bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Electroactive Hybridization Indicators 2‐Phthalimido‐N‐Substitutedphenylethanesulfonamide Derivatives for Biosensor Applications: Ring Substituent Effect on Interaction between Compound and DNA
Authors: Ozkan‐Ariksoysal Dilsat , Akgul Ozlem , Aydinlik Seyma , Topkaya Seda Nur , Aladag Nilay , Ozsoz Mehmet
Published: July 2010

In this work, an electrochemical DNA‐based sensor was developed for the detection of the interaction between the anticonvulsant compounds 2‐phthalimido‐N‐substituted phenylethanesulfonamides (PMPES‐derivatives) and 24‐mer short DNA sequences by using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) based on both compound and guanine oxidation signals at the renewable carbon graphite electrode (CGE) surface. The influence of compounds on DNA showed differences depending on the nature and position of the substituent on the N‐phenyl ring. Compounds bearing 3‐methoxy, 4‐chloro and 2,6‐dimethyl substituents bind to single stranded probe DNA more strongly than the other derivatives of PMPES. Thus, these compounds were evaluated for use as an electrochemical hybridization label (indicator).
Multilayer Film Fabrication Using Flow Injection Coupled with Electrochemical Deposition
Authors: Briggle Justin , Nolidin Paul D. , Golden Teresa D.
Published: July 2010

A simple method is proposed for the electrodeposition of multilayers using a modified closed flow injection system. The apparatus incorporates flowing streams of electrolyte through a closed atmosphere flow cell for deposition of multilayers. Computer and software control is used to alternate the flow of electrolyte and control the alternating current or potential of the electrochemical cell. Electrodeposition of metallic multilayers of nickel/iron, iron/copper, cobalt/copper, and nickel/copper were used to test the instrument design. X‐ray diffraction was used to verify the composition and orientation of the films and scanning electron microscopy was used to examine the morphology of the deposited films. Advantages are discussed for using this type of instrumental setup for multilayer fabrication.
Electrochemical Immunosensing Chip Using Selective Surface Modification, Capillary‐Driven Microfluidic Control, and Signal Amplification by Redox Cycling
Authors: Kim Byung‐Kwon , Yang Sang‐Youn , Aziz Md. Abdul , Jo Kyungmin , Sung Daekyung , Jon Sangyong , Woo Han Young , Yang Haesik
Published: July 2010

A sensitive electrochemical immunosensing chip is presented by employing (i) selective modification of protein‐resistant surfaces; (ii) fabrication of a stable Ag/AgCl reference electrode; (iii) capillary‐driven microfluidic control; (iv) signal amplification by redox cycling along with enzymatic reaction. Purely capillary‐driven microfluidic control is combined with electrochemical sandwich‐type immunosensing procedure. Selective modification of the surfaces is achieved by chemical reactivity‐controlled patterning and electrochemical deposition. Fluidic control of the immunosensing chip is achieved by spontaneous capillary‐driven flows and passive washing. The detection limit for mouse IgG in the immunosensing chip is 10 pg/mL.
A Comparative Study of Electrochemical Reduction of 4‐Nitrophenyl Covalently Grafted on Gold and Carbon
Authors: Gui Alicia L. , Liu Guozhen , Chockalingam Muthukumar , Le Saux Guillaume , Luais Erwann , Harper Jason B. , Gooding J. Justin
Published: July 2010

4‐Nitrophenyl layers were grafted on gold and glassy carbon surfaces by electrochemical reductive adsorption of the corresponding diazonium salt. Electrochemical conversion efficiencies of 4‐nitrophenyl moieties to 4‐aminophenyl moieties on gold versus on glassy carbon in a protic medium were investigated using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). In total contrast to all previous comparative studies showing greater electrochemical reactivity of aryl diazonium salt‐derived layers on gold than on glassy carbon, a much lower rate of conversion to 4‐aminophenyl was observed on gold than on glassy carbon by both cyclic voltammetry (CV) and chronoamperometry (CA) methods. The lower electron transfer rate during conversion observed on gold versus glassy carbon was proposed to be due to a mechanism related to the molecular structure rearrangement of 4‐nitrophenyl during the process on glassy carbon. However, whilst complete conversion of 4‐nitrophenyl to 4‐aminophenyl on gold by chronoamperometry was achieved, on glassy carbon complete reduction could not be achieved under the same conditions.
Novel Ionophores for Barium‐Selective Electrodes: Synthesis and Analytical Characterization
Authors: Peshkova Maria A. , Timofeeva Natalia V. , Grekovich Alexander L. , Korneev Sergei M. , Mikhelson Konstantin N.
Published: July 2010

A novel way of synthesis is developed for the Ba2+ selective neutral Ionophore 2a: 2,2′‐[1,2‐phenylenebis(oxyethane‐2,1‐diyloxy)]bis(N‐benzyl‐N‐phenylacetamide) and its methyl (2b), buthyl (2c), and hexyl (2d) derivatives. Ba2+ selective electrodes based on Ionophores 2a–d are compared with those with commonly used Ionophore 1: N,N,N′,N′‐tetracyclohexyl‐oxybis(o‐phenyleneoxy) diacetamide. It is shown that Ionophores 2a–d, particularly 2b, are superior for measurements of Ba2+ in the presence of Ca2+, and in acidic solutions. Segmented sandwich membrane studies suggest formation of complexes IL22+ for Ba2+, Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions with Ionophore 2b, while H+ ions apparently form complexes H2L2+. The values of the complex formation constants are consistent with the selectivity coefficients.
Rapid Prototyped Optically Transparent Thin‐Layer Electrode Holder for Spectroelectrochemistry in Bench‐Top Spectrophotometers
Authors: Wilson Robert A. , Pinyayev Tatyana S. , Membreno Nellymar , Heineman William R.
Published: July 2010

A new optically transparent thin layer electrode (OTTLE) cell and holder have been designed to facilitate spectroelectrochemical measurements in standard bench‐top absorbance and fluorescence spectrophotometers. The use of rapid prototyping for the OTTLE cell holder combined with the selection of inexpensive OTE materials results in a practical, low‐cost spectroelectrochemical cell. The cell was characterized by thin‐layer cyclic voltammetry and coulometry of ferricyanide/ferrocyanide. Spectroelectrochemistry of tris‐(2,2′‐bipyridine) ruthenium(II) chloride (Ru(bpy)3Cl2) and 1‐hydroxypyrene (1‐pyOH) was done with commercially available bench‐top absorbance and fluorescence spectrophotometers. The good correlation between the results obtained and the known properties of each compound demonstrate that the OTTLE cell and holder provide an effective means for making spectroelectrochemical measurements in bench‐top absorbance and fluorescence spectrophotometers.
Determination of haloacetic acids in water using solid‐phase extraction/microchip capillary electrophoresis with capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection
Authors: Ding Yongsheng , Rogers Kim
Published: July 2010

Haloacetic acids (HAAs) were determined by a fast and simple analysis method based on microchip electrophoresis and capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection (C4D). Two chlorinated acetic acids, dichloroacetic acid (DCAA) and TCA were detected in swimming pool water. Different BGEs were tested, and sodium carbonate was selected as BGE for the separation and detection in the reported experiments. Additionally, pH values and concentrations of carbonate buffer were optimized. The response times for the two analytes were less than 3 min; the lowest detected concentrations for TCA and DCAA after extraction and cleanup were 38 and 62 μg/L and the RSDs for the migration times were 1.9 and 2.2%. TCA and DCAA were identified swimming pool water samples at concentrations ranging from 391 to 1058 μg/L. In combination with a SPE‐based concentration and cleanup procedure, this miniaturized system shows the potential for development as an on‐site monitoring method for chlorinated acetic acids found in swimming pool water or other suspected water systems.
Substrate interactions between toluene and methyltert‐butyl ether (MTBE) during microbial degradation by Pseudomonas putida
Authors: Lee S.G. , Kim D.J. , Choi J.W. , Lee S.H.
Published: July 2010

Pseudomonas putida is well known as a toluene‐degrading bacterium. Because methyl tert‐butyl ether (MTBE) often coexists with toluene in subsurface environment, in this study we investigated substrate interactions between toluene and MTBE, and their degradation potential in mixtures by Pseudomonas putida. Batch microcosm studies were conducted for a wide concentration range (25–200 mg L−1) to monitor bacterial growth associated with toluene and/or MTBE degradation using Pseudomonas putida previously adapted to toluene. We found that the effect of MTBE on toluene degradation was strongly concentration‐dependent, and that concentrations of either toluene or MTBE as low as 25 mg L−1 can enhance degradation of other compound, but those concentrations higher than 25 mg L−1 tend to result in negative or no effect. The negative effect was more pronounced for toluene since MTBE degradation was inhibited at a concentration of 50 mg L−1 or higher toluene. This indicates that concentrations of cocontaminants become a limiting factor for bioremediation of groundwater. Therefore, for higher degradation efficiency, care should be taken in the selection of concentration ranges of toluene and MTBE. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2011.
Correlation between fluctuation and dissipation in the case of the adsorption of acetone and ethanol by the activated carbon
Authors: Mhiri F. , Jemni A.
Published: July 2010

The previous studies have shown that the gas adsorption process in a microporous solid is due to three phenomena: the direct adsorption (transportation phenomenon), the diffusion, and the fluctuations of the energy and the adsorbed matter quantity. These studies assume that the links between the different fluctuations are constant. In this article, we propose a new model of theses links based on the probabilistic‐statistical properties of correlations and on the micropore filling theory. Currently, there is no result leading to the establishment of the general form of the correlation which is based essentially on the existing general theory of the actual statistical probability, the experiment and the scientific logic. A good agreement between the theoretical results and the measurements is obtained, which confirms the efficiency of the proposed model. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2011.
Temperature effects on functionalized filter media for nutrient removal in stormwater treatment
Authors: Chang Ni‐Bin , Wanielista Martin P. , Henderson Devan
Published: July 2010

Attempts to achieve better removal efficiencies of nutrients in stormwater treatment by using aggregates (e.g., mixes of tire crumbs, sawdust, sand, clay, zeolite, sulfur, or limestone) in filter media, has been a common practice in green infrastructures. These material mixes mainly promote the adsorption/absorption and precipitation of orthophosphate in the physicochemical process step and the transformation of ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate via oxidation and reduction reactions in the microbiological stage. Some processes, however, are known to be active only in a limited temperature range and variations in filtration kinetics of the sorption media are still unknown. This article aims to explore the filtration kinetics of selected filter media mixes for nutrient removal at various temperatures. With the basic understanding gained in material characterization, a laboratory column study was conducted to simulate the conditions in saturated media. A kinetics study of this kind allowed a comparison of a natural soil with soil augmentations in terms of nutrient removal within a range of the initial concentrations and temperatures. The temperatures (28, 23, and 10°C) were selected to reflect the normal temperature variations in subtropical regions. Significant differences of nutrient removal efficiencies associated with these temperatures were statistically confirmed by ANOVA analyses. The temperature correction factor model was finally applied to address the impact on treatment processes due to the seasonal temperature variations. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2011.
A higher detection rate for colorectal cancer and advanced adenomatous polyp for screening with immunochemical fecal occult blood test than guaiac fecal occult blood test, despite lower compliance rate. A prospective, controlled, feasibility study
Authors: Levi Zohar , Birkenfeld Shlomo , Vilkin Alex , Bar‐Chana Micha , Lifshitz Irena , Chared Miri , Maoz Eran , Niv Yaron
Published: July 2010

Immunochemical fecal occult blood test (FIT) is a new colorectal cancer (CRC) screening method already recommended by the American screening guidelines. We aimed to test the feasibility of FIT as compared to guaiac fecal occult blood test (G‐FOBT) in a large urban population of Tel Aviv. Average‐risk persons, aged 50–75 years, were offered FIT or G‐FOBT after randomization according to the socioeconomic status of their clinics. Participants with positive tests underwent colonoscopy. Participants were followed through the Cancer Registry 2 years after the study. Hemoccult SENSA™ and OC‐MICRO™ (three samples, 70 ng/ml threshold) were used. FIT was offered to 4,657 persons (Group A) and G‐FOBT to 7,880 persons (Group B). Participation rate was 25.9% and 28.8% in Group A and B, respectively (p < 0.001). Positivity rate in Group A and B was 12.7% and 3.9%, respectively (p < 0.001). Cancer found in six (0.49%) and eight (0.35%) patients of Group A and B, respectively (NS). Cancer registry follow‐up found missed cancer in five (0.22%) cases of Group B and none in Group A (NS). The sensitivity, specificity, negative and positive predictive value for cancer in Group A and B were 100%, 85.9%, 100%, 3.9% and 61.5%, 96.4%, 99.8%, 9.1%, respectively. There was increased detection of advanced adenomatous polyp (AAP) by FIT, irrespective of age, gender, and socioeconomic status (Per Protocol: odds ratio 2.69, 95% confidence interval 1.6–4.5; Intention to Screen: odds ratio 3.16, 95% confidence interval 1.8–5.4). FIT is feasible in urban, average‐risk population, which significantly improved performance for detection of AAP and CRC, despite reduced participation.
Gene expression patterns in bone following mechanical loading
Authors: Mantila Roosa Sara M , Liu Yunlong , Turner Charles H
Published: July 2010

The advent of high-throughput measurements of gene expression and bioinformatics analysis methods offers new ways to study gene expression patterns. The primary goal of this study was to determine the time sequence for gene expression in a bone subjected to mechanical loading during key periods of the bone-formation process, including expression of matrix-related genes, the appearance of active osteoblasts, and bone desensitization. A standard model for bone loading was employed in which the right forelimb was loaded axially for 3 minutes per day, whereas the left forearm served as a nonloaded contralateral control. We evaluated loading-induced gene expression over a time course of 4 hours to 32 days after the first loading session. Six distinct time-dependent patterns of gene expression were identified over the time course and were categorized into three primary clusters: genes upregulated early in the time course, genes upregulated during matrix formation, and genes downregulated during matrix formation. Genes then were grouped based on function and/or signaling pathways. Many gene groups known to be important in loading-induced bone formation were identified within the clusters, including AP-1-related genes in the early-response cluster, matrix-related genes in the upregulated gene clusters, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway inhibitors in the downregulated gene clusters. Several novel gene groups were identified as well, including chemokine-related genes, which were upregulated early but downregulated later in the time course; solute carrier genes, which were both upregulated and downregulated; and muscle-related genes, which were primarily downregulated. © 2011 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Optimization of a molecular mechanics force field for polyoxometalates based on a genetic algorithm
Authors: Courcot Blandine , Bridgeman Adam J.
Published: July 2010

A stochastic technique based on genetic algorithms was implemented to develop new force fields by optimizing molecular mechanics (MM) parameters. These force fields have been optimized for inorganic compounds such as polyoxometalates (POMs) and especially for type‐I polymolybdate and polytungstate clusters. Focussing on the methodology of the development of the force fields, they were tested for the prediction of structural parameters, comparing the MM optimized structures with the geometry obtained after an optimization based on density functional theory. Results show that the genetic algorithm converges toward an optimum combination of parameters which successfully reproduces POMs structures with a high degree of accuracy. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2011
ACEi/ARB for systolic heart failure: Closing the quality gap with a sustainable intervention at an academic medical center
Authors: Qian Qi , Manning Dennis M. , Ou Narith , Klarich Mark J. , Leutink Dorinda J. , Loth Ann R. , Lopez‐Jimenez Francisco
Published: July 2010

BACKGROUND:

National guidelines recommend angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEi) or angiotensinogen receptor blocker (ARB) therapy for patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD), including those with symptomatic heart failure (HF). However, guideline adherence has not been optimal. The goal of this quality improvement project is to devise and implement a sustainable care‐delivery model in a 920‐bed academic hospital center that would improve ACEi/ARB adherence before hospital discharge.

METHODS:

The Model of intervention is: (1) a computer‐based daily screening program; (2) inpatient pharmacist e‐flag message; and (3) alerts for inpatient care teams. Its operating algorithm: If eligible adult HF/LVSD inpatients are not on ACEi or ARB nor documentation of contraindications, a flag alert is generated; deficiency is confirmed by a pharmacist and conveyed to the patient‐care teams; if alert is acted on and care brought into adherence, the screening program would not re‐flag the same patients the succeeding day; if not, the patients would be re‐flagged daily until reaching adherence. We compared ACEi/ARB adherence before, during, and after the intervention.

RESULTS:

Baseline performance (percentage of eligible HF/LVSD patients receiving ACEi/ARB) was 87.5%. After implementation of the Model the ACEi/ARB adherence rate at the time of hospital discharge rose to 96.7% (P < 0.002) and was sustained for 21 months without needing additional personnel.

CONCLUSIONS:

A carefully designed, computer‐based care‐delivery model is highly efficient and sustainable for enhancing ACEi/ARB adherence. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2010. © 2010 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Ultrafast imaging: Principles, pitfalls, solutions, and applications
Authors: Tsao Jeffrey
Published: July 2010

Ultrafast MRI refers to efficient scan techniques that use a high percentage of the scan time for data acquisition. Often, they are used to achieve short scan duration ranging from sub‐second to several seconds. Alternatively, they may form basic components of longer scans that may be more robust or have higher image quality. Several important applications use ultrafast imaging, including real‐time dynamic imaging, myocardial perfusion imaging, high‐resolution coronary imaging, functional neuroimaging, diffusion imaging, and whole‐body scanning. Over the years, echo‐planar imaging (EPI) and spiral imaging have been the main ultrafast techniques, and they will be the focus of the review. In practice, there are important challenges with these techniques, as it is easy to push imaging speed too far, resulting in images of a nondiagnostic quality. Thus, it is important to understand and balance the trade‐off between speed and image quality. The purpose of this review is to describe how ultrafast imaging works, the potential pitfalls, current solutions to overcome the challenges, and the key applications. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2010;32:252–266. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Diffusion‐weighted MRI for monitoring tumor response to photodynamic therapy
Authors: Wang Hesheng , Fei Baowei
Published: July 2010

Purpose:

To examine diffusion‐weighted MRI (DW‐MRI) for assessing the early tumor response to photodynamic therapy (PDT).

Materials and Methods:

Subcutaneous tumor xenografts of human prostate cancer cells (CWR22) were initiated in athymic nude mice. A second‐generation photosensitizer, Pc 4, was delivered to each animal by a tail vein injection 48 h before laser illumination. A dedicated high‐field (9.4 Tesla) small animal MR scanner was used to acquire diffusion‐weighted MR images pre‐PDT and 24 h after the treatment. DW‐MRI and apparent diffusion coefficients (ADC) were analyzed for 24 treated and 5 control mice with photosensitizer only or laser light only. Tumor size, prostate specific antigen (PSA) level, and tumor histology were obtained at different time points to examine the treatment effect.

Results:

Treated mice showed significant tumor size shrinkage and decrease of PSA level within 7 days after the treatment. The average ADC of the 24 treated tumors increased 24 h after PDT (P < 0.001) comparing with pre‐PDT. The average ADC was 0.511 ± 0.119 × 10−3 mm2/s pre‐PDT and 0.754 ± 0.181 × 10−3 mm2/s 24 h after the PDT. There is no significant difference in ADC values pre‐PDT and 24 h after PDT in the control tumors (P = 0.20).

Conclusion:

The change of tumor ADC values measured by DW‐MRI may provide a noninvasive imaging marker for monitoring tumor response to Pc 4‐PDT as early as 24 h. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2010;32:409–417. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
MR‐based visualization and quantification of three‐dimensional flow characteristics in the portal venous system
Authors: Stankovic Zoran , Frydrychowicz Alex , Csatari Zoltan , Panther Elisabeth , Deibert Peter , Euringer Wulf , Kreisel Wolfgang , Russe Maximilian , Bauer Simon , Langer Mathias , Markl Michael
Published: July 2010

Purpose:

To evaluate the feasibility of time‐resolved flow‐sensitive MRI for the three‐dimensional (3D) visualization and quantification of normal and pathological portal venous (PV) hemodynamics.

Materials and Methods:

Portal venous hemodynamics were evaluated in 18 healthy volunteers and 5 patients with liver cirrhosis. ECG‐ and adaptive respiratory navigator gated flow‐sensitive 4D MRI (time‐resolved 3D MRI with three‐directional velocity encoding) was performed on a 3 Tesla MR system (TRIO, Siemens, Germany). Qualitative flow analysis was achieved using 3D streamlines and time‐resolved particle traces originating from seven emitter planes precisely placed at anatomical landmarks in the PV system. Quantitative analysis included retrospective extraction of regional peak and mean velocities and vessel area. Results were compared with standard 2D flow‐sensitive MRI and to the reference standard Doppler ultrasound.

Results:

Qualitative flow analysis was successfully used in the entire PV system. Venous hemodynamics in all major branches in 17 of 18 volunteers and 3 of 5 patients were reliably depicted with good interobserver agreement (kappa = 0.62). Quantitative analysis revealed no significant differences and moderate agreement for peak velocities between 3D MR and 2D MRI (r = 0.46) and Doppler ultrasound (US) (r = 0.35) and for mean velocities between 3D and 2D MRI (r = 0.41). The PV area was significantly (P < 0.01) higher in 3D and 2D MRI compared with US.

Conclusion:

We successfully applied 3D MR velocity mapping in the PV system, providing a detailed qualitative and quantitative analysis of normal and pathological hemodynamics. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2010;32:466–475. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Perfusion MRI in neuro‐psychiatric systemic lupus erthemathosus
Authors: Emmer Bart J. , van Osch Matthias J. , Wu Ona , Steup‐Beekman Gerda M. , Steens Stefan C. , Huizinga Tom W. , van Buchem Mark A. , van der Grond Jeroen
Published: July 2010

Purpose:

To use perfusion weighted MR to quantify any perfusion abnormalities and to determine their contribution to neuropsychiatric (NP) involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Materials and methods:

We applied dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) perfusion MRI in 15 active NPSLE, 26 inactive NPSLE patients, and 11 control subjects. Cerebral blood flow (CBF), cerebral blood volume (CBV), and mean transit time (MTT) maps were reconstructed and regions of interest were compared between groups. In addition, the effect of SLE criteria, NPSLE syndromes, immunological coagulation disorder, and medication on CBF, CBV, and MTT was investigated.

Results:

No significant differences were found between the groups in CBF, CBV, and MTT. No significant influence of SLE criteria or NPSLE syndromes on CBF, CBV, or MTT was found. No significant influence of anti‐cardiolipin antibodies, lupus anti‐coagulant, the presence of anti‐phospholipid syndrome (APS), or medication on CBF, CBV, or MTT was found.

Conclusion:

Our findings suggest CBF, CBV, and MTT in the white and the gray matter in SLE patients is not significantly different from healthy controls or between patients with and without specific symptoms or with and without immunological disorder involving coagulation. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2010;32:283–288. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Focal nodular hyperplasia: Central scar enhancement pattern using gadoxetate disodium
Authors: Karam Adib R. , Shankar Sridhar , Surapaneni Padmaja , Kim Young H. , Hussain Sarwat
Published: July 2010

Purpose:

To illustrate the unusual enhancement pattern of the focal nodular hyperplasia central scar using Gadoxetate Disodium.

Materials and Methods:

Over a 10‐month period, six patients, with a total of seven focal nodular hyperplasia lesions with typical central scar, had MRI of the liver using Gadoxetate Disodium (Eovist, Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc., Wayne, NJ). Four of the six patients had a prior Gadobenate Dimeglumine (Multihance, Bracco Diagnostics Inc., Princeton, NJ) ‐enhanced MRI of the liver performed within the previous year. The dynamic enhancement pattern of the central scar on the 10 liver MRIs was independently analyzed by two abdominal imaging radiologists who were blinded to the contrast agent used.

Results:

On the Gadoxetate Disodium‐enhanced MRIs and during the arterial phase, 1‐min, 2‐min, and 3‐min delay, none of the central scars demonstrated enhancement. However, all four of the lesions that were previously scanned using Gadobenate Dimeglumine demonstrated typical enhancement after a 3‐min delay.

Conclusion:

On Gadoxetate Disodium‐enhanced MRIs of the liver, the central scar of focal nodular hyperplasia lesions does not typically demonstrate delayed enhancement. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2010;32:341–344. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Texture‐based classification of focal liver lesions on MRI at 3.0 Tesla: A feasibility study in cysts and hemangiomas
Authors: Mayerhoefer Marius E. , Schima Wolfgang , Trattnig Siegfried , Pinker Katja , Berger‐Kulemann Vanessa , Ba‐Ssalamah Ahmed
Published: July 2010

Purpose:

To determine the feasibility of texture analysis for the classification of liver cysts and hemangiomas, on nonenhanced, zero‐fill interpolated T1‐ and T2‐weighted MR images.

Materials and Methods:

Forty‐five patients (26 women and 19 men; mean age, 58.1 ± 16.9 years) with liver cysts or hemangiomas were enrolled in the study. After exclusion of images with artifacts, T1‐weighted images of 42 patients, and T2‐weighted images of 39 patients, obtained at 3.0 Tesla (T), were available for further analysis. Texture features derived from the gray‐level histogram, co‐occurrence and run‐length matrix, gradient, autoregressive model, and wavelet transform were calculated. Fisher, probability of classification error and average correlation (POE+ACC), and mutual information coefficients were used to extract subsets of optimized texture features. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) in combination with k nearest neighbor (k‐NN) classification, and k‐means clustering, were used for lesion classification.

Results:

LDA/k‐NN produced misclassification rates of 16–18% on T1‐weighted, and 12–18% on T2‐weighted images. K‐means clustering yielded misclassification rates of 15–23% on T1‐weighted, and 15–25% on T2‐weighted images.

Conclusion:

Texture‐based classification of liver cysts and hemangiomas is feasible on zero‐fill interpolated MR images obtained at 3.0T. Further studies are warranted to investigate the value of texture‐based classification of other liver lesions, such as hepatocellular and cholangiocellular carcinoma, on MRI. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2010;32:352–359. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
3D flow‐independent peripheral vessel wall imaging using T2‐prepared phase‐sensitive inversion‐recovery steady‐state free precession
Authors: Xie Jingsi , Bi Xiaoming , Fan Zhaoyang , Bhat Himanshu , Shah Saurabh , Zuehlsdorff Sven , Li Debiao
Published: July 2010

Purpose:

To develop a 3D flow‐independent peripheral vessel wall imaging method using T2‐prepared phase‐sensitive inversion‐recovery (T2PSIR) steady‐state free precession (SSFP).

Materials and Methods:

A 3D T2‐prepared and nonselective inversion‐recovery SSFP sequence was designed to achieve flow‐independent blood suppression for vessel wall imaging based on T1 and T2 properties of the vessel wall and blood. To maximize image contrast and reduce its dependence on the inversion time (TI), phase‐sensitive reconstruction was used to restore the true signal difference between vessel wall and blood. The feasibility of this technique for peripheral artery wall imaging was tested in 13 healthy subjects. Image signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR), wall/lumen contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR), and scan efficiency were compared between this technique and conventional 2D double inversion recovery – turbo spin echo (DIR‐TSE) in eight subjects.

Results:

3D T2PSIR SSFP provided more efficient data acquisition (32 slices and 64 mm in 4 minutes, 7.5 seconds per slice) than 2D DIR‐TSE (2–3 minutes per slice). SNR of the vessel wall and CNR between vessel wall and lumen were significantly increased as compared to those of DIR‐TSE (P < 0.001). Vessel wall and lumen areas of the two techniques are strongly correlated (intraclass correlation coefficients: 0.975 and 0.937, respectively; P < 0.001 for both). The lumen area of T2PSIR SSFP is slightly larger than that of DIR‐TSE (P = 0.008). The difference in vessel wall area between the two techniques is not statistically significant.

Conclusion:

T2PSIR SSFP is a promising technique for peripheral vessel wall imaging. It provides excellent blood signal suppression and vessel wall/lumen contrast. It can cover a 3D volume efficiently and is flow‐ and TI‐independent. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2010;32:399–408. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of fertilizer type and rate on labile soil fractions of a sandy Cambisol—long‐term and short‐term dynamics
Authors: Heitkamp Felix , Raupp Joachim , Ludwig Bernard
Published: July 2010

The application of density fractionation is an established technique, but studies on short‐term dynamics of labile soil fractions are scarce. Objectives were (1) to quantify the long‐term and short‐term dynamics of soil C and N in light fraction (LFOC, LFON, ρ ≤ 2.0 g cm–3) and microbial biomass C (Cmic) in a sandy Cambisol as affected by 28 y of different fertilization and (2) to determine the incorporation of C4‐C into these labile fractions during one growing season of amaranth. The treatments were: straw incorporation plus application of mineral fertilizer (MSI) and application of farmyard manure (FYM) each at high (MSIH, FYMH, 140–150 kg N ha–1 y–1) and low (MSIL, FYML, 50–60 kg N ha–1 y–1) rates at four field replicates. For all three sampling dates in 2008 (March, May, and September), stocks of LFOC, LFON and Cmic decreased in the order FYMH > FYML > MSIH, MSIL. However, statistical significance varied markedly among the sampling dates, e.g., with LFOC being significantly different (p ≤ 0.05) in the order given above (sampling date in March), significantly different depending on the fertilizer type (May), or nonsignificant (September). The high proportion of LFOC on the stocks of soil organic C (45% to 55%) indicated the low capacity of soil‐organic‐matter stabilization on mineral surfaces in the sandy Cambisol. The incorporation of C4‐C in the LFOC during one growing season of amaranth was small in all four treatments with C4‐LFOC ranging from 2.1% to 3.0% of total LFOC in March 2009, and apparent turnover times of C3‐derived LFOC ranged from 21 to 32 y for the sandy soils studied. Overall, our study indicates that stocks of LFOC and LFON in a sandy arable soil are temporarily too variable to obtain robust significant treatment effects of fertilizer type and rate at common agricultural practices within a season, despite the use of bulked six individual cores per plot, a common number of field replicates of four, and a length of treatments (28 y) in the order of the turnover time (21–32 y) of C3‐derived LFOC.
Lasers in Wafer‐based PV Module Production
Authors: Wirth Harry
Published: July 2010

Photovoltaic plays an important role in sustainable energy supply scenarios of the next decades. The photovoltaic industry has experienced strong growth in the 21st century and is expected to continue its progress (Figure 1). In 2009, waferbased module technology made up for more than 80 percent of the global PV market; the rest is shared among various thin film technologies. This article provides an overview of laser production technology used for wafer‐based photovoltaic module production.
Processing of glass former alloys by spray forming
Authors: Kiminami C. S. , Botta W. J. , Bolfarini C.
Published: July 2010

Spray forming (SF) can be classified as a two‐stage manufacturing process in which solidification begins during particle flight, a relatively rapid solidification step that ends as the deposit builds up, with the remaining liquid droplets solidifying at considerably slower rates. Due to the high cooling rate of the atomization step and the special conditions of deposit buildup, with incoming materials dynamically refining the solidifying material, as‐sprayed deposits typically display a fine‐scale microstructure which may also exhibit some extended solid solubility and metastable phases. Our group has studied several alloys in order to investigate the potential formation of novel microstructures by this process. This paper describes some of the results obtained by spray forming of aluminum‐ and iron‐based alloys, whose compositions derive from rapid solidification studies aimed at obtaining amorphous structures. Al85Y8Ni5Co2, Fe83Zr3.5Nb3.5B9Cu1, [(Fe0.6Co0.4)0.75B0.2Si0.05]96Nb4, and Fe63Nb10Al4Si3B20 glass‐forming alloys were processed. Formation of amorphous phase was observed throughout the deposit of the Al‐based alloy processed at a high G/M ratio, which was not observed in the Fe‐based alloys. In addition, the [(Fe0.6Co0.4)0.75B0.2Si0.05]96Nb4 alloy, which displayed the highest glass‐forming ability among the Fe‐based alloys, showed a high volume percent of amorphous phase formation up to 4mm thickness of the deposit, a similar value obtained for this alloy when processed by copper mold casting.
Study of binary in‐flight melt droplet collisions
Authors: Gao S. , Fritsching U.
Published: July 2010

Metal Powder production by means of atomization of a melt and subsequent solidification of the droplets in the spray has important industrial applications. Atomization is one of the main routes in powder production for powder metallurgy applications. The particle morphology of sprayed powders, i. e. particle shape and particle size distribution, is significantly affected by droplet / particle collisions in the spray. The main objective of the present contribution is the investigation of the melt droplet collision process and the collision outcome by an experimental study of binary melt droplet impacts. Here, Carnauba wax as a low melting point material has been used. The binary droplet impact process is achieved with impacting melt droplets produced by two intersecting droplet generators. The influence of the collision parameter (inclination angle of droplets before impact) on the collision process and the resulting particle morphology after the collision process is investigated.

Zerstäubungsverfahren sind ein wesentlicher Herstellungsprozess für Pulver aus metallischen und keramischen Materialien. Metallpulver werden im Zerstäubungsprozess durch die Zerstäubung einer Schmelze mit anschließender Erstarrung der Tropfen im Spray während des Fluges erzeugt. Derartig hergestellte Metallpulver werden in zahlreichen Anwendungen verwendet. Wesentliche Partikelmerkmale metallischer Pulver sind die Partikelform und die Partikelgröße. Diese Partikelmerkmale beeinflussen die Anwendungs‐ und Verarbeitungseigenschaften metallischer Pulver signifikant. Die Partikelgrößenverteilung wie auch die Form der im Sprühverfahren erzeugten Pulver wird maßgeblich durch Kollisionsvorgänge der Tropfen und Partikeln im Spray beeinflusst. Die Analyse von Tropfenkollisionsvorgängen im Spray bei der Zerstäubung von Schmelzen steht im Fokus der hier vorzustellenden Arbeiten. Als einfacher zu handhabendes Stoffsystem wird dabei ein niedrigschmelzendes Material (Carnauba‐Wachs) in den experimentellen Untersuchungen zu Tropfenkollision verwendet. Der binäre Kollisionsvorgang zweier Tropfen wird auf der Basis von Wachstropfen im Größenbereich von 380 μm, erzeugt durch temperierbare Tropfengeneratoren, untersucht. Der Einfluss des Impaktparameters (Tropfenstoßwinkel) auf den Tropfenkollisionsvorgang und die Morphologie der erstarrten Partikel nach der Kollision wird ausgewertet und diskutiert.
Online‐Handbuch für physikalisch‐chemische Fakten
Authors: Vogt Jürgen
Published: July 2010

Landolt‐Börnstein online bietet kritisch evaluierte Information aus Naturwissenschaft und Technik vom Elementarteilchen bis zu hochentwickelten Materialien.
Den Mangel messen
Authors: Rychlik Michael , Mönch Sabine
Published: July 2010

Die Versorgung mit Folat durch Lebensmittel ist bei uns unzureichend. Um die Diskussion um eine Zwangsanreicherung von Lebensmitteln auf eine sichere Basis zu stellen, erfordert die Analytik dieser Vitamingruppe spezifische und empfindliche Verfahren.
Organische Totalsynthese – Quo vadis?
Authors: Mulzer Johann
Published: July 2010

Erfolg in der Naturstoffsynthese kann nur haben, wer die Mittel und Wege kennt, die Probleme beim Aufbau komplexer Molekülgerüste zu bewältigen, sowie Fehlschläge toleriert und richtig interpretiert – die “ideale Synthese” wird, trotz vieler Erfolge, ein Wunschtraum bleiben. Das Feld ist lebendig wie eh und je, wie auch der Zustrom von hervorragenden Doktoranden zu präparativ arbeitenden Forschungsgruppen zeigt.
Nur Forschung oder auch Lehre?
Authors: Auer Alexander A. , Lehmann Matthias
Published: July 2010

Nun gibt es den Juniorprofessor in ganz Deutschland – als letztes Bundesland hat Sachsen in diesem Jahr die Novelle des Hochschulrahmengesetzes aus dem Jahr 2004 in Landesrecht umgesetzt und Juniorprofessoren auch offiziell als Hochschullehrer berufen. Ob sich das Modell Juniorprofessur durchsetzen wird, hängt jetzt von den Hochschulen ab.
In Ulm einen Job finden
Authors: Schmitz Karin
Published: July 2010

Zum vierten Mal lädt die GDCh beim Wissenschaftsforum zum Jobcenter ein.
Stoffe identifizieren und Konzentrationen bestimmen
Authors: Vogel Eva
Published: July 2010

Die Bestimmung von Dichte und Brechungsindex zur Identifikation, zur Reinheits‐ oder Konzentrationsbestimmung von Vergällungsmitteln und Lebensmittelzusatzstoffen lässt sich automatisieren und so beschleunigen. Dies erhöht überdies die Reproduzierbarkeit.
Study of the medieval dogs from novgorod, Russia (X–XIV century)
Authors: Zinoviev A.V.
Published: July 2010

The aim of this study was to investigate the diversity of dogs in medieval Novgorod. Based on the unique osteological collection of canine bones from layers of 10th to 14th centuries AD, research showed that the ‘classical’ medium‐sized mesocephalic animals were the most widespread in the city in the discussed times. Well suitable for the alarm guarding, they were rarely used for food or skins. Smaller and larger specimens are rare and most likely represent the luxury breeds of upper classes or prosperous citizens. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The 14‐item Michigan Diabetes Knowledge Test: translation and validation study of the Malaysian version
Authors: Al‐Qazaz HK , Hassali MA , Shafie AA , Sulaiman SAS , Sundram S
Published: July 2010

The aims of this study were to translate the Michigan Diabetes Knowledge Test (MDKT) into the Malaysian language, and to examine the psychometric properties of the Malaysian version.

A standard translation procedure was used to create the Malaysian version of the MDKT from the original English version. A convenience sample of 307 outpatients with type 2 diabetes was identified between May and October 2009. All data were collected from the Penang General Hospital, Penang, Malaysia. Instruments consisted of the Malaysian version of the MDKT and a socio‐demographic questionnaire. Medical records were reviewed for haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels and other clinical data. Reliability was tested for internal consistency using Cronbach's alpha coefficient.

Employing the recommended scoring method, the mean±SD of MDKT scores was 7.88±3.01. Good internal consistency was found (Cronbach's alpha = 0.702); the test‐retest reliability value was 0.894 (p<0.001). For known group validity, a significant relationship between MDKT categories and HbA1c categories (chi‐square = 21.626; p≥0.001) was found.

The findings of this validation study indicate that the Malaysian version of the MDKT is a reliable and valid measure of diabetes knowledge which can now be used in clinical and research practice. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons.
Effectiveness of staged diabetes management on the quality of diabetes care in Mexico
Authors: Rodriguez‐Saldana J , Morales de Teresa MA , Rosales‐Campos AC , Clark CM , Mazze RS , Strock E
Published: July 2010

The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of staged diabetes management, a structured programme developed by the International Diabetes Center in Minneapolis, USA, on the quality of outpatient diabetes care at the primary level in Mexico.

A prospective study was conducted in patients treated at outpatient diabetes clinics established in public health centres in 2001–2007 in Hidalgo, Mexico. Diabetes care was provided by multidisciplinary teams which included general physicians and nurses as a minimum. Organisational arrangements were made to reduce waiting times, avoid rotation of staff, and provide adequate time for baseline and follow‐up visits. Process and outcomes indicators of quality of diabetes care included body mass index, blood pressure, fasting/casual blood glucose, lipoprotein measurement, haemoglobin A1c, and foot examination.

Analysis of 4393 patients showed increases in the percentage of recorded process indicators of quality of diabetes care between baseline and the fifth visit: body mass index 85.5 vs 95.9%; blood pressure measurement 74.4 vs 95.6%; HbA1c 12.9 vs 17.7%; total cholesterol 18.3 vs 55.9%; and foot examination 19.1 vs 94.9%. Significant differences were noted by a decrease in fasting blood glucose (185.75±79.01 vs 162.89±72.53mg/dl, p<0.001), and a 3.6 percentage point decrease in HbA1c (12.05±4.47 vs 8.45±1.89%, p<0.001).

These results suggest that it is possible to improve the quality of diabetes care at the primary level; this can be done through the implementation of a programme that integrates: changes in the structure and in the process of care, customised clinical guidelines, and a standardised system of information that enables measuring clinical results with very limited resources. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons.
Diabetes specialist nursing in the UK: the judgement call? A review of existing literature
Authors: James J
Published: July 2010

The role of the diabetes specialist nurse (DSN) has evolved since its inception over 70 years ago. Now, 1363 DSNs work in the UK, in various health care settings. The need to work within a culture of evidence‐based practice and clinical and cost effectiveness, along with a perceived lack of evidence within diabetes specialist nursing, has prompted investigation into the role and efficacy of UK‐based DSNs.

This review discusses the workforce demographics of DSNs employed in the UK, the evolving specialist nurse role and the clinical and cost effectiveness of specialist nursing. The DSNs' roles and workforce issues were assessed using existing surveys and reports. Clinical and cost effectiveness of DSNs were explored using a systematic literature review. This article is based on the Janet Kinson Lecture given at the 2010 Diabetes UK Annual Professional Conference in Liverpool, which gave an overview of specialist nursing, current literature supporting DSN practice and insights into challenges facing the profession in the current NHS culture of efficiency savings. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons.
“Save 30% if you buy today”. Online pharmacies and the enhancement of peripheral thinking in consumers
Authors: Orizio Grazia , Rubinelli Sara , Schulz Peter J. , Domenighini Serena , Bressanelli Maura , Caimi Luigi , Gelatti Umberto
Published: July 2010

Purpose

Online pharmacies (OPs) are recognized as a potential threat to public health. The growth of an unregulated global drugs market risks increasing the spread of counterfeit medicines which are often delivered to consumers without a medical prescription. The aim of the study was to assess the strategies of argumentation that OPs adopt in their marketing.

Methods

A sample of 175 OPs was analyzed using the content‐analysis method, and evaluated by relying on the Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM) of persuasion.

Results

Almost 80% of the sample of OPs did not ask for a medical prescription by the consumer's physician. The selling arguments used included privacy policy, economic, quality, and service issues. About one‐third of the OPs did not declare any side‐effects regarding the drugs offered.

Conclusion

Our results show that OPs advertise their products in an argumentative fashion that enhances consumers' peripheral reflection: by analogically playing with the selling of other commodities, they magnify aspects of the online trade that consumers might find convenient, but overshadow the nature and risks of the actual products they sell. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.