bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Budget of N2O emissions at the watershed scale: role of land cover and topography (the Orgeval basin, France)
Authors: Vilain G. , Garnier J. , Passy P. , Silvestre M. , Billen G.
Published: November 2011

Abstract. Agricultural basins are the major source of N2O emissions, with arable land accounting for half of the biogenic emissions worldwide. Moreover, N2O emission strongly depends on the position of agricultural land in relation with topographical gradients, as footslope soils are often more prone to denitrification. The estimation of land surface area occupied by agricultural soils depends on the available spatial input information and resolution. Surface areas of grassland, forest and arable lands were estimated for the Orgeval sub-basin using two cover representations: the pan European CORINE Land Cover 2006 database (CLC 2006) and a combination of two databases produced by the Institut d'Aménagement et d'Urbanisme de la Région d'Île-de-France (IAU IDF), the MOS (Mode d'Occupation des Sols) combined with the Ecomos 2000, a land-use classification. In this study we have analyzed how different land-cover representations influence and introduce errors into the results of regional N2O emissions inventories. A further introduction of the topography concept was used to better identify the critical zones for N2O emissions, a crucial issue to better adapt the strategies of N2O emissions mitigation. Overall, we observed that a refinement of the land-cover database led to a 5% decrease in the estimation of N2O emissions, while the integration of the topography decreased the estimation of N2O emissions up to 25%.
Mean Dynamic Topography of the Black Sea, computed from altimetry, drifter measurements and hydrology data
Authors: Kubryakov A. A. , Stanichny S. V.
Published: November 2011

Abstract. Mean Dynamic Topography (MDT) is a crucial parameter for estimating dynamic topography, and, therefore, geostrophic circulation from satellite altimetry measurements. In this work we use drifting buoy measurements, hydrographic profiles and along-track Sea Level Anomalies (SLA) to reconstruct MDT of the Black Sea by the "synthetic" method. Obtained MDT shows a lot of mesoscale features, which are not present in previous MDT fields of the Black Sea, mostly based on climatic data. Moreover, gradients of sea level in the synthetic MDT are significantly higher compared to other fields, which is evidence of more intense currents in the basin. Validation of determined MDT field with independent dynamic heights and drifter buoy velocities shows good quantitative and qualitative coincidence over all Black Sea basin and improvements compare to previous fields. New Black Sea MDT will improve quality of altimetry-derived geostrophic velocities and lead to better understanding of the spatial and temporal features of the upper layer dynamics.
Returning Genius to the Place
Authors: Lazarus Mary Ann , Crawford Chip
Published: November 2011

Advocates of sustainable design since the early 1990s, HOK are intent on disseminating new research, resources and tools across their global design teams. Mary Ann Lazarus, Sustainable Design Director at HOK, and Chip Crawford, Planning Group Director at HOK, describe a particularly innovative project that the two groups have collaborated on with the essential input of the Biomimicry Guild (see p 44). Addressing critical environmental issues at the habitat scale and performance standards, they have developed ecological design tools that have been employed on masterplans for Lavasa, India, and Langfang, China. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recyclicity: A Toolbox for Resource‐Based Design
Authors: Jongert Jan , Nelson Nels , Goosens Fabienne
Published: November 2011

Architect Jan Jongert, urban ecologist Nels Nelson and chemical engineer Fabienne Goosens of 2012Architecten are all part of a shifting cast of specialists, undertaking research and design in this Rotterdam‐based practice. Here they describe how a focus on recycling has led them to develop research tools, such as harvest maps, urban metabolism studies, material flow analyses and Sankey diagrams. These provide essential information for designers. Harvest maps, for instance, enable them to locate locally available recyclable materials and resources. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adaptive Strategies for an Ecological Architecture
Authors: Yannas Simos
Published: November 2011

Simos Yannas, Director of the Environment & Energy Studies Programme at the Architectural Association (AA) School of Architecture in London, calls for a rethink of architectural processes. Presently, architecture is conceived as an inanimate material system, but to become truly bioclimatic it needs to become adaptive in tune with the behaviour and the comfort of occupiers. Shifting from an emphasis on providing fixed interior conditions, it requires a dynamic approach to building performance and the resultant interactions between occupants, buildings and engineering appliances. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sub‐Picosecond Processes of Ferroelectric Domain Switching from Field and Temperature Experiments
Authors: Jiang An Quan , Lee Hyun Ju , Hwang Cheol Seong , Scott James F.
Published: November 2011

After calculations of various domain‐switching current transients under the pulse from electrical circuit parameters, the field dependence of domain‐switching speeds is accurately estimated over five orders of magnitude in a wide temperature range of 5.4–280 K from the height of domain‐switching current in Pb(Zr0.4Ti0.6)O3 thin films. These estimations are extended following Merz's equation [W. J. Merz, Phys. Rev. 1954, 95, 690] and an ultimate domain‐switching current density of 1.4 × 108 A cm−1 is extracted at the highest field of 0.20 MV cm−1. From classical domain‐nucleation models with thermal fluctuations, an ultimate (asymptotic high‐field) nucleation time of 0.47 ps is derived when the domain sideways motion is kink‐nucleation‐rate limited.
Optical Gating of Photosensitive Synthetic Ion Channels
Authors: Ali Mubarak , Nasir Saima , Ramirez Patricio , Ahmed Ishtiaq , Nguyen Quoc Hung , Fruk Ljiljana , Mafe Salvador , Ensinger Wolfgang
Published: November 2011

4‐oxo‐4‐(pyren‐4‐ylmethoxy) butanoic acid is used as a photolabile protecting group to show the optical gating of nanofluidic devices based on synthetic ion channels. The inner surface of the channels is decorated with monolayers of photolabile hydrophobic molecules that can be removed by irradiation, which leads to the generation of hydrophilic groups. This process can be exploited in the UV‐light‐triggered permselective transport of ionic species in aqueous solution through the channels. The optical gating of a single conical nanochannel and multichannel polymeric membranes is characterised experimentally and theoretically by means of current–voltage and selective permeation measurements, respectively. It is anticipated that the integration of nanostructures into multifunctional devices is feasible and can readily find applications in light‐induced controlled release, sensing, and information processing.
Opioid use and dosing in the workers' compensation setting. A comparative review and new data from Ohio
Authors: Dembe Allard , Wickizer Thomas , Sieck Cynthia , Partridge Jamie , Balchick Robert
Published: November 2011

Background

Many authorities are concerned about the rising use and the potential overuse of opioid pain medications. A study of opioid prevalence and dosage in Ohio's workers' compensation (WC) system was conducted, with comparisons made to opioid use in other WC and non‐WC settings.

Methods

Systematic literature reviews of WC and non‐WC opioid use and dosage nationally were conducted. Two years of Ohio WC data (2008–2009) were analyzed to determine average daily morphine equivalent dose (MED), opioid costs, pharmacies used per claimant, and extent of long‐duration cases.

Results

Nearly one‐fifth (19.2%) of Ohio WC claims involved opioid use, compared to 31.8% in other WC systems and 17.9% in non‐WC settings. Mean MED was 57.5 mg, compared to 47.8 mg in other WC systems, and 41.8 mg among non‐WC populations. Nearly 10% of WC claims involved relatively high MED exceeding 120 mg/day.

Conclusion

Policy makers need to develop strategies for addressing high opioid use in WC systems. Am. J. Ind. Med. 55:313–324, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Increased rates of asthma among World Trade Center disaster responders
Authors: Kim Hyun , Herbert Robin , Landrigan Philip , Markowitz Steven B. , Moline Jacqueline M. , Savitz David A. , Todd Andrew C. , Udasin Iris G. , Wisnivesky Juan P.
Published: November 2011

Background

Studies have documented high rates of asthma symptoms among responders to the World Trade Center (WTC) disaster. However, whether there are increased rates of asthma among responders compared to the general population is unknown.

Methods

The study population consisted of a prospective cohort of 20,834 responders participating in the WTC Medical Monitoring and Treatment Program between July 2002 and December 2007. We calculated prevalence and standardized morbidity ratios (SMRs) of lifetime asthma and 12‐month asthma (defined as ≥1 attacks in the prior 12 months) among WTC responders. The comparison population consisted of >200,000 adults who completed the National Health Interview Survey in 2000 (for pre‐9/11 comparisons) and between 2002 and 2007 (for post‐9/11 comparisons).

Results

WTC responders were on average 43 ± 9 years old, 86% male, 59% white, and 42% had an occupation in protective services. The lifetime prevalence of asthma in the general population was relatively constant at about 10% from 2000 to 2007. However, among WTC responders, lifetime prevalence increased from 3% in 2000, to 13% in 2002, and 19% in 2007. The age‐adjusted overall SMR for lifetime asthma among WTC responders was 1.8 (95% CI: 1.8–1.9) for men and 2.0 (95% CI: 1.9–2.1) for women. Twelve‐month asthma was also more frequent among WTC responders compared to the general population (SMR 2.4, 95% CI: 2.2–2.5) for men and 2.2 (95% CI: 2.0–2.5) for women.

Conclusions

WTC responders are at an increased risk of asthma as measured by lifetime prevalence or active disease. Am. J. Ind. Med. 55:44–53, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Agricultural injury risk among rural California public high school students: Prospective results
Authors: McCurdy Stephen A. , Kwan Jonathan A.
Published: November 2011

Objectives

To characterize prospective agricultural injury experience among rural California Central Valley public high school students enrolled in agricultural sciences curriculum.

Methods

The University of California, Davis Youth Agricultural Injury Study (UCD‐YAIS) examined prospective farm‐work injury among students from 10 California Central Valley public high schools.

Results

Of eligible subjects, 882 (62.5%) completed at least one annual follow‐up survey. Of these, 489 reported farm work in the previous year, including 40 (8.2%) with at least one farm work‐related injury. Fractures were the most common injury, especially among girls. Girls were more likely to suffer animal‐related injury and boys injury from motor vehicles, machinery, or tool use. Prospective injury risk was strongly associated with prior‐year farm injury (OR 8.53; 95% CI 4.02, 18.1) and farm work hours. After adjustment for farm work hours, grade level, and sex, risk was significantly associated with machinery operation, applying chemicals, number of hazardous tasks performed, riding motorcycles or mopeds, riding in back of an uncovered pick‐up truck, and smoking. Risky attitude toward farm safety was associated prospectively with injury in stepwise fashion.

Conclusions

Adolescents are at risk for serious farm‐work injuries. Although limitations on hazardous tasks and farm work hours are likely to be the most efficacious means for reducing injury, education will play an important role. Education should include inculcating safety‐related attitudes and habits and focus on hazardous tasks, such as those involving animals (for girls) and motor vehicles and machinery (for boys), especially among youth with prior farm injury. Am. J. Ind. Med. 55:631–642, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Submicroscopic deletion of 12q13 including HOXC gene cluster with skeletal anomalies and global developmental delay
Authors: Okamoto Nobuhiko , Tamura Daisuke , Nishimura Gen , Shimojima Keiko , Yamamoto Toshiyuki
Published: November 2011

We report on a patient with a submicroscopic deletion of 12q13 detected by array‐CGH and confirmed by FISH. He was haploinsufficient for the HOXC gene cluster and some other neighboring genes. HOX genes have an important role in the initial formation of the body. The patient showed characteristic features including severe kyphoscoliosis, digital abnormalities, cardiac anomaly, expressive language, and global developmental delay. Radiologic features of the fingers had some similarities with those for multiple synostosis syndrome. No human genetic disorders due to HOXC abnormalities are yet known. We tentatively assume that his skeletal anomalies are associated with haploinsufficiency of the HOXC gene cluster. Further studies are necessary to determine the clinical importance of haploinsufficiency of the HOXC gene cluster. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Functional characterization of a novel TP63 mutation in a family with overlapping features of Rapp‐Hodgkin/AEC/ADULT syndromes
Authors: Serra Valeria , Castori Marco , Paradisi Mauro , Bui Laura , Melino Gerry , Terrinoni Alessandro
Published: November 2011

Heterozygous mutations in TP63 cause a wide spectrum of autosomal dominant developmental disorders variably affecting skin, limbs, and face. TP63 encodes p63, a protein expressed in two main isoforms (Tap63 and ΔNp63) with critical roles in both cell differentiation and development. Some analyses suggest a relationship of the mutation site to the observed clinical picture, although this link is inconsistent. This suggests an appreciable phenotypic continuity within the TP63‐related disorders. We report a 3‐month‐old boy ascertained for congenital scalp erosion and mild features of ectodermal dysplasia. His mother showed full‐blown characteristics of Rapp‐Hodgkin syndrome plus intense abdominal and popliteal freckling. Molecular investigation identified the novel TP63 mutation c.1697delG. We used a luciferase reporter assay to compare the effects on the p63 transactivation (TA) activity of c.1697delG with that of the p.Arg280Cys and p.Gln634X mutations, associated with ectrodactyly‐ectodermal dysplasia‐cleft lip/palate syndrome and isolated split hand/foot malformation, respectively. These results demonstrated complex behavior of c.1697delG in the TA of genes involved in epidermal differentiation and development and shed further light in the physiopathology of TP63‐related disorders. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Allergic rhinitis, chronic rhinosinusitis, and symptom severity: a population‐based study
Authors: Lin Sandra Y. , Reh Douglas D. , Navas‐Acien Ana
Published: November 2011

Background:

Approximately 20% of the U.S. population suffers from allergic rhinitis (AR), and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is estimated to affect 12.5% of the population. Frequently, many patients suffer from both disorders. In this study, we evaluated the relationship between AR and chronic rhinosinusitis as far as impact on nasal symptoms in a community‐based case‐control study of adult nonsmokers.

Methods:

In Washington County, MD, 200 subjects were recruited and interviewed from the same community. Subjects were divided into 4 study groups: AR without CRS, CRS without AR, AR with CRS, and a control group without AR or CRS. A validated questionnaire was used to assess upper respiratory symptoms, and disease‐specific quality of life.

Results:

Upper respiratory symptoms were significantly more severe for the affected subjects when compared to controls. Symptom severity was greatest for the CRS groups with or without AR, followed by AR without CRS, and controls least symptomatic. Subjects with AR plus CRS were most likely to have had previous nasal surgery, and use nasal decongestants when compared to the other groups.

Conclusion:

While both AR and CRS are common in the United States, it appears that patients who suffer from both disorders have more severe symptoms and are more likely to have undergone nasal surgery than if they have only 1 of these disease states. © 2011 ARS‐AAOA, LLC.
Optical versus virtual: Teaching assistant perceptions of the use of virtual microscopy in an undergraduate human anatomy course
Authors: Collier Larissa , Dunham Stacey , Braun Mark W. , O'Loughlin Valerie Dean
Published: November 2011

Many studies that evaluate the introduction of technology in the classroom focus on student performance and student evaluations. This study focuses on instructor evaluation of the introduction of virtual microscopy into an undergraduate anatomy class. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with graduate teaching assistants (TA) and analyzed through qualitative methods. This analysis showed that the teaching assistants found the virtual microscope to be an advantageous change in the classroom. They cite the ease of use of the virtual microscope, access to histology outside of designated laboratory time, and increasing student collaboration in class as the primary advantages. The teaching assistants also discuss principal areas where the use of the virtual microscope can be improved from a pedagogical standpoint, including requiring students to spend more time working on histology in class. Anat Sci Educ. © 2011 American Association of Anatomists.
E‐mail networks and leadership performance
Authors: Tashiro Hisato , Lau Antonio , Mori Junichiro , Fujii Nobuzumi , Kajikawa Yuya
Published: November 2011

Online communication is an indispensable tool for communication and management. The network structure of communication is considered to affect team and individual performances, but it has not been not empirically tested. In this article, we collected a set of 1‐month e‐mail logs of a company and conducted an e‐mail network analysis. We calculated the network centralities of 72 managerial candidates, and investigated the relationship between positions in the network and leadership performance with partial least squares structural equation modeling. Betweenness and in‐degree network centralities of those middle managers are correlated with their leadership performance; on the other hand, for this management group, out‐degree has no correlation, and PageRank is a negative indicator of leadership. Leaders with high performance are trusted in their communities as a hub of the information channel of the communication network.
Citation flows in the zones of influence of scientific collaborations
Authors: Lancho Barrantes Bárbara S. , Guerrero Bote Vicente P. , Rodríguez Zaida Chinchilla , de Moya Anegón Félix
Published: November 2011

Domestic citation to papers from the same country and the greater citation impact of documents involving international collaboration are two phenomena that have been extensively studied and contrasted. Here, however, we show that it is not so much a national bias, but that papers have a greater impact on their immediate environments, an impact that is diluted as that environment grows. For this reason, the greatest biases are observed in countries with a limited production. Papers that involve international collaboration have a greater impact in general, on the one hand, because they have multiple “immediate environments,” and on the other because of their greater quality or prestige. In short, one can say that science knows no frontiers. Certainly there is a greater impact on the authors' immediate environment, but this does not necessarily have to coincide with their national environments, which fade in importance as the collaborative environment expands.
On familywise type I error control for multiplicity in equivalence trials with three or more treatments
Authors: Röhmel Joachim
Published: November 2011

For the all pairwise comparisons for equivalence of k (k≥2) treatments Lauzon and Caffo proposed simply to divide the type I error level α by k−1 to achieve a Bonferroni‐based familywise error control when declaring pairs of two treatments equivalent. This rule is shown to be too liberal for k≥4. It works for k=3 yet for reasons not considered by Lauzon and Caffo. Based on the two one‐sided testing procedures and using the closure test principle we develop valid alternatives based on Bonferroni's inequality. The set H of intersection hypotheses reveals a rich structure, leading to the possibility to present H as a directed acyclic graph (DAG). This in turn allows using some graph theoretical theorems and eases proving properties of the resulting multiple testing problems.
Simultaneous hydrogen utilization and in situ biogas upgrading in an anaerobic reactor
Authors: Luo Gang , Johansson Sara , Boe Kanokwan , Xie Li , Zhou Qi , Angelidaki Irini
Published: November 2011

The possibility of converting hydrogen to methane and simultaneous upgrading of biogas was investigated in both batch tests and fully mixed biogas reactor, simultaneously fed with manure and hydrogen. Batch experiments showed that hydrogen could be converted to methane by hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis with conversion of more than 90% of the consumed hydrogen to methane. The hydrogen consumption rates were affected by both $P_{{\rm H}_{{\rm 2}} } $ (hydrogen partial pressure) and mixing intensity. Inhibition of propionate and butyrate degradation by hydrogen (1 atm) was only observed under high mixing intensity (shaking speed 300 rpm). Continuous addition of hydrogen (flow rate of 28.6 mL/(L/h)) to an anaerobic reactor fed with manure, showed that more than 80% of the hydrogen was utilized. The propionate and butyrate level in the reactor was not significantly affected by the hydrogen addition. The methane production rate of the reactor with H2 addition was 22% higher, compared to the control reactor only fed with manure. The CO2 content in the produced biogas was only 15%, while it was 38% in the control reactor. However, the addition of hydrogen resulted in increase of pH (from 8.0 to 8.3) due to the consumption of bicarbonate, which subsequently caused slight inhibition of methanogenesis. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2012; 109:1088–1094. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Airlift column photobioreactors for Porphyridium sp. culturing: Part I. effects of hydrodynamics and reactor geometry
Authors: Luo Hu‐Ping , Al‐Dahhan Muthanna H.
Published: November 2011

Photosynthetic microorganisms have been attracting world attention for their great potential as renewable energy sources in recent years. Cost effective production in large scale, however, remains a major challenge to overcome. It is known to the field that turbulence could help improving the performance of photobioreactors due to the so‐called flashing light effects. Better understanding of the multiphase fluid dynamics and the irradiance distribution inside the reactor that cause the flashing light effects, as well as quantifying their impacts on the reactor performance, thus, are crucial for successful design and scale‐up of photobioreactors. In this study, a species of red marine microalgae, Porphyridium sp., was grown in three airlift column photobioreactors (i.e., draft tube column, bubble column, and split column). The physical properties of the culture medium, the local fluid dynamics and the photobioreactor performances were investigated and are reported in this part of the manuscript. Results indicate that the presence of microalgae considerably affected the local multiphase flow dynamics in the studied draft tube column. Results also show that the split column reactor works slightly better than the draft tube and the bubble columns due to the spiral flow pattern inside the reactor. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2012; 109:932–941. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluation of the energy efficiency of enzyme fermentation by mechanistic modeling
Authors: Albaek Mads O. , Gernaey Krist V. , Hansen Morten S. , Stocks Stuart M.
Published: November 2011

Modeling biotechnological processes is key to obtaining increased productivity and efficiency. Particularly crucial to successful modeling of such systems is the coupling of the physical transport phenomena and the biological activity in one model. We have applied a model for the expression of cellulosic enzymes by the filamentous fungus Trichoderma reesei and found excellent agreement with experimental data. The most influential factor was demonstrated to be viscosity and its influence on mass transfer. Not surprisingly, the biological model is also shown to have high influence on the model prediction. At different rates of agitation and aeration as well as headspace pressure, we can predict the energy efficiency of oxygen transfer, a key process parameter for economical production of industrial enzymes. An inverse relationship between the productivity and energy efficiency of the process was found. This modeling approach can be used by manufacturers to evaluate the enzyme fermentation process for a range of different process conditions with regard to energy efficiency. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2012; 109:950–961. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Improving the efficiency of CHO cell line generation using glutamine synthetase gene knockout cells
Authors: Fan Lianchun , Kadura Ibrahim , Krebs Lara E. , Hatfield Christopher C. , Shaw Margaret M. , Frye Christopher C.
Published: November 2011

Although Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, with their unique characteristics, have become a major workhorse for the manufacture of therapeutic recombinant proteins, one of the major challenges in CHO cell line generation (CLG) is how to efficiently identify those rare, high‐producing clones among a large population of low‐ and non‐productive clones. It is not unusual that several hundred individual clones need to be screened for the identification of a commercial clonal cell line with acceptable productivity and growth profile making the cell line appropriate for commercial application. This inefficiency makes the process of CLG both time consuming and laborious. Currently, there are two main CHO expression systems, dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR)‐based methotrexate (MTX) selection and glutamine synthetase (GS)‐based methionine sulfoximine (MSX) selection, that have been in wide industrial use. Since selection of recombinant cell lines in the GS‐CHO system is based on the balance between the expression of the GS gene introduced by the expression plasmid and the addition of the GS inhibitor, L‐MSX, the expression of GS from the endogenous GS gene in parental CHOK1SV cells will likely interfere with the selection process. To study endogenous GS expression's potential impact on selection efficiency, GS‐knockout CHOK1SV cell lines were generated using the zinc finger nuclease (ZFN) technology designed to specifically target the endogenous CHO GS gene. The high efficiency (∼2%) of bi‐allelic modification on the CHO GS gene supports the unique advantages of the ZFN technology, especially in CHO cells. GS enzyme function disruption was confirmed by the observation of glutamine‐dependent growth of all GS‐knockout cell lines. Full evaluation of the GS‐knockout cell lines in a standard industrial cell culture process was performed. Bulk culture productivity improved two‐ to three‐fold through the use of GS‐knockout cells as parent cells. The selection stringency was significantly increased, as indicated by the large reduction of non‐producing and low‐producing cells after 25 µM L‐MSX selection, and resulted in a six‐fold efficiency improvement in identifying similar numbers of high‐productive cell lines for a given recombinant monoclonal antibody. The potential impact of GS‐knockout cells on recombinant protein quality is also discussed. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2012; 109:1007–1015. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Gene therapy in the treatment of peripheral arterial disease
Authors: Mughal N A , Russell D A , Ponnambalam S , Homer-Vanniasinkam S
Published: November 2011

Background

Peripheral arterial disease remains a significant global health burden despite revolutionary improvements in endovascular techniques over the past decade. The durability of intervention for critical limb ischaemia is poor, and the condition is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. To address this deficiency, alternative therapeutic options are being explored. Advances in the fields of gene therapy and therapeutic angiogenesis have led to these being advocated as potential future treatments.

Methods

Relevant medical literature from PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library and Google Scholar from the inception of these databases to June 2011 was reviewed.

Results

Encouraging outcomes in preclinical trials using a variety of proangiogenic growth factors have led to numerous efficacy and safety studies. However, no clinical study has shown significant benefit for gene therapy over placebo.

Conclusion

Identifying the optimal site for gene delivery, choice of vector and duration of treatment is needed if gene therapy is to become a credible therapeutic option for peripheral arterial disease. Copyright © 2011 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Persisting symptoms after intrathoracic anastomotic leak following oesophagectomy for cancer
Authors: van der Schaaf M , Lagergren J , Lagergren P
Published: November 2011

Background

Intrathoracic anastomotic leak is a major cause of postoperative mortality and morbidity after resection for oesophageal cancer. Little is known about persisting symptoms after this complication. In this Swedish nationwide cohort study, it was hypothesized that intrathoracic anastomotic leak makes patients more susceptible to persisting eating difficulties, odynophagia, dysphagia, trouble swallowing saliva and reflux.

Methods

Patients who underwent oesophagectomy for oesophageal cancer, and had reconstruction with a gastric conduit and an intrathoracic anastomosis, between April 2001 and December 2005 were included. Symptoms were measured using an oesophageal cancer-specific health-related quality-of-life questionnaire (QLQ-OES18), developed by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to calculate risk estimates for symptoms, expressed as odds ratio (OR) with 95 per cent confidence interval, 6 months after intrathoracic anastomotic leakage.

Results

Among the 277 patients included in the study, the 29 patients with an intrathoracic anastomotic leak had a fourfold increased risk (OR 4·05, 1·47 to 11·16) of eating difficulties and a more than twofold greater risk (OR 2·59, 1·15 to 5·82) of odynophagia, 6 months after surgery, compared with patients without a leak. There was a twofold increased risk of trouble swallowing, but this was not statistically significant (OR 1·98, 0·58 to 6·67).

Conclusion

Patients with an intrathoracic anastomotic leak after oesophageal cancer surgery were at increased risk of eating difficulties and odynophagia 6 months after surgery. Higher risks of reflux and dysphagia were not found among patients with anastomotic leak. Copyright © 2011 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Calculation of Critical Efficiency Factors of Microwave Energy Conversion into Heat
Authors: Cherbański R.
Published: November 2011

A modeling approach aimed at calculating critical efficiency factors of microwave energy conversion into heat for different operating conditions is presented. In the experimental part, an efficiency factor was determined for microwave heating of 13X zeolites in a multimode microwave cavity. A comparison of the obtained results with the results reported in the literature indicated that microwave heating (MH) can be more energy‐efficient than convective heating (CH). Moreover, it follows from the performed simulations that maintaining the same adsorbent bed temperatures in MH and CH for increasing gas flow rates rises energy consumptions in CH and decreases the critical efficiency factors, thereby improving the economic efficiency of MH.
Color discrimination capability under highly structured spectra
Authors: Royer M. P. , Houser K. W. , Wilkerson A. M.
Published: November 2011

An experiment was performed to test the capability of measures of gamut area to predict the color discrimination capability of lamps with highly structured spectra. Sixteen subjects completed a Farnsworth Munsell 100 Hue Test under four different lighting conditions of similar chromaticity: light emitting diodes (LEDs) that used red, green, and blue primaries; two types of linear fluorescent; and tungsten halogen. Total Error Score (TES) was significantly worse under the LEDs than the other three conditions, which produced statistically equivalent scores. No measure considered in this work, including Color Rendering Index, Color‐Discrimination Index, or Farnsworth Munsell Gamut Area, was able to order correctly, let alone correlate with, the color discrimination capability of the four lamps, as characterized by TES. This calls into question the concept of using a measure of gamut area to characterize color discrimination as part of a multi‐index tool for quantifying color rendition, especially since lamps with highly structured spectral output are becoming more prevalent for general illumination. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 2011;
Visual assessment of light source color quality
Authors: Bodrogi Peter , Brückner Stefan , Khanh Tran Quoc , Winkler Holger
Published: November 2011

The color quality of the lit visual environment can be improved by optimizing light source spectral power distributions. For a comprehensive optimization, it is important to identify the relationship among the perceptual properties of color quality. In this work, a colorful still life or tabletop arrangement was constructed from real artificial objects. Thirty observers with normal color vision scaled nine different properties of color quality under three light sources, incandescent, fluorescent and white LED. Six factors were extracted from the correlations among the obtained visual color quality scales. Factors were assigned the following labels: memory, preference, brightness, fidelity, gamut and difference. Mean factor values were computed for each light source. Significant differences were found in case of preference, brightness and fidelity: for preference, INC was rated better than CFL and LED was rated better than CFL, for brightness, LED was better than INC and LED was better than CFL and for fidelity, INC was better than CFL and INC was better than LED. The brightness factor was consistent among the observers. Three clusters of observers were found for preference and fidelity. The memory, gamut and difference factors showed large interobserver variability. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 2013
Hydrolysis of Ammonia Borane as a Hydrogen Source: Fundamental Issues and Potential Solutions Towards Implementation
Authors: Sanyal Udishnu , Demirci Umit B. , Jagirdar Balaji R. , Miele Philippe
Published: November 2011

In today’s era of energy crisis and global warming, hydrogen has been projected as a sustainable alternative to depleting CO2‐emitting fossil fuels. However, its deployment as an energy source is impeded by many issues, one of the most important being storage. Chemical hydrogen storage materials, in particular BN compounds such as ammonia borane, with a potential storage capacity of 19.6 wt % H2 and 0.145 kg L−1, have been intensively studied from the standpoint of addressing the storage issues. Ammonia borane undergoes dehydrogenation through hydrolysis at room temperature in the presence of a catalyst, but its practical implementation is hindered by several problems affecting all of the chemical compounds in the reaction scheme, including ammonia borane, water, borate byproducts, and hydrogen. In this Minireview, we exhaustively survey the state of the art, discuss the fundamental problems, and, where applicable, propose solutions with the prospect of technological applications.
Three‐dimensional segmentation of nuclei and mitotic chromosomes for the study of cell divisions in live Drosophila embryos
Authors: Chinta Rambabu , Wasser Martin
Published: November 2011

Drosophila embryogenesis is an established model to investigate mechanisms and genes related to cell divisions in an intact multicellular organism. Progression through the cell cycle phases can be monitored in vivo using fluorescently labeled fusion proteins andtime‐lapse microscopy. To measure cellular properties in microscopic images, accurate and fast image segmentation methods are a critical prerequisite. To quantify static and dynamic features of interphase nuclei and mitotic chromosomes, we developed a three‐dimensional (3D) segmentation method based on multiple level sets. We tested our method on 3D time‐series images of live embryos expressing histone‐2Av‐green fluorescence protein. Our method is robust to low signal‐to‐noise ratios inherent to high‐speed imaging, fluorescent signals in the cytoplasm, and dynamic changes of shape and texture. Comparisons with manual ground‐truth segmentations showed that our method achieves more than 90% accuracy on the object as well as voxel levels and performs consistently throughout all cell cycle phases and developmental stages from syncytial blastoderm to postblastoderm mitotic domains. © 2011 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Subcritical co‐solvents extraction of lipid from wet microalgae pastes of Nannochloropsis sp.
Authors: Chen Min , Liu Tianzhong , Chen Xiaolin , Chen Lin , Zhang Wei , Wang Junfeng , Gao Lili , Chen Yu , Peng Xiaowei
Published: November 2011

In this paper subcritical co‐solvents extraction (SCE) of algal lipid from wet pastes of Nannochloropsis sp. is examined. The influences of five operating parameters including the ratio between ethanol to hexane, the ratio of mixed solvents to algal biomass (dry weight), extraction temperature, pressure, and time were investigated. The determined optimum extraction conditions were 3:1 (hexane to ethanol ratio), 10:1 ratio (co‐solvents to microalgae (dry weight) ratio), 90°C, 1.4 MPa, and 50 min, which could produce 88% recovery rate of the total lipids. In addition, electron micrographs of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were conducted to show that the algal cell presented shrunken, collapsed with some wrinkles and microholes after SCE extraction. The main composition of total lipids extracted under the optimum conditions was TAG which represented more than 80%. And the fatty acid profile of triglycerides revealed that C16:0 (35.67 ± 0.2%), C18:1 (26.84 ± 0.044%) and C16:1 (25.96 ± 0.011%) were dominant.

Practical applications: The reported method could save energy consumption significantly through avoiding deep dewatering (for example drying). The composition of the extracted lipid is suitable for the production of high quality biodiesel.
Dienamine Catalysis: An Emerging Technology in Organic Synthesis
Authors: Ramachary Dhevalapally B. , Reddy Y. Vijayendar
Published: November 2011

High‐yielding asymmetric synthesis of bioactive molecules with the aid of mild catalysis is an efficient approach in reaction engineering. In the early days, synthetic chemists mainly focused on the synthesis of complex molecules, but not much on reaction efficiency and eco‐friendly conditions. Recent investigations have been directed towards the development of atom economy and of eco‐friendly and enantioselective synthesis in the most efficient ways. In this regard, the development of newly emerging asymmetric enamine and dienamine catalysis shows one way in which a powerful technology can address these critical issues. Here we discuss the entire saga of dienamine chemistry from “preformed dienamines” to “in situ dienamines” and its applications in the synthesis of bioactive molecules and natural products.
Comparison of Comet assay dose‐response for ethyl methanesulfonate using freshly prepared versus cryopreserved tissues
Authors: Recio Leslie , Kissling Grace E. , Hobbs Cheryl A. , Witt Kristine L.
Published: November 2011

The National Toxicology Program (NTP) is using the Comet assay to evaluate genotoxic potential, and is investigating the integration of this assay into repeat‐dose toxicity studies. To reduce sample‐to‐sample variability, address logistical concerns associated with evaluating multiple tissues from many animals, and accommodate sample collection at geographically distant testing facilities, tissue samples collected for Comet analysis by the NTP are routinely flash‐frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored in a –80°C freezer until evaluation. To compare data obtained from frozen tissues to data from freshly isolated tissues, we conducted a dose‐response study in male Sprague Dawley rats. Rats (5 per treatment group) were administered ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS; 0, 25, 50, 100, or 200 mg/kg) by gavage twice at an interval of 21 hr; blood, liver, stomach, and colon tissues were harvested 3 hr after the second treatment. Single‐cell preparations from each of the four tissues were put into Hank's balanced salt solution with 10% fresh dimethyl sulfoxide. One aliquot of each tissue preparation was used for immediate analysis, while additional aliquots were flash‐frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored in a −80°C freezer for 1 or 8 weeks. One set of 8‐week frozen samples was shipped roundtrip via air courier from Research Triangle Park, NC to Rochester, NY prior to analysis. For all four tissues, results from frozen, nontransported samples showed a similar dose‐response pattern for EMS‐induced genotoxicity. We also demonstrated that for three tissues (blood, liver, stomach), air transport did not alter the sensitivity of the Comet assay for detecting DNA damage. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2012. Published 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Investigations on cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of laser printer emissions in human epithelial A549 lung cells using an air/liquid exposure system
Authors: Tang Tao , Gminski Richard , Könczöl Mathias , Modest Christoph , Armbruster Benedikt , Mersch‐Sundermann Volker
Published: November 2011

Exposure to emissions from laser printers during the printing process is commonplace worldwide, both in the home and workplace environment. In the present study, cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of the emission from five low to medium‐throughput laser printers were investigated with respect to the release of ozone (O3), volatile organic compounds (VOC), particulate matter (PM), and submicrometer particles (SMP) during standby and operation. Experiments were conducted in a 1 m3 emission chamber connected to a Vitrocell® exposure system. Cytotoxicity was determined by the WST‐1 assay and genotoxicity by the micronucleus test in human A549 lung cells. The five laser printers emitted varying but generally small amounts of O3, VOC, and PM. VOC emissions included 13 compounds with total VOC concentrations ranging from 95 to 280 μg/m3 (e.g., 2‐butanone, hexanal, m,p‐xylene, and o‐xylene). Mean PM concentrations were below 2.4 μg/m3. SMP number concentration levels during standby ranged from 9 to 26 particles/cm3. However, three of the printers generated a 90 to 16 × 103‐fold increase of SMP during the printing process (maximum 294,460 particles/cm3). Whereas none of the printer emissions were found to cause cytotoxicity, emissions from two printers induced formation of micronuclei (P < 0.001), thus providing evidence for genotoxicity. As yet, differences in biological activity cannot be explained on the basis of the specific emission characteristics of the different printers. Because laser printing technology is widely used, studies with additional cytogenetic endpoints are necessary to confirm the DNA‐damaging potency and to identify emission components responsible for genotoxicity. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Vitamin D, osteocalcin, and risk for adiposity as comorbidities in middle school children
Authors: Boucher-Berry Claudia , Speiser Phyllis W , Carey Dennis E , Shelov Steven P , Accacha Siham , Fennoy Ilene , Rapaport Robert , Espinal Yomery , Rosenbaum Michael
Published: November 2011

Nonclassic actions of vitamin D include potential regulation of immune function and glucose homeostasis. The bone-metabolism loop has recently been expanded to include osteocalcin, which appears to play a more direct role in pancreatic beta cell function and energy metabolism. We hypothesized that both vitamin D and osteocalcin would correlate negatively with indices of adiposity-related comorbidity risk in periadolescents, varying by ethnic group. We analyzed anthropometric, metabolic, and inflammatory markers from a multiethnic population of 106 school children 11 to 14 years of age studied as part of the Reduce Obesity and Diabetes (ROAD) consortium. As expected, 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH vitamin D) was inversely correlated with intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH); total osteocalcin (OCN) and uncarboxylated osteocalcin (uOCN) were directly correlated with each other. OCN and uOCN concentrations correlated inversely with age. Vitamin D deficiency was most prevalent among East Asians (EA) and African Americans (AA). The highest lipid risk scores and homeostatic model for assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) values were seen in the South Asian (SA) group. Overall, adiposity measures were inversely correlated with OCN and iPTH, whereas such relationships were not observed for vitamin D. Acute insulin response to glucose challenge correlated negatively with uOCN in all subjects; however, lipid risk score correlated negatively with uOCN only in whites. The relationships between markers of calcium metabolism and body composition, glucose homeostasis, lipids, and inflammation all showed racial and ethnic differences. No consistent relationship was found between vitamin D and adiposity or vitamin D and glucose metabolism; instead vitamin D levels varied by race and ethnicity in this school-based group. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that markers of calcium and bone metabolism may reflect risk for adiposity-related comorbidities in children. © 2012 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Hospitalists and intensivists in the medical ICU: A prospective observational study comparing mortality and length of stay between two staffing models
Authors: Wise Kristin R. , Akopov Valery A. , Williams Byron R. , Ido Moges S. , Leeper Kenneth V. , Dressler Daniel D.
Published: November 2011

BACKGROUND:

A shortage of critical care specialists or intensivists, coupled with expanding United States critical care needs, mandates identification of alternate qualified physicians for intensive care unit (ICU) staffing.

OBJECTIVE:

To compare mortality and length of stay (LOS) of medical ICU patients cared for by a hospitalist or an intensivist‐led team.

DESIGN:

Prospective observational study.

SETTING:

Urban academic community hospital affiliated with a major regional academic university.

PATIENTS:

Consecutive medical patients admitted to a hospitalist ICU team (n = 828) with selective intensivist consultation or an intensivist‐led ICU teaching team (n = 528).

MEASUREMENTS:

Endpoints were ICU and in‐hospital mortality and LOS, adjusted for patient differences with logistic and linear regression models and propensity scores.

RESULTS:

The odds ratio adjusted for disease severity for in‐hospital mortality was 0.8 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.49, 1.18; P = 0.23) and ICU mortality was 0.8 (95% CI: 0.51, 1.32; P = 0.41), referent to the hospitalist team. The adjusted LOS was similar between teams (hospital LOS difference 0.9 days, P = 0.98; ICU LOS difference 0.3 days, P = 0.32). Mechanically ventilated patients with intermediate illness severity had lower hospital LOS (10.6 vs 17.8 days, P < 0.001) and ICU LOS (7.2 vs 10.6 days, P = 0.02), and a trend towards decreased in‐hospital mortality (15.6% vs 27.5%, P = 0.10) in the intensivist‐led group.

CONCLUSIONS:

The adjusted mortality and LOS demonstrated no statistically significant difference between hospitalist and intensivist‐led ICU models. Mechanically ventilated patients with intermediate illness severity showed improved LOS and a trend towards improved mortality when cared for by an intensivist‐led ICU teaching team. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2011;. © 2011 Society of Hospital Medicine