bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Der High‐Dose‐Hook‐Effekt
Authors: Schrödel Andrea
Published: August 2011

Quantitative Analysen, wie beispielsweise die Bestimmung von Tumormarkern (Antigennachweis mittels Immunassay) sind störanfällig und können mit einem Fehler behaftet sein. Neben Fehlbestimmungen durch Kreuzreaktivitäten sollte der Hook‐Effekt nie außer Acht gelassen werden. Durch diesen Effekt können in Immunassays falsch negative Signale erhalten werden, obwohl eine Menge Analyt in der zu vermessenden Probe vorhanden ist. Handelt es sich um einen diagnostischen Test, würde somit der betreffende Patient ein falsch negatives Ergebnis bescheinigt bekommen und sich in trügerischer Sicherheit wiegen. Doch was genau ist eigentlich dieser “Hook‐Effekt”?
Austern – mehr als Luxus
Authors: Seif Abdi Gharib , Kronberg Inge
Published: August 2011

Beim Begriff “Austern” denkt der Feinschmecker an “fines de claires” oder “Sylter Royal”, der Ökologe an Karl August Möbius (1825–1908). Er prägte an Austernbeständen der norddeutschen Küste den Begriff “Biozönose” (1877) und wurde damit zum Mitbegründer der Ökologie als Wissenschaft. Inzwischen ist die von ihm untersuchte Europäische Auster (Ostrea edulis) in der Deutschen Bucht verschwunden, Ursachen sind Überfischung und Parasitenbefall. Stattdessen breitet sich die Pazifische Auster Crassostrea gigas im Wattenmeer aus, die aus Aquakulturen entwich. Weltweit nimmt die Dichte natürlich vorkommender Austern an den Küsten ab, was nicht nur ein wirtschaftliches, sondern auch ein ökologisches Problem ist.
Der wirkliche Gerolf Steiner
Authors: Bückmann Detlef
Published: August 2011

An dieser Stelle wurde im Jahr 2006 des Zoologen Harald Stümpke gedacht (BIUZ 2/2006, S. 128). Er hat in lustiger Weise die von Christian Morgenstern erfundene Tiergruppe der Nasobeme zoologisch bearbeitet. Der Name des wirklichen Autors ist nur erwähnt: Gerolf Steiner. War das ein Witzbold? Keinesfalls, sondern ein sensibler, nachdenklich, ja grüblerisch veranlagter Forscher mit dem Blick für Probleme, die sonst nicht gesehen oder die ignoriert werden, und eine der vielschichtigsten Persönlichkeiten der deutschen Biologie im vergangenen Jahrhundert.
Feasibility of transcatheter closure in unselected patients with secundum atrial septal defect, using amplatzer devices and a modified sizing balloon technique
Authors: Kammache Issam , Mancini Julien , Ovaert Caroline , Habib Gilbert , Fraisse Alain
Published: August 2011

Objectives: We aimed to assess (1) the role of surgical versus transcatheter closure techniques and (2) the impact of a modified implantation technique to optimize closure of secundum septal defects with the Amplatzer device. Background: Despite several comparative studies, the respective roles of surgical and transcatheter closure are not clarified. Additionally, the impact of modified method of implantation on device closure remains unknown. Methods: Fifty‐seven unselected patients were referred for secundum atrial septal defect closure in 2009, at a median age and weight of 27.5 (0.8–88) years and 40.6 (5.6–97) kg, respectively. Transcatheter closure was attempted in 53 cases under transesophagal echocardiography guidance in children (n = 28) and intracardiac echocardiography guidance in adults. If standard closure failed, a sizing balloon catheter inflated in the left atrium was used as a support to secure the position of the device upon deployment. Results: Fifty of the 57 cases (88%) were successfully closed with a median Amplatzer Septal Occluder size of 20 (10–40) mm, using the sizing balloon technique in eight (16%) cases. No major complication occurred. A trivial residual shunt remained in two patients (4%) whereas a mild mitral regurgitation appeared in one. By univariate analysis, a deficient superior–posterior rim and a large defect (>15 mm2/m2) were associated with the use of the sizing balloon technique (P = 0.04 and 0.03, respectively). A deficient superior–posterior rim and pulmonary hypertension were associated with failure to close the defect (P = 0.02 and 0.03, respectively). Conclusion: The majority of secundum atrial septal defect is amenable to transcatheter closure, using a modified implantation technique in 16% of cases. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
New Molecular Markers for Prostate Tumor Imaging: A Study on 2‐Methylene Substituted Fatty Acids as New AMACR Inhibitors
Authors: Morgenroth Agnieszka , Urusova Elizaveta A. , Dinger Cornelia , Al‐Momani Ehab , Kull Thomas , Glatting Gerhard , Frauendorf Holm , Jahn Olaf , Mottaghy Felix M. , Reske Sven N. , Zlatopolskiy Boris D.
Published: August 2011

The development of prostate carcinoma is associated with alterations in fatty acid metabolism. α‐Methylacyl‐CoA racemase (AMACR) is a peroxisomal and mitochondrial enzyme that catalyses interconversion between the (S)/(R)‐isomers of a range of α‐methylacyl‐CoA thioesters. AMACR is involved in the β‐oxidation of the dietary branched‐chain fatty acids and bile acid intermediates. It is highly expressed in prostate (more than 95 %), colon (92 %), and breast cancers (44 %) but not in the respective normal or hyperplastic tissues. Thus, targeting of AMACR could be a new strategy for molecular imaging and therapy of prostate and some other cancers. Unlabeled 2‐methylenacyl‐CoA thioesters (12 a–c) were designed as AMACR binding ligands. The thioesters were tested for their ability to inhibit the AMACR‐mediated epimerization of (25R)‐THC‐CoA and were found to be strong AMACR inhibitors. Radioiodinated (E)‐131I‐13‐iodo‐2‐methylentridec‐12‐enoic acid (131I‐7 c) demonstrated preferential retention in AMACR‐positive prostate tumor cells (LNCaP, LNCaP C4‐2wt and DU145) compared with both AMACR‐knockout LNCaP C4‐2 AMACR‐siRNA and benign BPH1 prostate cell lines. A significant protein‐bound radioactive fraction with main bands at 47 (sum of molecular weights of AMACR plus 12 c), 70, and 75 kDa was detected in LNCaP C4‐2 wt cells. In contrast, only negligible amounts of protein‐bound radioactivity were found in LNCaP C4‐2 AMACR‐siRNA cells.
Syntheses of Group 4 ansa‐Trovacene Complexes and Conversion of [1]Silatrovacenophanes into Paramagnetic Metallopolymers by Ring‐Opening Polymerization
Authors: Adams Christopher J. , Braunschweig Holger , Fuß Marco , Kraft Katharina , Kupfer Thomas , Manners Ian , Radacki Krzysztof , Whittell George R.
Published: August 2011

An improved protocol for the selective dilithiation of [V(η5‐C5H5)(η7‐C7H7)] has been developed, which afforded [V(η5‐C5H4Li)(η7‐C7H6Li)]⋅PMDTA (5; PMDTA=N,N,N′,N′′,N′′‐pentamethyldiethylenetriamine) in almost quantitative yield (98 %). In the solid state, the species features a dimeric structure with two terminal and two bridging lithium atoms, with the latter connecting both sandwich subunits. Reaction with suitable Group 4 dihalide compounds enabled the isolation of highly strained silicon‐ and germanium‐bridged [1]trovacenophanes 6 and 7. Similarly, reaction of 5 with Cl2Sn2tBu4 afforded the rather unstrained complex [V(η5‐C5H4)(η7‐C7H6)Sn2tBu4] (8), which together with 7 represent the first trovacenophanes to incorporate heavier analogues of silicon in the ansa‐bridge. Ring‐opening polymerization reactions of [V(η5‐C5H4)(η7‐C7H6)SiRR′] (2 a: R=R′=Me; 6: R=Me, R′=iPr) were performed by heating in a solution of toluene in the presence of the Karstedt catalyst, which resulted in the formation of the corresponding soluble poly(trovacenylsilanes) in yields of 41 and 33 %, respectively. As estimated by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), the macromolecules possess molecular weights of Mn=10 010 and 5580 g mol−1 with polydispersity indices of 2.31 and 1.64 for 9 and 10, respectively. ESR spectroscopic studies on 9 and 10 revealed only a single broad resonance in each case without any identifiable 51V hyperfine coupling.
Chemie des Graphens
Authors: Balasubramanian Kannan , Burghard Marko
Published: August 2011

Es bedarf noch intensiver Forschung, bis elektronische Bauelemente auf Graphenbasis praktische Anwendung finden. Die Haupthürde besteht darin, verlässliche chemische Verfahren zu finden, mit welchen Graphen strukturiert funktionalisiert werden kann, um lokal eine Bandlücke einzuführen, ohne gleichzeitig Defekte in das Kohlenstoffgitter einzubauen. In dieser Hinsicht kann sicher einiges von der weiter entwickelten Chemie der Kohlenstoff‐Nanoröhren als eindimensionale Gegenstücke des Graphens gelernt werden. Deutlich näher steht hingegen der praktische Einsatz von Graphen in flexiblen, transparenten Elektroden, in (bio‐)chemischen Sensoren oder als Verstärkerkomponente von Werkstoffen. Allerdings setzt die hierfür erforderliche Herstellung größerer Graphenmengen noch nennenswerte Fortschritte in der Überführung von Graphenoxid in reines Graphen voraus. Eine große Herausforderung ist dabei nicht nur die quantitative Entfernung der sauerstoffhaltigen funktionellen Gruppen, sondern auch das Ausheilen von ungeordneten, sp2‐gebundenen Regionen.
Fe(V)‐Nitrid als NH3‐Generator
Authors: Jaenicke Lothar
Published: August 2011

Schon seit längerem ist bekannt, dass Koordinationsverbindungen, die Eisenzentren in hohen Oxidationsstufen enthalten, die Funktion von reaktiven Zwischenstufen in der Biokatalyse haben, so z.B. bei der mikrobiellen Stickstoff‐Fixierung durch FeMo‐Nitrogenasen oder der zellulären Oxidation mit Hämkomplexen. Auch für das Haber‐Bosch‐Verfahren wurde bereits vor 20 Jahren von G. Ertl postuliert, dass “Oberflächen‐Nitride” bei dieser Katalyse eine entscheidende Rolle spielen. Daher wurde und wird noch immer nach hochvalenten Eisen‐Nitrido‐Komplexen gesucht, die als biomimetische Modelle in katalytischen Umsetzungen dienen können.
Ozonschicht und Klimawandel
Authors: Welter Kira
Published: August 2011

In diesem Frühjahr warnten Atmosphärenforscher vor einer erhöhten Sonnenbrandgefahr in Europa. Hintergrund waren ungewöhnlich niedrige Ozonwerte über dem Nordpol. In den nächsten Jahren rechnen die Wissenschaftler mit weiteren zeitlich begrenzten, erheblichen Ozonverlusten in der Region. Fast 25 Jahre nach dem Verbot ozonzerstörender Substanzen ist nicht nur der Südpol sondern auch der Nordpol weiterhin von Ozonverlust‐Perioden betroffen. Verantwortlich für den diesjährigen starken Rückgang sind die noch immer in der Luft vorhandenen Fluorchlorkohlenwasserstoffe (FCKW) und Halone, die früher beispielsweise in Sprühdosen oder Feuerlöschern eingesetzt wurden, sowie niedrige Temperaturen in der Stratosphäre der Polarregion. Nun glauben immer mehr Forscher, dass das Schicksal der Ozonschicht außerdem an die Entwicklung des Klimas gekoppelt ist.
Atmospheric Lead in PM2.5 after Leaded Gasoline Phase‐out in Jeddah City, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Aburas Hani M. , Zytoon Mohamed A. , Abdulsalam Mohammed I.
Published: August 2011

The objective of the present study is the assessment of Jeddah ambient air quality in terms of PM2.5, and the associated lead 7 years after phasing out leaded gasoline in Saudi Arabia. Twenty‐four air samples were collected at four locations throughout Jeddah during the period from December 23, 2008 to April 6, 2009. The collected PM2.5‐samples were analyzed by ICP‐MS for determination of lead. The average atmospheric PM2.5 concentration was 50.8 µg/m3. Atmospheric PM2.5‐concentrations were higher than the 24‐h U.S. National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) in 14 sample events. The average lead concentration for all samples was 0.07326 µg/m3. Atmospheric lead concentration was dependent on the sampling location. Concentrations at the two southern locations were higher than at the two northern locations. Southern locations had higher lead concentrations due to very high traffic density, in addition to their proximity to industrial zone. In general, the results of this study show a considerable decrease in atmospheric lead concentration 7 years after phasing out leaded gasoline. The study recommends further studies to accurately determine the current sources of atmospheric lead.
A Study of the Acid‐Catalyzed Hydrolysis of Cellulose Dissolved in Ionic Liquids and the Factors Influencing the Dehydration of Glucose and the Formation of Humins
Authors: Dee Sean J. , Bell Alexis T.
Published: August 2011

An investigation was carried out into the hydrolysis of cellulose dissolved in 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride ([Emim][Cl]) and 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride ([Bmim][Cl]) catalyzed by mineral acids. Glucose, cellobiose, and 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (5‐HMF) were observed as the primary reaction products. The initial rate of glucose formation was determined to be of first order in the concentrations of dissolved glucan and protons and of zero order in the concentration of water. The absence of a dependence on water concentration suggests that cleavage of the β‐1,4‐glycosidic linkages near chain ends is irreversible. The apparent activation energy for glucose formation is 96 kJ mol−1. The absence of oligosaccharides longer than cellobiose suggests that cleavage of interior glycosidic bonds is reversible due to the slow diffusional separation of cleaved chains in the highly viscous glucan/ionic liquid solution. Progressive addition of water during the course of glucan hydrolysis inhibited the rate of glucose dehydration to 5‐HMF and the formation of humins. The inhibition of glucose dehydration is attributed to stronger interaction of protons with water than the 2‐OH atom of the pyranose ring of glucose, the critical step in the proposed mechanism for the formation of 5‐HMF. The reduction in humin formation associated with water addition is ascribed to the lowered concentration of 5‐HMF, since the formation of humins is suggested to proceed through the condensation polymerization of 5‐HMF with glucose.
Differential modulation of cord blood and peripheral blood monocytes by intravenous immunoglobulin
Authors: Gille Christian , Dreschers Stephan , Spring Bärbel , Tárnok Attila , Bocsi Jozsef , Poets Christian F. , Orlikowsky Thorsten W.
Published: August 2011

Background:

Immunoglobulins (IVIG) have been shown to be useful in adults suffering from sepsis. In contrast, prophylactic and curative IVIG trials failed to show beneficial effects in neonates. We tested the hypothesis that IVIG, have different effects on monocytes from cord blood (CBMO) and peripheral blood monocytes from adults (PBMO) with respect to survival, phenotype, and function.

Methods:

Mononuclear cells, or purified monocytes, were cultured in 5% human serum, incubated with polyvalent IVIG (1 mg/ml), stimulated with green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐labeled Escherichia coli (E. Coli‐GFP), Interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ, 50 U/ml), or the T cell mitogen anti‐CD3 monoclonal antibody, αCD3‐mAb, (5 μg/ml). Phagocytosis, phenotype, T cell proliferation, and apoptosis were assessed by flow cytometry.

Results:

IVIG enhanced phagocytosis in PBMO or CBMO when infected directly after isolation, while IVIG had no effect on monocytes cultured 48 h prior to infection. In contrast to PBMO, IVIG inhibited the IFN‐γ mediated up‐regulation of CD80, CD86, and HLA‐DR on CBMO. In the presence of IVIG, stimulation with αCD3 in cord blood enhanced deletion, inhibited blast formation and CD28 up‐regulation of T cells (P < 0.05 vs. T cells from adults). IVIG induced monocyte apoptosis, associated with up‐regulation of Annexin V and loss of nuclear DNA, which was more pronounced in CBMO. Although phagocytosis induced cell death (PICD) was lower in CBMO (P < 0.05 vs. PBMO), the addition of IVIG enhanced PICD levels of CBMO to the extent of PBMO.

Conclusions:

IVIG inhibits co‐stimulatory receptors and functions of CBMO and induces apoptosis. These findings may be of clinical relevance for the failure of IVIG benefit in neonatal sepsis. © 2011 International Clinical Cytometry Society
ICOS‐dependent stimulation of NKT cells by marginal zone B cells
Authors: Zietara Natalia , Łyszkiewicz Marcin , Krueger Andreas , Weiss Siegfried
Published: August 2011

Marginal zone (MZ) B cells express high levels of CD1d molecules. In accordance, MZ B cells, like splenic conventional DCs (cDCs), efficiently trigger NKT‐cell proliferation. Importantly, MZ B cells exclusively induced production of IL‐4 and IL‐13 by such cells whereas cDCs induced robust production of mainly IFN‐γ. NKT‐cell proliferation, IL‐4 and IL‐13 production induced by MZ B cells were dependent on ICOS/ICOS ligand interaction while IFN‐γ and IL‐17 induction by cDCs required glucocorticoid‐induced TNF receptor/glucocorticoid‐induced TNF receptor ligand interplay. Our data illustrate that both MZ B cells and cDCs act as efficient APCs for NKT cells and might differentially influence the quality of the subsequent immune response.
Human β‐defensin 3 affects the activity of pro‐inflammatory pathways associated with MyD88 and TRIF
Authors: Semple Fiona , MacPherson Heather , Webb Sheila , Cox Sarah L. , Mallin Lucy J. , Tyrrell Christine , Grimes Graeme R. , Semple Colin A. , Nix Matthew A. , Millhauser Glenn L. , Dorin Julia R.
Published: August 2011

β‐Defensins are cationic host defense peptides that form an amphipathic structure stabilized by three intramolecular disulfide bonds. They are key players in innate and adaptive immunity and have recently been shown to limit the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines in TLR4‐stimulated macrophages. In the present study, we investigate the mechanism underlying the anti‐inflammatory effect of human β‐defensin 3 (hBD3). We show that the canonical structure of hBD3 is required for this immunosuppressive effect and that hBD3 rapidly associates with and enters macrophages. Examination of the global effect of hBD3 on transcription in TLR4‐stimulated macrophages shows that hBD3 inhibits the transcription of pro‐inflammatory genes. Among the altered genes there is significant enrichment of groups involved in the positive regulation of NF‐κB including components of Toll‐like receptor signaling pathways. We confirm these observations by showing corresponding decreases in protein levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and cell surface molecules. In addition, we show that hBD3 reduces NF‐κB signaling in cells transfected with MyD88 or TRIF and that hBD3 inhibits the TLR4 response in both MyD88‐ and TRIF‐deficient macrophages. Taken together these findings suggest that the mechanism of hBD3 anti‐inflammatory activity involves specific targeting of TLR signaling pathways resulting in transcriptional repression of pro‐inflammatory genes.
Resolving Composition and Structure of RE–Sb–O–C Natural Superlattice Phases (RE = La, Ho)
Authors: Wang Peng , Forbes Scott , Svitlyk Volodymyr , Aushana Ashur , Mozharivskyj Yurij
Published: August 2011

A family of rare earth antimonide oxycarbides have been prepared and structurally characterized. These superlattice phases are constructed from NaCl‐type RESb slabs sandwiched between RE–O–C layers. Depending on the carbon content and synthetic conditions, three different RE–Sb–O–C structures can be obtained. At lower temperatures,RE9–δSb5(O,C)5 phases are obtained for RE = La, Ho. These phases adopt a stuffed Sc2Sb‐type structure with P4/nmm symmetry. An O/C mixture, in which the O/C ratio is larger than 4:1, is randomly distributed within the RE–O–C layers. The RE atoms are highly disordered within the oxide layer. At temperatures above the melting point of the samples, RE9Sb5O4C phases with P4/n symmetry are produced. The RE–O–C layers in RE9Sb5O4 are fully ordered; the RE sites are well defined, and the O and C atoms occupy the tetrahedral and square‐pyramidal voids, respectively. At high temperatures, a new ordered La14Sb8O7C structure with P4bm symmetry was discovered. The La14Sb8O7C phase is structurally similar to RE9Sb5O4C and features orderedarrangements of La and O/C atoms in the La–O–C layer. The RE9–δSb5(O,C)5, RE9Sb5O4C and La14Sb8O7C phases appear to be charge‐balanced, and their compositions and structures are controlled by the O/C ratio. Parallel preparative experiments revealed the importance of carbon in the formation of these layered phases. In addition, it has been established that the purity of the rare earth metals influences the compositions and structures of the products.
Decorating the Second Coordination Sphere in Pyrazolate‐Based Dinickel(II) Complexes with H‐Bond Donors
Authors: Graef Tine , Galezowska Joanna , Dechert Sebastian , Meyer Franc
Published: August 2011

Compartmental pyrazolate‐based ligands with bis(2‐pyridinylmethyl)aminomethyl or (2‐pyridinylmethyl)[2‐(1‐methylimidazolyl)methyl]aminomethyl chelate arms have been further elaborated by attaching pivaloylamido groups to the outer pyridine rings, giving the new ligands H3L1 and H3L2. The peripheral pivaloylamido groups may serve as potential H‐bond donor or acceptor sites towards substrates in the bimetallic cavity. Protonation constants of the new ligand H3L1 as well as its nickel(II) speciation in solution have been studied by pH potentiometry, revealing pKa = 8.9 for the metal‐bound water. Based on the X‐ray crystallographic structure of [Ni2(H2L1)(H3O2)(MeCN)2](ClO4)2 (3) this pKa is rationalized in terms of two balancing effects, namely involvement of the pivaloylamido O atom in metal coordination and H‐bonding between the pivaloylamido NH group and the resulting nickel‐bound hydroxide. Complex 3 features a pyrazolate‐bridged dinickel(II) core and a bridging HO···H···OH unit within the bimetallic cavity, which is involved in multiple H‐bonding interactions.
Anion Effects in Cu‐Crosslinked Palindromic Artificial Tripeptides with Pendant Bpy Ligands
Authors: Gallagher Joy A. , Levine Lauren A. , Williams Mary Elizabeth
Published: August 2011

An artificial peptide with three pendant bipyridine (bpy) ligands on a palindromic backbone was designed and used to make multimetallic assemblies. The tripeptide is synthesized by addition of ligand‐substituted aminoethylglycine monomers to both ends of a bpy‐substituted diacid. The tripeptide was treated with CuII acetate, tetrafluoroborate, and nitrate salts, and the chelation stoichiometry was confirmed in spectrophotometric titrations. NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and analytical HPLC separations confirm the identity and purity of the product, which is a tripeptide duplex with three CuII coordinative crosslinks. UV/Vis absorbance and EPR spectroscopy were used to assess the geometry of the metal complexes and examine the effects of coordinative anions on the coordination geometry about the Cu centers. We find that the distorted square‐planar geometry in the Cu duplex shifts to a tetrahedral geometry upon addition of I– and that counteranions can be used to tune the interaction between metal complexes in multimetallic assemblies.
Round‐robin power control for the weighted sum rate maximisation of wireless networks over multiple interfering links
Authors: Chen Chung Shue , Shum Kenneth W. , Sung Chi Wan
Published: August 2011

We study the weighted sum rate maximisation problem of wireless networks consisting of multiple source–destination pairs. The optimisation problem is to maximise a weighted sum of data rates by adjusting the power of each user. The problem is in general a non‐convex optimisation problem that will lead to multiple local maxima. A Gauss–Seidel type iterative power control algorithm is presented. The proposed algorithm has the favourable properties that only simple operations are needed in each iteration and the convergence is fast. Performance investigation under some benchmark examples and different user densities has shown its effectiveness. A survey and comprehensive comparison with today's best‐known solutions is provided. Finally, we derive and prove some simple and interesting optimal binary power allocation strategies under special cases of the problem if the network can be represented by a certain approximation. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Case study of how successful coordination was achieved between a mental health and social care service in Sweden
Authors: Hansson Johan , Øvretveit John , Brommels Mats
Published: August 2011

This paper summarises the findings from an empirical longitudinal study of a health and social care consortium for people with mental health problems in one area in Stockholm. The aim was to describe the formation and structure of coordination within the consortium, and to assess the intermediate impact on care processes and client outcomes. A multiple‐method case study design, theoretically informed by the Pettigrew and Whipp model of strategic change (1993) was applied. Data was gathered from interviews with informants from different organisations at different times in the development of the consortium, and from administrative documents, plans and service statistics showing some of the intermediate changes and client outcomes. The findings revealed activities and factors both helping and hindering the formation of coordination arrangements. One of the most significant hindering factors was the central county purchasing organisation focusing more on volume and costs, with payments for specific units and services, and with less emphasis on quality of the services. Few studies have described implementation of changes to improve coordination with reference to context over a long period of time, as well as assessing different results. This study contributes to knowledge about improved methods for this type of research, as well as knowledge about developing coordination between public health and welfare services. One lesson for the current policy is that, where full structural integration is not possible, then client‐level coordination roles in each sector are useful to connect sector services for shared clients. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Children's social identities
Authors: Bennett Mark
Published: August 2011

This paper provides a brief overview of recent developmental research on themes related to children's social identities. Initially, consideration is given to the capacity for social categorization, following which attention is given to children's developing conceptions of social identities, their identification with social groups, and the consequences of identification upon various phenomena such as ingroup favouritism and well‐being. Finally, some personal thoughts on the wider political implications of this research are offered. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regulation on the biocompatibility of bioactive titanium metals by type I collagen
Authors: Wang Q. Q. , Li W. , Yang B. C.
Published: August 2011

To study the regulation on the biocompatibility of titanium metal surface structure, the interaction between the collagen and the titanium surface structure were studied with titanium surfaces subjected to anodic oxidation and acid‐alkali treatment. The cell response on the treated surfaces was studied in vitro experiments of MG63 osteoblasts. The effects of different collagen adsorption ability on the biomineralization were investigated with simulated body fluid (SBF) experiment and osteoblasts culture experiments in a mineralization culture medium. It was found that the collagen adsorption ability was controlled by the wettability. The acid‐alkali treated titanium could adsorb much more collagen on its surface. The abilities of cell attachment and proliferation were improved after collagen soaking. The apatite formation ability was inhibited in SBF after collagen adsorption on the surfaces, but improved in cell‐involved situation. The ALP and OCN activity of MG63 cells assay showed the collagen on the titanium surface could enhance the bioactivity of the cells, which could accelerate the biomineralization process in cell culture experiments. The result indicated that the different adsorption ability of type I collagen could regulate the biocompatibility of titanium metal surface. It is possible to optimize the biocompatibility of the titanium metals by using suitable surface modification method. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 99A: 125–134, 2011.
Characterization of astrocyte reactivity and gene expression on biomaterials for neural electrodes
Authors: Ereifej Evon S. , Khan Saida , Newaz Golam , Zhang Jinsheng , Auner Gregory W. , VandeVord Pamela J.
Published: August 2011

Neural electrode devices hold great promise to help people with the restoration of lost functions. However, research is lacking in the biomaterial design of a stable, long‐term device. Glial scarring is initiated when a device is inserted into brain tissue and an inflammatory response ensues. Astrocytes become hypertrophic, hyperplastic, and upregulate glial‐fibrillary acidic protein. This study was designed to investigate the astrocyte proliferation, viability, morphology, and gene expression to assess the reactive state of the cells on different material surfaces. Although platinum and silicon have been extensively characterized bothin vivoandin vitrofor their biocompatibility with neuronal cells, this study used the novel usage of PMMA and SU‐8 in neural electrodes by comparative analysis of materials' biocompatibility. This study has shown evidence of noncytotoxicity of SU‐8. We have also confirmed the biocompatibility of PMMA with astrocytes. Moreover, we have established sound guidelines of which neural implant materials should meet to be depicted biocompatible. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 99A: 141–150, 2011.
FGF receptors control vitamin D and phosphate homeostasis by mediating renal FGF-23 signaling and regulating FGF-23 expression in bone
Authors: Wöhrle Simon , Bonny Olivier , Beluch Noemie , Gaulis Swann , Stamm Christelle , Scheibler Marcel , Müller Matthias , Kinzel Bernd , Thuery Anne , Brueggen Joseph , Hynes Nancy E , Sellers William R , Hofmann Francesco , Graus-Porta Diana
Published: August 2011

The functional interaction between fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) and Klotho in the control of vitamin D and phosphate homeostasis is manifested by the largely overlapping phenotypes of Fgf23- and Klotho-deficient mouse models. However, to date, targeted inactivation of FGF receptors (FGFRs) has not provided clear evidence for an analogous function of FGFRs in this process. Here, by means of pharmacologic inhibition of FGFRs, we demonstrate their involvement in renal FGF-23/Klotho signaling and elicit their role in the control of phosphate and vitamin D homeostasis. Specifically, FGFR loss of function counteracts renal FGF-23/Klotho signaling, leading to deregulation of Cyp27b1 and Cyp24a1 and the induction of hypervitaminosis D and hyperphosphatemia. In turn, this initiates a feedback response leading to high serum levels of FGF-23. Further, we show that FGFR inhibition blocks Fgf23 transcription in bone and that this is dominant over vitamin D–induced Fgf23 expression, ultimately impinging on systemic FGF-23 protein levels. Additionally, we identify Fgf23 as a specific target gene of FGF signaling in vitro. Thus, in line with Fgf23- and Klotho-deficient mouse models, our study illustrates the essential function of FGFRs in the regulation of vitamin D and phosphate levels. Further, we reveal FGFR signaling as a novel in vivo control mechanism for Fgf23 expression in bone, suggesting a dual function of FGFRs in the FGF-23/Klotho pathway leading to vitamin D and phosphate homeostasis. © 2011 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Determinants of serum sclerostin in healthy pre- and postmenopausal women
Authors: Ardawi Mohammed-Salleh M , Al-Kadi Hanan A , Rouzi Abdulrahim A , Qari Mohammed H
Published: August 2011

Sclerostin is a secreted Wnt antagonist produced almost exclusively by osteocytes that regulates bone mass. However, there is currently limited information on the determinants of sclerostin in a large population-based study. The main objectives of the present study were to: (1) establish reference normative interval values for serum sclerostin in randomly selected healthy premenopausal women; (2) study the changes in serum sclerostin in relation to age in premenopausal and postmenopausal women and the factors that may influence bone turnover; and (3) determine the effect of menopausal status on serum sclerostin. A total of 1803 women were studied (including [n = 1235] premenopausal, and [n = 568] postmenopausal women, respectively, aged 20 to 79 years). A total of 443 healthy premenopausal women (aged 35 to 45 years) were used to establish reference normative intervals for serum sclerostin. All women studied were medically examined and had their bone mineral density values obtained for the lumbar spine (L1–L4) and femoral neck according to a detailed inclusion criteria. In all women, values of serum sclerostin increased with increasing age up to the age of 45 years, and remained increased in postmenopausal women. Significant increases were evident in serum sclerostin in postmenopausal women with increasing years since menopause. Using stepwise multiple linear regression analysis, several variables were identified as determinants of serum sclerostin, including age, parathyroid hormone, estradiol (E2), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) for premenopausal women; age, FSH, and E2 for postmenopausal women; and age, serum osteocalcin, FSH, and E2 in the entire sample studied. Further studies are needed to establish the potential role of this increase in mediating the known age-related impairment in bone formation. © 2011 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Heterozygous inactivation of Gnas in adipose-derived mesenchymal progenitor cells enhances osteoblast differentiation and promotes heterotopic ossification
Authors: Pignolo Robert J , Xu Meiqi , Russell Elizabeth , Richardson Alec , Kaplan Josef , Billings Paul C , Kaplan Frederick S , Shore Eileen M
Published: August 2011

Human genetic disorders sharing the common feature of subcutaneous heterotopic ossification (HO) are caused by heterozygous inactivating mutations in GNAS, a gene encoding multiple transcripts including two stimulatory G proteins, the α subunit of the stimulatory G protein (Gsα) of adenylyl cyclase, and the extralong form of Gsα, XLαs. In one such disorder, progressive osseous heteroplasia (POH), bone formation initiates within subcutaneous fat before progressing to deeper tissues, suggesting that osteogenesis may involve abnormal differentiation of mesenchymal precursors that are present in adipose tissues. We determined by immunohistochemical analysis that GNAS protein expression is limited to Gsα in bone-lining cells and to Gsα and XLαs in osteocytes. By contrast, the GNAS proteins Gsα, XLαs, and NESP55 are detected in adipocytes and in adipose stroma. Although Gnas transcripts, as assessed by quantitative RT-PCR, show no significant changes on osteoblast differentiation of bone-derived precursor cells, the abundance of these transcripts is enhanced by osteoblast differentiation of adipose-derived mesenchymal progenitors. Using a mouse knockout model, we determined that heterozygous inactivation of Gnas (by disruption of the Gsα-specific exon 1) abrogates upregulation of multiple Gnas transcripts that normally occurs with osteoblast differentiation in wild-type adipose stromal cells. These transcriptional changes in Gnas+/− mice are accompanied by accelerated osteoblast differentiation of adipose stromal cells in vitro. In vivo, altered osteoblast differentiation in Gnas+/− mice manifests as subcutaneous HO by an intramembranous process. Taken together, these data suggest that Gnas is a key regulator of fate decisions in adipose-derived mesenchymal progenitor cells, specifically those which are involved in bone formation. © 2011 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Trabecular and cortical bone density and architecture in women after 60 days of bed rest using high-resolution pQCT: WISE 2005
Authors: Armbrecht Gabriele , Belavý Daniel Ludovic , Backström Magdalena , Beller Gisela , Alexandre Christian , Rizzoli Rene , Felsenberg Dieter
Published: August 2011

Prolonged bed rest is used to simulate the effects of spaceflight and causes disuse-related loss of bone. While bone density changes during bed rest have been described, there are no data on changes in bone microstructure. Twenty-four healthy women aged 25 to 40 years participated in 60 days of strict 6-degree head-down tilt bed rest (WISE 2005). Subjects were assigned to either a control group (CON, n = 8), which performed no countermeasures; an exercise group (EXE, n = 8), which undertook a combination of resistive and endurance training; or a nutrition group (NUT, n = 8), which received a high-protein diet. Density and structural parameters of the distal tibia and radius were measured at baseline, during, and up to 1 year after bed rest by high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT). Bed rest was associated with reductions in all distal tibial density parameters (p < 0.001), whereas only distal radius trabecular density decreased. Trabecular separation increased at both the distal tibia and distal radius (p < 0.001), but these effects were first significant after bed rest. Reduction in trabecular number was similar in magnitude at the distal radius (p = 0.021) and distal tibia (p < 0.001). Cortical thickness decreased at the distal tibia only (p < 0.001). There were no significant effects on bone structure or density of the countermeasures (p ≥ 0.057). As measured with HR-pQCT, it is concluded that deterioration in bone microstructure and density occur in women during and after prolonged bed rest. The exercise and nutrition countermeasures were ineffective in preventing these changes. © 2011 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Axon–glia synapses are highly vulnerable to white matter injury in the developing brain
Authors: Shen Yan , Liu Xiao‐Bo , Pleasure David E. , Deng Wenbin
Published: August 2011

The biology of cerebral white matter injury has been woefully understudied, in part because of the difficulty of reliably modeling this type of injury in rodents. Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) is the predominant form of brain injury and the most common cause of cerebral palsy in premature infants. PVL is characterized by predominant white matter injury. No specific therapy for PVL is presently available, because the pathogenesis is not well understood. Here we report that two types of mouse PVL models have been created by hypoxia‐ischemia with or without systemic coadministration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). LPS coadministration exacerbated hypoxic‐ischemic white matter injury and led to enhanced microglial activation and astrogliosis. Drug trials with the antiinflammatory agent minocycline, the antiexcitotoxic agent NBQX, and the antioxidant agent edaravone showed various degrees of protection in the two models, indicating that excitotoxic, oxidative, and inflammatory forms of injury are involved in the pathogenesis of injury to immature white matter. We then applied immunoelectron microscopy to reveal fine structural changes in the injured white matter and found that synapses between axons and oligodendroglial precursor cells (OPCs) are quickly and profoundly damaged. Hypoxia‐ischemia caused a drastic decrease in the number of postsynaptic densities associated with the glutamatergic axon–OPC synapses defined by the expression of vesicular glutamate transporters, vGluT1 and vGluT2, on axon terminals that formed contacts with OPCs in the periventricular white matter, resulted in selective shrinkage of the postsynaptic OPCs contacted by vGluT2 labeled synapses, and led to excitotoxicity mediated by GluR2‐lacking, Ca2+‐permeable AMPA receptors. Overall, the present study provides novel mechanistic insights into the pathogenesis of PVL and reveals that axon–glia synapses are highly vulnerable to white matter injury in the developing brain. More broadly, the study of white matter development and injury has general implications for a variety of neurological diseases, including PVL, stroke, spinal cord injury, and multiple sclerosis. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Climate change along the arid coast of northern Chile
Authors: Schulz N. , Boisier J. P. , Aceituno P.
Published: August 2011

Long‐term precipitation records from the extremely arid northern coast of Chile (18°S–30°S) were analysed to assess changes occurring at different time scales. Results are presented here along with a discussion on changes in the temperature and cloudiness regimes in order to offer a more comprehensive overview of the climate evolution in this extremely arid region. Apart from a significant influence of ENSO on the rainfall regime, characterized by a tendency for more frequent rainfall events during El Niño episodes, changes at the decadal time scale were identified in association with the Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation (IPO). Thus, the warm IPO‐phase is associated with increased precipitation, while the opposite occurs during the cold IPO‐phase. Changes occurring at the interannual and decadal time scales are superimposed on a long‐term precipitation decline during the 20th century. Apart from the intensified dryness, the temperature records show a positive long‐term trend resulting mainly from an abrupt warming in the mid‐1970s, principally associated with a marked upwards shift of the minimum daily temperature, coinciding with the change from the cold to the warm phase of the IPO. However, the period following this step‐like warming has been characterized by a persistent cooling trend, most evident in the maximum daily temperature, which is coherent with a negative trend in the sea surface temperature over a large oceanic region off the coast of northern Chile. In the northernmost region, this behaviour in the temperature regime was accompanied by a strong decrease in cloudiness since the 1970s. The negative trend in rainfall and the decrease in the total cloud cover are certainly important factors that could explain the coastal vegetation decline over the past decades in the coastal region north of 24°S. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Spatial coherency of extreme weather events in Germany and Switzerland
Authors: Pfahl Stephan , Wernli Heini
Published: August 2011

With a simple statistical approach, the spatial representativeness of extreme events in daily meteorological surface observations from Germany and Switzerland is analysed. A percentile‐based definition of extremes is employed, and the frequency of simultaneously occurring extreme events at different stations is used as a measure for their spatial coherency. The largest representativeness is diagnosed for daily temperature extremes, i.e. hot and cold days, which very often occur simultaneously at many stations. On the contrary, precipitation extremes usually are restricted to local or regional scales. The spatial coherency of wind gust maxima is intermediate between the other extremes and depends on station location and terrain complexity. For cold extremes, station altitude has a strong influence on the spatial coherency of the events. It is argued that the spatial representativeness of extreme weather events directly relates to the importance of a coherent large‐scale atmospheric forcing, compared to more local factors, for triggering these events. In particular, large‐scale advection is the most important driver of temperature extremes. Strong wind gusts are often caused by mid‐latitude cyclones over the North Sea. The results from this study can also be used to assess the spatial representativeness of extreme weather reconstructions from proxy data in paleoclimate studies. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Development of an enhanced tropical cyclone tracks database for the southwest Pacific from 1840 to 2010
Authors: Diamond H. J. , Lorrey A. M. , Knapp K. R. , Levinson D. H.
Published: August 2011

The ecosystems and economies of small island nation states and territories of the tropical southwest Pacific region are widely agreed to be among the most vulnerable to climate variability and weather extremes anywhere in the world. Tropical Cyclones (TCs) are capable of exacerbating existing hazards and those made more severe by climate change (e.g. local sea level rise). In order to properly understand TC impacts in this region, a comprehensive database of TC tracks is required. This work has collated TC best track data from forecast centres around the globe with the aim of producing a unified global best TC track dataset for the historical period. Data from the International Best Tracks for Climate Stewardship (IBTrACS) project information for the southwest Pacific (135°E–120°W, 5°–25°S) is built upon and included in this effort. We document the construction of an enhanced TC database for the southwest Pacific, the quality controls needed to construct the database, and discuss how it has enhanced the chronology of region‐wide historical TC activity in light of newly discovered data. We suggest this enhanced dataset can be used in forthcoming climate and weather studies to better characterize the climatology and behaviour of TCs in the southwest Pacific. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Raman Microspectroscopic study of Iberian pottery from the La Vispesa archaeological site, Spain
Authors: Ayora‐Cañada M. J. , Domínguez‐Arranz A. , Dominguez‐Vidal A.
Published: August 2011

Raman microspectroscopy has been employed for the characterization of 16 samples of ancient Iberian pottery. These sherds of vessels were found in the archaeological site of La Vispesa in Tamarite de Litera (Huesca, Spain) and correspond to the Iberian time. The composition of certain mineral phases such as non‐plastic inclusions has been particularly considered with a view to obtaining information on the source materials and their provenance, as well as the technological conditions of ceramic production. Typical minerals such as calcite and quartz were found in most of the samples. The presence of anatase in a group of the samples suggested the use of different clays in the production of the vessels. Furthermore, the absence of rutile in these samples, together with the identification of calcite, is indicative of a mild firing temperature. Hematite was identified in all samples, both in the ceramic body and in the decoration. Differences in the position of the bands and relative intensities characterized hematite in terms of crystallinity and origin. An attempt to assign the samples to different production centers was made according to their chemical composition and morphology. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cross‐section and selection rules in surface‐enhanced hyper Raman scattering
Authors: Polubotko A. M. , Smirnov V. P.
Published: August 2011

The expression for the surface‐enhanced hyper Raman scattering (SEHRS) cross‐section of symmetrical molecules within the framework of the dipole–quadrupole theory is presented. It is formed by contributions that depend on various dipole and quadrupole moments. The enhancement coefficients for the quadrupole enhancement mechanism in some limited cases can reach a value 1030. It is demonstrated that the contributions follow some selection rules. Qualitative classification of the contributions based on the enhancement degree is given. It is demonstrated that the SEHR spectra of pyrazine and pyridine can be explained by the presented theory. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
First‐order Raman scattering of the MAX phases: Ti2AlN, Ti2AlC0.5N0.5, Ti2AlC, (Ti0.5V0.5)2AlC, V2AlC, Ti3AlC2, and Ti3GeC2
Authors: Presser Volker , Naguib Michael , Chaput Laurent , Togo Atsushi , Hug Gilles , Barsoum Michel W.
Published: August 2011

Here, we report, for the first time, on the Raman spectra of Ti2AlN, Ti2AlC0.5N0.5, (Ti0.5V0.5)2AlC, Ti3AlC2, and Ti3GeC2 and compare the results with those of Ti2AlC and V2AlC reported previously. The first‐order mode peaks of the end members are narrower than those of their respective solid‐solution compounds. The Ti3AlC2 and Ti3GeC2 phases show, in addition to atomic displacements of the ‘M’ and ‘A’ atomic planes, modes that correspond with vibrations of the ‘X’ sublattice relative to itself. We also predict the Raman modes using density functional theory. The agreement between theory and experiment was found to be satisfactory. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.