bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kinetische Untersuchungen über Wasserstoffabsorption in α‐Titan
Authors: Hofmann F. , Auer W.
Published: August 2012

Die Reaktion H2(g) ⇌ 2H (gelöst) wurde an dünnen Titanproben nach der resistometrischen Meßmethode im Temperaturbereich 500 bis 700°C untersucht. Im Bereich idealer Wasserstofflöslichkeit wird folgendes Geschwindigkeitsgesetz gefunden:(kH,kRGeschwindigkeitskonstante,KAdsorptionskonstante,xHKonzentration gelösten Wasserstoffs in α‐Titan).

Dieses Gesetz beschreibt die Dissoziation des H2‐Moleküls für die Hydrierung, die Rekombination zweier Wasserstoffatome für die Dehydrierung als geschwindigkeitsbestimmende Teilschritte. Die Geschwindigkeit der einzelnen Teilschritte wird durch die Konzentration des gelosten Wasserstoffs erniedrigt. — Als Ursache dafür wird ein Segregationsgleichgewicht zwischen gelösten Atomen und Atomen in interstitiellen Reaktionsplätzen in der Oberfläche angenommen. Die Enthalpie dieser Oberflächenanreicherung ist −183 kJ mol−1. Die Aktivierungsenergie der Hinreaktion ist 41,9 kJ mol−1, die der Rückreaktion 84,6 kJ mol−1, hieraus ergibt sich die Reaktionsenthalpie zu −23,9 kJ mol−1. — Bei höheren Temperaturen (T> 700°C) und höheren Konzentrationen wird eine Zunahme der Geschwindigkeit der Hinreaktion beobachtet. Sie kann durch den Zusatzterm exp(GxH/R T ) beschrieben werden, worin G die Gitterdeformationsenergie bedeutet .
Chemisorption of Carbonmonoxide and Oxygen on α‐Iron(III) Oxide
Authors: Berg J. V. D. , Dillen A. J. V. , Driel C. P. V. , Geus J. W. , Oostveen P. C.
Published: August 2012

Adsorption at room temperature of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and oxygen on differently pretreated α‐Fe2O3 has been investigated. Pretreatments were evacuation at 23°C, at 325°C, and at 500°C as well as reaction with a limited amount of hydrogen at 275°C and at 500°C. — α‐Fe2O3 evacuated at 23°C only adsorbs a limited amount of carbon dioxide; the adsorption of carbon dioxide is raised by a factor of about 3 by treatment at 325°C. With α‐Fe2O3 pretreated at elevated temperatures both adsorption and reaction of oxygen and carbon monoxide have been studied. — The results indicate that evacuation at elevated temperatures or reduction at 500°C lead to formation of oxygen (surface) vacancies. Into these vacancies oxygen is adsorbed in a state that reacts at 23°C with carbon monoxide in a ratio O2/CO = 1.0. After reaction between adsorbed oxygen and carbon monoxide the surface does not longer exhibit activity at 23°C. It is shown that adsorption and reaction are not due to formation of Fe3O4.
Viscosity Measurements on NaCl in the Temperature Range 1083 — 1473 K
Authors: Abe Yoshiyuki , Kosugiyama Otoya , Nagashima Akira
Published: August 2012

The viscosity of NaCl has been measured with an oscillating‐cup viscometer in the temperature range from 1083 K to 1473 K along the saturation line. The measured viscosity was lower than a currently recommended value by nearly 40%, whereas it was in accordance with other recent experimental results. To evaluate a meniscus effect of the liquid inside the cup on the viscosity, an experimental assessment was made. The results showed no appreciable viscosity change caused by changing the height of the liquid surface. The Stokes‐Einstein equation was further examined for NaCl using the present results. While an excellent agreement between the calculated self‐diffusion coefficient and that of experiment was observed for the cation, the calculated value was systematically lower than the experimental one for the anion.
A Neutron Diffraction Study of a Hydrogen Containing Organic Liquid CHCl3 as an Example
Authors: Bertagnolli H. , Chieux P.
Published: August 2012

The differential cross section of liquid CHCl3, exhibiting pronounced coherent scattering, was measured using polarized neutrons; the double differential cross section was also determined at selected scattering angles. From the spin and non spin flip part the spin incoherent scattering including the inelastic effects could be extracted. After correcting all cross sections for background and absorption multiple scattering was computed taking into account the spin flip at each elementary scattering process. The correction for inelastic effects followed from three methods: from the spin analysis of the spin incoherent part, from the combination of experiments with and without spin analysis and from the zero positions of the intramolecular scattering. The fully corrected coherent cross section was separated into an intra‐ and intermolecular contribution. From the former the structure of the molecule in the liquid was derived, whereas the Fourier transformation of the latter yielded the weighted sum of atom pair correlation functions.
Thermodynamic Investigations of Liquid CsSb Alloys
Authors: Sommer F. , Eschenweck D. , Predel B. , Schmutzler R. W.
Published: August 2012

In order to investigate the thermodynamic properties of liquid CsSb alloys which are exhibiting a metal‐non‐metal‐transition, the mixing enthalpies as well as their temperature dependence up to 25 at.pct. Sb have been determined by drop calorimetry. Also the formation enthalpy of Cs3Sb has been determined by solution calorimetry as to be −101 ± 10 kJ/mol. The melting enthalpy of Cs3Sb amounts to 10.5 ± 0.2 kJ/mol. The mixing enthalpy with its nearly linear concentration dependence is hinting at a complete Cs3Sb formation in the liquid alloy. The experimental results which are not in accordance with a simple ionic model are indicating, that the CsSb bond has a partially covalent character.
Desaktivierungsquerschnitte metastabiler Niveaus von Erdalkaliatomen bei thermischen Stößen mit Argon
Authors: Michel K. W. , Joos V. , Hauser M. , Steinwandel J.
Published: August 2012

Ein homogenes Gasgemisch aus Erdalkaliatomen (Ca, Sr oder Ba) und Argon in hohem Überschuß wurde hinter der reflektierten Stoßwelle eines gasbetriebenen Membranstoßwellenrohrs sprunghaft auf Temperaturen zwischen 2700 und 4000 K erhitzt. Die Relaxationszeiten für die Bevölkerung der metastabilen Zustände der Erdalkaliatome infolge thermischer Stöße mit Argonatomen wurden mittels zeitaufgelöster integraler Atomlinienabsorptionsspektroskopie bestimmt. Die daraus berechneten Desaktivierungsquerschnitte der metastabilen 3P‐ bzw. 3D‐ und 1D‐Zustände liegen zwischen einigen 10−21 cm2 beim Ca und 10−19 cm2 beim Ba und zeigen keine erkennbare Temperatur‐abhängigkeit. Daraus folgt, daß die Pseudo‐Kreuzung der beiden hier maßgebenden Potentialkurven des Stoßpaars etwa auf dem Niveau des metastabilen Zustands des Erdalkaliatoms erfolgt. Die deutliche Zunahme der Desaktivierungsquerschnitte mit wachsender Stärke der Spin‐Bahn‐Kopplung unterstreicht die Bedeutung der optischen Auswahlregeln auch für strahlungslose Übergänge.
Schadensfälle im Stahlbetonbau
Authors: Kohl Matthias , Wilke Hans‐Peter , Kohl Thomas
Published: August 2012

Schäden an Stahlbetonkonstruktionen sind kein Phänomen ausschließlich jüngerer Zeit, allerdings bilden Terminenge und Kostendruck auf einem hart umkämpften Markt und die zumeist hohen ästhetischen, architektonischen und baulichen Ansprüche speziell heutzutage die Grundlage von zahlreichen Fehlern. Diese können umso rascher auftreten, wenn noch Unaufmerksamkeit oder Unerfahrenheit hinzukommen.

Cases of damage on reinforced concrete constructions – Examples from real life

Damages to reinforced concrete structures are not a phenomenon exclusively in recent times of course. However, close deadlines as well as cost pressure on a highly competitive market with its enormous aesthetic, architectural and structural requirements provide the basis for mistakes. They can occur quite faster if inattention or inexperience are added.
Innovationspotenzial Beton: Von Atomen zur Grünen Infrastruktur
Authors: Ulm Franz‐Josef
Published: August 2012

Die nachhaltige Entwicklung von Betonlösungen für den Ingenieurbau eröffnet neue Möglichkeiten für den Betonbauingenieur. In diesem Beitrag wird versucht, das Innovationspotenzial von Beton im Hinblick auf ein nachhaltiges Bauen mit Beton zu identifizieren. Es wird gezeigt, dass Durchbrüche in der Materialwissenschaft neue Freiheitsgrade für entwerfende Massivbauer und Bauherren freisetzen können, die möglicherweise zu einer Reduzierung des ökologischen Fußabdrucks führen. Integriert in Lebenszyklusanalysen von Betonstrukturen, die sowohl die Herstellungs‐ als auch die Nutzungsphase erfassen, erhält man ein vollständiges Bild, wie molekulare und nanometrische Modifizierungen des Materials zu einer nachhaltigen Entwicklung des Betons beitragen können. Berücksichtigt man, dass mehr als 20 Millionen Tonnen Beton pro Jahr auf unserem Planeten produziert werden, so erkennt man, dass sich hier neue intellektuelle Leistungen für Ingenieure auftun, Betonbauwerke nicht nur funktions‐ und sicherheitsgerecht zu entwerfen, sondern auch nachhaltig in Bezug auf deren ökologischen Fußabdruck.

Concrete Innovation Potential: From Atoms to Green Infrastructure

The sustainable development of concrete opens new possibilities for concrete engineers. This contribution aims at identifying the innovation potential of concrete for a sustainable development. It is shown that breakthroughs in Materials Science of concrete release new degrees of freedom for design and construction of concrete infrastructure that can contribute to reducing the material's ecological footprint. Integrated in a Life‐Cycle Analysis of concrete structures, which considers both the embodied energy and the use phase, acomprehensive picture is obtained how molecular and nanometric modifications can contribute to a sustainable development of concrete. Given the more than 20 million tons of concrete produced annually, it is readily understood that new intellectual challenges are opening for concrete engineers to design buildings not only for function and safety but as well for ecological soundness.
Entwicklung und Verwendung von externen Kosten für die Nachhaltigkeitsbewertung von Verkehrsinfrastruktur
Authors: Zinke Tim , Schmidt‐Thrö Gerald , Ummenhofer Thomas
Published: August 2012

Infrastrukturbauwerke zeichnen sich dadurch aus, dass starke Wechselwirkungen zwischen ihnen und ihrer Umgebung bestehen. Beispielsweise ist ein Brückenbauwerk immer in ein Verkehrsnetz eingebunden. Zur Quantifizierung des Umgebungseinflusses wird in der Praxis bereits die Methode der externen Kostenrechnung eingesetzt. Externe Effekte wie Luftverschmutzung und Lärm werden dabei in Geldeinheiten übersetzt und können dadurch direkt in die Entscheidungsfindung eingebunden werden. Eine Integration dieser Methode in die Nachhaltigkeitsbewertung ist allerdings nur möglich, wenn die Potenziale und Probleme der externen Kostenrechnung bekannt sind und auf dieser Grundlage eine Integration in das Gesamtkonzept erfolgt. Der vorliegende Beitrag möchte dafür eine kompakte Grundlage schaffen und erste Empfehlungen für die Systemgestaltung geben.

Development and Application of External Costs as part of the Sustainability Assessment of Transportation Infrastructure

Infrastructures are characterized by strong interdependencies with the surrounding environment. A bridge for example is always integrated in a network. For a quantification of surrounding effects, the method of external cost calculation is already applied in practice. External effects like air pollution and noise are translated in monetary units. As a result they can directly be used in decision making processes. For an integration of this method in a sustainability assessment system the potentials and problems of the external cost calculation must be considered. This paper aims at providing an argumentation basis and gives recommendations for the design of a sustainability assessment system for transportation infrastructures.
The supratrochlear foramen of the humerus in a south african dry bone sample
Authors: Ndou Robert , Smith Petunia , Gemell Ryan , Mohatla Ofentse
Published: August 2012

The supratrochlear foramen (STF) of the humerus is the aperture that forms when the septum separating the coronoid and olecranon fossa is perforated. There are no known studies in the literature on the STF among various South African ethnic groups. The presence and shapes of the STF were established by visual observation from a sample of 538 skeletonized individuals with paired humeri (1,076) and of equal numbers between the sexes. Measurements of the transverse (TD) and vertical (VD) distance of the STF were obtained using extended jaw calipers. An osteometric board was used to measure the epicondylar breadth (EB). Sliding calipers were used to measure the distance of the medial epicondyle to medial aspect of the STF (MB) and that of the lateral epicondyle to lateral border of the STF (LB). The prevalence of STF in the South African population was 32.5% and predominantly on the left with the highest incidence among the Sotho population (41%) and the lowest incidence in Whites (16%). Females (19.5%) had a higher frequency of the STF compared with males (13%). The STF occurred in oval (136), round (77), triangular (9), and irregular (34) shapes. The average EB in this study was 56.1 mm, whereas the average MB and LB were 25.4 mm and 26.3 mm, respectively. The average TD was 6.3 mm and average VD was 4.3 mm. These findings may be of clinical significance to surgeons and osteologists and may have anthropological or forensic importance. Clin. Anat. 26:870–874, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Assessing the Differential Affinity of Small Molecules for Noncanonical DNA Structures
Authors: Stefan Loic , Bertrand Benoît , Richard Philippe , Le Gendre Pierre , Denat Franck , Picquet Michel , Monchaud David
Published: August 2012

The targeting of higher‐order DNA structures has been thoroughly developed with G‐quadruplex DNA but not with other structures like branched DNA (also known as DNA junctions). Because these alternative higher‐order DNA architectures might be of high biological relevance, we implemented a high‐throughput version of the FRET melting assay that enabled us to map the interactions of a candidate with four different DNA structures (duplex‐ and quadruplex DNA, three‐ and four‐way junctions) in a rapid and reliable manner. We also introduce a novel index, the BONDS (branched and other noncanonical DNA selectivity) index, to conveniently quantify this differential affinity.
Contributions of Various Noncovalent Bonds to the Interaction between an Amide and S‐Containing Molecules
Authors: Adhikari Upendra , Scheiner Steve
Published: August 2012

N‐Methylacetamide, a model of the peptide unit in proteins, is allowed to interact with CH3SH, CH3SCH3, and CH3SSCH3as models of S‐containing amino acid residues. All of the minima are located on the ab initio potential energy surface of each heterodimer. Analysis of the forces holding each complex together identifies a variety of different attractive forces, including SH⋅⋅⋅O, NH⋅⋅⋅S, CH⋅⋅⋅O, CH⋅⋅⋅S, SH⋅⋅⋅π, and CH⋅⋅⋅π H‐bonds. Other contributing noncovalent bonds involve charge transfer into σ* and π* antibonds. Whereas some of the H‐bonds are strong enough that they represent the sole attractive force in several dimers, albeit not usually in the global minimum, charge‐transfer‐type noncovalent bonds play only a supporting role. The majority of dimers are bound by a collection of several of these attractive interactions. The SH⋅⋅⋅O and NH⋅⋅⋅S H‐bonds are of comparable strength, followed by CH⋅⋅⋅O and CH⋅⋅⋅S.
Avoiding Diffusion Limitations in Cobalt(III/II)‐Tris(2,2′‐Bipyridine)‐Based Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells by Tuning the Mesoporous TiO2 Film Properties
Authors: Tsao Hoi Nok , Comte Pascal , Yi Chenyi , Grätzel Michael
Published: August 2012

Dye‐sensitized solar cells based on electrolytes containing cobalt complexes as redox shuttles typically suffer a major limitation in terms of slow diffusion of those couples through the mesoporous TiO2 film. This results in a drop of the photocurrent density, particularly at high incident light intensities, reducing the overall cell performance. This work illustrates how tuning the four characteristic parameters of the mesoporous TiO2 layer, namely film thickness, particle size, pore size and porosity, by simply optimizing the TiCl4 post‐treatment, completely eliminates diffusion problems of cobalt(III/II) tris(2,2′‐bipyridine) and at the same time maximizes the short‐circuit photocurrent density. As a result, a power conversion efficiency of 10.0 % at AM 1.5 G 100 mW cm−2 was reached in conjunction with an organic sensitizer.
Preparation and Characterization of Mg‐Zr Mixed Oxide Aerogels and Their Application as Aldol Condensation Catalysts
Authors: Sádaba Irantzu , Ojeda Manuel , Mariscal Rafael , Richards Ryan , López Granados Manuel
Published: August 2012

A series of Mg‐Zr mixed oxides with different nominal Mg/ (Mg+Zr) atomic ratios, namely 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.85, and 1, is prepared by alcogel methodology and fundamental insights into the phases obtained and resulting active sites are studied. Characterization is performed by X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms, and thermal and chemical analysis. Cubic MgxZr1−xO2−x solid solution, which results from the dissolution of Mg2+ cations within the cubic ZrO2 structure, is the main phase detected for the solids with theoretical Mg/ (Mg+Zr) atomic ratio ≤0.4. In contrast, the cubic periclase (c‐MgO) phase derived from hydroxynitrates or hydroxy precursors predominates in the solid with Mg/(Mg+Zr)=0.85. c‐MgO is also incipiently detected in samples with Mg/(Mg+Zr)=0.2 and 0.4, but in these solids the c‐MgO phase mostly arises from the segregation of Mg atoms out of the alcogel‐derived c‐MgxZr1−xO2−x phase during the calcination process, and therefore the species c‐MgO and c‐MgxZr1−xO2−x are in close contact. Regarding the intrinsic activity in furfural–acetone aldol condensation in the aqueous phase, these MgOZr sites located at the interface between c‐MgxZr1−xO2−x and segregated c‐MgO display a much larger intrinsic activity than the other noninterface sites that are present in these catalysts: MgOMg sites on c‐MgO and MgOZr sites on c‐MgxZr1−xO2−x. The very active MgOZr sites rapidly deactivate in the furfural–acetone condensation due to the leaching of active phases, deposition of heavy hydrocarbonaceous compounds, and hydration of the c‐MgO phase. Nonetheless, these Mg‐Zr materials with very high specific surface areas would be suitable solid catalysts for other relevant reactions catalyzed by strong basic sites in nonaqueous environments.
Acute right‐sided colonic diverticulitis mimicking appendicitis: A report of two cases
Authors: Kahveci Servet , Tokmak Turgut Tursem , Yıldırım Afra , Mavili Ertugrul
Published: August 2012

We describe two right‐sided diverticulitis cases that presented with marked right iliac fossa tenderness with guarding and rebound and laboratory parameters resembling acute appendicitis. The imaging findings suggested diverticulitis in both cases. One of the patients underwent surgery and the other one was followed up with medical treatment. Awareness of these imaging findings may aid in the diagnosis of right‐sided diverticulitis, which is frequently misdiagnosed and mistreated. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2013
Umbilical venous blood flow and its measurement in the human fetus
Authors: Najafzadeh Afrooz , Dickinson Jan E.
Published: August 2012

In this review, we evaluate the published methodologies to describe a noninvasive technique for the quantitative assessment of umbilical venous blood flow in the human fetus. We identify a number of variations in the reported methodologies and address some of the common errors associated with Doppler assessment of umbilical venous flow volume. The potential role of umbilical venous flow volumetry in the management of intrauterine growth restriction is briefly evaluated including its utility and reliability in everyday clinical practice. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 40:502–511, 2012
Contrast‐enhanced ultrasound findings in a case of renal extramedullary hematopoiesis
Authors: Valentino Massimo , Sabato Mariangela , Murrone Sergio , Pavlica Pietro , Barozzi Libero , Rossi Cristina
Published: August 2012

We present the case of an 80‐year‐old man with two renal solid masses found at sonography, which were imaged by contrast‐enhanced ultrasound, CT, and MRI and confirmed histologically. Contrast‐enhanced ultrasound findings suggested a benign mass and a CT‐guided biopsy yielded a diagnosis of extramedullary hematopoiesis. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2013
A Knowledge Management Process‐Based Approach to Support Corporate Crisis Management
Authors: Ponis Stavros T. , Koronis Epaminondas
Published: August 2012

In the crisis‐prone and complex contemporary business environment, modern organisations and their supply chains, large and small, are challenged by crises more than ever. Knowledge management has been acknowledged as an important discipline able to support the management of complexity in times of crisis. However, the role of effective knowledge retrieval and sharing in the process of crisis prevention, management and survival has been relatively underexplored. In this paper, it is argued that organisational crises create additional challenges for knowledge management, mainly because complex, polymorphic and both structured and unstructured knowledge must be efficiently harnessed, processed and disseminated to the appropriate internal and external supply chain actors, under specific time constraints. In this perspective, a process‐based approach is proposed to address the knowledge management needs of organisations during a crisis and to help management in establishing the necessary risk avoidance and recovery mechanisms. Finally, the proposed methodological approach is applied in a knowledge‐intensive Greek small and medium enterprise from the pharmaceutical industry, producing empirical results, insights on knowledge pathologies during crises and relevant evaluations. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polymorphisms in folate‐metabolizing genes and risk of having an offspring with congenital anomalies in the West Siberian region of Russia: a case–control study
Authors: Weiner Alexandra S. , Gordeeva Ludmila A. , Voronina Elena N. , Boyarskikh Uljana A. , Shabaldin Andrey V. , Filipenko Maxim L.
Published: August 2012

Objective

Periconceptional folate supplementation prevents a number of congenital anomalies (CA). The aim of our study was to investigate the association of 11 polymorphisms in the folate‐metabolizing genes with the risk of having an offspring with CA in the Russian ethnic group.

Method

We genotyped 280 mothers having a CA‐affected pregnancy and 390 control mothers. The most common malformations among the cases were CA of the nervous, urinary, and cardiovascular systems, and these groups were analyzed separately.

Results

In the whole group of CA, we revealed the associations of MTHFR C677T and MTR A2756G loci with increased risk of CA‐affected pregnancy. In the group of CA of the cardiovascular system, we observed an association of MTHFR A1298C with decreased risk and an association of MTR A2756G with increased risk of CA. After the Bonferroni correction, only the association between the genotype MTR 2756GG and the risk of having a fetus with CA of the cardiovascular system remained statistically significant (OR = 4.99, P = 0.03).

Conclusion

These findings indicate that locus A2756G in the MTR gene may play a role in susceptibility to CA of the cardiovascular system in West Siberia, but further research is necessary to confirm the association. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Safety profile assessment of buflomedil: an overview of adverse reactions between 1975 and 2011
Authors: Bucolo Claudio , Longo Laura , Camillieri Giovanni , Drago Filippo , Salomone Salvatore
Published: August 2012

Purpose

Review all the individualized cases of adverse drug reaction (ADR) potentially related to buflomedil, a vasodilator with the indication for peripheral arterial disease (PAD), marketed in Europe since the 1970s but recently suspended by the European Medicines Agency.

Methods

A review of all available individualised case safety data relating to oral buflomedil from the buflomedil global safety database (provided by the manufacturer of buflomedil), the worldwide published medical literature, toxicology/poison centres and regulatory authorities.

Results

The main ADRs reported were in the cardiovascular (CVS) and nervous systems (NS), grouped under four (MedDRA) System Organ Classes (SOCs): (i) Cardiac disorders; (ii) Vascular disorders; (iii) Investigations; (iv) NS disorders. From an initial cumulative number of 1054 case reports, there were 401 cases of intentional overdose (IOD) of which 63 were fatal, and 137 cases of accidental overdose, with two fatalities, and 516 case reports of ADRs under normal conditions of use of the product at normal therapeutic dosage with 11 fatalities. Overdosage (intentional or accidental) represented 50.9% of cases, with 47.6% of patients <40 years of age. The indications for which these young patients were prescribed buflomedil were not reported in most cases.

Conclusions

The main indication of buflomedil is PAD; however, because most cases of IOD occurred in people <40 years of age, where PAD is unlikely, it is possible that buflomedil was prescribed for other indications and/or that it was not directly prescribed to the end user, who rather gained access to the medication prescribed to family members or friends. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Difficulties with emotion regulation mediate the relationship between borderline personality disorder symptom severity and interpersonal problems
Authors: Herr Nathaniel R. , Rosenthal M. Zachary , Geiger Paul J. , Erikson Karen
Published: August 2012

Problems with interpersonal functioning and difficulties with emotion regulation are core characteristics of borderline personality disorder (BPD). Little is known, however, about the interrelationship between these areas of dysfunction in accounting for BPD symptom severity. The present study examines a model of the relationship between difficulties with emotion regulation and interpersonal dysfunction in a community sample of adults (n = 124) with the full range of BPD symptoms. Results showed that difficulties with emotion regulation fully mediated the relationship between BPD symptom severity and interpersonal dysfunction. An alternative model indicated that interpersonal problems partially mediated the relationship between difficulties with emotion regulation and BPD symptom severity. These findings support existing theories of BPD, which propose that difficulties with emotion regulation may account for the types of interpersonal problems experienced by individuals with BPD and suggest further examination of the possibility that interpersonal dysfunction may worsen these individuals' difficulties with emotion regulation. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of the association of prostate cancer‐specific anxiety with sexual function, depression and cancer aggressiveness in men 1 year following surgical treatment for localized prostate cancer
Authors: Tavlarides Andrea M. , Ames Steven C. , Diehl Nancy N. , Joseph Richard W. , Castle Erik P. , Thiel David D. , Broderick Gregory A. , Parker Alexander S.
Published: August 2012

Background

Cancer‐specific anxiety (CSA) can affect treatment decisions and is common in men following surgery for prostate cancer (PCa). We hypothesized that CSA is also associated with factors affecting quality of life. Herein, we examine the association of CSA with psychosocial factors and PCa aggressiveness in a cohort of men 1 year after prostatectomy for localized PCa.

Methods

From our prospective PCa Registry, we identified 365 men who underwent prostatectomy for localized PCa who completed the Memorial Anxiety Scale for Prostate Cancer (MAX‐PC) and Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite at 1‐year follow‐up. We evaluated the association of scores on the MAX‐PC with demographics, clinicopathologic features, sexual function, and depression scores using Wilcoxon Rank Sum and Kendall's tau correlation tests.

Results

Higher scores on the MAX‐PC (i.e., higher anxiety) are associated with younger age (p < 0.01) and non‐Caucasian race (p < 0.01). Men with higher MAX‐PC scores also reported poor sexual satisfaction/function (p < 0.01) and increasing depressive symptoms (p < 0.01). Finally, although higher anxiety is associated with several pathologic features of aggressiveness (stage, positive margins, PSA at 1 year; all p‐values < 0.01), we noted several men with clinically indolent disease who reported significant anxiety.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that higher levels of CSA are associated with poor sexual function and increased depressive symptoms 1 year after prostatectomy. Moreover, we noted demographic and pathologic features associated with higher CSA as well. If confirmed, our data support development of models to predict men at high risk of CSA following PCa surgery and targeted referral for additional counseling. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Psycho‐oncological care in certified cancer centres—a nationwide analysis in Germany
Authors: Singer Susanne , Dieng Sebastian , Wesselmann Simone
Published: August 2012

Background

Over the last few years, a nationwide voluntary certification system for cancer centres has been established in Germany. To qualify for certification, cancer centres must provide psycho‐oncological care to every patient who needs it. The aim of this study was to find out how many patients have been treated by a psycho‐oncologist in the certified centres.

Methods

All cancer centres in Germany that were re‐certified in 2010 provided data documenting how many patients with primary cancer received at least 30 min of psycho‐oncological consultation in 2009.

Results

Data from n = 456 certified cancer centres were available. In the centres, a total of 36 165 patients were seen by a psycho‐oncologist for at least 30 min, representing 37.3% of all patients in the centres. The highest percentage of patients who received psycho‐oncological care was found in breast cancer centres (66.7%), and the lowest in prostate cancer centres (6.8%). Half of the patients (50.0%) in gynaecological cancer centres, 37.7% in colon cancer centres and 25.4% in lung cancer centres received psycho‐oncological care.

Conclusions

Compared with non‐certified centres, the proportion of patients receiving psycho‐oncological care in certified cancer centres has increased. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lanthanide binding and IgG affinity construct: Potential applications in solution NMR, MRI, and luminescence microscopy
Authors: Barb Adam W. , Ho Tienhuei Grace , Flanagan‐Steet Heather , Prestegard James H.
Published: August 2012

Paramagnetic lanthanide ions when bound to proteins offer great potential for structural investigations that utilize solution nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, magnetic resonance imaging, or optical microscopy. However, many proteins do not have native metal ion binding sites and engineering a chimeric protein to bind an ion while retaining affinity for a protein of interest represents a significant challenge. Here we report the characterization of an immunoglobulin G‐binding protein redesigned to include a lanthanide binding motif in place of a loop between two helices (Z‐L2LBT). It was shown to bind Tb3+ with 130 nM affinity. Ions such as Dy3+, Yb3+, and Ce3+ produce paramagnetic effects on NMR spectra and the utility of these effects is illustrated by their use in determining a structural model of the metal‐complexed Z‐L2LBT protein and a preliminary characterization of the dynamic distribution of IgG Fc glycan positions. Furthermore, this designed protein is demonstrated to be a novel IgG‐binding reagent for magnetic resonance imaging (Z‐L2LBT:Gd3+ complex) and luminescence microscopy (Z‐L2LBT: Tb3+ complex).
Evaluating autonomous ground‐robots
Authors: Finn Anthony , Jacoff Adam , Del Rose Mike , Kania Bob , Overholt Jim , Silva Udam , Bornstein Jon
Published: August 2012

The robotics community benefits from common test methods and metrics of performance to focus their research. As a result, many performance tests, competitions, demonstrations, and analyses have been devised to measure the autonomy, intelligence, and overall effectiveness of robots. These range from robot soccer (football) to measuring the performance of a robot in computer simulations. However, many resultant designs are narrowly focused oroptimized against the specific tasks under consideration. In the Multi‐Autonomous Ground‐robotic International Challenge (MAGIC) 2010, the need to transition the technology beyond the laboratory and into contexts for which it had not specifically been designed or tested meant that a performance evaluation scheme was needed that avoided domain‐specific tests. However, the scheme still had to retain the capacity to deliver an impartial, consistent, objective, and evidence‐based assessment that rewarded individual and multivehicle autonomy. It was also important to maximize the understanding and outcomes for technologists, sponsors, and potential usersgained through after‐action review. The need for real‐time, simultaneous, and continuous tracking of multiple interacting entities in an urban environment and over 250,000 square meters in real time compounded the complexity of the task. This paper describes the scheme used to progressively down‐select and finally rank the teams competing in this complex and “operationally realistic” challenge. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
On the gauge dependence of vacuum transitions at finite temperature
Authors: Garny Mathias , Konstandin Thomas
Published: August 2012

Abstract

In principle, observables as for example the sphaleron rate or the tunneling rate in a first-order phase transition are gauge-independent. However, in practice a gauge dependence is introduced in explicit perturbative calculations due to the breakdown of the gradient expansion of the effective action in the symmetric phase. We exemplify the situation using the effective potential of the Abelian Higgs model in the general renormalizable gauge. Still, we find that the quantitative dependence on the gauge choice is small for gauges that are consistent with the perturbative expansion.
High Risk of Biliary Fistula After Isolated Segment VIII Liver Resection
Authors: Dokmak Safi , Agostini Julie , Jacquin Alexandre , Cauchy François , Farges Olivier , Belghiti Jacques
Published: August 2012

Background

For tumors deeply located in segment VIII (S8), right hepatectomy (RH) often is thought to solve the issue of technical accessibility. Yet, the common existence of an associated underlying diseased liver raises the question of parenchymal‐sparing resection.

Methods

From 2002 to 2011, 34 patients underwent isolated S8 resection, and their operative and postoperative characteristics were compared to 34 matched patients who underwent RH for lesions located in S8.

Results

Indications and preoperative characteristics were comparable between the two groups except for larger tumors in RH patients compared with S8 patients (48 vs. 40 mm; p = 0.001). Achieving S8 resection required significantly longer clamping time (45 vs. 37 min, p = 0.011), more additional biliostasis because of obvious biliary leak (65 vs. 18 %, p < 0.001), and subsequently increased application of sealant material (56 vs. 9 %, p < 0.001) compared with RH. The overall complication rate was similar between the two groups (59 vs. 62 %, p = 0.804), although a trend toward a higher rate of biliary fistula was observed in S8 patients (20 vs. 6 %, p = 0.07). Routine CT scan performed on postoperative day 7 found significantly more subphrenic collections in S8 patients compared with RH patients (53 vs. 9 %, p = 0.003). On pathological examination, surgical margin width was comparable between the two groups.

Conclusions

Anatomical S8 resection remains a technically demanding procedure with an elevated risk of postoperative biliary fistula but allows achieving adequate carcinologic resection. Increasing consideration for parenchymal sparing resection should lead to favor this approach as a treatment of choice for small and medium‐sized tumors located in this segment.
Early Detection of Hypocalcemia After Total/Completion Thyroidectomy: Routinely Usable Algorithm Based on Serum Calcium Level
Authors: Lazard Diane S. , Godiris‐Petit Gaëlle , Wagner Isabelle , Sarfati Emile , Chabolle Frédéric
Published: August 2012

Background

The purpose of this prospective bicentric study was to investigate the course of serum calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (Phph) after total/completion thyroidectomy to establish a reliable and cost‐effective strategic algorithm to detect patients at risk for postoperative hypocalcemia.

Methods

This observational study included 136 patients. Serum Ca and Phph levels were preoperatively and postoperatively recorded 6, 12, 20, and 48 h (H) after skin closure. Criteria for hypocalcemia were postoperative Ca levels ≤1.9 mmol/L at any time point and/or patients experiencing symptoms of hypocalcemia. Postoperative Ca supplementation was never given before H20 assay. Ca levels and their differences between time points were compared.

Results

Twenty‐four percent of patients experienced hypocalcemia. At H12 and H20, the rates of patients with Ca levels ≤1.9 mmol/L were similar and larger than at H6 (p < 0.001). The H20‐preoperative difference had the best area under the ROC curves (value = 0.87), and a difference ≤−0.3 was significantly more frequent in case of hypocalcemia (p = 0.001). The H20 assay and the difference H20‐preop were consequently selected to design a new algorithm for hypocalcemia detection. Adding H48 assay in some specific cases (12.5 % of all included patients) enabled 100 % detection. Phosphorus assays were not informative in detecting hypocalcemia.

Conclusions

This new algorithm enables, with 100 % sensitivity and 88.4 % specificity, early detection of severe hypocalcemia after total/completion thyroidectomy. It may become a useful and cost‐effective tool for safe and early patient discharge, especially if PTH assays cannot be routinely used because of their availability or cost.
Robotic versus Conventional Laparoscopic Surgery for Rectal Cancer: A Cost Analysis from A Single Institute in Korea
Authors: Baek Se‐Jin , Kim Seon‐Hahn , Cho Jae‐Sung , Shin Jae‐Won , Kim Jin
Published: August 2012

Background

Since its introduction, robotic surgery has been applied actively in several fields of minimally invasive surgery, and its use in the field of colorectal surgery is also increasing. In the studies to date, feasibility and safety have been the main focus, but the economics involved are important to examine. We compared the economics of robotic surgery with those of laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer.

Material and methods

We analyzed the clinical characteristics, total hospital charges, payments, operating room costs, and hospital profits for patients who underwent robotic and laparoscopic resection of rectal cancer at Korea University Anam Hospital between July 2007 and August 2010.

Results

From July 2007 and August 2010, 154 robot‐assisted and 150 laparoscopic rectal surgeries were performed. The patient demographics were similar in the two groups with the exception of tumor location (6.7 vs 8.7 cm distal to the anal verge; p = 0.043), preoperative chemoradiotherapy (22.7 vs 8 %; p = 0.001), and operative time (285.2 vs 219.7 min; p = 0.018). Postoperative course and complications were also similar in the two groups. The total hospital charges in U.S. dollars ($14,647 vs $9,978; p = 0.001) and payments made by patients ($11,540 vs $3,956; p < 0.001) were significantly higher in the robotic group. Hospital profit was significantly lower in the robotic group than in the laparoscopic group ($689 vs $1,671; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Robot‐assisted surgery is more expensive than laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer. Considering that robotic surgery can be applied more easily for low‐lying cancers, the cost‐effectiveness of robotic rectal cancer surgery should be assessed based on oncologic outcomes and functional results from future studies.
Pseudoaneurysm of the facial artery occurred after mandibular sagittal split ramus osteotomy
Authors: Jo H.-W. , Kim Y.-S. , Kang D.-H. , Lee S.-H. , Kwon T.-G.
Published: August 2012

Introduction

Pseudoaneurysms are caused by rupture of arteries with extravasation of blood. The compressed perivascular tissue forms the wall of aneurysmal sac. Pseudoaneurysm directly related with surgical procedure of sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO) was reported quite rarely especially related with facial artery during the vertical osteotomy.

Case report

SSRO was carried out for a 19-year-old male; the patient visited the emergency room with notable swelling 3 weeks after the surgery. We experienced severe intra-oral bleeding with surgical exploration. Angiography revealed a pseudoaneurysm of the right facial artery that might be related with vertical osteotomy over lateral cortex of the mandibular body during orthognathic surgery. This implies that the minor vascular trauma from vertical osteotomy of the mandibular body during the conventional orthognathic surgery might cause later development of pseudoaneurysm.
Hypothyroxinemia during pregnancy: the effect on neurodevelopment in the child
Authors: Suárez‐Rodríguez Marta , Azcona‐San Julián Cristina , Alzina de Aguilar Valentín
Published: August 2012

Context

Experimental studies have shown that maternal hypothyroxinemia during early pregnancy is associated with poor neurodevelopment in affected offspring.

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of maternal serum free T4 on psychomotor development of offspring.

Materials and methods

The study involved 147 women in the third trimester (week 37) of pregnancy. TSH and free T4 serum levels were measured at 37 week gestation. The children were evaluated between 38 and 60 months of age by the McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities.

Results

54.4% of the women had a free T4 below the threshold of hypothyroxinemia. We find a significant effect of maternal hypothyroxinemia on the general cognitive index, and on perceptual‐manipulative and memory coefficients.
No association between gain in body mass index across the life course and midlife cognitive function and cognitive reserve—The 1946 British birth cohort study
Authors: Albanese Emiliano , Hardy Rebecca , Wills Andrew , Kuh Diana , Guralnik Jack , Richards Marcus
Published: August 2012

Background

The association between lifelong body mass index (BMI) and cognitive function has not been comprehensively studied.

Methods

In more than 2000 men and women born in 1946, we tested associations between BMI gain at 15, 20, 26, 36, 43, and 53 years with respect to the previous measure (gain at age 15 years with respect to BMI at age 11 years), and semantic fluency (animal naming) and cognitive reserve (the National Adult Reading Test) at age 53 years, and verbal memory (word list recall) and speed/concentration (letter cancellation) at ages 43 and 53 years. Measures of BMI gain were adjusted in stages for childhood intelligence, education, socioeconomic position (SEP), lifestyle, and vascular risk factors.

Results

Independent of childhood intelligence, BMI gain between ages 26 and 36 years was associated with lower memory scores (β per SD increase in BMI in men = −0.11; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.19, −0.02), verbal fluency (β in women = −0.11; 95% CI: −0.20, −0.02), and lower National Adult Reading Test score (β in women = −0.08; 95% CI: −0.15, −0.01), but not with speed/concentration (β in men = 0.02; 95% CI: −0.11, 0.07). Associations were largely explained by educational attainment and SEP (P ≥ .10). However, BMI gain at 53 years in men was independently associated with better memory (β = 0.12; 95% CI: 0.03, 0.22), and both underweight (β = −1.54; 95% CI: −2.52, −0.57) and obese (β = −0.30; 95% CI: −2.52, −0.57) women at 53 years had significantly lower memory scores.

Conclusion

The adverse effect of higher BMI gain on midlife cognitive function and cognitive reserve is independent of childhood intelligence but not of education and SEP. The independent association between greater BMI gain in midlife and better cognitive function deserves further investigation.
Liver stiffness measurement in cirrhotic patient — Implications of disease activity and treatment efficacy
Authors: Xu Huang‐Wei , Lu Sheng‐Nan , Hung Chao‐Hung , Chang Kuo‐Chin , Hu Tsung‐Hui , Wang Jing‐Houng
Published: August 2012

Liver stiffness measurement (LSM) is a noninvasive method for the diagnosis of hepatic fibrosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of hepatitis activity and antiviral therapy on LSM in cirrhotic patients. Consecutive patients with compensated hepatic cirrhosis were enrolled for LSM. The medical records of hepatitis activity and antiviral therapy before enrollment were reviewed. Patients were stratified into inactive, fluctuating, and active groups by serial change of alanine transaminase level. For chronic hepatitis C, patients were stratified into sustained virological response (SVR) and non‐SVR (NSVR) by effect of antiviral treatment. LSM results were compared among different groups. A total of 163 patients (mean age = 57.2 ± 11.0 years) were enrolled. The median (range) LSM values were 9.6 (4.2–20.6), 10.25 (3.9–49.6), and 15.75 (4.8–61.5) kPa in the inactive, fluctuating, and active groups, respectively. Patients in the active group had significantly higher LSM values. For chronic hepatitis C, median (range) LSM values were 16.6 (8.1–61.5), 22.9 (11.1–37.4), and 11.2 (3.9–27.0) kPa in patients without antiviral therapy, in NSVR, and in SVR groups, respectively. Patients with SVR had significantly lower LSM values. For chronic hepatitis B, median (range) LSM values were 11.8 (5.1–46.6), 16.85 (4.2–48), and 10.6 (4.3–46.4 kPa) kPa in patients without oral nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA) therapy, with NA < 12, and ≧12 months, respectively. There was a significantly lower LSM value in patients with NA therapy≧12 months. There were low LSM values in cirrhotic patients without hepatitis activity, as well as with SVR in chronic hepatitis C and long‐term NA therapy in chronic hepatitis B.
A UK and Irish survey of enteral nutrition practices in paediatric intensive care units
Authors: Tume Lyvonne , Carter Bernie , Latten Lynne
Published: August 2012

The aim of the present study was to describe the present knowledge of healthcare professionals and the practices surrounding enteral feeding in the UK and Irish paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and propose recommendations for practice and research. A cross-sectional (thirty-four item) survey was sent to all PICU listed in the Paediatric Intensive Care Audit Network (PICANET) database (http://www.picanet.org.uk) in November 2010. The overall PICU response rate was 90 % (27/30 PICU; 108 individual responses in total). The overall breakdown of the professional groups was 59 % nursing staff (most were children's nurses), 27 % medical staff, 13 % dietitians and 1 % physician assistants. Most units (96 %) had some written guidance (although brief and generic) on enteral nutrition (EN); 85 % of staff, across all professional groups (P= 0·672), thought that guidelines helped to improve energy delivery in the PICU. Factors contributing to reduced energy delivery included: fluid-restrictive policies (60 %), the child just being ‘too ill’ to feed (17 %), surgical post-operative orders (16 %), nursing staff being too slow in starting feeds (7 %), frequent procedures requiring fasting (7 %) and haemodynamic instability (7 %). What constituted an ‘acceptable’ level of gastric residual volume (GRV) varied markedly across respondents, but GRV featured prominently in the decision to both stop EN and to determine feed tolerance and was similar for all professional groups. There was considerable variation across respondents about which procedures required fasting and the duration of this fasting. The present survey has highlighted the variability of the present enteral feeding practices across the UK and Ireland, particularly with regard to the use of GRV and fasting for procedures. The present study highlights a number of recommendations for both practice and research.