bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Coupling of planar chromatography with Direct Analysis in Real Time mass spectrometry
Authors: Morlock Gertrud , Chernetsova Elena 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
Direct Analysis in Real Time mass spectrometry (DART-MS) is an emerging and rapidly developing area of ambient desorption ionization mass spectrometric techniques. Its coupling with planar chromatography is especially promising, as compared to other ambient desorption ionization techniques, because it does not require the use of liquids that may distort the shape of a spot by diffusion effects. In the first publications on TLC/HPTLC-DART-MS, due to the fixed, horizontally aligned supply of the gas flow from the DART ionization source to the MS inlet, the introduction of HPTLC/TLC plates as cut strips was inconvenient for quantitation, and the repeatability was very low due to the manual positioning. Recently a new version of the DART ion source was suggested, which allows adjusting the angle of the DART gas stream and the use of a motorized rail, thereby, improving highly the capabilities of TLC/HPTLC-DART-MS. This comprehensive review describes the development and analytical capabilities of TLC/HPTLC-DART-MS, and the general DART-MS perspectives for surface analysis or imaging MS.
Probiotic E.faecalis — adjuvant therapy in children with recurrent rhinosinusitis
Authors: Kitz Richard , Martens Ute , Zieseniß Egmont , Enck Paul , Rose Markus 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
Sinusitis is a frequent complication of respiratory tract infections. Probiotics are perceived to be useful in infections, allergies, and inflammations. Our prospective trial stratified 204 children with recurrent rhinosinusitis by age (2–11 years, 54m:64f; 12–18 years, 39m:47f) and assigned them to standard treatment (antibiotics, anticongestants) or additional 60 days Symbioflor-1 (SF1; Enterococcus faecalis 1.5–4.5x107 CFU). The number of sinusitis episodes was lower in SF1-treated patients (2.52±0.91) than among controls (3.27±1.36; p=0.01). Mean duration of the first sinusitis episode was 11.9±8.6 days with SF1, whereas it was 16.1±12.9 days in the younger controls (p=0.023) and 9.86±5.05 days in the elder controls (n.s.). Duration of subsequent sinusitis episodes was also shorter in SF1 patients (15.2±13.6 days) compared with controls (22.7±14.8 days; p=0.030). No adverse events were observed. Probiotic Enterococcus faecalis adjuvant to conventional therapy can reduce the number and duration of rhinosinusitis episodes in children and adolescents.
Effects of Unloading on Knee Articular Cartilage T1rho and T2 Magnetic Resonance Imaging Relaxation Times: A Case Series
Authors: Souza Richard B. , Baum Thomas , Wu Samuel , Feeley Brian T. , Kadel Nancy , Li Xiaojuan , Link Thomas M. , Majumdar Sharmila 
Published: March 2012

Study Design Case series. Background It has been shown in rodent and canine models that cartilage composition is significantly altered in response to long-term unloading. To date, however, no in vivo human studies have investigated this topic. The objective of this case series was to determine the influence of unloading and reloading on T1rho and T2 relaxation times of articular cartilage in healthy young joints. Case Description Ten patients who required 6 to 8 weeks of non-weight bearing (NWB) for injuries affecting the distal lower extremity participated in the study. Quantitative T1rho and T2 imaging of the ipsilateral knee joint was performed at 3 time points: (1) prior to surgery (baseline), (2) immediately after a period of NWB (post-NWB), and (3) after 4 weeks of full weight bearing (post-FWB). Cartilage regions of interest were segmented and overlaid on T1rho and T2 relaxation time maps for quantification. Descriptive statistics are provided for all changes. Outcomes Increases of 5% to 10% in T1rho times of all femoral and tibial compartments were noted post-NWB. All values returned to near-baseline levels post-FWB. Increases in medial tibia T2 times were noted post-NWB and remained elevated post-FWB. The load-bearing regions showed the most significant changes in response to unloading, with increases of up to 12%. Discussion The observation of a transient shift in relaxation times confirms that cartilage composition is subject to alterations based on loading conditions. These changes appear to be mostly related to proteoglycan content and more localized to the load-bearing regions. However, following 4 weeks of full weight bearing, relaxation times of nearly all regions had returned to baseline levels, demonstrating reversibility in compositional fluctuations. Level of Evidence Therapy, level 4. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2012;42(6):511–520, Epub 8 March 2012. doi:10.2519/jospt.2012.3975
The Validity of Upper-Limb Neurodynamic Tests for Detecting Peripheral Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Nee Robert J. , Jull Gwendolen A. , Vicenzino Bill , Coppieters Michel W. 
Published: March 2012

Synopsis The validity of upper-limb neurodynamic tests (ULNTs) for detecting peripheral neuropathic pain (PNP) was assessed by reviewing the evidence on plausibility, the definition of a positive test, reliability, and concurrent validity. Evidence was identified by a structured search for peer-reviewed articles published in English before May 2011. The quality of concurrent validity studies was assessed with the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies tool, where appropriate. Biomechanical and experimental pain data support the plausibility of ULNTs. Evidence suggests that a positive ULNT should at least partially reproduce the patient's symptoms and that structural differentiation should change these symptoms. Data indicate that this definition of a positive ULNT is reliable when used clinically. Limited evidence suggests that the median nerve test, but not the radial nerve test, helps determine whether a patient has cervical radiculopathy. The median nerve test does not help diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome. These findings should be interpreted cautiously, because diagnostic accuracy might have been distorted by the investigators' definitions of a positive ULNT. Furthermore, patients with PNP who presented with increased nerve mechanosensitivity rather than conduction loss might have been incorrectly classified by electrophysiological reference standards as not having PNP. The only evidence for concurrent validity of the ulnar nerve test was a case study on cubital tunnel syndrome. We recommend that researchers develop more comprehensive reference standards for PNP to accurately assess the concurrent validity of ULNTs and continue investigating the predictive validity of ULNTs for prognosis or treatment response. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2012;42(5):413–424, Epub 8 March 2012. doi:10.2519/jospt.2012.3988
Using Sympathetic Skin Responses in Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury as a Quantitative Evaluation of Motor Imagery Abilities
Authors: Grangeon Murielle , Charvier Kathleen , Guillot Aymeric , Rode Gilles , Collet Christian 
Published: March 2012

Background
Motor imagery (MI) ability should be evaluated in selected individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) who can benefit from MI training in their rehabilitation program. Electrodermal activity seems to be a reliable indicator for assessing MI ability. However, individuals with SCI have a variety of autonomic dysfunctions.

Objective
This study aimed to investigate electrodermal responses (EDRs) elicited by MI.

Design
A cost-utility analysis of EDR above and below the lesion level in individuals with complete or incomplete SCI (n=30) versus a control group of individuals who were healthy (n=10) was used.

Method
The EDR was recorded above and below the lesion level during MI of a drinking action. Duration, latency, and amplitude of EDR were the outcome measures.

Results
Hand and foot EDR in the control group occurred with the same pattern and similar latencies, suggesting a common efferent sympathetic pathway to sweat glands of the hand and foot mediating a sympathetic skin response. Individuals with SCI elicited responses above the lesion level. The EDR amplitude was correlated to the lesion level and autonomic dysreflexia history. No foot response was recorded in individuals with complete cervical and thoracic motor lesions. Foot response with a lower amplitude and higher latency occurred in participants with incomplete motor lesion, suggesting a link between the descending motor pathway and sympathetic function.

Limitations
The small sample of individuals with incomplete SCI limits the generalization of the results obtained at the foot site.

Conclusions
Electrodermal response above the lesion level may be a reliable index for assessing MI ability in individuals with SCI. It is a noninvasive, user-friendly method for clinicians to consider before enrolling individuals in MI training.
Quantitative Paraspinal Muscle Measurements: Inter-Software Reliability and Agreement Using OsiriX and ImageJ
Authors: Fortin Maryse , Battié Michele C. 
Published: March 2012

Background
Variations in paraspinal muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) and composition, particularly of the multifidus muscle, have been of interest with respect to risk of, and recovery from, low back pain problems. Several investigators have reported on the reliability of such muscle measurements using various protocols and image analysis programs. However, there is no standard protocol for tissue segmentation, nor has there been an investigation of reliability or agreement of measurements using different software.

Objective
The purpose of this study was to provide a detailed muscle measurement protocol and determine the reliability and agreement of associated paraspinal muscle composition measurements obtained with 2 commonly used image analysis programs: OsiriX and ImageJ.

Design
This was a measurement reliability study.

Methods
Lumbar magnetic resonance images of 30 individuals were randomly selected from a cohort of patients with various low back conditions. Muscle CSA and composition measurements were acquired from axial T2-weighted magnetic resonance images of the multifidus muscle, the erector spinae muscle, and the 2 muscles combined at L4–L5 and S1 for each participant. All measurements were repeated twice using each software program, at least 5 days apart. The assessor was blinded to all earlier measurements.

Results
The intrarater reliability and standard error of measurement (SEM) were comparable for most measurements obtained using OsiriX or ImageJ, with reliability coefficients (intraclass correlation coefficients [ICCs]) varying between .77 and .99 for OsiriX and .78 and .99 for ImageJ. There was similarly excellent agreement between muscle composition measurements using the 2 software applications (inter-software ICCs=.81–.99).

Limitations
The high degree of inter-software measurement reliability may not generalize to protocols using other commercial or custom-made software.

Conclusion
The proposed method to investigate paraspinal muscle CSA, composition, and side-to-side asymmetry was highly reliable, with excellent agreement between the 2 software programs.
Adaptive predictive control of the sulfur recovery process at Pemex Cadereyta refinery
Authors: Raimondi Angelo , Favela Antonio , Estrada Raul , Nevado Antonio , Gracia Edgar 
Published: March 2012

SUMMARYThis paper describes the design and application of an optimized control system, based on adaptive predictive expert control methodology, to the sulfur recovery units (SRUs) of the Pemex Refinery in Cadereyta, and presents comparative results obtained in relation to those of the conventional control system operating the plant. The sulfur recovery process represents the final stage in the refinery production chain, and is responsible for removing the sulfur content, usually in the form of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) waste gas generated by other refinery processes. The main goal is minimizing the sulfur content in the gasses released into the atmosphere to comply with emission level requirements. This goal can be obtained by a precise control of the ratio between hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide (SO2) in the tail gas, which determines, through a Claus reaction, the maximum sulfur recovery. The SRUs operating in Cadereyta were connected to a common amine acid gas collector and a common ammonia acid gas collector. Optimized control strategies were designed to control the pressure on both acid gas collectors and the flow rate of air entering each SRU. The results show that the H2S:SO2 ratio in the tail gas is considerably more stable under optimized control, particularly in the presence of abrupt changes in the acid gas load. The peaks observed in this ratio under conventional control disappear under optimized control showing a significant improvement in the process operation. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microwave‐Assisted Facile Synthesis of Furo[3,2‐b]indole Derivatives via Silver(I)‐Mediated [3+2] Cycloaddition
Authors: Zhang Zhiguo , Fang Shiliang , Liu Qingfeng , Zhang Guisheng 
Published: March 2012

AbstractA robust one‐pot process has been developed for the synthesis of a variety of furo[3,2‐b]indoles from readily available o‐propargylaminoacetophenones via silver(I)‐mediated [3+2] cycloaddition.
Evaluation of thermal and mechanical properties of rubber compositions based on SBR extended with safe oils
Authors: Delpech Marcia C. , Mello Ivana L. , Delgado Fernanda C. S. , Sousa Jurandir M. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe extender oil usually employed in compositions of rubbers based on styrene and butadiene (SBR) 1712 is the distilled aromatic extract (DAE). In this work, this oil was substituted by oils with low levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs): treated residual aromatic extract (TRAE) and two naphthenic oils from different suppliers (HN1 and HN2). This substitution was performed in response to REACH Regulation (EC No. 1907/2006 European Parliament and the Council of December 18, 2006, Annex XVII), which state that the sum of individual PAHs should be below 10 mg/kg and the levels of benzo (a) pyrene (BaP) should not exceed 1 mg/kg. Infrared spectroscopy was employed to characterize the structure of crude oils and respective SBR compositions. Thermal properties of the materials were evaluated by thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry. Mechanical properties as tension tests, hardness, abrasion resistance, and resilience were also determined. The final results showed that it is possible to replace the extender oil DAE for any of the oils tested, specially the naphthenic HN1, without any loss of the properties evaluated in this study for the SBR compositions. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Thermal Ammonia Activation by Cationic Transition‐Metal Hydrides of the First Row – Small but Mighty
Authors: Kretschmer Robert , Schlangen Maria , Schwarz Helmut 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe thermal reactions of cationic 3d transition‐metal hydrides MH+ (M=Sc–Zn, except V and Cu) with ammonia have been studied by gas‐phase experiments and computational methods. There are three primary reaction channels: 1) H2 elimination by NH bond activation, 2) ligand exchange under the formation of M(NH3)+, and 3) proton transfer to yield NH4+. Computational studies of these three reaction channels have been performed for the couples MH+/NH3 (M=Sc–Zn) to elucidate mechanistic aspects and characteristic reaction patterns of the first row. For NH activation, σ‐bond metathesis was found to be operative.
Fluorescent proteins for FRET microscopy: Monitoring protein interactions in living cells
Authors: Day Richard N. , Davidson Michael W. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe discovery and engineering of novel fluorescent proteins (FPs) from diverse organisms is yielding fluorophores with exceptional characteristics for live‐cell imaging. In particular, the development of FPs for fluorescence (or Förster) resonance energy transfer (FRET) microscopy is providing important tools for monitoring dynamic protein interactions inside living cells. The increased interest in FRET microscopy has driven the development of many different methods to measure FRET. However, the interpretation of FRET measurements is complicated by several factors including the high fluorescence background, the potential for photoconversion artifacts and the relatively low dynamic range afforded by this technique. Here, we describe the advantages and disadvantages of four methods commonly used in FRET microscopy. We then discuss the selection of FPs for the different FRET methods, identifying the most useful FP candidates for FRET microscopy. The recent success in expanding the FP color palette offers the opportunity to explore new FRET pairs.
Liver resection for colorectal cancer metastases involving the caudate lobe (Br J Surg2011; 98: 1476–1482)
Authors: McLean A Lawson , Russell C D 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe Editors welcome topical correspondence from readers relating to articles published in the Journal. Responses should be sent electronically via the BJS website (http://www.bjs.co.uk). All letters will be reviewed and, if approved, appear on the website. A selection of these will be edited and published in the Journal. Letters must be no more than 250 words in length.
Effect of N3 Modifications on the Affinity of Spin Label ç for Abasic Sites in Duplex DNA
Authors: Shelke Sandip A. , Sigurdsson Snorri Th. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractNoncovalent site‐directed spin labeling (NC‐SDSL) of abasic sites in duplex DNAs with the spin label ç, a cytosine analogue, is a promising approach for spin‐labeling nucleic acids for EPR spectroscopy. In an attempt to increase the affinity of ç for abasic sites, several N3 derivatives were prepared, and their binding affinities were determined by EPR spectroscopy. Most of the N3 substituents had a detrimental effect on binding. The triazole‐linked polyethylene‐glycol derivative (12 a) showed a 15‐fold decrease in affinity, whereas the binding affinities of ethyl azido (8 b) and hydroxyl (8 c) derivatives were five‐ to sixfold lower. The spin‐labeled nucleoside Ç showed only a twofold decrease, thus binding better than 8 c, even though it contains the larger 2′‐deoxyribose substituent at N3 instead of a 2‐hydroxyethyl group. N3 derivatives that contained the basic ethyl amino (9) or ethyl guanidino (10) substituents had both higher binding affinity and solubility, attributed to their cationic charge at neutral pH. Compounds 9 and 10 are promising candidates for NC‐SDSL of nucleic acids, for distance measurements by pulsed EPR spectroscopy.
Graphene Functionalisation with a Conjugated Poly(fluorene) by Click Coupling: Striking Electronic Properties in Solution
Authors: Castelaín Marta , Martínez Gerardo , Merino Pablo , Martín‐Gago José Á. , Segura José L. , Ellis Gary , Salavagione Horacio J. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractGraphene flakes covalently modified with a conjugated polymer, poly[(9,9‐dihexylfluorene)‐co‐alt‐(9,9‐bis‐(6‐azidohexyl)fluorene)] (PFA), were efficiently synthesised by a Cu‐catalysed Huisgen 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition between alkyne‐modified graphene and an azide‐functionalised polymer. Two approaches for the modification of graphene with alkyne groups were investigated (coupling with a diazonium salt generated in situ or an amidation reaction) and the optimum conditions determined. The success of the click‐coupling approach was confirmed by FTIR, 1H NMR, Raman, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The absorption and emission spectra of the click product show a strong solvent dependency.
One‐Pot Hydrothermal Synthesis of Heterostructured ZnO/ZnS Nanorod Arrays with High Ethanol‐Sensing Properties
Authors: Gao Peng , Wang Longqiang , Wang Ying , Chen Yujin , Wang Xiaona , Zhang Guoli 
Published: March 2012

AbstractZnO/ZnS heterostructured nanorod arrays with uniform diameter and length were synthesized from zinc substrates in a one‐pot procedure by using a simple hydrothermal method. Structural characterization by HRTEM indicated that the heterostructured nanorods were composed of parallel segments of wurtzite‐type ZnO and zinc‐blende ZnS, with a distinct interface along the axial direction, which revealed the epitaxial relationship, ZnO (10$\bar 1$0) and ZnS ($\bar 1$1$\bar 1$). The as‐prepared ZnO/ZnS nanorods showed only two green emissions at around 523 nm and 576 nm. We also found that the nanorods exhibited high sensitivity to ethanol at relatively low temperatures, owing to their smaller size and structure.
Synthesis of Aqueous CdTe Nanocrystals with High Efficient Blue‐Green Emission of Exciton
Authors: Shao Haibao , Wang Chunlei , Li Rongqing , Xu Shuhong , Zhang Haisheng , Cui Yiping 
Published: March 2012

AbstractAs one of the most popular nanocrystals (NCs), aqueous CdTe NCs have very weak green emission under conventional synthesis conditions. In this work, we report the first example of blue‐emitting CdTe NCs directly synthesized in aqueous solution by slowing down the growth rate after nucleation. The key for the synthesis is the optimization of NC growth conditions, namely pH range of 7.5 to 8.5, TGA/Cd ratio of 3.6, Cd/Te ratio of 10, and Te concentration of 2×10−5 mol/L, to get a slow growth rate after nucleation. The as‐prepared blue‐emitting CdTe NCs have small size (as small as 1.9 nm) and bright emission [with 4% photoluminescence quantum yield (PL QY) at 486 nm and 17% PLQY at 500 nm]. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images of the as‐prepared CdTe show monodispersed NCs which exhibit cubic zinc blend structure. Moreover, time‐resolved PL decay and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results show the as‐prepared NCs have better surface modification by ligand, which makes these luminescent small CdTe NCs have higher photoluminescence quantum yield, compared with NCs synthesized under conventional conditions.
Synthesis and Insecticidal Activity of Novel N‐Pyridylpyrazole Carbonyl Thioureas
Authors: Wang Baolei , Ma Yi , Xiong Lixia , Li Zhengming 
Published: March 2012

AbstractA series of novel N‐pyridylpyrazole carbonyl thioureas were designed and synthesized. Their structures were characterized by melting points, 1H NMR, IR and elemental analysis or HRMS. The bioassay tests indicated that some of these compounds exhibited moderate insecticidal activity against Mythimna separata Walker and Culex pipiens pallens. Among 17 compounds, 5n and 5p showed 100% larvicidal activity against Mythimna separata Walker at the test concentration of 100 mg/L.
Photocatalytic Water Reduction and Study of the Formation of FeIFe0 Species in Diiron Catalyst Sytems
Authors: Li Xueqiang , Wang Mei , Chen Lin , Wang Xiuna , Dong Jingfeng , Sun Licheng 
Published: March 2012

AbstractNoble‐metal‐free systems with bio‐inspired diiron dithiolate mimics of the [FeFe]‐hydrogenase active site, namely, [(μ‐pdt)Fe2(CO)5L] [pdt=propanedithiolate; L=P(CH2OH)3 (1), P(CH3)3 (2)], as water reduction catalysts with xanthene dyes as photosensitizers and triethylamine as a sacrificial electron donor were studied for visible‐light‐driven water reduction to hydrogen. These systems display good catalytic activities with the efficiencies in hydrogen evolution of up to 226 turnovers for 1, if Eosin Y was used as the photosensitizer in an environmentally benign solvent (EtOH/H2O) after 15 h of irradiation (λ>450 nm) under optimal conditions. Under all of the conditions adopted, 1 that has a water soluble phosphine ligand, P(CH2OH)3 displayed a higher efficiency than 2, which bears a PMe3 ligand. The photoinduced electron transfer in the systems was studied using fluorescence, transient absorption, time‐resolved UV/Vis, and in situ electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. A new electron‐transfer mechanism is proposed for hydrogen evolution by these iron‐based photocatalytic systems.