bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Halocyntin and papillosin, two new antimicrobial peptides isolated from hemocytes of the solitary tunicate, Halocynthia papillosa
Authors: Galinier Richard , Roger Emmanuel , Sautiere Pierre‐Eric , Aumelas Andre , Banaigs Bernard , Mitta Guillaume 
Published: January 2009

AbstractWe report here the screening of five marine invertebrate species from two taxa (tunicates and echinoderms) for the presence of cationic antimicrobial peptides (AMP) in defence cells (hemocytes). Antimicrobial activities were detected only in the two tunicates Microcosmus sabatieri and Halocynthia papillosa. In addition, we report the isolation and characterization of two novel peptides from H. papillosa hemocytes. These molecules display antibacterial activity against Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria. Complete peptide characterization was obtained by a combination of Edman degradation and mass spectrometry. The mature molecules, named halocyntin and papillosin, comprise 26 and 34 amino acid residues, respectively. Their primary structure display no significant similarities with previously described AMP. Copyright © 2009 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Density functional theory study on the ionization potentials and electron affinities of thymine–formamide complexes
Authors: Sun Haitao , Tang Ke , Li Yanmin , Su Chunfang , Zhou Zhengyu , Wang Zhizhong 
Published: January 2009

AbstractThe effect of hydrogen bond interactions on ionization potentials (IPs) and electron affinities (EAs) of thymine–formamide complexes (T–F) have been investigated employing the density functional theory B3LYP at 6‐311++G(d, p) basis set level. All complexes experience a geometrical change on either electron detachment or attachment, and the change might be facilitated or hindered according to the strength of the hydrogen‐bonding interaction involved. The strength of hydrogen bonds presents an opposite changing trend on the two processes. A more important role that H‐bonding interaction plays in the process of electron attachment than in the process of electron detachment can be seen by a comparison of the IPs and EAs of complexes with that of isolated thymine. Futhermore, the EAs of isolated thymine are in good agreement with the experimental values (AEA is 0.79 eV, VEA is −0.29 eV [Wetmore et al., Chem Phys Lett 2000, 322, 129]). The calculated total NPA charge distributions reveal that nearly all the negative charges locate on thymine monomer in the anions and even in the cationic states, there are a few negative charges on thymine monomer. An analysis of dissociation energies predicts the processes T–F+→ T++ F and T–F− → T− + F to be the most energetically favorable for T–F+ and T–F−, respectively. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009
Interference of chlorofluorocarbon (CFC)‐containing inhalers with measurements of volatile compounds using selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry
Authors: Epton Michael J. , Ledingham Katherine , Dummer Jack , Hu Wan‐Ping , Rhodes Bronwen , Senthilmohan Senti T. , Scotter Jennifer M. , Allardyce Randall , Cook Julie , Swanney Maureen P. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractSelected ion flow tube mass spectrometry (SIFT‐MS) is a sensitive technique capable of measuring volatile compounds (VCs) in complex gas mixtures in real time; it is now being applied to breath analysis. We investigated the effect of inhalers containing chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) on the detection and measurement of haloamines in human breath. SIFT‐MS mass scans (MS) and selected ion monitoring (SIM) scans were performed on three healthy non‐smoking volunteers before and after inhalation of the following medications: Combivent™ metered‐dose inhaler (MDI) (CFC‐containing); Ventolin™ MDI (CFC‐free); Atrovent™ MDI (CFC‐free), Beclazone™ MDI (CFC‐containing); Duolin™ nebuliser. In addition, the duration of the persistence of the mass/charge ratios was measured for 20 h. Inhalers containing CFCs generated large peaks at m/z 85, 87, 101, 103 and 105 in vitro and in vivo, consistent with the predicted product ions of CFCs 12, 114 and 11. No such peaks were seen with Duolin™ via nebuliser, or CFC‐free MDIs. We conclude that measurement of VCs, such as haloamines, with product ions of similar m/z values to the ions found for CFCs would be significantly affected by the presence of CFCs in inhalers. This issue needs to be accounted for prior to the measurement of VCs in breath in people using inhalers containing CFCs. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The detection of various opiates and benzodiazepines by comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography/time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Guthery Bill , Bassindale Alan , Pillinger Colin T. , Morgan Geraint H. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractA technique using comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography/time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (GC × GC/TOFMS) is applied to qualitative and quantitative drug testing. Human serum was ‘spiked’ with known quantities of benzodiazepines and a ‘street heroin’ mixture including some of the major metabolites and impurities. The sample components were extracted from the matrix by solid‐phase extraction (SPE). Constituents containing polar hydroxyl and/or secondary amine groups were derivatised with N‐methyl‐N‐(tert‐butyldimethyl)trifluoroacetamide (MTBSTFA) to improve the chromatographic performance. An orthogonal separation of the matrix constituents was achieved by coupling a DB‐5ms (5% phenyl) to a BPX50 (50% phenyl) GC column. The eluant was focused onto the second column by a twin‐stage cryo‐modulator. Rapid 6 s modulation times were achieved by transfer from a 30 m × 0.25 mm (length × internal diameter) to a 2 m × 0.1 mm column. TOFMS with rapid spectral acquisition (≤500 spectra/s) was employed in the mass range m/z 40–650. A clean mass spectrum was obtained for each analyte using mass spectral deconvolution software. The sensitivity and repeatability of the method were evaluated by the preparation of calibration standards for two benzodiazepines, flunitrazepam and its major metabolite 7‐aminoflunitrazepam (7‐amino‐FN), in the concentration range 5–1000 ng/mL. The limits of detection (LODs) and limits of quantitation (LOQs), calculated by repeat injections (×10) of the lowest standard, were 1.6 and 5.4 ng/mL (flunitrazepam); 2.5 and 8.5 ng/mL (7‐amino‐FN), respectively. There is scope to extend this protocol to screen a large number of drugs and metabolites stored in a library database. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mass spectrometry in the characterization of ambers. II. Free succinic acid in fossil resins of different origin
Authors: Tonidandel Loris , Ragazzi Eugenio , Traldi Pietro 
Published: January 2009

AbstractBaltic amber contains high levels of succinic acid, most of which is part of the polymer framework, and only recently has the presence of microcrystals of free succinic acid been documented by scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction analysis. The determination of succinic acid can be used for an easy identification of Baltic amber among other fossil resins and to distinguish it from imitations, widely diffused on the market, produced with natural or modified recent or sub‐fossil resins, such as copals. We report here a simple method, based on negative ion electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, for evaluating the free succinic acid content in water/methanol extracts of ambers from different origin, using a sample of about 20 mg. The limit of quantification is better than 1 ppm and, when applied to a set of amber samples of different origin, it was able to distinguish those of Baltic origin (showing free succinic acid levels in the range 50–400 ppm) from the others (for which succinic acid was undetectable, i.e. at levels lower than 1 ppm). Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An analytical strategy for identification of a somatotropin‐like bioactive peptide by ion trap liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry after immuno‐affinity purification from buffalo serum
Authors: Gallo Pasquale , Vinci Floriana , Fusco Giovanna , Serpe Luigi 
Published: January 2009

AbstractThe use of growth hormones, such as native and recombinant somatotropins, is forbidden in the European Union (EU), but is legal in the USA. The misuse of recombinant bovine somatotropin in Italy is suspected for enhancing milk production, thanks to its availability on the illegal market. A synthetic bioactive peptide of 27 amino acids derived from bovine somatotropin was successfully tested in France and in southern Italy for scientific purposes, to stimulate milk production, both in cows and buffaloes. This somatotropin‐like peptide (PEP‐ST), suspected for illegal use in southern Italy, was synthesized by linking the 104–113 sequence of bovine somatotropin to the 323–339 sequence of ovalbumin. Herein, a method for detection and identification of the PEP‐ST in buffalo serum is described; our strategy was based on the production of IgG anti‐PEP‐ST, used to synthesize an immuno‐affinity column for peptide purification from buffalo serum, prior to analysis by ion trap liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC/ESI‐MS/MS). The immuno‐affinity column was successfully used to purify in a single step the bioactive PEP‐ST from buffalo serum samples spiked at 20, 50 and 200 µg/mL for confirmatory analysis. Ion trap LC/ESI‐MS/MS identification was based on detection of a multi‐charged molecular ion and its characteristic fragmentation pattern. No significant matrix interference was observed, accounting for method specificity. We consider this strategy to be a basic approach that could be improved in the perspective of the official control of illegal use of somatotropin and somatotropin‐like compounds in buffalo breeding. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stereochemical differentiation of C‐7 hydroxyltaxane isomers by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Ge Guang‐Bo , Zhang Rong , Ai Chun‐Zhi , He Yu‐Qi , Zhang Yan‐Yan , Liu Xing‐Bao , Yang Li , Wang Zheng‐Tao , Yang Ling 
Published: January 2009

AbstractIn this study, different electrospray ionization mass spectrometric (ESI‐MS) methods were utilized to analyze several pairs of taxane stereoisomers including paclitaxel and 7‐epi‐paclitaxel. Both ESI‐MS and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) techniques provided stereochemically dependent mass spectra in negative‐ion mode, and all studied stereoisomers could be easily distinguished based on their characteristic ions or distinct fragmentation patterns. MS/MS experiments for several taxane analogues at various collision energies were performed to elucidate potential dissociation pathways. The gas‐phase deprotonation potentials were also calculated to estimate the most thermodynamically favorable deprotonation site using DFT B3LYP/6‐31G(d). The results of the theoretical studies agreed well with the fragmentation patterns of paclitaxel and 7‐epi‐paclitaxel observed from MS/MS experiments. In addition, it was found that liquid chromatography (LC)/ESI‐MS was a useful and sensitive technique for assignment of C‐7 taxane stereoisomers from realistic samples. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transmission mode ion/ion reactions in the radiofrequency‐only ion guide of hybrid tandem mass spectrometers
Authors: Emory Joshua F. , Hassell Kerry H. , Londry Frank A. , McLuckey Scott A. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractTransmission mode ion/ion reactions have been performed within the first quadrupole, the Q0 radiofrequency (RF)‐only quadrupole, of two types of hybrid tandem mass spectrometers (viz., triple quadrupole/linear ion trap and QqTOF instruments). These transmission mode reactions involved the storage of either the reagent species and the transmission of the analyte species through the Q0 quadrupole for charge inversion reactions or the storage of the analyte ions and transmission of the reagent ions as in charge reduction experiments. A key advantage to the use of transmission mode ion/ion reactions is that they do not require any instrument hardware modifications to provide interactions of oppositely charged ions and can be implemented in any instrument that contains a quadrupole or linear ion trap. The focus of this work was to investigate the potential of using the RF‐only quadrupole ion guide positioned prior to the first mass‐resolving element in a tandem mass spectrometer for ion/ion reactions. Two types of exemplary experiments have been demonstrated. One involved a charge inversion reaction and the other involved a charge reduction reaction in conjunction with ion parking. Ion/ion reactions proved to be readily implemented in Q0 thereby adding significantly greater experimental flexibility in the use of ion/ion reaction experiments with hybrid tandem mass spectrometers. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Climatic factors influencing the isotope composition of Italian olive oils and geographic characterisation
Authors: Iacumin Paola , Bernini Luni , Boschetti Tiziano 
Published: January 2009

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to investigate the possibility of identifying oil source areas by means of simple measurements on the natural samples avoiding time‐consuming sample treatments. The oxygen and carbon isotopic values of 150 samples of extra‐virgin olive oil from eight different Italian regions and from three different years of production were measured according to well‐established techniques. Statistical treatments of the results obtained show a very good correlation of the δ18O of oil with latitude, mean annual temperature, and mean relative humidity at the collection site. No correlation is found with elevation and mean annual precipitation. The shift of the oil δ18O per degree centigrade of the mean annual temperature is quantitatively close to that calculated for atmospheric precipitation in continental areas. Accordingly, in our measurements, the year of oil production can be identified on the basis of the δ18O value (mean 2004 temperatures were higher than 2005 temperatures). On the contrary, the oil δ13C values show no correlation with the above variables but only with latitude and, consequently, are less suitable for discriminating the geographic origin of oil. However, the δ13C values are suitable to indicate biological differentiation while the δ18O values are not. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Data scaling for quantitative imaging XPS
Authors: Walton John , Fairley Neal 
Published: January 2009

AbstractXPS spectrum image data sets acquired on laboratory instruments have inherently poor signal/noise, and require the use of multivariate analytical techniques to avoid prohibitively long acquisition times. However, when procedures that order the data by variance are used, the data set must be scaled beforehand, since it has a Poisson distribution. Different scaling methods may be used, but their effectiveness in allowing a separation of the chemical information from the noise is critical if loss of information is to be avoided. The performance of three methods, square root, root mean square and optimal scaling, has been compared, and their effectiveness for quantitative photoelectron spectromicroscopy is discussed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Role conflicts, emotional exhaustion and health problems: a study of police officers in Taiwan
Authors: Wu Chia‐huei 
Published: January 2009

AbstractThis study focused on the role conflicts faced by police officers in Taiwan and investigated the relationship between role conflicts, emotional exhaustion and health problems based on the job demands and resources model (JD‐R model). Firstly, in addition to work–family conflict, an inter‐role conflict, this study identified an intrasender role conflict for police officers called uncompromising‐friendly conflict. Secondly, according to the JD‐R model, it was hypothesized that emotional exhaustion has a complete mediation effect on the relationships between role conflicts and health problems. The survey data in Huang's study were analysed. A total of 672 police officers at Kaohsiung, Taiwan provided completed data for analysis. Correlation analysis showed that role conflicts, emotional exhaustion and health problems were positively correlated. Results of the structural equation model further suggested that the positive effect of role conflicts on health problems was partially mediated by emotional exhaustion. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Concepts of scale held by students with visual impairment
Authors: Jones M. Gail , Taylor Amy R. , Broadwell Bethany 
Published: January 2009

AbstractThis study investigated students' with visual impairment concepts about linear size and scale. Specifically the study examined the accuracy of students' concepts over many orders of magnitude as well as experiences students have had in and out‐of‐school learning about size and scale. The results of assessments of 17 students with visual impairment were compared to those of students with normal sight. The study showed that students with visual impairment were most accurate for measurements in the human scale and were least accurate with very large and very small scales that cannot be directly experienced. However, when compared to students with normal sight, students with visual impairment were more accurate at large and small scales than their normally sighted peers. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 46: 506–519, 2009
A Prospective Randomized Trial Comparing Traditional and Fast‐Track Patient Care in Elective Open Infrarenal Aneurysm Repair
Authors: Muehling Bernd , Schelzig Hubert , Steffen Peter , Meierhenrich Rainer , Sunder‐Plassmann Ludger , Orend Karl‐Heinz 
Published: January 2009

AbstractBackgroundFast‐track recovery programs have led to reduced patient morbidity and mortality after major surgery. In terms of elective open infrarenal aneurysm repair, no evidence is available about such programs. To address this issue, we have conducted a randomized prospective pilot study.MethodsThe study involved prospective randomization of 101 patients with the indication for elective open aneurysm repair in a traditional and a fast‐track treatment arm. The basic fast‐track elements were no bowel preparation, reduced preoperative fasting, patient‐controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA), enhanced postoperative feeding, and postoperative mobilization. Morbidity and mortality, need for postoperative mechanical ventilation, length of stay (LOS) in the intensive care unit (ICU) and total length of postoperative hospital stay were analyzed in terms of an intention to treat.ResultsDemographic data for the two groups were similar. In the fast‐track group the need for postoperative ventilation was significantly lower (6.1% versus 32%; p = 0.002), the median LOS on ICU did not significantly differ (20 h versus 32 h; p = 0.183), full enteral feeding was achieved significantly earlier (5 versus 7 days; p < 0.0001), and the rate of postoperative medical complications—gastrointestinal, cardiac, pulmonary, renal, and infective—was significantly lower (16% versus 36%; p = 0.039). The postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter in the fast‐track group (10 days versus 11 days; p = 0.016); the mortality rate in both groups was 0%.ConclusionsAn optimized patient care program in open infrarenal aortic aneurysm repair shows favorable results concerning need for postoperative assisted mechanical ventilation, time to full enteral feeding, and incidence of medical complications. Further ranomized multicentric trials are necessary to justify broad implementation (clinical trials. gov identifier NCT 00615888).
Democracy-Enhancing Multilateralism
Authors: Keohane Robert O. , Macedo Stephen , Moravcsik Andrew 
Published: January 2009

AbstractInternational organizations are widely believed to undermine domestic democracy. Our analysis challenges this conventional wisdom, arguing that multilateral institutions can enhance the quality of national democratic processes, even in well-functioning democracies, in a number of important ways: by restricting the power of special interest factions, protecting individual rights, and improving the quality of democratic deliberation, while also increasing capacities to achieve important public purposes. The article discusses conflicts and complementarities between multilateralism and democracy, outlines a working conception of constitutional democracy, elaborates theoretically the ways in which multilateral institutions can enhance constitutional democracy, and discusses the empirical conditions under which multilateralism is most likely to have net democratic benefits, using contemporary examples to illustrate the analysis. The overall aim is to articulate a set of critical democratic standards appropriate for evaluating and helping to guide the reform of international institutions.
Oil, Nontax Revenue, and the Redistributional Foundations of Regime Stability
Authors: Morrison Kevin M. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractNontax revenues make up a substantial amount of government revenue around the world, though scholars usually focus on individual sources of such revenue (for example, foreign aid and state-owned oil companies). Using a theory of regime change that builds on recent models of the redistributional foundations of dictatorships and democracies, I generate hypotheses regarding all nontax revenue and regime stability. I argue that an increase in nontax revenue should be associated with less taxation of elites in democracies, more social spending in dictatorships, and more stability for both regime types. I find support for all three of these hypotheses in a cross-sectional time-series analysis, covering all countries and years for which the necessary data are available. Significantly, I show that the particular source of nontax revenue does not make a difference: they all act similarly with regard to regime stability and the causal mechanisms.
Ergodic theorem for the algebra of operators in 𝕃p
Authors: JAJTE RYSZARD , PASZKIEWICZ ADAM 
Published: January 2009

AbstractA measure-preserving isomorphism α of a probability space (Ω,ℱ,μ) generates an algebraic automorphism $\tilde \alpha $ of the algebra of bounded linear operators in 𝕃p(Ω,ℱ,μ). An ergodic theorem for $\tilde \alpha $ is proved.
Reported foodborne outbreaks due to noroviruses in Belgium: the link between food and patient investigations in an international context
Authors: BAERT L. , UYTTENDAELE M. , STALS A. , VAN COILLIE E. , DIERICK K. , DEBEVERE J. , BOTTELDOORN N. 
Published: January 2009

SUMMARYThe Belgian data for foodborne norovirus (NoV) outbreaks became available for the first time with the introduction of an extraction and detection protocol for NoV in the National Reference Laboratory for foodborne outbreaks in September 2006. In 2007, 10 NoV foodborne outbreaks were reported affecting 392 persons in Belgium. NoV became the most detected agent in foodborne outbreaks followed bySalmonella(eight foodborne outbreaks). The major implicated foods were sandwiches (4/10), where food handlers reported a history of gastroenteritis in two outbreaks. A food handler was implicated in the limited number of Belgian NoV outbreaks which is in accord with internationally recorded data. Forty foodborne and waterborne outbreak events due to NoV, epidemiological and/or laboratory confirmed, from 2000 to 2007 revealed that in 42·5% of the cases the food handler was responsible for the outbreak, followed by water (27·5%), bivalve shellfish (17·5%) and raspberries (10·0%).