bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multifractal analysis of measure representation of flood/drought grade series in the Yangtze Delta, China, during the past millennium and their fractal model simulation
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Yu Zu‐Guo , Xu Chong‐Yu , Anh Vo 
Published: April 2009

AbstractBased on reconstructed flood/drought grade series, IFS (iterated function systems) and RIFS [(recurrent) iterated function systems] models were used to reconstruct their measure representations. The goodness‐of‐fit of the simulation indicated good performance of IFS and RIFS models in simulation of the measure representations of the historical flood/drought grade series in the Yangtze Delta. Multifractal properties of the measures of the flood/drought grade series were analyzed using multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis (MF‐DFA) technique. The DFA1 exponents of 0.6348 ± 0.013 and 0.7215 ± 0.013 indicated that the measures of the flood/drought grade series of the Yangtze Delta were characterized by long memory or persistence. Furthermore, the h(q) curves of the measure representations indicated that the measure representations of the flood/drought grade series in the Yangtze Delta were multifractal measures. The finding of this paper highlights possibility of prediction for future climatic changes based on historical records in the Yangtze Delta region. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering microscopy within a microcavity with parallel mirrors
Authors: Marrocco Michele , Nichelatti Enrico 
Published: April 2009

AbstractCoherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscopy, or micro‐CARS, is becoming more and more popular to identify chemical species with notable three‐dimensional resolution. In view of this important application, the present work tries to extend the analysis of cavity effects that are well known in other branches of linear and nonlinear optics. In particular, the CARS process taking place within a Fabry‐Pérot microcavity (with mirror spacing on the order of the anti‐Stokes wavelength) is here examined. Two theoretical cavity models are used and found interchangeable as to the description of the typical phenomenology of enhancement and inhibition expected for the electromagnetic confinement induced by the boundary conditions. These phenomena are responsible of strong alterations in the spatial distribution of micro‐CARS, and instructive examples are shown for spherical Raman scatterers of different sizes. To sum them up, the signal enhancement occurs in correspondence of pronounced narrowing and elongation of the emission lobes surrounding the optical axis (coincident with the propagation direction of the collinear laser beams). Conversely, the inhibition is characterized by the ejection of radiation at large angles (with respect to the optical axis) for those wavelengths that do not respect the cavity tuning adjusted on the given anti‐Stokes wavelength. The different angular properties of spectrally separated components of CARS signals are then proven useful for the amplification of the contrast defining the quality of CARS imaging. In the end, amplifications of one or two orders of magnitude are calculated depending on different experimental conditions. Limits and future developments of the present approach are discussed in the conclusions. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Study of two different cold restructuring processes using two different qualities of hake (Merluccius capensis) muscle, with addition of microbial transglutaminase
Authors: Moreno Helena M , Carballo José , Javier Borderías A 
Published: April 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND: Microbial transglutaminase (MTGase) can improve the mechanical and functional properties of restructured fish products without the need of thermal gelation. The present study seeks to determine whether, for different setting times, MTGase activity in restructured hake muscle made with pieces or with homogenised muscle can be affected by the quality of the protein in the raw materials.RESULTS: As regards mechanical properties, samples of both qualities subjected to the two different processes attained a suitable consistency after setting for 24 h at 5 °C. The quality of the protein in the sample is important when pieces are used for restructuring, but not when sample is homogenised. Also, there were strong correlations between residual MTGase activity up to 12 h and mechanical properties and electrophoretic band density. Water binding capacity (WBC) was not significantly altered by MTGase addition.CONCLUSION: The experimental combination of 10 g kg−1 of MTGase, 15 g kg−1 of sodium chloride and 7.5 g kg−1 of sodium caseinate was suitable for the production of minimally processed raw restructured fish products made with two different qualities of fish protein and two different restructuring processes. In the restructured products made with pieces, the protein quality significantly affected final properties, but in finely homogenised product the protein quality was less important. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Enantiomeric separation of acidic compounds by nano‐liquid chromatography with methylated‐β‐cyclodextrin as a mobile phase additive
Authors: Rocco Anna , Fanali Salvatore 
Published: April 2009

AbstractSome racemic nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, namely naproxen, indoprofen, ketoprofen, flurbiprofen, carprofen, cicloprofen, flunoxaprofen and suprofen were separated into their enantiomers by nano‐LC. Chiral recognition was achieved adding to the mobile phase heptakis (2,3,6‐tri‐O‐methyl)‐β‐cyclodextrin (TM‐β‐CD). Capillary columns of 100 μm id, packed with different RP particles were used for experiments. Effect of experimental parameters such as mobile phase composition, stationary phase type and length of packed capillary column on retention factor and chiral resolution of analytes were studied. The stationary phase type played a very important role in the enantiorecognition process. Best results in terms of highest enantioresolution factor and largest number of separated enantiomers were obtained reducing the particles size to 3 μm with RP18 stationary phase. Most favourable mobile phase for enantiodiscrimination was obtained using relatively low concentrations of ACN (30%, v/v), 30 mM of TM‐β‐CD and pH value of 3.0. The retention time of all studied enantiomers decreased by increasing the CD derivative concentration. The retention factors of selected studied compounds, specifically flurbiprofen, naproxen and suprofen, were measured employing TM‐β‐CD concentrations in the range 0–40 mM. Assuming a 1:1 enantiomer/CD ratio, the apparent association constants of the studied enantiomers were calculated.
Selectivity of arginine chromatography in promoting different interactions using synthetic oligonucleotides as model
Authors: Sousa Ângela , Sousa Fani , Queiroz João A. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractArginine has been effectively used in several chromatography methodologies to improve recovery, resolution, and to suppress aggregation. Recently, arginine chromatography was used to fully separate supercoiled and open circular plasmid DNA isoforms. The specific recognition of supercoiled plasmid isoform by arginine was hypothesised to be due to the ability of arginine matrix to be involved in complex interactions that are partly dependent on the conformation of the DNA molecule. In light of these considerations a study was conducted to understand the several interactions that a DNA molecule can promote with the arginine support, in accordance with the chromatographic conditions established. Consequently, knowing the ideal conditions to promote the specific interactions, it could be possible to perform a more targeted and efficient purification. This work describes the chromatography of oligonucleotides with sizes up to 30 bases on the arginine‐agarose gel. The effect of several conditions like hydrophobic character of the individual bases, molecular mass of the oligonucleotides, presence of secondary structures, temperature and elution buffer composition (salt and arginine supplemented buffer) was investigated. According to previous atomic data referent to possible interactions between amino acids and DNA nucleotides, arginine can preferentially interact with guanine by hydrogen bond, but other interactions (ionic interactions, van der Waals contacts, water mediated bonds) may also be present and become dominant depending on the conditions used. The results also revealed that the application of arginine in the elution buffer led to an effective elution of oligonucleotides from the arginine chromatographic support by a competition strategy. In general, it was suggested that the affinity interaction promoted by the arginine support is responsible for the specific recognition of particular oligonucleotide bases, involving multiple interactions.
Nucleic acid aptamer molecular recognition principles and application in liquid chromatography and capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Peyrin Eric 
Published: April 2009

AbstractNucleic acid aptamers isolated from the systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) have the capacity to recognize various classes of target molecules with high affinity and specificity. In this context, the development of aptamer‐based molecular recognition tools has become a very interesting and promising analytical strategy during the last few years. In this review, the molecular recognition features of aptamers as well as the key factors for their practical applicability to the chromatographic and capillary electrophoretic fields are summarized.
The psychological health of contractors working in war zones
Authors: Feinstein Anthony , Botes Maggie 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThis study examines the psychological health of contractors working in war zones. Seventy‐nine contractors completed an Internet‐based psychiatric assessment. The sample was exclusively male with a mean age of 43 (SD = 7) years. The number of contractors whose scores exceeded the cutoff points for depression, psychological distress, and excessive weekly alcohol consumption were 15 (20%), 21 (28%), and 13 (17%), respectively. A third of contractors had posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) scores in the moderate to severe range. Approximately 10% of contractors had employer‐organized access to psychological help following deployment. This study provides the first empirical data showing that a significant minority of contractors working in war zones are psychologically distressed and not receiving therapy.
Disulfide‐Crosslinked Electrospun Poly(γ‐glutamic acid) Nonwovens as Reduction‐Responsive Scaffolds
Authors: Yoshida Hiroaki , Klinkhammer Kristina , Matsusaki Michiya , Möller Martin , Klee Doris , Akashi Mitsuru 
Published: April 2009

AbstractNovel water‐insoluble, and reduction‐responsive nonwoven scaffolds were fabricated from γ‐PGA and tested in cell culture. An electrospinning method was developed to produce scaffolds of fibers with diameters of 0.05–0.5 µm. Crosslinking of the fibers with cystamine in the presence of EDC resulted in water‐insoluble γ‐PGA nonwovens with disulfide crosslinkages. These crosslinked fibers were easily decomposed under physiological conditions using L‐cysteine, a biocompatible reductant. In vitro experiments with mouse L929 fibroblasts showed good adhesion onto γ‐PGA‐SS fiber matrices and excellent cell proliferation. These γ‐PGA‐SS nonwovens can be used as novel biocompatible and biodegradable scaffolds with reduction‐responsiveness for biomedical or tissue engineering applications.magnified image
Thermosensitive Micelles Based on Folate‐Conjugated Poly(N‐vinylcaprolactam)‐block‐Poly(ethylene glycol) for Tumor‐Targeted Drug Delivery
Authors: Prabaharan Mani , Grailer Jamison J. , Steeber Douglas A. , Gong Shaoqin 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThermosensitive PNVCL‐b‐PEG block copolymer coupled with folic acid was prepared as an anti‐cancer drug carrier. This polymer self‐assembled into stable micelles in aqueous solutions at above 33 °C. At 37 °C, the release profile of PNVCL‐b‐PEG‐FA micelles showed a slower and more controlled release of the entrapped 5‐FU than that at 25 °C. The blank and 5‐FU‐loaded PNVCL‐b‐PEG‐FA micelles did not induce remarkable cytotoxicity against the EA.hy 926 human endothelial cell line; however, 5‐FU‐loaded PNVCL‐b‐PEG‐FA micelles showed a cytotoxicity effect against 4T1 mouse mammary carcinoma cells due to the availability of loaded anti‐cancer drugs delivered to the inside of the cancer cells by the folate‐receptor‐mediated endocytosis process.magnified image
A One‐Pot Approach to Novel Cross‐Linked Polyphosphazene Microspheres with Active Amino Groups
Authors: Zhang Peng , Huang Xiaobin , Fu Jianwei , Huang Yawen , Zhu Yan , Tang Xiaozhen 
Published: April 2009

AbstractHighly cross‐linked microspheres bearing active amino groups on the surface have been successfully synthesized via a single‐step precipitation polymerization of hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene (HCCP) with 4,4′‐diaminodiphenyl ether (ODA) in acetonitrile medium without any added surfactant. The active microspheres were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results revealed that the active microspheres had clean surfaces and they were in the size of micrometer range, varying from 0.5 to 2.5 µm. The accessibility of the surface amino groups to further functionalization was confirmed by the reaction of these groups with benzoxy chloride. Interestingly, the content of amino groups can be easily tailored through changing the molar ratio of HCCP to ODA. The effects of the concentration of HCCP and the monomer ratios on the morphology were also discussed.magnified image
Novel Low Bandgap EDOT‐Naphthalene Bisimides Conjugated Polymers: Synthesis, Redox, and Optical Properties
Authors: Wei Yufeng , Zhang Qing , Jiang Yadong , Yu Junsheng 
Published: April 2009

AbstractLow band‐gap conjugated polymers based on naphthalene bisimide (NBI) and 3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) were synthesized by Stille cross‐coupling reaction. The alternating conjugated poly(EDOT‐NBI) (P1) and random poly(EDOT‐NBI) (P2) are both solution‐processable due to the existence of bulky 2,6‐diisopropylphenyl substituent. Their optical and electrochemical properties were characterized. P1 and P2 films show optical band gaps of 1.75 and 1.38 eV estimated from UV‐Vis absorption spectra. Cyclic voltammograms of both polymers display reversible reduction peaks with onset reduction potentials at −0.55 V for P1 and −0.61 V for P2, which correspond to the electron affinity (EA) values (LUMO energy level) of 3.85 and 3.79 eV, respectively. The ionization potential (IP, HOMO level) values of 5.60 eV for P1 and 5.17 eV for P2 were also calculated by combining solid‐state optical and electrochemical data. A double heterojunction device was fabricated. It exhibits an open circuit voltage of 0.30 V and average power conversion efficiency of 0.15%.magnified image
Spontaneous Self‐Assembly of a Mono‐Component Polyimide Bearing Terminal Hydrogen‐Bonding Sites in a Single Solvent
Authors: Liu Xikui , Liu Junzhi , Jiang Ming 
Published: April 2009

AbstractA unique example of macromolecular self‐assembly, where a mono‐component homopolyimide bearing carboxy end‐groups spontaneously forms nanopartilces with novel dimple‐like morphology in a single good solvent, is presented. The self‐assembly process is dramatically affected by the solution concentration and the temperature. It is proposed that such an unexpected self‐assembly behavior is a synergistic result of the self‐complementary hydrogen bonding between carboxy end‐groups and the propensity to parallel packing of polyimide chains through aromatic interactions.magnified image
Recent advances in mass spectrometry analysis of phenolic endocrine disruptors and related compounds
Authors: Gallart‐Ayala H. , Moyano E. , Galceran M.T. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThis article reviews recent literature on current methodologies based on chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry to analyze phenolic compounds with endocrine‐disrupting capabilities. For this review we chose alkylphenol ethoxylates, bisphenol A, bisphenol F, and their degradation products and halogenated derivatives, which are considered important environmental contaminants. Additionally, some related compounds such as bisphenol diglycidylethers were included. Growing attention has been paid to the mass spectrometric characterization of these compounds and the instrumentation and strategies used for their quantification and confirmation. The current use of gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) methodologies with different mass spectrometers and ionization and monitoring modes is discussed. Practical aspects with regards to the use of these analytical techniques, such as derivatizing reagents in GC–MS, ion suppression in LC–MS, and the most problematic aspects of quantification, are included in the discussion. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., Mass Spec Rev 29:776–805, 2010
The use of a color coded probability scale to interpret smell tests in suspected parkinsonism
Authors: Silveira‐Moriyama Laura , Petrie Aviva , Williams David R. , Evans Andrew , Katzenschlager Regina , Barbosa Egberto R. , Lees Andrew J. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractSmell identification tests (SITs) have been suggested as useful in the differential diagnosis of Parkinson's disease (PD). We have applied the 40 item University of Pennsylvania SIT (UPSIT‐40) and/or the 16 item SIT from Sniffin Sticks (SS‐16) to 193 nondemented PD patients and 157 controls and used logistic regression analysis to associate the SIT result with the probability of an individual patient having PD (“PD probability”). Reliability measures (95% CI) using the clinical diagnosis as a gold standard and a dichotomized result of the smell test into high (50% or more) or low (<50%) “PD probability” were: sensitivity 85.0% (78.8–89.7%), specificity 84.6% (77.3–89.9%) for the UPSIT‐40; sensitivity 90.4% (83.5–94.7%), specificity 85.5% (76.2–91.7%) for the SS‐16. Based on these findings we have created color coded visual tools (PD probability rulers) and applied them to 39 clinically uncertain parkinsonian syndromes (CUPS) patients who had been investigated with dopamine transporter SPECT scanning using [123‐I]‐FP‐CIT SPECT (DaTSCAN) for suspected Parkinson's disease. In 32 of 36 CUPS cases (88.9%, kappa = 0.72) the probability ruler predicted the result of the DaTSCAN. We suggest smell tests could be used routinely in challenging cases where there is diagnostic uncertainty and help inform decision making relating to the need for neuro imaging. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society
Randomized controlled trial of memantine in dementia associated with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Leroi Iracema , Overshott Ross , Byrne E. Jane , Daniel Emily , Burns Alistair 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThe objective of this study is to investigate the safety and tolerability of memantine, a glutamatergic modulator, in patients suffering from dementia associated with Parkinson's disease (PDD), an increasingly common complication of PD. This was a 22‐week trial of 25 participants with a DSM‐IV diagnosis of PDD who were randomized to either placebo or 20 mg/day of memantine. Memantine was well tolerated by participants at 20 mg/day dosing. No participant was withdrawn due to memantine‐related adverse events. Six weeks after drug withdrawal, a significantly greater proportion (P = 0.04) of memantine‐treated participants deteriorated globally compared with those treated with placebo. These findings suggest that continued treatment with memantine may be needed to maintain global level of functioning over time. Based on the findings of this pilot study, memantine is safe and very well‐tolerated in PDD. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society
Parameter Estimation in a Simplified MWD Model for HDPE Produced by a Ziegler‐Natta Catalyst
Authors: Thompson Duncan E. , McAuley Kim B. , McLellan P. James 
Published: April 2009

AbstractA simplified steady‐state model to predict MWDs of ethylene/butene and ethylene/hexene copolymers produced industrially using heterogeneous Z‐N catalysts is developed. Estimability analysis is used to guide model simplification and to determine which parameters can be estimated using the available data. Scaling of response variables and parameters using information about their uncertainties ensures that appropriate results are obtained from the estimability analysis. Parameter estimates are obtained to provide good predictions of the measured MWDs. Although the parameter values obtained are specific to the Z‐N catalyst of our industrial sponsor, the method should be useful for parameter estimation and model simplification in other catalytic polymerization systems.magnified image
Electrophysiological studies in a mouse model of Schwartz–Jampel syndrome demonstrate muscle fiber hyperactivity of peripheral nerve origin
Authors: Echaniz‐Laguna Andoni , Rene Frédérique , Marcel Christophe , Bangratz Marie , Fontaine Bertrand , Loeffler Jean‐Philippe , Nicole Sophie 
Published: April 2009

AbstractSchwartz–Jampel syndrome (SJS) is an autosomal‐recessive condition characterized by muscle stiffness and chondrodysplasia. It is due to loss‐of‐function hypomorphic mutations in the HSPG2 gene that encodes for perlecan, a proteoglycan secreted into the basement membrane. The origin of muscle stiffness in SJS is debated. To resolve this issue, we performed an electrophysiological investigation of an SJS mouse model with a missense mutation in the HSPG2 gene. Compound muscle action potential amplitudes, distal motor latencies, repetitive nerve stimulation tests, and sensory nerve conduction velocities of SJS mice were normal. On electromyography (EMG), neuromyotonic discharges, that is, bursts of motor unit action potentials firing at high rates (120–300 HZ), were constantly observed in SJS mice in all muscles, except in the diaphragm. Neuromyotonic discharges were not influenced by general anesthesia and disappeared with curare administration. They persisted after complete motor nerve section, terminating only with Wallerian degeneration. These results demonstrate that perlecan deficiency in SJS provokes a neuromyotonic syndrome. The findings further suggest a distal axonal localization of the generator of neuromyotonic discharges. SJS should now be considered as an inherited disorder with peripheral nerve hyperexcitability. Muscle Nerve, 2009