bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantitative Comparison of Multiple Components in Dioscorea nipponica and D. panthaica by Ultra‐High Performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled with Quadrupole Time‐of‐Flight Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Tang Yina , Yi Tao , Chen Homing , Zhao Zhongzhen , Liang Zhitao , Chen Hubiao 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTIntroductionDioscorea nipponica (DN) and D. panthaica (DP) have been uniquely prepared as herbal medicinal products for treating coronary heart disease (CHD) in China. However, so far there has been little discussion and no work comparing the qualitative and quantitative differences between the two herbs nor assessing whether they have similarities in chemical composition that would support their common application for treating CHD.ObjectiveTo develop an efficient and reliable method based on UPLC–qTOF–MS for quantitative comparison of saponins in both DN and DP.MethodsUsing electrospray ionisation and atmospheric‐pressure chemical ionisation respectively, six steroidal glycosides and one aglycone were determined in 13 DN samples and 13 DP samples. The comparative analysis of chemical components in DN and DP was carried out by chromatographic fingerprint similarity evaluation, test of significance (t‐test) and principle component analysis (PCA).ResultsThe UPLC–qTOF–MS method showed limit of detection and quantitation within the range 0.02–0.2 ng and 0.08–0.5 ng, respectively, for the seven saponins studied. The intra‐ and interday precision (RSD) were below 5%. The recoveries for the quantified compounds were within the range of 72.79–118.31%.ConclusionThis UPLC–qTOF–MS assay provides a suitable method for the identification and determination of major bioactive constituents both in DN and DP. The chemical composition of all DN and DP samples studied exhibited a high level of global similarity. This chemical similarity validates their common application in the pharmaceutical industry as anti‐CHD herbal drugs. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and properties of hyperbranched polyimides derived from novel triamine with prolonged chain segments
Authors: Shen Jie , Zhang Ying , Chen Wenqiu , Wang Wenhao , Xu Zushun , Yeung Kelvin W. K. , Yi Changfeng 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTNovel pyridine‐containing hyperbranched polyimides (HBPIs) were synthesized by using a new triamine 2,4,6‐tris[3‐(4‐aminophenoxy)phenyl]pyridine with prolonged chain segments, ether linkage and meta‐linked units as a BB′2‐like monomer, various commercial aromatic dianhydrides as A2 monomers. Most of the obtained HBPIs were readily soluble in common organic solvents such as N,N‐dimethylformamide, N,N‐dimethylacetamide, N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone, m‐Cresol, and so forth. Meanwhile, they also had good thermal stability with the glass transition temperatures (Tgs) all above 210 °C, the temperature at 10% weight loss of 537.1–574.4 °C in nitrogen atmosphere. Strong and flexible HBPI films were obtained, which had good mechanical properties with tensile strengths of 83.3–95.8 MPa, tensile modulus of 1.82–2.43 GPa and elongations at break of 4.84–6.98%. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2013, 51, 2425–2437
Synthesis of block and end‐functionalized polyesters by triflimide‐catalyzed ring‐opening polymerization of ε‐caprolactone, 1,5‐dioxepan‐2‐one, and rac‐lactide
Authors: Makiguchi Kosuke , Kikuchi Seiya , Satoh Toshifumi , Kakuchi Toyoji 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTThe ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of cyclic esters, such as ε‐caprolactone, 1,5‐dioxepan‐2‐one, and racemic lactide using the combination of 3‐phenyl‐1‐propanol as the initiator and triflimide (HNTf2) as the catalyst at room temperature with the [monomer]0/[initiator]0 ratio of 50/1 was investigated. The polymerizations homogeneously proceeded to afford poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL), poly(1,5‐dioxepan‐2‐one) (PDXO), and polylactide (PLA) with controlled molecular weights and narrow polydispersity indices. The molecular weight determined from an 1H NMR analysis (PCL, Mn,NMR = 5380; PDXO, Mn,NMR = 5820; PLA, Mn,NMR = 6490) showed good agreement with the calculated values. The 1H NMR and matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry analyses strongly indicated that the obtained compounds were the desired polyesters. The kinetic measurements confirmed the controlled/living nature for the HNTf2‐catalyzed ROP of cyclic esters. A series of functional alcohols, such as propargyl alcohol, 6‐azido‐1‐hexanol, N‐(2‐hydroxyethyl)maleimide, 5‐hexen‐1‐ol, and 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate, successfully produced end‐functionalized polyesters. In addition, poly(ethylene glycol)‐block‐polyester, poly(δ‐valerolactone)‐block‐poly(ε‐caprolactone), and poly(ε‐caprolactone)‐block‐polylactide were synthesized using the HNTf2‐catalyzed ROP. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2013, 51, 2455–2463
If you had less than a year to live, would you want to know? A seven‐country European population survey of public preferences for disclosure of poor prognosis
Authors: Harding R. , Simms V. , Calanzani N. , Higginson I. J. , Hall S. , Gysels M. , Meñaca A. , Bausewein C. , Deliens L. , Ferreira P. , Toscani F. , Daveson B. A. , Ceulemans L. , Gomes B. ,   on behalf of PRISMA
Published: March 2013

AbstractObjectiveWith increasing European cancer deaths, clinicians must manage information regarding poor prognosis. This study aimed to determine European citizens' preferences, within a scenario of serious illness such as cancer with less than a year to live, for information disclosure regarding poor prognosis, the likely symptoms and problems, and the care options available, to measure variations between countries and to identify factors associated with preferences.MethodsA population‐based cross‐national telephone survey using random digit dialling in seven countries was conducted.ResultsAmong 9344 respondents, data revealed an international preference (73.9%) to always be informed in the scenario of having a serious illness such as cancer with less than a year to live. This varied from 67.6% in Italy to 80.7% in Flanders. A minority (21.1%) did not want such information unless they ask, or at all. People younger than 70 years (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.62–0.83, p < 0.001), men (OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.10–1.37, p < 0.001), those with experience of illness (OR = 1.20. 95% CI 1.01–1.43, p < 0.05) and with more education (OR = 1.20, 95% CI 1.09–1.32, p < 0.001) were more likely to want to know of limited time left.ConclusionsThe models confirmed the influence of four factors in more than one country (age, gender, education and most concerning problem) and added 11 country‐specific factors to which national policies and clinical practice should respond. These findings confirm a majority public preference to be informed in a scenario of poor prognosis. Policy clinical practice should facilitate elucidation and delivery of preferences. Evidence for effective communication skills‐building interventions for clinicians is required. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Facile Approach for Direct Decomposition of Nitrous Oxide Assisted by Non‐Thermal Plasma
Authors: Mahammadunnisa Shaik , Reddy Enkonda Linga , Reddy Pathpi Reddy Manoj Kumar , Subrahmanyam Challapalli 
Published: March 2013

AbstractDirect decomposition of nitrous oxide (N2O) was studied in a non‐thermal plasma (NTP) dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) reactor operated under ambient conditions. Influence of various parameters like discharge gap, input power, residence time, and N2O concentration were studied to achieve high conversions. The conversion decreased with increasing flow rate and N2O concentration. Typical results indicated that N2O decomposition may be efficient at high residence time and low concentrations. The degree of N2O decomposition varied between 30 and 100% with the power variation between 0.5 and 2.7 W. Interesting observation is that packing the discharge volume with dielectric materials (ceramic, glass, and Al2O3 beads) improved the conversion. Under the same experimental conditions, the effect of the dielectric materials followed the order: ceramic beads > glass beads > Al2O3 beads > no packing. It was concluded that packed bed plasma reactor may be an efficient way for the reduction of N2O emissions. magnified image
On the synthesis and properties of ternary copper oxide sulfides (Cu2O1–xSx)
Authors: Meyer Bruno K. , Merita Stefan , Polity Angelika 
Published: March 2013

AbstractWe report on the sputter deposition of copper oxide sulfides Cu2O1–xSx up to a composition of Cu2O0.61S0.39. For higher sulfur contents the films first become amorphous and then change to Cu2S. Within the range 0 < x < 0.39 the cubic crystal structure is maintained and the lattice constant changes linearly with the sulfur content. The composition of the films is measured by energy dispersive X‐ray fluorescence and suggests the formation of a random alloy. The transmission spectra show a clear red shift of the order of 450 meV (from Cu2O to Cu2O0.61S0.39) with an average transmission of 70%. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Elementary electron transfer reactions: from basic concepts to recent computational advances
Authors: Borrelli Raffaele , Peluso Andrea 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe basic chemicophysical concepts and the most recent developments in the dynamics of the elementary electron transfer reactions are reviewed, posing particular attention to discrete state approaches, which combine use of a few experimental data with reliable ab initio calculations of the equilibrium nuclear configurations and normal coordinates of vibration of the redox partners. WIREs Comput Mol Sci 2013, 3:542–559. doi: 10.1002/wcms.1147This article is categorized under:

Structure and Mechanism > Molecular Structures
Compensating white‐tailed eagle mortality at the Smøla wind‐power plant using electrocution prevention measures
Authors: Cole Scott G. , Dahl Espen Lie 
Published: March 2013

AbstractEnvironmental impact assessment allows for compensation of environmental injuries in the form of resource‐based restoration projects. Given that compensation is a desired policy at a given site, this study suggests an interdisciplinary scaling method (Resource Equivalency Analysis) that relies on a non‐monetary bird‐year metric to quantify and value the impact on human welfare from ecosystem service loss. The lost value associated with white‐tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) turbine collisions at the Smøla wind‐power plant (debit) in central Norway is compensated through white‐tailed eagle electrocution‐prevention measures at nearby power lines (credit), scaled using the same bird‐year metric. We found that 172 actual and projected white‐tailed eagle turbine collisions (2005–2027) led to a debit of 3,454 discounted bird‐years, which captures lost life expectancy discounted to present value. Field searches indicated that annual white‐tailed eagle electrocution mortality per electric distribution pole (or pylon) at Smøla ranges from 0.002 to 0.014 (2009–2011). We suggest that retrofitting between 348 and 2,209 pylons at a present‐value cost of US$1.2–7.9 million (2011 at 3%) will provide equivalent value and thus compensate the public for their welfare losses. Improved electrocution probability models will improve cost‐effectiveness of retrofitting as a compensatory measure. Although Resource Equivalency Analysis may provide an approach for scaling a biodiversity offset, it cannot address the inevitable environmental trade‐offs required in assessing the social profitability of choosing to compensate at a particular site. © 2013 The Wildlife Society.
Functional test data generation for Simulink-like models
Authors: Araujo Rodrigo Fraxino , Delamaro Marcio Eduardo , Maldonado Jose Carlos 
Published: March 2013

AbstractEmbedded systems are increasingly present in many electronic devices and is often related to critical applications. Therefore, the need for a well planned and executed testing procedure is even higher. We intend to contribute in this area by presenting an experimental evaluation of the pairwise combinatorial approach as a technique for test data generation applied specifically to Simulink-like models. In particular, we have applied our strategy to the generated source code of several models. Furthermore, a testing tool was developed to assist in the test data generation process. We show that there is no statistical significant advantages of the proposed approach over random generation of test data, but when used together they yield better results. The feasibility of the experimental results indicate that efforts can be employed in order to obtain a testing strategy integrated within a testing environment.
Ultrasonography and Electrodiagnosis: Are They Complementary Techniques?
Authors: Boon Andrea 
Published: March 2013

AbstractIn this review, the role of high‐resolution ultrasound in the diagnosis of neuromuscular disease as a tool complementary to electrodiagnostic techniques will be discussed, including indications, advantages, limitations, and potential for future research. Ultrasound‐guided needle placement can be used to increase accuracy and safety of nerve conduction studies and needle electromyography. Ultrasound imaging of nerve and muscle can provide additional diagnostic information when performed in conjunction with nerve conduction studies and needle electromyography in the setting of nerve entrapment, nerve inflammation, and muscle disease. Its unique features include the ability to image structures dynamically in real time and the technique of sonopalpation. Because neuromuscular ultrasound is a rapidly evolving diagnostic tool with significant changes in technology, which facilitates its increased use, there is a steadily growing body of literature in this area. However, there remains an ongoing need for high‐quality studies that evaluate the role and cost‐effectiveness of neuromuscular ultrasound, both when used alone and in combination with electrodiagnosis.
Evaluating the Patient With Suspected Radiculopathy
Authors: Dillingham Timothy R. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractPersons with back, neck, and limb symptoms are commonly seen by health care providers. They constitute a major referral population to specialists in electrodiagnostic medicine. The evaluation of these patients involves consideration of both the common and less common disorders. The electrodiagnostic examination with needle electromyography is the most important means of testing for radiculopathy. This test has modest sensitivity but high specificity. It complements imaging of the spine. Electromyography in combination with nerve conduction testing is valuable in excluding entrapment neuropathies and polyneuropathy, conditions that frequently mimic radicular symptoms. A streamlined examination with 6 muscles, 1 of which is the paraspinal, has a high diagnostic yield, yet minimizes patient discomfort and examiner time. This article presents an overview of the electrodiagnostic evaluation for patients with suspected radiculopathy.
Smoking-related prospective memory deficits observed on naturalistic everyday memory task
Authors: Heffernan T. M. , O'Neill T. S. , Moss M. 
Published: March 2013

ObjectiveThis study assessed self-reported and objective prospective memory (PM) processes in smokers and a never-smoked comparison group. If persistent smoking does impair PM, then one would expect smokers recall being lower on a study that requires them to remember everyday activities when compared with a never-smoked group.MethodAn existing-groups design was used to compare a group of smokers with a never-smoked group on the self-report Prospective Memory Questionnaire (PMQ) and the Prospective Remembering Video Procedure (PRVP) measuring objective PM. An example of the location–action combination from the PRVP is ‘At Thornton's shop’ (location), ‘Buy a bag of sweets’ (action). Participants who reported using an illegal substance (e.g. ecstasy, cannabis), who drank excessively or were ‘binge drinkers’, or who reported suffering from a clinical condition, such as depression, were excluded from the study. Age, weekly ‘safe levels’ alcohol use, and strategy use were also measured and controlled for in the study. Each person was tested individually in a quiet laboratory setting on a university campus.ResultsAfter controlling for variations in age, weekly alcohol use, and strategy use, smokers recalled significantly fewer location–action combinations on the PRVP when compared with a never-smoked group, with no between-group differences on self-reported PM as measured by the PMQ.ConclusionsThe findings suggest objective PM deficits are associated with persistent smoking – a relatively unexplored area of research. This cannot be attributed to other drug use, mood, or strategy use. The findings also suggest smokers lack self-awareness of such PM deficits. This study extends the area by utilising a more naturalistic object measure of PM and incorporating strict controls into the study.
Computerised cognitive behavioural therapy: helping Ireland log on
Authors: Twomey C. , O'Reilly G. , Byrne M. 
Published: March 2013

ObjectivesThe aim of this article is to review and highlight evidence-based computerised cognitive behavioural therapy (cCBT) programmes that can potentially be used in Ireland for the treatment of mild-to-moderate mental health difficulties.MethodsThe authors undertook a literature search using three databases, and consulted a recognised, university-developed web portal. For a programme to be included in this review, it had to (a) have at least one randomised controlled trial demonstrating its efficacy; (b) be available on the internet; and (c) be delivered in English.FindingsTwenty-five cCBT programmes that met the inclusion criteria were profiled. Taken together, these programmes target various anxiety difficulties (i.e. generalised anxiety, panic/phobia, social anxiety and post-traumatic stress), depression (or low mood), eating problems, stress, insomnia, pain and alcohol misuse.ConclusionscCBT programmes, preferably administered as part of a stepped-care model, offer effective, low-cost and low-intensity interventions for a wide range of psychological problems. Their use could be beneficial given how underdeveloped primary care mental health services are in Ireland.
A qualitative study of the perceived impact of a community mobilisation intervention to reduce alcohol consumption among amateur sportsmen
Authors: Darker C. D. , Ivers J.-H. , O'Farrell A. , Dolan R. , Eldin N. , Allwright S. P. A. 
Published: March 2013

AimThe aim of this study was to examine the perceived impact of a community mobilisation intervention programme to reduce alcohol consumption among amateur sportsmen aged 16–34 years.MethodA qualitative focus group format was used to identify potentially important themes or concepts relating to players’ and coaches’ experiences of the intervention. Six focus groups were conducted (five with four to seven players per focus group and one with six coaches) to elicit participants’ experiences of the intervention.ResultsThree major themes emerged from the analyses: patterns of alcohol consumption and associated factors; perceived impact of the intervention; and suggested changes to the community mobilisation intervention. Excessive binge drinking (i.e. the consumption of six or more standard drinks on any one occasion) was common among players. The perceived impact of the intervention programme among players was low; players and coaches believed that if future programmes were to succeed, a ‘bottom-up’ rather than a ‘top-down’ approach should be adopted.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that players perceived the community mobilisation programme to have had only limited success in changing attitudes or behaviour towards alcohol consumption in this amateur sports setting.
Mental health knowledge and attitudes in a transition year student group: a pilot survey
Authors: Beirne M. , Mohungoo N. , Buckley S. 
Published: March 2013

IntroductionStigma towards mental health disorders remains a significant problem in society. Numerous public awareness campaigns and, to a lesser extent, educational interventions have been carried out to date to help address this issue.MethodA brief questionnaire was formulated and administered to two small groups of transition year students from schools throughout Ireland who participated in a week-long placement in a Psychiatric Hospital in Dublin in 2012. The input was from psychiatry and allied health professionals covering a wide range of mental health topics. It was administered before the first session and immediately after the last session. The input for each group in terms of topics was almost identical.ResultsIn all, 24 students participated, and the majority had either gone to school with, had observed in passing, or had a friend of the family or a relative with a mental illness, although only 21% had had knowledge on mental illness up to the intervention. The post-intervention scores demonstrated that the week had an impact on most of these views. Their attitudes to individuals with mental illness as regards employment, treatment, assistance, and recovery were encouraging, even at baseline, and all their responses improved following the sessions. There was a view that those with mental illness were somewhat reluctant to seek professional help.ConclusionsAlthough the results of this study are very encouraging as regards attitudes towards mental health and their response to education, far more research and interventions are needed to explore and address stigma in more detail.
Determining epithelial contribution to in vivo mesenchymal tumour expression signature using species-specific microarray profiling analysis of xenografts
Authors: PURDOM E. , RESTALL C. , BUSUTTIL R. A. , SCHLUTER H. , BOUSSIOUTAS A. , THOMPSON E. W. , ANDERSON R. L. , SPEED T. P. , HAVIV I. 
Published: March 2013

SummaryGene expression profiling using microarrays and xenograft transplants of human cancer cell lines are both popular tools to investigate human cancer. However, the undefined degree of cross hybridization between the mouse and human genomes hinders the use of microarrays to characterize gene expression of both the host and the cancer cell within the xenograft. Since an increasingly recognized aspect of cancer is the host response (or cancer–stroma interaction), we describe here a bioinformatic manipulation of the Affymetrix profiling that allows interrogation of the gene expression of both the mouse host and the human tumour. Evidence of microenvironmental regulation of epithelial mesenchymal transition of the tumour component in vivo is resolved against a background of mesenchymal gene expression. This tool could allow deeper insight to the mechanism of action of anti-cancer drugs, as typically novel drug efficacy is being tested in xenograft systems.