bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SFC, CE und CEC: Die neue Flüssigchromatographie?
Authors: Engelhardt Heinz
Published: April 2010

Die HPLC ist die am häufigsten verwendete chromatographische Analysenmethode nicht nur, weil die Anzahl der polaren und schwer flüchtigen Verbindungen die der Analyten übersteigt, die der Gaschromatographie zugänglich sind, sondern weil neue Impulse aus der HPLC in die Bioanalytik gelangten. Und das, obwohl die Biochemiker anfänglich gegen stationäre Phasen auf Kieselgelbasis, die Metallapparatur etc. Bedenken hatten.
Internationale Chemie‐Olympiade: Nachwuchsförderung, die Spaß macht
Authors: Sobott Frank
Published: April 2010

Aus ihrer eigenen positiven Erfahrung heraus haben ehemalige Teilnehmer der internationalen Chemie‐Olympiade 1992 einen Förderverein gegründet Bei der Realisierung seiner Projekte arbeitet der Verein mit der GDCh, dem Fonds der Chemischen Industrie, den Landesverbänden des VCI sowie Unternehmen und Instituten zusammen.
International consultation on incontinence‐research society (ICI‐RS) report on non‐invasive urodynamics: The need of standardization of ultrasound bladder and detrusor wall thickness measurements to quantify bladder wall hypertrophy
Authors: Oelke Matthias
Published: April 2010

Introduction

Ultrasonic measurements of urinary bladders are suitable to quantify bladder wall hypertrophy due to bladder outlet obstruction, detrusor overactivity, or neurogenic bladder dysfunction in adult men or women and in children. Quantification of bladder wall hypertrophy seems to be useful for the assessment of diseases, prediction of treatment outcomes, and longitudinal studies investigating disease development and progression.

Measurement techniques

Four distinct measurement techniques have been published using bladder wall thickness (BWT), detrusor wall thickness (DWT), or ultrasound‐estimated bladder weight (UEBW) assessed by suprapubic or transvaginal positioning of ultrasound probes and different bladder filling volumes. As a result, different threshold and reference values were established causing confusion. This ICI‐RS report summarizes the agreements of different research groups in terms of ultrasonic BWT or DWT measurements, critically discusses the four ultrasonic measurement techniques, suggests criteria for quality control, and proposes future research activities to unify measurement strategies.

Proposed standardization and research

For quality control, all future reports should provide information about frequency of the ultrasound probe, bladder filling volume at measurement, if BWT, DWT, or UEBW was measured, enlargement factor of the ultrasound image, and one ultrasound image with marker positioning. The ICI‐RS intends to found a standardization committee that will initiate and judge studies on ultrasonic bladder wall measurements to clarify the most suitable, most accurate, and least invasive measurement technique. Neurourol. Urodynam. 29:634–639, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
What treatment should we use if drugs fail for OAB; and, what really works after drugs?
Authors: Bosch J.L.H.R. , Kelleher C. , van Kerrebroeck P.E.V. , Schurch B.
Published: April 2010

Aims

To determine (using structured brain storm sessions), which treatments should be used if drugs fail for OAB and to determine priority research questions in relation to this issue.

Methods

A frame work for discussion was prepared by the chairman of the session; this included a brief summary of the currently existing evidence. Several experts had been asked to prepare a presention of their personal treatment algorithm and to identify the [lack of] evidence for such an algorithm. These presentations were summarized by the chairman. Next, this summary was discussed with a large group of experts and opinion leaders and audio‐recorded. The proceedings of this process are the basis for this manuscript.

Results

The structured sessions resulted in detailed statements about: possible reasons for failure of conservative treatment, the evaluation of outcomes of RCT's, the use of botulinum toxin A in refractory OAB patients, the relative place of neuromodulation or sacral nerve stimulation and botulinum toxin A in the treatment of refractory OAB.

Conclusions

A list of 10 unanswered questions and research topics was compiled. Additionally, 5 top priority research topics were identified. Neurourol. Urodynam. 29:658–661, 2010. Copyright © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression and clinical significance of the Kv3.4 potassium channel subunit in the development and progression of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas
Authors: Menéndez Sofía Tirados , Rodrigo Juan P , Allonca Eva , García‐Carracedo Darío , Álvarez‐Alija Gustavo , Casado‐Zapico Sara , Fresno Manuel F , Rodríguez Carmen , Suárez Carlos , García‐Pedrero Juana M
Published: April 2010

The concept of ion channels as membrane therapeutic targets and diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers has attracted growing attention. We therefore investigated the expression pattern and clinical significance of the Kv3.4 potassium channel subunit during the development and progression of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs). KCNC4 mRNA levels were determined by real‐time RT‐PCR in both HNSCC tissue specimens and derived cell lines. Kv3.4 protein expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in paraffin‐embedded tissue specimens from 84 patients with laryngeal/pharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas and 67 patients with laryngeal dysplasias. Molecular alterations were correlated with clinicopathological parameters and patient outcome. Increased KCNC4 mRNA levels were found in 15 (54%) of 28 tumours, compared to the corresponding normal epithelia and varied mRNA levels were detected in 12 HNSCC‐derived cell lines analysed. Increased Kv3.4 protein expression was observed in 34 (40%) of 84 carcinomas and also at early stages of HNSCC tumourigenesis. Thus, 35 (52%) of 67 laryngeal lesions displayed Kv3.4‐positive staining in the dysplastic areas, whereas both stromal cells and normal adjacent epithelia exhibited negligible expression. No significant correlations were found between Kv3.4‐positive expression in HNSCC and clinical data; however, Kv3.4 expression tended to diminish in advanced‐stage tumours. Interestingly, patients carrying Kv3.4‐positive dysplasias experienced a significantly higher laryngeal cancer incidence than did those with negative lesions (p = 0.0209). In addition, functional studies using HNSCC cells revealed that inhibition of Kv3.4 expression by siRNA leads to the inhibition of cell proliferation via selective cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase without affecting apoptosis. Collectively, these data demonstrate for the first time that Kv3.4 expression is frequently increased during HNSCC tumourigenesis and correlated significantly with a higher cancer risk. Our findings support a role for Kv3.4 in malignant transformation and provide original evidence for the potential clinical utility of Kv3.4 expression as a biomarker for cancer risk assessment. Copyright © 2010 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Differential features of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in children and adults: A SEER study
Authors: Sultan Iyad , Casanova Michela , Ferrari Andrea , Rihani Rawad , Rodriguez‐Galindo Carlos
Published: April 2010

Background

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a rare malignancy in the United States, which is considered a low‐risk country.

Methods

We searched the surveillance, epidemiology, and end results (SEER) database for patients with NPC who were diagnosed from 1988 to 2006. We compared the clinical features and outcomes of children and adolescents (<20 years old) and adults.

Results

The incidence for children and adolescents was 0.5 per million person‐years versus 8.4 in adults. NPC was less rare in black children and adolescents (incidence, 1.5 per million person‐years). Our search criteria retrieved 129 children and adolescents and 5,885 adults. Black children and adolescents represented 34.9% of patients below the age of 20 years. Younger patients had distinct features with advanced stages more frequently observed (31% and 46% of children and adolescents had stages III and IV, respectively) and 87% had WHO type III histology. Outcome was better in children and adolescents with 5‐year NPC‐specific survival of 83% ± 3.9% compared to 62% ± 0.8% in adults (P < 0.001). In a multivariate model, the following factors affected the outcome: age, race, stage, and histologic type. Young adults (20–45 years old) had almost double the risk of NPC‐specific mortality when compared to children and adolescents [hazards ratio (HR), 1.93; P = 0.0077]. Children and adolescents with NPC were at higher risk of getting second cancer than adults (observed‐to‐expected ratio of 4.36 in children and adolescents; vs. 1.41 in adults; both were significantly higher than general population).

Conclusion

Despite the use of similar treatment approaches, NPC in children and adolescents may have different biologic features. Young patients are at higher risk of developing therapy related complications, including second cancer. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2010;55:279–284. © 2010 Wiley–Liss, Inc.
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia after temozolomide treatment for anaplastic astrocytoma in a child with a germline TP53 mutation
Authors: Momota Hiroyuki , Nariata Yoshitaka , Miyakita Yasuji , Hosono Ako , Makimoto Atsushi , Shibui Soichiro
Published: April 2010

We present a case of a 12‐year‐old female with a germline TP53 mutation who presented with anaplastic astrocytoma and subsequent acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) 13 months after starting treatment with temozolomide (TMZ). The patient had no family history of malignancy except her grand father and his siblings. Although alkylating agents such as TMZ are known to induce secondary hematologic malignancy, only several cases of treatment‐related acute leukemia have been reported after TMZ‐alone chemotherapy for malignant gliomas. We demonstrate a rare case of TMZ‐related ALL in a child with glioma possibly associated with a germline TP53 mutation. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2010;55:577–579. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of polystyrene‐b‐poly(ethylene oxide) on self‐assembly of polystyrene‐b‐poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) in aqueous solution
Authors: Ye Xiaodong , Fei Jingyi , Xu Kui , Bai Ruke
Published: April 2010

Mixed micelles of polystyrene‐b‐poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PS‐b‐PNIPAM) and two polystyrene‐b‐poly(ethylene oxide) diblock copolymers (PS‐b‐PEO) with different chain lengths of polystyrene in aqueous solution were prepared by adding the tetrahydrofuran solutions dropwise into an excess of water. The formation and stabilization of the resultant mixed micelles were characterized by using a combination of static and dynamic light scattering. Increasing the initial concentration of PS‐b‐PEO in THF led to a decrease in the size and the weight average molar mass (〈Mw〉) of the mixed micelles when the initial concentration of PS‐b‐ PNIPAM was kept as 1 × 10−3 g/mL. The PS‐b‐PEO with shorter PS block has a more pronounced effect on the change of the size and 〈Mw〉 than that with longer PS block. The number of PS‐b‐PNIPAM in each mixed micelle decreased with the addition of PS‐b‐PEO. The average hydrodynamic radius 〈Rh〉 and average radius of gyration 〈Rg〉 of pure PS‐b‐PNIPAM and mixed micelles gradually decreased with the increase in the temperature. Both the pure micelles and mixed micelles were stable in the temperature range of 18 °C–39 °C. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 48: 1168–1174, 2010
The effect of different treatment methods of multiwalled carbon nanotubes on thermal and flexural properties of their epoxy nanocomposites
Authors: Kim Hee‐Cheul , Kim Sun‐Kuk , Kim Jeong Tai , Rhee Kyong‐Yop , Kathi John
Published: April 2010

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were oxidized using four different acid‐treatment methods followed by their functionalization with 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane (3‐APTES). Diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) nanocomposites with unmodified and silanized MWCNTs (0.2 wt %) were prepared by a cast molding method. The effect of functionalization of MWCNTs on thermal, flexural, and morphological properties of the epoxy nanocomposites were studied. The epoxy/MWCNTs nanocomposites were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, flexural testing, and field emission electron microscopic analysis. The results showed that the silanization of MWCNTs which were oxidized by a two‐step process using nitric acid and hydrochloric acid showed better thermal and flexural properties due to good interfacial adhesion between MWCNTs and the epoxy matrix. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 48: 1175–1184, 2010
Polypropylene multifilament yarn filled with clay and/or graphite: Study of a potential synergy
Authors: Rault Francois , Campagne Christine , Rochery Maryline , Giraud Stephane , Devaux Eric
Published: April 2010

In this study, clay and/or graphite particles have been added in various quantities to polypropylene matrix by melt blending. The morphology and more particularly the dispersion of particles in these composites have been compared by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Their thermal stability has also been studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The experimental results reveal that the addition of 5 wt % of graphite particles or clay improves the thermal stability in air of the matrix by about 50 and 90 °C, respectively. In a second step, these blends have been melt‐spun to produce multifilament yarns. The experiments have shown that the addition of graphite particles up to 5 wt % do not reduce the spinnability of the polypropylene, while the incorporation of more than 1 wt % of clay was causing difficulties for the spinning and more particularly for the drawing step. However, a slight improvement of the Young's modulus of the filaments reinforced with 1 wt % of Cloisite®15A is observed when the filaments are drawn up. The flammability of the different blends used as knitted fabrics has finally been evaluated with a mass loss calorimeter at 35 kW/m2. An atypical behavior has been highlighted for all blends and will be discussed. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 48: 1185–1195, 2010
Morphology and viscoelasticity of PP/TiO2 nanocomposites prepared by in situ sol–gel method
Authors: Bahloul Walid , Bounor‐Legaré Véronique , David Laurent , Cassagnau Philippe
Published: April 2010

PP/TiO2 nanocomposites were prepared from an original method based on the hydrolysis‐condensation (sol–gel method) reactions of titanium alkoxide inorganic precursor premixed with polypropylene (PP) under molten conditions. Nanocomposites with a mean diameter of primary particles lower than 5 nm were then prepared. The TiO2 particle dispersion in the PP matrix was characterized over a wide length scale from the combination of small angle X‐ray scattering, transmission electron microscopy, and linear viscoelasticty of molten nanocomposites. As a result, a fractal structure of these particles was highlighted at the highest concentration (φr ≥ 0.014) with a characteristic aggregation size daggr ≈ 130 nm. The relationships between fractal structure and linear viscoelastic have been discussed from the main works of the literature on the reinforcement of nanocomposites. The drastic alteration of the terminal relaxation zone (solid‐like behavior) is correlated to the formation of an aggregate‐particle network. The study of the nonlinear viscoelastic behavior (Payne effect) agrees qualitatively with this reinforcement mechanism. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 48: 1213–1222, 2010
Surface analytical characterization of carbohydrate microarrays
Authors: Dietrich Paul M. , Horlacher Tim , Gross Thomas , Wirth Thomas , Castelli Riccardo , Shard Alexander G. , Alexander Morgan , Seeberger Peter H. , Unger Wolfgang E. S.
Published: April 2010

Microarrays are a versatile platform for diagnostics and high‐throughput analysis. Carbohydrate microarrays are valuable tools to investigate interactions with other molecules since many glycans are involved in fundamental biological processes. A combined X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS) surface analysis was used to investigate the basic steps in the production of carbohydrate microarrays. The preparation included coupling of a thiol‐terminated mannoside to maleimide‐functionalized glass surfaces derived from γ‐aminopropyl silane (GAPS) slides. XPS results clearly demonstrate successful chemical modification in each fabrication step, and ToF‐SIMS imaging revealed immobilized carbohydrates in the spotted regions of the final microarray. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
SEM analysis of the microstructure of the layers in triple‐coated isotropic (TRISO) particles
Authors: van der Berg N. G. , Malherbe Johan B. , Botha A. J. , Friedland E.
Published: April 2010

One of the new inherently safe designs in nuclear reactors is the pebble bed modular reactor (PBMR). In this high temperature reactor the fuel is in the form of small multilayered spheres called triple‐coated isotropic (TRISO) particles. These coated particles consist of a UO2 kernel surrounded by four layers, which are all chemical vapour deposition (CVD) deposited. The layers are a buffer graphite layer next to the kernel followed by an inner pyrolytic carbon layer (IPyC), a SiC layer and finally an outer pyrolytic carbon layer (OPyC). This investigation focuses on the microstructure of the particles specifically in relation to their functions. Because the coated particles operate in a very harsh environment (e.g. high temperatures with repeated rapid cooling and heating‐up times, high flux neutron irradiation, containment of the radioactive fission products) the microstructure and composition of the layers are extremely important to preserve the integrity of the particles. In this investigation the microstructures of the different coated layers are investigated by high‐resolution SEM. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Competition between phosphates and fluorides at anodic formation of titania nanotubes on titanium
Authors: Krasicka‐Cydzik Elzbieta , Kowalski Kazimierz , Kaczmarek Agnieszka , Glazowska Izabela , Heltowski Krzysztof Bialas
Published: April 2010

The influence of phosphate (and its concentration) on the electrochemical properties of anodic porous oxide films formed on titanium surfaces in fluoride containing electrolyte was investigated by performing electrochemical measurements [potentiodynamic/potentiostatic polarization, open circuit potential (OCP), and capacitance measurements] for a titanium/oxide film/solution interface system in SBF solution. In previous work we demonstrated, that during anodizing titanium and titanium‐based implant materials in 2 M phosphoric acid solution the highly bioactive phosphate gel‐like layer can be formed over compact titania which can significantly stimulate apatite formation. In the present work, we report that anodizing titanium in the same solution with the addition of fluorides leads to formation of titanium oxide nanotubes rich in both phosphates and fluorides which makes the method highly suitable for additional promoting of apatite deposition into titania nanotubes. To study the effect of phosphates concentration, layers of titania nanotubes were produced in electrolytes of different phosphoric acid concentration. Their behavior as the future coatings on titanium for biomaterial applications was characterized by capacitance tests in simulated body fluids and by Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) observations. Judging on the results of XPS analysis, the competition between fluorides and phosphates is observed during anodizing, and the higher concentration of the latter is responsible for higher bioactivity of nanotubes formed in 2M H3PO4 + 0.4% wt hydrofluoric acid (HF). Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Monte Carlo simulation and AES characterization of phase formation in Pt‐Al thin films
Authors: Harris R. A. , van der Lingen E. , Paul D. F. , Swart H. C. , Terblans J. J.
Published: April 2010

Conventional bulk‐ and thin‐film diffusion has been a topic of study for many years, and these studies have addressed various technical problems which are encountered whenever two dissimilar materials are joined together. One such system that has been studied intensively is the platinum‐aluminium (Pt/Al) thin‐film couple due to its multiple applications. It is a well known fact that platinum‐based alloys are being developed for high‐temperature applications due to its good resistance to corrosion and oxidation. In the pursuit of increasing the efficiency of modern gas turbines, the working temperatures of various parts of the engine are being pushed higher. This increase in working temperature created new oxidation challenges. To overcome these high‐temperature oxidation problems, various surface coatings and coating techniques have been developed and studied. Pt/Al alloys based on the Pt3/Al compound have the potential of high‐strength alloys with superior corrosion and oxidation resistance at ultrahigh temperatures. Diffusion studies are being undertaken to assess the mobility of the different elements within a Pt/Rh/Al alloy, and to assess the stability of the microstructure over long periods of time at high annealing temperatures. In this study, a chemical potential, Monte Carlo model, is developed and employed to predict the microstructure of a Pt/Rh/Al thin‐film system at an annealing temperature of 550 °C. The predicted results are compared to experimentally measured auger electron spectroscopy (AES) elemental maps and SEM images. A good correlation between the theoretical model and the experimentally measured results were found. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New developments in photoemission theory
Authors: Fujikawa Takashi
Published: April 2010

In this article, we discuss some new developments in photoemission theories, in particular high‐energy photoemission, recoil exciting phonon around the X‐ray absorbing atom, and relativistic and magnetic effects. In particular, quite a detailed discussion is given on quantum Landau formula, which can be a bridge between classical and quantum theory of electron transport in solids. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dead layer effect in silicon detectors: energy deposited
Authors: Chaoui Zine‐El‐Abidine , Renschler Pascal
Published: April 2010

In the kiloelectronvolt (keV) and sub‐keV electron energy range, the knowledge of the exact energy deposited of electrons on solid state detectors with a dead layer depends strongly on the fraction of electrons backscattered and implanted. A new Monte Carlo (MC) simulation approach has been developed to describe electron scattering processes from silicon. In this study, we show the results concerning the energy deposited in the dead layer and sensitive volume of the silicon detector. The obtained straggling functions in the dead layer show that the energy deposited depends strongly on the inelastic process and the MC simulation technique used. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surface investigation of carbon films: from diamond to graphite
Authors: Mezzi A. , Kaciulis S.
Published: April 2010

In the present work, a detailed spectroscopic investigation of carbon in different crystalline forms from diamond to graphite was carried out. The spectra of photoemission peak, plasmon losses and X‐rays‐excited C KLL were studied in order to characterize the carbon phase in different samples. In addition, a method for determination of sp2/sp3 ratio from the first derivative of Auger C KLL spectrum was employed. The obtained results indicated that carbon photoemission peak for sp2 and sp3 configurations is characterized by the same value of binding energy. The peaks of plasmon losses and Auger KLL transition were more diagnostic than C 1s photoemission peak, permitting to distinguish the sp2 and sp3 configurations. For intermediate situation, which is present in diamond‐like carbon (DLC), characterized by a mixture of sp2 and sp3 states, the spectra were very similar to the carbon‐black, whereas single‐wall carbon nanotubes (CNT) were containing about 50% sp2 states. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ToF‐SIMS characterization of contamination in ultra low‐κ dielectric films
Authors: Barnes J.‐P. , Veillerot M. , Gall S. , Jousseaume V.
Published: April 2010

The use of porous ultra low‐κ dielectric materials to replace SiO2 has not only led to significant advances in integrated circuit speed and performance, but also presents challenges for the characterization of these materials. Time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS) using a low‐energy electron gun is able to produce representative results where dynamic SIMS instruments with high energy electron guns fail. It is of particular importance to be able to quantify the presence of contamination such as Cu, Ti, W, Ta coming from the surrounding interconnects and diffusion barriers. Reference samples for typical trace metal contamination in low‐κ materials are produced and characterized with the aim of determining relative sensitivity factors (RSFs) for Cu, Ti, W and Ta in low‐κ material. Two types of reference samples are investigated. The first type is contaminated using dried droplets containing a known amount of contamination. Large area analysis (macro raster) is used to image the entire droplet residue of typically several millimeters in diameter. The second type is produced by ion implantation with a known dose. The dried droplet technique has the advantage of being quick to implement but the lateral distribution is often inhomogeneous and element dependant. The implanted samples give more realistic RSF values but there is some damage caused to the material during implantation and the samples are less representative of surface contamination. In both cases low‐κ samples of different porosity are investigated as well as a silicon wafer to act as a control. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigation of 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide under Binx+ cluster ion bombardment
Authors: Holzweber Markus , Hutter Herbert
Published: April 2010

Time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS) was used to study 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bis(tri‐ fluoromethylsulfonyl)imide under Bi‐ion and Bi‐cluster‐ion (Bi2–7+, Bi3, 5, 7++) bombardment in positive and negative polarity. Peak pattern as well as practical experiences with the bismuth cluster LMIG is discussed. Mass spectra with the best mass resolution were obtained using Bi3++ or Bi5++ as primary ion source. The secondary ion yield of high molecular ion is enhanced up to two orders of magnitude upon changing from ion to cluster ion bombardment. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An ATR–FTIR study of carbonate sorption onto magnetite
Authors: Roonasi P. , Holmgren A.
Published: April 2010

Carbonate is one of the most abundant anions in ground water. It also appears as saturated concentration in the process water at LKAB, a mining company in the northern part of Sweden. Sorption of carbonate on magnetite (the major source of iron ore in this company) may affect the surface chemistry of the iron oxide by forming a carbonate surface instead of an oxide surface. This would affect the interactions between magnetite particles and other species dissolved in the process water. Attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR–FTIR) has proved to be a useful technique in the study of adsorption/desorption properties of ions in mineral processing and environmental science. Magnetite was synthesized by coprecipitation of Fe II and Fe III in alkaline solution and deposited on a ZnS internal reflection element. Adsorption of carbonate on magnetite, and the effect of pH, Na, Ca, and silicate ions on the amount and speciation of adsorbed carbonate was monitored in situ. Adsorption of carbonate onto magnetite was found to increase with the acidity of the solution from pH 8.5 to pH 6.5 and also increased with increasing calcium concentration from 0 to 1.0 mM. The spectroscopy results were discussed and compared with previous findings in the literature. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
XPS characterisation of the interface between anode and electrolyte in a proton conducting solid oxide fuel cell
Authors: Sunding M. F. , Kepaptsoglou D. M. , Diplas S. , Norby T. , Gunnæs A. E.
Published: April 2010

In this work, we deposited by pulsed laser deposition nanometric layers of proton conducting calcium‐doped lanthanum niobate (La0.995Ca0.005NbO4) on nickel substrates in order to fabricate model structures of the electrolyte‐anode interface present in potential proton conducting solid oxide fuel cells (PC‐SOFC). Characterisation by XPS of in situ reduced samples indicates the absence of chemical reaction between lanthanum niobate and nickel, confirming their reciprocal chemical stability. A peak shift to higher binding energies is observed for the elements of the electrolyte material after exposure to reducing atmosphere for several hours at a typical operating temperature for PC‐SOFC. This shift is attributed to the formation of a space charge layer in the oxide at the interface with metallic nickel. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Imaging the microstructure of duplex stainless steel samples with TOF‐SIMS
Authors: Straub F. , Wirth Th. , Hertwig A. , Hodoroaba V.‐D. , Unger W. E. S. , Böllinghaus Th.
Published: April 2010

Time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF‐SIMS) mappings provide a visualization of the distribution of chemical elements and phases on polished duplex steel surfaces as element and fragment secondary ion signals. The advantage of TOF‐SIMS, compared to optical microscopy, is its potential to analyze the chemical composition with a lateral resolution at a submicrometer scale. TOF‐SIMS mappings allow distinguishing between ferritic and austenitic phases because of the phase selective detection method without any requirement of etching or other processing. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mo implantation in austenitic stainless steels: effect on the corrosion resistance in chloride acidic media
Authors: Abreu C. M. , Cristóbal M. J. , Figueroa R. , Merino P. , Pena G. , Pérez M. C.
Published: April 2010

The objective of this work is to investigate the effect of Mo implantation at a dose of 3.5 × 1015 ions/cm2 on the corrosion resistance on 304L and 316 austenitic stainless steels. Electrochemical measurements were used to investigate the corrosion behavior of the alloys in sulfuric acid in presence of chlorides. The obtained results show that Mo implantation at the considered dose induces an increase in the Cr/Fe ratio of the passive layer of both alloys, but its effect on the corrosion properties is not well defined. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nanometer‐designed Al/SiC periodic multilayers: characterization by a multi‐technique approach
Authors: Galtayries A. , Hu M.‐H. , Le Guen K. , André J.‐M. , Jonnard P. , Meltchakov E. , Hecquet C. , Delmotte F.
Published: April 2010

Nanometer‐thick Al/SiC periodic multilayers, designed for the Extreme Ultra Violet (EUV) range, have been characterized by different techniques dedicated to such thin multilayers (each between 4 and 10 nm thick). In order to decrease the roughness and to improve the optical performances of the stacks, an ultrathin (2 nm) refractory metal layer has also been introduced, thus making Al/W/SiC and Al/Mo/SiC multilayer systems with three layers in period.

The samples are deposited by magnetron sputtering. The stacks have a period ranging between 16 and 18 nm. Time‐of‐Flight SIMS (ToF‐SIMS) is used here to determine the depth profiles of the different elements present within the multilayers. It is observed that the interfaces of the Al/W/SiC and Al/Mo/SiC multilayers are sharper than those of the Al/SiC system. X‐ray emission spectroscopy (XES) is used to identify the chemical state of the Al and Si atoms within the multilayers and to check if there is any interfacial compound. The results show that there is no interaction between the Al and SiC layers leading to the formation of an interfacial compound. The results are confirmed by X‐ray reflectivity (XRR) measurements. They show that the Al/SiC multilayers present large interfacial roughnesses, but the Al/W/SiC and Al/Mo/SiC multilayers have the lower roughness values. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hybrid security protocol for wireless body area networks
Authors: Jang Chol Soon , Lee Deok Gyu , Han Jong‐wook , Park Jong Hyuk
Published: April 2010

Wireless body area networks (WBANs) are receiving a significant interest as an emerging technology in next generation wireless networks. Security challenges as well as this interest are also beginning to rise to the surface. We derived specific security requirements from WBANs, and proposed a new hybrid security protocol for WBANs which satisfies these requirements. This proposed protocol dealt with the overall security including up to the in‐ on‐, and out‐body, and utilized two heterogeneous cryptosystems (the symmetric and asymmetric) for diverse environments of WBANs. Our protocol shows that it satisfies more security requirements than existing security protocols including the overall coverage of WBANs. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Deploying mobile nodes for maximal energy matching in WSNs
Authors: Wang Shuo‐Hung , Chang Ruay‐Shiung
Published: April 2010

This paper proposes a self‐stabilizing distributed algorithm for deploying mobile nodes with loaded energy to the stationary nodes by considering the energy those stationary nodes need. The goal is to deploy mobile nodes to appropriate locations for energy supplements such that the network lifetime can be extended. The problem of maximizing the lifetime is NP‐hard. Therefore, it is unrealistic to search for an optimal solution in sensor networks. In this paper, we design several simple rules for mobile nodes and stationary nodes separately in order to find a feasible solution. Simple rules are especially suitable and necessary for low computability sensor networks. Our algorithm is simple and distributed. We prove that our method is stable and has good performance. Simulations show its efficiency too. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Langfristige Bevölkerungsentwicklung Brandenburger Städte bis zum Jahre 2040
Authors: Beyer Wolf , Zupp Wieland
Published: April 2010

The temporal horizon currently applied in population prognoses for counties and selected towns and cities in the German federal state of Brandenburg is the year 2015. However, a considerable number of important planning issues call for significantly longer-term forecasts of demographic developments. Such issues include the decisions which need to be taken by housing providers in the context of urban redevelopment regarding the reduction of supplementation of the housing stock; other examples are investment decisions affecting social and technical infrastructure, and labour-market matters. Consequently, the Spatial Monitoring Section within Brandenburg's State Environmental Agency has undertaken population-development forecasts with a 2040 horizon for 25 towns and cities in Brandenburg with populations in excess of 20,000. These forecasts highlight in particular the specific problems facing cities in eastern Germany; what they reveal especially clearly is that the drastic shifts in age structure expected to become evident over the coming years will continue after 2015, and in some cases will become even more pronounced.
Resection of Large Hepatocellular Carcinoma Using the Combination of Liver Hanging Maneuver and Anterior Approach
Authors: Wang Chih‐Chi , Jawade Kailash , Yap Anthony Q. , Concejero Allan M. , Lin Chi‐Yin , Chen Chao‐Long
Published: April 2010

Background

Resection of a large hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is difficult and is associated with a poor outcome. Herein we describe our experience with the use of a liver hanging maneuver (LHM) in conjunction with the anterior approach (AA) in patients with large HCC (>10 cm) and compare the perioperative outcome with the conventional method (CM) for hepatic resection.

Methods

Patients who underwent major hepatic resections for large HCC (>10 cm) were categorized as group 1 (n = 14), treated with LHM and AA, versus group 2 (n = 11), treated with CM. Variables including patient age, tumor size, operative time and transection time, blood loss, blood transfusion requirements, and postoperative ICU and hospital stay were used to compare the two groups.

Results

There were 14 and 11 patients in groups 1 and 2, respectively. The variables in group 1 and 2 of median tumor size, median operative time, median transection time, median ICU stay, and median hospital stay were comparable. In contrast, the intraoperative blood loss and the blood transfusion requirements were significantly higher in group 2. Patients under LHM and AA and CM had a median blood loss of 375 ml (237.5–850) and 1,000 ml (500–1,200), requirement of blood transfusion of 3 (21.42%) and 8 (72.7%), respectively. Postoperative complications were comparable in the two groups. There were no deaths in the series.

Conclusions

The liver hanging maneuver in conjunction with AA is a safe and highly feasible procedure, particularly in patients with sizable (>10 cm) tumors and tumors found to be adherent to the diaphragm and retroperitoneum. The use of the procedure eventuated in lower blood loss as well as fewer blood transfusion requirements when compared to the conventional method.
Increased Osteopontin‐Positive Macrophage Expression in Colorectal Cancer Stroma with Synchronous Liver Metastasis
Authors: Imano Motohiro , Okuno Kiyokata , Itoh Tatsuki , Ishimaru Eizaburo , Satou Takao , Shiozaki Hitoshi
Published: April 2010

Background

The macrophages that infiltrate the tumor stroma are termed tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs). TAMs contribute to hematogenous spread of cancer cells especially liver metastasis. Osteopontin (OPN) is also related to tumor metastasis and proliferation of tumors. OPN is mainly expressed in macrophages of stroma other than that of tumor cells. The aim of the present study was to investigate differences in OPN‐positive TAMs between cases of colorectal cancer with synchronous liver metastasis and those without liver metastasis.

Methods

A total of 54 subjects who had undergone resection of a primary tumor of advanced colorectal cancer were classified into two groups: synchronous colorectal liver metastasis group (s‐CLM group; n = 30) and no liver metastasis group (controls; n = 24). The number of OPN‐ and CD68‐positive cells and the microvascular density (MVD) were determined using the CD105 antibody in the stroma of the invasive margin of the tumor and in the stroma of the central area.

Results

There was no difference in the patient profiles between the two groups. OPN and MVD expression in the central area were significantly higher in the s‐CLM group (OPN: control 4.3 ± 1.42, s‐CML 12.1 ± 1.42, P < 0.05; MVD: control 18.5 ± 2.86, s‐CML 27.5 ± 2.94, P < 0.05), whereas CD68 expression in the invasive margin was significantly higher in the control group (control 98.9 ± 7.31, s‐CML 29.0 ± 4.44, P < 0.05).

Conclusions

These data suggest that OPN in the central area may have induced high microvascular density, which led to liver metastasis. Thus, OPN might be a potential target for novel antiangiogenesis therapy for treating colorectal cancer.
Evaluation of the Long‐term Trend in Mortality from Injury in a Mature Inclusive Trauma System
Authors: Moore Lynne , Hanley James A. , Turgeon Alexis F. , Lavoie André
Published: April 2010

Background

Organized trauma systems are designed to improve the quality and efficiency of trauma care. Several studies have reported mortality reductions during or immediately after implementation of a trauma system but little data are available on long‐term trends. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long‐term trend in risk‐adjusted mortality in a mature inclusive trauma system.

Methods

The trauma system of the province of Quebec, Canada, was implemented in 1992 and completed in 1996. Data were drawn from the Quebec Trauma Registry with mandatory participation of all 59 centres, uniform inclusion criteria, and standardized data collection and validation procedures. Temporal trends from 1999 to 2006 were evaluated using adjusted estimates of hospital mortality generated with a random‐intercept hierarchical logistic regression model. Estimates were adjusted using the Trauma Risk Adjustment Model (TRAM) score.

Results

The study population comprised 88,235 patients, including 4731 hospital deaths (5.4%). Crude mortality risk varied between 5.2% in 1999 and 4.6% in 2006. Adjusted mortality risk remained stable between 1999 and 2002, but a statistically significant decrease of 4.6% per year (95% CI = 0.9–8.5) was observed between 2002 and 2006.

Conclusions

The risk of hospital mortality in the Quebec trauma system decreased by 24% between 2002 and 2006. Results suggest that as inclusive and regionalized trauma systems mature, they may provide better care to trauma victims. Further research should attempt to identify determinants of the observed decrease within the system and evaluate quality of life among survivors.
Radical Resection or Chemoradiotherapy for Cervical Esophageal Cancer?
Authors: Chou Shah‐Hwa , Li Hsien‐Pin , Lee Jui‐Ying , Huang Meei‐Feng , Lee Chia‐Hua , Lee Ka‐Wo
Published: April 2010

Background

The prognosis and quality of life (QOL) for those with cervical esophageal cancer is extremely poor, and chemoradiotherapy remains the mainstay treatment. During the past few years, our surgical teams has implemented a more aggressive and radical resection: total laryngopharyngectomy with neck dissection, total esophagectomy, and reconstruction with stomach. This study compares the results of chemoradiotherapy and that of the aforementioned surgical approach.

Methods

This is a retrospective study of 15 patients who underwent radical resection and 14 patients who received chemoradiation. Their age, sex, tumor stage and grade, pre‐ and posttreatment dysphagia scores, operating time, blood loss, length of intensive care and postoperative stay, days to resume oral intake, complications, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) status, QOL score, and disease‐specific survival were recorded and compared.

Results

There were no significant differences in age, sex, pretreatment dysphagia score, cancer stage and grade, ECOG status (posttreatment), associate diseases, preoperative QOL, or follow‐up period between the two groups. However, the posttreatment dysphagia score was significantly better for the operative group (P < 0.001). QOL improved in both groups, and the operative group seemed better although the difference was not significant. In addition, the survival between the two groups was statistically insignificant (P = 0.97, log‐rank test).

Conclusions

Our experience showed that radical surgery that includes total laryngopharyngectomy with neck dissection, total esophagectomy, and reconstruction with stomach for cervical esophageal cancer is beneficial to patients in terms of better eating.
Heterogeneous capture rates in low density populations and consequences for capture‐recapture analysis of camera‐trap data
Authors: Harmsen Bart J. , Foster Rebecca J. , Doncaster C. Patrick
Published: April 2010

Closed population capture‐recapture analysis of camera‐trap data has become the conventional method for estimating the abundance of individually recognisable cryptic species living at low densities, such as large felids. Often these estimates are the only information available to guide wildlife managers and conservation policy. Capture probability of the target species using camera traps is commonly heterogeneous and low. Published studies often report overall capture probabilities as low as 0.03 and fail to report on the level of heterogeneity in capture probability. We used simulations to study the effects of low and heterogeneous capture probability on the reliability of abundance estimates using the Mh jack‐knife estimator within a closed‐population capture‐recapture framework. High heterogeneity in capture probability was associated with under‐ and over‐estimates of true abundance. The use of biased abundance estimates could have serious conservation management consequences. We recommend that studies present capture frequencies of all sampled individuals so that policy makers can assess the reliability of the abundance estimates.
Involvement of androgen receptor in nitric oxide production induced by icariin in human umbilical vein endothelial cells
Authors: Koizumi Hideki , Yu Jing , Hashimoto Ryo , Ouchi Yasuyoshi , Okabe Tetsuro
Published: April 2010

Icariin, a flavonoid isolated from Epimedii herba, stimulated phosphorylation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) at Ser1177, Akt (Ser473) and ERK1/2 (Thr202/Tyr204). The icariin‐induced eNOS phosphorylation was abolished by an androgen receptor (AR) antagonist, nilutamide in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Furthermore, it was also reduced in the cells transfected with small interfering RNA in which the expression of AR was broken down. The icariin‐induced eNOS phosphorylation was inhibited by wortmannin, a phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K) inhibitor and partially attenuated by PD98059, an upstream inhibitor for ERK1/2. These data suggest that icariin stimulates release of NO by AR‐dependent activation of eNOS in HUVECs. PI3K/Akt and MAPK‐ERK kinase (MEK)/ERK1/2 pathways were involved in the phosphorylation of eNOS by icariin.
Manofluorographic and functional outcomes after endoscopic laser cricopharyngeal myotomy for cricopharyngeal bar
Authors: Ozgursoy Ozan B. , Salassa John R.
Published: April 2010

Objective

To investigate the manofluorographic and functional outcomes after endoscopic laser cricopharyngeal myotomy (ELCPM) for cricopharyngeal (CP) bar.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Academic medical center.

Subjects and Methods

Review of patients undergoing ELCPM between 2001 and 2007 was undertaken to determine the demographic, clinical, and manofluorographic findings before and six months after surgery. Two groups were established according to pharyngeal driving pressures: normal pressure group (> 55 mm Hg) and low pressure group (< 55 mm Hg).

Results

Fourteen patients underwent ELCPM for CP bar without a concomitant head and neck or Zenker's procedure. There were no major surgical complications. All 14 patients improved at least one stage on the Functional Outcome Swallowing Scale (FOSS) after surgery. There was a statistically significant decrease in the FOSS stages after surgery. Videofluoroscopy demonstrated a significant postoperative increase in the mean cross‐sectional CP opening (CP‐area) from 32.75 to 123.52 mm2. Manofluorographic pressure recordings showed a significant postoperative decrease in the intrabolus pressure gradient across the cricopharyngeal region (IB‐Gra) from 25.44 to 13.22 mm Hg. Despite significant overall results, the change in the IB‐Gra showed no difference between the patient groups.

Conclusion

Subjective (FOSS) and objective manofluorographic (CP‐area, IB‐Gra) improvement in CP bar patients occurred after ELCPM. We suggest IB‐Gra as a reliable objective indicator for patients who might benefit from ELCPM and as an appropriate parameter for follow‐up after surgery. However, continued research on a larger patient population is required to enhance our understanding of CP bar and predictors of outcome after treatment of CP bar dysphagia.