bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantification of piperacillin, tazobactam, cefepime, meropenem, ciprofloxacin and linezolid in serum using an isotope dilution UHPLC-MS/MS method with semi-automated sample preparation
Authors: Zander Johannes , Maier Barbara , Suhr Anna , Zoller Michael , Frey Lorenz , Teupser Daniel , Vogeser Michael 
Published: October 2014

AbstractRecent studies have demonstrated highly variable blood concentrations of piperacillin, tazobactam, cefepime, meropenem, ciprofloxacin and linezolid in critically ill patients with a high incidence of sub-therapeutic levels. Consequently, therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of these antibiotics has to be considered, requiring robust and reliable routine analytical methods. The aim of the present work was to develop and validate a multi-analyte ultra high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) method for the simultaneous quantification of the above mentioned antibiotics.Sample preparation included a manual protein precipitation step followed by two-dimensional ultra high performance liquid chromatography (2D-UHPLC). Corresponding stable isotope-labeled substances were used as internal standards for all of the analytes, with the exception of tazobactam. The injected sample volume was 7 μL. The run time was 5.0 min.Inaccuracy was ≤8% and imprecision coefficient of variation (CV) was <9% for all analytes. Only minor matrix effects and negligible carry-over was observed. The method was found to be robust during the validation period.We were able to develop a reliable 2D-UHPLC-MS/MS method addressing analytes with highly heterogeneous physico-chemical properties. The novel assay may be an efficient tool for an optimized process workflow in clinical laboratories for important antibiotics in regards to TDM.
A study on the relationship between polycarbonate microstructure and performance as determined by a combined experimental and molecular dynamics simulation method
Authors: Wang Xiujuan , Zheng Xiuting , Song Meng , Wu Sizhu 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThe influence of the microstructure of polycarbonate (PC) on performance was systematically investigated by both experimental method and molecular simulation. Yield stress, impact strength, molecular weight, and transmittance were used to distinguish the degradation processes between different PCs, and thermal degradation kinetics was studied to obtain the activation energy. At the molecular level, through 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, it was observed that PCs have a more polar group of benzene rings, resulting in the high density, dielectric constant, and tensile modulus. Meanwhile, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation was employed under a polymer consistent force field force field. Specific volume and mechanical property were analyzed to investigate the thermodynamic property. The molecular dynamics simulation and experimental results on half decomposition temperature (T1/2), refraction index, flow activation energy, average density, cohesive energy density, glass transition temperature (Tg), and elastic modulus had good agreement. Therefore, it was indicated that the molecular simulation could successfully study the characteristics and properties. The fundamental studies would be expected to supply useful information for designing materials and optimizing processing technology.
Friends and relatives of BS(1,2)
Authors: Miller III Charles F. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractAlgorithms, constructions and examples are of central interest in combinatorial and geometric group theory. Teaching experience and, more recently, preparing a historical essay have led me to think the familiar group BS(1,2) is an example of fundamental importance. The purpose of this note is to make a case for this point of view. We recall several interesting constructions and important examples of groups related to BS(1,2), and indicate why certain of these groups played a key role in showing the word problem for finitely presented groups is unsolvable.
Optimized microemulsion production of biodiesel over lipase-catalyzed transesterification of soybean oil by response surface methodology
Authors: Tan Zhongqin , Zhang Xiaofang , Kuang Yingying , Du Huan , Song Lelian , Han Xiaoxiang , Liang Xinle 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
Production of biodiesel in water/oil (w/o) microemulsion system through a lipase-catalyzed (lipase from porcine pancreas) methanolysis of soybean oil was investigated. The independent factors were researched and response surface methodology (RSM) based on the Box-Behnken design was used to optimize the significant reaction variables, including w
0 (defined as the molar ratio of water to surfactant), lipase concentration, reaction time and substrate molar ratio. Results indicated that the optimal conditions for biodiesel preparation were: w
0 3.6, lipase concentration 4.3% (based on oil weight, g), reaction time 17 h and molar ratio (methanol/oil) 10.5. The actual fatty acid methyl ester yield (96.8%) coincided with the optimum predicted value (97.5%) under the optimal conditions. Fatty acid methyl ester synthesized in microemulsions directly which may provided a potential way to produce biodiesel microemulsion.
Light scattering characterization of lignosulfonate structure in saline solutions
Authors: Qian Yong , Deng Yonghong , Guo Yunqing , Li Hao , Qiu Xueqing 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
The solution behavior and molecular conformation of sodium lignosulfonates (NaLS) in saline solution has been studied by means of static and dynamic light scattering (LSstat and LSdyn). Results show that the salt content must be larger to eliminate the slow mode in LSdyn analysis of NaLS than that of the theory, and this discrepancy can only be explained by a modified microgel model. The higher salt amount is needed for the formation of a strong ionic gradient field between surface and the inner part of NaLS, which forces counter ions to penetrate into the inner part of NaLS to screen the small amount of charges. The NaLS single molecular shape can be described by an oblate spheroid based on the absolute molecular weight M
w and diffusion coefficients D. The best fitting result is semiaxis a=1.6 nm and axial ratio r=3.5, D=5.73×10-7 cm2 s-1, and the corresponding M
w=1.7×105 g mol-1.
Thermal modification of Southern pine combined with wax emulsion preimpregnation: effect on hydrophobicity and dimensional stability
Authors: Wang Wang , Zhu Yuan , Cao Jinzhen , Guo Xi 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
The aim of this study was to enhance the water repellency and dimensional stability of thermally modified wood by combining the preimpregnation of paraffin wax emulsion. To achieve this, Southern pine (SP; Pinus spp.) samples were first impregnated with paraffin wax emulsion (with 2.0% solid content) and then subjected to thermal modification (TM) in an oven at 180°C and 220°C for 4 and 8 h. The contact angle (CA), surface free energy, water absorption rate (WAR), anti-swelling efficiency (ASE), and bending properties of the control and modified samples were investigated. Moreover, the chemical and morphological alterations were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Both the wax impregnation and TM decreased the surface wettability, water absorption, and tangential swelling, while the combination of wax and thermal treatment exhibited the best water repellency and dimensional stability, indicating the synergism between the two procedures. However, the wax preimpregnation did not affect the mechanical properties of thermally modified wood. The FTIR, SEM, and XPS analyses confirmed that the synergistic effect is mainly due to the redistribution of the paraffin wax during TM rather than its impact on the chemical changes caused by thermal degradation.
Configuration Determination of Transition Metal Complexes by Multiple Scattering EXAFS Analysis: A Case Study
Authors: Bauer Matthias 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
A multiple scattering extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS)
analysis of Ti(acac)2Cl2 is presented. With such an approach
the configuration of the ligands in this complex can be identified due
to the different multiple scattering events in the cis- and
trans-configuration. A thorough evaluation of the effects of
the different multiple scattering parameters (effective scattering
path, scattering order, number of scattering atoms) in combination
with the input structure is presented that reveals a complicated
correlation between these parameters which could lead to wrong results
with respect to the determined configuration. Finally, the optimal
procedure for this particular purpose is defined and described.
SiC Nanoparticle Composite Anode for Li-Ion Batteries
Authors: Shiratani Masaharu , Kamataki Kunihiro , Uchida Giichiro , Koga Kazunori , Seo Hyunwoong , Itagaki Naho , Ishihara Tatsumi 
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACTWe present here performance of Li ion batteries with SiC nanoparticle-film anode, which is fabricated by a double multi-hollow discharge plasma chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method. The first cycle of charge/discharge property of the Li ion battery with the SiC nanoparticle-film anode shows a high capacity of over 4,000 mAh/g, which is 12 times higher than the Li ion battery with the conventional graphite anode. The discharge capacity shows high stability for first 10th cycle, and is 3750 mAh/g for the 10th cycle.
Effect of doping on crystalline quality of rubidium titanyl phosphate (RTP) crystals grown by the TSSG method
Authors: Guo Jianqiu , Raghothamachar Balaji , Dudley Michael , Carvajal Joan J. , Butt Ali , Pujol Maria Cinta , Sole Rosam M , Massons Jaume , Aguilo Magdalena , Diaz Francesc 
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACTDefect structures in Rubidium Titanyl Phosphate (RTP) crystals (non-doped and doped) grown by the Top Seeded Solution Growth (TSSG) method were characterized using Synchrotron White Beam X-ray Topography. Main defects observed in non-doped crystals are growth sector boundaries while both growth sector boundaries and growth striations are observed in the Nb single doped and (Nb,Yb)-codoped crystals with relatively few linear defects such as dislocations. Results show that the overall crystalline quality is lowered as more doping elements are incorporated. Details of defect distributions are correlated with the growth process to facilitate high quality growth of doped RTP.
Influence of chemical compounds on the forming of electric ARC
Authors: I. O. Vakulenko  , S. O. Plitchenko  , D. M. Makarevych  
Published: October 2014

Purpose. The purpose of work is a comparative analysis of chemical compounds influence on the process of electric arc forming and condition of its burning. Methodology. Material for an electrode was a wire 3 mm in diameter of low carbon steel with contain of carbon 0.15%. As chemical compounds, which determine the terms of forming of arc welding were used kaolin; CaCO3 with the admixtures of gypsum to 60%; SiO2 and Fe – Si with the iron concentration to 50%. Researches were conducted at the use of direct electric current and the arc of reverse polarity. As a source of electric current the welding transformer of type PSO-500 was used. On the special stand an initial gap between the electrode and metal-plate was equal to 1–1.5 mm. The interelectrode interval was filled with the probed chemical compounds and it was formed an electric arc. In the moment of electric arc arise the values of electric current and the arc voltage were determined. After the natural break of electric arc, the final size of the gap between electrodes was accepted as the maximal value of the arc lengths. Findings. In the conditions of experiment the metal transfer in interelectrode interval corresponded to the drop mechanism. According to external characteristics the ratio between the maximal arc length and the power of electric discharge has the appearance of exponential dependence. Specific power of electric arc characterizes environment of interelectrode interval in the moment of arc forming per unit of its length. Originality. 1. On the basis of influence analysis of the studied chemical compounds on the formation processes of electric arc inversely proportional relationship between the power of the electric current and the maximum arc length to the moment of its natural break is defined. 2. The ratio between the maximal arc length and the power of electric current with sufficiently high correlation coefficient is subjected to the exponential dependence. Influence of the studied compounds on the process of electric arc forming is determined using the degree values of the obtained ratio. 3. The value of specific power of electric current in the moment of electric arc forming per unit of its length can be accepted as the parameter, which characterizes the environment in the interelectrode interval. Practical value. In the conditions of identical adjusting strength of electric current it is determined the gradation of the studied chemical compounds in the order of increase of their influence on the process of the arc burning. Kaolin has the minimum influence and Fe – Si – the maximal one.
Relative Contributions of Allelopathy and Competitive Traits to the Weed Suppressive Ability of Winter Wheat Lines Against Italian Ryegrass
Authors: Worthington Margaret , Reberg‐Horton S. Chris , Brown‐Guedira Gina , Jordan David , Weisz Randy , Murphy J. Paul 
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACTAllelopathy and competitive ability have been identified as independent factors contributing to the weed suppressive ability of crop cultivars; however, it is not clear whether these factors have equal influence on weed suppression outcomes of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) lines in the field. Fifty‐eight winter wheat lines adapted to the southeastern United States were screened for allelopathic activity against Italian ryegrass (Lolium perenne L. ssp. multiflorum [Lam.] Husnot) in an agar‐based seedling bioassay. Eight strongly and weakly allelopathic lines were identified and evaluated for weed suppressive ability and grain yield tolerance in a replicated field experiment conducted in North Carolina. Significant genotypic differences in weed suppressive ability were found in three of four study environments, while genotypic differences in yield tolerance were identified in all environments. Although the allelopathic activity of genotypes varied in the seedling bioassay, no correlations between allelopathy and weed suppressive ability or grain yield tolerance were observed. Weed suppressive ability was correlated with competitive traits, including vigor and erect growth habit during tillering (Zadoks GS 29), high leaf area index (LAI) at stem extension (GS 31), plant height at tillering and stem extension (GS 29, 31), grain yield in weedy conditions, and grain yield tolerance. Therefore, breeders in the southeastern United States should focus their efforts on improving competitive traits within adapted germplasm rather than selecting for cultivars with high allelopathic activity to achieve maximum gains in weed suppressive ability against Italian ryegrass.
Overview of Paediatric Renal Care Activities and Availability of Renal Replacement Therapy for Children at Mulago Hospital, Uganda
Authors: Amos Odiit , Robert Kalyesubula , Peace Atukunda , Oliver Nabacwa , S.P Eyoku , Sarah Kiguli 
Published: October 2014

Introduction :The range of activities undertaken by any renal team will depend on many factors. One of the common challenges encountered in Mulago hospital is management of kidney failure in a child.Objective :to outline activities of the renal team with specific reference to RRT.Methodology:members of the renal team were interviewed for their activities, and ward records spanning a period of 3 years were reviewed, for information on children who had had RRT.Results:activities of the renal team included: training, sensitization of the public, research, and nursing care of patients on dialysis. Nineteen (19) children had had RRT, fourteen (14) had been put on PD; 4 on Haemodialysis (HD); and 1 child had a kidney transplant in India. All children with Acute Tubular Necrosis recovered normal kidney functions by the end of RRT; 3 out of the 4 children with rapidly progressive Glomerulonephritis progressed to CKD.Conclusion :Renal Replacement Therapy for children is happening at a very low level. The renal team is engaged predominantly in conservative management of kidney failure and in preventive activities.
PHYBALCHT: Kurzzeitverfahren zur Abschätzung der Ermüdungseigenschaften metallischer Werkstoffe
Authors: Kramer H. , Starke P. , Klein M. , Eifler D. 
Published: October 2014

Kurzfassung
Kurzzeitverfahren zur Bewertung von Ermüdungseigenschaften metallischer Werkstoffe sind von großem wissenschaftlichem und wirtschaftlichem Interesse. Eine typische Fragestellung sind Wärmebehandlungsprozesse, bei denen eine große Variantenvielfalt auftritt und die Einflüsse individueller Prozessparameter zu bewerten sind. Mit PHYBALCHT, das auf einer zyklischen Härteprüfung beruht, wird am Lehrstuhl für Werkstoffkunde der TU Kaiserslautern ein solches Kurzzeitverfahren entwickelt. Mit PHYBALCHT kann der Proben- und Versuchsaufwand zur Ermittlung von Ermüdungseigenschaften metallischer Werkstoffe gegenüber konventionellen Verfahren erheblich reduziert werden. Aus Kraft-Eindringtiefen-Hysteresen wird eine plastische Eindringtiefenamplitude ha,p analog zur plastischen Dehnungsamplitude ermittelt und als Funktion der Zyklenzahl N aufgetragen. Dieser Messwertverlauf ist für jeden Werkstoff und Werkstoffzustand charakteristisch. Die mit PHYBALCHT ermittelten Kennwerte zeigen eine sehr gute Korrelation mit dem zyklischen Verfestigungsverhalten der untersuchten Stähle.
Tetraarsenic oxide–induced inhibition of malignant glioma cell invasion in vitro via a decrease in matrix metalloproteinase secretion and protein kinase B phosphorylation
Authors: Gwak Ho-Shin , Park Myung-Jin , Park In-Chul , Woo Sang Hyeok , Jin Hyeon-Ok , Rhee Chang Hun , Jung Hee-Won 
Published: October 2014

ObjectLocal invasiveness of malignant glioma is a major reason for the failure of current treatments including surgery and radiation therapy. Tetraarsenic oxide (As4O6[TAO]) is a trivalent arsenic compound that has potential anticancer and antiangiogenic effects in selected cancer cell lines at a lower concentration than arsenic trioxide (As2O3[ATO]), which has been more widely tested in vitro and in vivo. The authors tried to determine the cytotoxic concentration of TAO in malignant glioma cell lines and whether TAO would show anti-invasive effects under conditions independent of cell death or apoptosis.MethodsThe human phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN)-deficient malignant glioma cell lines U87MG, U251MG, and U373MG together with PTEN-functional LN428 were cultured with a range of micromolar concentrations of TAO. The invasiveness of the glioma cell lines was analyzed. The effect of TAO on matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) secretion and membrane type 1 (MT1)-MMP expression was measured using gelatin zymography and Western blot, respectively. Akt, or protein kinase B, activity, which is a downstream effector of PTEN, was assessed with a kinase assay using glycogen synthesis kinase-3β (GSK-3β) as a substrate and Western blotting of phosphorylated Akt.ResultsTetraarsenic oxide inhibited 50% of glioma cell proliferation at 6.3–12.2 μM. Subsequent experiments were performed under the same TAO concentrations and exposure times, avoiding the direct tumoricidal effect of TAO, which was confirmed with apoptosis markers. An invasion assay revealed a dose-dependent decrease in invasiveness under the influence of TAO. Both the gelatinolytic activity of MMP-2 and MT1-MMP expression decreased in a dose-dependent manner in all cell lines, which was in accordance with the invasion assay results. The TAO decreased kinase activity of Akt on GSK-3β assay and inhibited Akt phosphorylation in a dose-dependent manner in all cell lines regardless of their PTEN status.ConclusionsThese results showed that TAO effectively inhibits proliferation of glioblastoma cell lines and also exerts an anti-invasive effect via decreased MMP-2 secretion, decreased MT1-MMP expression, and the inhibition of Akt phosphorylation under conditions devoid of cytotoxicity. Further investigations using an in vivo model are needed to evaluate the potential role of TAO as an anti-invasive agent.
The evolution of flowering strategies in US weedy rice
Authors: Thurber Carrie S. , Reagon Michael , Olsen Kenneth M. , Jia Yulin , Caicedo Ana L. 
Published: October 2014

• Premise of the study: Local adaptation in plants often involves changes in flowering time in response to day length and temperature. Many crops have been selected for uniformity in flowering time. In contrast, variable flowering may be important for increased competitiveness in weed species invading the agricultural environment. Given the shared species designation of cultivated rice (Oryza sativa) and its the invasive conspecific weed, weedy rice, we assessed the extent to which flowering time differed between these groups. We further assessed whether genes affecting flowering time variation in rice could play a role in the evolution of weedy rice in the United States.• Methods: We quantified flowering time under day‐neutral conditions in weedy, cultivated, and wild Oryza groups. We also sequenced two candidate gene regions: Hd1, a locus involved in promotion of flowering under short days, and the promoter of Hd3a, a locus encoding the mobile signal that induces flowering.• Key results: We found that flowering time has diverged between two distinct weedy rice groups, such that straw‐hull weeds tend to flower earlier and black‐hull awned weeds tend to flower later than cultivated rice. These differences are consistent with weed Hd1 alleles. At both loci, weeds share haplotypes with their cultivated progenitors, despite significantly different flowering times.• Conclusions: Our phenotypic data indicate the existence of multiple flowering strategies in weedy rice. Flowering differences between weeds and ancestors suggest this trait has evolved rapidly. From a weed management standpoint, there is the potential for overlap in flowering of black‐hull awned weeds and crops in the United States, permitting hybridization and the potential escape of genes from crops.
Rediscovery of Cerceris fumipennis (Hymenoptera: Crabronidae) in British Columbia, Canada, with notes on geographic variation and nesting habits
Authors: Kimoto Troy , Buck Matthias 
Published: October 2014

AbstractWithin Canada, Cerceris fumipennis Say (Hymenoptera: Crabronidae) is known to occur in Ontario and Québec but there is also one historic record from 1935 of two female specimens captured in Lytton, British Columbia. No other records have been recorded for the last 77 years. In 2012 and 2013, one male and four females were captured in a sweep net adjacent to a gravel parking lot in Merritt, British Columbia. Although there are differences in size and colouration between the British Columbia and eastern species, the variation between the populations does not warrant assigning a new name to this geographical race.
BUILDING PROFESSIONAL PRIDE IN LITERACY
Authors: Edney Denyse 
Published: October 2014

What should professionalism mean in the literacy field? Quigley cites the results of a survey of literacy practitioners. According to one participant, ‘To act “professionally” in literacy and adult education is to self-educate in professional development.’ Another replied that literacy practitioners act professionally when they view ‘students as most valued clients and attempt to engage their individual needs and goals within a high-quality program of basic skills instruction.’ The theme of caring was one of the strongest points made. Quigley quoted from another survey participant: ‘To act professionally in adult literacy one is service-oriented, friendly and accountable. A professional is ethical (with) strong values, especially those pertaining to literacy and the population one serves’.