bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of temperature on mass transfer in an incomplete trapping supported liquid membrane extraction of triazole fungicides
Authors: Chimuka Luke , Michel Monika , Cukrowska Ewa , Buszewski Boguslaw 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe influence of temperature in a supported liquid membrane (SLM) extraction of triazole fungicides was investigated. The mass transfer parameters such as diffusion coefficient, flux and apparent viscosity were determined at temperatures ranging from 5 to 40°C. Increase in temperature led to an increase in diffusion coefficient and flux with a flowing acceptor solution. The apparent viscosity also decreased with an increase in temperature. However, the increase in mass transfer parameters did not result in an overall increase in extraction efficiency with a stagnant or circulation acceptor phase. Stripping of the analytes from the membrane into the acceptor phase as well as the configuration of the extraction unit could have limited the influence of temperature on mass transfer. The partition coefficient of analytes from the acceptor solution to the membrane, KA, was found to be much higher than that from the donor solution to the membrane KD, thus triazole compounds preferred to remain in the membrane even with an increased extraction temperature.
Epoxycarotenoids esters analysis in intact orange juices using two‐dimensional comprehensive liquid chromatography
Authors: Dugo Paola , Giuffrida Daniele , Herrero Miguel , Donato Paola , Mondello Luigi 
Published: March 2009

AbstractIn this work, the native carotenoid pattern of different orange juices was studied by LC×LC‐DAD/APCI‐IT‐TOF‐MS for the first time. Special attention was given to the epoxycarotenoids components. It has been already proposed that the relative proportions and composition of these epoxycarotenoids can be used to estimate the age and freshness of an orange juice. Re‐arrangements from 5,6‐ to 5,8‐epoxides can occur with time, partially due to the natural acidity of the juices. Thus, the study of these carotenoids in their intact form, that is, esterified with fatty acids, is of great interest. Besides, other free carotenoid and carotenoids esters were identified in seven different monovarietal orange juices and a commercial orange juice. Moreover, the higher separation power of the present LC×LC approach allowed a clearer identification of the compounds contained in the sample compared to the more commonly used approach which uses C30 stationary phases in conventional LC, thanks to the attainment of clearer MS spectra due to the higher resolution and separation degree obtained in LC×LC. This method could also be used to establish authenticity markers among orange varieties that could be potentially used to prevent or detect adulterations or to establish ripeness indexes.
Topology optimization of plane frames in case of random external loadings
Authors: Zier Simone 
Published: March 2009

AbstractUsing the first collapse–theorem, the necessary and sufficient survival conditions of an elasto–plastic structure consist of the yield condition and the equilibrium condition. In practical applications several random model parameters have to be taken into account. This leads to a stochastic optimization problem which cannot be solved using the traditional methods. Instead of that, appropriate (deterministic) substitute problems must be formulated. Here, the topology optimization of frames is considered, where the external load is supposed to be stochastic. The recourse problem will be formulated in general and in the standard form of stochastic linear programming (SLP). After the formulation of the stochastic optimization problem, the recourse problem with discretization and the expected value problem are introduced as representatives of substitute problems. Subsequently, numerical results using these methods are presented. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Research about transmission of the mechanical vibration done by machine‐tools on the group of bones shoulder‐neck‐head
Authors: Trutą Aurica , Pop Aurora Felicia , Arghir Mariana 
Published: March 2009

AbstractDifferent researches have shown that long–term exposure to whole–body vibration can induce different injuries like back pain, injuries of the different part of the body, disturbing the physical and intellectual activities. The resulted diseases could be occasional or could be for ever. Bearing in mind that vibration is applied on the hand or feet, the health rick can be assessed if the forces transmitted in the shoulder during vibration are known. To estimate the forces a biomechanical model has been developed in which the shoulder, neck and head are represented by rigid bodies. The bodies are connected by visco–elastic joint elements. The applied forces are resulted from experimental measurements. To assess the health risk the forces must be divised in two components, an ascendant one and a descendent one. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
On rate independent models for crack propagation
Authors: Knees Dorothee , Mielke Alexander , Zanini Chiara 
Published: March 2009

AbstractWe model the evolution of a single crack as a rate–independent process based on the Griffith criterion. Three approaches are presented, namely a model based on global energy minimization, a model based on a local description involving the energy release rate and a refined local model which is the limit problem of regularized, viscous models. Finally we present an example which sheds light on the different predictions of the models. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Validation and Limits of Finite Inflatable Beam Elements
Authors: Haßler Marc , Schweizerhof Karl 
Published: March 2009

AbstractAlthough nowadays inflatable tubular beams are often used in the field of civil engineering, by now there are only few publications dealing with finite deformation inflatable beam elements, see e.g. [1], [2] and [3]. All formulations of inflatable beams have several assumptions in common, as constant cross sections throughout the deformation, a constant internal gas pressure and the negligence of circumferential stresses. These assumptions have to be validated either by experiments or numerical analysis. In the current contribution beam–like structures are investigated using a finite element shell or membrane formulation and featuring a volume dependent gas loading, see e.g. [5] and [4]. In general the formulation substitutes the internal gas pressure by an energetically equivalent volume dependent loading and thus enables to check for potential gas pressure changes during the deformation process of the inflated beam as a consequence of volume changes. Further local deformations as occurring in the vicinity of supports or almost single loads can be considered. In this paper the focus will be only on the initial assumption of the beam theory that the biaxial stress state is neglected. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Non‐conforming FEM‐BEM coupling for wave propagation phenomena
Authors: Rüberg Thomas , Schanz Martin , Beer Gernot 
Published: March 2009

AbstractIn this paper, a method for coupling finite and boundary element discretizations is presented which allows for non–conforming interface discretizations. This method is applicable (but not restricted ) to static and dynamic problems of acoustics and structural mechanics. The main idea is to employ discrete Dirichlet–to–Neumann maps at each time step within the framework of a Lagrange multiplier domain decomposition method. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Multidimensional life cycle assessment on various moulded pulp production systems
Authors: Huo Lijiang , Saito Katsuhiko 
Published: March 2009

AbstractMoulded pulp has been used as an alternative to plastic in certain packaging applications, but some problems in the production system lead to higher costs including energy consumption. Industry tends to operate on the basis of experience rather than through scientific evaluation and systematic design methods. The research aims at detecting the problems in the production system by a multidimensional life cycle assessment (MLCA) with transparent analysis. The MLCA measures the performance of the moulded pulp production system with regard to technical, economic and environmental aspects and produces quantitative results (in monetary units), and finally indicates the overall efficiency of the production system using a sustainability index (SI). A life cycle impact assessment method based on endpoint modelling (LIME) is mainly adopted in the MLCA. Three existing moulded pulp production systems for industrial packaging in China were assessed in this study. The results show that the main environmental impacts of the three production systems are the atmospheric emissions and landfill waste; the drying stage in the production systems, which is dominated by consumption of resources and environmental impacts, is the key to controlling costs; steam should be the first preferred heat source in the drying process for achieving sustainability in the moulded pulp production system. The optimum for the three cases is identified by calculating the newly developed SI. The MLCA approach can be used to assist in identifying potential improvements and practical new packaging designs. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Practical application of the vanishing tetrad test for causal indicator measurement models: An example from health‐related quality of life
Authors: Bollen Kenneth A. , Lennox Richard D. , Dahly Darren L. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractResearchers are often faced with the task of trying to measure abstract concepts. The most common approach is to use multiple indicators that reflect an underlying latent variable. However, this ‘effect indicator’ measurement model is not always appropriate; sometimes the indicators instead cause the construct of interest. While the notion of ‘causal indicators’ has been known for some time, it is still too often ignored. However, there are limited means to determine whether a possible indicator should be treated as a cause or an effect of the latent construct of interest. Perhaps the best empirical way is to use the vanishing tetrad test (VTT), yet this method is still often overlooked. We speculate that one reason for this is the lack of published examples of its use in practice, written for an audience without extensive statistical training. The goal of this paper was to help fill this gap in the literature—to provide a basic example of how to use the VTT. We illustrated the VTT by looking at multiple items from a health related quality of life instrument that seem more likely to cause the latent variable rather than the other way around. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using multiple frames in health surveys
Authors: Metcalf Patricia , Scott Alastair 
Published: March 2009

AbstractIn this paper, we look at a unified approach to estimation in multiple frame surveys that enables the analysis to be handled with standard survey software. We investigate how the approach performs with data from the Auckland Diabetes, Heart and Health Survey, a dual frame survey looking at risk factors for cardiovascular disease with special attention to Maori and Pacific Island people and to older people. The results suggest that the use of multiple frames might be useful in other surveys where good estimates are wanted for both the whole population and particular subgroups at the same time. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Animal models of maple syrup urine disease
Authors: Skvorak K. J. 
Published: March 2009

SummaryMaple syrup urine disease (MSUD) is an inherited aminoacidopathy resulting from dysfunction of the branched‐chain keto acid dehydrogenase (BCKDH) complex. This disease is currently treated primarily by dietary restriction of branched‐chain amino acids (BCAAs). However, dietary compliance is often challenging. Conversely, liver transplantation significantly improves outcomes, but donor organs are scarce and there are high costs and potential risks associated with this invasive procedure. Therefore, improved treatment options for MSUD are needed. Development of novel treatments could be facilitated by animal models that accurately mimic the human disease. Animal models provide a useful system in which to explore disease mechanisms and new preclinical therapies. Here we review MSUD and currently available animal models and their corresponding relevance to the human disorder. Using animal models to gain a more complete understanding of the pathophysiology behind the human disease may lead to new or improved therapies to treat or potentially cure the disorder.
Conjugated Linoleic Acid Decreases MCF‐7 Human Breast Cancer Cell Growth and Insulin‐Like Growth Factor‐1 Receptor Levels
Authors: Amarù Danielle L. , Field Catherine J. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractIn vitro work suggests that conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomers (c9,t11 and t10,c12) are cytotoxic to human breast cancer cells, however the mechanism remains unknown. Using human MCF‐7 breast cancer cells, we examined the effects of c9,t11 and t10,c12 CLA compared to oleic acid (OA), linoleic acid (LA), or untreated cells on cell membrane phospholipid composition, cell survival, and the insulin‐like growth factor‐I (IGF‐I) and the downstream insulin receptor substrate‐1 (IRS‐1). Both CLA isomers were incorporated into membrane phospholipids (p < 0.05). Compared to untreated cells, c9,t11 or t10,c12 CLA significantly reduced the metabolic activity of IGF‐I stimulated MCF‐7 cells, increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, and decreased cellular concentrations of the IGF‐I receptor (IGF‐IR) and insulin receptor substrate‐1 (p < 0.05). Incubation with t10,c12 CLA also reduced the levels of phosphorylated IGF‐1R. The effects on all of these measures were greater (p < 0.05) for t10,c12 CLA compared to c9,t11 CLA. There were few differences between LA‐treated and c9,t11 CLA‐treated cells, whereas cellular metabolic activity, LDH release, and IGF‐IR concentrations differed between t10,c12 CLA‐treated and LA‐treated cells (p < 0.05). OA stimulated growth compared to the untreated condition (p < 0.05). In summary, this study demonstrated that the t10,c12 CLA isomer inhibits growth of MCF‐7 cells and suggested that this may be mediated through incorporation into cellular phospholipids and interference with the function of IGF‐I and related signaling proteins.
New 17‐Methyl‐13‐Octadecenoic and 3,16‐Docosadienoic Acids from the Sponge Polymastia penicillus
Authors: Denis Claire , Wielgosz‐Collin Gaëtane , Bretéché Anne , Ruiz Nicolas , Rabesaotra Vony , Boury‐Esnault Nicole , Kornprobst Jean‐Michel , Barnathan Gilles 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe phospholipid fatty acid composition of the North‐East Atlantic sponge Polymastiapenicillus (South Brittany, France) was investigated. Sixty fatty acids (FA) were identified as methyl esters (FAME) and N‐acyl pyrrolidides (NAP) by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS), including eight Δ5,9 unsaturated FA and three long‐chain 2‐hydroxylated FA. The major phospholipid FA were palmitic (14.3% of the total FA mixture), vaccenic (12.7%), 15(Z)‐docosenoic (13.4%) and 5(Z),9(Z)‐hexacosadienoic (13.3%) acids. In addition to the iso‐ and anteiso‐branched saturated FA, several unusual short‐chain branched saturated FA were identified. In addition to the known Δ5,9 FA, and interestingly regarding their identification by GC–MS as N‐acyl pyrrolidides, was the co‐occurrence of unusual FA possessing a Δ3, Δ4 and Δ5 double bond such as iso‐4‐pentadecenoic, iso‐5‐heptadecenoic, anteiso‐5‐heptadecenoic and two new compounds, not hitherto found in nature, namely 17‐methyl‐13‐octadecenoic (0.8%) and 3,16‐docosadienoic (1.1%) acids.
Morphological and molecular studies on life cycle stages of Diphtherostomum brusinae (Digenea: Zoogonidae) from northern Portugal
Authors: Pina S. , Tajdari J. , Russell-Pinto F. , Rodrigues P. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractDiphtherostomum brusinae was first recorded by the present study in the north of Portugal. Sporocysts, containing cercariae and encysted metacercariae, were observed in the gonads and digestive gland of the gastropod Nassarius reticulatus. Metacercariae were also found infecting the foot, mantle border and gills of the cockle Cerastoderma edule. The adult form was lodged in the rectum of the definitive host Diplodus sargus. The morphology of the three parasitic stages was studied by light (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Despite the close similarity between cercaria and metacercaria, SEM data provided information that allowed their differentiation, namely the presence of a dense crown of microvilli around the oral cavity of the cercariae, which was absent in the metacercariae. In addition, the metacercariae presented a specific pre-acetabular rectangular band with conspicuous triangular spines. The adult showed characteristics of D. brusinae species, in particular the presence of acetabular lips, compact vitellaria and large elliptical eggs. Sequenced ITS1 data clearly demonstrated that the cercariae and metacercarial cysts from N. reticulatus, the cysts from C. edule and the adult isolated from D. sargus were life cycle stages that belonged to the same species, i.e. D. brusinae. Two transmission strategies in the life cycle of this species were observed: (1) cercariae encyst within the sporocysts of N. reticulatus and await ingestion by the definitive host; and (2) N. reticulatus naturally emits cercariae; they encyst in C. edule or the environment and are ingested by the definitive host.
Open Clusters as tracers of the Galactic disk: the Bologna Open Clusters Chemical Evolution project
Authors: Bragaglia Angela , Carretta Eugenio , Gratton Raffaele , Tosi Monica 
Published: March 2009

AbstractWe present an update of the Bologna Open Clusters Chemical Evolution project (BOCCE, in short). We are conducting a photometric and spectroscopic survey of Open Clusters, to be used as tracers of the Galactic disk properties and evolution. We obtain the clusters parameters (age, distance, metallicity, and detailed abundances) in a precise and homogeneous way. We have collected data for about 40 Open Clusters and have fully analyzed the photometric data for about one half and the spectra for one quarter of them. We present here results based on these works and indicate what will come next.
Spiral Arm Tangencies in the Milky Way
Authors: Benjamin Robert A. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe historical directions of spiral arm tangencies in the Milky Way are presented and compared to results of mid-infrared star counts using the Spitzer Space Telescope. While the Scutum and Centaurus tangency directions show a 20-30% excess of star counts, all other expected tangency directions show no similar increases. These two tangencies are probably associated with a density wave arm that comes off the near side of the bar of the Galaxy while the other arms whose tangencies are not detected may be compression in the gas, but not in the old stellar disk.
The Galaxy and its stellar halo - insights from a hybrid cosmological approach
Authors: De Lucia Gabriella , Helmi Amina 
Published: March 2009

AbstractWe use a series of high-resolution N-body simulations of a ‘Milky-Way’ halo, coupled to semi-analytic techniques, to study the formation of our own Galaxy and of its stellar halo. Our model Milky Way galaxy is a relatively young system whose physical properties are in quite good agreement with observational determinations. In our model, the stellar halo is mainly formed from a few massive satellites accreted early on during the galaxy's lifetime. The stars in the halo do not exhibit any metallicity gradient, but higher metallicity stars are more centrally concentrated than stars with lower abundances. This is due to the fact that the most massive satellites contributing to the stellar halo are also more metal rich, and dynamical friction drags them closer to the inner regions of the host halo.
SpliceAid: a database of experimental RNA target motifs bound by splicing proteins in humans
Authors: Piva Francesco , Giulietti Matteo , Nocchi Linda , Principato Giovanni 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Summary: The correct post-transcriptional RNA processing is finely regulated by RNA-binding proteins. Unfortunately, there is little experimental information on target RNA sequences of RNA-binding proteins and moreover such experimentally derived target sequences are annotated in a compact form by the score matrices that overestimate the number of possible recognized sequences. We carried out an exhaustive hand curated literature search to create a database, SpliceAid, collecting all the experimentally assessed target RNA sequences that are bound by splicing proteins in humans. We built a web resource, database driven, to easy query SpliceAid and give back the results by an accurate and dynamic graphic representation.
Availability: SpliceAid database is freely accessible at http://www.introni.it/splicing.html
Contact: f.piva@univpm.it
LOCP—locating pilus operons in Gram-positive bacteria
Authors: Plyusnin Ilya , Holm Liisa , Kankainen Matti 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Summary: Pilus operons encode a pivotal host–microbe interaction structure that is vital for pathogenicity, colonization and adhesion. LOCP is a computational tool to quickly test whether or not the genome of a Gram-positive bacterium of interest or some DNA-contig in a metagenomic sample hold pilus operons. Predictions are made based on distinctive motifs of pilus-related protein sequences and on the tendency of these protein sequences to occur in dense clusters. The tool showed a phenomenal accuracy and revealed that various novel, and even unexpected, Gram-positive bacteria do possess pilus operons. Thus, the tool helps us to focus the laboratory research on genes behind this important and indicative feature, and to screen for strains containing them.
Availability: Software is available at http://ekhidna.biocenter.helsinki.fi/locp/
Contact: matti.kankainen@helsinki.fi
Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Bacterial Colonization of Epidural Catheters Used for Short-term Postoperative Analgesia
Authors: Yuan Hui-Bih , Zuo Zhiyi , Yu Kwok-Woon , Lin Wan-May , Lee Hui-Chen , Chan Kwok-Han 
Published: March 2009

Background
The authors conducted this prospective study to determine the incidence, potential routes, and risk factors of microbial colonization of epidural catheter used for postoperative pain control.

Methods
Two-hundred five patients with epidural analgesia for postoperative pain were studied. On removal of the catheter, five samples were sent for culture: the infusate, a swab from inside the hub of the epidural catheter connector, a swab from the skin around the catheter insertion site, the subcutaneous segment, and the tip of the catheter. Clinical data related to the catheter insertion, management, and general patient conditions were collected.

Results
The positive culture rates for the subcutaneous and tip segments of the catheter were 10.5% and 12.2%, respectively. The most common organism in the culture was coagulase-negative staphylococcus. There was a strong linear relationship between bacterial colonization in the skin around the catheter insertion site and growth from the subcutaneous and tip segments of catheter (P = 0.000). Catheter-related events at ward, blood transfusion, and positive culture from the skin at the insertion site were risk factors for bacterial colonization of epidural catheters. Inflammation at catheter insertion site, catheter indwelling time, and level of catheter insertion were not predicators for epidural catheter colonization.

Conclusions
The authors' results suggest that bacterial migration along the epidural catheter track is the most common route of epidural catheter colonization. Maintaining sterile skin around the catheter insertion site will reduce colonization of the epidural catheter tip.