bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Proton affinity of diastereoisomers of modified prolines using the kinetic method and density functional theory calculations: role of the cis/trans substituent on the endo/exo ring conformation
Authors: Mezzache S. , Pepe C. , Karoyan P. , Fournier F. , Tabet J.‐C. 
Published: July 2005

AbstractThe proton affinity (PA) of cis/trans‐3‐prolinoleucines and cis/trans‐3‐prolinoglutamic acids have been studied by the kinetic method and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Several conformations of the neutral and the protonated modified prolines, in particular the endo and exo ring conformations, were analyzed with respect to their contribution to the PA values. When the substituent is an alkyl, both the diastereoisomers have the same PA value. However, the PA values for the diastereoisomers are different when the substituted chain contains functional groups (e.g. a carboxyl group). This variation in PA values could be attributed to the existence of intramolecular hydrogen bonds. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of microwave‐assisted derivatization followed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry for fast determination of amino acids in neonatal blood samples
Authors: Deng Chunhui , Yin Xinying , Zhang Lijuan , Zhang Xiangmin 
Published: July 2005

AbstractAnalysis of amino acids in blood samples is an important tool for the diagnosis of neonatal amino acid metabolism disorders. In the work, a novel, rapid and sensitive method was developed for the determination of amino acids in neonatal blood samples, which was based on microwave‐assisted silylation followed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The amino acids were derivatized with N,O‐bis(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide (BSTFA) under microwave irradiation. The controlled reaction was carried out employing BSTFA under conventional heating at 120°C for 30 min. Experimental results show that microwave irradiation can accelerate the derivatization reaction of amino acids with BSFTA, and much shorten analysis time. The method validations (linear range, detection limit, precision and recovery) were studied. Finally, the method was tested by determination of amino acids in neonatal blood by the measurement of their trimethylsilyl derivatives by GC/MS in electron impact (EI) mode. Two biomarkers of L‐phenylalanine and L‐tyrosine in phenylketonuria (PKU)‐positive blood and control blood were quantitatively analyzed by the proposed method. The results demonstrated that microwave‐assisted silylation followed by GC/MS is a rapid, simple and sensitive method for amino acid analysis and is also a potential tool for fast screening of neonatal aminoacidurias. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry to the analysis of polyphenolic compounds from an infusion of Byrsonima crassa Niedenzu
Authors: Sannomiya Miriam , Montoro Paola , Piacente Sonia , Pizza Cosimo , Brito Alba R. M. S. , Vilegas Wagner 
Published: July 2005

AbstractA fast and reliable method, based on high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization ion trap tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC/ESI‐ITMS), was developed to investigate the infusion prepared from the leaves of Byrsonima crassa Niedenzu (Malpighiaceae), a native plant used in Brazil against gastric disorders. The use of on‐line reverse‐phase HPLC/ESI‐ITMS allowed separation of three major classes of compounds and identification of over 20 very polar compounds characterized as galloylquinic acids, proanthocyanidins, and flavonoid glycosides, as well as the dimeric flavonoid amentoflavone and minor amounts of galloyl hexose and galloyl saccharose. This approach provided data that will allow establishment of a method for a future standardization of the infusion. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Major volatile compounds in head‐space above olive oil analysed by selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry
Authors: Davis Brett M. , Senthilmohan Senti T. , Wilson Paul F. , McEwan Murray J. 
Published: July 2005

AbstractSelected ion flow tube mass spectrometry (SIFT‐MS) is a technique that is well suited to the real‐time analysis of head‐space. SIFT‐MS gives a non‐discriminatory snapshot of the volatiles present and their amounts, and is considered to display less bias than chromatographic techniques as neither sample pre‐treatment nor separation are necessary in most cases. The technique has been used for analysis of virgin olive oil head‐space on more than 100 different oils. Twenty of these are reported. The results obtained using this technique differ from those normally reported from chromatographic analyses in that the dominant species in the head‐space of all oils tested were methanol and ethanol. These volatiles were present in the head‐space in the concentration ranges of 2.8–11.3 ppm (methanol) and 0.4–4.9 ppm (ethanol). (E)‐2‐Hexenal, normally reported as the dominant olive oil volatile, is found in significantly lower concentrations and is in the range of 0.02–1.6 ppm. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Self‐aspirating atmospheric pressure chemical ionization source for direct sampling of analytes on surfaces and in liquid solutions
Authors: Asano Keiji G. , Ford Michael J. , Tomkins Bruce A. , Van Berkel Gary J. 
Published: July 2005

AbstractA self‐aspirating heated nebulizer probe is described and demonstrated for use in the direct analysis of analytes on surfaces and in liquid samples by atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) mass spectrometry. Functionality and performance of the probe as a self‐aspirating APCI source is demonstrated using reserpine and progesterone as test compounds. The utility of the probe to sample analytes directly from surfaces was demonstrated first by scanning development lanes of a reversed‐phase thin‐layer chromatography plate in which a three‐component dye mixture, viz., Fat Red 7B, Solvent Green 3, and Solvent Blue 35, was spotted and the components were separated. Development lanes were scanned by the sampling probe operated under computer control (x, y plane) while full‐scan mass spectra were recorded using a quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer. In addition, the ability to sample the surface of pharmaceutical tablets (viz., Extra Strength Tylenol® and Evista® tablets) and to detect the active ingredients (acetaminophen and raloxifene, respectively) selectively was demonstrated using tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). Finally, the capability to sample analyte solutions from the wells of a 384‐well microtiter plate and to perform quantitative analyses using MS/MS detection was illustrated with cotinine standards spiked with cotinine‐d3 as an internal standard. Published in 2005 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Geoffrey Vickers: philosopher of responsibility
Authors: Williams Garrath 
Published: July 2005

AbstractIn this article I discuss Geoffrey Vickers' ideas from the perspective of moral and political philosophy. His thought is presented through three key terms, which I suggest can encapsulate his philosophy: (i) our human capacity to respond aptly to our situation; (ii) the analysis of modern society in terms of institutions; and (iii) the moral importance of responsibility to the maintenance of human culture and cooperation. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Geoffrey Vickers and a systemic approach to globalization
Authors: Blunden Margaret 
Published: July 2005

AbstractGeoffrey Vickers' insights, more than a quarter of a century ago, into key dynamics of globalization derive from his application of systems thinking to social and political systems, and in particular his appreciation of the systemic nature of human history. Vickers, an isolated voice at the time, was among a small number of scholars insisting on the importance of culture, as a major factor in human experience, domestic stability and conflict. Following the end of the Cold War, the potential for cultural conflict within and between countries has become obvious. Before the term globalization was in current usage, Vickers identified one of its central dynamics, the tension between homogenization and localization. A stable future depended, he argued, on sustaining a pattern of different cultures: richer, small and varied, yet complementary enough to make possible their symbiosis on a crowded planet. The nation state, which like all systems needed to have sufficient coherence to enable it to act effectively in its environment, continued to be of key importance. Vickers argued that stability within and between states, and between states and their natural environment, would require much increased levels of regulation at both national and international levels. Thus, increasing constraints on individual autonomy were needed if impending threats to human survival were to be avoided. Vickers' insights and powers of prediction are important, not just as a historical curiosity, but as a distinguished illustration of the value of systems thinking for the understanding of global affairs. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tenth Oxford Conference Organized by the Oxford International Biomedical Centre (OIBC)
Authors: Grzywna Zbigniew J. , Michalec Anna 
Published: July 2005

A series of events organized at Mansfield College and Magdalen College School by Oxford International Biomedical Centre from March 29th to April 1st 2004, is reported. There were more than 60 active participants (speakers, moderators and discussants) plus the general audience. A special programme for the group of five youngsters from developing and restructuring countries, for the first time in the 10 years history of OIBC conferences, was also run.
TrkB signaling regulates the developmental maturation of the somatosensory cortex
Authors: Lush Mark E. , Ma Long , Parada Luis F. 
Published: July 2005

AbstractIn the rodent central nervous system, the region of the cortex that responds to facial whisker stimulation is anatomically segregated into discrete regions called barrels. Each barrel is made up of layer IV cortical neurons that receive input from a separate whisker via innervation from the thalamus. It has been shown that neurotrophins play important roles in the development and plasticity of thalamic axon innervation into the visual and retrosplenial cortex. We now extend those findings to the investigation of the role of neurotrophin signaling in barrel cortex formation. We show that the neurotrophin receptor TrkB is expressed in the thalamus and cortex during the time of cortical innervation. The two TrkB ligands, brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin‐4 (NT‐4), are expressed in the cortex at this time. Mice lacking TrkB demonstrate a developmental delay in the segregation of thalamic axons within barrels. In TrkB mutants, thalamic axons are abnormally uniform within layer IV of the cortex at postnatal day 4 compared to their control littermates, but show clear segregation into barrels 2 days later. This phenotype is recapitulated in BDNF mutant mice, but not in NT‐4 mutant mice. These results demonstrate that BDNF is the sole TrkB ligand responsible for this phenotype. Analysis of conditional knockout mice that lack TrkB within the cortex, and not the thalamus, does not show a delay in thalamic axon segregation. These results indicate that TrkB expression in thalamic axons is important for the appropriate timing of barrel cortex development.
Age‐related oxidative protein damages in central nervous system of rats: modulatory role of grape seed extract
Authors: Balu Muthaiya , Sangeetha Purushotham , Murali Ganesan , Panneerselvam Chinnakannu 
Published: July 2005

AbstractOxidative stress has been shown to play a major role in aging and in neurodegenerative disorders. Protein modification is one of the important consequences of oxidative stress. In the present study, we evaluated the role of grape seed extract on memory, reactive oxygen species production, protein carbonyls (PCO), and thiol status in discrete regions of central nervous system of young and aged rats. Male albino rats of Wistar strain were divided into four groups: Group I—control young rats, Group II—young rats treated with grape seed extract (100 mg/kg BW) for 30 days, Group III—aged control rats and Group IV—aged rats supplemented with grape seed extract (100 mg/kg BW) for 30 days. Memory loss was observed in the aged rats. Age associated increase in reactive oxygen species production and protein oxidation was observed in the spinal cord; cerebral cortex, striatum and the hippocampus regions of aged rats (Group III). The levels of total thiol, non‐protein thiol, protein thiols were found to be significantly decreased in spinal cord and all the brain regions studied in aged rats when compared to young rats. Supplementation of aged rats with grape seed extract showed increased memory performance and declined reactive oxygen species production, decreased protein carbonyl levels and improved thiol levels. These findings demonstrated that grape seed extract enhanced the antioxidant status and decreased the incidence of free radical induced protein oxidation in aged rats thereby protecting the central nervous system from the reactive oxygen species.
Cyclic mechanical strain‐induced proliferation and migration of human airway smooth muscle cells: role of EMMPRIN and MMPs
Authors: Hasaneen Nadia A. , Zucker Stanley , Cao Jian , Chiarelli Christian , Panettieri Reynold A. , Foda Hussein D. 
Published: July 2005

ABSTRACTAirway smooth muscle (ASM) proliferation and migration are major components of airway remodeling in asthma. Asthmatic airways are exposed to mechanical strain, which contributes to their remodeling. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) plays an important role in remodeling. In the present study, we examined if the mechanical strain of human ASM (HASM) cells contributes to their proliferation and migration and the role of MMPs in this process. HASM were exposed to mechanical strain using the FlexCell system. HASM cell proliferation, migration and MMP release, activation, and expression were assessed. Our results show that cyclic strain increased the proliferation and migration of HASM; cyclic strain increased release and activation of MMP‐1, ‐2, and ‐3 and membrane type 1‐MMP; MMP release was preceded by an increase in extracellular MMP inducer; Prinomastat [a MMP inhibitor (MMPI)] significantly decreased cyclic strain‐induced proliferation and migration of HASM; and the strain‐induced increase in the release of MMPs was accompanied by an increase in tenascin‐C release. In conclusion, cyclic mechanical strain plays an important role in HASM cell proliferation and migration. This increase in proliferation and migration is through an increase in MMP release and activation. Pharmacological MMPIs should be considered in the pursuit of therapeutic options for airway remodeling in asthma.
Consumer food safety knowledge
Authors: Kennedy Jean , Jackson Valerie , Cowan Cathal , Blair Ian , McDowell David , Bolton Declan 
Published: July 2005

PurposeConsumers have an important role to play in preventing food‐borne disease. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate that consumers could be segmented successfully based on their food safety knowledge and practice.Design/methodology/approachPrincipal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) were applied to data on food safety knowledge and practice, collected by individual face‐to‐face questionnaires with domestic food preparers (n=1,020) and refrigerator swabs (n=726).FindingsFrom the food safety questionnaires four factors were identified as important for inclusion in the HCA. This analysis identified three groups of consumers based on the knowledge factors; they were “Conscientious” (21 per cent), “Cavalier” (25.4 per cent) and “Careful” (53.3 per cent) food handlers. In terms of food safety knowledge, the higher risk consumers were found to be in the Cavalier food handler group. This group of food handlers also engaged in less hygienic food handling practices. This group were more likely than the other groups to be less than 45 years of age, male, living in urban environments and those with higher levels of formal education.Originality/valueThe identification of consumer groups with respect to food safety is important as it can inform more effective tailoring and targeting of food consumer safety education programmes to reach higher risk groups and individuals. This is the first study to not only identify the demographic characteristics of higher risk groups, but also to relate the levels of food safety knowledge/practice to levels of contamination in the fridges of such at risk groups using HCA and PCA.
Bacterial contamination of domestic kitchens over a 24‐hour period
Authors: Haysom I.W. , Sharp A.K. 
Published: July 2005

PurposeMany cases of food poisoning originate in the domestic environment and can be associated with improper food handling and ineffective cleaning by consumers. These practices could lead to the introduction and spread of bacterial contamination in the kitchen and if not subsequently removed could present an infection risk. This study proposes investigating changes in levels of bacterial contamination at five key sites in ten domestic kitchens during a period of 24 hours.Design/methodology/approachMicrobiological swabs were used to provide an aerobic colony count and an Enterobacteriacea count. A record was kept of cooking, cleaning and other activities within the kitchen.FindingsResults showed that contamination levels varied during the day, peaking after meal preparation and generally falling overnight. There was also indirect evidence of cross contamination, particularly from hands to other surfaces. Sites such as the refrigerator handle, kettle handle and taps, which generally only come into contact with hands, show increases in the levels of contamination recorded. Levels of microbiological contamination were lower in vegetarian than non‐vegetarian households. A variety of data showed that non‐food preparation activities also take place in the kitchen. These could also introduce bacterial contamination into the kitchen and facilitate their spread.Originality/valueThe implications of these results are that the most important time for cleaning in the kitchen is immediately after food has been prepared, with attention focussing on high risk areas such as the work surface, chopping board, taps and other hand contact surfaces.
Small unions and mergers: evidence from two case studies
Authors: Palmer Gerry , Parry Jeff , Webb Mike 
Published: July 2005

PurposeSeeks to investigate decisions by small unions to engage in “transfers of engagement” whereby they are in effect “absorbed” by a larger union.Design/methodology/approachUses case study evidence from two small unions in the UK carpet industry. The study is based on interviews with officials who were involved in the merger decisions, and on supporting documentary evidence.FindingsThe findings show that small unions have significant bargaining strength in merger negotiations and that they use this power to determine when merger is right for them, with whom they merge, and the terms of their transfer.Research limitations/implicationsThe case studies rely heavily on evidence from union officials and officers – the authors acknowledge that the attitudes and influence of the wider union membership were beyond the scope of the research. They also propose that it would be valuable to carry out a longitudinal study of the impact of mergers over time.Practical implicationsSuggests that the actions and motivations of small unions, and barriers to their merger, need to feature more centrally in explanations of mergers in the UK.Originality/valueThe paper shows how structural influences interact with individual and group decisions in merger situations. Also provides a useful survey of the literature on aspects of union mergers.
Comparing segregation by gender in the labor force across ten European countries in the 1990s
Authors: Deutsch Joseph , Silber Jacques 
Published: July 2005

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to introduce a normative approach to the measurement of segregation in the labor force, thus ascertaining whether segregation is due mainly to the existence of very “male‐intensive” occupations or to the presence of very “female‐intensive” occupations.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is an empirical illustration, based on data for ten European countries during the last decade of the twentieth century.FindingsConfirms the usefulness of this new approach to the study of segregation by gender. Shows in particular that one has to be very careful in drawing conclusions since the results depend in part on whether the population analyzed is that of self‐employed, employees, employees working full time or employees working part time.Research limitations/implicationsThis new normative approach to the study of segregation by gender gives much more flexibility to the policy makers whose aim is to reduce occupational segregation by gender because it gives enough information to give them the possibility to focus the attention on specific segments of the labor force. However, the results were often quite sensitive to the choice of the value taken by a parameter that characterizes this normative approach.Practical implicationsThis new approach extends the way segregation by gender in the labor force is apprehended.Originality/valueThe normative segregation index derived in this paper has never been used previously.
The changing structure of male self‐employment in Switzerland
Authors: Falter Jean‐Marc 
Published: July 2005

PurposeThe increase in self‐employment is probably one of the most important change that occurred on the Swiss labour market in the past 20 years. Using newly available census data from 1970 to 2000, seeks to investigate this evolution for the male labour force.Design/methodology/approachThis research is based on census data from 1970 to 2000. Analysis is carried out by means of probability analysis (probit and logit model) and segregation analysis.FindingsFinds that the evolution of the self‐employment rate is driven by changing factors of self‐employment as well as by a changing labour force. However, differences between self‐employed and wage‐workers have become smaller over time. This is especially relevant with respect to occupations. Regarding gender differences, the higher rate of self‐employed among men than among women is due to different factors rather than different characteristics of the labour force. Finally, investigates the structure of self‐employment in 2000. Finds that the distinction between various forms of self‐employment is quite relevant, a result that underlines the heterogeneity of the self‐employed.Research limitations/implicationsFinds that the distinction between different forms of self‐employment (with or without employees) does matter. Thus any research on self‐employment should take into account the heterogeneity of this population.Originality/valueData cover exhaustively the Swiss labour force, which allows a thorough investigation of the role of various factors. There is no other data in Switzerland that allows the investigation of the evolution of labour‐market phenomena over such a long period. Also focuses on different forms of self‐employment, a distinction that has often been overlooked in the literature.