bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modulation of the Physicochemical Properties of Heteropolynuclear Assemblies Containing Lanthanide Ions and 2,2′‐oxydiacetate
Authors: Kremer Carlos , Torres Julia , Peluffo Florencia , Pintos Valentina , Suescun Leopoldo , Faccio Ricardo , Mombrú Alvaro W. , Domínguez Sixto
Published: July 2011

Summary: This work focuses on the polynuclear complexes formed by a lanthanide ion (Ln), a bivalent cation (M) and oxydiacetate (oda) as bridging ligand, with general formula [Ln2M3(oda)6(H2O)6] · xH2O. The complexes can adopt more than one polymorphic structure, being the hexagonal (P6/mcc) and cubic (Fd3c) the most noticeable, as determined by x‐ray powder diffraction. The influence of Ln and M on the solid‐state structure is discussed. In addition, potentiometric studies are performed to support the existence of polynuclear species in solution.
Refractory Metal‐Containing Polymers and Nanocomposites: Preparation and Properties
Authors: Dzhardimalieva Gulzhian I. , Pomogailo Svetlana I. , Golubeva Nina D. , Pomogailo Anatolii D.
Published: July 2011

Summary: Novel polymers containing refractory metal in the main chain or side chains can be prepared. An attractive approach is polymerization of the Hf (Ta, Nb)‐monomers with (meth)acrylate, fumarate or monomethylmethacrylate ethyleneglycol groups, synthesized for the first time in this study. New types of hafnium (tantalum, niobium)‐containing nanocomposites are prepared by combining polymer synthesis and controlled thermolysis. The composition and structure of the synthesized metal‐containing precursors and thermolysis products are determined by elemental analysis, IR and 1H‐NMR spectroscopies, X‐ray diffraction and TEM analysis.
Eine schwimmende Sinneszelle
Authors: Friedrich Benjamin M. , Kaupp U. Benjamin
Published: July 2011

Angetrieben von regelmäßigen Wellenbewegungen ihrer Geißel schwimmen Seeigelspermien entlang von gekrümmten Schwimmbahnen in Spirallinien. Dies erlaubt es den Spermien, eine chemische Fährte aufzunehmen und die Eizelle zu orten. Dabei verarbeitet das Spermium ein chemisches Signal der Eizelle mit einer ähnlichen “Hardware” wie sie Nervenzellen verwenden. Entsprechend steuert das Spermium seine Schwimmbahn. Ein einfaches geometrisches Prinzip ermöglicht eine robuste Navigation. Auch viele andere Mikroschwimmer verwenden es.
Atomix – handliche Festkörperphysik
Authors: Ucke Christian , Schlichting Hans Joachim
Published: July 2011

Der frankokanadische Künstler François Dallegret entwickelte 1966 ein einfaches, jetzt wieder erhältliches Modell namens Atomix, mit dem sich atomar‐kristalline Strukturen wie die hexagonale Gitterstruktur, Stapelfehler, Korngrenzen und Leerstellen spielerisch erzeugen und anschaulich demonstrieren lassen. Darüber hinaus lassen sich elektrostatische Effekte beobachten.
Präparation eines ultrakalten Designeratoms
Authors: Serwane Friedhelm , Jochim Selim
Published: July 2011

In Experimenten am Physikalischen Institut der Universität Heidelberg ist es gelungen, mit ultrakalten Atomen ein einstellbares Wenigteilchensystem, gewissermaßen ein “Designeratom”, zu realisieren. Dieses System kann dazu beitragen, grundlegende Bausteine der Materie wie Atome und Kerne, welche ebenso aus wenigen Fermionen zusammengesetzt sind, besser zu verstehen.
Informationsaustausch am Quantenlimit
Authors: Ritter Stephan
Published: July 2011

Quantenspeicher für Photonen sind eine Voraussetzung für die Übertragung von Quanteninformation über weite Distanzen und damit sowohl für die Quantenkryptographie als auch für Netzwerke aus Quantencomputern. Am Max‐Planck‐Institut für Quantenoptik in Garching haben wir jetzt Quanteninformation von einem Photon auf ein einzelnes Atom übertragen, dort abgespeichert und anschließend in Form eines neuen Einzelphotons wieder ausgelesen.
Wie das Knacken in den Geiger‐Zähler kam
Authors: Korff Sebastian
Published: July 2011

Das Elektronenzählrohr, auch Geiger‐Müller‐Zählrohr oder kurz Geiger‐Zähler genannt, ist einfach ausgedrückt ein Apparat, der radioaktive Strahlung detektieren kann. Er ist nicht zuletzt nach den Ereignissen in Fukushima oder dem diesjährigen 25. Jahrestag der Katastrophe in Tschernobyl im gesellschaftlichen Gedächtnis präsent und wird stets mit dem Begriffscluster der Radioaktivität verbunden. Den ersten funktionsfähigen Prototyp baute Walter Müller im Frühjahr 1928 unter der Leitung von Hans Geiger an der Christian‐Albrechts Universität Kiel.
Leben unter dem Übervater
Authors: Loos Andreas
Published: July 2011

Sein Geburtsjahr ist umstritten – die Angaben differieren um bis zu elf Jahre. Sicher ist aber, dass er das Kind eines Professors ist, der in einer niederländischen Kleinstadt mathematische Wissenschaften und anderes lehrt. Falls der späteste Geburtstermin stimmen würde, wäre er obendrein ein Wunderkind: In diesem unwahrscheinlichen Falle hätte er bereits mit neun Jahren (vertretungsweise) Lehrveranstaltungen an der Universität übernommen.
A computational exploration of the mechanisms for the acid‐catalytic urea–formaldehyde reaction: new insight into the old topic
Authors: Li Tao Hong , Wang Chuan Ming , Xie Xiao Guang , Du Guan Ben
Published: July 2011

Some initial acid‐catalytic reactions involved in the synthesis of the urea‐formaldehyde resin were theoretically investigated at B3LYP and MP2 levels with solvent effects included. The results suggest that the addition between urea and formaldehyde in neutral condition undergoes with a concerted mechanism represented by a four‐member ring transition state. For this reaction, a notable barrier (above 130 kJ/mol) was identified at all theoretical levels. The reactions between urea and different protonated forms of formaldehyde in acid solution were investigated. The reaction between protonated methanediol with urea can produce the methylol urea cation via an SN2 transition state with a lower barrier of 54.8 kJ/mol. With the mediation of a water molecule, the intra‐molecular proton transfer produces the stable methylol carbonium (NH2CONHCH2+), which plays an important role in the following formation of methylene and methylene ether linkages. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A test of the psychometric properties of the cancer locus of control scale in Greek patients with advanced cancer
Authors: Mystakidou Kyriaki , Tsilika Eleni , Parpa Efi , Panagiotou Irene , Galanos Antonis , Gouliamos Athanasios , Watson Maggie
Published: July 2011

Objective

The study aimed to assess the psychometric properties of the Cancer Locus of Control (CLOC) scale on a Greek sample of advanced cancer patients.

Methods

The scale was translated with the forward–backward procedure to Greek. The CLOC scale was administered to 140 advanced cancer patients. It was administered twice, with a 3‐day interval, to 100 (of the 140) eligible patients with advanced cancer. Together with the CLOC scale, the patients also completed the Greek Mental Adjustment to Cancer (G‐MAC) scale. Confirmatory factor analysis was carried out using the AMOS 7.0 analysis. The reliability was assessed by the internal consistency (Cronbach's α coefficients), test–retest (Spearman's r value) of the instrument, and inter‐item correlations. Construct validity was assessed using the G‐MAC scale, interscale correlations, item–scale correlations, and scales–total correlations.

Results

The homogeneity of the subscales proved to be satisfactory (α coefficient ranged from 0.713 to 0.786). Overall test–retest reliability was satisfactory at p < 0.0005. Construct validity has shown moderate correlations with G‐MAC p < 0.0005. Interscale and inter‐item correlations were satisfactory at p < 0.05.

Conclusions

The results suggest that the Greek version of CLOC administered in cancer patients treated in a palliative care unit is a reliable and valid clinical instrument. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The escalating threat of Rhizoctonia cerealis, the causal agent of sharp eyespot in wheat
Authors: Hamada Mohamed Sobhy , Yin Yanni , Chen Huaigu , Ma Zhonghua
Published: July 2011

Rhizoctonia cerealis, the causal agent of sharp eyespot on wheat, was not considered to be an important pathogen for many years. Recently, the disease has become endemic in many countries except for South America. The disease has created a new threat to world wheat production because the damage of wheat sharp eyespot has become increasingly severe. In this paper, previous studies on this pathogen, including the disease geographical distribution, pathogen identification, life cycle, symptoms, favourable environmental conditions, effects on wheat yield and control strategy, are reviewed. Such information will be helpful in management of sharp eyespot. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
EPR evidence of antiferromagnetic ordering in single‐layer graphene
Authors: Augustyniak‐Jabłokow Maria A. , Tadyszak Krzysztof , Maćkowiak Mariusz , Yablokov Yurii V.
Published: July 2011

We report electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) evidence of the antiferromagnetic ordering in pristine single‐layer graphene. Temperature dependences of the parameters of EPR spectra obtained for vacuum‐processed samples were studied within the temperature range of 4.2–300 K. Our experiment has confirmed recent theoretical predictions that in single‐layer graphene the carrier‐mediated exchange interaction leads to antiferromagnetic coupling. We note some quantitative discrepancies between the theory and experimental findings and discuss their origins. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Morphological Changes of the Filamentous Fungus Mucor Mucedo and Inhibition of Chitin Synthase Activity Induced by Anethole
Authors: Yutani Masahiro , Hashimoto Yukie , Ogita Akira , Kubo Isao , Tanaka Toshio , Fujita Ken‐ichi
Published: July 2011

trans‐Anethole (anethole), a major component of anise oil, has a broad antimicrobial spectrum with antimicrobial activity relatively weaker than those of well‐known antibiotics, and significantly enhances the antifungal activity of polygodial and dodecanol against the baker's yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and human pathogenic yeast Candida albicans. However, the antifungal mechanism of anethole is unresolved. Anethole demonstrated antifungal activity against the filamentous fungus, Mucor mucedo IFO 7684, accompanied by hyphal morphological changes such as swollen hyphae at the tips. Its minimum growth inhibitory concentration was 0.625 mm. A hyperosmotic condition (1.2 m sorbitol) restricted the induction of morphological changes, while hypoosmotic treatment (distilled water) induced bursting of hyphal tips and leakage of cytoplasmic constituents. Furthermore, anethole dose‐dependently inhibited chitin synthase (CHS) activity in permeabilized hyphae in an uncompetitive manner. These results suggest that the morphological changes of M. mucedo could be explained by the fragility of cell walls caused by CHS inhibition. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interference with p53 functions in human viral infections, a target for novel antiviral strategies?
Authors: Lazo Pedro A. , Santos Claudio R.
Published: July 2011

Viral infections cause a major stress in host cells. The cellular responses to stress are mediated by p53, which by deregulation of cell cycle and apoptosis, may also be part of the host cell reaction to fight infections. Therefore, during evolutionary viral adaptation to host organisms, viruses have developed strategies to manipulate host cell p53 dependent pathways to facilitate their viral life cycles. Thus, interference with p53 function is an important component in viral pathogenesis. Many viruses have proteins that directly affect p53, whereas others alter the regulation of p53 in an indirect manner, mediated by Hdm2 or Akt, or induction of interferon. Rescue of p53 activity is becoming an area of therapeutic development in oncology. It might be feasible that manipulation of p53 mediated responses can become a therapeutic option to limit viral replication or dissemination. In this report, the mechanisms by which viral proteins manipulate p53 responses are reviewed, and it is proposed that a pharmacological rescue of p53 functions might help to control viral infections. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bemessungshilfen für den Biegedrillknicknachweis gevouteter I‐Profile (Teil II)
Authors: Strohmann Isabel
Published: July 2011

Bei Rahmentragwerken werden in den hochbeanspruchten Ecken häufig Vouten angeordnet. Die statisch‐konstruktiven Vorteile gevouteter Stäbe können derzeit nur für wenige Sonderfälle effizient genutzt werden, da die für den Tragsicherheitsnachweis erforderlichen Angaben fehlen. Es werden Bemessungshilfen für Bauteile mit und ohne Vouten vorgestellt. Diese beinhalten Bedingungen für die erforderliche Steifigkeit von sekundären Traggliedern, bei deren Einhaltung ein aufwändiger Biegedrillknicknachweis entfallen und somit die Querschnittstragfähigkeit voll ausgenutzt werden kann. Außerdem werden Regeln für das Herauslösen von Ersatzstäben aus dem Gesamtsystem angegeben.

Design aids for the lateral torsional buckling analysis of haunched I‐profiles (part II). In the highly stressed corners of frame structures often haunches are realized. Currently, the structural advantages of haunched members can be utilised efficiently for only a few special cases because of the lack of necessary information for the member checks. Design aids for the lateral torsional buckling check of members with and without haunches are presented. These include requirements concerning the stiffness of secondary members that permit to rule out failure due to lateral torsional buckling and to utilise the full resistance of the cross section if complied with. Furthermore, rules for breaking down structures for individual member checks are specified.
Konzentrierte Tangentialkrafteinleitung von Stahl in Beton — Versuche zur Geometrie von Zahnleisten
Authors: Schmid Volker , Tandler Jens
Published: July 2011

Brücken‐ und Hochbauten werden aus technischen und wirtschaftlichen Gründen immer häufiger als Mischkonstruktionen aus Stahl und Konstruktionsbeton geplant und realisiert. Häufig müssen in diesen Konstruktionen hohe, konzentrierte Kräften aus Stahlbauteilen in schlanke Betonbauteile eingeleitet werden. Diese Verbindungsproblematik gewinnt durch die zunehmende Verwendung immer festerer Stähle und Betone und der damit einhergehenden Reduktion der Bauteilabmessungen zunehmend an Bedeutung. Als materialgerechte Lösung für die konzentrierte Tangentialkrafteinleitung bieten sich Verbindungen mit Zahnleisten an, die zudem einen hohen Ermüdungswiderstand erwarten lassen. Der Artikel beschreibt die Anwendungsmöglichkeiten von Zahnleisten, erläutert die grundlegenden Tragprinzipien und beschreibt die an der TU Berlin durchgeführten Versuche zur Leistungsfähigkeit der Zahngeometrie.

Concentrated shear transfer between steel and concrete — Testing of the saw tooth connector. Due to technical and economical considerations, bridges and buildings are increasingly designed and constructed as hybrid structures made of structural steel and concrete. Frequently, concentrated loads from steel elements have to be transferred into slender concrete elements. The connection aspect becomes even more important as structural steel and concrete of increasingly higher strength with the resulting smaller structural dimensions are used. A connection that is suitable for concentrated shear transfer for these structures is the saw tooth connector. It is expected that this type of connection will have a high fatigue strength as well. The article describes where this connection can be used, explains the underlying structural principles and the structural tests undertaken at the TU Berlin to assess the saw tooth geometry.
Lebensdauerverlängerung von geschweißten Verbindungen aus Rundhohlprofilen
Authors: Weidner Philipp , Herion Stefan , Puthli Ram , Ummenhofer Thomas
Published: July 2011

Im Rahmen des Forschungsprogramms CIDECT 7Y‐PWT wurde die Anwendbarkeit höherfrequenter Hämmerverfahren auf geschweißten Verbindungen von Rundhohlprofilen untersucht. Die Untersuchungen wurden an der Versuchsanstalt für Stahl, Holz und Steine (VA) des Karlsruher Instituts für Technologie (KIT) durchgeführt. Hierzu wurden Ermüdungsversuche an X‐Knoten sowie versuchsbegleitende numerische Analysen durchgeführt. Die Versuchsergebnisse zeigen, dass die Lebensdauer der untersuchten geschweißten Hohlprofilverbindungen durch eine Schweißnahtnachbehandlung mit höherfrequenten Hämmerverfahren erheblich gesteigert werden kann. Verglichen mit dem CIDECT Design Guide 8 konnte die Ermüdungsfestigkeit um 70 bis 90 % gesteigert werden.

Extension of the fatigue life of welded joints made of circular hollow sections. To investigate the applicability of high frequency hammer peening methods on hollow section joints, experimental investigations as well as numerical investigations are required. Within the research programme CIDECT 7Y‐PWT, numerical investigations are carried out at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). Fatigue tests are performed on CHS‐X‐joints with and without high frequency hammer peening (HFHP) Test results show a significant fatigue life extension for CHS‐X‐joints. Compared to the CIDECT Design Guide 8, fatigue strength is increased by 70 to 90 %.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Zambia: Epidemiology of 16 Years of Practice
Authors: Jovic Goran , Scott Corlew D. , Bowman Kendra G.
Published: July 2011

Background

The epidemiology of surgical conditions in developing countries is not well studied, but plastic and reconstructive surgery can play a significant role in meeting the need for surgical care. Knowledge of the conditions treated by a plastic surgeon in a low‐income country would inform the development of surgical services.

Methods

The surgical log of the lead author from 1993 to 2008 was reviewed. The cases were performed in 33 surgical facilities in Zambia, and name, gender, age, diagnosis, procedure, and hospital were prospectively recorded. Data were analyzed for the number and distribution of cases and for patterns related to age and gender.

Results

Between 1993 and 2008, 5,740 operations were performed, and complete data were available for 5,735 (99.9%) patients. There were 5,774 surgical diagnoses. Of these, 3,885 (67.2%) were acquired conditions. These included 1,985 (34.3%) burns, 514 (9.0%) keloids, 448 (7.8%) nonburn traumas, 410 (7.1%) deep tissue infections, and 343 (5.9%) tumors. The 1,889 (32.7%) congenital conditions included 1,322 (22.9%) craniofacial defects and 354 (6.1%) limb defects. Children accounted for 78.2% of burns. Trauma cases were predominantly male (273, 60.9%). Congenital conditions were repaired after 5 years of age in 355 (18.8%) cases.

Conclusion

Based on a 16‐year case log from one developing country, more than half of conditions related to plastic surgery comprised injuries and congenital anomalies. Age‐ and gender‐related patterns were evident. These findings may inform the provision of resources for injury prevention, surgical training, and delivery of surgical services.
Pseudoxanthomonas bacteria that drive deposit formation of wood extractives can be flocculated by cationic polyelectrolytes
Authors: Leino Taina , Raulio Mari , Stenius Per , Laine Janne , Salkinoja-Salonen Mirja
Published: July 2011

Runnability problems caused by suspended bacteria in water using industries, have, in contrast to biofilms, received little attention. We describe here that Pseudoxanthomonas taiwanensis, a wide-spread and abundant bacterium in paper machine water circuits, aggregated dispersions of wood extractives ("pitch") and resin acid, under conditions prevailing in machine water circuits (109 cfu ml−1, pH 8, 45°C). The aggregates were large enough (up to 50 μm) so that they could be expected to clog wires and felts and to reduce dewatering of the fiber web. The Pseudoxanthomonas bacteria were negatively charged over a pH range of 3.2–10. Cationic polyelectrolytes of the types used as retention aids or fixatives to flocculate "anionic trash" in paper machines were effective in flocculating the Pseudoxanthomonas bacteria. The polyelectrolyte most effective for this purpose was of high molecular weight (7–8 × 106 g mol−1) and low charge density (1 meq g−1), whereas polyelectrolytes that effectively zeroed the electrophoretic mobility (i.e., neutralized the negative charge) of the bacterium were less effective in flocculating the bacteria. Based on the results, we concluded that the polyelectrolytes functioning by bridging mechanism, rather than by neutralization of the negative charge, may be useful as tools for reducing harmful deposits resulting from interaction of bacteria with wood extractives in warm water industry.
Poly(β-L-malic acid) production by diverse phylogenetic clades of Aureobasidium pullulans
Authors: Manitchotpisit Pennapa , Skory Christopher D , Peterson Stephen W , Price Neil P J , Vermillion Karl E , Leathers Timothy D
Published: July 2011

Poly(β-L-malic acid) (PMA) is a natural biopolyester that has pharmaceutical applications and other potential uses. In this study, we examined PMA production by 56 strains of the fungus Aureobasidium pullulans representing genetically diverse phylogenetic clades. Thirty-six strains were isolated from various locations in Iceland and Thailand. All strains from Iceland belonged to a newly recognized clade 13, while strains from Thailand were distributed among 8 other clades, including a novel clade 14. Thirty of these isolates, along with 26 previously described strains, were examined for PMA production in medium containing 5% glucose. Most strains produced at least 4 g PMA/L, and several strains in clades 9, 11, and 13 made 9–11 g PMA/L. Strains also produced both pullulan and heavy oil, but PMA isolated by differential precipitation in ethanol exhibited up to 72% purity with no more than 12% contamination by pullulan. The molecular weight of PMA from A. pullulans ranged from 5.1 to 7.9 kDa. Results indicate that certain genetic groups of A. pullulans are promising for the production of PMA.
Enzymatic production of 2-amino-2,3-dimethylbutyramide by cyanide-resistant nitrile hydratase
Authors: Lin Zhi-Jian , Zheng Ren-Chao , Wang Ya-Jun , Zheng Yu-Guo , Shen Yin-Chu
Published: July 2011

A novel enzymatic route for the synthesis of 2-amino-2,3-dimethylbutyramide (ADBA), important intermediate of highly potent and broad-spectrum imidazolinone herbicides, from 2-amino-2,3-dimethylbutyronitrile (ADBN) was developed. Strain Rhodococcus boritolerans CCTCC M 208108 harboring nitrile hydratase (NHase) towards ADBN was screened through a sophisticated colorimetric screening method and was found to be resistant to cyanide (5 mM). Resting cells of R. boritolerans CCTCC M 208108 also proved to be tolerant against high product concentration (40 g l−1) and alkaline pH (pH 9.3). A preparative scale process for continuous production of ADBA in both aqueous and biphasic systems was developed and some key parameters of the biocatalytic process were optimized. Inhibition of NHase by cyanide dissociated from ADBN was successfully overcome by temperature control (at 10°C). The product concentration, yield and catalyst productivity were further improved to 50 g l−1, 91% and 6.3 g product/g catalyst using a 30/70 (v/v) n-hexane/water biphasic system. Furthermore, cells of R. boritolerans CCTCC M 208108 could be reused for at lease twice by stopping the continuous reaction before cyanide concentration rose to 2 mM, with the catalyst productivity increasing to 12.3 g product/g catalyst. These results demonstrated that enzymatic synthesis of ADBA using whole cells of R. boritolerans CCTCC M 208108 showed potential for industrial application.
Fast Track THR: One Hospital's Experience with a 2-Day Length of Stay Protocol for Total Hip Replacement
Authors: Gulotta Lawrence V. , Padgett Douglas E. , Sculco Thomas P. , Urban Michael , Lyman Stephen , Nestor Bryan J.
Published: July 2011

Background

Current trends in total joint replacement have focused on shorter hospital stays.

Purpose

This study aimed to determine if a pathway for total hip replacement (THR) with the goal of a 2-day discharge (fast track) is safe and effective compared to our traditional pathway (control).

Methods

One hundred forty-nine patients undergoing unilateral, uncomplicated, THR were enrolled in an accelerated postoperative pathway and 134 were enrolled in the traditional pathway. Patients were followed prospectively and outcomes included hospital length of stay, intra- and postoperative complications, readmissions, reoperations. A statistical model was created to determine factors predictive of a 2-day discharge.

Results

At 1 year, there were no differences in complications, readmissions, or reoperations. The average length of stay decreased from 4.1 to 2.6 days ( p < 0.0001). In the fast track group, 58% of patients were discharged home within 2 days. Barriers to a 2-day discharge were postoperative pain, nausea, and dizziness. The only preoperative factor that was predictive of a 2-day discharge was hypertension.

Conclusions

In a select group of patients, a protocol that allows for a 2-day discharge following THR is safe and effective.
Modified Brunelli Pull-Out Technique in Flexor Tendon Repair for Zone II: A Study on 58 Cases
Authors: Georgescu Alexandru Valentin , Matei Ileana R. , Capota Irina M. , Ardelean Filip , Olariu Octavian D.
Published: July 2011

Background

The reconstruction of the continuity of flexor tendons disruptions in zone II still remains one of the most challenging problems in hand surgery. The ideal repair has to provide sufficient strength and the possibility of early mobilization in the attempt to obtain a functional range of motion. One of the methods which appears to respond to these requests is the pull-out technique described by Brunelli, which moves the tension from the level of the tendon disruption to the finger pulp over the tendon insertion.

Methods

After using this method, but by doing some modifications of the original technique, our aim was to conduct a retrospective study looking at gap formation, suture strength, rupture rate, efficiency of the two-strand suture repair and of the early active mobilization against resistance in obtaining a good range of flexion rate. We reviewed a series of 71 flexor digitorum profundus disruptions in zone II, in 58 patients admitted in our service between 2000 and 2008, and treated with this method.

Results

We achieved a complete range of flexion in 41 fingers (57.7%) and a flexion deficit of 5-10° in eight fingers (11.3%) and of 10-20° in 22 fingers (31%). We had no ruptures, major strength deficit, or bowstringing.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates that, by moving the tension from the level of disruption to the finger pulp, the rehabilitation program can begin very early post surgery. We had 0% ruptures.
Transverse Anatomic Landmarks for the A1 Pulley of the Thumb
Authors: Hazani Ron , Elston Josh , Wilhelmi Bradon J.
Published: July 2011

Background

Triggering of the thumb is a common entity resulting in pain and disability. Operative management requires accurate knowledge of the pulley system for proper release of the A1 pulley. The purpose of this study was to predict the location of the A1 pulley with surface anatomic landmarks while avoiding injury to the neurovascular bundles and the critical oblique pulley.

Methods

Thirteen fresh cadaveric thumbs were dissected while the volar digital creases of the thumb served as our potential anatomic landmarks for the A1 pulley. These included the distal crease and the two identifiable proximal creases. Measurements from the proximal edge of the A1 pulley to the surface landmarks were obtained. The pulley system was also inspected for variability, and the length of the A1 pulley was measured.

Results

Of the three volar creases in the thumb, the proximal–proximal crease (PPC) corresponded anatomically to the A1 pulley and demonstrated minimal variability compared to the other landmarks. It measured 0.10±0.15 cm distal to the proximal edge of the A1 pulley. The average length of the thumb A1 pulley measured 0.61±0.17 cm. Therefore, the distal edge of the A1 pulley is predicted to be located 0.51 cm distal to the PPC.

Conclusions

Hand surface landmarks can be used reliably to predict the location of the thumb A1 pulley, thus avoiding injury to adjacent structures such as the critical oblique pulley.
Green Production of Anionic Surfactant Obtained from Pea Protein
Authors: Rondel Caroline , Portet Bénédicte , Alric Isabelle , Mouloungui Zéphirin , Blanco Jean‐François , Silvestre Françoise
Published: July 2011

A pea protein isolate was hydrolyzed by a double enzyme treatment method in order to obtain short peptide sequences used as raw materials to produce lipopeptides‐based surfactants. Pea protein hydrolysates were prepared using the combination of Alcalase and Flavourzyme. The influence of the process variables was studied to optimize the proteolytic degradation to high degrees of hydrolysis. The average peptide chain lengths were obtained at 3–5 amino acid units after a hydrolysis of 30 min with the mixture of enzymes. Then, N‐acylation in water, in presence of acid chloride (C12 and C16), carried out with a conversion rate of amine functions of 90%, allowed to obtain anionic surfactant mixtures (lipopeptides and sodium fatty acids). These two steps were performed in water, in continuous and did not generate any waste. This process was therefore in line with green chemistry principles. The surface activities (CMC, foaming and emulsifying properties) of these mixtures were also studied. These formulations obtained from natural renewable resources and the reactions done under environmental respect, could replace petrochemical based surfactants for some applications,.
Using Nurse‐to‐Patient Telephone Calls to Reduce Day‐of‐Surgery Cancellations
Authors: Haufler Kimberly , Harrington Mary
Published: July 2011

Day‐of‐surgery cancellations are costly and frustrating for both the patient and the health care team. This is especially true in ambulatory surgical centers where it can be difficult to schedule a replacement procedure on short notice. Preoperative nurses at the University of North Carolina Health Care ambulatory surgical center were able to decrease the daily cancellation rate by 53%, increase patient satisfaction scores, and increase OR use by targeting three main reasons for cancellations during a preoperative telephone call. A nurse calls each patient three business days before the scheduled surgery and uses a script to communicate important preoperative information and to address any questions or concerns. The nurse then reports any new information or concerns he or she has learned from the telephone call to the scheduling clinic, anesthesia team, or the surgeon. These calls have resulted in major decreases in cancellations related to no shows, NPO requirements, and lack of a responsible adult present to drive the patient home.
Generations, Inc
Authors: Whiteside Dawn
Published: July 2011

Generations, Inc Meagan Johnson, Larry Johnson 2010, AMACOM 256 pages$16.95 softcover
Peripheral Nerve Blocks in the Outpatient Surgery Setting
Authors: Wright Imelda
Published: July 2011

Peripheral nerve blocks involve injecting local anesthesia near or around a nerve or nerve plexus. This form of anesthesia allows surgeons to perform more complex surgeries and provides extended postoperative analgesia for patients. Patients experience reduced postoperative pain and length of hospital stay and increased satisfaction with the outcome of surgery because they are less likely to experience adverse effects. Use of peripheral nerve blocks in an outpatient setting is becoming more common and has increased the perioperative nurse's patient care responsibilities. The nurse must perform a preblock assessment and assist the anesthesia professional with administration of the block. Major responsibilities of the nurse include identifying and managing potential adverse effects (eg, pneumothorax, toxicity) associated with block administration and patient discharge education.
Urology NHS Webpages: A Review of NHS Trusts in England
Authors: Garthwaite Mary , Bultitude Matthew
Published: July 2011

The internet is set to play an ever-increasing role in the delivery of healthcare information. Within a climate of mounting market forces, the use of NHS Trust websites in advertising specialist services and relaying patient information is often an under-utilised asset. In this review we look at the current state of NHS Trust urology webpages in England.
Descending pain modulation and its interaction with peripheral sensitization following sustained isometric muscle contraction in fibromyalgia
Authors: Ge H.‐Y. , Nie H. , Graven‐Nielsen T. , Danneskiold‐Samsøe B. , Arendt‐Nielsen L.
Published: July 2011

Objective

Sustained isometric muscle contraction (fatiguing contraction) recruits segmental and/or extrasegmental descending inhibition in healthy subjects but not in fibromyalgia (FM). We hypothesized that fatiguing contraction may shift descending pain modulation from inhibition towards facilitation and that the effect of descending pain modulation be dependent on peripheral muscle pain sensitivity.

Methods

Pressure pain thresholds (PPT) were measured from 13 points bilaterally in the upper trapezius muscle and from the mid‐point bilaterally in the tibialis anterior before‐, immediately after‐, and 20 min after fatiguing contraction of shoulder abduction in 22 FM patients and 22 matched healthy controls. Rate of fatigue, pain intensity, and the duration of fatiguing contraction were recorded.

Results

The duration of fatiguing contraction was significantly shorter in FM (132.4 ± 25.2 s) than healthy control groups (286.2 ± 24.1 s) (P < 0.05), pain intensity was significantly higher in FM (8.25 ± 0.8 cm) than in healthy controls (5.1 ± 0.65 cm) (P < 0.01), whereas both groups reported similar fatigue intensity (P > 0.05). Following the contraction, PPTs were increased significantly and heterogeneously in the upper trapezius over time, but not, in the tibialis anterior muscle in healthy controls. However, PPT were significantly decreased over time in the tibialis anterior (P < 0.05), but not, in the upper trapezius in FM.

Conclusions

Descending pain modulation shifts from descending inhibition towards descending facilitation following muscle nociception in FM. Peripheral mechanical hyperalgesia and descending facilitation counterbalance the effect of descending inhibition in FM.
Retinal detachment in association with pre‐eclampsia, eclampsia, and HELLP syndrome
Authors: Vigil‐De Gracia Paulino , Ortega‐Paz Luis
Published: July 2011

Objective

To review case reports of retinal detachment in women with pre‐eclampsia/eclampsia.

Methods

Medline was searched for case reports of retinal detachment associated with pre‐eclampsia/eclampsia. Articles written in English, Spanish, or Portuguese and published between 1990 and 2010 were reviewed.

Results

A total of 28 cases of retinal detachment were identified; 15 were associated with severe pre‐eclampsia (3 of these probably had hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets [HELLP] syndrome), 9 with HELLP syndrome, 2 with eclampsia, and 2 with both HELLP syndrome and eclampsia. The majority (60%) of women were nulliparous, 4 had abruptio placentae, and cesarean delivery was performed in 76%. Retinal detachment was bilateral in 89% and associated with delivery of the fetus in 96%; 69% were diagnosed postpartum. Within 2–12 weeks postpartum, all patients had complete recovery of vision with clinical management.

Conclusion

Retinal detachment in pre‐eclampsia/eclampsia might be associated with HELLP syndrome, indicating that microangiophatic hemolysis might have a role in the pathophysiology of retinal detachment. Its occurrence might not be correlated with the severity of pre‐eclampsia because pre‐eclampsia is a constellation of signs and symptoms (persistent vasospasms with hemolysis and hypoalbuminemia) rather than simply being hypertension.
A High-Throughput Microchromatography Platform for Quantitative Analytical Scale Protein Sample Preparation
Authors: Fulton Scott , Murphy Steve , Reich Jenn , Van Den Heuvel Zachary , Sakowski Robert , Smith Ronald , Agee Susan
Published: July 2011

Protein analysis (using either specific protein quantitation by methods such as HPLC and immunoassays or structural analysis by methods such as LC-MS) usually requires significant sample preparation, including quantitative purification of the target protein from complex sample matrices and potentially enzymatic treatment or labeling. We have developed platform for high-throughput microchromatography, capable of running 96 or more small volume samples in parallel, producing from 10 pg to 100 μg of purified protein from each sample.

The platform is based on disposable cartridge devices with 5 μL packed bed of resin. The cartridges may be operated as spin columns or run on a modified 96-channel liquid handler with ultra-low dead volume syringes that directly connect to the cartridges, providing very precisely controlled positive-displacement flow control. A major application is quantitative purification of target proteins using affinity or physical chromatography. Using large diameter nonporous beads, standard microplate enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay reagents can be used to perform 30-min immunoassays. Enzymatic digestion methods have also been developed on the system for application in glycan profiling.
Tissue Dynamics Spectroscopy for Three-Dimensional Tissue-Based Drug Screening
Authors: Nolte David D. , An Ran , Turek John , Jeong Kwan
Published: July 2011

Tissue dynamics spectroscopy combines dynamic light scattering with short-coherence digital holography to capture intracellular motion inside multicellular tumor spheroid tissue models. The cellular mechanical activity becomes an endogenous imaging contrast agent for motility contrast imaging. Fluctuation spectroscopy is performed on dynamic speckle from the proliferating shell and hypoxic core to generate drug–response spectrograms that are frequency versus time representations of the changes in spectral content induced by an applied compound or an environmental perturbation. A combination of 28 reference compounds and conditions applied to rat osteogenic UMR-106 spheroids generated spectrograms that were crosscorrelated in a similarity matrix used for unsupervised hierarchical clustering of similar compound responses. This work establishes the feasibility of tissue dynamics spectroscopy for three-dimensional tissue-based phenotypic profiling of drug response as a fully endogenous probe of the response of tissue to reference compounds.
Infoteam SiLA Library Simplifies Device Integration
Authors: Bär Henning , Syré Uli
Published: July 2011

This article describes device integration with an emerging standard in laboratory automation. The architecture of a library is described, which offers smart adaptation to the standard and a smooth integration into a laboratory automation environment. The library has a plugin interface to allow making any device standard compliant. It allows the use on embedded hardware, and it supports its use with different programming languages. With a tiny starter application, the library can be used as a stand-alone application, and it can be started out of an existing device controller.
Tumor suppressive activity of prolyl isomerase Pin1 in renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Teng Brian L. , Hacker Kathryn E. , Chen Shufen , Means Anthony R. , Rathmell W. Kimryn
Published: July 2011

Pin1 specifically recognizes and catalyzes the cis‐trans isomerization of phosphorylated‐Ser/Thr‐Pro bonds, which modulate the stability, localization, and function of numerous Pin1 targets involved in tumor progression. However, the role of Pin1 in cancer remains enigmatic as the gene is located on chromosome 19p13.2, which is a region subject to loss of heterozygosity in several tumors. Since Pin1 protein is frequently under‐expressed in kidney cancer, we have explored its role in human clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Here we show evidence for PIN1 gene deletion and mRNA under‐expression as a mechanism of Pin1 reduction in ccRCC tumors. We demonstrate that restoration of Pin1 in cell lines found to be deficient in Pin1 protein expression can attenuate the growth of ccRCC cells in soft agar and a xenograft tumor model. Moreover, this ability of Pin1 to negatively influence tumor growth in ccRCC cells may be dependent on the presence of functional p53, which is infrequently mutated in ccRCC. These observations suggest Pin1 may have a mild tumor suppressive role in ccRCC.
Folic Acid Supplementation Improves Vascular Function in Professional Dancers With Endothelial Dysfunction
Authors: Hoch Anne Z. , Papanek Paula , Szabo Aniko , Widlansky Michael E. , Gutterman David D.
Published: July 2011

Objective

To determine if folic acid supplementation improves vascular function (brachial artery flow‐mediated dilation [FMD]) in professional dancers with known endothelial dysfunction.

Design

Prospective cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Academic institution in the Midwestern United States.

Subjects

Twenty‐two professional ballet dancers volunteered for this study.

Main Outcome Measures

Subjects completed a 3‐day food record to determine caloric and micronutrient intake. Menstrual status was determined by interview and questionnaire. Endothelial function was determined as flow‐induced vasodilation measured by high‐frequency ultrasound of the brachial artery. A change in brachial diameter of <5% to hyperemic flow stimulus was defined a priori as endothelial dysfunction. Subjects with abnormal FMD took 10 mg of folic acid daily for 4 weeks, and FMD testing was then repeated. Serum whole blood was measured for folic acid levels before and after supplementation.

Results

Sixty‐four percent of dancers (n = 14) had abnormal brachial artery FMD (<5%) (mean ± standard deviation, 2.9% ± 1.5%). After 4 weeks of folic acid supplementation (10 mg/day), FMD improved in all the subjects (7.1% ± 2.3%; P < .0001).

Conclusions

This study reveals that vascular endothelial function improves in dancers after supplementation with folic acid (10 mg/day) for at least 4 weeks. This finding may have clinically important implications for future cardiovascular disease risk prevention.
Absolute/convective instability dichotomy at the onset of convection in a porous layer with either horizontal or vertical solutal and inclined thermal gradients, and horizontal throughflow
Authors: DIAZ EMILIE , BREVDO LEONID
Published: July 2011

By using the methods of the theory of two- and three-dimensional linear absolute and convective instabilities, we examine the nature of the instability at the onset of convection in a model of convection in an extended horizontal layer of a saturated porous medium with either horizontal or vertical salinity and inclined temperature gradients, and horizontal throughflow. First, normal modes are analysed and the critical values of the vertical thermal Rayleigh number,Rv, wavenumber vector, (k,l) and frequency, ω, are obtained for a variety of values of the horizontal thermal and salinity Rayleigh numbers,RhandSh, respectively, the vertical salinity Rayleigh numberSvand the horizontal Péclet number,Qh. In the computations, a high-precision pseudo-spectral Chebyshev-collocation method is used. In most of the cases of parameter combinations considered, the onset of convection occurs through a longitudinal mode. Most of the non-longitudinal critical modes are oscillatory. Further, it is revealed that there exists an absolute/convective instability dichotomy at the onset of three-dimensional convection in a set of the base states given by exact analytic solutions of the equations of motion in the model. This echoes the results of Brevdo (vol. 641, 2009, p. 475) for transverse modes in a model with inclined temperature gradient and vertical throughflow, but with no salinity. The dependence of the dichotomy on the inclined thermal gradient, and on the horizontal and the vertical salinity gradients is investigated, for the longitudinal modes treated both as two-dimensional as well as three-dimensional modes, and for the non-longitudinal modes. For a certain set of parameter cases, it was found that the destabilization through longitudinal modes treated as two-dimensional modes has the character of absolute instability whereas a three-dimensional analysis of these modes revealed that the instability is convective, with the group velocity vector of the emerging unstable wavepacket being parallel to the axis of the convection rolls. Since a similar effect was reported by Brevdo (vol. 641, 2009, p. 475) for a model with no salinity, we conclude that this effect is not a separate case. In most of the cases considered in which a marginally unstable base state is absolutely stable, but convectively unstable, the direction of propagation of the emerging unstable wavepacket is either parallel or perpendicular to the axis of the convection rolls. Only in the absolutely stable, but convectively unstable cases in which non-longitudinal modes are favourable, the angle, ϕ, between the group velocity vector of the unstable wavepacket and the axis of the rolls satisfies 0 < ϕ < 90°.
The assessment of vascular function during dietary intervention trials in human subjects
Authors: McCall Damian O. , McKinley Michelle C. , Noad Rebecca , McKeown Pascal P. , McCance David R. , Young Ian S. , Woodside Jayne V.
Published: July 2011

The potential to reduce cardiovascular morbidity through dietary modification remains an area of intense clinical and scientific interest. Any putatively beneficial intervention should be tested within a randomised controlled trial which records appropriate endpoints, ideally incident CVD and death. However, the large sample sizes required for these endpoints and associated high costs mean that the majority of dietary intervention research is conducted over short periods among either healthy volunteers or those at only slightly increased risk, with investigators using a diverse range of surrogate measures to estimate arterial health in these studies. The present review identifies commonly employed techniques, discusses the relative merits of each and highlights emerging approaches.
Spatial clustering and longitudinal variation ofAnopheles darlingi(Diptera: Culicidae) larvae in a river of the Amazon: the importance of the forest fringe and of obstructions to flow in frontier malaria
Authors: Barros F.S.M. , Arruda M.E. , Gurgel H.C. , Honório N.A.
Published: July 2011

Deforestation has been linked to a rise in malaria prevalence. In this paper, we studied longitudinally 20 spots, including forested and deforested portions of a temporary river in a malarigenous frontier zone. Larval habitat parameters influencing distribution ofAnopheles darlingi(Diptera: Culicidae) larvae were studied. We observed that larvae were clustered in forested-deforested transitions. For the first time in the literature, it was verified that parameters determining larval distribution varied from deforested to forested areas. The proximity to human dwellings was also a significant factor determining distribution, but larvae was most importantly associated with a previously undescribed parameter, the presence of small obstructions to river flow, such as tree trunks within the river channel, which caused pooling of water during the dry season (‘microdams’). In deforested areas, the most important factor determining distribution of larvae was shade (reduced luminance). Larvae were absent in the entire studied area during the wet season and present in most sites during the dry season. During the wet-dry transition, larvae were found sooner in areas with microdams, than in other areas, suggesting that flow obstruction prolongs the breeding season ofAn. darlingi.Adult mosquito densities and malaria incidence were higher during the dry season. Our data correlate well with the published literature, including the distribution of malaria cases near the forest fringes, and has permitted the creation of a model ofAn. darlingibreeding, where preference for sites with reduced luminance, human presence and microdams would interact to determine larval distribution.