bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of privatisation on the financial management: a case study
Authors:   Departamento de Economía Financiera II de la Universidad del País Vasco. Facultad de Ciencias Económicas y Empresariales. Plaza Oñati, 1. 20018 San Sebastián. koldo.zabalza@ehu.es, Zabalza Miera Koldo , Matey de Antonio Jesús ,   Departamento de Economía Financiera II de la Universidad del País Vasco. Facultad de Ciencias Económicas y Empresariales. Plaza Oñati, 1. 20018 San Sebastián. jesus.matey@ehu.es
Published: January 2011

The privatisation of a firm entails a thoroughgoing process of reform that includes the introduction of new management practices. A review of the theoretical and empirical studies conducted allows us to confirm that a systematic analysis of the change in management that arise after a public company's privatisation does not exist. This study explores the changes in financial management that take place after a public company's privatisation and proposes relevant factors in three performance areas of financial management (financial structure, investment decision and financial planning). In order to confirm the theoretical propositions posed, we used contemporary multiple case studies as a research methodology. In particular, the changes experienced in the financial management area in four privatised Spanish companies were investigated along the lines of a longitudinal analysis. The results of this study show that most theoretical propositions are confirmed and conclude that the three areas considered are relevant to the process of change in a privatised firm's financial management.
Expression of C-Kit and its Ligand SCF in Primary Uveal Melanoma
Authors: Lüke Julia , Wegner Jürgen , Wegner Rayime , Nassar Khaled , Tatar Olcay , Rohrbach Jens M. , Hilgers Ralf-Dieter , Lüke Matthias , Grisanti Salvatore
Published: January 2011

Purpose

To evaluate the concurrent rate of expression of c-Kit and its ligand stem cell factor (SCF) in uveal melanoma in respect to the further clinical course and the correlation of these markers.

Methods

Paraffin sections from 35 primary uveal melanomas were evaluated immunohistochemically for the expression of c-Kit and SCF. Sixteen cases developed systemic metastasis during the follow-up (median: 5 years after diagnosis). The patients who did not develop metastasis (n=19) had a mean follow-up of 10.6 (9–13) years. Radiation was performed in 6 patients.

Results

c-Kit and SCF were expressed in all patients who did or did not develop metastasis in the further clinical course. A mean SCF expression of 77.2% (range 52.7%-97.5%) of tumors that did not develop systemic metastasis and 30.1 % (range 2.9%-61.5%) of tumors with systemic metastasis were evident. Uveal melanomas revealing an increased SCF expression were found to develop no metastasis more frequently (p<0.0001; hazard ratio (HR)=0.963, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.945–0.981). A mean c-Kit expression of 58.01% (range 5.9%-97.9%) in the group who did not develop metastasis and 48.9% (range 5.0%-95.9%) in the group with systemic metastasis were observed. c-Kit expression was not associated with increased rates of metastasis formation (p=0.7329; HR=0.997, 95% CI 0.982–1.013). The correlation between SCF and c-Kit is weak (0.39; 95% CI 0.06–0.63).

Conclusions

c-Kit expression was not found to be associated with metastasis formation. A high SCF expression of primary choroidal melanomas was significantly associated with a lower incidence of systemic metastasis, which indicated SCF as a benign prognostic factor in the further clinical course.
Pentoxifylline (Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor Drug): Effective Adjuvant Therapy in the Control of Ocular Cicatricial Pemphigoid
Authors: Darouti Mohamed A. El , Khattab Mohamed A. Fakhry , Hegazy Rehab A. , Hafez Dalia A. , Gawdat Heba I.
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The detection of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in conjunctiva affected by ocular cicatricial pemphigoid (OCP) may indicate that this cytokine plays an important role in its pathogenesis. The purpose of this randomized, controlled, comparative, blinded study was to evaluate the effectiveness of adding pentoxifylline as an anti- TNF-α drug to the well-documented therapy of steroids and cyclophosphamide in controlling OCP.

Methods

Thirty patients with different grades of OCP were included. They were randomly divided into 2 equal groups. Group A patients received pulse steroid and cyclophosphamide therapy; in addition, group B patients received intravenous pentoxifylline. Patients were evaluated before and after therapy clinically, histopathologically, and serologically (serum level of TNF-α). Twenty controls were included to compare their serum TNF-α level with that measured in patients with OCP.

Results

Group B patients showed a more significant improvement in their clinical and histopathologic evaluation. The serum TNF-α was significantly higher in OCP cases prior to therapy compared to the control group (p=0.0001). Following therapy, serum TNF-α showed a more significant reduction in group B patients (77.4±26.1 to 19.2±15.6) compared to group A patients (50.3±14.3 to 36.2±18.3).

Conclusions

The significantly increased level of serum TNF-α in OCP as compared to controls proves that TNF-α has an important role in the pathogenesis of this disease. The study illustrates that the addition of pentoxifylline to pulse steroid cyclophosphamide therapy is an effective, safe, and economical method in controlling OCP through directly reducing TNF-α levels, with long periods of remission as detected in our 18-month follow-up period.
Risk Factors for the Development of Macular Edema in Noninfectious Uveitis
Authors: Roesel Martin , Ruttig Anne , Schumacher Claudia , Heinz Carsten , Heiligenhaus Arnd
Published: January 2011

Purpose

Macular edema (ME) is a vision-limiting complication of uveitis. The aim of the present study was to identify risk factors for the development of ME.

Methods

This was an observational, cross-sectional study including 350 patients with noninfectious uveitis. Data were acquired by using a questionnaire. Associations with ME were analyzed for age, alcohol consumption, coffee consumption, cardiovascular risk factors, and level of education.

Results

On univariate analysis, patients with ME were older (p<0.001, odds ratio [OR] 1.03) and had a longer history of uveitis (p=0.006, OR 1.03). Patients with university certificate or high school diploma had a significantly reduced risk (OR 0.25, p<0.001) to develop ME compared to patients with less education. For smoking, the number of pack-years was significantly but weakly associated with the presence of ME (p=0.02, OR 1.02). Smokers with a smoking history of more than 20 pack-years had a higher risk for ME (OR = 2.46, confidence interval 1.2–5.2). Daily coffee consumption predisposed to ME (p=0.02, OR 2.1). Arterial hypertension, body mass index, alcohol consumptions, and hypercholesterinemia were not associated with ME. Multivariate analysis confirmed age, coffee consumption, and low education to be risk factors for ME, whereas smoking was lost on multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

Age, low level of education, daily coffee consumption, and possibly smoking are risk factors for ME in patients with noninfectious uveitis.
Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Fibrovascular Tissue Ingrowth within Synthetic Hydroxyapatite Orbital Implants in Children
Authors: Galluzzi Paolo , De Francesco Sonia , Giacalone Giovanna , Cerase Alfonso , Monti Lucia , Vallone Ignazio Maria , Lazzeretti Luigi , Venturi Carlo , Hadjistilianou Theodora
Published: January 2011

Purpose

To assess the usefulness of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in assessing fibrovascularization progression into synthetic hydroxyapatite (HA) implants inserted in anophthalmic sockets of children submitted to enucleation.

Methods

We studied 23 HA orbital implants in 23 children who underwent enucleation for retinoblastoma. Each patient was examined by MRI within to 9 to 69 weeks after implant insertion (mean 34 weeks, median 30 weeks). No patient had received chemotherapy or radiotherapy at MRI examination. From each T1-weighted, fat-suppressed enhanced axial examination, the image depicting the center of the implant was identified. Enhancement was evaluated using a 5-point scale. Additionally, possible associated orbital and intracranial pathologies and implant migration or extrusion were evaluated.

Results

All patients showed areas of enhancement of the implant consistent with the presence of fibrovascular ingrowth. There was no grade 1 enhancement in our series. Grade 2 was observed in 1 patient (4.34%), grade 3 in 7 patients (30.43%), grade 4 in 11 patients (47.82%), and grade 5 in 4 patients (17.39%). During follow-up there were no cases of clinically evident orbital infection, implant migration, or implant extrusion. No second tumor, optic nerve invasion, orbital extension, tumor relapse, or leptomeningeal brain seeding were noted.

Conclusions

In this series, enhanced MRI showed satisfactory fibrovascular ingrowth of orbital implants since the 13th week after HA spheres insertion, with a trend towards progressive enhancement during the following weeks. The data also confirm the advice to wait at least 5–6 months after enucleation to perform drilling and peg placement.
Medium Term Follow up of the Biodynamic Neck Sparing Prosthesis
Authors: Molfetta Luigi , Capozzi Michele , Caldo Davide
Published: January 2011

Hip resurfacing (HR) and neck sparing prostheses (NSP) have been advocated for the treatment of arthritis in younger patients. Some complications following HR have been documented in the recent literature, but NSP are not yet supported by clinical follow-up studies of sufficient duration. We present an assessment of the neck sparing “Biodynamic” prosthesis.

153 patients were evaluated in a longitudinal cohort prospective study, with survival analysis, clinical score and radiographic assessment of stability and osteointegration at 41.8 months average follow up. Survival and clinical outcome were similar to most traditional prostheses in the literature. On radiographic analysis we recorded good neck preservation and osteointegration. Only two stem failures were recorded. Poor clinical outcome was related to misalignment of prostheses implanted during the ‘learning curve’.

The NSP system described may be a good alternative to HR for younger patients. The system is characterized by good survival and clinical and radiographic outcome combined with bone stock preservation.
Scale dependence of coherent structures' contribution to the daytime buoyancy heat flux over the Pantanal wetland, Brazil
Authors: Zeri Marcelo , Sá Leonardo Deane de Abreu
Published: January 2011

The contribution of organized motions to buoyancy heat flux was determined for several time scales by applying wavelet decomposition to signals of vertical velocity and air temperature. Measurements were performed using an eddy covariance system installed over the Pantanal wetland, in Brazil, during two campaigns (1998 and 1999). The signals were decomposed in several time scales and then used in the quadrant analysis. Overall, coherent structures were responsible for ∼40% of the buoyancy heat flux, if the contributions of ejections and sweeps are summed over the range of 10–100 s, which excludes the contribution of stochastic high‐frequency turbulence and low‐frequency mesoscale motions. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
A practical teaching course in directed protein evolution using the green fluorescent protein as a model
Authors: Ruller Roberto , Silva‐Rocha Rafael , Silva Artur , Cruz Schneider Maria Paula , Ward Richard John
Published: January 2011

Protein engineering is a powerful tool, which correlates protein structure with specific functions, both in applied biotechnology and in basic research. Here, we present a practical teaching course for engineering the green fluorescent protein (GFP) from Aequorea victoria by a random mutagenesis strategy using error‐prone polymerase chain reaction. Screening of bacterial colonies transformed with random mutant libraries identified GFP variants with increased fluorescence yields. Mapping the three‐dimensional structure of these mutants demonstrated how alterations in structural features such as the environment around the fluorophore and properties of the protein surface can influence functional properties such as the intensity of fluorescence and protein solubility. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education Vol. 39, No. 1, pp. 21‐27, 2011
Tracer Experiments to Investigate Granule Growth by Dust Integration in the Fluidized Bed Spray Granulation Process
Authors: Grünewald Gerald , Kind Matthias
Published: January 2011

Die Wirbelschicht‐Sprühgranulation dient zur Formulierung von Feststoffen mit hervorragenden anwendungstechnischen Eigenschaften wie z. B. einer guten Redispergierbarkeit und Staubfreiheit. Aufgrund der im Vergleich mit anderen Pulverformulierungsverfahren höheren spezifischen Kosten und Komplexität wird der Prozess nur bei hohen Anforderungen an die Produkte eingesetzt. Unter anderem verursacht der im Prozess durch Abrieb und durch Trocknung nicht‐treffender Sprühtropfen entstehende Staub Störungen. Durch Tracerexperimente wurde der Einfluss verschiedener Prozessparameter auf die Verwertung des rückgeführten Staubes durch Einbindung an feuchte Granulate untersucht.
Metal Complexes of a Structurally Embellished Phosphinane Ligand: An Assessment of Stereoelectronic Effects
Authors: Edwards Peter G. , Kariuki Benson M. , Limon Matthieu , Ooi Li‐Ling , Platts James A. , Newman Paul D.
Published: January 2011

The stereoelectronic features of the pentacyclic phosphane (1S,4R,4aS,5aR,6R,9S,9aS,10aR)‐4,6,11,11,12,12‐hexamethyl‐10‐phenyldodecahydro‐1,4:6,9‐dimethanophenoxaphosphinine (phenop) have been explored through a range of empirical methods including single‐crystal X‐ray structure determinations of the sulfide derivative phenopS (1), the selenide phenopSe (2), [Fe(CO)4(κ1‐phenop)] (3), [W(CO)5(κ1‐phenop)] (4) and trans‐[Rh(κ1‐phenop)(CO)Cl] (5). Cone angles derived from the structural data range from 164–203° with the smaller values being observed for the compounds possessing a phenyl group that is orthogonal to the P–Z bond and the larger values for the compounds expressing a parallel phenyl ring orientation. The cone angle data suggest a moderately bulky phosphane comparable, in steric terms, to PCy3. This is further borne out on inspection of the M–P bond lengths which tend towards the longer end of the known scale. Some flexibility is observed in the central ring which approximates to a boat conformation at one extreme and an envelope at the other depending on the nature of the P‐substituent. The electronic properties of κ1‐phenop have been assessed using a combination of infrared and NMR spectroscopy. The absolute value of the one‐bond coupling constants 1JP‐Se and 1JP‐Rh are very close to those reported for PPh3, suggesting a close analogy between κ1‐phenop and the well known triphenylphosphane. In addition, relevant υ(CO) stretches in the IR spectra of the metal carbonyl complexes also closely mimic those for the analogous complexes containing PPh3. These conclusions are supported by molecular electrostatic potential calculations at the DFT level which place phenop close to PPh3 in terms of lone pair availability.
Lumped parameter sensitivity analysis of a distributed hydrological model within tropical and temperate catchments
Authors: Cuo Lan , Giambelluca Thomas W. , Ziegler Alan D.
Published: January 2011

Parameter sensitivity of the Distributed Hydrology‐Soil‐Vegetation Model (DHSVM) was studied in two contrasting environments: (1) Pang Khum Experimental Watershed (PKEW) in tropical northern Thailand; and (2) Cedar River basin (CRB) in Washington State of the temperate US Pacific Northwest. The analysis shows that for both basins, the most sensitive soil parameters were porosity, lateral saturated hydraulic conductivity, and the exponential decrease rate of lateral saturated hydraulic conductivity with soil depth. The most sensitive vegetation parameters were leaf area index, vegetation height, vapour pressure deficit, minimum stomatal resistance (for both grassland and forest scenarios), hemisphere fractional coverage, overstory fractional coverage, and trunk space (for the forest scenario only). Parameter sensitivity was basin‐specific, with the humid, temperate CRB being more influenced by vegetation parameters, while tropical PKEW was more influenced by soil properties. Increases and decreases in parameter values resulted in opposite and unequal changes in bias and root mean square error (RMSE), indicating the non‐linearity of physical process represented in the hydrological model. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Physicochemical analysis of poly‐L‐lysine: An insight into the changes induced in lysine residues of proteins on modification with glucose
Authors: Ansari Nadeem Ahmad , Moinuddin  , Ali Rashid
Published: January 2011

Nonenzymatic glycation of macromolecules, especially proteins, takes place mainly due to hyperglycemia in diabetes mellitus. Increased glycolysis during cancer and inflammation during rheumatoid arthritis also contribute to the process of glycation. As lysine residues of proteins are a potential site for glycation, it could be used as a marker for early glycation induced changes in lysine‐rich proteins. In the present study, a lysine polymer was incubated with increasing concentrations of glucose for 24 h, and the early glycation product was evaluated by nitroblue tetrazolium assay. The modified polymer together with unmodified one was characterized by gel electrophoresis and UV, fluorescence spectroscopy. Results of the study clearly demonstrate that structural perturbation in the lysine polymer was caused by the early glycation. Further study on detection of antibodies against theglycated proteins in diseased patients might be helpful in early diagnosis of the disease. © 2011 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 63(1): 26–29, 2011
Ubiquinol‐induced gene expression signatures are translated into altered parameters of erythropoiesis and reduced low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in humans
Authors: Schmelzer Constance , Niklowitz Petra , Okun Jürgen G. , Haas Dorothea , Menke Thomas , Döring Frank
Published: January 2011

Studies in vitro and in mice indicate a role for Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in gene expression. To determine this function in relationship to physiological readouts, a 2‐week supplementation study with the reduced form of CoQ10 (ubiquinol, Q10H2, 150 mg/d) was performed in 53 healthy males. Mean CoQ10 plasma levels increased 4.8‐fold after supplementation. Transcriptomic and bioinformatic approaches identified a gene–gene interaction network in CD14‐positive monocytes, which functions in inflammation, cell differentiation, and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐signaling. These Q10H2‐induced gene expression signatures were also described previously in liver tissues of SAMP1 mice. Biochemical and NMR‐based analyses showed a reduction of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol plasma levels after Q10H2 supplementation. This effect was especially pronounced in atherogenic small dense LDL particles (19–21 nm, 1.045 g/L). In agreement with gene expression signatures, Q10H2 reduces the number of erythrocytes but increases the concentration of reticulocytes. In conclusion, Q10H2 induces characteristic gene expression patterns, which are translated into reduced LDL cholesterol levels and altered parameters of erythropoiesis in humans. © 2011 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 63(1): 42–48, 2011
Myocardin‐related transcription factor‐A induces cardiomyocyte hypertrophy
Authors: Liao Xing‐Hua , Wang Nan , Liu Qing‐Xi , Qin Tao , Cao Bo , Cao Dong‐Sun , Zhang Tong‐Cun
Published: January 2011

Myocardin is a remarkably potent transcriptional coactivator expressed specifically in cardiac muscle lineages and smooth muscle cells during postnatal development. Myocardin shares homology with myocardin‐related transcription factor‐A (MRTF‐A), which are expressed in a broad range of embryonic and adult tissues. Our previous results show that myocardin induces cardiac hypertrophy. However, the effects of MRTF‐A in cardiac hypertrophy remain poorly understood. Our present work further demonstrates that myocardin plays an important role in inducing hypertrophy. At the same time, we find that overexpression of MRTF‐A in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes might induce cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Furthermore, MRTF‐A expression is induced in phenylephrine, angiotensin‐II, and transforming growth factor‐β‐stimulated cardiac hypertrophy, whereas a dominant‐negative form of MRTF‐A or MRTF‐A siRNA strongly inhibited upregulation of hypertrophy genes in response to hypertrophic agonists in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. Our studies indicate that besides myocardin, MRTF‐A might play an important role in cardiac hypertrophy. Our findings provide novel evidence for the future studies to explore the roles of MRTFs in cardiac hypertrophy. © 2011 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 63(1):54–61, 2011.
Water–ice phase transition probed by Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Đuričković Ivana , Claverie Rémy , Bourson Patrice , Marchetti Mario , Chassot Jean‐Marie , Fontana Marc D.
Published: January 2011

Raman spectroscopy was used to study the liquid–solid water phase transition. Special attention was devoted to the OHstretching band of the Raman spectrum, which shows monotonous changes in the temperature range between 10 and − 15 °C. The interpretation of this spectral change, as well as a careful analysis of its integrated scattered intensity, led to a spectral marker that allows the determination of the water phase (liquid or solid), and the efficient identification of the liquid–solid phase transition itself. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Monitoring of local pH in photodynamic therapy‐treated live cancer cells using surface‐enhanced Raman scattering probes
Authors: Bálint Štefan , Rao Satish , Marro Mónica , Miškovský Pavol , Petrov Dmitri
Published: January 2011

The local pH inside individual live glioma (U‐87 MG) cancer cells was monitored after treatment by the photodynamic therapy drug 6‐methyl‐1,3,8‐trihydroxyanthraquinone (emodin). The cellular pH is tracked by the real‐time measurement of the surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) from a probe that is embedded in the cell. The probe is a micrometer‐sized silica bead that is covered by nanosized silver colloids, which enhance Raman signal, and 4‐mercaptobenzoic acid (pMBA) whose molecular vibrations and resulting Raman spectrum are sensitive to pH. Visible excitation at different light dosages is used to activate the drug. The results indicate cell maintenance of internal pH and cell death at low and high light dosage, respectively. We demonstrate that these SERS probes are an effective tool for ex vivo pH monitoring in a live cell thanks to their high optical sensitivity and noninvasive usage. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Raman study of ultrathin Fe3O4 films on GaAs(001) substrate: stoichiometry, epitaxial orientation and strain
Authors: Zhang Jun , Tan PingHeng , Zhao WeiJie , Lu Jun , Zhao JianHua
Published: January 2011

The growth and characterization of high‐quality ultrathin Fe3O4 films on semiconductor substrates is a key step for spintronic devices. A stable, single‐crystalline ultrathin Fe3O4 film on GaAs(001) substrate is obtained by post‐growth annealing of epitaxial Fe film with thicknesses of 5 and 12 nm in air. Raman spectroscopy shows a high ability to convincingly characterize the stoichiometry, epitaxial orientation and strain of such ultrathin Fe3O4 films. Polarized Raman spectroscopy confirms the unit cell of Fe3O4 films is rotated by 45° to match that of the Fe (001) layer on GaAs, which results in a built‐in strain of − 3.5% in Fe3O4 films. The phonon strain‐shift coefficient(−126 cm−1) of the A1g mode is proposed to probe strain effect and strain relaxation of thin Fe3O4 films on substrates. It can be used to identify whether the Fe layer is fully oxidized to Fe3O4 or not. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
pH‐Sensitive Pentablock Copolymer Nanocapsules as Nontoxic and Efficient Gene Carriers
Authors: Lee Min Sang , Jang Yeon Lim , Huynh Dai Phu , Huynh Cong Truc , Lee Yuhan , Chae Su Young , Kim Sun Hwa , Park Tae Gwan , Lee Doo Sung , Jeong Ji Hoon
Published: January 2011

A biodegradable amphiphilic pentablock copolymer PAE‐PCL‐PEG‐PCL‐PAE with a pH‐sensitive unit was synthesized for use as a nontoxic, biodegradable carrier for gene delivery by forming nanocapsules entrapping nucleic acid drugs. The PAE block can interact with plasmid DNA to form polyelectrolyte complexes in an acidic environment. At physiological pH, the PAE blocks are deprotonated and form an insoluble skin, resulting in the formation of nanocapsules that encapsulate plasmid DNA. The surface charges of the nanocapsules became almost neutral at pH = 7.4, and their size ranged from 210 to 280 nm. The nanocapsule maintained most of its transfection efficiency even in the presence of serum. These nanocapsules are therefore potential carriers for systemic gene therapy.

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The Use of Microfluidics in Rheology
Authors: Hu Xin , Boukany Pouyan E. , Hemminger Orin L. , Lee L. James
Published: January 2011

The combination of microfluidics and fluorescent‐labeled DNA molecules in rheology provides a unique opportunity to relate the microstructure of polymer molecules to their macroscopic properties. For example, the direct visualization of a model polymer system such as single DNA dynamics of individual DNA molecules, improves our understanding of the rheological behavior of dilute and concentrated polymer solutions. This review summarizes the microfluidic rheology for synthetic polymer and DNA solutions, including both experimental and simulation efforts, in investigating dilute and concentrated polymer solutions.

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Bubble Behaviour in Fluidised Beds at Elevated Pressures
Authors: Godlieb Willem , Deen Niels G. , Kuipers Johannes A. M.
Published: January 2011

Low density polyethylene and polypropylene are produced at large scale via the Unipol process. In this process catalyst particles are fluidised with monomer gas and grow into polymeric particles up to a size of 1 mm. The process is operated at 20–25 bar. Pressure plays an important role in the hydrodynamics of the fluidised bed, which is reflected in bubble behaviour, particle mixing and heat transfer characteristics. Despite decades of research these effects are not completely understood. We use a state‐of‐the art discrete particle model (DPM) to simulate fluidisation behaviour at different pressures. The DPM is the most fundamental model suited for studying pressure effects in gas‐fluidised beds, since it accurately represents the gas–particle interaction and particle–particle interaction. Fourier analysis of the bed pressure drop fluctuations and bubble properties (bubble velocity, bubble size, coalescence and break‐up) obtained from a sophisticated bubble detection algorithm are presented.

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Relative singularity categories and Gorenstein‐projective modules
Authors: Chen Xiao‐Wu
Published: January 2011

We introduce the notion of relative singularity category with respect to a self‐orthogonal subcategory ω of an abelian category. We introduce the Frobenius category of ω‐Cohen‐Macaulay objects, and under certain conditions, we show that the stable category of ω‐Cohen‐Macaulay objects is triangle‐equivalent to the relative singularity category. As applications, we rediscover theorems by Buchweitz, Happel and Beligiannis, which relate the stable categories of (unnecessarily finitely‐generated) Gorenstein‐projective modules to the (big) singularity categories of rings. For the case where ω is the additive closure of a self‐orthogonal object, we relate the category of ω‐Cohen‐Macaulay objects to the category of Gorenstein‐projective modules over the opposite endomorphism ring of the self‐orthogonal object. We prove that for a Gorenstein ring, the stable category of Gorenstein‐projective modules is compactly generated and its compact objects coincide with finitely‐generated Gorenstein‐projective modules up to direct summand. © 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim
Salvage of compromised free flaps in trauma cases with combined modalities
Authors: Egozi D. , Fodor L. , Ullmann Y.
Published: January 2011

Using the microsurgical technique for reconstruction in trauma cases represents a challenge for the reconstructive surgeon. Several methods of salvaging of a compromised free flap have been reported, among them: intravenous heparin washing, thrombolitic therapy, thrombectomy, use of grafts and others. Here, we present our experience from nine cases and a review of the literature regarding the use of various modalities for free flap salvage in trauma cases, and their results. Data was collected from trauma cases in our institutions over a period of 2 years, where reconstruction was performed using microsurgical techniques, and where subsequent complications required some type of salvage procedure. The techniques that were used for the salvage included: intravascular irrigation with heparin, papaverine and lidocaine; administration of continuous intravenous heparin, use of the Fogarty catheter, flap washing with streptokinase, and adventitia stripping. The free flaps used were latissimus dorsi, serratus anterior, and the anteromedial thigh flap. Either vein or artery thromboses were identified during the procedure or immediately after surgery in seven patients. Two patients had prolonged spasms of the recipient artery with low flow. In all cases, the No. 2 Fogarty catheter was used for thrombectomy and also for release of the vessel spasm. There was only one complete failure among these patients, and partial necrosis was encountered in three. From our experience and review of the literature, we offer an algorithm for determining treatment strategies in a range of flap salvage situations. © 2011 Wiley–Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2011.
2D correlation spectra edited by the sign of relative coupling constant
Authors: Blechta Vratislav , Schraml Jan
Published: January 2011

Modifications (CSEc and CSEh) of recently published SQSQc and SQSQh pulse sequences are proposed and tested on detection of small (∼2 Hz) signed silicon–carbon coupling constants. The new sequences increase signal intensity by simplifying the spectra. The signals are about four times stronger than in SQSQc or SQSQh spectra, achieving the sensitivity of E.COSY‐type experiment. The information about sign and magnitude of the coupling is preserved. CSEc and CSEh spectra for two silicon compounds are presented and compared. The two new sequences allow editing of heteronuclear correlation spectra according to the sign of the selected heteronuclear coupling constants. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Substrate selection in hearts subjected to ischemia/reperfusion: role of cardioplegic solutions and gender
Authors: Alves Marco G. , Oliveira Paulo J. , Carvalho Rui A.
Published: January 2011

In conditions of ischemia/reperfusion (I/R), the relative use of all available substrates by the heart has a significant effect on the recovery of the organ. This substrate preference in perfused hearts is influenced by ischemia. We followed the metabolic fate of [U‐13C]glucose and [3‐13C]lactate in hearts preserved in Celsior (Cs) and histidine buffer solution (HBS) for 4 or 6 h and subsequently perfused with a Krebs–Henseleit solution (KH) containing [U‐13C]glucose and [3‐13C]lactate. We also assessed gender‐specific metabolic modulation in our I/R experimental conditions. Hearts from male and female Wistar rats (6–8 weeks) were subjected to moderate (0–240 min) or prolonged (240–360 min) cold ischemia whilst immersed in Cs and HBS, and perfused for 30 min with KH containing [U‐13C]glucose and [3‐13C]lactate. After perfusion, hearts were freeze‐clamped and metabolites were extracted for 13C NMR isotopomer analysis. In control conditions, there were no differences with regard to lactate origin in hearts from males and females. After 6 h of preservation in Cs, lactate origin was mostly from [U‐13C]glucose in hearts from males and from [3‐13C]lactate in hearts from females. During the 6 h of organ preservation in HBS, the lactate pool showed a strong contribution from unenriched sources in male hearts and from [U‐13C]glucose in female hearts. The glutamate C2/C4 ratio was stable or increased in hearts from females after I/R, and the alanine index increased in hearts from both males and females. Octanoate was, as predicted, the preferential substrate during perfusion. Glucose and lactate suffer a distinct metabolic fate in our I/R conditions, which is related to the cardioplegic solution used during organ storage, and the gender. Hearts from females appear to be less sensitive to I/R injury, and heart preservation in HBS proved to be effective in enhancing anaplerosis during perfusion, especially in hearts from females. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Symptoms of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder in long‐term survivors of childhood leukemia
Authors: Krull Kevin R. , Khan Raja B. , Ness Kirsten K. , Ledet Davonna , Zhu Liang , Pui Ching‐Hon , Howard Scott C. , Srivastava Deo Kumar , Sabin Noah D. , Hudson Melissa M. , Morris E. Brannon
Published: January 2011

Background

Survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) sometimes have clinical features that suggest attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), though few studies have examined specific symptoms in survivors.

Procedure

Long‐term survivors of childhood ALL (n = 161) received a neurological examination, while parents completed rating scales to establish formal criteria for ADHD. Symptom profiles were generated and compared across demographic and treatment characteristics, as well as medical tests associated with brain pathology.

Results

Prevalence rates of ADHD were similar in survivors (10.5%) compared to those reported in the general population (7–10%). However, 25.5% of survivors reported symptoms that impair functioning in multiple settings, with attention problems being most common. These symptoms were associated with cranial radiation therapy (CRT) (mean inattentive symptoms [SD] = 3.6 [3.19] for group treated with CRT vs. 1.6 [2.40] for non‐CRT group, P = 0.0006), and survivors who demonstrated impaired anti‐saccades during the neurologic exam (mean inattentive symptoms [SD] = 3.4 [3.29] for those with impaired anti‐saccades vs. 1.4 [2.41] for those with normal anti‐saccades; P = 0.0004).

Conclusions

The presence of a neurologically‐based phenotype of attention problems in survivors of leukemia that is not fully captured by the syndrome of ADHD suggests that treatments specific to childhood ALL should be explored. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011; 57: 1191–1196. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Power of Combinative Capabilities: Facilitating the Outcome of Frequent Innovation in Pharmaceutical R&D Projects
Authors: Biedenbach Thomas
Published: January 2011

The purpose of this article is to investigate how organizations organize the early phases of research and development (R&D) projects in the pharmaceutical industry to achieve frequent innovation. The investigation was designed as a qualitative multiple case study. The analysis identified a standardized projectification of the preproject phases, leading to certain conflicts, such as a severe tension between dynamic, project, and multiproject capabilities, which hamper frequent innovation. Optimizing combinative capabilities to balance the capabilities triumvirate can provide powerful leverage and boost frequent innovation.
Biogeochemical and geocryological characteristics of wedge and thermokarst‐cave ice in the CRREL permafrost tunnel, Alaska
Authors: Douglas Thomas A. , Fortier Daniel , Shur Yuri L. , Kanevskiy Mikhail Z. , Guo Laodong , Cai Yihua , Bray Matthew T.
Published: January 2011

Partially eroded ice wedges and lenticularly shaped bodies of massive thermokarst‐cave ice in ice‐rich syngenetic permafrost (yedoma) are exposed in the CRREL tunnel near Fairbanks, Alaska. The ice wedges, which formed 25 000 − 40 000 years ago, were subsequently affected by localised thermal erosion, resulting in underground cavities that filled with surface water infiltrating through a network of conduits. This water froze inward from the walls of the cavity. We report the biogeochemical characteristics of one of these thermokarst‐cave ice features and four nearby ice wedges. The thermokarst‐cave ice has 30 times the dissolved organic carbon concentration, 20 times the total dissolved nitrogen concentration and five to 20 times the inorganic solute concentrations of the surrounding (original) ice wedge material. Based on these results we present a schematic model to describe how the thermokarst‐cave ice was formed and preserved and what processes led to its current biogeochemical characteristics. Current estimates of soluble solutes stored in permafrost may underestimate the total carbon and nutrient load where wedge material has been extensively replaced by surface water rich in organic carbon, nutrients or inorganic solutes. Published in 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Box–Muller transformation
Authors: Scott David W.
Published: January 2011

The generation of pseudo‐random numbers is critical for modern statistical computing. Given any of the well‐tested pseudo‐random generators for the uniform distribution, the probability integral transform may be employed to provide an exact algorithm for transformation to any desired probability distribution. However, if the cumulative distribution function does not afford a simple form, then this strategy is not effective. In particular, the cumulative distribution function of the normal density is not easy to work within this framework. This article describes the ingenious transformation described by Box and Muller in 1958. WIREs Comp Stat 2011 3 177–179 DOI: 10.1002/wics.148

This article is categorized under:

Algorithms and Computational Methods > Random Number Generation
Posttranscriptional regulation in Drosophila oocytes and early embryos
Authors: Lasko Paul
Published: January 2011

Molecular asymmetries underlying embryonic axis patterning and germ cell specification are established in Drosophila largely by position‐dependent translational regulation of maternally expressed messenger RNAs. Here, I review several mechanisms of posttranscriptional regulation in the Drosophila oocyte and syncytial embryo, and how they relate to embryonic patterning, with a strong emphasis on the most recent advances in the area. The review is not exhaustive, but focuses on examples that illustrate the interplay between specific regulatory events and the general metabolic machinery that governs translation and mRNA stability. Biophysical investigations into how the Bicoid gradient is formed are discussed, as are the elaborate mechanisms controlling how the Oskar and Nanos proteins become restricted to the posterior pole of the embryo. Work on Vasa, a translational activator of some germ line mRNAs and on 4EHP, a negative regulator that unproductively binds the 5′ cap structure of target mRNAs, is also briefly reviewed. Finally, the emerging understanding of the role of microRNAs in regulating translation of germ line mRNAs is also discussed. WIREs RNA 2011 2 408–416 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.70

This article is categorized under:

Translation > Translation Regulation

RNA Export and Localization > RNA Localization

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Development
PPh4{MoNCI3[N(SiMe3)2]}, ein Nitrido‐Amido‐Komplex von MoIybdän(VI)
Authors: Fenske D. , Frankenau A. , Dehnicke K.
Published: January 2011

Inhaltsübersicht. PPh4{MoNCl3[N(SiMe3)2]} entsteht aus PPh4[MoNCl4] und N,N,N′‐Tris‐(trimethylsilyl)benzamidin in siedendem Dichlormethan in Form bernsteinfarbener Kristalle, die wir IR‐spektroskopisch und durch eine röntgenographische Strukturanalyse charakterisiert haben. Raumgruppe P21/n, Z = 4, R = 4,3% für 5168 unabhängige beobachtete Reflexe. Die Gitterkonstanten betragen für −65°C: A = 918,9; b = 2850,5; c = 1353,9 pm; β = 107,51°. Die Verbindung besteht aus PPh4+‐Ionen und Anionen [MoNCl3[N(SiMe3)2]}–, in denen das Molybdänatom verzerrt tetragonal‐pyramidal von dem Nitridoliganden in Apical‐Position (r MoN = 165 pm), von drei Chloratomen und von dem N‐Atom des Bis(trimethylsilyl)amido‐Liganden (r MoN = 194 pm) umgeben ist. Das N‐Atom des Amido‐Liganden besitzt eine planare Umgebung.

PPh4{MoNCl3[N(SiMe3)2]}, a Nitrido Amido Complex of Molybdenum (VI)

PPh4{MoNCl3[N(SiMe3)2}] has been prepared by the reaction of PPh4[MoNCl4] with N,N,N′‐Tris(trimethylsilyl)benzamidine in boiling dichloromethane, forming amber coloured crystals, which were characterized by their IR spectrum as well as by an X‐ray structure determination. Space group P21/n, Z = 4, R = 0.043 for 5168 observed independent reflexions. The lattice dimensions are at −65°C: A = 918.9; b = 2850.5; c = 1353.9 pm; β = 107.51°. The compound consists of PPh4+ ions and anions {MoNCl3[N(SiMe3)2]}– in which the complex molybdenum anion forms a distorted tetragonal pyramid with the nitrido ligand (r MoN 165 pm) in the apical position and the chlorine atoms along with the nitrogen atom of the amido ligand (r MoN 194 pm) in the basical positions. The N atom of the amido ligand has a planar geometry.
Chemie polyfunktioneller Moleküle. 101 [1]: Synthese eines Diphenylphosphin‐substituierten Cyclophosphamide und Röntgenstrukturanalyse seines Oxidations‐produkts
Authors: Ellermann J. , Knoch F. , Moll M. , Will N.
Published: January 2011

Inhaltsübersicht. Diphenylphosphin und rac‐Cyclophosphamid (ClCH2CH2)2NP(O)N(H)(CH2)3O (1) reagieren in Gegenwart von n‐Butyllithium zu einem Zwischenprodukt, das mit Wasser das diphenylphosphinsubstituierte Cyclophosphamid, (Ph2PCH2CH2)2NP(O)N(H)(CH2)3O, (2) bildet. Metallierung von 2 mit n‐BuLi am N(3)‐Atom und Umsetzung mit D2O führt zum N(3)‐Deuteroderivat 2a. Mit H2O2 reagiert 2 zur all‐Phosphinoxid Verbindung, [Ph2P(O)CH2CH2]2NP(O)N(H)(CH2)3O, (4), die mit 0,5 Mol Wasser auskristallisiert und von der zur Charakterisierung des H‐Bückenbindungssystems eine Röntgenstrukturanalyse angefertigt wurde. Die NMR‐Spektren (1H, 13C, 31P, 14N) weisen 2–4 als dynamische Moleküle aus.

Chemistry of Polyfunctional Molecules. 101. Synthesis of a Diphenylphosphinesubstituted Cyclophosphamide and the X‐ray Diffraction of its Oxidation Product

Diphenylphosphine and rac‐cyclophosphamide, (ClCH2CH2)2NP(O)N(H)(CH2)3O, (1) react in the presence of n‐BuLi to an intermediate which hydrolyses to the diphenylphosphine substituted Cyclophosphamide, (Ph2PCH3CH2)2NP(O)N(H)(CH2)3O, (2). Metallation of 2 with n‐BuLi at the N(3) atom, followed by treatment with D2O yields the N(3)‐deuterated derivative 2a. With H2O2 2 forms the all‐phosphine‐oxide compound, [Ph2P(O)CH2CH2]2NP(O)N(H)(CH2)3O, (4), which crystallizes with 0.5 mole of water. In order to characterize the H‐bridge bonding system a X‐ray structure analysis of 4 was carried out. The NMR‐Spectra (1H, 13C, 31P, 14N) indicate 2–4 as dynamic molecules.
Notiz zur Kenntnis der roten Monohalogenide des Indiums, InX (X = CI, Br, I)
Authors: Meyer Gerd , Staffel Thomas
Published: January 2011

Inhaltsübersicht. Synthese (aus den Elementen; Einkristalle durch Sublimation im Gradienten: 200 → 100°C) und Strukturverfeinerung von InI (orthorhombisch, Cmcm, Z = 4; a = 476,3(1); b = 1278,1(1); c = 490,9(1) pm) werden beschrieben. Ein Vergleich mit InBr und InCl (alle TlI‐Typ) weist auf die Bedeutung des 5s2‐Elektronenpaares von In+ für diesen Strukturtyp und auf attraktive Wechselwirkungen in Richtung auf die Ausbildung eines Dimeren, In22+, hin.

Note on the Red Monohalides of Indium, InX (X = CI, Br, I)

Synthesis (from the elements; single crystals by sublimation in a 200 → 100°C gradient) and structure refinement of InI (orthorhombic, Cmcm, Z = 4, a = 476.3(1), b = 1278.1(1), c = 490.9(1) pm) are reported. A comparison with the isotypic halides InBr and InCl (all TlI type) hints at the importance of the 5s2 electron pair of In+ for this structure type. Attractive interactions in the direction of the formation of a dimer, In22+, could play a role.
Zur Bildung und Stabilität von Difluormethylenphosphoranen, R3P⊕‐C̄–F2
Authors: Riesel L. , Vogt H. , Kolleck V.
Published: January 2011

Inhaltsübersicht. Die Reaktion von Difluorhalogenmethanen, CF2X2, mit Phosphanen, R3P, in Gegenwart von Metallen und Carbonylverbindungen, R″R′CO, führt zur Bildung geminaler Difluorolefine, R″R′C=CF2. Die sorgfältige Untersuchung der Einzelschritte dieser komplexen Reaktion zeigt, daß intermediär Difluorhalogenmethylphosphoniumhalogenide, [R3P–CF2X]X, und Difluormethylenphosphorane, R3P⊕ – c̄⊖‐F2, gebildet werden. Die Phosphoniumsalze sind stabil und können als kristalline Substanzen isoliert werden. Durch Metalle oder Phosphene werden sie zu den instabilen Difluormethylenphosphoranen reduziert. Diese zersetzen sich beim Fehlen geeigneter Reaktionspartner in Phosphan und Difluorcarben, CF2. Ihre Bildung durch Addition von CF2 an R3P ist nicht möglich. Mit Halogenwasserstoffen bilden sie Difluormethylphosphoniumsalze, [R3P‐CHF2]X.

Formation and Stability of Difluoromcthylene Phosphoranes, R3P⊕ —c̄F2

In the presence of metals and carbonyl compounds, R″R′CO, the reaction of difluoro‐halomethanes, CF2X2, with phosphanes, R3P, leads to the formation of geminal difluoroolefins, R″R′C=CF2. Our investigations have proved that difluorohalomethylphosphonium halides, [R3P–CF2X]X, and difluoromethylene phosphoranes, R3P⊕–C̄⊖F2, are formed intermediately. The phosphonium salts are stable. They can be isolated as crystalline substances. They are reduced by metals or phosphanes forming unstable difluoromethylene phosphoranes as intermediates. These decompose into phosphane and difluorocarbene, CF2, if suitable reactants are absent. Their reaction with hydrogen halides, HX, yields difluoromethylphosphonium salts, [R3P–CHF2]X. The formation of difluoromethylene phosphoranes by addition of CF2 to R3P is not possible.
Zur Kenntnis von Sr2CuO2Br
Authors: Boehlke A. , MÜller‐Buschbaum H K.
Published: January 2011

Inhaltsübersicht. Sr2CuO2Br wurde in geschlossenen Cu‐Bömbchen dargestellt und an Einkristallen röntgenographisch untersucht (a = 4,0235; c = 28,5103 A; Raumgruppe D52d–R$3m). Sr2+ besitzt oktaedrische Koordinationspolyeder aus je drei Br– und O2–. Die Oktaeder sind in Doppelschichten angeordnet und werden von hantelförmig koordinierten Cu+‐Ionen längs [001] verknüpft.

About Sr2CuO2Br

Single crystal of the unknown compound Sr2CuO2Br were prepared in closed Cu‐tubes and examined by single X‐ray diffractometer investigation (a = 4.0235; c = 28.5109 A; space group D53d–R$3m). Sr2+ has octahedral coordination of 3 Br– and 3 O2–. Cu+ shows a dumb‐bell‐like O2– surrounding.