bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of allergens and airborne fungi in low and middle‐income homes of primary school children in Durban, South Africa
Authors: Jafta Nkosana , Batterman Stuart A. , Gqaleni Nceba , Naidoo Rajen N. , Robins Thomas G. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe South Durban Health Study (SDHS) is a population‐based study that examined the relationship between exposure to ambient air pollutants and respiratory disease among school children with high prevalence of asthma who resided in two purposely selected communities in north and south Durban, KwaZulu‐Natal, South Africa.MethodsFrom the SDHS participants, a subgroup of 135 families was selected for investigation of household characteristics potentially related to respiratory health. In these households, a walkthrough investigation was conducted, and settled dust and air samples were collected for allergen and fungal measurements using standardized techniques.ResultsAsp f1 allergen was detected in all homes, and Bla g1 allergen was detected in half of the homes. House dust allergens, Der f1 and Der p1 exceeded concentrations associated with risk of sensitization and exacerbation of asthma in 3% and 13%, respectively, of the sampled homes, while Bla g1 exceeded guidance values in 13% of the homes. Although airborne fungal concentrations in sleep areas and indoors were lower than outdoor concentrations, they exceeded 1,000 CFU/m3 in 29% of the homes. Multivariate analyses identified several home characteristics that were predictors of airborne fungal concentrations, including moisture, ventilation, floor type, and bedding type. Airborne fungal concentrations were similar indoors and outdoors, which likely reduced the significance of housing and indoor factors as determinants of indoor concentrations.ConclusionAllergen concentrations were highly variable in homes, and a portion of the variability can be attributed to easily recognized conditions. Am. J. Ind. Med. 55:1110–1121, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis and Evaluation of Human Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitory Activities of Some 3,5‐Diaryl‐N‐substituted‐4,5‐dihydro‐1H‐pyrazole‐1‐carbothioamide Derivatives
Authors: Şentürk Kerem , Tan Oya Unsal , Çiftçi Samiye Yabanoğlu , Uçar Gülberk , Palaska Erhan 
Published: June 2012

AbstractSixteen 3‐aryl‐5‐(4‐fluorophenyl)‐N‐substituted‐4,5‐dihydro‐1H‐pyrazole‐1‐carbothioamide derivatives were synthesized and their structure were identified by UV, IR, 1H NMR, mass spectra, and microanalyses. The compounds were evaluated in vitro for their human monoamine oxidase (hMAO) inhibitory activities and their MAO‐A and ‐B selectivity. All the compounds were found to potently inhibit MAO‐A isoforms. 5‐(4‐Fluorophenyl)‐3‐(4‐methoxyphenyl)‐N‐methyl‐4,5‐dihydro‐1H‐pyrazole‐1‐carbothioamide (1.0 × 10−3 µM) was found to inhibit hMAO‐A most selectively and potently. The binding mode of 5‐(4‐fluorophenyl)‐3‐(4‐methoxyphenyl)‐N‐methyl‐4,5‐dihydro‐1H‐pyrazole‐1‐carbothioamide to hMAO‐A was also predicted using docking studies.
Efficient determination of purine metabolites in brain tissue and serum by high‐performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical and UV detection
Authors: Burdett Thomas C. , Desjardins Cody A. , Logan Robert , McFarland Nikolaus R. , Chen Xiqun , Schwarzschild Michael A. 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACTThe purine metabolic pathway has been implicated in neurodegeneration and neuroprotection. High‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is widely used to determine purines and metabolites. However, methods for analysis of multiple purines in a single analysis have not been standardized, especially in brain tissue. We report the development and validation of a reversed‐phase HPLC method combining electrochemical and UV detection after a short gradient run to measure seven purine metabolites (adenosine, guanosine, inosine, guanine, hypoxanthine, xanthine and urate) from the entire purine metabolic pathway. The limit of detection (LoD) for each analyte was determined. The LoD using UV absorption was 0.001 mg/dL for hypoxanthine (Hyp), inosine (Ino), guanosine (Guo) and adenosine (Ado), and those using coulometric electrodes were 0.001 mg/dL for guanine (Gua), 0.0001 mg/dL for urate (UA) and 0.0005 mg/dL for xanthine (Xan). The intra‐ and inter‐day coefficient of variance was generally <8%. Using this method, we determined basal levels of these metabolites in mouse brain and serum, as well as in post‐mortem human brain. Peak identities were confirmed by enzyme degradation. Spike recovery was performed to assess accuracy. All recoveries fell within 80–120%. Our HPLC method provides a sensitive, rapid, reproducible and low‐cost method for determining multiple purine metabolites in a single analysis in serum and brain specimens. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Laminar‐Flow Microfluidic Device for Quantitative Analysis of Microbial Electrochemical Activity
Authors: Li Zhongjian , Venkataraman Arvind , Rosenbaum Miriam A. , Angenent Largus T. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractWe report a laminar flow‐based microfluidic bioelectrochemical system (BES) that was fabricated by using polydimethyl siloxane (PDMS) channels and gold electrodes. The microfluidic BES was operated as a potentiostatically controlled two‐electrode system. A pure culture of Geobacter sulfurreducens strain PCA, which is a model electrode‐respiring bacterium, was grown in the channel and respired with the electrode under strict anaerobic conditions. We took advantage of the short hydraulic retention time (≈2 min) and response times (<21 min) to rapidly test the effect of certain chemical stimuli, such as O2 and anthraquinone disulfide (AQDS), on electric current production by G. sulfurreducens. The results showed that: i) short‐term (2 min) exposure to O2‐saturated solution did not cause any irreversible toxicity to G. sulfurreducens, and ii) AQDS can be used as a redox mediator by G. sulfurreducens for shuttling electrons between the microbe and the electrode. We, therefore, demonstrate that the microfluidic BES is a promising research tool for gaining insight into microbial electrochemical activity. In our two‐dimensional microfluidic‐based research tool, a well‐defined electrochemical environment can be maintained with the help of laminar flow without a membrane to separate two electrodes.
Microbial Fuel Cells for Robotics: Energy Autonomy through Artificial Symbiosis
Authors: Ieropoulos Ioannis A. , Greenman John , Melhuish Chris , Horsfield Ian 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe development of the microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology has seen an enormous growth over the last hundred years since its inception by Potter in 1911. The technology has reached a level of maturity that it is now considered to be a field in its own right with a growing scientific community. The highest level of activity has been recorded over the last decade and it is perhaps considered commonplace that MFCs are primarily suitable for stationary, passive wastewater treatment applications. Sceptics have certainly not considered MFCs as serious contenders in the race for developing renewable energy technologies. Yet this is the only type of alternative system that can convert organic waste—widely distributed around the globe—directly into electricity, and therefore, the only technology that will allow artificial agents to autonomously operate in a plethora of environments. This Minireview describes the history and current state‐of‐the‐art regarding MFCs in robotics and their vital role in artificial symbiosis and autonomy. Furthermore, the article demonstrates how pursuing practical robotic applications can provide insights of the core MFC technology in general.
Characterization of the aromatic profile of the Quebranta variety of Peruvian pisco by gas chromatography–olfactometry and chemical analysis
Authors: Cacho Juan , Culleré Laura , Moncayo Liliana , Palma Juan Carlos , Ferreira Vicente 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACTTwenty‐one commercial pisco samples made with Quebranta grapes from four different geographical areas in Peru have been evaluated by gas chromatography–olfactometry (GC‐O) and chemical quantitative analysis. The GC‐O study revealed that the Peruvian pisco from the Quebranta grape variety has a relatively simple aroma profile formed by 22 odorants, all of which could be identified. Most of the odorants are fermentation related, while guaiacol, β‐damascenone, geraniol and linalool come from the grape. The chemical analysis of the volatiles of these samples has shown a volatile profile quite typical of a wine distillate, with not very high but perceptible levels of linalool and β‐damascenone (up to 46 µg/l). Some of the samples contained also very high levels of β‐phenylethyl acetate and β‐phenylethanol (up to 13 mg/l and 72 mg/l, respectively), which arises as key aroma compounds potentially responsible for deep sensory differences between samples. In fact, the differential sensory character of piscos from the Moquegua region can be explained by the lowest levels of β‐phenylethyl acetate, β‐phenylethanol, β‐damascenone and linalool and also by the highest level of ethyl acetate. In general, differences linked to the geographical area are not very big, although results suggest that the difference could be enough for classification. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anwendung von Rasengitterplatten auf geneigten Flächen als Erosionsschutzsystem im Zuge der Böschungssicherung an der Steilküste von Lohme auf Rügen
Authors: Feuerbach Johannes , Lauterbach Manuel 
Published: June 2012

AbstractDie Zunahme von Extremwetterereignissen führt vermehrt zu Erosionsschäden an Hängen und Böschungen. Daher werden zwischenzeitlich hochbelastbare Rasengittersysteme auf geneigten Flächen bis 50° Neigung in einfacher Bauweise eingebaut und in ein ökologisches und langfristig wirksames Erosionsschutzkonzept integriert. Durch den praxiserprobten Einsatz auf erosionsgefährdeten Hängen und Böschungen, Damm‐ und Einschnittsböschungen, Deich‐ und Uferböschungen an Still‐ und Fließgewässern und Böschungen von Versickerungs‐ und Regenrückhaltebecken hat sich die innovative Sicherungsmethode ein breites Einsatzgebiet im Erd‐ und Wasserbau erschlossen. Im Beitrag wird die Anwendung des Erosionsschutzsystems im Zuge der Böschungssicherung an der bebauten Steilküste in der Ortslage von Lohme auf Nord‐Rügen erläutert.Application of grass grid tiles at bent surfaces as an erosion control system in course of slope protection at the steep coast of Lohme on Island RuegenIncrease of extreme weather events leads to rising damages on slopes caused by erosion. Hence it is now possible to install high‐strength grass grids easy‐to‐install at bent surfaces up to 50° inclination and to integrate it in an ecological and a durable effective erosion control system. Well‐tested in practical applications on erosion‐dangered slopes, dam and cutting slopes, dyke and bank slopes around still and moving bodies of water and slopes of infiltration basins and rain retention basins the innovative method has opened a broad field of application in earthworks and water‐engineering. In the text the application of the erosion control system in the course of slope protection at the built‐over steep coast in the village of Lohme in Northern Ruegen (Mecklenburg‐Vorpommern, Germany) is described.
Retracted: An Empirical Study of an Internet Marketing Strategy for Search Engine Optimization
Authors: Shih Bih‐Yaw , Chen Chen‐Yuan , Chen Zih‐Siang 
Published: June 2012

AbstractOver the past few years, more and more Internet visitors are reaching websites through search engines rather than through direct links from another web page. Search engines have come to occupy a prominent position in the online world and are being used to find all kinds of information including things, events, people, and places. The search engine is also coming to play a greater role as a critical link between firms that use the Internet to build their image and find their target customers. How to achieve a high ranking in such search results given certain search words or phrases has become an issue of much interest in Internet marketing. The purpose of the current study is to develop a search engine optimization (SEO) mechanism that can be used by an enterprise to improve the ranking of its website in the search engine results. Social networking sites are included in our exploration of Internet marketing strategy. The proposed mechanism is then applied in the operations of an online ebook store. The website rankings obtained from two well‐known online search engines (Google and Yahoo) are evaluated in efforts to explore a better strategy to ensure higher rankings. The results reveal that a well‐designed SEO strategy, with the incorporation of social networking, can effectively enhance the website's visibility and exposure. Such a strategy will eventually contribute to overall site traffic and improve interaction with customers. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Harmonisation of European Insolvency Law and the Need to Tackle Two Common Problems: Common Pool and Anticommons
Authors: de Weijs Rolef J. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractInsolvency law has finally become a field of law for which harmonisation at a European level is considered both important and feasible. In deciding upon the content of such harmonised rules, there will need to be a common understanding about the goals of insolvency law and, therefore, a European debate on bankruptcy theory. Bankruptcy theory, and most notably the influential creditors' bargain theory, has long viewed insolvency law as a set of rules for overcoming common pool problems. Bankruptcy theory thus far has almost completely overlooked anticommons problems. Anticommons present themselves in a situation in which there are several owners or entitled parties, and each of the parties has it within its power to block the use by others. Should anticommons behaviour in insolvency procedures go unchecked, creditors as a whole will be harmed. Insolvency is a collective process, and this process may not be sabotaged by a single party. Four typical insolvency issues, each identified by INSOL Europe as a candidate for harmonisation at a European level, are discussed, analysing them in terms of common pool problems and anticommons: preferences, reorganisation/composition plans, claim validation and insolvency of a group of companies. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of hepatic adenoma and focal nodular hyperplasia with gadoxetic acid
Authors: Mohajer Kiyarash , Frydrychowicz Alex , Robbins Jessica B. , Loeffler Agnes G. , Reed Thomas D. , Reeder Scott B. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractPurpose:To characterize imaging features of histologically proven hepatic adenoma (HA) as well as histologically and/or radiologically proven focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) using delayed hepatobiliary MR imaging with 0.05 mmol/kg gadoxetic acid.Materials and Methods:Five patients with six HAs with histological correlation were retrospectively identified on liver MRI studies performed with gadoxetic acid, and T1‐weighted imaging acquired during the delayed hepatobiliary phase. Additionally, 23 patients with 34 radiologically diagnosed FNH lesions (interpreted without consideration of delayed imaging) were identified, two of which also had histological confirmation. Signal intensity ratios relative to adjacent liver were measured on selected imaging sequences.Results:All six hepatic adenomas (100%), which had histological confirmation, demonstrated hypointensity relative to adjacent liver on delayed imaging. Furthermore, all of the FNH (including 34 radiologically proven, 2 of which were also histologically proven) were either hyperintense (23/34, 68%) or isointense (11/34, 32%) relative to the adjacent liver on delayed imaging. None of the FNHs were hypointense relative to liver.Conclusion:Distinct imaging characteristics of HA versus FNH on delayed gadoxetic acid‐enhanced MRI, with adenomas being hypointense and FNH being iso‐ or hyperintense on delayed imaging may improve specificity for characterization, and aid in the differentiation of these two lesions. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;36:686–696. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Low‐level laser therapy in collagenase‐induced Achilles tendinitis in rats: Analyses of biochemical and biomechanical aspects
Authors: Marcos Rodrigo Labat , Leal‐Junior Ernesto Cesar Pinto , Arnold Gilles , Magnenet Vincent , Rahouadj Rachid , Wang Xiong , Demeurie Frank , Magdalou Jacques , de Carvalho Maria Helena Catelli , Lopes‐Martins Rodrigo Álvaro Brandão 
Published: June 2012

AbstractNSAIDs are widely prescribed and used over the years to treat tendon injuries despite its well‐known long‐term side effects. In the last years several animal and human trials have shown that low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) presents modulatory effects on inflammatory markers, however the mechanisms involved are not fully understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the short‐term effects of LLLT or sodium diclofenac treatments on biochemical markers and biomechanical properties of inflamed Achilles tendons. Wistar rats Achilles tendons (n = 6/group) were injected with saline (control) or collagenase at peritendinous area of Achilles tendons. After 1 h animals were treated with two different doses of LLLT (810 nm, 1 and 3 J) at the sites of the injections, or with intramuscular sodium diclofenac. Regarding biochemical analyses, LLLT significantly decreased (p < 0.05) COX‐2, TNF‐α, MMP‐3, MMP‐9, and MMP‐13 gene expression, as well as prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production when compared to collagenase group. Interestingly, diclofenac treatment only decreased PGE2 levels. Biomechanical properties were preserved in the laser‐treated groups when compared to collagenase and diclofenac groups. We conclude that LLLT was able to reduce tendon inflammation and to preserve tendon resistance and elasticity. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:1945–1951, 2012
Reflux esophagitis increased the risk of bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis: A 3‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Kang Jiunn‐Horng , Keller Joseph J. , Chen Yi‐Kuang , Lin Herng‐Ching 
Published: June 2012

AbstractAimsReflux esophagitis (RE) is a common disease which has been recognized to be associated with several medical co‐morbidities. However, the association between RE and bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC) is still unknown. The present study aimed to explore the association between these two diseases.MethodsWe identified 8,962 female patients who had received a diagnosis of RE as the study cohort. We randomly selected 44,810 subjects to be included as the comparison cohort. Each patient in this study was individually tracked for a 3‐year period to identify those who subsequently received a diagnosis of BPS/IC. Cox proportional hazards regressions were carried out to estimate the 3‐year risk of BPS/IC following a diagnosis of RE.ResultsThe incidence of BPS/IC following a diagnosis of RE was 4.3% during the follow‐up period for all subjects. The incidence rate of BPS/IC was 2.38 [95% confidence interval (CI): 2.21–2.57] per 100 person‐years in patients with RE, and 1.24 (95% CI: 1.18–1.30) per 100 person‐years in controls. Cox proportional analysis indicated that the hazard ratio (HR) of BPS/IC for patients with RE was 2.00 (95% CI = 1.82–2.20, P < 0.001) that of controls. The adjusted HR of BPS/IC for patients with RE was 1.40 (95% CI = 1.27–1.55, P < 0.001) after taking age group, urbanization level, and medical comorbidity into consideration.ConclusionWe found that patients with RE were at a higher risk than with comparison patients for having been subsequently diagnosed with BPS/IC during longitudinal follow‐up. Neurourol. Urodynam. 32: 271–275, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Long‐term effects of pelvic floor muscle training with vaginal cone in post‐menopausal women with urinary incontinence: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Pereira Vanessa Santos , de Melo Mariana Vieira , Correia Grasiéla Nascimento , Driusso Patricia 
Published: June 2012

AbstractAimsThe findings are limited about the long‐term effects of treatment with vaginal cones in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). The aim of this study was to investigate the long‐term effects of vaginal cones and pelvic floor muscle training in post‐menopausal women with SUI.MethodsThis randomized controlled trial included 45 post‐menopausal women with SUI. They were randomly allocated in three groups: vaginal cones (VC, n = 15), pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT, n = 15), and control group (CG, n = 15). Women in VC and PFMT groups were treated for 6 weeks with twice weekly sessions. Women in VC group carried out the pelvic floor muscle strengthening with vaginal cones. The CG did not receive any treatment during the corresponding time. Women were evaluated before treatment, at the end, 3 and 12 months after treatment completion for primary outcome (urinary leakage) and secondary outcomes (pelvic floor muscle strength, quality of life, satisfaction with treatment, and continuity of training).ResultsThere was a significant decrease of urinary leakage in the VC and PFMT group comparing values at the end of treatment, 3 and 12 months to baseline values. There were no differences between VC and PFMT group in primary outcome in any evaluations.ConclusionsTreatments with and without vaginal cones can promote positive long‐term effects on urinary leakage, pelvic floor muscle strength and quality of life in post‐menopausal women with SUI in 6 weeks. Neurourol. Urodynam. 32: 48–52, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bony pelvis dimensions in women with and without stress urinary incontinence
Authors: Berger Mitchell B. , Doumouchtsis Stergios K. , DeLancey John O. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractAimsTo test the null hypothesis that bony pelvis dimensions are similar in women with and without stress urinary incontinence (SUI), both in the postpartum and midlife periods.MethodsSecondary analyses were performed of two case–control studies comparing women with SUI to asymptomatic controls. One study examined primiparas in the first 9–12 months postpartum; the other study involved middle‐aged women. SUI was confirmed by full‐bladder stress test. All subjects underwent pelvic magnetic resonance imaging. The interspinous and intertuberous diameters, subpubic angle, and sacrococcygeal joint‐to‐the inferior pubic point distance were measured from the images independently by two authors.ResultsIn the young cohorts, we compared primiparas with de novo postpartum SUI to both continent primiparas and nulliparas. Postpartum SUI is associated with a wider subpubic angle. There is also a trend towards wider interspinous and intertuberous diameters in the stress‐incontinent primiparas as compared to the continent cohorts, although this did not reach statistical significance with our sample sizes. By contrast, no significant differences in bony pelvis dimensions were identified when comparing middle‐aged women with SUI and their continent controls.ConclusionsBony pelvis dimensions are different in women with SUI than in matched continent controls. However, these differences are only identified in young primiparas in the postpartum period, not in middle‐aged women. Neurourol. Urodynam. 32: 37–42, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.