bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrochemical Determination of Phenylethanolamine A Based on Nafion/MWCNTs/AuNPs Modified Carbon Electrode
Authors: Lai Yanjun , Bai Jing , Zhu Wei , Xian Yuezhong , Jin Litong
Published: December 2012

Phenylethanolamine A (PEA), a β‐agonist, was found to be illegally used as a growth promoter in pigs last year, causing Chinese government's great attention. Here, a sensitive electrochemical method was developed for detecting PEA by immobilization of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and Nafion on the surface of a glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The Nafion/MWCNTs/AuNPs film was characterized by scanning electronic micrographs (SEM) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The electrochemical behaviors of PEA at the modified GCE were investigated in detail. The synergetic effects of AuNPs, MWCNTs and Nafion amplify the electrochemical reduction signal of PEA, and result in high sensitivity for PEA determination. Under the optimal conditions, the electrochemical sensor shows a wide linear range of 0.01 to 10 (mol/L with a detection limit of 0.005 µmol/L. Moreover, the fabricated sensor presents high selectivity and long‐term stability, which paves a new way for simple, rapid, sensitive detection of PEA.
Oligo(p‐phenyleneethynylene)‐functionalized Perylenebisimidetriad: Synthesis, Photophysical Properties, and Self‐assembly
Authors: Tong Weiqi , Wei Wei , Chen Haibo , Wang Hongyu
Published: December 2012

The rod‐like oligo(p‐phenylene ethynylene)‐functionalized perylene bisimide triad was synthesized and characterized. Aggregation behavior in solvents of different polarity was investigated by absorption and fluorescent spectroscopy. The results showed that stronger aggregations took place in low‐polarity slovent. The experiments also indicated that the energy and electron transfer might takeplace between the two chromophores during the photoinduced excitation. Highly ordered two‐dimensional assemblies could be observed at solid/liquid interfaces.
Towards Stereochemical Control: Two Approaches for the Highly anti‐Diastereoselective Construction of the Spirolactone Moieties of Some Stemona Alkaloids
Authors: Tuo Shichuan , Liu Xuekui , Huang Peiqiang
Published: December 2012

Some Stemona alkaloids belonging to the tuberostemospironine group possess a spirolactone moiety with anti‐configuration (C‐9/C‐9a). In this paper, we describe two approaches to this structural unity. By using bromine atom as a traceless directing group, the SmI2‐mediated reductive coupling of ketone 6 and β‐bromomethacrylate proceeded with complete anti‐diastereoselectivity. In the absence of an α‐directing (chelation) group, the one‐pot reaction of the ketone derived from alcohol 15 with the organozinc reagent generated from bromomethacrylate afforded spiro‐α‐methylene‐γ‐lactone derivative 16 as a single diastereomer. These two highly diastereoselective methods would find application in the synthesis of stemona alkaloids containing anti‐configured spiro‐lactone/pyrrolidine moieties. In addition, on the basis of our previous work, the total synthesis of (−)‐9‐epi‐11‐demethylsessilifoliamide J (11), and an improved synthesis of (−)‐9,11‐di‐epi‐sessilifoliamide J (9) were accomplished.
A Clear‐Cut Synthesis of Arteannuin O
Authors: Chen Huijun , Hao Hongdong , Wu Yikang
Published: December 2012

The title compound was synthesized from dihydroqinghao acid via a sequential facial selective oxidative lactonization and epoxidation, a molybdenum‐catalyzed perhydrolysis of the epoxy ring and dimethyl sulfide reduction of the hydroperhydroxyl functionality. Some explorations on the lactonization and ring‐opening of the epoxide along with data discrepancy found with the epoxy intermediate are also presented.
Novel Calix[4]arene‐based Amberlite XAD‐4 Modified Resin for As(III) Removal from Water
Authors: Qureshi Imdadullah , Memon Shahabuddin , Yilmaz Mustafa
Published: December 2012

The present article describes As(III) sorption behavior of novel calix[4]arene appended TS‐4 resin. The sorption ability of TS‐4 resin has been evaluated at wide range of pH, i.e., pH 2–14. The maximum As(III) sorption efficiency (95%) was achieved at pH 2, which shows that the TS‐4 resin possesses greater affinity for As(III) at this pH. Column sorption mechanism was evaluated through various operating parameters, i.e., change in concentration, flow rate, bed heights, and pH. The experimental data were also tested against bed depth service time model and from the results; it has been observed that the data is in close agreement with the theoretically calculated values. Thus, from the data it has been revealed that TS‐4 resin has maximum column efficiency of 0.13 mmol g−1. Application of TS‐4 to real samples indicates a slight decrease (2–3%) in extraction efficiency of TS‐4 because of high concentration of total dissolved salts. Thermal behavior was tested by differential scanning calorimetry and it has been observed that TS‐4 resin is stable up to 160°C. TS‐4 resin was found to be regenerable and best regeneration was achieved by using 4% solution of NaOH. It can be deduced from the study that the resin will find its applicability in small as well as industrial scale water purification plants.
Metal Impregnated Silica‐Carbon Materials from Rice Husk: A Versatile Sorbent for Toxic Organics and Inorganics in Water and Air
Authors: Majumdar Sanhita , Mandal Pijush Kanti , Das Sudip Kumar , Majumdar Rabindranath
Published: December 2012

Carbon bearing materials derived from rice husk (RH) have long been recognized as sorbents for diverse chemicals – both organic and inorganic. This work presents an overview of studies demonstrating a single step process of carbonization of chemically pretreated RH to produce metal impregnated silica‐carbon char designated as silicarbon materials that can be utilized in sorbing out water‐borne organic and inorganic hazardous substances (such as phenol, hexavalent chromium, fluoride, and arsenic) and air‐borne volatile organic chemicals (such as acetone, chloroform, benzene, and pyridine). The metal‐impregnated silicarbon solids derived from RH appear to constitute renewable, low‐cost, user‐friendly, and efficient materials for control systems for indoor air contamination and for industrial as well as non‐industrial hazardous aqueous pollution.
Comparison of an Electrochemical and Luminescence‐Based Oxygen Measuring System for Use in the Biodegradability Testing According to Closed Bottle Test (OECD 301D)
Authors: Friedrich Judith , Längin Andreas , Kümmerer Klaus
Published: December 2012

The effects of persistent organic pollutants on the aquatic environment still can hardly be assessed. Therefore, ready biodegradability is a desired key characteristic of chemicals. Accordingly, biodegradation testing is of utmost importance and is a vital part within the risk assessment for organic chemicals. In the closed bottle test (CBT; OECD 301D) the degree of biological degradation of a chemical is assessed by monitoring the oxygen consumption so far with a Clark electrode as standard method. However, this method is time‐consuming, laborious and led to frequent fluctuations of the test results, which limited their validity. Due to these shortcomings, an optical system that enables contact‐free measuring of the oxygen concentration in a closed bottle, based on dynamic luminescence quenching, was examined. The test results were compared to those obtained with the “classical” electrochemical technique (Clark electrode). At first, a basic standard for the handling of the new instrument in the laboratory was developed. Then possible influencing factors, reliability, comparability, and reproducibility of the test results were investigated by running the CBTs in parallel with the electrode and optode method. The findings proved the new optode method to be unambiguously superior to the electrode technique. The frequency of fluctuations of the test results and time and effort necessary for the test run could considerably be reduced. The degradation kinetics of the test substances could be followed easily in the CBT by increasing the measuring points without much additional effort.
Reliable Procedure for Molecular Analysis of Airborne Microflora in Three Indoor Environments: An Office and Two Different Museum Contexts
Authors: Gaüzère Carole , Moletta‐Denat Marina , Bousta Faisl , Moularat Stéphane , Orial Geneviève , Ritoux Sébastien , Godon Jean‐Jacques , Robine Enric
Published: December 2012

Biological aerosols from air constitute a significant source of exposure to microorganisms in public places. Airborne microorganisms are involved in the development of certain respiratory symptoms, allergies, or infections among users and occupants. Various sampling instruments have commonly been used in aerobiology to collect bacteria and fungi suspended in the air. The objective of this study was to develop a reliable procedure for sampling in indoor public environments presenting different levels of occupancy, airborne bacteria and fungi to be subjected to molecular analysis (bacteria and fungi quantitative PCR, capillary electrophoresis single strand conformation polymorphism fingerprinting). Four different sampling devices were tested in situ in an office building (open‐plan type) and the sampling strategy chosen was tested in two museum contexts. In accordance with the drawbacks involved to our study (quantitative and qualitative aspects, cost, and overcrowding), cyclone device appeared to be most suitable. The results underline the effectiveness of this high‐volume aerosol sampling device for both qualitative and quantitative molecular analysis. Four in situ sampling collections were carried out in 1 day in the Louvre Museum to study quantitative and qualitative variations of airborne bacterial and fungal diversity. The quantitative results revealed a similar order of magnitude for the numbers of both bacteria and fungi. In the Louvre Museum, the samples yielded between 3.7 × 104 and 4.1 × 104 genome equivalent (GE) bacteria/m3 air and between 5.0 × 104 and 5.9 × 104 GE fungi/m3 air and in the Decorative Arts Museum between, 2.1 × 104 and 2.5 × 104 GE bacteria/m3 air and between 1.4 × 104 and 1.7 × 104 GE fungi/m3 air. The results also indicate that the dominant bacterial community displayed a stable structure over a short period of time whereas dominant eukaryotic airborne community appeared more variable.
Modeling the Permeability Loss of Metallic Iron Water Filtration Systems
Authors: Caré Sabine , Crane Richard , Calabrò Paolo S. , Ghauch Antoine , Temgoua Emile , Noubactep Chicgoua
Published: December 2012

Over the past 30 years the literature has burgeoned with in situ approaches for groundwater remediation. Of the methods currently available, the use of metallic iron (Fe0) in permeable reactive barrier (PRB) systems is one of the most commonly applied. Despite such interest, an increasing amount of experimental and field observations have reported inconsistent Fe0 barrier operation compared to contemporary theory. In the current work, a critical review of the physical chemistry of aqueous Fe0 corrosion in porous media is presented. Subsequent implications for the design of Fe0 filtration systems are modeled. The results suggest that: (i) for the pH range of natural waters (>4.5), the high volumetric expansion of Fe0 during oxidation and precipitation dictates that Fe0 should be mixed with a non‐expansive material; (ii) naturally occurring solute precipitates have a negligible impact on permeability loss compared to Fe0 expansive corrosion; and (iii) the proliferation of H2 metabolizing bacteria may contribute to alleviate permeability loss. As a consequence, it is suggested that more emphasis must be placed on future work with regard to considering the Fe0 PRB system as a physical (size‐exclusion) water filter device.
Gadolinium‐containing magnetic resonance contrast media: investigation on the possible transchelation of Gd3+ to the glycosaminoglycan heparin
Authors: Taupitz Matthias , Stolzenburg Nicola , Ebert Monika , Schnorr Jörg , Hauptmann Ralf , Kratz Harald , Hamm Bernd , Wagner Susanne
Published: December 2012

Retention of gadolinium (Gd) in biological tissues is considered an important cofactor in the development of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF). Research on this issue has so far focused on the stability of Gd‐based contrast media (GdCM) and a possible release of Gd3+ from the complex. No studies have investigated competing chelators that may occur in vivo. We performed proton T1‐relaxometry in solutions of nine approved GdCM and the macromolecular chelator heparin (250 000 IU per 10 ml) without and with addition of ZnCl2. For the three linear, nonspecific GdCM complexes, Omniscan®, OptiMARK® and Magnevist®, 2 h of incubation in heparin at 37 °C in the presence of 2.0 mm ZnCl2 led to an increase in T1‐relaxivity by a factor of 7.7, 5.6 and 5.1, respectively. For the three macrocyclic complexes, Gadovist®, Dotarem® and Prohance®, only a minor increase in T1‐relaxivity by a factor of 1.5, 1.6 and 1.7 was found, respectively. Without addition of ZnCl2, no difference between the two GdCM groups was observed (factors of 1.4, 1.2, 1.1, 1.3, 1.5 and 1.4, respectively). The increase in T1‐relaxivities observed for linear GdCM complexes may be attributable to partial transchelation with formation of a macromolecular Gd–heparin complex. For comparison, mixing of GdCl3 and heparin results in a 8.7‐fold higher T1‐relaxivity compared with a solution of GdCl3 in water. Heparin is a glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and as such occurs in the human body as a component of the extracellular matrix. GAGs generally are known to be strong chelators. Gd3+ released from chelates of GdCM might be complexed by GAGs in vivo, which would explain their retention in biological tissues. Plasma GAG levels are elevated in end‐stage renal disease; hence, our results might contribute to the elucidation of NSF. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A dual magnetic resonance imaging/fluorescent contrast agent for Cathepsin‐D detection
Authors: Ta Robert , Suchy Mojmir , Tam Joshua H.K. , Li Alex X. , Martinez‐Santiesteban Francisco S. , Scholl Timothy J. , Hudson Robert H.E. , Bartha Robert , Pasternak Stephen H.
Published: December 2012

Currently there are no approved biomarkers for the pre‐symptomatic diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Cathepsin‐D (Cat‐D) is a lysosomal protease that is present at elevated levels in amyloid plaques and neurons in patients with AD and is also elevated in some cancers. We have developed a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/fluorescent contrast agent to detect Cat‐D enzymatic activity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the cellular and tissue uptake of this MRI/fluorescent contrast agent. The agent consists of an MRI probe [DOTA–caged metal ion (Gd3+or Tm3+)] and a fluorescent probe coupled to a cell‐penetrating‐peptide sequence by a Cat‐D recognition site. The relaxivity of Gd3+–DOTA–CAT(cleaved)was measured in 10% heat‐treated bovine serum albumin (BSA) phantoms to assess contrast efficacy at magnetic fields ranging from 0.24 mT to 9.4 T.In vitro, Tm3+–DOTA–CAT was added to neuronal SN56 cells over‐expressing Cat‐D and live‐cell confocal microscropy was performed at 30 min. Tm3+–DOTA–CAT was also intravenously injected into APP/PS1‐dE9 Alzheimer's disease mice (n = 9) and controls (n = 8). Cortical and hippocampal uptake was quantified at 30, 60 and 120 min post‐injection using confocal microscopy. The liver and kidneys were also evaluated for contrast agent uptake. The relaxivity of Gd3+–DOTA–CAT(cleaved)was 3.3 (mM s)−1in 10% BSA at 9.4 T.In vitro, cells over‐expressing Cat‐D preferentially took up the contrast agent in a concentration‐dependent manner.In vivo, the contrast agent effectively crossed the blood–brain barrier and exhibited a distinct time course of uptake and retention in APP/PS1‐dE9 transgenic mice compared with age‐matched controls. At clinical and high magnetic field strengths, Gd3+–DOTA–CAT produced greaterT1relaxivity than Gd3+–DTPA. Tm3+–DOTA–CAT was taken up in a dose‐dependent manner in cells over‐expressing Cathepsin‐D and was shown to transit the blood–brain barrierin vivo. This strategy may be useful for thein vivodetection of enzyme activity and for the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Trends in esophageal adenocarcinoma incidence and mortality
Authors: Hur Chin , Miller Melecia , Kong Chung Yin , Dowling Emily C. , Nattinger Kevin J. , Dunn Michelle , Feuer Eric J.
Published: December 2012

BACKGROUND:

Over the past several decades, the incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) has rapidly increased. The purpose of this analysis was to examine temporal trends in EAC incidence and mortality within the US population and, in addition, to explore these trends within subgroups of the population.

METHODS:

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER 9) data were used to examine incidence and incidence‐based (IB) mortality in EAC from 1975 to 2009. Secular trends in incidence and IB mortality by cancer stage, sex, and race were further characterized using the NCI's Joinpoint Regression program.

RESULTS:

Based on SEER 9 data, EAC incidence and IB mortality continues to increase in the United States. However, since the mid‐1990s, the overall rate of increase in both EAC incidence and IB mortality appears to be slowing. In addition, in early‐stage cancers, there is a noticeable leveling off of IB mortality rates and divergence from incidence starting in the late 1990s. Over the study period, the average annual percentage increase in incidence was 6.1% in men and 5.9% in women.

CONCLUSIONS:

EAC incidence and IB mortality rates continue to rise in the United States, although at a slower rate in more recent years. In early‐stage cancers, IB mortality and incidence rates have diverged primarily because IB mortality rates have plateaued beginning in the late 1990s. Although EAC continues to be less common in women, the rate of increase in EAC incidence is similar in both sexes. Cancer 2013. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Quantitative analysis of axon bouton distribution of subthalamic nucleus neurons in the rat by single neuron visualization with a viral vector
Authors: Koshimizu Yoshinori , Fujiyama Fumino , Nakamura Kouichi C. , Furuta Takahiro , Kaneko Takeshi
Published: December 2012

The subthalamic nucleus (STN) of the basal ganglia plays a key role in motor control, and STN efferents are known to mainly target the external segment of the globus pallidus (GPe), entopeduncular nucleus (Ep), and substantia nigra (SN) with some axon collaterals to the other regions. However, it remains to be clarified how each STN neuron projects axon fibers and collaterals to those target nuclei of the STN. Here we visualized the whole axonal arborization of single STN neurons in the rat brain by using a viral vector expressing membrane‐targeted green fluorescent protein, and examined the distribution of axon boutons in those target nuclei. The vast majority (8–9) of 10 reconstructed STN neurons projected to the GPe, SN, caudate‐putamen (CPu), and Ep, which received, on average ± SD, 457 ± 425, 400 ± 347, 126 ± 143, and 106 ± 100 axon boutons per STN neuron, respectively. Furthermore, the density of axon boutons in the GPe was highest among these nuclei. Although these target nuclei were divided into calbindin‐rich and ‐poor portions, STN projection showed no exclusive preference for those portions. Since STN neurons mainly projected not only to the GPe, SN, and Ep but also to the CPu, the subthalamostriatal projection might serve as a positive feedback path for the striato‐GPe‐subthalamic disinhibitory pathway, or work as another route of cortical inputs to the striatum through the corticosubthalamostriatal disynaptic excitatory pathway. J. Comp. Neurol. 521:2125–2146, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Skewness‐aware clustering tree for unevenly distributed spatial sensor nodes in smart city
Authors: Tang Jine , Zhou ZhangBing , Shu Lei , Niu Jianwei , Liu Jin , Hu Qiping , Wang Qun
Published: December 2012

Efficient spatial index is essential for querying spatial sensor nodes in the context of smart city. Sensor nodes are usually unevenly distributed in real situations. In this setting, R‐tree and its variants may cause large overlap and coverage among branch nodes, which impact the query efficiency greatly. To address this challenge, this paper proposes a novel skewness‐aware clustering tree (SWC‐tree) by clustering sensor nodes. Sensor nodes in a dense region will be put into the same node. Thus, overlap and coverage among node regions are less than that of R‐tree and its variants. As dense regions contain more sensor nodes, we assign a higher priority to these region nodes for facilitating the query operation. Experimental results show that in the context of skewed distribution, SWC‐tree is efficient in performance for conducting insertion, deletion, and query operations of sensor nodes. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spin‐State Photoswitching Dynamics of the [(TPA)Fe(TCC)]SbF6 Complex
Authors: Kaszub Wawrzyniec , Buron‐Le Cointe Marylise , Lorenc Maciej , Boillot Marie‐Laure , Servol Marina , Tissot Antoine , Guérin Laurent , Cailleau Hervé , Collet Eric
Published: December 2012

We report on the spin state photoswitching dynamics triggered by a femtosecond laser of [(TPA)FeIII(TCC)]+ cations in a new salt with SbF6– anions. Femtosecond optical pump‐probe spectroscopy and picosecond X‐ray diffraction techniques were combined to investigate the different steps of the out‐of‐equilibrium dynamics. The obtained results are very consistent with the ones previously reported for the PF6– salts. If the ultra‐fast responses of the cations in both salts are similar, the spin conversion due to laser heating is slightly shifted to higher temperature in the SbF6– salt, as its thermal crossover occurs at higher temperature.
Hairy root cultures: A suitable biological system for studying secondary metabolic pathways in plants
Authors: Sharma Poojadevi , Padh Harish , Shrivastava Neeta
Published: December 2012

Hairy roots, a plant disease caused by Agrobacterium rhizogenes, show distinctive features such as high growth rate, unlimited branching, and biochemical and genetic stability. Hairy roots resemble normal roots in terms of differentiated morphology and biosynthetic machinery, producing similar secondary metabolites compared to wild‐type roots. As a result, hairy roots have been a topic of intense research for the past three decades, fueling innumerable attempts to develop in vitro hairy root cultures for a large number of plants for the commercial‐scale production of secondary metabolites. The same characteristics have now led to further applications, such as using hairy root cultures as experimental systems for secondary metabolic pathway elucidation studies. Although the trend is relatively new, it has already gained momentum. This review summarizes these developments. The following discussion focuses on the rationale and advantages of using hairy root cultures for secondary metabolic pathway elucidation studies, the methods used, and the results that have been obtained so far.
Temporal and spatial variation of atmospherically deposited organic contaminants at high elevation in yosemite national park, California, USA
Authors: Bradford David F. , Stanley Kerri A. , Tallent Nita G. , Sparling Donald W. , Nash Maliha S. , Knapp Roland A. , McConnell Laura L. , Massey Simonich Staci L.
Published: December 2012

Contaminants used at low elevation, such as pesticides on crops, can be transported tens of kilometers and deposited in adjacent mountains in many parts of the world. Atmospherically deposited organic contaminants in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California, USA, have exceeded some thresholds of concern, but the spatial and temporal distributions of contaminants in the mountains are not well known. The authors sampled shallow-water sediment and tadpoles (Pseudacris sierra) for pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and polychlorinated biphenyls in four high-elevation sites in Yosemite National Park in the central Sierra Nevada twice during the summers of 2006, 2007, and 2008. Both historic- and current-use pesticides showed a striking pattern of lower concentrations in both sediment and tadpoles in Yosemite than was observed previously in Sequoia–Kings Canyon National Parks in the southern Sierra Nevada. By contrast, PAH concentrations in sediment were generally greater in Yosemite than in Sequoia–Kings Canyon. The authors suggest that pesticide concentrations tend to be greater in Sequoia–Kings Canyon because of a longer air flow path over agricultural lands for this park along with greater pesticide use near this park. Concentrations for DDT-related compounds in some sediment samples exceeded guidelines or critical thresholds in both parks. A general pattern of difference between Yosemite and Sequoia–Kings Canyon was not evident for total tadpole cholinesterase activity, an indicator of harmful exposure to organophosphorus and carbamate pesticides. Variability of chemical concentrations among sites, between sampling periods within each year, and among years, contributed significantly to total variation, although the relative contributions differed between sediment and tadpoles. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2013;32:517–525. © 2012 SETAC
From consilium to advice: A review of the evaluation and related literature on advisory structures and processes
Authors: Baizerman Michael L. , Fink Alexander , VeLure Roholt Ross
Published: December 2012

The literature in evaluation and related disciplines on advice and advisory structures and processes is described and analyzed. The purposes of evaluation advisory groups and evaluation consultation groups are discussed, and working and formal definitions of each are provided. ©Wiley Periodicals, Inc., and the American Evaluation Association.
Decolonizing evaluation: The necessity of evaluation advisory groups in indigenous evaluation
Authors: Johnston‐Goodstar Katie
Published: December 2012

Research was and is central to the colonization and contemporary political realities of Indigenous communities. Because evaluation is a form of research and evaluation researchers are not immune to these oppressive practices, it is essential that evaluators acknowledge and engage with this history. One way to do this is through the use of advisory groups in evaluation research. This chapter will explicate how evaluation advisory groups can help evaluation practi‐tioners decolonize their practice. Decolonized evaluation is centered in Indigenous values and goals. It ensures that evaluation processes and outcomes are appropriate to native communities by centering Indigenous worldviews, actively including Indigenous participation, and focusing on relevance as defined by Indigenous communities. ©Wiley Periodicals, Inc., and the American Evaluation Association.
Identification of novel breast cancer‐associated transcripts by uniGene database mining and gene expression analysis in normal and malignant cells
Authors: Laversin Stéphanie A.‐S. , Phatak Vinaya M. , Powe Des G. , Li Geng , Miles Amanda K. , Hughes David C. , Ball Graham R. , Ellis Ian O. , Gritzapis Angelos D. , Missitzis Ioannis , McArdle Stéphanie E. B. , Rees Robert C.
Published: December 2012

Breast cancer is a heterogeneous and complex disease. Although the use of tumor biomarkers has improved individualized breast cancer care, i.e., assessment of risk, diagnosis, prognosis, and prediction of treatment outcome, new markers are required to further improve patient clinical management. In the present study, a search for novel breast cancer‐associated genes was performed by mining the UniGene database for expressed sequence tags (ESTs) originating from human normal breast, breast cancer tissue, or breast cancer cell lines. Two hundred and twenty‐eight distinct breast‐associated UniGene Clusters (BUC1‐228) matched the search criteria. Four BUC ESTs (BUC6, BUC9, BUC10, and BUC11) were subsequently selected for extensive in silico database searches, and in vitro analyses through sequencing and RT‐PCR based assays on well‐characterized cell lines and tissues of normal and cancerous origin. BUC6, BUC9, BUC10, and BUC11 are clustered on 10p11.21‐12.1 and showed no homology to any known RNAs. Overall, expression of the four BUC transcripts was high in normal breast and testis tissue, and in some breast cancers; in contrast, BUC was low in other normal tissues, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and other cancer cell lines. Results to‐date suggest that BUC11 and BUC9 translate to protein and BUC11 cytoplasmic and nuclear protein expression was detected in a large cohort of breast cancer samples using immunohistochemistry. This study demonstrates the discovery and expression analysis of a tissue‐restricted novel transcript set which is strongly expressed in breast tissue and their application as clinical cancer biomarkers clearly warrants further investigation. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc..
Experience in Scandinavia through the example of the Södermalm Tunnel / Erfahrungen in Skandinavien am Beispiel des Södermalmstunnels
Authors: Gamsjäger Hannes , Atzl Georg
Published: December 2012

Contract B‐9528 – Södermalm Tunnel is a good example of urban tunnelling, where tunnel alignments cannot be chosen freely due to existing buildings and subsurface structures. Around ten tunnel crossings and a number of difficult situations underpassing existing buildings were in the scope of Södermalm Tunnel with the main focus on the Maria Magdalena Church. A NATM approach enabled tunnelling of the first double track tunnel in Stockholm's Esker to succeed in very close vicinity of the church.

Hauptbaulos B‐9528 – Södermalmstunnel ist ein Beispiel für innerstädtische Randbedingungen, wo die Linienführung des Tunnels von existierenden Bauwerken beeinflusst ist und nicht mehr frei wählbar ist. Neben rund zehn Tunnelkreuzungen war eine Reihe von schwierigen Gebäudeunterfahrungen im Auftragsumfang des Projekts B5‐9528 – Södermalmstunnel, wobei die Maria‐Magdalena‐Kirche im Fokus der Bemühungen stand. Ein NÖT‐Vortrieb ermöglichte im Nahbereich der Kirche die erste Durchörterung von Stockholms Esker (Oser) mit einem Großquerschnitt.
VIP – Tender Model for Infrastructure Projects / VIP – Vergabemodell für Infrastrukturprojekte
Authors: Eder Manfred
Published: December 2012

In connection with the many national and international attempts to improve “cooperation in construction”, a working group of the ITA Austria has been formed and has developed a new “Tender Model for Infrastructure Projects – VIP”. The mostly complete basic concept, which at the moment is being discussed and further developed together with representatives of employers, is the subject of this article.

The VIP has the essential intention of moving away from the currently dominant “cheapest bidder principle” or “best bidder principle”, in which quality criteria play no role or are of only minor importance. The VIP lays more emphasis on qualitative award criteria and intends the award of the contract to the bidder whose bid has the highest “benefit to society”.

Im Zusammenhang mit mehreren nationalen und internationalen Bestrebungen, die “Kooperation im Bauwesen” zu verbessern, hat sich eine Arbeitsgruppe der ITA Austria formiert und ein neues “Vergabemodell für Infrastrukturprojekte – VIP” entwickelt. Das weitgehend fertiggestellte Grundkonzept, welches zurzeit mit Vertretern von Auftraggebern abgestimmt und weiterentwickelt wird, ist Gegenstand dieses Beitrags.

Das VIP verfolgt als wesentliches Ziel eine Abkehr vom derzeit dominanten “Billigstbieterprinzip” bzw. “Bestbieterprinzip”, bei dem qualitative Kriterien keine oder nur eine untergeordnete Rolle spielen. Das VIP legt ein höheres Gewicht auf qualitative Zuschlagskriterien und strebt an, den Auftrag jenem Bieter zu erteilen, dessen Angebot den höchsten “Nutzen für die Gesellschaft” hat.
Opening ceremony of the 8th Austrian Tunnel Day / Eröffnung des 8. Österreichischen Tunneltags
Authors: Pöchhacker Horst
Published: December 2012

The new Austrian tunnelling method has proved greatly successful in the past fifty years thanks to its flexibility and cost‐effectiveness. The application of the NATM demands a high degree of technical and social competence from all project parties and is based on a carefully developed culture. The article summarises the requirements for the successful implementation of NATM projects, discusses some current wrong turnings and explains modern ideas in the fields of cooperative project development, tender models and value engineering.

Die Neue Österreichische Tunnelbauweise hat sich in den vergangenen fünf Jahrzehnten dank ihrer Flexibilität und Wirtschaftlichkeit in höchstem Maße bewährt. Die Anwendung der NÖT erfordert von allen Projektbeteiligten ein hohes Maß an technischer und sozialer Kompetenz und beruht auf einer sorgsam aufgebauten Kultur. Der Beitrag fasst die Voraussetzungen für die erfolgreiche Umsetzung von NÖT‐Projekten zusammen, zeigt aktuelle Fehlentwicklungen auf und erläutert aktuelle Ansätze in den Bereichen kooperative Projektabwicklung, Vergabemodelle und Value Engineering.
Zur inneren Scherfestigkeit von Kunststoff‐Dränelementen
Authors: Müller Werner
Published: December 2012

Kunststoff‐Dränelemente werden auch in Böschungen eingebaut. Da sie in der Regel aus mehreren Komponenten, nämlich mindestens aus einem Dränkern und einem Filtervliesstoff bestehen, hängt die Standsicherheit u. a. von der inneren Scherfestigkeit der Produkte ab. Diese kann entweder durch die reine Reibung der Komponenten untereinander oder durch die mechanische Festigkeit von Fügestellen zwischen den Komponenten bedingt sein, die schon bei der Produktion hergestellt werden. Im letzteren Fall ist nicht klar, wie Ergebnisse von Reibungsversuchen im Rahmenschergerät zu interpretieren sind. Vor diesem Hintergrund wird gezeigt, wie die Druck‐ und Scherkräfte, die ein Produkt langfristig aushalten kann, aus einem Reibungsversuch im Zusammenhang mit Kriechversuchen abgeleitet werden können. Dieses Vorgehen wird bei der Zulassung nach der Deponieverordnung für den Einsatz in Deponieabdichtungen angewendet.

On the internal shear strength of geocomposite drains. Geocomposite drains (GCD) are used on long and steep slopes. Since they are usually composed of different components, at least a drain core in connection with a nonwoven filter geotextile, the internal shear strength is of significant relevance for the slope stability. The internal shear strength may be due to pure friction forces between the different components or due to the mechanical strength of the bonding between the components achieved in a special production process. In the latter case the interpretation of the results of friction shear box tests is quite unclear. Against this background it is shown how the pressure and shear forces, which are acceptable for a product in the long run, may be derived from such a shear box test in combination with long‐term creep tests. The procedure is used within the framework of the certification of the products for landfill cover systems according to the German landfill ordinance.
Zur Steifigkeit bei kleinen Dehnungen im Rahmen der Hypoplastizität
Authors: Wegener Dirk , Herle Ivo
Published: December 2012

Wie Ergebnisse von Laborversuchen zeigen, ist einerseits die Steifigkeit bei kleinen Dehnungen deutlich höher und andererseits die Spannungsabhängigkeit weniger ausgeprägt als bei großen Dehnungen. Im vorliegenden Artikel wird gezeigt, wie man die Bodensteifigkeit im Bereich von sehr kleinen Dehnungen mit dem hypoplastischen Stoffgesetz mit intergranularen Dehnungen erfassen kann. Dazu werden die Gleichungen für die Berechnung der Steifigkeit bei kleinen und bei großen Dehnungen aufgestellt. Weiterhin wird erläutert, wie man die hypoplastischen Parameter zur Anwendung bei kleinen Dehnungen aus den bei großen Dehnungen bestimmten hypoplastischen Parametern berechnen kann. Dadurch ist es möglich, das Bodenverhalten infolge dynamischer Beanspruchung bis zu einer Scherdehnung von γ = 5·10–4 unter Berücksichtigung der spannungs‐ und dehnungsabhängigen Steifigkeit wirklichkeitsnah zu erfassen.

Small strain stiffness in context of hypoplasticity

It can be observed in laboratory tests, that the soil stiffness at small strains is much higher and less stress‐dependent than at high strains. This paper demonstrates how the small‐strain stiffness can be calculated from the hypoplastic model with intergranular strains. Equations for the stiffness at small and large strains are presented. Subsequently it is explained how the hypoplastic parameters for the range of small strains can be calculated from the hypoplastic parameters determined at large strains. In this way it is possible to simulate realistically the soil behaviour due to dynamic loading up to a shear strain amplitude of γ = 5·10–4.
Bodenmechanische Charakterisierung der Scherfestigkeit von Braunkohlen des Mitteldeutschen Reviers
Authors: Baille Wiebke , Sandner Wolfgang , Sawade Gottfried , Schad Hermann , Schanz Tom
Published: December 2012

Dieser Aufsatz beinhaltet die experimentelle Ermittlung von Scherfestigkeitsparametern an Braunkohle aus dem mitteldeutschen Revier. Hauptuntersuchungsgegenstand waren die klein‐ und mittel‐ bis grobstückigen Kohlevarietäten (Gelbe Kohle, Braune Kohle) des Flözes 23 im Tagebau Profen/Schwerzau. Die ermittelten Werte der Scherfestigkeit dienen dazu, bisher bei Standsicherheitsuntersuchungen verwendete Kennwerteansätze zu verifizieren sowie einen möglichen Unterschied in der Scherfestigkeit zwischen der Braunen Kohle und der in Bänderung auftretenden Gelben Kohle festzustellen. Es wurden Triaxialversuche und in situ Scherversuche durchgeführt. Aufgrund der empfindlichen Struktur der kleinstückigen Kohlevarietät waren besondere Maßnahmen bei Probenahme und Probenvorbereitung erforderlich. Es wurde kein signifikanter Unterschied in der Scherfestigkeit zwischen der Braunen und Gelben Kohlevarietät festgestellt. Die aus Triaxial‐ und in situ Scherversuch bestimmten Scherfestigkeiten unterscheiden sich, was zum einen mit der unterschiedlichen Struktur der untersuchten Kohle (kleinstückig vs. mittel‐/ grobstückig) als auch mit den unterschiedlichen Randbedingungen der Versuche begründet werden kann. Die Scherfestigkeiten wurden denen von erdig‐mulmiger Kohle aus der Literatur vergleichend gegenübergestellt.

Characterisation of shear strength of brown coal from central Germany

This paper deals with experiments which were performed to determine the shear strength parameters of different varieties of Brown Coal (lignite) from central Germany. Object of investigation were the lignitic coal varieties with fragmentary structure (Yellow Coal and Brown Coal) of seam 23 in the Profen/Schwerzau mine and the compact coal of seam 1 in the Profen mine. The determined shear strength values were aimed at verifying the parameters used for stability analysis so far as well as for determining possible differences in shear strength between the Yellow Coal and Brown Coal varieties. An experimental program was realized including triaxial and in‐situ shear tests. The sampling and the specimen preparation for laboratory testing required special measures due to the sensitive structure of the coal variety with fragmentary fabric. The shear strength of the variety Yellow Coal and Brown Coal was found to be nearly identical. However, the shear strength as determined from triaxial tests and in‐situ shear tests differ from each other, which can be explained by the different structure of the material tested (small‐fragmentary structure versus medium/large‐fragmentary structure) at the one hand and by the different boundary conditions during the test.
The effect of verbal context on olfactory neural responses
Authors: Bensafi Moustafa , Croy Ilona , Phillips Nicola , Rouby Catherine , Sezille Caroline , Gerber Johannes , Small Dana M. , Hummel Thomas
Published: December 2012

Odor names refer usually to “source” object categories. For example, the smell of rose is often described with its source category (flower). However, linguistic studies suggest that odors can also be named with labels referring to categories of “practices”. This is the case when rose odor is described with a verbal label referring to its use in fragrance practices (“body lotion,” cosmetic for example). It remains unknown whether naming an odor by its practice category influences olfactory neural responses differently than that observed when named with its source category. The aim of this study was to investigate this question. To this end, functional MRI was used in a within‐subjects design comparing brain responses to four different odors (peach, chocolate, linden blossom, and rose) under two conditions whereby smells were described either (1) with their source category label (food and flower) or (2) with a practice category label (body lotion). Both types of labels induced activations in secondary olfactory areas (orbitofrontal cortex), whereas only the source label condition induced activation in the cingulate cortex and the insula. In summary, our findings offer a new look at olfactory perception by indicating differential brain responses depending on whether odors are named according to their source or practice category. Hum Brain Mapp 35:810–818, 2014. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The burden of microstructural damage modulates cortical activation in elderly subjects with MCI and leuko‐araiosis. A DTI and fMRI study
Authors: Mascalchi Mario , Ginestroni Andrea , Toschi Nicola , Poggesi Anna , Cecchi Paolo , Salvadori Emilia , Tessa Carlo , Cosottini Mirco , De Stefano Nicola , Pracucci Giovanni , Pantoni Leonardo , Inzitari Domenico , Diciotti Stefano ,   VMCI Tuscany investigators
Published: December 2012

The term leuko‐araiosis (LA) describes a common chronic affection of the cerebral white matter (WM) in the elderly due to small vessel disease with variable clinical correlates. To explore whether severity of LA entails some adaptive reorganization in the cerebral cortex we evaluated with functional MRI (fMRI) the cortical activation pattern during a simple motor task in 60 subjects with mild cognitive impairment and moderate or severe (moderate‐to‐severe LA group, n = 46) and mild (mild LA group, n = 14) LA extension on visual rating. The microstructural damage associated with LA was measured on diffusion tensor data by computation of the mean diffusivity (MD) of the cerebral WM and by applying tract based spatial statistics (TBSS). Subjects were examined with fMRI during continuous tapping of the right dominant hand with task performance measurement. Moderate‐to‐severe LA group showed hyperactivation of left primary sensorimotor cortex (SM1) and right cerebellum. Regression analyses using the individual median of WM MD as explanatory variable revealed a posterior shift of activation within the left SM1 and hyperactivation of the left SMA and paracentral lobule and of the bilateral cerebellar crus. These data indicate that brain activation is modulated by increasing severity of LA with a local remapping within the SM1 and increased activity in ipsilateral nonprimary sensorimotor cortex and bilateral cerebellum. These potentially adaptive changes as well lack of contralateral cerebral hemisphere hyperactivation are in line with sparing of the U fibers and brainstem and cerebellar WM tracts and the emerging microstructual damage of the corpus callosum revealed by TBSS with increasing severity of LA. Hum Brain Mapp 35:819–830, 2014. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Introduction: The importance of codes of conduct for academia
Authors: Braxton John M. , Bray Nathaniel J.
Published: December 2012

This chapter emphasizes the importance of codes of conduct to guide the professional role performance of presidents, academic deans, admissions officers, fund‐raising professionals, and faculty who teach undergraduate and graduate students.
Toward a code of conduct for the presidency
Authors: Fleming J. Christopher
Published: December 2012

College and university presidents serve clients who are internal and external to their institution. This chapter describes eight tenets toward a code of conduct for college and university presidents that safeguards the welfare of the clients served.
A normative code of conduct for admissions officers
Authors: Hodum Robert L.
Published: December 2012

The work of admissions officers serves clients who include prospective students and their families and the college or university they represent. This chapter presents tenets toward a code of conduct for admissions work that safeguards the welfare of such clients.
Analgesic ineffectiveness of lacosamide after spinal nerve ligation and its sodium channel activity in injured neurons
Authors: Hagenacker T. , Schäfer N. , Büsselberg D. , Schäfers M.
Published: December 2012

Background

Lacosamide is a novel anti‐epileptic drug that enhances the slow‐ and not fast‐inactivating state of voltage‐gated sodium channels. Lacosamide has demonstrated analgesic efficacy in several animal studies but preclinical studies on neuropathic pain models are rare, and recent clinical trials showed no superior analgesic effects.

Methods

Here, we examine whether an acute or chronic administration of lacosamide (3–60 mg/kg, i.p.) attenuates pain behaviour induced by spinal nerve ligation (SNL). To validate the inhibitory efficacy of lacosamide on voltage‐gated sodium channels, sodium currents in naïve and SNL‐injured dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons were recorded using whole‐cell patch clamping.

Results

Lacosamide only marginally attenuated thermal hyperalgesia, but not tactile allodynia when applied once 7 or 14 days after SNL and showed no analgesic effect when applied daily for 19 days. In naïve neurons, 100 μmol/L lacosamide inhibited sodium channel currents by 58% and enhanced the slow inactivation (87% for lacosamide vs. 47% for control). In contrast, lacosamide inhibited sodium currents in injured DRG neurons by only 15%, while the effects on slow inactivation were diminished. Isolated currents from the NaV1.8 channel subtype were only marginally changed by lacosamide.

Conclusion

The reduced effectiveness of lacosamide on voltage‐gated sodium channel currents in injured DRG neurons may contribute to the reduced analgesic effect observed for the SNL model.
Changes in the epigenetic status of the SOX-9 promoter in human osteoarthritic cartilage
Authors: Kim Kyung-Il , Park Youn-Soo , Im Gun-Il
Published: December 2012

Whether osteoarthritis (OA) is associated with alterations in the epigenetic status of anabolic factors is largely unknown. To answer the question, we investigated the DNA methylation and histone modification of SOX-9 gene promoter, a typical anabolic gene, in the articular cartilage from nine patients with femoral neck fractures without OA and from nine hip OA patients. Methylation-specific PCR (MSP) and bisulfite sequencing analysis (BSQ) showed that the methylation of SOX-9 promoter was increased in OA cartilage compared to normal cartilage. The decreased SOX-9 gene and protein expression in OA chondrocytes was reversed by the treatment of 5-azacytidine (5-AzaC), the demethylating agent. Methylation of SOX-9 proximal promoters reduced the binding affinity of transcription factors CCAAT-binding factor/nuclear factor-Y and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) response element–binding. There was a significant increase in H3K9 and H3K27 trimethylation and a significant decrease in the acetylation of H3K9, 15, 18, 23, and 27 at SOX-9 promoters in OA chondrocytes. These findings suggest that hip OA is associated with a change in the epigenetic status of SOX-9 promoter, including increased DNA methylation and altered histone modification. © 2013 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.