bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increased Alveolar Concentration of Nitric Oxide Is Related to Serum-induced Lung Fibroblast Proliferation in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: HUA-HUY THONG , TIEV KIET PHONG , CHÉREAU CHRISTIANE , DUONG-QUY SY , CABANE JEAN , DINH-XUAN ANH TUAN
Published: July 2010

Objective.

Lung inflammation is present in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and interstitial lung disease (ILD), but the mechanisms linking inflammatory and fibrotic processes in ILD are unknown. Our aim was to investigate whether alveolar inflammation, reflected by increased alveolar concentration of exhaled nitric oxide (CANO), is related to the ability of serum from patients with SSc to induce pulmonary fibroblast proliferation (PFP) and myofibroblast conversion.

Methods.

CANO was measured in all subjects (37 patients with SSc and 10 healthy controls) whose sera were used to stimulate PFP (assessed by BrdU labeling index) and myofibroblast conversion (detected by α-smooth muscle actin expression). The PFP index in patients with SSc was compared to control values, and between patients with SSc who had elevated (> 4.3 ppb) and normal (≤ 4.3 ppb) CANO values.

Results.

Both CANO and the PFP index were significantly greater in patients with SSc compared to controls. In patients with SSc, the PFP index was directly related to CANO levels (r = 0.48; p = 0.002). The median PFP index was significantly higher in patients with SSc who had elevated CANO (> 4.3 ppb; n = 25, median 1.1, range 0.98–1.23) than in patients with SSc who had normal CANO (≤ 4.3 ppb; n = 12, median 0.93, range 0.82–1.08; p = 0.01). Similarly, myofibroblast conversion induced by SSc serum was significantly greater in patients with CANO > 4.3 ppb than in patients whose CANO was ≤ 4.3 ppb (p < 0.001) and controls (p < 0.001).

Conclusion.

Alveolar inflammation reflected by increased nitric oxide production was related to serum-induced PFP and myofibroblast conversion, linking the active alveolitis process to cell proliferation and lung fibrosis in patients with SSc.
Genetically Determined Serum Levels of Mannose-Binding Lectin Correlate Negatively with Common Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: TROELSEN LONE N. , GARRED PETER , CHRISTIANSEN BURIS , TORP-PEDERSEN CHRISTIAN , JACOBSEN SØREN
Published: July 2010

Objective.

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have excess cardiovascular morbidity and mortality due to accelerated atherosclerosis that cannot be attributed to traditional cardiovascular risk factors alone. Variant alleles of the mannose-binding lectin gene (MBL2) causing low serum concentrations of functional mannose-binding lectin (MBL) are associated with SLE and development of atherosclerosis. Recent studies show that these variant alleles are associated with increased risk of arterial thrombosis and cardiovascular disease in patients with SLE. Intima-media thickness of the common carotid artery (ccIMT) is a validated noninvasive anatomic measure of subclinical atherosclerosis. In a cross-sectional study we examined the relation among ccIMT,MBL2genotypes, and serum concentrations of MBL.

Methods.

TheMBL2extended genotypes (YA/YA, YA/XA, XA/XA, YA/YO, XA/YO, YO/YO) and serum concentrations of MBL were determined in 41 outpatients with SLE. ccIMT was measured by means of ultrasonography. Traditional and nontraditional cardiovascular risk modifiers were assessed and controlled for.

Results.

Using nonparametric Mann-Whitney tests we found a significant difference in ccIMT between low-expressing (XA/XA+YA/YO+XA/YO+YO/YO) and high-expressing (YA/YA+YA/XA)MBL2genotypes (p = 0.034). The difference in ccIMT remained significant in multivariable analysis adjusting for traditional and nontraditional cardiovascular risk modifiers (p = 0.049). ccIMT was negatively correlated to serum concentrations of MBL (Spearman rho = −0.33, p = 0.037). This relation also remained significant in multivariable analysis (p = 0.042).

Conclusion.

In this group of SLE patients,MBL2low-expressing genotypes and low serum levels of MBL were correlated with ccIMT, independent of the effects of traditional and nontraditional cardiovascular risk modifiers.
Size distributions of dicarboxylic acids, ketoacids, α-dicarbonyls, sugars, WSOC, OC, EC and inorganic ions in atmospheric particles over Northern Japan: implication for long-range transport of Siberian biomass burning and East Asian polluted aerosols
Authors: Agarwal S. , Aggarwal S. G. , Okuzawa K. , Kawamura K.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. To better understand the size-segregated chemical composition of aged organic aerosols in the western North Pacific rim, day- and night-time aerosol samples were collected in Sapporo, Japan during summer 2005 using an Andersen impactor sampler with 5 size bins: Dp<1.1, 1.1–2.0, 2.0–3.3, 3.3–7.0, >7.0 μm. Samples were analyzed for the molecular composition of dicarboxylic acids, ketoacids, α-dicarbonyls, and sugars, together with water-soluble organic carbon (WSOC), organic carbon (OC), elemental carbon (EC) and inorganic ions. Based on the analyses of backward trajectories and chemical tracers, we found that during the campaign, air masses arrived from Siberia (a biomass burning source region) on 8–9 August, from China (an anthropogenic source region) on 9–10 August, and from the East China Sea/Sea of Japan (a mixed source receptor region) on 10–11 August. Most of the diacids, ketoacids, dicarbonyls, levoglucosan, WSOC, and inorganic ions (i.e., SO42−, NH4+ and K+) were enriched in fine particles (PM1.1) whereas Ca2+, Mg2+ and Cl− peaked in coarse sizes (>1.1 μm). Interestingly, OC, most sugar compounds and NO3− showed bimodal distributions in fine and coarse modes. In PM1.1, diacids in biomass burning-influenced aerosols transported from Siberia (mean: 252 ng m−3) were more abundant than those in the aerosols originating from China (209 ng m−3) and ocean (142 ng m−3), whereas SO42− concentrations were highest in the aerosols from China (mean: 3970 ng m−3) followed by marine- (2950 ng m−3) and biomass burning-influenced (1980 ng m−3) aerosols. Higher loadings of WSOC (2430 ng m−3) and OC (4360 ng m−3) were found in the fine mode, where biomass-burning products such as levoglucosan are abundant. This paper presents a case study of long-range transported aerosols illustrating that biomass burning episodes in the Siberian region have a significant influence on the chemical composition of carbonaceous aerosols in the western North Pacific rim.
Thermodynamic properties and cloud droplet activation of a series of oxo-acids
Authors: Frosch M. , Zardini A. A. , Platt S. M. , Müller L. , Reinnig M.-C. , Hoffmann T. , Bilde M.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. We have investigated the thermodynamic properties of four aliphatic oxo-dicarboyxlic acids identified or thought to be present in atmospheric particulate matter: oxosuccinic acid, 2-oxoglutaric acid, 3-oxoglutaric acid, and 4-oxopimelic acid. The compounds were characterized in terms of their cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) activity, vapor pressure, density, and tendency to decarboxylate in aqueous solution. We deployed a variety of experimental techniques and instruments: a CCN counter, a Tandem Differential Mobililty Analyzer (TDMA) coupled with a laminar flow-tube, and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS). The presence of the oxo functional group in the α-position causes the vapor pressure of the compounds to diminish by an order of magnitude with respect to the parent dicarboxylic acid, while the CCN activity is similar or increased. Dicarboxylic acids with an oxo-group in the β-position decarboxylate in aqueous solution. We studied the effects of this process on our measurements and findings.
Accelerating growth of HFC-227ea (1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane) in the atmosphere
Authors: Laube J. C. , Martinerie P. , Witrant E. , Blunier T. , Schwander J. , Brenninkmeijer C. A. M. , Schuck T. J. , Bolder M. , Röckmann T. , van der Veen C. , Bönisch H. , Engel A. , Mills G. P. , Newland M. J. , Oram D. E. , Reeves C. E. , Sturges W. T.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. We report the first measurements of 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane (HFC-227ea), a substitute for ozone depleting compounds, in air samples originating from remote regions of the atmosphere and present evidence for its accelerating growth. Observed mixing ratios ranged from below 0.01 ppt in deep firn air to 0.59 ppt in the current northern mid-latitudinal upper troposphere. Firn air samples collected in Greenland were used to reconstruct a history of atmospheric abundance. Year-on-year increases were deduced, with acceleration in the growth rate from 0.029 ppt per year in 2000 to 0.056 ppt per year in 2007. Upper tropospheric air samples provide evidence for a continuing growth until late 2009. Furthermore we calculated a stratospheric lifetime of 370 years from measurements of air samples collected on board high altitude aircraft and balloons. Emission estimates were determined from the reconstructed atmospheric trend and suggest that current "bottom-up" estimates of global emissions for 2005 are too high by a factor of three.
Relationship between wind speed and aerosol optical depth over remote ocean
Authors: Huang H. , Thomas G. E. , Grainger R. G.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. The effect of wind speed on aerosol optical depth (AOD) at 0.55 μm over remote ocean regions is investigated. Remote ocean regions are defined by the combination of AOD from satellite observation and wind direction from ECMWF. According to our definition, many ocean regions cannot be taken as remote ocean regions due to long-range transportation of aerosol from continents. Highly correlated linear relationships are found in remote ocean regions with a wind speed range of 0–20 ms−1. The enhancement of AOD at high wind speed is explained as the increase of sea salt aerosol production.
The development of a nitrogen dioxide sonde
Authors: Sluis W. W. , Allaart M. A. F. , Piters A. J. M. , Gast L. F. L.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. A growing number of space-borne instruments measures nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentrations in the troposphere, but validation of these instruments is hampered by lack of ground-based and in-situ profile measurements. The Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) has developed a working NO2 sonde. The sonde is attached to a small meteorological balloon and measures a tropospheric NO2 profile. The NO2 sonde has a vertical resolution of 5 m, and a measurement range between 1 and 100 ppbv. The instrument is light in weight (±700 g), cheap (disposable), energy efficient and not harmful to the environment or the person who finds the package after use. The sonde uses the chemiluminescent reaction of NO2 in an aqueous luminol solution. The NO2–luminol reaction produces faint blue/purple light (at about 425 nm), which is detected by an array of silicon photodiodes. The luminol solution is optimised to be specific to NO2. An on-ground comparison with measurements from a Photolytic Analyzer of RIVM shows that both instruments measure similar NO2 variations in ambient air. During the Cabauw Intercomparison campaign of Nitrogen Dioxide measuring Instruments (CINDI) in June/July 2009 six vertical profiles of NO2 from the ground to 5 km altitude were measured, which clearly show that the largest amount of NO2 is measured in the boundary layer. The measured boundary layer heights of the NO2 sonde are in good agreement with boundary layer heights determined by a LD40 Ceilometer at Cabauw.
A linear mixed model, with non-stationary mean and covariance, for soil potassium based on gamma radiometry
Authors: Haskard K. A. , Rawlins B. G. , Lark R. M.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. In this paper we present a linear mixed model for the potassium content of soil across a large region of eastern England in which the mean is modelled as a linear function of the passive gamma-ray emissions of the earth surface in the energy interval commonly associated with potassium decay. Non-stationary models are proposed for the random effect, which is the variation not captured by this regression. Specifically, we assume that the local spectrum of the standardized random effect can be obtained by tempering a common (stationary) spectrum, that is to say raising its values to a power, the tempering parameter, which is itself modelled as a linear function of the radiometric data. This allows the "smoothness" of the random effect to vary locally. In addition the local spatially correlated variance and "nugget" variance (apparently uncorrelated given the resolution of the sampling) can also be modelled as a function of the radiometric data. Using the radiometric signal as a covariate gave some improvement in the precision of predictions of soil potassium at validation sites. In addition, there was evidence that non-stationary models for the random effect fitted the data better than stationary models, and this difference was statistically significant. Non-stationary models also appeared to describe the error variance of predictions at the validation sites better. Further work is needed on selection among alternative non-stationary models, since simple procedures used here, based on comparing log-likelihood ratios of nested models and the Akaike information criterion for non-nested models, did not identify the model which gave the best account of the prediction error variances at validation sites.
Modeling global atmospheric CO2 with improved emission inventories and CO2 production from the oxidation of other carbon species
Authors: Nassar R. , Jones D. B. A. , Suntharalingam P. , Chen J. M. , Andres R. J. , Wecht K. J. , Yantosca R. M. , Kulawik S. S. , Bowman K. W. , Worden J. R. , Machida T. , Matsueda H.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. The use of global three-dimensional (3-D) models with satellite observations of CO2 in inverse modeling studies is an area of growing importance for understanding Earth's carbon cycle. Here we use the GEOS-Chem model (version 8-02-01) CO2 simulation with multiple modifications in order to assess their impact on CO2 forward simulations. Modifications include CO2 surface emissions from shipping (~0.19 Pg C/yr), 3-D spatially-distributed emissions from aviation (~0.16 Pg C/yr), and 3-D chemical production of CO2 (~1.05 Pg C/yr). Although CO2 chemical production from the oxidation of CO, CH4 and other carbon gases is recognized as an important contribution to global CO2, it is typically accounted for by conversion from its precursors at the surface rather than in the free troposphere. We base our model 3-D spatial distribution of CO2 chemical production on monthly-averaged loss rates of CO (a key precursor and intermediate in the oxidation of organic carbon) and apply an associated surface correction for inventories that have counted emissions of carbon precursor as CO2. We also explore the benefit of assimilating satellite observations of CO into GEOS-Chem to obtain an observation-based estimate of the CO2 chemical source. The CO assimilation corrects for an underestimate of atmospheric CO abundances in the model, resulting in increases of as much as 24% in the chemical source during May–June 2006, and increasing the global annual estimate of CO2 chemical production from 1.05 to 1.18 Pg C. Comparisons of model CO2 with measurements are carried out in order to investigate the spatial and temporal distributions that result when these new sources are added. Inclusion of CO2 emissions from shipping and aviation are shown to increase the global CO2 latitudinal gradient by just over 0.10 ppm (~3%), while the inclusion of CO2 chemical production (and the surface correction) is shown to decrease the latitudinal gradient by about 0.40 ppm (~10%) with a complex spatial structure generally resulting in decreased CO2 over land and increased CO2 over the oceans. Since these CO2 emissions are omitted or misrepresented in most inverse modeling work to date, their implementation in forward simulations should lead to improved inverse modeling estimates of terrestrial biospheric fluxes.
Identification and mapping of soil erosion areas in the Blue Nile, Eastern Sudan using multispectral ASTER and MODIS satellite data and the SRTM elevation model
Authors: El Haj Tahir M. , Kääb A. , Xu C.-Y.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. The area of the Upper Blue Nile in Eastern Sudan is considered prone to soil erosion which is an important indicator of the land degradation process. In this study, an erosion identification and mapping approach is developed based on adaptations to the regional characteristics of the study area and the availability of data. This approach is derived from fusion between remote sensing data and geographical information systems (GIS). The developed model is used to map the spatial distribution of soil erosion caused by the rains of 2006 using automatic classification of multispectral Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) imagery. Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) digital elevation model is used to orthoproject ASTER data. A maximum likelihood classifier is trained with four classes, Gully, Flat_land, Mountain and Water and applied to images from March and December 2006. Validation is done with field data from December and January 2006/2007. The results allow the identification of erosion gullies and subsequent estimation of eroded area. Consequently, the results are up-scaled using Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) products of the same dates. Because the selected study site is representative of the wider Blue Nile region, it is expected that the approach presented could be applied to larger areas.
Gold‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Bicyclo[3.2.0]heptenes via a Formal [3+2]/[2+2]‐Annulation of Allylsilane with 4‐Methoxybut‐2‐yn‐1‐ols
Authors: Yang Chun‐Yao , Wang Chiou‐Dong , Tian Shu‐Fan , Liu Rai‐Shung
Published: July 2010

This work reports the novel gold‐catalyzed [3+2]/[2+2]‐annulation of allylsilane with 4‐methoxybut‐2‐yn‐1‐ols that yields highly strained bicyclo[3.2.0]heptene products efficiently and stereoselectively.
ChemInform Abstract: Identification and Synthesis of Vesperal, the Female Sex Pheromone of the Longhorn Beetle Vesperus xatarti.
Authors: BOYER F.‐D. , MALOSSE C. , ZAGATTI P. , EINHORN J.
Published: July 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
Acute myocardial infarction and anorexia nervosa
Authors: Abuzeid Wael , Glover Christopher
Published: July 2010

Objective:

A case of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in a patient with anorexia nervosa is presented.

Method:

Clinlcal records, electrocardiogram, echocardiogram and coronary angiogram data of a patient with anorexia nervosa, presenting with AMI were evaluated. A Pubmed literature search was used to review cardiac complications of anorexia nervosa.

Results:

The patient presented with an anterior ST elevation AMI. She underwent emergent coronary angiography with successful reperfusion of a 100% occluded proximal left anterior descending coronary artery.

Discussion:

Anorexia nervosa is an eatlng disorder affectlng mainly female adolescents. Eating disorders carry the highest mortality rate compared to other psychiatric conditions (Caslero and Frishman, Cardiol Rev 14, 227‐231, 2006). It is reported that 80% of patients with an eating disorder are affected by a cardiac complication. Sudden cardiac death secondary to arrhythmia is often the cause of death in these patlents (Caslero and Frishman, Cardiol Rev 14, 227‐231, 2006). AMI is rarely described as a cardiac presentation in this patient population. Int J Eat Disord 2011. © 2010 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hydrogen Adsorption in Polyoxometalate Hybrid Compounds Based on Porous Metal‐Organic Frameworks
Authors: Ma Fengji , Liu Shuxia , Liang Dadong , Ren Guojian , Zhang Chundane , Wei Feng , Su Zhongmin
Published: July 2010

Two polyoxometalate hybrid compounds based on porous metal‐organic frameworks (PMOFs/POMs) have been prepared by lithium ion exchange and their crystal structures, stabilities and gas adsorption properties have been characterized. Both compounds consist of neutral Cu3(BTC)2 (BTC = 1,3,5‐benzentricarboxylate) metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) as hosts and Keggin polyoxometalates (POMs) anions and lithium ions as guests with the MOFs maintaining their permanent porosity. H2 adsorption studies demonstrated that the guests play a key role in increasing the H2 adsorption capacity of the frameworks. With the introduction of POMs and lithium ions, the compounds not only display strong hydrogen adsorption behavior, but also exhibit some differences in H2 binding energy.
Vibrational properties of Cs4W11O35 and Rb4W11O35 systems: high pressure and polarized Raman spectra
Authors: da Silva K. Pereira , Paraguassu W. , Maczka M. , Filho A. G. Souza , Freire P. T. C. , Filho J. Mendes , Hanuza J.
Published: July 2010

Cs4 W11O35 (CW) and Rb4 W11O35 (RW) belong to the class of hexagonal bronzes whose structure originates from the KxWO3 superconductor hexatungstate. Charge‐imbalanced tungsten bronzes are dielectric materials with rich polymorphism, ferroelectric properties and second‐harmonic generation. In this work, we report the polarized Raman spectra results for both CW and RW, as well as results of high‐pressure Raman scattering experiments (0.0–11.0 GPa) for the Cs4 W11O35 system, in which we have observed two structural phase transitions at ∼4 and 7.5 GPa. We discuss these transformations and polarized Raman spectra on the basis of lattice dynamics calculation in the related system KNbW2O9. Polarized Raman spectra provide strong indication that the highest wavenumber modes observed in these systems originate from tungsten or oxygen vacancies. The observation of a soft‐like mode indicates that the observed phase transitions exhibit a displacive‐type behavior, thus further indicating that these transformations are likely related to reorientations of the octahedral units. The soft mode nature is discussed as well.

PACS: 77.80.Bh; 78.30.Hv; 78.30.‐j. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biomineralien aus dem Reagenzglas
Authors: Helmut Cölfen
Published: July 2010

Mit biomimetischer Mineralisation lassen sich komplexe natürliche Biomineralisationsvorgänge aufklären und unter milden Bedingungen Materialien mit hierarchischer, organisch‐anorganischer Verbundstruktur herstellen.
Mehr als nur Rost
Authors: Pitzer Ulrike , Schneider Volker
Published: July 2010

Mit einem Bedarf von über einer Million Tonnen gehören synthetische Eisenoxide mit Abstand zur größten Gruppe der Buntpigmente. Trotz der seit über hundert Jahren im technischen Maßstab betriebenen Synthese sind Eisenoxidpigmente immer noch eine anspruchsvolle Produktgruppe.
Anorganische Chemie 2007
Authors: von Hänisch Carsten , Scheschkewitz David
Published: July 2010

Hauptgruppenelementverbindungen mit Anwendungspotenzial stehen weiter im Fokus – unter anderem stabile niedervalente Verbindungen und Mehrfachbindungssysteme. Bauarbeiten am Fundament und an der Spitze kennzeichnen die Entwicklung der Koordinationschemie im letzten Jahr. Eisenzeit herrscht in der Bioanorganik: Die Zahl der Publikationen zu biologisch relevanten Eisenverbindungen steigt rasant.
Theoretische Chemie 2007
Authors: Zipse Hendrik
Published: July 2010

In der theoretischen Homogenkatalyse dominieren Studien zu mechanistischen Details, Studien zur Vorhersage von Reaktivitäten oder Selektivitäten sind seltener. Quantendynamische Methoden ermöglichen die Beschreibung von Quanteneffekten in zunehmend komplexeren molekularen Systemen. Molekulardynamik‐Simulationen an biomolekularen Systemen produzieren heute Ergebnisse mit einer Genauigkeit ähnlich dem Experiment.
Umweltchemie 2007
Authors: Lammel Gerhard , Endres Felix , Goss Kai‐Uwe , Palm Wolf‐Ulrich , Bester Kai , Kreuzig Robert , Müller Susanne , Zachmann Dieter , Knacker Thomas , Lamshöft Marc , Schäffer Andreas
Published: July 2010

In der Atmosphäre, in Oberflächen‐ und Meerwasser, auch in Regionen fernab der Zivilisation finden Umweltforscher immer wieder bisher nicht nachgewiesene Chemikalien, aktuell unter anderem Flammschutzmittel, Textilhilfsmittel und Pestizide. Gegenstand bodenchemischer Forschungsaktivitäten sind vermehrt bioaktive Substanzen, insbesondere Veterinärpharmaka.
“70 Prozent unserer Produkte sind Green Chemistry”
Authors: Remenyi Christian
Published: July 2010

Zukunftsgeschäft und traditionelle Chemie – die Süd‐Chemie vereint dies mit ihren beiden Geschäftsfeldern Katalysatoren und Adsorbentien. Die Nachrichten aus der Chemie sprachen mit Günter von Au, dem Vorstandsvorsitzenden des Unternehmens.
Die Knechtschaft
Authors: Konecny Jaromir
Published: July 2010

Gib der Tigerin Zucker: Praktische Dinge wie ein organisches Praktikum liegen nicht jedem Mann. Und wenn er dann noch versucht, der Praktikumsassistentin zu gefallen ...
Gesunde Ernährung ‐ multimedial und interaktiv
Authors: Schunk Axel
Published: July 2010

Wie viel der Mensch wovon essen sollte, ist auf Internetseiten und CD zu finden. Zudem bieten viele Medien tiefergehende Informationen über Lebensmittel und deren physiologische Verwertung im Körper.
Cent um Cent zum Doktorhut
Authors: Osterath Brigitte
Published: July 2010

Der Weg zum Dr. rer. nat. gestaltet sich meist hart und steinig – gut, wenn dann wenigstens der Lebensunterhalt gesichert ist.
Mehr Wettbewerb
Authors: Fischer Lars
Published: July 2010

Ab Januar dürfen alle zugelassenen Prüfdienstleister wiederkehrende Sicherheitsprüfungen auch an älteren überwachungsbedürftigen Anlagen durchführen.
Deutsche Bunsen‐Gesellschaft für Physikalische Chemie
Authors: Stegemeyer Horst
Published: July 2010

“Vom Cholesterin zum Flachbildschirm” ‐ Eine Ausstellung zur Geschichte der Flüssigkristalle im Bunsen‐Archiv Gießen
Gemeinsame Arbeit für Materialien und Werkstoffe
Authors: Janek Jürgen
Published: July 2010

GDCh ist Gründungsmitglied der Bundesvereinigung Materialwissenschaft und Werkstofftechnik
Chemische Forschung ist Spitze
Authors: Hopf Henning
Published: July 2010

Die GDCh war Mitinitiator des Forschungsratings und hat sich dafür eingesetzt, dass die Chemie in die Pilotstudie aufgenommen wird. Prof. Henning Hopf bewertet die Ergebnisse der Pilotstudie Forschungsrating aus Sicht der GDCh:
Systematisch Fehler finden
Authors: Beinert Wolf‐Dieter , Rösslein Matthias , Rezzonico Sergio
Published: July 2010

Die Messunsicherheit eines komplexen Analysenverfahrens lässt sich mit Softwareunterstützung einfach und schnell beziffern – wie die Bestimmung von Di‐n‐butylphthalat in Polyvinylchlorid zeigt.
Dynamische Differenzkalorimetrie und Glasübergang
Authors: Höhne Günther W. H. , Kunze Wolfgang
Published: July 2010

Viele organische und makromolekulare Stoffe neigen dazu, bei Abkühlung glasig zu erstarren. Beim Erwärmen erweichen die Materialien in einem Temperaturbereich und verändern dabei ihre Materialeigenschaften. Kenntnisse über diesen Glasübergang haben in Materialkunde, Pharmazie und Lebensmitteltechnik praktische Bedeutung.
Made in Europe for the World
Authors: Ross Haymo , Hindson Karen
Published: July 2010

Mit dem European Journal of Inorganic Chemistry und dem European Journal of Organic Chemistry begannen die europäischen chemischen Gesellschaften vor zehn Jahren mit dem Umbruch der Strukturen ihrer wissenschaftlichen Publikationen.
Wir müssen CO2‐frei leben lernen
Authors: Guggolz Ernst
Published: July 2010

“Hält man ein brennendes Streichholz in ein Gemisch aus Wasserstoff und Sauerstoff, entsteht explosionsartig Knallgas.”
Kaufen und Verkaufen
Authors: Wollscheid Roman , Schneider Bernd
Published: July 2010

Welche Sorgfalt erfordern finanziell komplexe Transaktionen in der chemischen Industrie? Sind nach der Einführung von Reach Änderungen in der Due Dilligence zu erwarten?
Studying the mechanism of thioketone‐mediated polymerization via electrospray ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Günzler Fabian , Junker Tanja , Barner‐Kowollik Christopher
Published: July 2010

The polymeric product spectrum generated in thioketone‐mediated free radical polymerization (TKMP) was analyzed via electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Poly(n‐butyl acrylate) samples were synthesized in the presence of the (commercially available) thioketone 4,4‐bis(dimethylamino)thiobenzophenone under variable reaction conditions in toluene solution at 80 °C. To unambiguously assign the mass spectra, the samples are prepared under variation of the monomer (going from n‐butyl acrylate to ethyl acrylate) as well as by employing variable thermally decomposing initiators [i.e., 2,2′‐azoisobutyronitrile and azobis(cyclohexanecarbonitrile)]. In all mass spectra, significant amounts of the expected cross‐termination product, formed via bimolecular termination of propagating macroradicals with the dormant thioketone radical adduct (consisting of a propagating chain and the mediating thioketone) alongside conventional termination products can be identified. As the study was carried out on acrylate polymers, acrylate‐specific reaction products arising from intramolecular transfer reactions followed by β‐scission of the generated mid‐chain radicals are also identified in the mass spectra. In addition, a species congruent with the dormant thioketone radical adduct itself (oxidized to its cationic state) was identified. Products that could potentially be formed via a chain transfer mechanism cannot be identified. The results presented here thus support the earlier suggested TKMP mechanism involving a highly stabilized adduct radical which undergoes significant cross‐termination reactions. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 1864–1876, 2009
Applications of information theory in ensemble data assimilation
Authors: Zupanski Dusanka , Hou Arthur Y. , Zhang Sara Q. , Zupanski Milija , Kummerow Christian D. , Cheung Samson H.
Published: July 2010

We apply information theory within an ensemble‐based data assimilation approach and define information matrix in ensemble subspace. The information matrix in ensemble subspace employs a flow‐dependent forecast error covariance and it is of relatively small dimensions (equal to the ensemble size). The information matrix in ensemble subspace can be directly linked to the information matrix typically used in non‐ensemble‐based data assimilation methods, such as the Kalman Filter (KF) and the three‐dimensional variational (3D‐Var) methods, which provides a framework for consistent comparisons of information measures between different data assimilation methods.

We evaluate information measures, such as degrees of freedom for signal, within the Maximum Likelihood Ensemble Filter (MLEF) data assimilation approach and compare them with those obtained using the KF approach and the 3D‐Var approach. We assimilate model‐simulated observations and use the Goddard Earth Observing System Single Column Model (GEOS‐5 SCM) as a dynamical forecast model.

The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed framework is useful for comparing information measures obtained in different data assimilation approaches. These comparisons indicate that using a flow‐dependent forecast error covariance matrix (e.g. as in the KF and the MLEF experiments) is fundamentally important for adequately describing prior knowledge about the true model state when calculating information measures of assimilated observations. We also demonstrate that data assimilation results obtained using the KF and the MLEF approach (when ensemble size is larger than 10 ensemble members) are superior to the results of the 3D‐Var approach. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society
Higher‐order corrections for Rossby waves in a zonal channel on the β‐plane
Authors: Heifetz E. , Paldor N. , Oreg Y. , Stern A. , Merksamer I.
Published: July 2010

A formal analytic perturbation expansion in the β term is carried out for the Rossby wave solution of the shallow‐water equations in a zonal channel on the β‐plane. Apart from a quantization of the meridional wave number, the presence of zonal boundaries alters, to first order, both the velocity and the geopotential structures of the wave but does not alter the phase speed of the wave. The ageostrophic component of the velocity field is identical in first order with that of the unbounded β‐plane and is therefore not related to the presence of boundaries. In contrast, the first‐order correction to the geostrophic velocity component is inherently related to the presence of walls as it ensures the vanishing of the total meridional velocity on the boundaries. This first‐order correction to the geostrophic field yields only a third‐order correction in the Rossby phase speed, as can be expected from symmetry considerations. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society
Variable cirrus shading during CSIP IOP 5. II: Effects on the convective boundary layer
Authors: Marsham J. H. , Blyth A. M. , Parker D. J. , Beswick K. , Browning K. A. , Corsmeier U. , Kalthoff N. , Khodayar S. , Morcrette C. J. , Norton E. G.
Published: July 2010

A combination of radiosonde, wind‐profiler and aircraft observations, together with large‐eddy modelling, show that shading from orphaned cirrus anvils had significant effects on the boundary layer during CSIP IOP 5. The control of boundary‐layer development by the cirrus shading, and the subsidence induced by the cirrus cover, led to a boundary layer that, at an aircraft altitude of around 500 m, was less turbulent, 0.8 g kg−1 drier and 0.3 K warmer under thick cirrus than in clear skies. In addition, at the top of the boundary layer, turbulence persisted for some time after the onset of cirrus shading, allowing continued entrainment and so stabilization of the previously well‐mixed boundary layer. These effects, which would have inhibited convective initiation under the cirrus, are consistent with the results of the first part of this study (Marsham et al., 2007).

Power spectra show that, while vertical velocities were dominated by variations on the scale of the boundary‐layer depth, for water‐vapour mixing ratios and potential temperatures, mesoscale variations were comparable or dominant. In some cases a spectral gap is observed between these two scales of contributions. Radiosonde data and modelling show that, in addition to the variations in the boundary layer caused by the variable cirrus cover, pre‐existing variations in lid strength and boundary‐layer moisture were also significant on this day. These water‐vapour variations are also detectable in retrievals of total‐column water vapour from Global‐Positioning‐System data. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society
Influence of the Quasi‐Biennial Oscillation on the ECMWF model short‐range‐forecast errors in the tropical stratosphere
Authors: Žagar Nedjeljka , Andersson Erik , Fisher Michael , Untch Agathe
Published: July 2010

This paper addresses the impact of the Quasi‐Biennial Oscillation (QBO) on the background‐error covariances in the tropical atmosphere of the ECMWF model. The tropical short‐range‐forecast‐error covariances are represented in terms of equatorial waves coupled to convection.

By comparing the forecast‐error proxy data from two different phases of the QBO, it is shown that the phase of the QBO has an effect on the distribution of tropical forecast‐error variances between various equatorial waves. The influence of the QBO is limited to the stratospheric levels between 50 hPa and 5 hPa. In the easterly QBO phase, the percentage of error variance in Kelvin waves is significantly greater than in the westerly phase. In the westerly phase, westward‐propagating inertio‐gravity waves become more important, at the expense of Kelvin modes, eastward‐propagating mixed Rossby‐gravity waves and inertio‐gravity modes. Comparison of datasets from two easterly phases shows that the maxima of stratospheric error variance in various equatorial modes follow the theory of the interaction of waves with descending shear zones of the horizontal wind.

Single‐observation experiments illustrate an impact of the phase of the QBO on stratospheric analysis increments, which is mostly seen in the balanced geopotential field. Idealized 3D‐Var assimilation experiments suggest that background‐error statistics from the easterly QBO period are on average more useful for the multivariate variational assimilation, as a consequence of a stronger mass‐wind coupling due to increased impact of Kelvin waves in the easterly phase.

By comparing the tropical forecast errors in two operational versions of the model a few years apart, it is shown here that recent model improvements, primarily in the model physics, have substantially reduced the errors in both wind and geopotential throughout the tropical atmosphere. In particular, increased wind‐field errors associated with the intertropical convergence zone have been removed. Consequently, the ability of the applied background‐error model to represent the error fields has improved. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society
Influences of ozone depletion, the solar cycle and the QBO on the Southern Annular Mode
Authors: Roscoe Howard K. , Haigh Joanna D.
Published: July 2010

We present results of multiple regressions of the leading mode of atmospheric variability at southern high latitudes: the Southern Annular Mode (SAM). It is regressed against indices with large interannual variability, and one of several trend indices in order to determine which trend term gives the optimum fit. We use SAM in sea‐level pressure from station data in order to provide a long time series, from 1957 to 2005. The regression indices are stratospheric volcanic aerosol, solar activity, the quasi‐biennial oscillation (QBO), the El Niño–Southern Oscillation, together with either a linear trend, or the effective equivalent stratospheric chlorine (EESC) that depletes polar ozone, or ozone mass deficit (OMD) in the Antarctic vortex. We find a statistically significant signal for volcanic aerosol, and, when the solar and QBO indices are represented by their product, a highly significant response to the product. We find a significant linear trend in SAM, but there is a major increase in significance using EESC2 and a further increase using OMD. We make no direct attempt to identify cause and effect, but if the trend is due to human influence then ozone loss is at least 9 times more likely the principle cause of the trend in SAM than greenhouse gases, although we do not exclude greenhouse gases making a smaller contribution. Monthly and seasonal regressions show a maximum correlation with OMD between December and May (summer and autumn), consistent with previous work on stratospheric change as a cause of change in the troposphere. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society
Is Hypoalbuminemia an Independent Prognostic Factor in Patients with Gastric Cancer?
Authors: Crumley Andrew B. C. , Stuart Robert C. , McKernan Margaret , McMillan Donald C.
Published: July 2010

Background

Studies have indicated that hypoalbuminemia is associated with decreased survival of patients with gastric cancer. However, the prognostic value of albumin may be secondary to an ongoing systemic inflammatory response. The aim of the study was to assess the relation between hypoalbuminemia, the systemic inflammatory response, and survival in patients with gastric cancer.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with gastric carcinoma attending the upper gastrointestinal surgical unit in the Royal Infirmary, Glasgow between April 1997 and December 2005 and who had a pretreatment measurement of albumin and C‐reactive protein (CRP) were studied.

Results

Most of the patients had stage III/IV disease and received palliative treatment. The minimum follow‐up was 15 months. During follow‐up, 157 (72%) patients died of their cancer. On univariate analysis, stage (p < 0.001), treatment (p < 0.001), albumin level (p < 0.001), and CRP level (p < 0.001) were significant predictors of survival. On multivariate analysis, stage (p < 0.001), treatment (p < 0.001), and CRP level (p < 0.001) remained significant predictors of survival. Albumin was no longer an independent predictor of survival.

Conclusions

Low albumin concentrations are associated with poorer survival in patients with gastric cancer. However, the strength of this relation with survival is dependent on the presence of a systemic inflammatory response, as evidenced by an elevated CRP level. Therefore, it appears that the relation between hypoalbuminemia and poor survival is secondary to that of the systemic inflammatory response.
Developing a Successful Robotic Surgery Program in a Rural Hospital
Authors: Zender John , Thell Christina
Published: July 2010

Robotic surgery has become a standard in many large hospitals across the United States and the world. The surgical robot offers the surgeon a three‐dimensional view and increased dexterity in addition to providing the benefits of laparoscopic surgery to the patient (eg, shorter hospital stays, decreased pain, fewer postoperative complications). The next progression for robotic surgery is a move to rural venues. For many small, rural hospitals, however, obtaining a robot may be cost prohibitive, and these facilities may need to explore sources of funding for the program. Developing a robotics program requires intense training by surgeons and all surgical team members. Effective marketing of the program and the dedication and hard work of surgical team members and administrators are vital to ensure the success of the program.
Preliminary post-prandial studies of Burmese cats with elevated triglyceride concentrations and/or presumed lipid aqueous
Authors: Kluger Elissa K. , Caslake Muriel , Baral Randolph M. , Malik Richard , Govendir Merran
Published: July 2010

A proportion of Burmese cats in Australia have an exaggerated post-prandial triglyceride (TG) response after an oral fat tolerance test (OFTT). The aim of this study was to determine (a) whether Burmese cats with presumed lipid aqueous (PLA) had exaggerated post-prandial triglyceridaemia, (b) if Burmese cats with exaggerated post-prandial triglyceridaemia (‘affected’ cats) had decreased lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity and (c) whether affected cats were more insulin resistant than normal Burmese cats. Of cats with a history of PLA, 4/5 were shown to be lipid intolerant (4 h TG>4.5 mmol/l). Four affected Burmese cats were age, gender and body condition matched to four normal Burmese cats. Serum TG, insulin, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), lipoprotein and apolipoprotein concentrations were determined 2 weeks after commencing a standardised high-protein diet, with an OFTT performed 4 weeks later. Affected Burmese cats did not have significantly different fasting insulin, fructosamine, NEFA, apolipoprotein or lipoprotein concentrations compared to control cats. During the OFTT, affected cats had significantly higher 4 h and 6 h serum TG and NEFA concentrations than normal cats. There was a trend for lower LPL activity, higher insulin concentrations (at 4 and 6 h) and higher insulin area under the curve (AUC) during the OFTT in affected Burmese cats compared to controls, although these results failed to reach significance, probably due to the small number of cats studied. Further investigations using larger numbers of cats should focus on reduced LPL activity and insulin resistance as potential causes of delayed TG clearance.
Forecasting Patient Services: A 21st Century Vision of an Academic Health Centre
Authors: Katravas Annette A. , Major Pierre E. , Macpherson Alison K. , Lynn Jeannie , Fortin Jacques , Lecher Liane , Vaughn Kathryn , Riley Donna , Steinmetz Nicolas
Published: July 2010

This article provides an overview of the development and implementation of the McGill University Health Centre model for forecasting patient services in the year 2004, and advice on how to apply the model. Critical success factors and case examples are highlighted. The insights provided will be of value to hospitals and other institutions that recognize the necessity of engaging in long-range planning and forecasting.
Implementation of the Resident Assessment Instrument: A Canadian Experience
Authors: Brunton Bev , Rook Marilyn
Published: July 2010

As the population ages, the increasing number and complexity of needs of individuals requiring institutionalization will increase the demands for chronic care services. In this article, the authors describe the implementation process used to introduce interdisciplinary staff to the use of the Minimum Data Set (MDS) for assessment of both nursing home and chronic care residents. This screening tool assesses resident characteristics over a wide spectrum of dimensions. The assessment findings are then integrated into the clinical plan of care.
Research Meets Reality: Administrative Data to Guide Planning for Canadian Regional Health Authorities
Authors: Roberts Janice D. , Fransoo Randy , Black Charlyn D. , Roos Leslie L. , Martens Patricia J.
Published: July 2010

The use of population-based information systems can help regional health authorities provide integrated healthcare. Administrative data from 1995 through 1997 for Manitoba's rural South Eastman Regional Health Authority and for the rest of Manitoba were used to aid South Eastman's strategic planning process. Three areas of concern were highlighted: the relatively high risk of poor health among residents of the RHA's Southern District, physician maldistribution and inconsistent patterns of service utilization. By improving population access to primary healthcare, regional imbalances are being addressed.
Opening up the Black Box of Performance Measurement
Authors: Persaud D. David , Nestman Lawrence
Published: July 2010

Health outcomes measurement has not fulfilled its potential. An important reason is the inability of the systems in place to properly utilize the information provided by outcome indicators to improve care. This paper describes a measurement framework that empowers healthcare professionals to act on information that is provided by using logical predetermined protocols. The benefits of this framework include enhanced evidence-based healthcare processes, organizational learning through knowledge generation and dissemination, and improved health outcomes.
Job Loss among Hospital Workers: Antecedents and Consequences
Authors: Brown Judy A. , Woodward Christel A. , Shannon Harry S. , Cunningham Charles E. , Lendrum Bonnie , McIntosh John , Rosenbloom David
Published: July 2010

This article looks at hospital workers in a large Canadian teaching hospital that was surveyed from 1995 to 1997. It compares the perceptions of the working environment and the coping mechanisms of employees who lost their jobs with those of the workers who remained with the hospital. Those who left perceived themselves to be significantly more emotionally exhausted than those who remained. In 1997, employees still with the hospital reported greater anxiety and emotional exhaustion than the workers who had left. The conclusion reached is that as the public sector attempts to become more efficient, the human cost of downsizing should be considered.
The Changing Role of Canadian Healthcare CEOs: Results of a Notional Survey
Authors: Armstrong Russell , Brunelle Francis W. H. , Angus Douglas E. , Levac Gaston
Published: July 2010

To assess how Canadian healthcare chief executive officers are coping with a decade of regionalization, hospital mergers and other health system changes, a national survey was conducted from January through May, 2000. The survey covered a broad range of topics including the trends that are driving change, career preparation necessary to address the trends, skills required to be an effective leader, and perceived changes to typical CEO responsibilities. The survey results significantly contribute to the national dialogue on sustaining leadership and planning for succession in healthcare organizations.