bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rapid salivary pepsin test: Blinded assessment of test performance in gastroesophageal reflux disease
Authors: Saritas Yuksel Elif , Hong Shih‐Kuang S. , Strugala Vicki , Slaughter James C. , Goutte Marion , Garrett C. Gaelyn , Dettmar Peter W. , Vaezi Michael F. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractObjective/Hypothesis:Pepsin lateral flow device (LFD) is a rapid noninvasive test to detect salivary pepsin as a surrogate marker for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). We aimed to establish the test sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV, NPV) in patients with symptomatic and objective evidence of GERD compared to healthy controls.Study Design:Prospective, blinded, controlled cohort study.Methods:A total of 230 samples were analyzed. In vitro bench testing was conducted on 52 gastric juice and 54 sterile water samples to assess test sensitivity and specificity. Saliva was collected from 58 patients with GERD and 51 controls. All patients with GERD underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and wireless 48‐hour pH monitoring off acid suppressive therapy. PPV and NPV were calculated based on disease definition of esophagitis and/or abnormal pH monitoring.Results:Receiver operating characteristics analysis of in vitro samples found assay sensitivity and a specificity of 87%. There were 6/51 (12%) control subjects and 13/58 (22%) patients with GERD who tested positive for salivary pepsin (P = .25). There was a step‐wise increase in the prevalence of positive salivary pepsin: esophagitis (55%), abnormal pH monitoring (43%), GERD symptoms only (24%) (P < .001). Salivary pepsin test showed a PPV of 81% and NPV of 78% for those with objective evidence of GERD (abnormal pH and/or esophagitis).Conclusions:Rapid LFD for salivary pepsin has acceptable test characteristics in patients with GERD. A positive salivary pepsin test in this group may obviate the need for more expensive diagnostic testing by EGD or pH monitoring.
Synthesis, crystalline morphologies, self‐assembly, and properties of H‐shaped amphiphilic dually responsive terpolymers
Authors: Yuan Weizhong , Zhang Jinchun , Zou Hui , Ren Jie 
Published: March 2012

AbstractNovel and well‐defined amphiphilic H‐shaped terpolymers poly(L‐lactide)‐block‐(poly(2‐(N,N‐dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) ‐block‐)poly(ε‐caprolactone)(‐block‐poly(2‐(N,N‐dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate)) ‐b‐poly(L‐lactide) (PLLA‐b‐(PDMAEMA‐b‐)PCL(‐b‐PDMAEMA)‐b‐PLLA) were synthesized by the combination of ring‐opening polymerization, atom transfer radical polymerization, and click chemistry. The H‐shaped amphiphilic terpolymers can self‐assemble into spherical nano‐micelles in water. Because of the dually responsive (temperature and pH) properties of PDMAEMA segments, the hydrodynamic radius of the micelles of the H‐shaped terpolymer solution can be adjusted by altering the environmental temperature or pH values. The thermal properties investigation and the crystalline morphology analysis indicate that the branched structure of the H‐shaped terpolymers and the presence of amorphous PDMAEMA segments together led to the obvious decrease of PCL segments and the complete destruction of crystallinity of the PLLA segments in the H‐shaped terpolymers. In addition, the H‐shaped terpolymer film has better hydrophilicity than linear PCL or triblock polymer of PLLA‐b‐(N3)PCL(N3)‐b‐PLLA, due to the decrease or destruction of the crystallizability of the PCL or PLLA in the H‐shaped terpolymer and the presence of hydrophilic PDMAEMA segments. These unique H‐shaped amphiphilic terpolymers composed of biodegradable and biocompatible PCL and PLLA components and intelligent and biocompatible PDMAEMA component will have the potential applications in biomedical fields. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Hydrogen sulfide adsorption on a defective graphene
Authors: Borisova Dobrina , Antonov Vladislav , Proykova Ana 
Published: March 2012

AbstractWe have used density functional theory (DFT) to study adsorption of H2S molecules onto defective graphene as a function of vacancy concentration. The calculations are performed with the Quantum Espresso code, a plane‐wave realization of the DFT with norm‐conserving pseudopotentials. The Perdew et al. generalized gradient approximation to the density functional for exchange correlation energy of a many‐electron system is used. The computations show that a hydrogen sulfide molecule interacts stronger with the carbon atoms surrounding the vacancy than with the carbon atoms in a perfect arrangement. The most favorable energetically configuration is the one with the sulfur atom heading the center of the vacancy. Such a configuration facilitates covalent binding of the sulfur atom with three carbon atoms with unsaturated bonds. The density of states of perfect, defective graphene and defective graphene with chemisorbed sulfur demonstrate that the systems change their conductivity. The chemisorption is followed by a release of the hydrogen atoms, which form a H2 molecule. In the presence of more isolated vacancies per unit cell, more H2S molecules are chemisorbed. This process opens very interesting applications in the environmental and energy research. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Isotope labeling experiments in metabolomics and fluxomics
Authors: Klein Sebastian , Heinzle Elmar 
Published: March 2012

AbstractMetabolomics, the study of all the small molecules in and outside a cell and fluxomics, comprising all conversion rates in a cell, are increasingly used in fundamental and applied sciences to unravel structures and activities of cellular networks and their regulation, to investigate mechanisms of diseases and toxicity, and to improve producing strains among other applications. For both fluxomics and metabolomics the application of isotopes became almost indispensable. Their use in these techniques is discussed, focusing primarily on studies applying stable isotopes and using mass spectrometry. This includes the underlying principles, experimental and computational methods used, and examples of application. WIREs Syst Biol Med 2012 doi: 10.1002/wsbm.1167This article is categorized under:

Analytical and Computational Methods > Analytical Methods
Models of Systems Properties and Processes > Cellular Models
Laboratory Methods and Technologies > Metabolomics
Metal Ion‐tuned Complexes based on Benzene‐1, 2, 4, 5‐tetracarboxylic Acid and the Semirigid Ligand 1, 4‐Bis(2‐methylbenzimidazol‐1‐ylmethyl) Benzene
Authors: Guo Qianqian , Xu Chunying , Zhao Dandan , Jia Yanyuan , Wang Xianjuan , Hou Hongwei , Fan Yaoting 
Published: March 2012

AbstractAbstract. Two metal‐organic coordination polymers [Co(bmb)(btc)0.5]n(1) and {[Zn(bmb)0.5(btc)0.5(H2O)]·0.5bmb·H2O}n (2) [H4btc = benzene‐1, 2, 4, 5‐tetracarboxylic acid, bmb = 1, 4‐bis(2‐methylbenzimidazol‐1‐ylmethyl) benzene] were prepared under hydrothermal conditions. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction indicates that both complexes have a 2D framework structure with (4·62) (42·62·82) topology. Interestingly, the hydrogen bonds in 2 form a fascinating meso‐helix. The catalytic activity of 1 for oxidative coupling of 2, 6‐dimethylphenol (DMP) and the photoluminescence properties of 2 were investigated. Furthermore, the complexes were investigated by IR spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis.
Zur Elektronenstruktur metallorganischer Komplexe der f‐Elemente. 78[1]Ergänzende Informationen von “polarisierten” Raman‐Spektren orientierter Einkristalle und Modellrechnungen auf der Grundlage der Dichtefunktionaltheorie bei der Zuordnung der Schwingungsspektren von Decamethylosmocen
Authors: Reddmann Hauke , Prosenc Marc Heinrich , Amberger Hanns‐Dieter 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe far and mid infrared (FIR/MIR) spectra of powdered Os(η5‐C5Me5)2 (OsCp*2) as well as the polarized Raman spectra of an oriented single crystal (where the two molecules of D5h symmetry in the unit cell are uniformly oriented) have been recorded. The latter allow the assignment of the observed Raman lines to irreducible representations (irreps) which agree well with the predictions of a calculation applying density functional theory. This finding suggests additional correlation of the observed (unpolarized) bands in the FIR/MIR spectra with the calculated wavenumbers (and their irreps) of IR active normal modes. Neglecting νCH vibrations an r.m.s. deviation of 15.8 cm–1 for 40 assignments (Raman and IR) could be achieved. Skeletal and intra‐ligand vibrations could be identified and a number of previous assignments of the latter had to be revised. Because of mixing with skeletal modes some of the low frequency intra‐ligand vibrations display a noticeable dependence on the mass of the central atom which prevents the direct transfer of the identified γCCH3 and βCCH3 normal modes from MCp*2 (M = Fe, Ru, Os) to LnCp*3 (Ln = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm) complexes.
Does religious fasting increase fat free mass (FFM) and reduce abdominal obesity?
Authors: Khan Khattak Muhammad M. Ali , Abu Bakar Ibrahim , Yeim Layana 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effect of fasting on anthropometry and body composition in fasting obese and non‐obese subjects.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 25 volunteers (male and female) were recruited during Ramadan. Age, sex, weight, height, waist and hip circumference and menstrual cycle status (in case of females) were recorded on day 1, and on day 21 weight and waist and hip circumference were also recorded. Similarly, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) was performed on days 1 and 21 for the assessment of changes in body composition. From weight and height, basal metabolic Index (BMI) was determined. Waist‐hip ratio was determined from the waist and hip circumferences.FindingsWeight was significantly (p<0.001) reduced in obese individuals on day 21 and accompanied by significant (p<0.01) reduction in waist hip ratios. BIA showed no significant change in the intra or extra cellular water. However, there has been shift of water between the two compartments and there was a strong positive correlation (r=0.9) between the fat free mass and total body water and negative association (r=−0.9) with total body water.Originality/valueThis study indicates that fasting could be a useful tool for the management of body weight without having a major shift in the body composition.
Soybean glycinin (11S) increases HDL‐cholesterol in hypercholesterolemic rats
Authors: Giácomo Fassini Priscila , de Souza Ferreira Ederlan , Aparecida da Silva Maraiza , Augusto Neves Valdir , Demonte Aureluce 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to determine the effects of isolated soy glycinin (11S) on lipid metabolism in animals subjected to a hypercholesterolemic diet.Design/methodology/approachMale Wistar rats were kept in individual cages under appropriate conditions. The animals were divided into three groups (n=9): normal diet (STD) given a diet containing casein as protein source, recommended in AIN‐93M; hypercholesterolemic (HC) fed a normal diet with 1 per cent cholesterol and 0.5 per cent cholic acid; and hypercholesterolemic+glycinin (HC+11S), fed a hypercholesterolemic diet, plus 11S soy protein (300 mg/kg/day), dissolved in saline and administered by gavage. After 28 days, the animals were sacrificed and blood and liver removed for biochemical analysis of total cholesterol (TC), HDL‐cholesterol (HDL‐C) and triglycerides (TG) in the plasma, hepatic TC and TG.FindingsA single daily dose of glycinin given to the hypercholesterolemic group demonstrated its functional role, particularly in raising HDL‐C and reducing triglycerides in the liver.Originality/valueThis study demonstrates the action of the 11S globulin in soybean as a serum lipid lowering agent, in addition to its nutritional properties, especially in raising the HDL‐C.
Solar‐powered sensors: a review of products and applications
Authors: Bogue Robert 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review the technology and applications of solar‐powered sensors.Design/methodology/approachFollowing a short introduction, this paper first considers photovoltaic technology and then describes a selection of solar‐powered sensors and their applications.FindingsIt is shown that solar‐powered sensors may be used as nodes in wireless sensor networks and also as stand‐alone devices. They offer a number of key operational and economic benefits and find applications in such diverse fields as structural and environmental monitoring, traffic management, weather forecasting, agriculture, process control, gas detection, satellite remote sensing and healthcare.Originality/valueThe paper illustrates the important role that solar‐powered sensors and systems play in a wide range of applications and industries.
Preparation and characterization of the solid‐state Ag/AgCl reference electrode for RC structures
Authors: Qiao Guofu , Xiao Huigang , Hong Yi , Qiu Yuelan 
Published: March 2012

PurposeCorrosion sensors and networks are the most effective techniques to obtain the corrosion information and recognize the corrosion status of reinforced concrete structures. However, reference electrode is the key element to provide the baseline for potential control of the corrosion monitoring sensors during corrosion measurement process. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to provide the novel solid‐state reference electrode for the corrosion sensors.Design/methodology/approachA solid‐state Ag/AgCl reference electrode has been prepared. Furthermore, the performance of the reference electrode, such as stability, temperature response, anti‐polarization and influence of the concrete admixture, has been investigated.FindingsThe results indicate that the balance potential and the temperature coefficient of the reference electrode are 3.64±1mv (vs. SCE) at 25°C and −0.51 mv/°C±0.03 mv/°C, respectively. Furthermore, the polarization curve exhibits characteristics of three stages as the polarization current is in (−10μA/cm2,+10μA/cm2). Additionally, the reference electrode is insensitive to the concrete admixtures which include Na2SO4, NaCl, NaNO3 and NaNO2.Originality/valueThe research provides the key element for the corrosion monitoring sensors to integrate structural health monitoring system in future.
Do family SME managers value marketing capabilities' contribution to firm performance?
Authors: Pérez‐Cabañero Carmen , González‐Cruz Tomás , Cruz‐Ros Sonia 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThis paper seeks to extend knowledge on the impact of different marketing capabilities on various measures of organisational performance in the context of family‐run small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs).Design/methodology/approachAspects regarding marketing capabilities in family‐owned SMEs and their impact on superior performance are identified and briefly discussed according to the existing literature. Then, quantitative research is presented followed by a discussion of the findings. The paper ends with the conclusion, managerial implications, limitations and lines for future research.FindingsThe results of the study show the relevance of marketing capabilities for product differentiation to gain stakeholders' satisfaction. Other marketing capabilities related to marketing planning and pricing have a positive impact on financial performance.Originality/valueDifferent marketing capabilities have a different impact on various measures of performance. The nature of the marketing capabilities under consideration determines whether their main impact is on financial performance rather than on stakeholders' satisfaction.
Company image and corporate social responsibility: reflecting with SMEs' managers
Authors: Fraj‐Andrés Elena , López‐Pérez M. Eugenia , Melero‐Polo Iguácel , Vázquez‐Carrasco Rosario 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThis paper is focused on corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the context of small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs). Its main interest consists of establishing a framework for clarifying the drivers of CSR activities in such a context. This paper also aims to analyse how CSR influences SMEs' image and positioning.Design/methodology/approachThe general conceptual framework proposed by the literature is complemented with empirical research based on a longitudinal multi‐case study (inter and intra‐industry).FindingsThe research proposes that the owner/managers' values, market pressures and laws are key drivers for CSR in the SMEs context. Managers expect positive outcomes when CSR is implemented. However, the data suggest that while proactive and consistent SMEs may build up a good image and strong positioning, reactive and opportunistic firms may be penalised by stakeholders (e.g. customers).Practical implicationsCSR activities, when adequately managed, contribute for a better SME image and market positioning.Originality/valueThe ideas presented in this paper may help in achieving better management of resources in SMEs.
Congratulations! You've landed an interview
Authors: Hodge Megan , Spoor Nicole 
Published: March 2012

PurposeAlthough the job market remains extremely competitive for entry‐level librarian positions, only individual, anecdotal stories of what hiring committees are looking for in the candidates they invite to interview currently exist; no formal studies have been conducted since the recession began in early 2008. This survey was created with the aim of allowing those with recent experience on hiring committees to provide advice to those on the market for entry‐level public and academic librarian positions and to answer what are, for many job‐seekers, burning questions.Design/methodology/approachThis is an exploratory study designed to give librarians with hiring committee experience an opportunity to speak honestly about their preferences, explain how the interview process works at their institutions, and provide advice to job‐seekers.FindingsThe results of this survey provide guidance on what candidates can do to make the most of their abilities, knowledge and skills during the interview process.Originality/valueCan a new library school graduate compete with those who have so much more experience? What traits are hiring committees looking for in an entry‐level librarian? While the literature does give some indication of best practices for hiring committees in libraries, the researchers of this study wanted to delve into what hiring committees really seek in entry‐level librarians now that the competition is more intense.
IFLA 2011 in Puerto Rico
Authors: Koren Marian 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an account of the highlights of the IFLA Congress 2011 held in San Juan, Puerto Rico.Design/methodology/approachThe paper provides an account of the IFLA Congress in the context of the four strategic directions of the IFLA Strategic Plan.FindingsThis paper provides information about IFLA's five key initiatives for 2011‐2012.Originality/valueInformation about a major international conference for the information and library profession is provided in this paper.
Sponsorship congruence and brand image
Authors: Woisetschläger David M. , Michaelis Manuel 
Published: March 2012

PurposeExisting research on sponsorship effects shows that the congruence (i.e. fit) between sponsor and sponsored cause is critical for a change in brand image. Congruence between sponsor and sponsored cause is seen as static in nature. From a dynamic perspective it is unclear why congruence should be seen as constant, and why it is critical for sponsorship effects. This paper aims to address this issue.Design/methodology/approachThis paper analyzes effects of sponsorship evaluative congruence on brand image over time using individual difference measures. Individual level data were obtained from two surveys before and after the 2006 FIFA World Cup™, including 268 respondents who participated in both surveys.FindingsFindings show significant positive effects of learning and remembering of a sponsorship stimulus on brand image over time. In contrast to existing literature, positive incongruence of brand image (i.e. sponsor) and event image (i.e. sponsored cause) in the pre‐analysis results in a significant increase of brand image over time. Moreover, a change in event image over time has a positive effect on the change in brand image.Research limitations/implicationsFurther research should replicate this study in different contexts, including event‐ and brand‐related contexts. Future studies should use a more detailed scale to measure brand (event) image, which would allow a more rigorous assessment of image transfer on an attribute level. A replication of the relationship between event image and brand image over time would be especially interesting in a setting, in which event image is negative or a negative Δ event image could be expected.Practical implicationsLinking explanatory variables such as (Δ) event image and Δ brand image over time is important for a reliable assessment of the positive (negative) consequences of sponsorship activities. A sponsorship that might have been positively incongruent in the beginning can turn out to be congruent over time. Hence, the current view that incongruent sponsorships are less promising might be misleading.Originality/valueIn experimental studies, congruence between sponsor and sponsored event is seen as static in nature. From a dynamic perspective, this viewpoint can be challenged. Both sponsor and event image are subject to change over time. Hence, this study determines the impact of event image change over time on brand image.
Dual nature of cause‐brand fit
Authors: Bigné Enrique , Currás‐Pérez Rafael , Aldás‐Manzano Joaquín 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse the dual nature of social cause‐brand fit by studying the influence of two cause‐brand fit categories, functional fit and image fit, on the formation of brand corporate social responsibility consumer perception (CSR perception) in a cause‐brand alliance (CBA) context.Design/methodology/approachA theoretical model is proposed, based on previous research, which explains the effect of functional fit and image fit on altruistic attributions, brand credibility and CSR image; these relationships were assessed through structural equation modelling. The model was estimated with a sample of 299 Spanish consumers of toiletries and cosmetics products, randomly selected. Two newly created, printed CBA advertisements served as the basic stimulus of the study.FindingsThis research shows that consumers perceive functional and image fit differently, and each has its own mechanism for influencing brand CSR perception. While functional fit has a direct, although gentle influence on CSR perception, image fit has an indirect influence, as it is used as a cue to evaluate altruistic brand motivations and brand credibility.Research limitations/implicationsThe chosen research approach may reduce the generalisability of the results. Further empirical testing using alternative brands and outcome measures is encouraged.Practical implicationsBoth types of fit influence the formation of CSR perception, and should therefore be postulated as decision criteria to brand managers for choosing the CBA partner. Specifically, brands which are likely of being perceived as not credible or egoistic when associating with the cause, must pay special attention to image fit.Originality/valueThis work analyses and compares simultaneously the influence of functional fit and image fit on CSR brand perception formation in the context of a CBA strategy.