bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Guidelines for accurate EC50/IC50 estimation
Authors: Sebaugh J. L. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractThis article provides minimum requirements for having confidence in the accuracy of EC50/IC50 estimates. Two definitions of EC50/IC50s are considered: relative and absolute. The relative EC50/IC50 is the parameter c in the 4‐parameter logistic model and is the concentration corresponding to a response midway between the estimates of the lower and upper plateaus. The absolute EC50/IC50 is the response corresponding to the 50% control (the mean of the 0% and 100% assay controls). The guidelines first describe how to decide whether to use the relative EC50/IC50 or the absolute EC50/IC50. Assays for which there is no stable 100% control must use the relative EC50/IC50. Assays having a stable 100% control but for which there may be more than 5% error in the estimate of the 50% control mean should use the relative EC50/IC50. Assays that can be demonstrated to produce an accurate and stable 100% control and less than 5% error in the estimate of the 50% control mean may gain efficiency as well as accuracy by using the absolute EC50/IC50. Next, the guidelines provide rules for deciding when the EC50/IC50 estimates are reportable. The relative EC50/IC50 should only be used if there are at least two assay concentrations beyond the lower and upper bend points. The absolute EC50/IC50 should only be used if there are at least two assay concentrations whose predicted response is less than 50% and two whose predicted response is greater than 50%. A wide range of typical assay conditions are considered in the development of the guidelines. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phase II monitoring of covariance stationary autocorrelated processes
Authors: Perry Marcus B. , Mercado Gary R. , Pignatiello Joseph J. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractStatistical process control charts are intended to assist operators in detecting process changes. If a process change does occur, the control chart should detect the change quickly. Owing to the recent advancements in data retrieval and storage technologies, today's industrial processes are becoming increasingly autocorrelated. As a result, in this paper we investigate a process‐monitoring tool for autocorrelated processes that quickly responds to process mean shifts regardless of the magnitude of the change, while supplying useful diagnostic information upon signaling. A likelihood ratio approach was used to develop a phase II control chart for a permanent step change in the mean of an ARMA (p, q) (autoregressive‐moving average) process. Monte Carlo simulation was used to evaluate the average run length (ARL) performance of this chart relative to that of the more recently proposed ARMA chart. Results indicate that the proposed chart responds more quickly to process mean shifts, relative to the ARMA chart, while supplying useful diagnostic information, including the maximum likelihood estimates of the time and the magnitude of the process shift. These crucial change point diagnostics can greatly enhance the special cause investigation. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Direct analysis of Salvia divinorum leaves for salvinorin A by thin layer chromatography and desorption electrospray ionization multi‐stage tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Kennedy Joseph H. , Wiseman Justin M. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractSalvia divinorum is widely cultivated in the US, Mexico, Central and South America and Europe and is consumed for its ability to produce hallucinogenic effects similar to those of other scheduled hallucinogenic drugs, such as LSD. Salvinorin A (SA), a kappa opiod receptor agonist and psychoactive constituent, is found primarily in the leaves and to a lesser extent in the stems of the plant. Herein, the analysis of intact S. divinorum leaves for SA and of acetone extracts separated using thin layer chromatography (TLC) is demonstrated using desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) mass spectrometry. The detection of SA using DESI in the positive ion mode is characterized by several ions associated with the compound – [M+H]+, [M+NH4]+, [M+Na]+, [2M+NH4]+, and [2M+Na]+. Confirmation of the identity of these ions is provided through exact mass measurements using a time‐of‐flight (ToF) mass spectrometer. The presence of SA in the leaves was confirmed by multi‐stage tandem mass spectrometry (MSn) of the [M+H]+ ion using a linear ion trap mass spectrometer. Direct analysis of the leaves revealed several species of salvinorin in addition to SA as confirmed by MSn, including salvinorin B, C, D/E, and divinatorin B. Further, the results from DESI imaging of a TLC separation of a commercial leaf extract and an acetone extract of S. divinorum leaves were in concordance with the TLC/DESI‐MS results of an authentic salvinorin A standard. The present study provides an example of both the direct analysis of intact plant materials for screening illicit substances and the coupling of TLC and DESI‐MS as a simple method for the examination of natural products. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Environmental and food analysis by desorption atmospheric pressure photoionization‐mass spectrometry
Authors: Luosujärvi Laura , Kanerva Sanna , Saarela Ville , Franssila Sami , Kostiainen Risto , Kotiaho Tapio , Kauppila Tiina J. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractDesorption atmospheric pressure photoionization‐mass spectrometry (DAPPI‐MS) is a versatile surface analysis technique for a wide range of analytes, especially for neutral and non‐polar analytes. Here, a set of analytes typically found in environmental or food samples was analyzed by DAPPI‐MS. The set included five polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), one N‐PAH, one brominated flame retardant, and nine pesticides, which were studied with three different spray solvents: acetone and toluene in positive ion mode, and anisole in negative ion mode. The analytes showed [M + H]+, M+•, and [M–H]− ions as well as fragmentation and substitution products. Detection limits for the studied compounds ranged from 30 pg to 1 ng (from 0.14 to 5.6 pmol). To demonstrate the feasibility of the use of DAPPI‐MS two authentic samples – a circuit board and orange peel – and a spiked soil sample were analyzed. Tetrabromobisphenol A, imazalil, and PAHs were observed from the three above‐mentioned samples, respectively. The method is best suited for rapid screening analysis of environmental or food samples. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantitative analysis of surfactant deposits on human skin by liquid chromatography/electrospray ionisation tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Massey Karen A. , Snelling Anna M. , Nicolaou Anna 
Published: April 2010

AbstractSurfactants are commonly used as cleansing agents and yet there are concerns that they may also have a role in skin irritation. The lack of suitable methods for the quantitative and qualitative analysis of surfactant deposition on skin has hindered the in‐depth investigation of such effects. Here, we report the application of reversed‐phase liquid chromatography/electrospray ionisation tandem mass spectrometry (LC/ESI‐MS/MS) assays for two surfactants commonly used in consumer products, namely sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES) and laurylamidopropyl betaine (LAPB), to a baseline study aiming to assess deposition levels on human skin. The linearity of the assays was established at 3–20 ng, with coefficient of variation below 5%. The detection limits were 100 pg for LAPB and 1 ng for SLES; quantitation limits were 500 pg for LAPB and 2.5 ng for SLES. The baseline study was conducted using a panel of 40 healthy volunteers. Skin extract samples were taken in triplicate from forearms, using ethanol. SLES was detected on most volunteers, with 75% of them having SLES deposits in the range of 100–600 ng/cm2. LAPB was detected on the skin of all volunteers with 85% of them having deposit levels within the concentration range of 1–100 ng/cm2. These results demonstrate the extent to which commonly used surfactants remain on the skin during the day. The analytical methods reported here can be applied to the investigation of surfactants in relation to general skin condition and to the development and optimisation of new consumer wash products. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Bayesian analysis of mixture structural equation models with non‐ignorable missing responses and covariates
Authors: Cai Jing‐Heng , Song Xin‐Yuan , Hser Yih‐Ing 
Published: April 2010

AbstractIn behavioral, biomedical, and social‐psychological sciences, it is common to encounter latent variables and heterogeneous data. Mixture structural equation models (SEMs) are very useful methods to analyze these kinds of data. Moreover, the presence of missing data, including both missing responses and missing covariates, is an important issue in practical research. However, limited work has been done on the analysis of mixture SEMs with non‐ignorable missing responses and covariates. The main objective of this paper is to develop a Bayesian approach for analyzing mixture SEMs with an unknown number of components, in which a multinomial logit model is introduced to assess the influence of some covariates on the component probability. Results of our simulation study show that the Bayesian estimates obtained by the proposed method are accurate, and the model selection procedure via a modified DIC is useful in identifying the correct number of components and in selecting an appropriate missing mechanism in the proposed mixture SEMs. A real data set related to a longitudinal study of polydrug use is employed to illustrate the methodology. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ICMM—a maturity model for software inspections
Authors: Kollanus Sami 
Published: April 2010

AbstractSoftware inspection is widely acknowledged as an important method in software engineering. However, there is a need to better understand how to implement and improve inspection practices. This paper introduces Inspection Capability Maturity Model (ICMM), which provides support for assessment and improvement of software inspection practices in a software organization. The model has been developed iteratively based on a comprehensive literature survey and experiences from eight case organizations. This paper includes a detailed description of the used followed research process, the structure of ICMM and the rationale for the defined criteria. Additionally, the role of this kind of model in inspection process improvement is discussed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Significance of Crack Initiation Stage in Very High Cycle Fatigue of Steels
Authors: Kazymyrovych V. , Bergström J. , Burman C. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractDifferent stages of the Very High Cycle Fatigue (VHCF) crack evolution in tool steels have been explored using a 20 kHz ultrasonic fatigue testing equipment. Extensive experimental data is presented describing VHCF behaviour, strength and crack initiating defects in an AISI H11 tool steel. Striation measurements are used to estimate fatigue crack growth rate, between 10−8 and 10−6 m/cycle, and the number of load cycles required for a crack to grow to critical dimensions. The growth of small fatigue cracks within the “fish‐eye” is shown to be distinctively different from the crack propagation behaviour of larger cracks. More importantly, the crack initiation stage is shown to determine the total fatigue life, which emphasizes the inherent difficulty to detect VHCF cracks prior to failure. Several mechanisms for initiation and early crack growth are possible. Some of them are discussed here: crack development by local accumulation of fatigue damage at the inclusion – matrix interface, hydrogen assisted crack growth and crack initiation by decohesion of carbides from the matrix.
Method of creating starch‐like ultra‐fine rice flour and effect of spray drying on formation of free fatty acid
Authors: Guraya Harmeet , Lima Isabel , Champagne Elaine 
Published: April 2010

AbstractRice flour from long, medium, and waxy grain cultivars were processed by passing a 32% rice flour slurry through a microfluidizer at 10 × 104 kPa and spray dryer at three different outlet temperatures (50, 80, and 115°C). Spray‐drying conditions were controlled by the flow rate of the slurry and inlet temperature. Spray‐dried rice flours and unprocessed rice flour were examined for their lipolytic stability during storage for 210 days by measuring free fatty acid (FFA) formation. The percentage of lipid and FFA in rice flour was significantly reduced by spray drying. The resulting amount of lipid and percentage of FFA was rice‐type dependent and related to the amylose content and the outlet temperature. Upon storage, the formation of FFA was lowest for rice flours processed at 115°C outlet temperature as compared to 80°C, 50°C, and control (untreated rice flour). Pin milling of the spray‐dried flour resulted in the breakdown of loose re‐agglomerated rice flour formed during spray drying with a particle size similar to rice starch but increased starch damage by about 1% per pass through pin mill.
Acetylation of banana (Musa paradisiaca L.) and maize (Zea mays L.) starches using a microwave heating procedure and iodine as catalyst: Partial characterization
Authors: Sánchez‐Rivera Mirna M. , Flores‐Ramírez Isabel , Zamudio‐Flores Paul B. , González‐Soto Rosalía A. , Rodríguez‐Ambríz Sandra L. , Bello‐Pérez Luis A. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractBanana and maize starches were acetylated with acetic anhydride in the presence of different levels of catalytic agent (iodine) using microwave heating. Degree substitution, he Fourier transforms infrared (FT‐IR) spectra, the morphological properties, the gelatinization and retrogradation characteristics, the pasting property and X‐ray diffraction pattern were evaluated. The FT‐IR study showed that acetylation was produced in both starches, a strong absorption band at 1740 cm−1, and this signal rose when the concentration of iodine increased; this pattern was corroborated with degree substitution of both starches. SEM revealed more exo‐corrosion and fusion in acetylated maize starch granules. Acetylated banana starch had higher crystallinity level than maize starch, and the crystallinity level decreased when the catalyst concentration increased. Similar pattern was show for the average temperature and enthalpy of gelatinization. In general, the acetylation retards the starch retrogradation, but at longer storage time this effect was minimized. Difference in the retrogradation level was found between both starches. Using microwave heating and different iodine concentrations as catalyst is possible produce acetylation of starch with specific physicochemical characteristics.
The Lamina Propria of Adult Human Oral Mucosa Harbors a Novel Stem Cell Population
Authors: Marynka-Kalmani Keren , Treves Sandra , Yafee Miri , Rachima Heled , Gafni Yossi , Cohen Malkiel A. , Pitaru Sandu 
Published: April 2010

Abstract
The highly regenerative capacity of the human adult oral mucosa suggests the existence of a robust stem cell (SC) population in its lamina propria (OMLP). The purpose of this study was to characterize the availability, growth, immunophenotype, and potency of this presumable SC population. Cells positive for the embryonic stem cell transcription factors Oct4 and Sox2 and for p75 formed distinct cord-like structure in the OMLP. Regardless of donor age, trillions of cells, termed human oral mucosa stem cells (hOMSC), 95% of which express mesenchymal stromal cell markers, were simply, and reproducibly produced from a biopsy of 3–4 × 2 × 1 mm3. A total of 40–60% of these cells was positive for Oct4, Sox2, and Nanog and 60–80% expressed constitutively neural and neural crest SC markers. hOMSC differentiated in culture into mesodermal (osteoblastic, chondroblastic, and adipocytic), definitive endoderm and ectodermal (neuronal) lineages. Unexpectedly, hOMSC treated with dexamethasone formed tumors consisting of two germ layer-derived tissues when transplanted in severe combined immune deficiency mice. The tumors consisted of tissues produced by neural crest cells during embryogenesis—cartilage, bone, fat, striated muscle, and neural tissue. These results show that the adult OMLP harbors a primitive SC population with a distinct primitive neural-crest like phenotype and identifies the in vivo localization of putative ancestors for this population. This is the first report on ectodermal- and mesodermal-derived mixed tumors formation by a SC population derived from a nonmalignant somatic adult human tissue.
Unraveling the paradox of the autistic self
Authors: Lombardo Michael V. , Baron‐Cohen Simon 
Published: April 2010

AbstractParadoxically, individuals with autism spectrum conditions have been characterized as both impaired in self‐referential cognitive processing, yet also egocentric. How can the self in autism be both ‘absent’ (i.e., impaired self‐referential cognition), yet ‘all too present’ (i.e., egocentric)? In this paper, we first review evidence in support of both claims. Second, we highlight new evidence illustrating atypical function of neural systems underlying self‐representation in autism. We suggest that egocentrism and impaired self‐referential cognition are not independent phenomena. Instead, both egocentrism and impaired self‐referential cognition in autism can be resolved as expressions of one common mechanism linked to the atypical function of neural circuitry coding for self‐relevant information. We discuss how autism provides a unique window into the neurodevelopmental mechanisms enabling a critical developmental transition in self‐awareness. This transition involves a dual understanding that one is similar to, yet distinct from others. The neural and cognitive basis of this developmental transition is central to understanding the development of social cognition as well as the paradox of the autistic self and its relation to social impairment in autism. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.This article is categorized under:Psychology > Brain Function and Dysfunction
Assessment of diurnal urinary cortisol excretion in Asian and African elephants using different endocrine methods
Authors: Brown Janine L. , Kersey David C. , Freeman Elizabeth W. , Wagener Tarren 
Published: April 2010

AbstractLongitudinal urine samples were collected from Asian and African elephants to assess sample processing and immunoassay techniques for monitoring adrenal activity. Temporal profiles of urinary cortisol measured by RIA and EIA, with and without dichloromethane extraction, were similar; all correlation coefficients were >0.90. However, based on regression analyses, cortisol immunoactivity in extracted samples was only 72–81% of that of unextracted values. Within assay technique, RIA values were only 74–81% of EIA values. Collection of 24‐hr urine samples demonstrated a clear diurnal pattern of glucocorticoid excretion, with the lowest concentrations observed just before midnight and peak concentrations occurring around 0600–0800 hr. These results indicate that elephants fit the pattern of a diurnal species, and that glucocorticoid production is affected by a sleep‐wake cycle similar to that described for other terrestrial mammals. Cortisol can be measured in both extracted and unextracted urine using RIA and EIA methodologies. However, unexplained differences in quantitative results suggest there may be sample matrix effects and that data generated using different techniques may not be directly comparable or interchangeable. Zoo Biol 29:274–283, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Laparoscopic Resection is Inappropriate in Patients with Known or Suspected Adrenocortical Carcinoma
Authors: Miller B. S. , Ammori J. B. , Gauger P. G. , Broome J. T. , Hammer G. D. , Doherty G. M. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractBackgroundComplete surgical resection is the mainstay of treatment for patients with adrenocortical cancer (ACC). Use of laparoscopy has been questioned in patients with ACC. This study compares the outcomes of patients undergoing laparoscopic versus open resection (OR) for ACC.MethodsA retrospective review (2003–2008) of patients with ACC was performed. Data were collected for demographics, operative and pathologic data, adjuvant therapy, and outcome. Chi‐square analysis was performed.ResultsEighty‐eight patients (66% women; median age, 47 (range, 18–81) years) were identified. Seventeen patients underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA). Median tumor size of those who underwent LA was 7.0 (range, 4–14) cm versus 12.3 (range, 5–27) cm for OR. Recurrent disease in the laparoscopic group occurred in 63% versus 65% in the open group. Mean time to first recurrence for those who underwent LA was 9.6 months (±14) versus 19.2 months (±37.5) in the open group (p < 0.005). Fifty percent of patients who underwent LA had positive margins or notation of intraoperative tumor spill versus 18% of those who underwent OR (p = 0.01). Local recurrence occurred in 25% of the laparoscopic group versus 20% in the open group (p = 0.23). Mean follow‐up was 36.5 months (±43.6).ConclusionsACC continues to be a deadly disease, and little to no progress has been made from a treatment standpoint in the past 20 years. Careful and complete surgical resection is of the utmost importance. Although feasible in many cases and tempting, laparoscopic resection should not be attempted in patients with tumors suspicious for or known to be adrenocortical carcinoma.
Clinical and Imaging Assessment of Cervical Lymph Node Metastasis in Papillary Thyroid Carcinomas
Authors: Choi Yoon Jung , Yun Ji Sup , Kook Shin Ho , Jung Eun Choel , Park Yong Lai 
Published: April 2010

AbstractBackgroundThe goals of this study were to analyze clinical factors that affect cervical lymph node metastasis (LNM) in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), and to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of preoperative ultrasound (US) and computed tomography (CT) of the neck.MethodsThe study sample included 589 consecutive patients who underwent surgery for PTC. Patient age and sex, number, size, and location of tumors, lymphovascular invasion, and extrathyroidal extension were evaluated as risk factors for central and lateral LNM.ResultsIncreased risk of lymph node metastasis was found for male patients, <45 years old, with tumor size >1 cm, lymphovascular invasion, and extrathyroidal invasion. Cancers located in the upper neck had a higher relative risk of lateral metastasis than cancers located in the lower neck. Sensitivity of both US and CT imaging was higher for lateral (70‐80%) than for central (42‐47%) LNM. Specificity of US and CT was high (92‐97%) for both central and lateral LNM. Using central lymph node size of greater than 5 mm as an indicator of metastasis, preoperative US had 58.3% sensitivity and 71.4% specificity.ConclusionsPreoperative US and CT imaging are useful for identifying features that indicate a high risk of LNM and for determining appropriate management of PTC.