bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Monoclonal gammopathy and other serum protein electrophoresis patterns in patients with HIV infection in South Africa
Authors: van Vuuren M J , Zemlin A E , Germishuys J J 
Published: June 2010

Background Monoclonal gammopathy has been noted with increased frequency in patients with HIV infection compared with the general population. The prevalence in patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART) has not been widely investigated. The present study aims to describe the prevalence and characteristics of monoclonal proteins in a population of HIV-infected patients in the Western Cape region of South Africa. Methods Clinical information and blood and urine samples were collected from patients with proven HIV infection attending two clinics in the Western Cape. Serum protein electrophoresis was performed on all patients using agarose gel. Those with visible mono- or oligoclonal bands or increased gamma fractions were subjected to immunofixation electrophoresis. Results Three hundred and sixty-eight patients were included in the study with a mean age of 37.7 y. Of these patients, 326 were on ART for a mean duration of 19.6 months. Monoclonal bands were found in 12 patients (3.2%) and oligoclonal bands in 14 (3.8%). These bands were associated with a shorter duration of ART, increased total protein, acute on chronic phase pattern on electrophoresis and an increased gamma fraction, but not associated with CD4 count and viral load. The majority were of low concentration and of the IgG isotype. Conclusion Our study confirms that the prevalence of monoclonal and oligoclonal bands is higher in this HIV-positive cohort on ART compared with that of the general population. However, the prevalence is lower than previously reported in other studies.
Limb reconstruction using circular frames in children and adolescents with spina bifida
Authors: Kelley S. P. , Bache C. E. , Graham H. Kerr , Donnan L. T. 
Published: June 2010

We report the outcome of 28 patients with spina bifida who between 1989 and 2006 underwent 43 lower extremity deformity corrections using the Ilizarov technique. The indications were a flexion deformity of the knee in 13 limbs, tibial rotational deformity in 11 and foot deformity in 19. The mean age at operation was 12.3 years (5.2 to 20.6). Patients had a mean of 1.6 previous operations (0 to 5) on the affected limb. The mean duration of treatment with a frame was 9.4 weeks (3 to 26) and the mean follow-up was 4.4 years (1 to 9). There were 12 problems (27.9%), five obstacles (11.6%) and 13 complications (30.2%) in the 43 procedures. Further operations were needed in seven patients. Three knees had significant recurrence of deformity. Two tibiae required further surgery for recurrence. All feet were plantigrade and braceable. We conclude that the Ilizarov technique offers a refreshing approach to the complex lower-limb deformity in spina bifida.
Total ankle replacement
Authors: Wood P. L. R. , Karski M. T. , Watmough P. 
Published: June 2010

We describe the early results of a prospective study of 100 total ankle replacements (96 patients) at a single centre using the Mobility Total Ankle Replacement. At final review, six patients had died and five ankles (5%) had been revised, two by fusion and three by exchange of components. All remaining patients were reviewed at a minimum of three years. The mean follow-up was 43 months (4 to 63). The three-year survival was 97% (95% confidence interval (CI) 91 to 99). The four-year survival was 93.6% (95% CI 84.7 to 97.4). The portion of bony interface that was visible on plain radiograph was divided into 15 zones and a radiolucent line or osteolytic cavity was seen in one zone in 14 ankles. It was not seen in more than one zone. In five ankles it was > 10 mm in width. This study suggests that the early outcome of ankle replacement is comparable to that of other total joint replacements.
Surface properties of eucalyptus pulp fibres as reinforcement of cement-based composites
Authors: Denzin Tonoli Gustavo Henrique , de Souza Almeida Alessandra Etuko Feuzicana , Pereira-da-Silva Marcelo Assumpção , Bassa Alexandre , Oyakawa Danilo , Savastano Holmer 
Published: June 2010

Abstract
The objective of the present work is to evaluate the effects of the surface properties of unrefined eucalyptus pulp fibres concerning their performance in cement-based composites. The influence of the fibre surface on the microstructure of fibre-cement composites was evaluated after accelerated ageing cycles, which simulate natural weathering. The surface of unbleached pulp is a thin layer that is rich in cellulose, lignin, hemicelluloses, and extractives. Such a layer acts as a physical and chemical barrier to the penetration of low molecular components of cement. The unbleached fibres are less hydrophilic than the bleached ones. Bleaching removes the amorphous lignin and extractives from the surface and renders it more permeable to liquids. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) helps in understanding the fibre-cement interface. Bleaching improved the fibre-cement interfacial bonding, whereas fibres in the unbleached pulp were less susceptible to the re-precipitation of cement hydration products into the fibre cavities (lumens). Therefore, unbleached fibres can improve the long-term performance of the fibre-cement composite owing to their delayed mineralization.
Sleeping during the day: effects on the 24-h patterns of IGF-binding protein 1, insulin, glucose, cortisol, and growth hormone
Authors: Rehman Javaid-ur , Brismar Kerstin , Holmbäck Ulf , Åkerstedt Torbjörn , Axelsson John 
Published: June 2010

BackgroundDisturbed sleep is a major risk factor for metabolic disturbances, including type 2 diabetes, but the involved mechanisms are still poorly understood. We investigated how an acute shift of sleep to the daytime affected IGF-binding protein 1 (IGFBP1), which is a risk factor for diabetes.MethodsSeven healthy men (age, 22–32 years) participated in a night sleep condition (sleep 2300–0700 h) and a day sleep condition (0700–1500 h) with hourly blood samples taken for 25 h (starting at 1900 h) and isocaloric meals every 4th hour awake. The blood samples were analyzed for IGFBP1, insulin, GH, glucose, and cortisol.ResultThe acute shift of sleep and meal timing (to 8 h) shifted the 24-h patterns of IGFBP1, glucose, insulin, and GH to a similar degree. However, the day sleep condition also resulted in elevated levels of IGFBP1 (area under curve (AUC)+22%, P<0.05), and reduced glucose levels (AUC−7%, P<0.05) compared with nocturnal sleep. Sleeping during the day resulted in elevated cortisol levels during early sleep and reduced levels in late sleep, but also in increased levels the subsequent evening (P's<0.05).ConclusionSleep-fasting seems to be the primary cause for the elevation of IGFBP1, irrespective of sleep timing. However, sleeping during the day resulted in higher levels of IGFBP1 than nocturnal sleep, suggesting altered metabolism among healthy individuals, which may have implications for other groups with altered sleep/eating habits such as shift workers. Moreover, sleep and meal times should be accounted for while interpreting IGFBP1 samples.
No correlation between mandibular and non-mandibular measurements in osteoporotic men
Authors: Çakur Binali , Dağistan Saadettin , Sümbüllü Muhammed Akif 
Published: June 2010

Background: Screening for low bone mineral density (BMD) using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) has been the traditional method for determining osteoporosis. Panoramic radiography is widely used in dentistry. Purpose: To determine the relationships between the values of dental panoramic indices (the mental index (MI), antegonial index (AI), panoramic mandibular index (PMI)) and the values of skeletal BMD (femoral BMD (f-BMD), and vertebral BMD (v-BMD)) in 25 osteoporotic men. Material and Methods: In the panoramic radiographs obtained from a total of 25 male individuals with osteoporosis, the means were calculated for MI, AI, and PMI values measured in the right and left mandible. DXA measurements of the femur and lumbar vertebrae BMD were also calculated. The correlation between these variables was assessed. Results: No correlation was found between the BMD values of the femur and lumbar vertebrae and values of MI, AI, and PMI. Conclusion: No significant correlation was found between the mandibular and non-mandibular measurements in men with osteoporosis. MI, AI, and PMI indices should not be used in the evaluation of the skeletal status, because they are not reliable tools in screening for osteoporosis.
Der Eurocode 2 für Deutschland – Erläuterungen und Hintergründe
Authors: Fingerloos Frank 
Published: June 2010

AbstractDer neue Eurocode 2: “Bemessung und Konstruktion von Stahlbeton‐ und Spannbetontragwerken – Teil 1‐1: Allgemeine Bemessungsregeln und Regeln für den Hochbau” (EC2‐1‐1) mit seinem Nationalen Anhang ist nach einer ausführlichen Erprobungsphase bereit zur bauaufsichtlichen Einführung in Deutschland. In mehreren Beiträgen sollen Erläuterungen und Hintergründe zu einigen Regelungen im Eurocode 2 und zu den Entscheidungen für Regeln im Nationalen Anhang vorgestellt werden, die entweder zu Änderungen gegenüber DIN 1045‐1 oder zu Abweichungen vom Eurocode 2 führten. Teil 2 enthält Erläuterungen zu den Grundlagen der Tragwerksplanung, zur Sicherstellung der Dauerhaftigkeit, zu den Baustoffeigenschaften und zu den Spannungs‐ Dehnungslinien.The Eurocode 2 for Germany – Explanations and Backgrounds Part 2: Basics, Durability, Materials, Stress‐Strain‐RelationshipsThe new Eurocode 2 “Design of concrete structures – Part 1‐1: General rules and rules for buildings” (EC2‐1‐1) and its National Annex has undergone a phase of detailed testing and is now ready for the implementation in Germany. In some articles should be given explanations and backgrounds of some rules in Eurocode 2 and of decisions for rules in the National Annex, which have been taken either to changes compared with DIN 1045‐1 or to differences to Eurocode 2. Article 2 contains explanations for the basis of design, for the durability, for the material properties and for the stress‐strain‐relationships.
ChemInform Abstract: Lipases: Interfacial Enzymes with Attractive Applications
Authors: SCHMID R. D. , VERGER R. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Carbohydrate‐Based Combinatorial Libraries
Authors: SOFIA M. J. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
Identification and characterization of high‐molecular‐weight secalins from triticale seeds by capillary zone electrophoresis
Authors: Salmanowicz Boleslaw P. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractA rapid and reliable method for separation and characterization of the variability of high‐molecular‐weight secalin subunits (HMW‐SS) in hexaploid triticale (× Triticosecale Wittmack) by CZE has been developed. In this method, a mixture of two poly(ethylene oxide) polymers differing in molecular weight and a high concentration of ACN in isoelectric buffer was applied as the running electrolyte. For dynamic coating of the capillary inner wall, a low‐concentration mixture of poly(vinylpyrrolidone) and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose was employed. Wide allelic variations in rye HMW‐SS composition, including some novel x‐ and y‐type HMW‐SS, were detected by CZE. The CZE electropherograms of HMW‐SS showed two groups of peaks in accordance with y‐ and x‐type subunits, with migration times of 8.0–8.8 and 11.0–13.3 min, respectively. HMW‐SS differed in migration times from the simultaneously resolved HMW glutenin subunits, but frequently had very similar electrophoretic mobilities during separation by SDS‐PAGE. Each of the two rye subunits 2r and 6.5r detected by SDS‐PAGE represents in fact two subunits (5.1r or 5.2r, and 6.4r or 6.5r, respectively). After analyzing 106 European triticale cultivars, 12 HMW‐SS were identified (six x‐type and six y‐type). They form six allelic variants of these subunits. The simultaneous separation and identification of triticale HMW glutenin and secalin subunits by CZE is an efficient alternative to SDS‐PAGE and should facilitate breeding of valuable cultivars.
Development of CE–dual opposite carbon‐fiber micro‐disk electrode detection for peak purity assessment of polyphenols in red wine
Authors: Du Fuying , Fung Ying Sing 
Published: June 2010

AbstractA new dual opposite carbon‐fiber micro‐disk electrode detector was fabricated and tested for hyphenation with CE in the polyphenol determination. Under optimized conditions, CE–dual opposite carbon‐fiber micro‐disk electrode was found able to baseline separate and determine five important polyphenols (trans‐resveratrol, (+)‐catechin, (−)‐epicatechin, quercetin and gallic acid) in red wine within 16 min with low detection limit (0.031–0.21 mg/L) and satisfactory repeatability (2.0–3.3% RSD, n=5). The opposite dual electrode enables simultaneous determination of CE eluents for current ratio measured at +0.8 and +1.0 V versus Ag/AgCl for the peak purity assessment. The capability to identify the presence of co‐migrating impurities in given polyphenol peaks was demonstrated in a mixed standard solution with overlapping (+)‐catechin and (−)‐epicatechin peaks and in commercial red wine with unknown impurities and confirming the reliability for polyphenol quantitation in red wine with matching migration time and current ratio.
Determination of endocrine disruptors in honey by CZE‐MS using restricted access materials for matrix cleanup
Authors: Rodríguez‐Gonzalo Encarnación , Domínguez‐Álvarez Javier , García‐Gómez Diego , García‐Jiménez María‐Guadalupe , Carabias‐Martínez Rita 
Published: June 2010

AbstractAn analytical method based on CZE coupled to ESI‐MS is proposed for the identification and simultaneous quantification of several endocrine‐disrupting chemicals in honey. The target compounds were the chlorophenols: 2,4‐dichlorophenol, 2,4,5‐trichlorophenol and pentachlorophenol, and bisphenol‐A, 4‐tert‐butylphenol, and 4‐tert‐butylbenzoic acid. A two‐step optimization of the ESI‐MS detection was carried out. First, the organic solvent present in the sheath liquid was selected and its effect on the analytical signal was studied. The best results in terms of the intensity of the MS signals were obtained with methanol. Thus, an experimental design technique (Doehlert type) was used for the optimization of the other parameters: the NH3 concentration in the sheath liquid, the flow of the sheath liquid, the nebulizer pressure in ESI, and the drying gas temperature and flow. Here, we developed a new sample treatment based on the combined use of a restricted access material and a polymeric sorbent for SPE. The LOD achieved were in the range of 5–31 ng/g. The intraday precision of the proposed method was determined from replicate analyses (n=4) at a concentration level of 50 ng/g, with RSD values in the range of 15–23%. The results revealed that the proposed method is suitable for the reliable quantification of endocrine‐disrupting chemicals in honey at nanograms per gram levels.
Determination of melatonin in wine and plant extracts by capillary electrochromatography with immobilized carboxylic multi‐walled carbon nanotubes as stationary phase
Authors: Stege Patricia W. , Sombra Lorena L. , Messina Germán , Martinez Luis D. , Silva María F. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractThe finding of melatonin, the often called “hormone of darkness” in plants opens an interesting perspective associated to the plethora of health benefits related to the moderate consumption of red wine. In this study, the implementation of a new method for the determination of melatonin in complex food matrices by CEC with immobilized carboxylic multi‐walled carbon nanotubes as stationary phase is demonstrated. The results indicated high electrochromatographic resolution, good capillary efficiencies and improved sensitivity respect to those obtained with conventional capillaries. In addition, it was demonstrated highly reproducible results between runs, days and columns. The LOD for melatonin was 0.01 ng/mL. The method was successfully applied to the determination of melatonin in red and white wine, grape skin and plant extracts of Salvia officinalis L.
CE and CEC of nucleosides and nucleotides in food materials
Authors: Chen Xiao‐Jia , Yang Feng‐Qing , Wang Yi‐Tao , Li Shao‐Ping 
Published: June 2010

AbstractDietary nucleosides and nucleotides play an important role in the maintenance of functions of bone marrow hematopoietic cells, intestinal mucosa, and brain. Therefore, analysis of those compounds in food is very important for improving and assuring food quality. This review summarized the application of CE and CEC in the analysis of nucleosides and nucleotides in food. The sample preparation and detection are also discussed.
On‐line preconcentration for the determination of aflatoxins in rice samples by micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography with laser‐induced fluorescence detection
Authors: Arroyo‐Manzanares Natalia , Gámiz‐Gracia Laura , García‐Campaña Ana M. , Soto‐Chinchilla Jorge J. , García‐Ayuso Luis Enrique 
Published: June 2010

AbstractMEKC coupling with LIF detection has been used for the determination of four aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1 and G2). Separations were performed in an uncoated fused‐silica capillary (70 cm×75 μm id, 55 cm effective length), using 20 mM borate buffer with 30 mM SDS (pH 8.5) and 7% ACN. In order to increase sensitivity, an on‐line preconcentration procedure was applied, based on sweeping, using the same separation buffer without SDS as solvent of the sample. The precision of the method was evaluated in terms of repeatability and intermediate precision and the results were acceptable in all cases (RSD<12%). With the on‐line preconcentration LODs (obtained as 3×S/N) were as low as 0.11, 0.52, 0.04 and 0.10 μg/L for G2, G1, B2 and B1, respectively. Recovery studies were developed with extracts of rice samples spiked with aflatoxins, being in the range between 93.0 and 105.4%. The method has also been applied to the determination of aflatoxins in rice samples, and the results compared with those obtained by a standard method, being in good agreement.
Hydrogels for the Detection and Management of Protease Levels
Authors: Patrick Alison G. , Ulijn Rein V. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractThe design of hydrogels that simultaneously report protease activity and remove excess protease from solution is elucidated. The hydrogels, based on amino‐PEGA, combine enzyme‐specific peptides flanked with FRET complimented by charged amino acid residues that facilitate protease uptake via short range electrostatic interactions. Enzymatic response was analysed using a combination of fluorescence spectroscopy, two‐photon microscopy and UV/Vis spectroscopy. An optimised elastase‐responsive hydrogel resulted in lowering of elastase levels below those typical of chronic wounds. The versatility of the modular‐design approach was demonstrated by development of matrix metalloprotease and chymotrypsin sensitive systems.magnified image
Understanding the Ring‐Opening Reaction of α‐Amino Acid N‐Carboxyanhydride in an Amine‐Mediated Living Polymerization: A DFT Study
Authors: Ling Jun , Huang Yanxin 
Published: June 2010

AbstractThe primary‐amine‐initiated polymerization of α‐amino acid N‐carboxyanhydride (NCA) is a widely‐used and promising way to synthesize polypeptide‐involved materials with various applications. The nucleophilic attack mechanism, also known as normal amine mechanism of ring opening reaction of NCA is investigated in detail by means of the DFT calculation in this work. Three steps, i.e., addition, ring opening and decarboxylation are discussed. The addition of C5 carbonyl group of NCA by NH2 group of initiator requires the highest activation energy (≈60 kcal · mol−1) and is regarded as the rate‐determining step. These results are compatible with the experimental studies reported previously and provide an inside view of the normal amine mechanism.magnified image
Synthesis of Optically Active Polymer with P‐Stereogenic Phosphine Units
Authors: Morisaki Yasuhiro , Suzuki Kentaro , Imoto Hiroaki , Chujo Yoshiki 
Published: June 2010

AbstractOptically active polymer containing P‐stereogenic bisphosphine as a repeating unit in the main was successfully synthesized. A coordinated borane on the phosphorus atom could be completely removed by an organic base under mild condition, and the successive reaction with Pd afforded the corresponding polymer complex. The chirality of P‐stereogenic centers was transferred to the m‐phenylene‐ethynylene linkers by complexation because of the prohibition of the rotary motion of the bisphosphine‐Pd unit.
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Size‐Dependent Interfacial Tension of Polymer Blends with Broad Composition Polydispersity
Authors: Groenewold Jan , Remerie Klaas 
Published: June 2010

AbstractThe surface tension as a function of system size of a pure blend with chemically polydisperse compatibilizer is investigated by simulation. The main finding is that such compatibilizers adsorb readily at the interface between the bulk phases giving rise to very broad interfacial zones. This phenomenon leads to a marked size dependence of the interfacial tension. However the adsorption only leads to a decrease of 40% of the interfacial tension of the blend without compatibilizer. The limited effect on interfacial tension is explained by the observation that a considerable fraction of the compatibilizing chains do not contribute to the interfacial tension, instead these chains become part of an inhomogeneous phase with extensive thermodynamic properties.magnified image
Stress‐strain‐time‐birefringence relations in photoelastic plastics with creep
Authors: Amba‐Rao Chintakindi L. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractThe above is an exploratory study started in September 1961 with a view to solving the time dependent stress and strain distributions in structural problems through optical model analysis. The present analysis, however, is restricted to monotonically increasing uniaxial loading. Finally, “optical creep parallels mechanical creep” is the basis on which this analysis is built.
Dynamic birefringence of amorphous polymers
Authors: Read B. E. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractThe principles underlying the dynamic birefringence method are outlined, giving particular emphasis to the use of this technique in investigating the molecular mechanism of relaxation in amorphous polymers. Data are presented for amorphous polyacetaldehyde in the frequency range 1‐20 cycles/sec. and temperature range 0 to −25°C. The results are discussed and compared briefly with dielectric data for poly‐acetaldehyde and also with earlier dynamic birefringence data obtained for polymethyl‐acrylate.
Investigation of polymer order by X‐ray diffraction
Authors: Roldan L. G. , Rahl F. , Paterson A. R. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractThe determination of per cent crystallinity in polymers by x‐ray diffraction techniques is generally based on a two‐phase system. Complications arise when intermediate phases are present reducing the significance of the value obtained, To overcome this difficulty, a procedure is described which yields the maximum information from the x‐ray diagram of a polymer. The use of this procedure with oriented nylon 6 establishes the presence of a paracrystalline a phase. The effect of this phase on the density of oriented materials is emphasized. In conclusion, it is suggested that crystallinity, as a degree of order, can best be represented as a tensor rather than a scalar property.