bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Betulinic acid inhibits high glucose‐induced vascular smooth muscle cells proliferation and migration
Authors: Yoon Jung Joo , Lee Yun Jung , Kim Jin Sook , Kang Dae Gill , Lee Ho Sub
Published: September 2010

The proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells may perform a crucial role in the pathogenesis of diabetic vascular disease. The principal objective of this study was to determine the effects of betulinic acid (BA) on human aortic smooth muscle cell (HASMC) proliferation induced by high glucose (HG). In this study, [3H]‐thymidine incorporation under 25 mM HG was accelerated significantly as compared with 5.5 mM glucose, and this increase was inhibited significantly by BA treatment. We utilized Western blotting analysis to evaluate the effects of BA on cell‐cycle regulatory proteins. HG induced the expression of cyclins/CDKs and reduced the expression of p21waf1/cip1/p27kip1. However, BA also attenuated the expression of HG‐induced cell‐cycle regulatory proteins. The results of gelatin zymography demonstrated that the HG‐treated HASMC secreted gelatinases, probably including MMP‐2/‐9, which may be involved in the invasion and migration of HASMC. Additionally, BA suppressed the protein and mRNA expression levels of MMP‐2/‐9 in a dose‐dependent manner. BA inhibited the production of HG‐induced hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and the formation of DCF‐sensitive intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Further, BA suppressed the nuclear translocation and phosphorylation of IκB‐α of NF‐κB under HG conditions. Our results showed that BA exerts multiple effects on HG‐induced HASMC proliferation and migration, including the inhibition of both MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 transcription, protein activity, and the downregulation of ROS/NF‐κB signaling, thereby suggesting that BA may be a possible therapeutic approach to the inhibition of diabetic vascular disease. J. Cell. Biochem. 111: 1501–1511, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rg1 protects iron‐induced neurotoxicity through antioxidant and iron regulatory proteins in 6‐OHDA‐treated MES23.5 cells
Authors: Xu Huamin , Jiang Hong , Wang Jun , Xie Junxia
Published: September 2010

Ginsenoside‐Rg1 is one of the pharmacologically active components isolated from ginseng. It was reported that Rg1 protected dopamine (DA) neurons in 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA)‐induced Parkinson's disease (PD) models in vivo and in vitro. Our previous study also demonstrated that iron accumulation was involved in the toxicity of 6‐OHDA. However, whether Rg1 could protect DA neurons against 6‐OHDA toxicity by modulating iron accumulation and iron‐induced oxidative stress is not clear. Therefore, the present study was carried out to elucidate this effect in 6‐OHDA‐treated MES23.5 cells and the possible mechanisms were also conducted. Findings showed Rg1 restored iron‐induced decrease in mitochondrial transmembrane potential in MES23.5 cells, and increased ferrous iron influx was found in 6‐OHDA‐treated cells. Rg1 pretreatment could decrease this iron influx by inhibiting 6‐OHDA‐induced up‐regulation of an iron importer protein divalent metal transporter 1 with iron responsive element (DMT1 + IRE). Furthermore, findings also showed that the effect of Rg1 on DMT1 + IRE expression was due to its inhibition of iron regulatory proteins (IRPs) by its antioxidant effect. These results suggested that the neuroprotective effect of Rg1 against iron toxicity in 6‐OHDA‐treated cells was to decrease the cellular iron accumulation and attenuate the improper up‐regulation of DMT1 + IRE via IRE/IRP system. This provides new insight to understand the pharmacological effects of Rg1 on iron‐induced degeneration of DA neurons. J. Cell. Biochem. 111: 1537–1545, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hopping isn't always about the legs: forelimb muscle activity patterns during toad locomotion
Authors: Akella Trupti , Gillis Gary B.
Published: September 2010

Although toads are not known for their jumping ability, they are excellent at landing, using their forelimbs to stabilize and decelerate the body as they transition between hops. Forelimb muscles must play important roles during this landing behavior, but to date our understanding of forelimb muscle function during jumping in anurans, particularly after takeoff, is quite limited. Here, we use simultaneous high‐speed video and electromyography to characterize the timing and intensity of electrical activity patterns of six muscles that act at the shoulder or elbow joints in the cane toad, Bufo marinus. In particular, we aim to address the importance of these muscles with respect to various potential roles during hopping (e.g. contributing to propulsion during takeoff, resisting impact forces during landing). Five of the six recorded muscles exhibited their highest average intensities during the aerial phase of the hop, with the most intense activity present near forelimb touchdown. In contrast, no muscles exhibited high levels of activity in the initial phase of takeoff. We interpret these data to indicate that the forelimb muscles studied here are likely unimportant in augmenting force production during takeoff, but are critical for both mid‐air forelimb positioning and resisting the forces associated with impact. The onset timing of elbow extensors seems to occur at a nearly fixed interval before impact, regardless of hop length, suggesting that these muscles are particularly tuned to resisting impact. J. Exp. Zool. 315:1–11, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Addressing the business of discharge: Building a case for an electronic discharge summary
Authors: Mourad Michelle , Cucina Russell , Ramanathan Rajiv , Vidyarthi Arpana R.
Published: September 2010

Hospitalists are increasingly involved in implementing quality improvement initiatives around patient safety, clinical informatics, and transitions of care, but may lack expertise in promoting these important interventions. Developing a sound business case is essential to garnering support and resources for any quality improvement initiative. We present a framework for developing a business case using a structured approach to exploring qualitative and quantitative costs and benefits and describe its application in the experience of developing an electronic discharge summary at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF). At our institution, we found that the primary financial benefits are the cost reductions in eliminating transcription needs and decreasing billing delays, as well as reducing the cost of tracking completion of and dissemination of discharge summaries. Costs incurred from a new information technology (IT) infrastructure, programmer time, maintenance and training must also be accounted for. While benefits may be apparent to front line providers (improved communication, efficiency of data transfer, and increased referring physician satisfaction), implementing and sustaining such an innovation depends on articulating a sound business case with a detailed cost‐benefit analysis to institutional decision making. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2011. © 2010 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Mineral‐nutrient synergism and dilution responses to nitrogen fertilizer in field‐grown maize
Authors: Riedell Walter E.
Published: September 2010

Nitrogen (N)‐fertilizer applications to field‐grown maize may result in a dilution response whereby essential mineral‐element concentrations in shoots would decrease as shoot‐dry‐matter accumulation increased. To investigate this, the effect of N‐fertilizer treatments (no N or fertilizer rate based upon 5.3 or 8.5 t ha–1 yield goal) on maize (Zea mays L.) shoot dry weight and shoot mineral concentrations (N, P, K, S, Mg, Ca, and Mn) at the sixth leaf (V6), twelfth leaf (V12), and tassel (VT) development stages were investigated in a 2‐year study conducted at Brookings, South Dakota (USA). With increasing N‐fertilizer application rates, shoot dry weight was greater and shoot P and K concentrations decreased. A possible explanation of this dilution response is that planting‐time P and K fertilizers, which were applied in a band near the seed furrow, may have enhanced the uptake of P and K in a manner that was independent of N‐fertilizer treatments. Increased shoot‐dry‐weight production due to the application of N fertilizers, if P and K uptake were similar across N‐fertilizer treatments, would lead to decreased shoot P and K concentrations in N‐sufficient compared with N‐deficient plants. Conversely, N‐fertilizer‐induced increases in shoot dry weight were accompanied by increased shoot concentrations of N, Ca, and Mn. This synergistic response between dry‐weight accumulation and shoot N concentration was present at all leaf developmental stages studied, while that for Ca was present only at VT. Thus, N fertilizer applications that increase shoot dry weight can affect the dilution and synergistic responses of specific mineral nutrients in maize shoots. Crop developmental stage as well as the location of these specific mineral nutrients in the soil profile might play important roles in mediating these responses.
Surgical outcomes for liposarcoma of the lower limbs with synchronous pulmonary metastases
Authors: Illuminati Giulio , Ceccanei Gianluca , Pacilè Maria Antonietta , Calio Francesco G. , Migliano Francesco , Mercurio Valentina , Pizzardi Giulia , Nigri Giuseppe
Published: September 2010

Background and Objectives

Surgical resection of pulmonary metastases from soft tissues sarcomas has typically yielded disparate results, owing to the histologic heterogeneity of various series and the presentation times relative to primary tumor discovery. It was our hypothesis that with expeditious, curative surgical resection of both, primary and metastatic disease, patients with liposarcoma of the lower limb and synchronous, resectable, pulmonary metastases might achieve satisfactory outcomes.

Methods

A consecutive sample clinical study, with a mean follow‐up duration of 30 months. Twenty‐two patients (mean age, 50 years), each presenting with a liposarcoma of the lower limb and synchronous, resectable, pulmonary metastases, underwent curative resection of both the primary mass and all pulmonary metastases within a mean of 18 days from presentation (range 9–32 days).

Results

Mean overall survival was 28 months, disease‐related survival (SE) was 9% at 5 years (±9.7%), and disease‐free survival was 9% at 5 years (±7.6%).

Conclusion

Expeditious, curative resection of both—primary and metastatic lesions—yields acceptable near‐term results, with potential for long‐term survival, in patients with liposarcoma of the lower limb and synchronous pulmonary metastases. J. Surg. Oncol. 2010;102:827–831. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lymphatic micrometastases in patients with early esophageal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Grotenhuis Brechtje A. , van Heijl Mark , Wijnhoven Bas P. L. , van Berge Henegouwen Mark I. , Biermann Katharina , ten Kate Fiebo J. W. , Busch Olivier R. C. , Dinjens Winand N. M. , Tilanus Hugo W. , van Lanschot J. Jan B.
Published: September 2010

Background

Both endoscopic and surgical treatments are recommended for m3‐ or sm1‐adenocarcinomas of the esophagus, depending on patients' lymph nodal status. Lymphatic dissemination is related to tumor infiltration depth, but varying incidences have been reported in m3‐ and sm1‐adenocarcinomas. The study aim was to investigate whether the presence of occult tumor cells in lymph nodes could explain this variation.

Methods

Sixty‐three node‐negative (N0) patients with early esophageal adenocarcinoma (m2/m3/sm1‐tumors) were included. Multilevel‐sectioning of lymph nodes was performed; sections were stained by means of immunohistochemistry with cytokeratin marker CAM5.2. Two pathologists searched for micrometastases (0.2–2.0 mm) and isolated tumor cells (ITCs, <0.2 mm).

Results

Positive CAM5.2 staining in lymph nodes was not seen in any of the 18 m2‐patients. In 2/25 m3‐tumors (8.0%) an ITC was found, but no micrometastases. Tumor cells were identified in 4/20 sm1‐tumors (20.0%): three micrometastases and one ITC. Median follow‐up was 121 months. Two m3‐patients (3.2%) died due to disease recurrence, including one patient in whom an ITC was detected.

Conclusions

Lymphatic migration of tumor cells was found in node‐negative m3‐ and sm1‐adenocarcinomas of the esophagus (8.0% and 20.0%, respectively). However, the clinical relevance of these occult tumor cells should become apparent from large series of endoscopically treated patients. J. Surg. Oncol. 2010;102:863–867. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prognostic significance of downregulated expression of programmed cell death 5 in chondrosarcoma
Authors: Chen Changbao , Zhou Hua , Xu Lanjun , Liu Xiaoguang , Liu Zhongjun , Ma Dalong , Chen Yingyu , Ma Qingjun
Published: September 2010

Background and Objectives

Programmed Cell Death 5 (PDCD5) is a novel apoptosis‐related gene and deregulation of PDCD5 is involved in tumorigenicity. This study was designed to investigate the expression level of PDCD5 and to clarify its clinical significance in chondrosarcoma.

Methods

The mRNA and protein levels of PDCD5 in chondrosarcoma and matched corresponding non‐tumor tissues were evaluated by real‐time PCR and Western blot, respectively. The expression of PDCD5 protein was investigated by immunohistochemistry assays in chondrosarcoma, and its association with clinicopathologic factors and overall survival was also analyzed.

Results

The mRNA and protein levels of PDCD5 were significantly decreased in chondrosarcoma compared with corresponding non‐tumor tissues. Low expression of PDCD5 protein was 61.8% (21/34) in chondrosarcomas, as compared 12.5% (1/8) in normal bones, as well as compared 23.5% (4/17) in benign cartilage tumors. PDCD5 expression was correlated with anatomical location and histological grade. The survival rate of patients with low‐PDCD5 tumors was lower than that of patients with high‐PDCD5 tumors. Multivariate analysis revealed that the downregulated expression of PDCD5 was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival.

Conclusions

PDCD5 is downregulated in chondrosarcoma and might be an independent prognostic factor for overall survival of chondrosarcoma patients. J. Surg. Oncol. 2010;102:838–843. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Surface Modification of Wood Fiber and Preparation of a Wood Fiber–Polypropylene Hybrid by In situ Polymerization
Authors: Reddy C. Ravindra , Simon Leonardo C.
Published: September 2010

The surface functionalization of wood fiber was performed by chemical modification with bi‐functional organo‐silane 7‐octenyldimethylchlorosilane (7‐ODMCS) and mono‐functional organo‐silane n‐octyldimethylchlorosilane (n‐ODMCS). The chloro functionality of organo‐silane modifiers was utilized to functionalize wood fiber. The resulting modified fiber was characterized for thermal stability (thermal gravimetric analysis), presence of organic groups on the surface (Fourier‐transform IR), for particle size (microscopy) and for its hydrophobicity by dispersing in toluene. The modified fiber was used for in situ polymerization of propylene to obtain a wood fiber–polypropylene hybrid. The terminal olefin functionality of 7‐ODMCS was utilized for co‐polymerization of propylene during in situ polymerization. The wood fiber–polypropylene hybrid samples were characterized for thermal analysis. In order to confirm the co‐polymerization of propylene in 7‐ODMCS modified fiber during in situ polymerization, n‐ODMCS modified fiber having no olefin functionality was also used in in situ polymerization.

magnified image
Reference region‐based pharmacokinetic modeling in quantitative dynamic contract‐enhanced MRI allows robust treatment monitoring in a rat liver tumor model despite cardiovascular changes
Authors: Steingoetter Andreas , Svensson Jonas , Kosanke Yvonne , Botnar Rene M. , Schwaiger Markus , Rummeny Ernst , Braren Rickmer
Published: September 2010

In this work, two pharmacokinetic modeling techniques, population arterial input function model, and reference region model, were applied to dynamic contract‐enhanced MRI data, to test the influence of a change in heart rate on modeling parameters. A rat population arterial input function was generated by dynamic contrast‐enhanced computed tomography measurements using the MR contrast agent gadolinium diethylenetriamine penta‐acetic acid. Then, dynamic contract‐enhanced MRI was used for treatment monitoring in two groups of hepatocellular carcinoma bearing rats. Whereas group 1 had the same heart rate as animals analyzed for the population arterial input function (263 ± 20 bpm), group 2 had a higher heart rate (369 ± 11 bpm) due to a different anesthesia protocol. The pharmacokinetic modeling parameters volume transfer constantKtransand relative extravascular extracellular spacevewere calculated with both models and statistically compared. For group 1, good correlation and agreement was found between the models showing no difference inKtransandve(ΔKtrans: 4 ± 19% and Δve: 4 ± 12%,P= 0.2). In contrast, for group 2, a bias in parameter values for the population arterial input function model was detected (ΔKtrans: −45 ± 7% and Δve: −31 ± 7%,P≤ 0.001). The presented work underlines the value of the reference region model in longitudinal treatment monitoring and provides a straightforward approach for the generation of a rat population arterial input function. Magn Reson Med, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Indirectly probing Ca2+ handling alterations following myocardial infarction in a murine model using T1‐mapping manganese‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Waghorn Benjamin , Schumacher Autumn , Liu Jimei , Jacobs Stephanie , Baba Akemichi , Matsuda Toshio , Yanasak Nathan , Hu Tom C.‐C.
Published: September 2010

Prolonged ischemia causes cellular necrosis and myocardial infarction (MI) via intracellular calcium (Ca2+) overload. Manganese‐enhanced MRI indirectly assesses Ca2+ influx movement in vivo as manganese (Mn2+) is a Ca2+ analog. To characterize myocardial Mn2+ efflux properties, T1‐mapping manganese‐enhanced MRI studies were performed on adult male C57Bl/6 mice in which Ca2+ efflux was altered using pharmacological intervention agents or MI‐inducing surgery. Results showed that (1) Mn2+ efflux rate increased exponentially with increasing Mn2+ doses; (2) SEA0400 (a sodium–calcium exchanger inhibitor) decreased the rate of Mn2+ efflux; and (3) dobutamine (a positive inotropic agent) increased the Mn2+ efflux rate. A novel analysis technique also delineated regional features in the MI mice, which showed an increased Mn2+ efflux rate in the necrosed and peri‐infarcted tissue zones. The T1‐mapping manganese‐enhanced MRI technique characterized alterations in myocardial Mn2+ efflux rates following both pharmacologic intervention and an acute MI. The Mn2+ efflux results were consistent with those in ex vivo studies showing an increased Ca2+ concentration under similar conditions. Thus, T1‐mapping manganese‐enhanced MRI has the potential to indirectly identify and quantify intracellular Ca2+ handling in the peri‐infarcted tissue zones, which may reveal salvageable tissue in the post‐MI myocardium. Magn Reson Med, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rapid six‐degree‐of‐freedom motion detection using prerotated baseline spherical navigator echoes
Authors: Liu Junmin , Drangova Maria
Published: September 2010

A new spherical navigator echo (SNAV) registration technique is presented. This technique starts by collecting a set of SNAV templates at a reference position. These templates are acquired by rotating the gradient system to result in rotation angles that uniformly cover a predefined range of rotation. The rotation angles between an unknown physically transformed position and the reference position are subsequently determined by finding the template with the lowest sum of squared differences with SNAV at the transformed position. Translations are calculated from the phase differences between the best‐match SNAV template and the SNAV acquired at the transformed position. In comparison with the conventional SNAV registration technique, the proposed technique is noniterative, robust, and can detect 3‐dimensional rigid body motion in less than 50 msec. The technique was verified with phantom and in vivo experiments, which demonstrated subdegree rotational and submillimeter translational accuracy over a range of simultaneous ±20° and ±10° mm of motion. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Attitudes toward sex selection: a survey among potential users in Israel
Authors: Hashiloni‐Dolev Yael , Hirsh‐Yechzkel Galit , Boyko Valentina , Wainstock Tamar , Schiff Eyal , Lerner‐Geva Liat
Published: September 2010

Objective

Since 1995, Israel allows social sex selection (SxS) under certain circumstances. However, data regarding the attitudes of potential users are limited.

Methods

The study population composed of a stratified sample of Israeli married men and women at the reproductive age (women aged 17–45, men aged 17–65), who had 1–2, 3, or 4+ children of the same sex.

We conducted telephonic interviews with 687 Israeli residents using a structured questionnaire that included the following items: demographic characteristics, opinions regarding SxS, personal interest in expanding the family, and interest in choosing the sex of a future child.

Results

Among the group of respondents who wanted to have more children (true potential users of the technology), 42.6% wished to select the sex of a future child. Strong desire for family balancing was found. In a multivariable logistic regression model, being an ultra‐orthodox was associated with a lower desire to choose (OR = 0.02; 95% CI: 0.01–0.06), while having more same‐sex children was associated with a greater desire to choose (OR = 3.12; 95% CI: 1.54–6.32).

Conclusions

It can be estimated that if SxS were to be freely permitted in Israel, less than half of those for whom SxS is truly relevant would want to use the technology. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Maternal serum insulin‐like growth factor‐I at 11–13 weeks in preeclampsia
Authors: Sifakis Stavros , Akolekar Ranjit , Kappou Dimitra , Mantas Nikitas , Nicolaides Kypros H.
Published: September 2010

Objective

To investigate the maternal serum concentration of insulin‐like growth factor‐I (IGF‐I) in the first trimester of pregnancies that subsequently develop preeclampsia (PE) and to examine the possible association with uterine artery pulsatility index (PI).

Methods

The maternal serum concentration of IGF‐I and uterine artery PI at 11–13 weeks were measured in 53 cases that developed PE, including 18 that required delivery before 34 weeks (early‐PE) and 106 unaffected controls. The measured IGF‐I concentration and uterine artery PI were converted into a multiple of the expected median (MoM) in unaffected pregnancies, and median MoM values were compared in the outcome groups. The significance of association of IGF‐I MoM with uterine artery PI MoM was determined by regression analysis.

Results

In the early‐PE and late‐PE groups, compared to the unaffected controls, the median IGF‐I decreased (0.53 and 0.55 MoM, respectively) and uterine artery PI increased (1.55 and 1.21 MoM, respectively). In the group that developed PE, there was no significant association between serum IGF‐I and uterine artery PI (p = 0.632).

Conclusion

In pregnancies destined to develop PE, the circulating levels of IGF‐I decrease from the first trimester of pregnancy suggesting that IGF‐I may be implicated in the pathogenesis of the disease. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Compact spectrum splitting photovoltaic module with high efficiency
Authors: McCambridge James D. , Steiner Myles A. , Unger Blair L. , Emery Keith A. , Christensen Eric L. , Wanlass Mark W. , Gray Allen L. , Takacs Laszlo , Buelow Roger , McCollum Timothy A. , Ashmead James W. , Schmidt Greg R. , Haas Alex W. , Wilcox John R. , Van Meter James , Gray Jeffery L. , Moore Duncan T. , Barnett Allen M. , Schwartz Richard J.
Published: September 2010

We have designed, fabricated, and tested a small, integrated photovoltaic module comprised of two separately‐contacted, high efficiency, multijunction solar cells and non‐imaging optics that both concentrate and spectrally split the incoming light. This hybrid design allows us to individually optimize the tandem cells and optical elements. The system has a measured module efficiency, including optical and packaging losses but not power combination losses, of 38.5 ± 1.9% under the AM1.5 direct terrestrial spectrum. The internal optics concentrate the light by a factor of approximately 20. We find excellent agreement between the modeled and measured performance. This is the highest confirmed conversion efficiency demonstrated for a photovoltaic module. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermal and pH‐sensitive gold nanoparticles from H‐shaped block copolymers of (PNIPAM/PDMAEMA)‐b‐PEG‐b‐(PNIPAM/PDMAEMA)
Authors: Li Li‐Ying , He Wei‐Dong , Li Wen‐Tao , Zhang Ke‐Ren , Pan Ting‐Ting , Ding Zong‐Lei , Zhang Bo‐Yu
Published: September 2010

Well‐defined H‐shaped pentablock copolymers composed of poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM), poly(N,N‐dimethylaminoethylacrylamide) (PDMAEMA), and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) with the chain architecture of (A/B)‐b‐C‐b‐(A/B) were synthesized by the combination of single‐electron‐transfer living radical polymerization, atom‐transfer radical polymerization, and click chemistry. Single‐electron‐transfer living radical polymerization of NIPAM using α,ω azide‐capped PEG macroinitiator resulted in PNIPAM‐b‐PEG‐b‐PNIPAM with azide groups at the block joints. Atom‐transfer radical polymerization of DMAEMA initiated by propargyl 2‐chloropropionate gave out α‐capped alkyne‐PDMAEMA. The H‐shaped copolymers were finally obtained by the click reaction between PNIPAM‐b‐PEG‐b‐PNIPAM and alkyne‐PDMAEMA. These copolymers were used to prepare stable colloidal gold nanoparticles (GNPs) in aqueous solution without any external reducing agent. The formation of GNPs was affected by the length of PDMAEMA block, the feed ratio of the copolymer to HAuCl4, and the pH value. The surface plasmon absorbance of these obtained GNPs also exhibited pH and thermal dependence because of the existence of PNIAPM and PDAMEMA blocks. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2010
Preparation of miktoarm star‐block copolymers PSn‐b‐PVAc4‐n via combination of ATRP and RAFT polymerization
Authors: Qiu Yansheng , Zhang Wei , Yan Yuefang , Zhu Jian , Zhang Zhengbiao , Zhu Xiulin
Published: September 2010

Three tetrafunctional bromoxanthate agents (Xanthate3‐Br, Xanthate2‐Br2, and Xanthate‐Br3) were synthesized. Initiative atom transfer radical polymerizations (ATRP) of styrene (St) or reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerizations of vinyl acetate (VAc) proceeded in a controlled manner in the presence of Xanthate3‐Br, Xanthate2‐Br2, or Xanthate‐Br3, respectively. The miktoarm star‐block copolymers containing polystyrene (PS) and poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) chains, PSn‐b‐PVAc4‐n (n = 1, 2, and 3), with controlled structures were successfully prepared by successive RAFT and ATRP chain‐extension experiments using VAc and St as the second monomers, respectively. The architecture of the miktoarm star‐block copolymers PSn‐b‐PVAc4‐n (n = 1, 2, and 3) were characterized by gel permeation chromatography and 1H NMR spectra. Furthermore, the results of the cleavage of PS3‐b‐PVAc and PVAc2‐b‐PS2 confirmed the structures of the obtained miktoarm star‐block copolymers. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2010
Synthesis of the raspberry‐like PS/PAN particles with anisotropic properties via seeded emulsion polymerization initiated by γ‐ray radiation
Authors: Huang Haofeng , Liu Huarong
Published: September 2010

We herein report a facile method to prepare the submicron‐sized raspberry‐like polystyrene/polyacrylonitrile particles with anisotropic properties and controllable structure via γ‐radiation‐induced seeded emulsion polymerization under ambient pressure and at room temperature, in which the monodisperse crosslinked styrene‐divinylbenzene‐acrylic acid terpolymer (P(S‐DVB‐AA)) particles were used as seed particles and acrylonitrile (AN) as the second monomer. The influence of the weight ratio of polymer/monomer, the absorbed dose rate, the absorbed dose, and the dispersion medium on the morphology of the as‐prepared particles was investigated. The final products were thoroughly characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field‐emission scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The results showed that the raspberry‐like particles could be fabricated in high yield. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2010
Are safety and reliability two contradicting parameters?
Authors: Speth Christian , Han Pat
Published: September 2010

The nameplate capacity of chemical plants, and in particular ammonia plants, has been steadily increasing over the past 30 years. As the plant capacity grows, so does the cost of an unscheduled production stop. Furthermore, the safety awareness in chemical complexes has been steadily increasing, resulting in more complex trip systems. This article analyzes the complexity of the control system using tools known from safety integrity level (SIL) analysis, and it describes how the plant availability and reliability may be affected by the selection of different control philosophies. This study concludes that a two out of three voting trip system is a sound investment in a modern plant, and that an even more advanced system will add benefit to the plant owners. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2010
Root cause analysis of dust collector deflagration incident
Authors: Garland R. Wayne
Published: September 2010

The root cause analysis for a deflagration incident in a large dust collector will be summarized. This includes evidence collection, development of the why tree, additional data collection, and follow‐up. Findings from this investigation illustrate the hazards of combustible dust and key preventative measures that can be used to prevent this type of incident. It also illustrates why combustible dust hazards should be considered in process changes made through management of change. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2010
Ab initio Green's function calculation of hyperfine interactions for shallow defects in semiconductors
Authors: Gerstmann U.
Published: September 2010

The structural identification of shallow defects and the control of their concentration is one of the key ingredients in semiconductor technology. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) is the most sensitive experimental technique to address this problem, but requires comparative theoretical simulation of the microscopic structures. Whereas the standard supercell approach provides an accurate first principles analysis of localized deep defects, the wave function of shallow dopants often extends over several thousands of atoms and has to be treated in an empirical one‐particle approach, the effective mass approximation (EMA). We report that modeling the shallow defects via a Green's functions approach allows an ab inito description of the so‐called central‐cell correction to EMA that accounts for the specific local part of the potential. The spatial distribution of the donor wave functions comes out within an accuracy that allows a prediction of hyperfine (hf) interactions including the Kohn–Luttinger oscillations within the ligand hf structure – an effect that in quantum computing plays a key role in the control of the exchange coupling of qubits in semiconductors. For phosphorus in silicon, we show that in strained material these Kohn–Luttinger oscillations are partially suppressed. Our results indicate that in contrast to the prediction of the EMA, there exists no high‐stress limit for the reduction of the central P‐related hf splitting. The application of the approach onto donors in SiC confirms an incorporation of the P atoms onto both, the silicon as well as the carbon sublattice, if the donors are incorporated far away from thermal equilibrium.
Lattice dynamics of layered semiconducting compound TlGaS2
Authors: Ulubey (Kulibekov) A. M. , Hashimzade F. M. , Huseinova D. A. , Nizametdinova M. A. , Orudzhev G. S. , Allakhverdiev K. R. , Yıldız N. T.
Published: September 2010

In this paper we present the results of ab initio calculations of the lattice dynamics of ternary TlGaS2 semiconductor with highly anisotropic crystal structure. Calculations have been performed using the open‐source code ABINIT on the basis of density functional theory within the plane‐wave pseudopotential approach. The results are discussed in terms of previously existing experimental data. Calculated frequencies of the phonon modes at the center of the Brillouin zone, as well as calculated IR reflection spectra in the range of 15–500 cm−1, are in reasonable agreement with existing experimental data. The theoretical temperature dependence (up to room temperature) of the heat capacity is in good agreement with experimental data.
Rich pictures: a means to explore the ‘sustainable mind’?
Authors: Bell Simon , Morse Stephen
Published: September 2010

The European Union Framework Package 7 project POINT (Policy Influence of Indicators) is exploring the use of indicators in several domains (most specifically sustainable development) to see how their value and ultimate usefulness can be maximized. One key aspect of POINT is to assess the ways in which groups and communities work to make the greatest use of information. Using an innovative methodology called ‘Triple Task’, the authors are applying a three‐cornered approach to gain an understanding of how groups work, how they assesses themselves and how they appear to function from an external perspective.

In this paper, the first stage of Triple Task is described and explored. Task One is effectively a ‘soft’ means for a group to work together on problem identification and action planning, and the key to this is the device known as the Rich Picture. Rich Pictures have been used in group work for over 30 years, primarily as a means for the group to express its preliminary vision concerning a matter of common concern, but so far they have not been applied as a means to explore the conscious and unconscious workings of a group nor have they been assessed in terms of their content and ‘message’.

By understanding the group mind as represented in a picture the authors begin to gain a deeper understanding of the group's own potential to use and exploit information of all kinds and to move towards a deeper ‘Sustainable Group Mind’, and a more focused means to problem solve. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Sharing experiments using open‐source software
Authors: Nelson Adam , Menzies Tim , Gay Gregory
Published: September 2010

When researchers want to repeat, improve or refute prior conclusions, it is useful to have a complete and operational description of prior experiments. If those descriptions are overly long or complex, then sharing their details may not be informative. OURMINE is a scripting environment for the development and deployment of data mining experiments. Using OURMINE, data mining novices can specify and execute intricate experiments, while researchers can publish their complete experimental rig alongside their conclusions. This is achievable because of OURMINE's succinctness. For example, this paper presents two experiments documented in the OURMINE syntax. Thus, the brevity and simplicity of OURMINE recommends it as a better tool for documenting, executing, and sharing data mining experiments. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Das Ultra‐Hochvakuumsystem bei DESY 1. Teil: Das Vakuum der Elektronen‐Beschleuniger
Authors: Grotelüschen Frank
Published: September 2010

Die Strahlrohe von HERA und DORIS sowie der Vorbeschleuniger und Transportwege bilden ein über 13 km langes Ultra‐Hochvakuumsystem. Zum ersten Mal wurde für die Vakuumkammern des Elektronenringes von HERA eine Kupfer‐Zinn‐Legierung verwendet, was neue Fertiglings‐ und Löttechniken erforderte. In einem 15 m langen Spezialofen wurden zwei Kanäle — einer für die integrierten Ionenzerstäuberpumpen, der andere für die Wasserkühlung — rechts und links an die eigentliche Kammer gelötet. Über 1400 bis zu 12 m lange Strahlrohre wurden so bei DESY unter Verwendung von vorzugsweise elektischem Silber‐Kupfer‐Lot hergestellt. Die Verbindungsstücke sind flexible Kompensatoren aus rostfreiem Stahl. Durch speziell entwickelte, hochfrequenzabgeschirmte “Schott‐Ventile” ist das 6336 m lange Strahlrohr in 41 autonome Vakuumabschnitte unterteilt. Für die Lecksuche kommen in dem unterirdischen Ringtunnel tragbare magnetische Helium‐Massenspektrometer zum Einsatz. Während des Beschleunigerbetriebs wird das Vakuum in einem zentralen Kontrollraum ständig überwacht und elektronisch ferngesteuert.
Clustertools — ein neues Anlagenkonzept für die Schichtherstellung in der Mikroelektronik
Authors: Kücher Peter
Published: September 2010

Eine neue Anlagengeneration für Abscheide‐ und Ätzprozesse bei der Chipherstellung in der Mikroelektronik hat sich etabliert. Die Systeme erlauben die Integration mehrerer Prozeßschritte wie Reinigung, Abscheidung, Ätzung und Temperung in einem Vakuumsystem.

Der Einsatz wird wesentlich durch die technologische Notwendigkeit der Beherrschung von Grenzflächen im Nanometerbereich sowie der Reduzierung von Partikeln vorangetrieben. Sie bieten aber auch Vorteile bei der Steuerung eines immer komplexeren Fertigungsprozesses mit einer zunehmenden Anzahl von Prozeßschritten und einer größeren Produktvielfalt. Hohe Anforderungen werden an die Zuverlässigkeit der Systeme gestellt.
Berechnung von Auspumpkurven mit Hilfe der Analogie von Gasstrom und elektrischem Strom
Authors: Fikes Ladislav
Published: September 2010

Im vorliegenden Beitrag wird auf die Analogie zwischen elektrischen und vakuumtechnischen Größen und Gleichungen hingewiesen, die es ermöglichen, vereinfachte und schnelle Berechnungen in der Vakuumtechnik vorzunehmen. Dies wird an mehreren Beispielen illustriert.
Cold plasmas in reactive physical and chemical vapour deposition processes
Authors: Pulker Hans K.
Published: September 2010

Progress in plasma chemistry and plasma physics set up possibilities to fabricate high quality compound films for various applications by low‐temperatur PVD and CVD techniques. Industrial ion platting processes for the production of wear resistant coatings on tools and machine parts and of hard and stabile optical coatings as well as a plasma polymerization process for the production of protective coatings on plastics are described.
Stereotypic behavior in wild marine carnivores?
Authors: Miller L.J. , Kuczaj S. , Herzing D.
Published: September 2010

Stereotypic behavior is observed in many species within zoological institutions. Attempts to reduce such behavior typically involve some form of environmental enrichment that provides opportunities for species appropriate behavior or some degree of control within the environment. However, environmental enrichment has never been completely successful in eliminating stereotypic behavior for an entire group of animals within a zoological facility. In the wild, stereotypic behavior is rarely observed. Documenting the occurrence of stereotypic behavior in the wild, and circumstances in which it occurs, could help provide insight into the causes of such behavior within zoological institutions. The following commentary details the observations of wild lemon sharks (Negaprion brevirostris) engaging in a stereotyped swimming pattern behind a research vessel north of Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas. We consider a possible explanation for the sharks' behavior and hope to stimulate conversation as well as increase examination of animal management routines in zoological facilities. Zoo Biol 30:365–370, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Influence of Spacer Nature on the Aggregation Properties of Anionic Gemini Surfactants in Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Zhu Sen , Liu Lijuan , Cheng Fa
Published: September 2010

A series of anionic gemini surfactants with the same structure except the spacer nature have been studied. Their solution properties were characterized by the equilibrium surface tension and intrinsic fluorescence quenching method. The critical micelle concentrations (CMC), surface tension at cmc, C20, and the micelle aggregation number (N) were obtained. The surface tension measurements indicate that these gemini surfactants have much lower cmc values and great efficiency in lowering the surface tension of water compared with those of conventional monomeric surfactants. Furthermore, the standard free energy of micellization for anionic gemini surfactants was also determined. The results showed that the nature of the spacer has an important effect on the aggregation properties of gemini surfactants in aqueous solutions. The surfactant with a hydrophilic, flexible spacer was more readily able to form micelle compared with the surfactant with a hydrophobic, rigid spacer, which leads to a lower CMC value, larger N, more negative free energy of micellization, and a more closely packed micelle structure.
Assessing the immunization status of pediatric cochlear implant recipients using a state‐maintained immunization registry
Authors: Ou Henry , Cleary Patricia , Sie Kathleen
Published: September 2010

OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate the use of a state‐maintained database (CHILD Profile) to monitor immunization status of pediatric cochlear implant recipients, and to assess compliance with current vaccination recommendations for cochlear implant users managed at Seattle Children's Hospital.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross‐sectional study.

SETTING

Tertiary academic pediatric hospital.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Subjects were 260 patients with cochlear implants managed at Seattle Children's Hospital between July 1, 1995, and May 1, 2008. Patients were stratified by age groups (0–2 years, 2–5 years, 5–10 years, > 10 years). Using a statewide children's immunization registry (CHILD Profile), subjects were assessed with regard to their immunization status for Haemophilus influenzae type B vaccination (HiB), 7‐valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccination (PCV‐7), and 23‐valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV‐23).

RESULTS

Two hundred twenty‐five of 260 subjects (87%) were registered in CHILD Profile; 126 of 225 (56%) were up to date with CDC recommendations for patients with cochlear implants. PPV‐23 was the vaccination most likely to be incomplete. Age was predictive of immunization status only with HiB vaccination.

CONCLUSION

A statewide immunization registry can be used to monitor the immunization status of cochlear implant recipients. Subjects were significantly more likely to be incomplete for PPV‐23 than for either PCV‐7 or HiB vaccinations.
A trigger tool fails to identify serious errors and adverse events in pediatric otolaryngology
Authors: Lander Lina , Roberson David W. , Plummer Katrina M. , Forbes Peter W. , Healy Gerald B. , Shah Rahul K.
Published: September 2010

OBJECTIVE

To identify and quantify errors and adverse events on an inpatient academic tertiary‐care pediatric otolaryngology service, a trigger tool was developed and validated as part of a quality improvement initiative.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective record review.

SETTING

Children's Hospital Boston quality improvement initiative.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Fifty inpatient admissions were reviewed. The gold standard for errors and adverse events identification was a detailed chart review by two board‐certified otolaryngologists blinded to trigger tool findings.

RESULTS

Trigger tool interrater reliability ranged from poor to high for admission triggers (kappa = 0.35, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] —0.07 to 0.76), discharge triggers (kappa = 0.63, 95% CI 0.27–0.99), medical records triggers (kappa = 0.61, 95% CI 0.11–1.00), and medication triggers (kappa = 0.90, 95% CI 0.71–1.00). Errors and adverse events were found in all admissions: three percent were potentially harmful, and 93 percent were documentation‐related.

CONCLUSION

The trigger tool was successful in identifying clerical and administrative errors and adverse events but failed to identify complex errors and adverse events. A hybrid approach for chart review may be cost‐effective in pediatric otolaryngology.
Antimicrobial resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from otorrhea of chronic suppurative otitis media patients
Authors: Lee Sun Kyu , Lee Mi Suk , Jung Su Young , Byun Jae Yong , Park Moon Suh , Yeo Seung Geun
Published: September 2010

OBJECTIVE

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) is one of the most common pathogenic bacteria in hospital‐acquired infections and chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM). Drug resistance of PA has been found to increase along with its frequency. We sought to determine the isolation rate and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of PA from otorrhea of CSOM and general clinical samples.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross‐sectional study.

SETTING

CSOM patients had been treated at six hospitals. General clinical samples were from a single tertiary teaching hospital.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

We assessed 1103 CSOM patients treated at six hospitals and 3177 clinically pustular samples from one tertiary teaching hospital in Korea from 2004 to 2008.

RESULTS

PA was the organism most frequently isolated from otorrhea patients (25.8%), with the annual isolation rate remaining constant over time. In contrast, PA was isolated from 11.2 percent of general clinical samples, and the annual PA isolation rate from general clinical samples decreased over time. The PA isolation rate from otorrhea was significantly higher than that from general clinical samples. PA isolates from both otorrhea and general clinical samples showed similar antibiotic susceptibility patterns, but susceptibilities to a few antibiotics were quite different. Although the annual PA isolation rate from general clinical samples from a single hospital tended to decrease over time, the rate from otorrhea samples did not.

CONCLUSION

Changes in isolation rate and susceptibility patterns of PA suggest the need for regular surveillance of PA isolates, including antibiotic susceptibility tests, to choose empirical antibiotics and reduce the spread of multidrug‐resistant strains.
Augmentation mentoplasty with osteocartilaginous nasal graft
Authors: Cingi Cemal , Songu Murat , Thomas J. Regan
Published: September 2010

OBJECTIVE

Augmentation mentoplasty is a common procedure, applied especially in conjunction with rhinoplasty. Although various materials have been used, autogenous nasal hump tissue has not been studied in a big series of patients. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the use of autogenous nasal hump in chin augmentation.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series with chart review.

SETTING

University hospital.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

The osteocartilaginous mentoplasty procedure was performed in 124 patients along with rhinoplasty in a series of 218 patients who had undergone combined rhinoplasty and mentoplasty with various techniques. The median follow‐up was 58 months (range, 12–120 months) over a 10‐year period. The procedure commenced under general anesthesia for all patients with large humps and poor chin projection. During the rhinoplasty procedure, the osteocartilaginous nasal hump was removed, tailored to achieve an anatomic mental form, and inserted into the mental pocket through a submental or an intraoral incision. RESULTS: Infection was detected in five patients, two of whom required graft removal. All other patients recovered normally along an almost painless process, without displacements or any other complaints.

CONCLUSION

Nasal hump in reduction rhinoplasty is a useful alternative for augmentation mentoplasty on patients with large humps and poor chin projection. It also avoids all the disadvantages of alloplastic materials and eases integration compared with other alternatives in selected cases.