era of globalization is different with other time. It needs policy makers to manage the situation well and look globally instead of thinking just locally. This paper aims to study globalization in general and its effects on policy and policy making.

Keyword: Globalization, Society, policy, Effects of globalization on policy making
In‐Gel Phosphatase Assay Using Fluorogenic and Radioactive Substrates
Authors: Kameshita Isamu
Published: August 2011

To investigate the regulatory mechanisms of cellular signaling by protein phosphorylation, it is important to analyze protein phosphatases, as well as protein kinases expressed in cells and tissues. In this unit, two different types of in‐gel phosphatase assays are described. The first is an in‐gel phosphatase assay using fluorogenic substrates. Protein samples containing phosphatase activities are resolved by native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (native‐PAGE) and phosphatase activities detected in situ using fluorogenic substrates, such as 4‐methylumbelliferyl phosphate (MUP) or 6,8‐difluoro‐4‐methylumbelliferyl phosphate (DiFMUP). The other assay is an in‐gel phosphatase assay using 32P‐labeled substrates. In this method, protein samples are resolved by SDS‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) using polyacrylamide gels containing 32P ‐labeled substrates, renatured in situ, and the dephosphorylating activities detected by autoradiography. Each method has advantages and disadvantages that are discussed in the commentary. Curr. Protoc. Protein Sci. 65:13.12.1‐13.12.10. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Cryo‐Electron Tomography for Structural Characterization of Macromolecular Complexes
Authors: Cope Julia , Heumann John , Hoenger Andreas
Published: August 2011

Cryo‐electron tomography (cryo‐ET) is an emerging 3‐D reconstruction technology that combines the principles of tomographic 3‐D reconstruction with the unmatched structural preservation of biological matter embedded in vitreous ice. Cryo‐ET is particularly suited to investigating cell‐biological samples and large macromolecular structures that are too polymorphic to be reconstructed by classical averaging‐based 3‐D reconstruction procedures. This unit aims to make cryo‐ET accessible to newcomers and discusses the specialized equipment required, as well as relevant advantages and hurdles associated with sample preparation by vitrification and cryo‐ET. Protocols describe specimen preparation, data recording and 3‐D data reconstruction for cryo‐ET, with a special focus on macromolecular complexes. A step‐by‐step procedure for specimen vitrification by plunge freezing is provided, followed by the general practicalities of tilt‐series acquisition for cryo‐ET, including advice on how to select an area appropriate for acquiring a tilt series. A brief introduction to the underlying computational reconstruction principles applied in tomography is described, along with instructions for reconstructing a tomogram from cryo‐tilt series data. Finally, a method is detailed for extracting small subvolumes containing identical macromolecular structures from tomograms for alignment and averaging as a means to increase the signal‐to‐noise ratio and eliminate missing wedge effects inherent in tomographic reconstructions. Curr. Protoc. Protein Sci. 65:17.13.1‐17.13.31. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Identification of Protein‐Protein Interactions by Surface Plasmon Resonance followed by Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Madeira Alexandra , Vikeved Elisabet , Nilsson Anna , Sjögren Benita , Andrén Per E. , Svenningsson Per
Published: August 2011

Elucidation of the function and meaning of the protein networks can be useful in the understanding of many pathological processes and the identification of new therapeutic targets. This unit describes an approach to discover protein‐protein interactions by coupling surface plasmon resonance to mass spectrometry. Briefly, a protein is covalently bound to a sensor chip, which is then exposed to brain extracts injected over the surface via a microfluidic system. This allows the monitoring in real‐time of the interactions between the immobilized ligand and the extracts. Interacting proteins from the extracts are then recovered, trypsinized, and identified using mass spectrometry. The data obtained are searched against a sequence database using the Mascot software. To exclude nonspecific interactors, control experiments using blank sensor chips, and/or randomized peptides, are performed. The protocol presented here does not require specific labeling or modification of proteins and can be performed in <4 days. Curr. Protoc. Protein Sci. 65:19.21.1‐19.21.9. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Peptide Extraction from Formalin‐Fixed Paraffin‐Embedded Tissue
Authors: Heaton Katherine J. , Master Stephen R.
Published: August 2011

This unit describes how to extract tryptic peptides from formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) tissues for analysis using nano‐reverse‐phase liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (nRPLC‐MS/MS). The tissues are deparaffinized in the first protocol. Following deparaffinization, the cells are harvested via one of two methods: needle dissection or laser capture microdissection (LCM). Needle dissection is performed using hydrated, unstained tissue, whereas LCM is performed with dehydrated, hematoxylin‐stained tissue. Heat is applied to the collected cells to reverse the cross‐links that have formed during the formalin fixation process. Finally, the cells are digested using filter‐aided sample preparation, in which buffers are exchanged throughout the process. An alternate protocol using commercially available Liquid Tissue is also described. These samples are then ready for mass spectrometric analysis. Curr. Protoc. Protein Sci. 65:23.5.1‐23.5.19. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Fast Relaxation Imaging in Living Cells
Authors: Dhar Apratim , Gruebele Martin
Published: August 2011

This protocol describes the technique of Fast Relaxation Imaging (FReI) as applied to protein folding inside living cells. The required modifications of a fluorescence microscope by addition of a diode laser temperature jump source, a yellow/blue switchable light‐emitting diode source, and a two‐color CCD camera to collect movies of protein dynamics inside cells are discussed. A description of how proteins are labeled for imaging, how cells are prepared for imaging, and how imaging of kinetics inside cells with millisecond time resolution is obtained, along with the complementary in vitro experiments, is also provided. The ability to carry out comparative in vitro and “in‐cell” measurements on the same setup allows for direct comparison of the features distinguishing cellular protein folding (or other biomolecular processes) from studies performed in dilute solution. Curr. Protoc. Protein Sci. 65:28.1.1‐28.1.19. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Strain Mismatch Induced Tilted Heteroepitaxial (000l) Hexagonal ZnO Films on (001) Cubic Substrates
Authors: Kang Bo Soo , Stan Liliana , Usov Igor O. , Lee Jung‐Kun , Harriman Tres A. , Lucca Don A. , DePaula Raymond F. , Arendt Paul N. , Nastasi Michael , MacManus‐Driscoll Judith L. , Park Bae Ho , Jia Quanxi
Published: August 2011

A novel strain mismatch induced tilted epitaxy method has been demonstrated for producing high quality (000l) hexagonal films on (001) cubic substrates. Highly oriented hexagonal (000l) ZnO films are grown on cubic (001) MgO substrates using Sm0.28Zr0.72O2−δ (SZO) as a template. The large lattice mismatch of >13% between the obvious crystallographic matching directions of the template and substrate means that cube‐on‐cube epitaxy is energetically unfavorable, leading to growth instead of two high index, low energy compact planes, close to the {111} orientation. These planes give three different in‐plane orientations resulting from coincidence site lattice matching (12 in‐plane orientations in total) and provide a pseudo‐hexagonal symmetry surface for the ZnO to grow on. The texture of the ensuing (000l) ZnO layer is markedly improved over the template. The work opens up both a new avenue for growing technologically important hexagonal structures on a range of readily available, (001) cubic substrates, as well as showing that there are wide possibilities for heteroepitaxial growth of a range of dissimilar materials.
A New Variant Selection Criterion for Twin Variants in Titanium Alloys (Part 1)
Authors: Schuman Christophe , Bao Lei , Sébastien Lecomte Jean , Zhang Yudong , Marc Raulot Jean , Jeanne Philippe Marie , Esling Claude
Published: August 2011

A new selection criterion to explain the activation of the twinning variant is proposed based on the calculation of the deformation energy to create a primary twin. The calculation takes into account the effect of the grain size using a Hall‐Petch type relation. This criterion allows to obtain a very good prediction for the variant selection. The calculations are compared with the experimental results obtained on T40 deformed by Channel Die compression.
Elevated serum free light chains are associated with inferior event free and overall survival in Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Thompson Carrie A. , Maurer Matthew J. , Cerhan James R. , Katzmann Jerry A. , Ansell Stephen M. , Habermann Thomas M. , Macon William R. , Weiner George J. , Link Brian K. , Witzig Thomas E.
Published: August 2011

The serum free light chain (FLC) assay quantitates free immunoglobulin kappa and lambda light chains, which has prognostic value in plasma cell dyscrasias. However, there is limited data on serum FLC in lymphoid malignancies. We analyzed the association of pretreatment FLC with event‐free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) in 100 patients with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). Elevated polyclonal FLC were present in 30% of patients; these patients had an inferior EFS (HR = 4.84; 95% CI: 1.84–12.7) and OS (HR = 8.87; 95% CI: 2.35–33.52) compared to patients with normal FLC. Further studies of FLC in HL are warranted. Am. J. Hematol., 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A mutation in sigma‐1 receptor causes juvenile amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Al‐Saif Amr , Al‐Mohanna Futwan , Bohlega Saeed
Published: August 2011

Objective:

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by loss of motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness and eventually death from respiratory failure. ALS is familial in about 10% of cases, with SOD1 mutations accounting for 20% of familial cases. Here we describe a consanguineous family segregating juvenile ALS in an autosomal recessive pattern and describe the genetic variant responsible for the disorder.

Methods:

We performed homozygosity mapping and direct sequencing to detect the genetic variant and tested the effect of this variant on a motor neuron‐like cell line model (NSC34) expressing the wild‐type or mutant gene.

Results:

We identified a shared homozygosity region in affected individuals that spans ∼120kbp on chromosome 9p13.3 containing 9 RefSeq genes. Sequencing the SIGMAR1 gene revealed a mutation affecting a highly conserved amino acid located in the transmembrane domain of the encoded protein, sigma‐1 receptor. The mutated protein showed an aberrant subcellular distribution in NSC34 cells. Furthermore, cells expressing the mutant protein were less resistant to apoptosis induced by endoplasmic reticulum stress.

Interpretation:

Sigma‐1 receptors are known to have neuroprotective properties, and recently Sigmar1 knockout mice have been described to have motor deficiency. Our findings emphasize the role of sigma‐1 receptors in motor neuron function and disease. ANN NEUROL 2011;
Cocontinuous phase morphology for an asymmetric composition of polypropylene/polyamide 6 blend by melt mixing of polypropylene with premelted polyamide 6/organoclay masterbatch
Authors: Wang Li , Guo Zhao‐Xia , Yu Jian
Published: August 2011

Cocontinuous morphology was obtained for an asymmetric composition of polypropylene/polyamide 6 (70/30 w/w) blend by controlling melt compounding sequence of PP, PA6, and organoclay. Three different compounding sequences were tested: direct melt mixing of all the components, melt mixing of PP with PA6/organoclay masterbatch, and melt mixing of PP with premelted PA6/organoclay masterbatch. Only the third method promotes cocontinuous morphology. In all three cases, organoclay locates preferentially in the PA6 phase and at the interface, although the level of organoclay dispersion is poorer in the case of direct mixing than in the two‐masterbatch approaches. The morphology evolution processes of the three different compounding sequences were investigated and revealed that the main reason for the formation of cocontinuous morphology in the third method is the inhibiting effect of organoclay preincluded in the premelted PA6 phase on phase inversion. The viscosity of PA6 phase and the barrier effect of organoclay were confirmed to be two key factors in promoting cocontinuous structure. Dynamic mechanical analysis shows that the blend having cocontinuous morphology displays higher storage modulus than those having matrix‐dispersed morphology at the same organoclay loading. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
PWA/silica doped sulfonated poly(ether sulfone) composite membranes for direct methanol fuel cells
Authors: Chen Chien‐Chung , Tsi Hung‐Yi , Tsen Wen‐Chin , Chuang Fu‐Sheng , Jang Shin‐Cheng , Shu Yao‐Chi , Wen Sheng , Gong Chunli
Published: August 2011

A novel sulfonated poly(ether sulfone) (SPES)/phosphotungstic acid (PWA)/silica composite membranes for direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) application were prepared. The structure and performance of the obtained membranes were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), water uptake, proton conductivity, and methanol permeability. Compared to a pure SPES membrane, PWA and SiO2 doped membranes had a higher thermal stability and glass transition temperature (Tg) as revealed by TGA‐FTIR and DSC. The morphology of the composite membranes indicated that SiO2 and PWA were uniformly distributed throughout the SPES matrix. Proper PWA and silica loadings in the composite membranes showed high proton conductivity and sufficient methanol permeability. The selectivity (the ratio of proton conductivity to methanol permeability) of the SPES‐P‐S 15% composite membrane was almost five times than that of Nafion 112 membrane. This excellent selectivity of SPES/PWA/silica composite membranes indicate a potential feasibility as a promising electrolyte for DMFC. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Structure and toughness of polyethersulfone (PESU)‐modified anhydride‐cured tetrafunctional epoxy resin: Effect of PESU molecular mass
Authors: Grishchuk S. , Gryshchuk O. , Weber M. , Karger‐Kocsis J.
Published: August 2011

A tetrafunctional, anhydride hardened epoxy resin (EP) was modified with polyethersulfones (PESU) of different molecular mass (MM) without using additional solvent in 10 wt %. The morphology, thermal, and fracture mechanical properties of the EP/PESU systems were determined. PESU was present as dispersed phase in the EP matrix. The final morphology of EP/PESU depended on MM of PESU. PESU of low and medium MM formed submicron scale spherical droplets, whereas PESU of high MM was present in micron scale inclusions of complex (sea‐island) structure. With increasing MM of PESU, the fracture mechanical properties, and especially the fracture energy, were increased. This was traced to differences in the morphology (dispersion of PESU) of the EP/PESU systems triggering different failure mechanisms. The onset of thermal degradation was slightly reduced, whereas the char yield enhanced by PESU modification compared with the reference EP. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Privacy dictionary: A new resource for the automated content analysis of privacy
Authors: Vasalou Asimina , Gill Alastair J. , Mazanderani Fadhila , Papoutsi Chrysanthi , Joinson Adam
Published: August 2011

This article presents the privacy dictionary, a new linguistic resource for automated content analysis on privacy‐related texts. To overcome the definitional challenges inherent in privacy research, the dictionary was informed by an inclusive set of relevant theoretical perspectives. Using methods from corpus linguistics, we constructed and validated eight dictionary categories on empirical material from a wide range of privacy‐sensitive contexts. It was shown that the dictionary categories are able to measure unique linguistic patterns within privacy discussions. At a time when privacy considerations are increasing and online resources provide ever‐growing quantities of textual data, the privacy dictionary can play a significant role not only for research in the social sciences but also in technology design and policymaking.
Industry and regulatory experience of the glycosylation of monoclonal antibodies
Authors: Read Erik K. , Park Jun T. , Brorson Kurt A.
Published: August 2011

We surveyed 23 antibody‐related marketing applications for glycoform analytical and functional information. Our database analysis shows a clear trend of increasing sophistication of analytical methods used to identify and quantify glycans. These have revealed a high degree of complexity and heterogeneity of glycans attached to antibody products. The nature of the complexity is influenced by product type and expression system, and may be associated with functional consequences in some but not all cases.
Generation of an enriched pool of DNA aptamers for an HER2‐overexpressing cell line selected by Cell SELEX
Authors: Dastjerdi Kazem , Tabar Gholamreza Hashemi , Dehghani Hesam , Haghparast Alireza
Published: August 2011

Overexpression of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) occurs in a large percentage of breast cancers. Monoclonal antibodies targeting HER2 are vastly used for both diagnostic and therapeutic aims. However, identifying a new molecular probe against HER2 with improved diagnostic and therapeutic features is of great importance. In this report, we have applied the cell systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) strategy for 16 selection rounds to generate an enriched pool of aptamers that specifically recognize the HER2 positive cell line. During the Cell SELEX procedure, a human HER2‐overexpressing breast cancer cell line and a human HER2 negative breast cancer cell line were used. Our results reveal that polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of random DNA libraries and the selected single‐stranded DNA pool in different Cell SELEX rounds are different from what we expect from PCR amplification of homologous DNA. Our results also confirmed previous studies describing positive HER2 status of SK‐BR3 and the absence of the HER2 expression in the MDA‐MB468. We also developed a new method, Cell enzyme‐linked assay, to monitor the enrichment of aptamers in a given round of Cell SELEX. This method would also be useful in other experiments using live cell enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay on adherent cells.
Probing of some compounds as anti‐aggregatory additives in the protein refolding process from Escherichia coli inclusion bodies
Authors: Zilinskas Albinas , Sereikaite Jolanta
Published: August 2011

Five compounds of different chemical structure were tested for aggregation suppression during the refolding of porcine and mink growth hormones as model proteins from Escherichia coli inclusion bodies by the dilution method. Of all compounds tested in this work, 3‐guanidinopropionic acid (GPA) containing a guanidinium group was the most effective additive for aggregation suppression. Anti‐aggregatory properties of GPA were compared with the ones of l‐arginine.
Graph‐Framing Effects in Decision Making
Authors: Sun Yan , Li Shu , Bonini Nicolao , Su Yin
Published: August 2011

This study manipulated the graphical representation of options by framing the physical characters in figures and found that preferences could be affected even when the words and numbers of the problem were constant. Based on attribute substitution theory and an equate‐to‐differentiate approach, we proposed a two‐process model of graph‐framing effects. In the first mental process, the graph‐editing process, the physical features (e.g., distance, size) represented in the graph are visually edited, and the perceived numerical difference between the options is judged based on its physical features. The second mental process, the preferential choice process, occurs by an equate‐to‐differentiate approach in which people seek to equate the difference between options on the dimension on which the difference is smaller, thus leaving the greater other‐dimensional difference to be the determinant of the final choice. Four experiments were tested for graph‐framing effects. Experiment 1 found a graph‐framing effect in coordinate graphs resting on the (de)compression of the scales employed in the figures. Experiment 2 revealed additional graph‐framing effects in other question scenarios and showed that preference changes were mediated by perceived numerical distances. Experiment 3 further confirmed the presence of graph‐framing effects in sector graphs similar to those found in coordinate ones. Experiment 4 suggested that such graph‐framing effects could be eliminated when logical processing (e.g., introducing a mathematical operation before a choice task) was encouraged. This paper discusses related research and a possible substrate basis for graph‐framing effects. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Social Discounting and Cigarette Smoking During Pregnancy
Authors: Bradstreet Matthew P. , Higgins Stephen T. , Heil Sarah H. , Badger Gary J. , Skelly Joan M. , Lynch Mary Ellen , Trayah Molly C.
Published: August 2011

In this study, we examined the association between social discounting and smoking status in a cohort of pregnant cigarette smokers (n = 91), quitters (n = 27), or never‐smokers (n = 30). The smokers and quitters were participants in clinical trials on smoking cessation and relapse prevention, whereas the never‐smokers were controls in a study on nicotine withdrawal during pregnancy. Social discounting was assessed using a paper‐and‐pencil task that assesses the amount of hypothetical money a person is willing to forgo in order to share with individuals in their social network ranging from the person who is emotionally closest to them to a mere acquaintance. The amount that women were willing to forgo in order to share decreased hyperbolically as a function of social distance, with smokers exhibiting steeper discounting functions (i.e., less generosity) than quitters or never‐smokers; discounting functions of quitters and never‐smokers did not differ significantly. In multivariate analyses controlling for potential sociodemographic and other confounds, social discounting remained a significant predictor of smoking status among smokers versus quitters. Overall, these results suggest that individual differences in social discounting may be a factor influencing the choices that women make about quitting smoking upon learning of a pregnancy. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Head exposure system for a human provocation study to assess the possible influence of UMTS‐like electromagnetic fields on cerebral blood circulation using near‐infrared imaging
Authors: Lehmann Hugo , Pollara Laurent , Spichtig Sonja , Kühn Sven , Wolf Martin
Published: August 2011

A head exposure setup for efficient and precisely defined exposure of human subjects equipped with a near‐infrared imaging (NIRI) sensor is presented. In a partially shielded anechoic chamber the subjects were exposed to Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS)‐like electromagnetic fields (EMF) by using a patch antenna at a distance of 4 cm from the head. The non‐contact design of the exposure setup enabled NIRI sensors to easily attach to the head. Moreover, different regions of the head were chosen for localised exposure and simultaneous NIRI investigation. The control software enabled the simple adaptation of the test parameters during exploratory testing as well as the performance of controlled, randomised, crossover and double‐blind provocation studies. Four different signals with a carrier frequency of 1900 MHz were chosen for the exposure: a simple continuous wave signal and three different UMTS signals. Furthermore, three exposure doses were available: sham, low (spatial peak specific absorption rate (SAR) = 0.18 W/kg averaged over 10 g) and high (spatial peak SAR = 1.8 W/kg averaged over 10 g). The SAR assessment was performed by measurement and simulation. Direct comparison of measurement and numerical results showed good agreement in terms of spatial peak SAR and SAR distribution. The variability analysis of the spatial peak SAR over 10 g was assessed by numerical simulations. Maximal deviations of −22% and +32% from the nominal situation were observed. Compared to other exposure setups, the present setup allows for low exposure uncertainty, combined with high SAR efficiency, easy access for the NIRI sensor and minimal impairment of test subjects. Bioelectromagnetics 33:124–133, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Graphical approaches for multiple comparison procedures using weighted Bonferroni, Simes, or parametric tests
Authors: Bretz Frank , Posch Martin , Glimm Ekkehard , Klinglmueller Florian , Maurer Willi , Rohmeyer Kornelius
Published: August 2011

The confirmatory analysis of pre‐specified multiple hypotheses has become common in pivotal clinical trials. In the recent past multiple test procedures have been developed that reflect the relative importance of different study objectives, such as fixed sequence, fallback, and gatekeeping procedures. In addition, graphical approaches have been proposed that facilitate the visualization and communication of Bonferroni‐based closed test procedures for common multiple test problems, such as comparing several treatments with a control, assessing the benefit of a new drug for more than one endpoint, combined non‐inferiority and superiority testing, or testing a treatment at different dose levels in an overall and a subpopulation. In this paper, we focus on extended graphical approaches by dissociating the underlying weighting strategy from the employed test procedure. This allows one to first derive suitable weighting strategies that reflect the given study objectives and subsequently apply appropriate test procedures, such as weighted Bonferroni tests, weighted parametric tests accounting for the correlation between the test statistics, or weighted Simes tests. We illustrate the extended graphical approaches with several examples. In addition, we describe briefly the gMCP package in R, which implements some of the methods described in this paper.
A liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method for the quantitative determination of diastereomers of a phosphoramidate nucleotide prodrug (PSI‐7851) in human plasma
Authors: Bao Donghui , Ross Bruce S. , Sofia Michael J.
Published: August 2011

A rapid and stereospecific method using high performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC‐MS/MS) for the separation and determination of PSI‐7851 diastereomers in human K2EDTA plasma has been developed. The analytical method involves direct protein precipitation with acetonitrile, followed by separation of the diastereomers on a Luna C18 column, positive mode electrospray ionization and selected reaction monitoring mode mass spectrometry detection. The mobile phase composition and pH were investigated for the resolution of the two diastereomers of PSI‐7851. The optimized method showed good resolution (Rs = 4.8) within short analysis time (approximately 8 min). The assay range was 5–2500 ng/mL for both diastereomers using a 1/x2 weighted linear regression analysis for standard curve fitting. Replicate sample analysis indicated that intra‐ and inter‐day accuracy and precision were within ±15.0%. The recovery of diastereomers from human plasma was greater than 85% and no significant matrix effect was observed. The method was demonstrated to be sensitive, selective and robust, and was successfully used to support clinical studies. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sensitive determination of d‐lactic acid and l‐lactic acid in urine by high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Henry H. , Marmy Conus N. , Steenhout P. , Béguin A. , Boulat O.
Published: August 2011

d‐Lactic acid in urine originates mainly from bacterial production in the intestinal tract. Increased d‐lactate excretion as observed in patients affected by short bowel syndrome or necrotizing enterocolitis reflects d‐lactic overproduction. Therefore, there is a need for a reliable and sensitive method able to detect d‐lactic acid even at subclinical elevation levels. A new and highly sensitive method for the simultaneous determination of l‐ and d‐lactic acid by a two‐step procedure has been developed. This method is based on the concentration of lactic acid enantiomers from urine by supported liquid extraction followed by high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. The separation was achieved by the use of an Astec Chirobiotic™ R chiral column under isocratic conditions. The calibration curves were linear over the ranges of 2–400 and 0.5–100 µmol/L respectively for l‐ and d‐lactic acid. The limit of detection of d‐lactic acid was 0.125 µmol/L and its limit of quantification was 0.5 µmol/L. The overall accuracy and precision were well within 10% of the nominal values. The developed method is suitable for production of reference values in children and could be applied for accurate routine analysis. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anion‐exchange HPLC separation of five major rabbit lipoproteins using a nonporous diethylaminoethyl‐ligated gel with a perchlorate‐containing eluent
Authors: Hirowatari Yuji , Kon Mika , Shimura Yuko , Hirayama Satoshi , Miida Takashi
Published: August 2011

Rabbits are often used as experimental animals in studies of atherosclerosis and hyperlipidemia. Although rabbit lipoproteins can be quantitated by sequential ultracentrifugation, a simpler and more reproducible method is desirable for detailed analyses. The current study describes a method to analyze rabbit lipoproteins in plasma by anion‐exchange high‐performance liquid chromatography using a column filled with nonporous, diethylaminoethyl‐ligated polymers. A solution of NaClO4 was used to adjust the ionic strength of the eluent. The method required only 15 μL of plasma and analysis was completed in 23 min. Five lipoprotein fractions (high‐density lipoprotein, low‐density lipoprotein, intermediate‐density lipoprotein, very‐low‐density lipoprotein and chylomicrons) were eluted with step‐wise increases in a concentration of NaClO4. The post‐column eluate was reacted with an enzymatic reagent to determine total cholesterol, and the lipoprotein‐cholesterol fraction was calculated according to relative peak areas in the chromatogram. The within‐day and between‐day assay coefficients of variation for lipoprotein cholesterol levels ranged between 0.436 and 7.143% and between 2.905 and 10.526%, respectively. Administering a high‐fat diet increased lipoprotein‐cholesterol concentrations by 6‐ to 77‐fold. The method described here was nevertheless able to quantitate levels of lipoprotein‐cholesterol in plasma samples from these rabbits. These results indicate that this method may be applied to lipoprotein studies using hyperlipidemic rabbit models. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and application of methylcalix[4]resorcinarene‐bonded silica particles as chiral stationary phase in high‐performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Tan Huey Min , Soh Shu Fang , Zhao Jia , Yong E. L. , Gong Yinhan
Published: August 2011

Two new types of methylcalix[4]resorcinarene‐bonded stationary phases, (3‐(C‐methylcalix[4]resorcinarene)‐2‐hydroxypropoxy)‐propylsilyl‐appended silica particles (MCR‐HPS) and bromoacetate‐substituted MCR‐HPS particles (BAMCR‐HPS), have been synthesized and used as chiral stationary phases for high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for the first time. The synthetic stationary phases are characterized by means of elemental analysis and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy. The chromatographic behavior of MCR‐HPS and BAMCR‐HPS was studied with several disubstituted benzenes and some chiral drug compounds under both normal phase and reversed‐phase conditions. The results show that MCR‐HPS has excellent selectivity for the separation of aromatic positional isomers and BAMCR‐HPS exhibits excellent performance for separation of enantiomers of chiral compounds. Chirality, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sustainable Energy Supply by Absorption Chillers and Heat Pumps Using Multifunctional Working Pairs
Authors: Schneider Marc‐Christoph , Seiler Matthias
Published: August 2011

Energieeffiziente Technologien zum Kühlen und Heizen stellen eine wichtige Säule der Megatrends Ressourceneffizienz und Technologieglobalisierung dar. Insbesondere Kühl‐ und Heizkreisläufe, die nicht auf konventionell erzeugter, elektrischer Energie basieren, sondern mit erneuerbaren Energien oder mit Abwärme direkt betrieben werden, erlauben Herausforderungen wie die nachhaltige Kälte‐ und Wärmebereitstellung im industriellen oder häuslichen Bereich mit einem deutlich reduzierten CO2‐Beitrag zu adressieren. Absorptionskältemaschinen oder ‐wärmepumpen stellen in diesem Zusammenhang eine vielversprechende Technologie dar. Allerdings verhindern gegenwärtig arbeitsstoffpaarbezogene Nachteile wie Kristallisation, Korrosion oder Instabilität eine höhere Marktdurchdringung. Im Rahmen des vorliegenden Beitrags wird das Potenzial neuer Arbeitsstoffpaare auf Basis ionischer Flüssigkeiten diskutiert. Anhand ausgewählter Arbeitsstoffpaareigenschaften wird konzeptionell gezeigt, dass die Verwendung ionischer Flüssigkeiten eine Eliminierung oder Reduzierung mehrerer Nachteile des Stands der Technik und damit einen leichteren Zugang zu bisher nur unzureichend genutzten energetischen Potenzialen erlaubt.
Construction Kit for the Solvent Selection in Homogeneous Catalyzed Reactions
Authors: Behr Arno , Wintzer A.
Published: August 2011

Die Wahl des richtigen Lösungsmittels ist in der chemischen Synthese vielfach die Basis für eine erfolgreiche großtechnische Umsetzung. Vor allem in homogenen übergangsmetallkatalysierten Reaktionen kann das Lösungsmittel der limitierende Faktor in Fragestellungen des Katalysatorrecyclings und der Produktabtrennung sein. In diesem Beitrag wird vorgestellt, welche Lösungsmittel prinzipiell für chemische Synthesen zur Verfügung stehen und welche Werkzeuge zur Auswahl eines geeigneten Lösungsmittels genutzt werden können. Dabei wird auch ein Blick auf neue Lösungsmittel geworfen, mögliche Konzepte eines Katalysatorrecyclings erläutert und auf die Diskussion des Begriffes der grünen Lösungsmittel eingegangen.
Dewatering of Ionic Liquids in a Falling Film Evaporator
Authors: Wellner Niels , Siebeneck Karl , Ramunno Monique , Wasserscheid Peter , Scholl Stephan
Published: August 2011

Die Entwässerung ionischer Flüssigkeiten (IL) wurde in einem Einrohr‐Metallfallfilmverdampfer experimentell untersucht. Abhängig von den Prozessbedingungen konnten in einer Batchfahrweise Restwassergehalte von ca. 0,2 Gew.‐% (2000 ppm) erreicht werden. Unter der Annahme einer Entwässerung bis ins Gleichgewicht konnten Dampfdruckkurven von IL/Wasser‐Lösungen und daraus Ausdampfwärmen abgeschätzt werden. Die während der Entwässerung online gemessene Viskosität erwies sich als geeignetes Maß zur Verfolgung des Entwässerungsprozesses.
Process Simulation of Ethanol and Methane Production from Lignocellulosic Raw Materials
Authors: Lassmann Tino , Kravanja Philipp , Friedl Anton
Published: August 2011

Die Stoffstrom‐ und Energieanalyse mittels Prozesssimulation gibt einen guten Einblick in die Möglichkeiten der kombinierten Produktion von Ethanol und Methan. Eine Beschreibung des Gesamtprozesses, inklusive der gewählten Annahmen für die Simulation, bildet die Basis für die Bilanzierung. Es wird gezeigt, dass man annähernd 650 000 t a–1 Stroh (90 % Trockensubstanz, TS) bzw. 870 000 t a–1 Fichte (45 % TS) benötigt um 100 000 t a–1 Ethanol zu erzeugen. Der Biogasertrag für Stroh ist dabei mit 84,5 · 106 Nm3a–1 deutlich größer als der Ertrag aus Holz (22,5 · 106 Nm3a–1). Um die Effizienz der beiden Prozessvarianten vergleichen zu können, wird mittels energetischer Analyse der Wirkungsgrad berechnet, wobei sich für den Stroh‐Prozess ein etwas höherer Wert ergibt als für Fichte.
Designing the Mineralization of a Wastewater Sample from a Coating Industry
Authors: dos Santos Allan C. V. , Masini Jorge C.
Published: August 2011

Design of Fenton and photo‐Fenton reactions was partially automated by using sequential injection analysis (SIA) and response surface methodology for the treatment of a wastewater sample from a coatings industry. The extension of both Fenton and photo‐Fenton reactions was evaluated by the percentage of total organic carbon (TOC) remaining in solution after 15 min of reaction. Use of small volumes of sample and reagents, as well as easy solution handling, were the remarkable features of the proposed system. The highest percentage of TOC removal (79%) was obtained by the photo‐Fenton reaction at the following initial mass‐based concentration ratios: H2O2/TOC = 10, H2O2/FeSO4 = 50, and pH 2.5. The best result for Fenton reaction indicated a TOC removal of only 45%, obtained at H2O2/initial TOC = 20, H2O2/FeSO4 = 30, and pH 2.5. The SIA system was designed to dispense reagents to the sample flasks and to drive the sample intended to photo‐Fenton reaction through a homemade photo‐reactor. Modifications in chemical parameters of the reactions were achieved via the software commanding the SI system, without the need for physical reconfiguration of reagents around the selection valve.
Categorical formation of Mandarin color terms at different luminance levels
Authors: Hsieh T. J. , Chen I. P.
Published: August 2011

This study presents the categorical formation of a set of Mandarin color terms on the International Commission on Illumination (CIE) 1931 chromaticity diagram across six luminance levels. This article conducted a study that employed 44 native Mandarin speakers to perform a force–choice sorting task. The Mandarin color terms for sorting were determined by a free‐recall pretest and are consistent with basic color terms proposed by Berlin and Kay. The square‐sampled stimuli were generated by evenly sweeping the x–y diagram of 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, and 170 cd/m2 planes. The categorical sorting results and response time (RT) measurements suggest that: (1) the concepts of green, blue, purple, and gray stably exist at most luminance levels. The voting RT for the green, blue, and purple categories is particularly short. (2) Red, orange, yellow, and pink are highly luminance‐dependent; these can be identified without difficulty only at some restricted luminance levels. (3) The chromaticity areas designated as orange, partial yellow, red, and pink are recognized as brown when the luminance level decreases. (4) Brown and gray serve as representations of two distinct tints in the low saturation condition. (5) The location of boundaries between blue and green are remarkably different than those in a similar study that employed Japanese speakers. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 2011.
Spectral analysis of blacks
Authors: Jafari Razieh , Amirshahi Seyed Hossein , Ravandi Seyed Abdolkarim Hosseini
Published: August 2011

The spectral behavior of different black surfaces including papers and fabrics are investigated in this study. Several colored pigments are mixed with the blacks in different concentrations to prepare black surfaces with different shades while a series of black dyestuffs are applied on textile materials to increase the ranges of black objects. The principal component analysis technique is applied to determine the actual spectral size of the reflectance dataset. The technique simply extracts the principal directions of spectral data and organizes them in restricted spectral spaces. Three different spectral spaces, i.e., the reflectance spectra, the Kubelka‐Munk function of reflectance as well as the inverse of reflectance factor are selected to present the samples in the restricted spaces. Based on the results, it is found that, there are no significant differences between the employed spaces and far from the employed spectral domains, black surfaces could be adequately described in a three‐dimensional space. The three extracted statistical colorants are used for reconstruction of reflectance spectra of samples while the root mean square error percentage and the color difference values under the standard observing condition confirm the suitability of such virtual primaries. The work is extended to reconstruction of spectral data from colorimetric information and the adequacy of such three‐dimensional space is reconfirmed. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 2012
The effects of achromatic and chromatic color schemes on participants' task performance in and appraisals of an office environment
Authors: Öztürk Elif , Yılmazer Semiha , Ural Sibel Ertez
Published: August 2011

This study explores the effects of chroma on participants' performance and environmental appraisal of an office. The research was conducted in a full‐scale experimental room designed as a private office where achromatic and chromatic color schemes with coequal values were applied. Sixty participants were assigned tasks and given a questionnaire to appraise the spatial color schemes. The findings show that chroma significantly affects performance and space appraisal. In terms of accuracy and time spent performance scores measured significantly better in the room with the chromatic scheme than those in the room with the achromatic scheme. The office with the chromatic scheme was found to be more pleasant, attractive, satisfying and dynamic than the one with the achromatic scheme, whereas the achromatic scheme was thought to be more formal and harmonious. Categorization of pleasantness, harmony, dynamism and spaciousness by factor analysis also showed differences between the achromatic and chromatic schemes. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 2012
Diameter‐Sorted SWCNT–Porphyrin and SWCNT–Phthalocyanine Conjugates for Light‐Energy Harvesting
Authors: Sandanayaka Atula S. D. , Subbaiyan Navaneetha K. , Das Sushanta K. , Chitta Raghu , Maligaspe Eranda , Hasobe Taku , Ito Osamu , D'Souza Francis
Published: August 2011

A non‐covalent double‐decker binding strategy is employed to construct functional supramolecular single‐wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNT)–tetrapyrrole hybrids capable of undergoing photoinduced electron transfer and performing direct conversion of light into electricity. To accomplish this, two semiconducting SWCNTs of different diameters (6,5 and 7,6) were modified via π–π stacking of pyrene functionalized with an alkyl ammonium cation (PyrNH3+). Such modified nanotubes were subsequently assembled via dipole–cation binding of zinc porphyrin with one (1) or four benzo‐18‐crown‐6 cavities (2) or phthalocyanine with four benzo‐18‐crown‐6 cavities at the ring periphery (3), employed as visible‐light photosensitizers. Upon charactering the conjugates using TEM and optical techniques, electron transfer via photoexcited zinc porphyrin and phthalocyanine was investigated using time‐resolved emission and transient absorption techniques. Higher charge‐separation efficiency is established for SWCNT(7,6) with a narrow band gap than the thin SWCNT(6,5) with a wide band gap. Photoelectrochemical studies using FTO/SnO2 electrodes modified with these donor–acceptor conjugates unanimously demonstrated the ability of these conjugates to convert light energy into electricity. The photocurrent generation followed the trend observed for charge separation, that is, incident‐photon‐to‐current efficiency (IPCE) of a maximum of 12 % is achieved for photocells with FTO/SnO2/SWCNT(7,6)/PyrNH3+:1.
Synthesis from zinc oxalate, growth mechanism and optical properties of ZnO nano/micro structures
Authors: Raj C. Justin , Joshi R. K. , Varma K. B. R.
Published: August 2011

We report the synthesis of various morphological micro to nano structured zinc oxide crystals via simple precipitation technique. The growth mechanisms of the zinc oxide nanostructures such as snowflake, rose, platelets, porous pyramid and rectangular shapes were studied in detail under various growth conditions. The precursor powders were prepared using several zinc counter ions such as chloride, nitrate and sulphate along with oxalic acid as a precipitating agent. The precursors were decomposed by heating in air resulting in the formation of different shapes of zinc oxide crystals. Variations in ZnO nanostructural shapes were possibly due to the counter ion effect. Sulphate counter ion led to unusual rose‐shape morphology. Strong ultrasonic treatment on ZnO rose shows that it was formed by irregular arrangement of micro to nano size hexagonal zinc oxide platelets. The X‐ray diffraction studies confirmed the wurzite structure of all zinc oxide samples synthesized using different zinc counter ions. Functional groups of the zinc oxalate precursor and zinc oxide were identified using micro Raman studies. The blue light emission spectra of the various morphologies were recorded using luminescence spectrometer. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Synthesis and characterization of single crystals of the layered copper hydroxide acetate Cu2(OH)3(CH3COO)·H2O
Authors: Švarcová S. , Klementová M. , Bezdička P. , Łasocha W. , Dušek M. , Hradil D.
Published: August 2011

Single‐crystals of the layered copper hydroxide acetate Cu2(OH)3(CH3COO)·H2O were synthesized by heating copper acetate solution at 60 °C. The standard synthesis of the title compound based on slow titration of copper acetate solution with NaOH yielded materials with worse morphology and an additional phase present. The obtained products were characterized with powder X‐ray diffraction, high temperature powder X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and infrared spectroscopy. The crystal structure was determined from single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction data, collected both at 120 K and at 293 K. The title compound crystallizes in the monoclinic botallackite‐type layered structure, space group P 21, with the lattice parameters a = 5.5776(3) Å, b = 6.0733(2) Å, c = 18.5134(8) Å, β = 91.802(4)° and a = 5.5875(4)Å, b = 6.0987(4) Å, c = 18.6801(10)Å, β = 91.934(5)° for 120 K and for 293 K, respectively. Acetate groups and water molecules are interlayered between corrugated sheets of edge‐sharing CuO6 octahedra exhibiting strong distortion resulted from the Jahn‐Teller effect. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Rain attenuation measurements over terrestrial microwave links operating at 15 GHz in Malaysia
Authors: Abdulrahman A.Y. , Abdul Rahman T. , Abdulrahim S.K. , Rafiqul Islam Md.
Published: August 2011

This paper presents the experimental results of rain rate and rain attenuation measurements on six terrestrial microwave links in tropical Malaysia. The rain attenuation data were collected from six DIGI MINI‐LINKs (DiGi Telecommunications Sdn. Bhd., Malaysia, Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia) operating at 15 GHz with 99.95 % availability. The experimental results were compared with the International Telecommunication Union Radiocommunication Sector (ITU‐R) method and other existing rain attenuation prediction models. The main focus is on the ITU‐R prediction method, which underestimates the measured rain attenuation, more especially at extremely higher rain rates. The relationship between ITU‐R prediction errors and rainfall rates was studied, and it is shown that the two quantities are related by a quadratic function. The study will provide useful information on the design and planning of terrestrial radio links in Malaysia and similar tropical environments. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.