bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous Quantitative Determination of Cadmium, Lead, and Copper on Carbon‐Ink Screen‐Printed Electrodes by Differential Pulse Anodic Stripping Voltammetry and Partial Least Squares Regression
Authors: Cauchi Michael , Bessant Conrad , Setford Steve 
Published: October 2008

AbstractWater is a vital commodity for every living entity on the planet. However, water resources are threatened by various sources of contamination from pesticides, hydrocarbons and heavy metals. This has resulted in the development of concepts and technologies to create a basis for provision of safe and high quality drinking water. This paper focuses on the simultaneous quantitative determination of three common contaminants, the heavy metals cadmium, lead and copper. Multivariate calibration was applied to voltammograms acquired on in‐house printed carbon‐ink screen‐printed electrodes by the highly sensitive electrochemical method of differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV). The statistically inspired modification of partial least squares (SIMPLS) algorithm was employed to effect the multivariate calibration. The application of data pretreatment techniques involving range‐scaling, mean‐centering, weighting of variables and the effects of peak realignment are also investigated. It was found that peak realignment in conjunction with weighting and SIMPLS led to the better overall root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) value. This work represents significant progress in the development of multivariate calibration tools in conjunction with analytical techniques for water quality determination. It is the first time that multivariate calibration has been performed on DPASV voltammograms acquired on carbon‐ink screen‐printed electrodes.
Suspension bead array branch migration displacement assay for rapid STR analysis
Authors: Villablanca Andrea , Karhanek Miloslav , Caramuta Stefano , Yu Heng , Jejelowo Olufisayo , Webb Chris D. , Pourmand Nader 
Published: October 2008

AbstractSTR analysis is commonly used in forensic and genetic studies. STRs are currently discriminated based on size, primarily by gel‐ and column‐based approaches. Hybridization‐based approaches have the potential to allow high‐throughput analysis of STRs; however, development of such approaches has been limited by the difficulty in discriminating between STRs of similar length. We have recently described several innovations to enable STR analysis using an array‐based hybridization approach for high‐ throughput STR analysis. Here we extend that approach by incorporating the array into microspheres and adding a discriminatory branch migration displacement step. This microsphere‐based platform uses Luminex xMAP technology and improves the sensitivity, selectivity, and speed of the assay. We demonstrate the feasibility, speed, and reliability of the assay for STR detection by correctly analyzing two STR loci in 20 forensic DNA samples of known STR type. The multiplex, bead‐based approach provides a high‐throughput and more portable STR analysis.
Analysis of amphetamines in urine with liquid–liquid extraction by capillary electrophoresis with simultaneous electrochemical and electrochemiluminescence detection
Authors: Sun Jinying , Xu Xiaoyu , Wang Chunyan , You Tianyan 
Published: October 2008

AbstractAmphetamines including methamphetamine, 3,4‐methylenedioxyamphetamine and 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine were separated and detected by CE using simultaneous electrochemical (EC) and electrochemiluminescence (ECL) detection (CE‐EC/ECL). Factors that influenced the separation and detection performance, such as the detection potential, the pH value and concentration of the running buffer, the separation voltage and the pH of the detection buffer, were investigated. LODs of 3.3×10−8 mol/L (0.16 fmol), 1.6×10−7 mol/L (0.78 fmol) and 3.3×10−8 mol/L (0.16 fmol) were obtained for methamphetamine, 3,4‐methylenedioxyamphetamine and 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine, respectively. For practical application, a liquid–liquid extraction with ethyl acetate procedure was developed for urine sample pretreatment and extraction efficiencies higher than 90% were obtained. The established simultaneous CE‐EC/ECL was successfully applied for urine sample analysis.
Electrophoretic chip for fractionation of selective DNA fragment
Authors: Sun Kai , Suzuki Nobuko , Li Zheyu , Araki Ryoko , Ueno Kosei , Juodkazis Saulius , Abe Masumi , Noji Sumihare , Misawa Hiroaki 
Published: October 2008

AbstractA microchannel chip has been used to fractionate selected segments from an electrophoretic flow of separated fragments. A sample, which covers the size from 35 to 670 bp, was initially separated using an 8.8‐cm‐long channel at the electric field strength of 100 V/cm. The target fragment of 318 bp was selected and extracted from the separation channel. High‐resolution fractionation was achieved by introducing new procedures for blocking, extraction, and segment transfer. Fractionation quality with and without blocking were compared using a 310 Genetic Analyzer (Applied Biosystems). The results show that no contamination was found in the sample, which was fractionated with blocking; however, a contamination by short segments was found in the sample, which was fractionated without blocking. Furthermore, fractionation by the chip was found to be of higher fidelity than that by the polyacrylamide slab gel, which displayed a small overlapped peak after the target peak. Compared with the traditional method, our chips enable faster and high‐fidelity fractionation, thus providing a new tool for bioanalysis and other applications.
Determination of gaseous and particulate carbonyls in air by gradient‐elution micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography
Authors: Sun Hui , Chan King Yee , Fung Ying Sing 
Published: October 2008

AbstractA new continuous‐flow gradient‐elution micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography method is developed for the determination of airborne carbonyls after derivatization with 2,4‐dinitrophenylhydrazine. A total of 16 carbonyls can be determined with detection limits ranging from 0.94 to 8.50 mg/L, working range from 4.72 to 346 mg/L, and repeatabilities (relative standard deviation, n=5) from 1.23 to 4.6% or 3.93 to 7.6% for migration time and peak area, respectively. Coupling with denuder‐filter sampling, a preliminary survey has been conducted to determine gaseous and particulate carbonyls from air sampled at a roadside station. The method is shown to have sufficient sensitivity for 1‐h sampling of ambient carbonyls with detection limits ranging from 0.045 to 1.2 μg/m3 and working range from 0.11 to 43.3 μg/m3 at a flow rate of 10 Lpm. The method requires minimal modification of commercially available capillary electrophoresis equipment and can differentiate gaseous and particulate carbonyls to provide essential information and objective data for adopting effective measures to combat the discharge of carbonyl compounds to the atmosphere.
Normal boundary intersection and benefit–cost ratio for distributed generation planning
Authors: Zangeneh A. , Jadid S. , Rahimi‐Kian A. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractDistributed generation (DG) and its planning are becoming more important in power systems. This paper presents a DG planning strategy based on multi‐objective optimization approaches. The main goal of this paper is to determine a Pareto set of locations and sizes of the new DG units by minimizing different cost functions considering the technical constraints, and then determining the best planning strategy. The Pareto set will help the DG planner make a better decision in choosing the best plan from the Pareto set. The best scheme is chosen by the benefit–cost ratio (BCR). The objectives of a DG planner in this paper are assumed to be the cost of investment and operation, cost of energy purchased, cost of energy losses and the cost of energy not supplied. Two market scenarios for the planner are considered: (1) electricity auctions and (2) bilateral contracts of energy. Several case studies are presented to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed method. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inhibition of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) by essential oils
Authors: Chao Sue , Young Gary , Oberg Craig , Nakaoka Karen 
Published: October 2008

AbstractNinety‐one essential oils, each distilled from a single plant source, and 64 blended essential oils obtained from a commercial source were screened using the disc diffusion assay for inhibitory activity against methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Of the 91 single essential oils, 78 exhibited zones of inhibition against MRSA, with lemongrass, lemon myrtle, mountain savory, cinnamon and melissa essential oils having the highest levels of inhibition. Of 64 blended essential oils, 52 exhibited inhibitory activity against MRSA, with R.C. (a combination of myrtle, Eucalyptus globulus, Eucalyptus australiana, Eucalyptus radiata, marjoram, pine, cypress, lavender, spruce, peppermint and Eucalyptus citriodora oils), Motivation (a combination of Roman chamomile, ylang ylang, spruce and lavender oils) and Longevity (a combination of frankincense, clove, orange and thyme oils) blended essential oils having the highest inhibitory activity. These results indicate that essential oils alone and in combination can inhibit MRSA in vitro. Application of these results may include the potential use of essential oils as an alternative therapy for various diseases sustained by S. aureus MRSA. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Should healthy Medicare beneficiaries postpone enrollment in Medicare Part D?
Authors: Atherly Adam , Dowd Bryan 
Published: October 2008

AbstractWe compare estimated lifetime out‐of‐pocket prescription drug expenditures on outpatient prescription drugs, premiums and late enrollment penalties for healthy 65‐year‐old Medicare beneficiaries if they (a) purchase Part D as soon as they are eligible versus (b) waiting until they contract a drug‐intensive condition. Using data from the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey, a representative sample of the Medicare population, we estimate the annual probability that a healthy 65‐year‐old will transition to a drug‐intensive health state or death. We then use Monte Carlo simulations to estimate expected lifetime prescription drug spending with and without drug insurance. We find that for the statutory minimum benefit policy with a $30 per month premium, lifetime expected expenditures are about 10% higher for women and 6.5% higher for men if healthy beneficiaries postpone enrollment in Part D. Eliminating the late enrollment penalty would create a significant cost advantage for postponed enrollment, particularly for men. Under current rules, the financial advantage of early enrollment coupled with the reduction in risk associated with purchasing Part D plans and potential utility gains from insurance‐induced drug consumption, suggests that immediate purchase of Part D is the optimal choice for Medicare beneficiaries. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A SECOND LOOK AT PHARMACEUTICAL SPENDING AS DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH OUTCOMES IN CANADA
Authors: Emmanuel Guindon G. , Contoyannis Paul 
Published: October 2008

SUMMARYPer capita spending on pharmaceutical products has increased substantially in recent decades in Canada. Recent Canadian research by Crémieux et al. concludes that there is a strong statistical relationship between pharmaceutical spending and health outcomes (Health Econ. 2005a; 14: 117, Health Econ. 2005b; 14(2): 107–116). This paper takes a second look at pharmaceutical spending as determinants of health outcomes in Canada. In doing so, it examines the robustness of the findings of Crémieux et al. by considering the appropriateness of the data used and statistical approach utilized. Particular attention is given to the potential for non‐stationarity and spurious regression, issues related to unit heterogeneity and the choice of estimators. In contrast with earlier findings, on the whole, no discernable relationship between spending on private or public pharmaceutical products and infant mortality or life expectancy at 65 is observed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The influence of economic incentives and regulatory factors on the adoption of treatment technologies: a case study of technologies used to treat heart attacks
Authors: Bech Mickael , Christiansen Terkel , Dunham Kelly , Lauridsen Jørgen , Lyttkens Carl Hampus , McDonald Kathryn , McGuire Alistair ,   and the TECH Investigators
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe Technological Change in Health Care Research Network collected unique patient‐level data on three procedures for treatment of heart attack patients (catheterization, coronary artery bypass grafts and percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty) for 17 countries over a 15‐year period to examine the impact of economic and institutional factors on technology adoption. Specific institutional factors are shown to be important to the uptake of these technologies. Health‐care systems characterized as public contract systems and reimbursement systems have higher adoption rates than public‐integrated health‐care systems. Central control of funding of investments is negatively associated with adoption rates and the impact is of the same magnitude as the overall health‐care system classification. GDP per capita also has a strong role in initial adoption. The impact of income and institutional characteristics on the utilization rates of the three procedures diminishes over time. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Qualitative methodologies in health‐care priority setting research
Authors: Smith Neale , Mitton Craig , Peacock Stuart 
Published: October 2008

AbstractPriority setting research in health economics has traditionally employed quantitative methodologies and been informed by post‐positivist philosophical assumptions about the world and the nature of knowledge. These approaches have been rewarded with well‐developed and validated tools. However, it is now commonly noted that there has been limited uptake of economic analysis into actual priority setting and resource allocation decisions made by health‐care systems. There seem to be substantial organizational and political barriers.The authors argue in this paper that understanding and addressing these barriers will depend upon the application of qualitative research methodologies. Some efforts in this direction have been attempted; however these are theoretically under‐developed and seldom rooted in any of the established qualitative research traditions. Two such approaches – narrative inquiry and discourse analysis – are highlighted here. These are illustrated with examples drawn from a real‐world priority setting study. The examples demonstrate how such conceptually powerful qualitative traditions produce distinctive findings that offer unique insight into organizational contexts and decision‐maker behavior. We argue that such investigations offer untapped benefits for the study of organizational priority setting and thus should be pursued more frequently by the health economics research community. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Non‐AIDS Kaposi's sarcoma in the head and neck area
Authors: Patrikidou Anna , Vahtsevanos Kostas , Charalambidou Martha , Valeri Rosalia‐Maria , Xirou Persefoni , Antoniades Kostas 
Published: October 2008

AbstractKaposi's sarcoma is classified into 4 types: classic (sporadic), African (endemic), iatrogenic (transplant recipients), and epidemic (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome [AIDS]‐associated). This article aims to feature a comprehensive review of non‐AIDS Kaposi's sarcoma, including literature review and report of 3 cases. Case material was from our hospital's archive. Literature review was conducted via electronic and manual medical database searches. Biological aspects, diagnostic difficulties, investigation protocols, and management modalities are discussed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2009
Survival after surgical resection of pulmonary metastases and second primary squamous cell lung carcinomas in head and neck cancer
Authors: Geurts Thomas W. , Balm Alfons J. M. , van Velthuysen Marie‐Louise F. , van Tinteren Harm , Burgers Jacobus A. , van Zandwijk Nico , Klomp Houke M. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractBackground.Patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) are at risk for developing both pulmonary metastasis and second primary lung cancer (SPLC). The objective of this study was to determine survival characteristics of patients with pulmonary lesions after curative treatment for HNSCC.Methods.Lung resection or biopsy specimens of 36 patients, curatively treated for HNSCC between 1978 and 2002, were defined as second primary squamous cell lung cancer or metastasis by loss of heterozygosity (LOH analysis). Twenty‐two of them underwent surgical resection. Survival characteristics were estimated using Kaplan‐Meier analysis according to the LOH characterization.Results.The number of resected lung lesions ranged from 1 to 3. Median overall survival after lung surgery was 23.1 months for SPLC (n = 14) and 25.1 months for lung metastases (n = 8). Fourteen patients, SPLC (n = 6) and metastases (n = 8), did not undergo surgical resection, and their median overall survival was 3.7 and 4.4 months, respectively.Conclusion.Survival after resection of metachronic lung lesions following curative treatment of HNSSC is similar for lesions characterized as second primary squamous cell lung cancer and those characterized as metastases. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2009
Recent advances in the theory and mechanism of adhesive resin bonding to dentin: A critical review
Authors: Vaidyanathan T. K. , Vaidyanathan Jayalakshmi 
Published: October 2008

AbstractDentin bonding issues involving adhesive resins have attracted considerable research interest in recent years. An important advance due to the ongoing research is the concept of hybridization of the tissue with primer/adhesive systems. Hybridization involves permeation of primer monomer into the tissue substrate. Although the mechanism of adhesive permeation and interaction with tissue may be complex, significant advances have been made. In systems where etching precedes priming and bonding steps, the Hoy's solubility parameter compatibility of the primer formulation with that of demineralized dentin matrix may determine adhesive permeability. Monomer permeation brings the primer atoms in closer contact with the substrate atoms, leading to adhesive interactions through van der Waals, hydrogen bonding, and electrostatic interactions. In self‐etch primer systems, stronger electrostatic interaction between primer monomers and hydroxyapatite has been used to explain the adhesion process. These interactions have been computer‐modeled and analyzed. Such interactions and subsequent polymerization of the monomer promote improved bond strength and efficient margin sealing. Incomplete permeation of monomer into the full depth of demineralized region may, however, leave exposed collagen fibrils and cause nanoleakage of water into these regions through a 20–100 nm sized marginal gap, leading to subsequent hydrolytic degradation of these collagen fibrils and the hybrid layer. Microleakage is also a problem in some single step formulations. In this review, we analyze these current theoretical and mechanism‐related issues of interest in adhesive resin bonding to dentin, and outline the continuing problems that need to be overcome in the future. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009
Effects of diallyl sulfide and zinc on testicular steroidogenesis in cadmium‐treated male rats
Authors: Sadik Nermin A. H. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractCadmium (Cd) is one of the environmental pollutants that affect various tissues and organs including testis. Harmful effect of cadmium on testis is known to be germ cell degeneration and impairment of testicular steroidogenesis. In the present study, the effect of diallyl sulfide (DAS), a sulfur‐containing volatile compound present in garlic, and zinc (Zn) was investigated on cadmium‐induced testicular toxicity in rats. Male adult Wistar rats treated with cadmium (2.5 mg/kg body wt, five times a week for 4 weeks) showed decreased body weight, paired testicular weight, relative testicular weight, serum testosterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle‐stimulating hormone, and testicular total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and protein levels. Testicular steroidogenic enzymes, such as 3β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β‐HSD) and 17β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β‐HSD), and marker enzymes, such as sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), showed a significant decrease in activities whereas that of γ‐glutamyl transferase was significantly increased after cadmium exposure. The results have revealed that concurrent treatment with DAS or zinc restored key steroidogenic enzymes, SDH, LDH, and G6PD and increased testicular weight significantly. DAS restored the TAC level and increased testosterone level and relative testicular weight significantly. Zinc restored testicular protein level and body weight. It can be concluded that cadmium causes testicular toxicity and inhibits androgen production in adult male rats probably by affecting pituitary gonadotrophins and that concurrent administration of DAS or zinc provides protection against cadmium‐induced testicular toxicity. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 22:345–353, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/jbt.20247
Hemodynamic segmentation of MR perfusion images in patients with unilateral carotid stenosis using independent component analysis
Authors: Kao Yi‐Hsuan , Teng Michael Mu‐Huo , Liu Kuo‐Ching , Lam Io‐Pong , Lin Yu‐Ching 
Published: October 2008

AbstractPurposeTo assess spatiotemporal patterns of local perfusion in MR brain perfusion images for patients with unilateral carotid stenosis.Materials and MethodsMR perfusion images acquired from 12 patients with unilateral carotid stenosis were retrospectively segmented using independent component analysis. Regions of interest selected from the segmentation results were used to measure the time to peak (TTP), time to maximum of the residue curve (Tmax), and mean transit time (MTT) for arteries and brain parenchyma on normal and stenotic sides.ResultsThe tissue types that can be identified in segmentation results include normal artery, artery with proximal stenosis, normal brain parenchyma, delayed‐perfusion brain parenchyma, vein and sinus, choroid plexus, cerebrospinal fluid, and leukoaraiosis. Concentration–time curves measured on normal and stenotic artery regions can be modeled as two arterial input functions. Unilateral carotid stenosis associated with either middle cerebral artery stenosis or poor collateral circulation at the circle of Willis resulted in increased differences of brain parenchyma TTP, Tmax, and MTT between normal and stenotic sides.ConclusionIndependent component analysis on perfusion images of patients with unilateral carotid stenosis provides useful spatiotemporal information regarding blood supply to arteries and local perfusion of brain parenchyma. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2008;28:1125–1132. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.