bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prometrine–Humic Acids Interactions Studied at a Water/1,2‐Dichloroethane Interface
Authors: Riva Julieta Soledad , Juarez Ana Valeria , Yudi Lidia Mabel 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThe interaction of the herbicide prometrine (PROM) with humic acids (HA) in water was analyzed at a pH range between 2.00 to 10.00. For this purpose the transfer current of protons facilitated by PROM across a water/1,2‐dichloroethane interface was employed to quantify PROM concentration in absence or in presence of HA. When humic acids were added in increasing amounts to the solution containing PROM, a gradual decrease in current values was observed, evidencing the retention of PROM by HA. This effect was more important at high pH values. From the results it is concluded that the adsorption of PROM is dependent on the pH and HA concentration. At high pH values the herbicide is strongly retained by HA, revealing a strong interaction probably due to the possibility of PROM (neutral species) to access to hydrophobic regions of AH, where van der Waals interactions prevail. The amount of PROM bounded to HA was calculated by subtracting peak current values in presence and in absence of HA and the adsorption isotherm was plotted. The concave or S type curves obtained, indicative of a process with high resistance to adsorption at low concentrations, was fitted with Freundlich isotherm.
Comparison Between a Charge Transfer Process and an Electrocatalytic Process in Cyclic Voltammetry and Cyclic Voltcoulommetry. Application to the Oxidation of Ferrocyanide at a Ferrocene‐Monolayer Modified Gold Electrode
Authors: Soto C. M. , Molina A. , González J. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractFerrocyanide oxidation catalyzed by a ferrocene‐alkylthiolate monolayer at gold electrodes has been investigated by using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and cyclic voltcoulommetry (CVC). The voltammetric current‐potential curves obtained present a stationary sigmoidal feature which points out to a very high rate constant for the chemical step, whereas the charge‐potential curves do not reach an stationary behavior in any case. Simple expressions are presented for the characterization of the CV and CVC curves under Nernstian conditions for the charge transfer step. From these expressions, a value for the chemical rate constant 2.5×104 M−1 s−1 has been easily obtained from an anodic plateau of the CV curves or from the linear anodic region of the CVC curves.
Electochemiluminescence of CdTe/CdS Quantum Dots with Triproprylamine as Coreactant in Aqueous Solution at a Lower Potential and Its Application for Highly Sensitive and Selective Detection of Cu2+
Authors: Mei Yan‐Li , Wang Huai‐Sheng , Li Yan‐Fen , Pan Zhuang‐Ying , Jia Wen‐Li 
Published: November 2009

AbstractAnodic electrochemiluminescence (ECL) of 3‐mercaptopropionic acid (MPA)‐ capped CdTe/CdS core‐shell quantum dots (QDs) with tripropylamine (TPrA) as the co‐reactant were studied in aqueous (Tris buffer) solution for the first time. The results suggest that the oxidation of TPrA at a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) surface participated in the ECL of QDs, and the onset potential and the intensity of ECL of CdTe/CdS QDs were affected seriously by TPrA, as the co‐reactant, in Tris buffer solution. The onset potential of ECL in this new system was about +0.5 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) and the ECL intensity greatly enhanced when TPrA was present. Various influencing factors, such as the electrolyte, pH, QDs concentration, potential range and scan rates on the ECL were studied. Based on the selective quenching by Cu2+ to the light emission from CdTe/CdS QDs/TPrA system, a highly sensitive and selective method for the determination of Cu2+ was developed. At the optimal conditions, the relative ECL intensity, I0/I, was proportional to the concentration of Cu2+ from 14 nM to 0.21 μM with the detection limit of 6.1 nM based on the signal‐to‐noise ratio of 3. The possible ECL mechanism of QDs and the quenching mechanism of ECL were proposed.
Panic disorder in older adults: evidence from the national epidemiologic survey on alcohol and related conditions
Authors: Chou Kee‐Lee 
Published: November 2009

AbstractObjectiveThis study aims to investigate: (1) the association of panic disorder with childhood parental loss and recent stressful life events; (2) the co‐existence of panic disorder with major depressive disorder (MDD) as well as alcohol dependence; and (3) the impact of panic disorder on medical conditions, obesity, healthcare service utilization, and health‐related quality of life.MethodsData were drawn from The National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (2001–2002), which was a national representative survey of the non‐institutionalized US household population. We focused on 13 420 respondents who were aged 55 and above. Panic disorder was assessed using the Alcohol Use Disorder and Associated Disabilities Interview Schedule—DSM‐IV version. Demographic characteristics, psychosocial risk factors, psychiatric disorders, health‐related quality of life, obesity, medical conditions, and healthcare service utilization were also measured.ResultsThe current and lifetime prevalence rates of panic disorder were 1.17 and 3.72%, respectively. Multivariate analyses revealed that panic disorder was more common among lower income groups and those who had reported more recent stressful life events. In addition, MDD was significantly related to lifetime panic disorder. Panic disorder was also significantly related to a lower health‐related quality of life, two medical conditions, and the receipt of emergency room service.ConclusionThe correlation between panic disorder and MDD raises further questions about the nature of panic disorder in the elderly. This study supports the notion that panic disorder has a strong impact on quality of life in old age. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Individualized Cognition‐Action intervention to prevent behavioral disturbances and functional decline in institutionalized older adults: a randomized pilot trial
Authors: Dechamps Arnaud , Alban Rigier , Jen Joanne , Decamps Arnaud , Traissac Thalie , Dehail Patrick 
Published: November 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of an individualized Cognition‐Action (CA) intervention to reduce behavioral disturbances in severely deconditioned institutionalized old adults.Design12 weeks randomized pilot trial of either individualized Cognition‐Action program (n = 24) or routine medical care as control (C, n = 25).SettingLong‐term care (LTC) of the Geriatric Department from the University State Hospital in Bordeaux, France.Participants49 institutionalized old patients with at least one Neuropsychiatric symptoms ≥4.InterventionThe CA rationale was a non‐preconceived ideas approach over the patient's abilities and discourse. Patients received short bouts of 5–15 min and accumulated 50 min of interaction per week. CA intervention used five standardized exercises as tools to enhance communication and social interactions. CA was compared to usual care.MeasurementsPrimary outcomes were the Neuropsychiatric inventory (NPI) total and symptoms scores. Secondary outcomes were the BERG balance scale, the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Quality of life AM‐PAC‐CAT and Muscle strength.ResultsThe CA group had a clinically significant NPI total score reduction compared to C, −7, 95%CI [−10.8 to −3], $\eta _p^{\rm 2} $ = 0.24. CA group showed a risk reduction of NPI total score worsening, OR = 0.09, 95%CI [0.02–0.37]. BERG total score was clinically improved in the CA group compared to C, 4.9 95%CI [0.7–9.2], $\eta _p^{\rm 2} $ = 0.11. CA patients reduced their GDS score and improved their Quality of life and Strength.ConclusionsThe combination of tailored guidance and simple standardized exercises was an effective behavioral management approach for behavioral disturbances reduction and functional autonomy improvement in institutionalized old adult populations. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Policy process for health sector reforms: a case study of Punjab Province (Pakistan)
Authors: Tarin Ehsanullah , Green Andrew , Omar Maye , Shaw Jane 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThe health sector in the Punjab (Pakistan) faces many problems, and, the government introduced reforms during 1993–2000. This paper explores the policy process for the reforms. A case study method was used and, to assist this, a conceptual framework was developed. Analysis of four initiatives indicated that there were deviations from the government guidelines and that the policy processes used were weak. The progress of different reforms was affected by a variety of factors: the immaturity of the political process and civil society, which together with innate conservatism and resistance to change on the part of the bureaucracy resulted in weak strategic sectoral leadership and a lack of clear purpose underpinning the reforms. It also resulted in weaknesses in preparation of the detail of reforms leading to poor implementation. The study suggests a need for broadening the stakeholders' base, building the capacity of policy‐makers in policy analysis and strengthening the institutional basis of policymaking bodies. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measuring sustainability as a programming tool for health sector investments: report from a pilot sustainability assessment in five Nepalese health districts
Authors: Sarriot Eric , Ricca Jim , Ryan Leo , Basnet Jagat , Arscott‐Mills Sharon 
Published: November 2009

AbstractSustainability is a critical determinant of scale and impact of health sector development assistance programs. Working with USAID/Nepal implementing partners, we adapted a sustainability assessment framework to help USAID test how an evaluation tool could inform its health portfolio management. The essential first process step was to define the boundaries of the local system being examined. This local system—the unit of analysis of the study—was defined as the health district.We developed a standardized set of assessment tools to measure 53 indicators. Data collection was carried out over 4 weeks by a Nepalese agency. Scaling and combining indicators into six component indices provided a map of progress toward sustainable maternal, child, health, and family planning results for the five districts included in this pilot study, ranked from “no sustainability” to “beginning of sustainability.”We conclude that systematic application of the Sustainability Framework could improve the health sector investment decisions of development agencies. It could also give districts an information base on which to build autonomy and accountability. The ability to form and test hypotheses about the sustainability of outcomes under various funding strategies—made possible by this approach—will be a prerequisite for more efficiently meeting the global health agenda. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Needs assessment of health education in health‐networks of the Isfahan province of Iran, 2005–2006
Authors: Shiri Mansoor , Farhang Fereshteh , Heidari Kamal , Afghari Afsaneh , Amini Soodabeh , Sharifirad Gholamreza , Sadri Ghollamhoosein , Hassanzadeh Akbar , Samar Parvin , Sadeghi Shahriyar , Yarmohammadian Mohammad Hossein , Masood Shahriyar 
Published: November 2009

AbstractAn essential element of a successful educational system is evidence concerning the core educational needs of the system. This descriptive study used the consent‐based technique of needs assessment to determine health educational needs and priorities within such education in 21 district health networks of the Isfahan province of Iran. This study was conducted in the Isfahan province from March 2005 to December 2006 among health experts of the Isfahan provincial health center and the following three groups in district health networks: health experts at headquarters; health workers delivering health services; and people in the community covered by these networks. Health education needs and priorities of the Isfahan provincial health authority at the district health networks were determined. While the first priority of headquarter experts and field workers was mental health and family planning, respectively, the first priority of people in the community in most districts was nutrition. The findings showed that in most districts there are differences in viewpoints between health workers, health experts and service users regarding health educational needs and priorities within the needs. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The long and winding road to RNA editing in plant mitochondria: The Tübingen‐Berlin chapter
Authors: Brennicke Axel 
Published: November 2009

AbstractIt took several independent observations of C‐to‐T differences between genomic mtDNA sequences and corresponding complementary DNA (cDNA) sequences before RNA editing in plant mitochondria was accepted as a fact by the group at Tübingen and later Berlin (Hiesel et al., Science246 (1989) 1632–1634). The first such deviating sequence runs were critically viewed in the lab as being errors of some kind, most likely cloning artifacts, which occur only too frequently. Several such cDNA‐mtDNA differences identified in independent cDNA clones in different libraries and finally CGG to TGG codon changes dispelled the skeptical view, and this phenomenon was finally recognized as plant mitochondrial RNA editing of a type similar to the apolipoprotein B RNA editing in mammals. © 2009 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 61: 1105–1109, 2009.
Enzymatic processing of β‐dystroglycan recombinant ectodomain by MMP‐9: Identification of the main cleavage site
Authors: Bozzi Manuela , Inzitari Rosanna , Sbardell Diego , Monaco Susanna , Pavoni Ernesto , Gioia Magda , Marini Stefano , Morlacchi Simona , Sciandra Francesca , Castagnola Massimo , Giardina Bruno , Brancaccio Andrea , Coletta Massimo 
Published: November 2009

AbstractDystroglycan (DG) is a membrane receptor belonging to the complex of glycoproteins associated to dystrophin. DG is formed by two subunits, α‐DG, a highly glycosylated extracellular matrix protein, and β‐DG, a transmembrane protein. The two DG subunits interact through the C‐terminal domain of α‐DG and the N‐terminal extracellular domain of β‐DG in a noncovalent way. Such interaction is crucial to maintain the integrity of the plasma membrane. In some pathological conditions, the interaction between the two DG subunits may be disrupted by the proteolytic activity of gelatinases (i.e. MMP‐9 and/or MMP‐2) that removes a portion or the whole β‐DG ectodomain producing a 30 kDa truncated form of β‐DG. However, the molecular mechanism underlying this event is still unknown. In this study, we carried out proteolysis of the recombinant extracellular domain of β‐DG, β‐DG(654‐750) with human MMP‐9, characterizing the catalytic parameters of its cleavage. Furthermore, using a combined approach based on SDS‐PAGE, MALDI‐TOF and HPLC‐ESI‐IT mass spectrometry, we were able to identify one main MMP‐9 cleavage site that is localized between the amino acids His‐715 and Leu‐716 of β‐DG, and we analysed the proteolytic fragments of β‐DG(654‐750) produced by MMP‐9 enzymatic activity. © 2009 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 61: 1143–1152, 2009
Molluscicides from some common medicinal plants of eastern Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Singh Sunil Kumar , Yadav Ram P. , Singh Ajay 
Published: November 2009

AbstractMany aquatic snails act as intermediate hosts for the larvae of trematodes, Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica, which cause the diseases fascioliasis and schistosomiasis. The WHO has tested several thousands of synthetic compounds for the control of the snail host. Although effective, these molluscicides have so far not proved themselves to be entirely satisfactory. With a growing awareness of environmental pollution, efforts are being made to discover molluscicidal products of plant origin. Being products of biosynthesis, these are potentially biodegradable in nature. Several groups of compounds present in various plants have been found to be toxic to target organisms at acceptable doses ranging from <1 to 100 ppm. Common medicinal plants, i.e. Thevetia peruviana, Alstonia scholaris (Family; Apocynaceae), Euphorbia pulcherima and Euphorbia hirta (Family; Euphorbiaceae), have potent molluscicidal activity against freshwater snails. The toxicological actions of Thevetia peruviana may be due to the presence of apigenin‐5‐methyl ether (flavonoid) and triterpenoid glycosides, while a number of alkaloids (pseudo‐akuammigine in addition to betulin, ursolic acid and β‐sitosterol), steroids and triterpenoids are present in Alstonia scholaris and the diterpenoids, pulcherrol, β‐sitosterol, hentriacontane, ellagic acid and β‐amyrin are present in Euphorbia hirta and in Euphorbia pulcherima. Although, at present very little literature is available on the control of vector snails through plant origin pesticides, an attempt has been made in this review to assemble all the known information on molluscicidal properties of common medicinal plants of eastern Uttar Pradesh, India, which might be useful for the control of harmful snails. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Low oxygen treatment prior to cold storage decreases the incidence of bitter pit in ‘Golden Reinders’ apples
Authors: Val Jesús , Fernández Victoria , López Paola , Peiró Jose María , Blanco Alvaro 
Published: November 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND: The effect of subjecting ‘Golden Reinders’ apples to a low O2 pre‐treatment (LOT; 1–2% O2) was evaluated as a strategy to decrease the rate of bitter pit (BP) incidence after standard cold storage (ST). Immediately after harvest, apples were stored for 10 days at 20 °C under low O2. Thereafter, apples were cold‐stored (0–4 °C) for 4 months and changes were monitored in terms of BP incidence, fruit quality traits and mineral element concentrations.RESULTS: After 4 months cold storage, LOT apples presented a 2.6‐fold decrease in the rate of BP incidence (14%) versus the values obtained for standard cold‐stored fruits (37% BP incidence). LOT increased flesh firmness, total soluble solids and titratable acidity as compared to the quality traits determined for cold‐stored fruits. Lower cortex Ca and Mg concentrations as compared to ST apples were determined in association with LOT, 2 months after cold storage.CONCLUSION: Application of a LOT prior to cold storage may be a promising strategy to reduce the incidence of BP and preserve fruit quality, which should be further investigated. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Experimental evidence for the protective effects of coffee against liver fibrosis in SD rats
Authors: Shin Jang‐Woo , Wang Jing‐Hua , Kang Jong‐Koo , Son Chang‐Gue 
Published: November 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND: Coffee is one of the most commonly consumed beverages worldwide. Accumulating clinical evidence has shown an inverse relationship between coffee and liver cirrhosis. We investigated the protective effect of coffee against liver fibrosis and underlying molecular mechanisms using a dimethylnitrosamine (DMN)‐induced liver fibrosis model.RESULTS: Coffee administration significantly prevented the deterioration of body weight, organ weight, and serum biochemistry by DMN treatment. Histopathological examination revealed that necrosis/inflammation and fibrotic septa decreased significantly in coffee‐treated rats compared to those treated with DMN and water. Coffee administration also significantly inhibited the accumulation of hydroxyproline (P < 0.001) and the production of malondialdehyde (P < 0.05), as well as stellate cell activation caused by DMN injection. Coffee protected the depletion of glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase in liver tissue. In addition, coffee treatment inhibited the gene expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase, transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β, tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐1, and platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF)‐β in liver tissues, and lowered the concentration of TGF‐β and PDGF‐β in liver. Coffee inhibited NO production by macrophages.CONCLUSION: Coffee exerts protective effects against liver fibrosis via antioxidant action and the suppression of fibrogenic cytokines, TGF‐β and PDGF‐β. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Thermoplastic Vulcanizates Based on Highly Compatible Blends of Isotactic Poly(propylene) and Copolymers of Atactic Poly(propylene) and 5‐Ethylidene‐2‐norbornene
Authors: l'Abee Roy , Sablong Rafael , Goossens Han , van Duin Martin , Spoelstra Anne , Duchateau Rob 
Published: November 2009

AbstractHighly compatible thermoplastic/elastomer blends were used to prepare thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) with refined morphologies and improved mechanical properties. Copolymers of atactic poly(propylene) (aPP) and 5‐ethylidene‐2‐norbornene (ENB) (aPP‐co‐ENB) were prepared via metallocene catalysis. Blends of isotactic poly(propylene) (iPP) and the aPP‐co‐ENB rubbers are immiscible in the melt, but the very high compatibility leads to a refinement of the morphology in comparison to blends based on iPP and ethylene‐propylene‐ diene (EPDM) rubber. The aPP‐co‐ENB‐based blends show improved tensile properties, while the relatively high Tg of the rubber phase retards the elastic recovery at room temperature. Dilution of the TPVs with oil broadens the temperature window for applications by a signification reduction of the Tg and improves the elasticity of the TPVs. This study demonstrates that the lower limit of the rubber particle size of TPVs that is attainable via dynamic vulcanization of immiscible blends is in the order of 300–500 nm.magnified image
Bioinspired Block Copolymers: Translating Structural Features from Proteins to Synthetic Polymers
Authors: Laschewsky André , Marsat Jean‐Noël , Skrabania Katja , von Berlepsch Hans , Böttcher Christoph 
Published: November 2009

AbstractIn order to mimic a key functional feature of the transport protein serum albumin that disposes of several different simultaneous binding sites, new ternary linear block copolymers were synthesized. The block copolymers are made of one non‐ionic hydrophilic block based on derivatives of poly(oligoethyleneglycol), and of two mutually immiscible hydrophobic poly(acrylate) blocks, based on hydrocarbon and fluorocarbon esters of acrylic acid, respectively. The polymers self‐organize in aqueous solution to micellar aggregates, which undergo microphase separation within the hydrophobic micellar core. The different aggregate structures were imaged by transmission electron cryo‐microscopy (cryo‐TEM). Depending on the detailed polymer architecture, either core‐shell‐corona micelles, or micelles with a true multicompartment structure were formed, that are capable of selective solubilization.magnified image
Characterization of Low‐Molecular‐Weight PLA using HPLC
Authors: Codari Fabio , Moscatelli Davide , Storti Giuseppe , Morbidelli Massimo 
Published: November 2009

AbstractHPLC is applied and assessed as an effective tool to investigate both the production of PLA by polycondensation and its corresponding degradation. A new HPLC calibration procedure, through which it is possible to fully characterize LMW PLA samples by determining the concentration of each individual oligomer, is developed. A comparison between HPLC, 1H NMR spectroscopy and non‐aqueous solution titration is also reported in order to confirm the reliability of the proposed method. Finally, the proposed analytical technique is applied to monitor the development of a polycondensation reaction performed at 150 °C and 133.3 mbar for 12 h.magnified image
Deligne's duality for de Rham realizations of 1‐motives
Authors: Bertapelle Alessandra 
Published: November 2009

AbstractLet M be a 1‐motive over a base scheme S and M ′ its Cartier dual. We show the existence of a canonical duality between the de Rham realizations of M and M ′; this generalizes a result in [5]. Furthermore, we study universal extensions of 1‐motives and their relation with ♮‐extensions (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)