bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimates of the prevalence of arthritis and other rheumatic conditions in the United States: Part I
Authors: Helmick Charles G. , Felson David T. , Lawrence Reva C. , Gabriel Sherine , Hirsch Rosemarie , Kwoh C. Kent , Liang Matthew H. , Kremers Hilal Maradit , Mayes Maureen D. , Merkel Peter A. , Pillemer Stanley R. , Reveille John D. , Stone John H. ,   National Arthritis Data Workgroup
Published: December 2007

Objective

To provide a single source for the best available estimates of the US prevalence of and number of individuals affected by arthritis overall, rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile arthritis, the spondylarthritides, systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, and Sjögren's syndrome. A companion article (part II) addresses additional conditions.

Methods

The National Arthritis Data Workgroup reviewed published analyses from available national surveys, such as the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). For analysis of overall arthritis, we used the NHIS. Because data based on national population samples are unavailable for most specific rheumatic conditions, we derived estimates from published studies of smaller, defined populations. For specific conditions, the best available prevalence estimates were applied to the corresponding 2005 US population estimates from the Census Bureau, to estimate the number affected with each condition.

Results

More than 21% of US adults (46.4 million persons) were found to have self‐reported doctor‐diagnosed arthritis. We estimated that rheumatoid arthritis affects 1.3 million adults (down from the estimate of 2.1 million for 1995), juvenile arthritis affects 294,000 children, spondylarthritides affect from 0.6 million to 2.4 million adults, systemic lupus erythematosus affects from 161,000 to 322,000 adults, systemic sclerosis affects 49,000 adults, and primary Sjögren's syndrome affects from 0.4 million to 3.1 million adults.

Conclusion

Arthritis and other rheumatic conditions continue to be a large and growing public health problem. Estimates for many specific rheumatic conditions rely on a few, small studies of uncertain generalizability to the US population. This report provides the best available prevalence estimates for the US, but for most specific conditions, more studies generalizable to the US or addressing understudied populations are needed.
Prevalence of malignancy in psoriatic arthritis
Authors: Rohekar Sherry , Tom Brian D. M. , Hassa Agnes , Schentag Cathy T. , Farewell Vernon T. , Gladman Dafna D.
Published: December 2007

Objective

To determine the prevalence and types of malignancy in a large cohort of patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and to compare this rate with that in the general population.

Methods

A cohort analysis of patients who were followed up prospectively from 1978 to 2004 at the University of Toronto Psoriatic Arthritis Clinic was performed. Patients were followed up at 6–12‐month intervals according to a standard protocol, which included recording of malignancy, and tracked on a computer database. The cohort was linked with a provincial database to find malignancies that may have been missed by the protocol or developed after patients were lost to followup. Data were presented and analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Cox regression model with robust estimate of variance. Rates of first malignancy in the cohort were compared with rates in the population to derive standardized incidence ratios (SIRs).

Results

Of the 665 patients included, 68 (10.2%) developed a malignancy at an average age of 62.4 years. The most frequently seen malignancies were breast (20.6%), lung (13.2%), and prostate (8.8%) cancer. The SIR for all cancers was 0.98 (95% confidence interval 0.77–1.24). Overall cancer type–specific SIRs were 0.69 (95% CI 0.26–1.83) for hematologic and 0.88 (95% CI 0.46–1.69) for lung cancer. In females, the SIR for breast cancer was 1.55 (95% CI 0.92–2.62), and in males, the SIR for prostate cancer was 0.65 (95% CI 0.29–1.44).

Conclusion

Overall, 10.2% of patients in the Toronto PsA cohort developed cancer. The most frequent cancers were breast, lung, and prostate cancer. The incidence of malignancy in the large PsA cohort did not differ from that in the general population.
Differential requirements for IKKα and IKKβ in the differentiation of primary human osteoarthritic chondrocytes
Authors: Olivotto Eleonora , Borzi Rosa Maria , Vitellozzi Roberta , Pagani Stefania , Facchini Annalisa , Battistelli Michela , Penzo Marianna , Li Xiang , Flamigni Flavio , Li Jun , Falcieri Elisabetta , Facchini Andrea , Marcu Kenneth B.
Published: December 2007

Objective

Osteoarthritic (OA) chondrocytes behave in an intrinsically deregulated manner, characterized by chronic loss of healthy cartilage and inappropriate differentiation to a hypertrophic‐like state. IKKα and IKKβ are essential kinases that activate NF‐κB transcription factors, which in turn regulate cell differentiation and inflammation. This study was undertaken to investigate the differential roles of each IKK in chondrocyte differentiation and hypertrophy.

Methods

Expression of IKKα or IKKβ was ablated in primary human chondrocytes by retro‐transduction of specific short‐hairpin RNAs. Micromass cultures designed to reproduce chondrogenesis with progression to the terminal hypertrophic stage were established, and anabolism and remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) were investigated in the micromasses using biochemical, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural techniques. Cellular parameters of hypertrophy (i.e., proliferation, viability, and size) were also analyzed.

Results

The processes of ECM remodeling and mineralization, both characteristic of terminally differentiated hypertrophic cells, were defective following the loss of IKKα or IKKβ. Silencing of IKKβ markedly enhanced accumulation of glycosaminoglycan in conjunction with increased SOX9 expression. Ablation of IKKα dramatically enhanced type II collagen deposition independent of SOX9 protein levels but in association with suppressed levels of runt‐related transcription factor 2. Moreover, IKKα‐deficient cells retained the phenotype of cells in a pre–hypertrophic‐like state, as evidenced by the smaller size and faster proliferation of these cells prior to micromass seeding, along with the enhanced viability of their differentiated micromasses.

Conclusion

IKKα and IKKβ exert differential roles in ECM remodeling and endochondral ossification, which are events characteristic of hypertrophic chondrocytes and also complicating factors often found in OA. Because the effects of IKKα were more profound and pleotrophic in nature, our observations suggest that exacerbated IKKα activity may be responsible, at least in part, for the characteristic abnormal phenotypes of OA chondrocytes.
Validation of the systemic lupus erythematosus activity questionnaire in a large observational cohort
Authors: Yazdany Jinoos , Yelin Edward H. , Panopalis Pantelis , Trupin Laura , Julian Laura , Katz Patricia P.
Published: December 2007

Objective

To examine the reliability, construct validity, and responsiveness of the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Activity Questionnaire (SLAQ) in a large observational cohort of persons with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

We evaluated the reliability of the SLAQ using Cronbach's alpha and principal factor analysis and ascertained construct validity by studying the association of the SLAQ with other clinically relevant, validated patient assessments of health. We estimated responsiveness by calculating standardized response means and analyzing the association of changes in SLAQ scores with changes in other patient assessments of health.

Results

The SLAQ had excellent reliability, as reflected by Cronbach's alpha (0.87) and principal factor analysis (one factor accounted for 92% of the variance). SLAQ scores were strongly correlated with other health indices, including the Short Form 12 Physical Component Summary and the Short Form 36 Physical Functioning subscale. Scores were significantly higher for respondents reporting a flare, more disease activity, hospitalization in the last year, concurrent use of immunosuppressive medication, and work disability. The SLAQ demonstrated a small to moderate degree of responsiveness; standardized response means were 0.66 and −0.37 for those reporting clinical worsening and improvement, respectively. Across a range of other patient assessments of disease status, the SLAQ had a response in the direction predicted by these other measures.

Conclusion

The SLAQ demonstrates adequate reliability, construct validity, and responsiveness in our large, community‐based cohort and appears to represent a promising tool for studies of SLE outside the clinical setting.
Comparison of Vancouver and International League of Associations for rheumatology classification criteria for juvenile psoriatic arthritis
Authors: Toll Matthew L. S , Lio Peter , Sundel Robert P. , Nigrovic Peter A.
Published: December 2007

Objective

The International League of Associations for Rheumatology (ILAR) criteria constitute the current international diagnostic standard for juvenile psoriatic arthritis (PsA), replacing the less‐restrictive Vancouver criteria. The impact of this change on the population diagnosed with juvenile PsA is unknown.

Methods

We reviewed the records of patients seen in a pediatric rheumatology clinic with International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision diagnosis codes for psoriasis, PsA, or spondylarthritis. Characteristics of children who met the Vancouver and ILAR criteria were compared.

Results

Of 139 children meeting the Vancouver criteria for juvenile PsA, ILAR criteria excluded 80 (58%). Grounds for exclusion were insufficiently definitive rash (44%), a competing diagnosis of enthesitis‐related arthritis (23%), family history of psoriasis limited to second‐degree relatives (16%), fulfillment of criteria for >1 subtype of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) (5%), and HLA–B27 in a male with arthritis onset after age 6 (2%). Remaining patients were not homogeneous but could be divided into younger and older subpopulations differing in clinical features as described previously among patients identified under the Vancouver standard. Of excluded patients, 76% were reclassified as having other forms of JIA yet were phenotypically comparable with those retained.

Conclusion

Despite apparently modest changes from previous criteria, ILAR definitions strikingly restrict the diagnosis of PsA in childhood. Similarity between excluded and included patients suggests that these restrictions may not reflect substantive clinical differences. To the extent that excluded patients become reclassified within JIA, current criteria risk compromising other ILAR categories while reducing the number of patients available for the study of juvenile PsA.
The provisional Paediatric Rheumatology International Trials Organisation/American College of Rheumatology/european League Against Rheumatism Disease activity core set for the evaluation of response to therapy in juvenile dermatomyositis: A prospective validation study
Authors: Ruperto Nicolino , Ravelli Angelo , Pistorio Angela , Ferriani Virginia , Calvo Immaculada , Ganser Gerd , Brunner Jurgen , Dannecker Guenther , Silva Clovis Arthur , Stanevicha Valda , Cate Rebecca Ten , van Suijlekom‐Smit Lisette W. A. , Voygioyka OLGA , Fischbach Michel , Foeldvari Ivan , Hilario Odete , Modesto Consuelo , Saurenmann Rotraud K. , Sauvain Marie‐Josephe , Scheibel Iloite , Sommelet Danièle , Tambic‐Bukovac Lana , Barcellona Roberto , Brik Riva , Ehl Stephan , Jovanovic Mirjana , Rovensky Jozef , Bagnasco Francesca , Lovell Daniel J. , Martini Alberto
Published: December 2007

Objective

To validate a core set of outcome measures for the evaluation of response to treatment in patients with juvenile dermatomyositis (DM).

Methods

In 2001, a preliminary consensus‐derived core set for evaluating response to therapy in juvenile DM was established. In the present study, the core set was validated through an evidence‐based, large‐scale data collection that led to the enrollment of 294 patients from 36 countries. Consecutive patients with active disease were assessed at baseline and after 6 months. The validation procedures included assessment of feasibility, responsiveness, discriminant and construct ability, concordance in the evaluation of response to therapy between physicians and parents, redundancy, internal consistency, and ability to predict a therapeutic response.

Results

The following clinical measures were found to be feasible, and to have good construct validity, discriminative ability, and internal consistency; furthermore, they were not redundant, proved responsive to clinically important changes in disease activity, and were associated strongly with treatment outcome and thus were included in the final core set: 1) physician's global assessment of disease activity, 2) muscle strength, 3) global disease activity measure, 4) parent's global assessment of patient's well‐being, 5) functional ability, and 6) health‐related quality of life.

Conclusion

The members of the Paediatric Rheumatology International Trials Organisation, with the endorsement of the American College of Rheumatology and the European League Against Rheumatism, propose a core set of criteria for the evaluation of response to therapy that is scientifically and clinically relevant and statistically validated. The core set will help standardize the conduct and reporting of clinical trials and assist practitioners in deciding whether a child with juvenile DM has responded adequately to therapy.
Direct Asymmetric α‐Amination of Cyclic Ketones Catalyzed by Siloxyproline
Authors: Hayashi Yujiro , Aratake Seiji , Imai Yoshinaga , Hibino Kazuhiro , Chen Qi‐Yin , Yamaguchi Junichiro , Uchimaru Tadafumi
Published: December 2007

trans‐tert‐Butyldimethylsiloxy‐L‐proline displays greater catalytic activity and affords higher enantioselectivity than the parent proline in the α‐amination reaction of carbonyl compounds with azodicarboxylate. A quantum mechanical calculation reveals the structure of the transition state. In the presence of a catalytic amount of siloxyproline and water (3–9 equiv), α‐amino carbonyl derivatives, which are important synthetic intermediates, are obtained in good yield and with excellent enantioselectivity.
In vitro effect of pulsed 900 MHz GSM radiation on mitochondrial membrane potential and motility of human spermatozoa
Authors: Falzone Nadia , Huyser Carin , Fourie Francois , Toivo Tim , Leszczynski Dariusz , Franken Daniel
Published: December 2007

Ejaculated, density purified, human spermatozoa were exposed to pulsed 900 MHz GSM mobile phone radiation at two specific absorption rate levels (SAR 2.0 and 5.7 W/kg) and compared with controls over time. Change in sperm mitochondrial membrane potential was analysed using flow cytometry. Sperm motility was determined by computer assisted sperm analysis (CASA). There was no effect of pulsed 900 MHz GSM radiation on mitochondrial membrane potential. This was also the case for all kinematic parameters assessed at a SAR of 2.0 W/kg. However, over time, the two kinematic parameters straight line velocity (VSL) and beat‐cross frequency (BCF) were significantly impaired (P < 0.05) after the exposure at SAR 5.7 W/kg and no exposure by time interaction was present. This result should not be ascribed to thermal effects, due to the cooling methods employed in the RF chamber and temperature control within the incubator. Bioelectromagnetics 29:268–276, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pulsed electric field reduces the permeability of potato cell wall
Authors: Galindo Federico Gómez , Vernier P. Thomas , Dejmek Petr , Vicente António , Gundersen Martin A.
Published: December 2007

The effect of the application of pulsed electric fields to potato tissue on the diffusion of the fluorescent dye FM1‐43 through the cell wall was studied. Potato tissue was subjected to field strengths ranging from 30 to 500 V/cm, with one 1 ms rectangular pulse, before application of FM1‐43 and microscopic examination. Our results show a slower diffusion of FM1‐43 in the electropulsed tissue when compared with that in the non‐pulsed tissue, suggesting that the electric field decreased the cell wall permeability. This is a fast response that is already detected within 30 s after the delivery of the electric field. This response was mimicked by exogenous H2O2 and blocked by sodium azide, an inhibitor of the production of H2O2 by peroxidases. Bioelectromagnetics 29:296–301, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Demonstrating safety through in-hospital mortality analysis following elective abdominal aortic aneurysm repair in England
Authors: Holt P J E , Poloniecki J D , Loftus I M , Thompson M M
Published: December 2007

Background

The aims were to assess the evidence that individual hospitals had mortality rates in excess of the national average after abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair and to develop an effective method for monitoring mortality using local data.

Methods

Hospital Episode Statistics identified patients undergoing elective infrarenal AAA repair. A technique was developed that compared individual hospital mortality rates with the mortality rate in the remainder of England. The strength of evidence that the death rate was less than elsewhere, and less than twice elsewhere, was quantified using a test of statistical significance. A moving average chart technique was devised using local data for mortality monitoring and comparison to the national average.

Results

For 30 hospitals, the mortality rate was significantly greater than elsewhere, and in three hospitals it was demonstrably greater than twice that in the remainder of England. The moving average chart appeared to provide a useful technique for local mortality monitoring.

Conclusion

Different mortality rates exist for AAA repair within England. Mortality can be monitored locally and compared with the national average.
Mode of splenectomy and immunogenicity of meningococcal vaccination in patients with hereditary spherocytosis
Authors: Stoehr G A , Luecken J , Zielen S , Eber S W , Borrow R , Rose M A
Published: December 2007

Background

Splenectomy predisposes patients to invasive disease from pneumococci, meningococci, and Haemophilus influenzae; immunization is mandatory. However, data on the impact of the splenectomy on vaccine immunogenicity are scarce.

Methods

A total of 41 children with hereditary spherocytosis (aged 5·8–14·4 years) had complete (16) or near-total (25) splenectomy. All received one dose of monovalent meningococcal C conjugate vaccine (MCV-C) and, 2 months later, a tetravalent meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine (MPV-ACWY). Serum bactericidal activity and antibodies against serogroups A and C were determined before and after they received MCV-C, and 4 weeks after they received MPV-ACWY.

Results

Before vaccination, only four of the 16 children who had a complete splenectomy were protected against serogroup A, compared with 15 of the 25 who had near-total splenectomy (P < 0·050), with the latter responding to immunization with significantly higher serogroup A serum bactericidal activity: geometric mean (95 per cent confidence interval) 1625.5 (49.9 to 3201.1) versus 980.6 (2.00 to 6204.1) (P < 0·050). All patients achieved putative protective serum bactericidal activity titres (at least 8) against serogroup C.

Conclusion

Near-total splenectomy provides a favourable immunological basis for natural and vaccine-induced protection against meningococcal serogroup A and C infections. Sequential meningococcal vaccination is immunogenic in patients splenectomized for hereditary spherocytosis.
Validation of an Inguinal Pain Questionnaire for assessment of chronic pain after groin hernia repair
Authors: Fränneby U , Gunnarsson U , Andersson M , Heuman R , Nordin P , Nyrén O , Sandblom G
Published: December 2007

Background

Long-term pain is an important outcome after inguinal hernia repair. The aim of this study was to test the validity and reliability of a specific Inguinal Pain Questionnaire (IPQ).

Methods

The study recruited patients aged between 15 and 85 years who had undergone primary inguinal or femoral hernia repair. To test the validity of the questionnaire, 100 patients received the IPQ and the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) 1 and 4 weeks after surgery (group 1). To test reliability and internal consistency, 100 patients received the IPQ on two occasions 1 month apart, 3 years after surgery (group 2). Non-surgery-related pain was analysed in group 3 (2853 patients).

Results

A significant decrease in IPQ-rated pain intensity was observed in the first 4 weeks after surgery (P < 0·001). Significant correlations with corresponding BPI pain intensity items corroborated the criterion validity (P < 0·050). Logical incoherence did not exceed 5·5 per cent for any item. Values for κ in the test–retest in group 2 were higher than 0·5 for all but three items. Cronbach's α was 0·83 for questions on pain intensity and 0·74 for interference with daily activities.

Conclusion

This study found good validity and reliability for the IPQ, making it a useful instrument for assessing pain following groin hernia repair.
Defined indications for elective cholecystectomy for gallstone disease
Authors: Halldestam I , Kullman E , Borch K
Published: December 2007

Background

This study examined symptomatology and quality of life following elective cholecystectomy for symptomatic gallstone disease with defined indications for surgery.

Methods

In this prospective study of 200 consecutive patients (161 women; median age 46·5 (range 24–79) years), strict indications for elective cholecystectomy were stipulated. Digestive symptoms and quality of life were recorded with a self-administered questionnaire before and at 3 and 12 months after surgery.

Results

Of 149 patients who experienced abdominal pain with typical location before surgery, 136 (91·3 per cent) reported total remission or reduced frequency of that type of pain 12 months later. Of 35 patients who reported atypical or multiple pain location before operation, 27 (77 per cent) experienced reduced frequency or disappearance of that type of pain. Frequency of pain episodes, atypical or multiple pain location, specific food intolerance and frequency of disturbing abdominal gas at baseline correlated positively with the frequency of abdominal pain episodes at 12 months after surgery. There was a tendency towards an inverse relation to age.

Conclusion

The frequency of persistent abdominal pain after elective cholecystectomy was low among patients with typical pain location before surgery. Atypical pain location, and frequent pain episodes before operation significantly reduced the chance of becoming pain-free.
Residual specimen cellularity after neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer
Authors: Peintinger F , Kuerer H M , McGuire S E , Bassett R , Pusztai L , Symmans W F
Published: December 2007

Background

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer reduces tumour cellularity, the percentage of the primary tumour area that is composed of invasive tumour cells. Minimal residual tumour cellularity (5 per cent or less of tumour area composed of invasive tumour cells) may be associated with an increased risk of false-negative intraoperative margins. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of minimal residual tumour cellularity after neoadjuvant chemotherapy and its impact on the frequency of false-negative margins and conversion from breast-conserving surgery to mastectomy.

Methods

The final pathology slides of 510 patients who had surgery after neoadjuvant chemotherapy were reviewed.

Results

Of 396 patients with residual invasive breast cancer after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, 100 specimens (25·3 per cent) had minimal residual cellularity; this was more frequent in patients with invasive lobular carcinoma (17·0 versus 5·1 per cent; P < 0·001) or well and moderately differentiated carcinoma (68·0 versus 52·4 per cent; P = 0·007). Among 149 patients who had initial breast-conserving surgery, false-negative intraoperative margin rates were 23 per cent in specimens with minimal and 13·8 per cent in those with higher residual cellularity (P = 0·210). There was no significant difference in the rate of conversion to mastectomy between the groups.

Conclusion

Minimal residual cellularity after neoadjuvant chemotherapy occurred in about 25 per cent of specimens, but did not alter the rate of false-negative intraoperative margins.
Randomized clinical trial of honey-impregnated dressings for venous leg ulcers
Authors: Jull Andrew , Walker N , Parag V , Molan P , Rodgers A
Published: December 2007

Background

The efficacy of honey as a treatment for venous ulcers has not been evaluated, despite widespread interest. This trial aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of honey as a dressing for venous ulcers.

Methods

This community-based open-label randomized trial allocated people with a venous ulcer to calcium alginate dressings impregnated with manuka honey or usual care. All participants received compression bandaging. The primary outcome was the proportion of ulcers healed after 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes were: time to healing, change in ulcer area, incidence of infection, costs per healed ulcer, adverse events and quality of life. Analysis was by intention to treat.

Results

Of 368 participants, 187 were randomized to honey and 181 to usual care. At 12 weeks, 104 ulcers (55·6 per cent) in the honey-treated group and 90 (49·7 per cent) in the usual care group had healed (absolute increase 5·9 (95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) − 4·3 to 15·7) per cent; P = 0·258). Treatment with honey was probably more expensive and associated with more adverse events (relative risk 1·3 (95 per cent c.i. 1·1 to 1·6); P = 0·013). There were no significant differences between the groups for other outcomes.

Conclusion

Honey-impregnated dressings did not significantly improve venous ulcer healing at 12 weeks compared with usual care. Registration number: ISRCTN 06161544 (http://www.controlled-trials.com).
The incidence of lateral pelvic side-wall nodal involvement in low rectal cancer may be similar in Japan and the West
Authors: Yano H , Moran B J
Published: December 2007

Background

There is an East–West divide with regard to the frequency, significance and management of lateral pelvic side-wall nodes associated with low rectal cancer. In Japan, removal of nodes is considered essential in curative treatment of selected patients. In the West, involved nodes are generally considered as metastatic disease. There may be international differences in rectal cancer behaviour.

Methods

A review of relevant studies was undertaken using PubMed, Cochrane Library and personal archives of references; further cross-referencing was conducted. Historical developments, relevant anatomy and reports on lateral pelvic lymphadenectomy (LPLD) were identified. Outcomes following LPLD were assessed.

Results

The low rectum has lateral lymphatic drainage. Enhanced pelvic imaging techniques suggest that some patients with low rectal cancer have lateral pelvic lymph node involvement. However, there is no universal agreement on the definition of either the rectum or low rectal cancer. Selective use of LPLD has led to good outcomes in Japan. An alternative strategy might be neoadjuvant therapy for involved lateral nodes.

Conclusion

Pelvic imaging and correlation with pathological findings are crucial in the assessment of lateral pelvic side-wall nodes. East and West should combine their experience of preoperative staging, surgical treatment and pathological assessment of low rectal cancer.
Incorporation of Dynamic Flexibility in the Design of a Methanol Synthesis Loop in the Presence of Catalyst Deactivation
Authors: Parvasi P. , Rahimpour M. R. , Jahanmiri A.
Published: December 2007

A typical methanol loop reactor is analyzed in this study. All basic equipment in the Lurgi‐type methanol loop is included in the proposed model. A detailed dynamic model described by a set of ordinary differential and algebraic equations is developed to predict the behavior of the overall process. The model is validated against plant data. A new deactivation model is proposed and its parameters are estimated using daily plant data. The interesting feature of this model is that it incorporates the effect of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide on the catalyst deactivation. Using the model, the effect of various factors to compensate for the reduction of production rate due to catalyst deactivation has been examined. Some improvements can be achieved by adjusting the operating conditions. Finally, a strategy is proposed for prevention of reduced production due to catalyst deactivation.
Removal of Nickel and Boron from Plating Rinse Effluent by Electrochemical and Chemical Techniques
Authors: Golder A. K. , Dhaneesh V. S. , Samanta A. N. , Ray S.
Published: December 2007

In this work, electrotreatment of nickel and boron containing plating rinse effluents was studied with mild steel and aluminum electrodes. Industrial effluent treatment directly by an electrochemical technique is capable of removing 80–85 % nickel. The residual nickel interfered with boron determination by curcumin method. The pH fall during electrotreatment in industrial effluent is due to electrodeposition of nickel at the cathode surface, evidenced by simulated effluent treatment. Nickel concentration can be reduced below the discharge limit from the industrial plating effluent by chemical precipitation and coagulation at pH above 8. Chemical precipitation showed maximum boron removal of about 50 %. Boron removal was 29.3–41.9 % and 20.6–33.1 % with ferric chloride and aluminum sulfate, respectively. A combination of chemical precipitation at pH 8.7 followed by electrotreatment reduces nickel to the discharge limit and also maximizes boron removal up to 59 %.
Packing with Stamped Horizontal Lamellae Operating at Extremely Low Liquid Loads II. Effective Surface Area
Authors: Kolev N. , Kralev B. , Razkazova‐Velkova E.
Published: December 2007

In the first part of this investigation a new packing material, specially designed for operation at extremely low liquid superficial velocity, was presented [1]. It consists of narrow, horizontal lamellae stamped in vertical plates with small distances between them. The liquid flows horizontally, wetting practically the whole surface of the lamellae, i.e., strips. One of the most important performance characteristics of packings is their effective surface area. This surface can be either smaller or greater than the specific surface [2]. The results of the investigation into the effective surface of the new packing are presented here. They show that it slowly increased with liquid superficial velocity, L. At the lowest liquid superficial velocity, L, equal to only 2.6 · 10–5 m3/(m2s) for a packing with a specific area of 132.7 m2/m3, and the effective surface area is more than 50 % higher than the specific one. At L = 10 · 10–5 m3/(m2s), for the same packing, the effective surface is about twice as high as the specific one.
Nucleation Process in the Cavity of a 48‐Tungstophosphate Wheel Resulting in a 16‐Metal‐Centre Iron Oxide Nanocluster
Authors: Mal Sib Sankar , Dickman Michael H. , Kortz Ulrich , Todea Ana Maria , Merca Alice , Bögge Hartmut , Glaser Thorsten , Müller Achim , Nellutla Saritha , Kaur Narpinder , van Tol Johan , Dalal Naresh S. , Keita Bineta , Nadjo Louis
Published: December 2007

The 16‐FeIII‐containing 48‐tungsto‐8‐phosphate [P8W48O184Fe16(OH)28(H2O)4]20−(1) has been synthesised and characterised by IR and ESR spectroscopy, TGA, elemental analyses, electrochemistry and susceptibility measurements. Single‐crystal X‐ray analyses were carried out on Li4K16[P8W48O184Fe16(OH)28(H2O)4]⋅66 H2O⋅2 KCl (LiK‐1, orthorhombic space groupPnnm,a=36.3777(9) Å,b=13.9708(3) Å,c=26.9140(7) Å, andZ=2) and on the corresponding mixed sodium–potassium salt Na9K11[P8W48O184Fe16(OH)28(H2O)4]⋅100 H2O (NaK‐1, monoclinic space groupC2/c,a=46.552(4) Å,b=20.8239(18) Å,c=27.826(2) Å,β=97.141(2)° andZ=4). Polyanion1contains—in the form of a cyclic arrangement—the unprecedented {Fe16(OH)28(H2O)4}20+nanocluster, with 16 edge‐ and corner‐sharing FeO6octahedra, grafted on the inner surface of the crown‐shaped [H7P8W48O184]33−(P8W48) precursor. The synthesis of1was accomplished by reaction of different iron species containing FeII(in presence of O2) or FeIIIions with theP8W48anion in aqueous, acidic medium (pH ≈4), which can be regarded as an assembly process under confined geometries. One fascinating aspect is the possibility to model the uptake and release of iron in ferritin. The electrochemical study of1, which is stable from pH 1 through 7, offers an interesting example of a highly iron‐rich cluster. The reduction wave associated with the FeIIIcentres could not be split in distinct steps independent of the potential scan rate from 2 to 1000 mV s−1; this is in full agreement with the structure showing that all 16 iron centres are equivalent. Polyanion1proved to be efficient for the electrocatalytic reduction of NOx, including nitrate. Magnetic and variable frequency EPR measurements on1suggest that the FeIIIions are strongly antiferromagnetically coupled and that the ground state is tentatively spinS=2.
Superelectrophiles: Charge–Charge Repulsive Effects
Authors: Klumpp Douglas A.
Published: December 2007

Over the years, a significant number of di‐ and tricationic superelectrophiles have been studied. Many of these superelectrophiles exhibit charge–charge repulsive effects due to the interaction of the positive charges. Charge–charge repulsion can lead to novel molecular rearrangements, profoundly influence reactivities, and may significantly effect molecular structure.
Osmium Pyme Complexes for Fast Hydrogenation and Asymmetric Transfer Hydrogenation of Ketones
Authors: Baratta Walter , Ballico Maurizio , Del Zotto Alessandro , Siega Katia , Magnolia Santo , Rigo Pierluigi
Published: December 2007

The osmium compound trans,cis‐[OsCl2(PPh3)2(Pyme)] (1) (Pyme=1‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)methanamine), obtained from [OsCl2(PPh3)3] and Pyme, thermally isomerizes to cis,cis‐[OsCl2(PPh3)2(Pyme)] (2) in mesitylene at 150 °C. Reaction of [OsCl2(PPh3)3] with Ph2P(CH2)4PPh2 (dppb) and Pyme in mesitylene (150 °C, 4 h) leads to a mixture of trans‐[OsCl2(dppb)(Pyme)] (3) and cis‐[OsCl2(dppb)(Pyme)] (4) in about an 1:3 molar ratio. The complex trans‐[OsCl2(dppb)(Pyet)] (5) (Pyet=2‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)ethanamine) is formed by reaction of [OsCl2(PPh3)3] with dppb and Pyet in toluene at reflux. Compounds 1, 2, 5 and the mixture of isomers 3/4 efficiently catalyze the transfer hydrogenation (TH) of different ketones in refluxing 2‐propanol and in the presence of NaOiPr (2.0 mol %). Interestingly, 3/4 has been proven to reduce different ketones (even bulky) by means of TH with a remarkably high turnover frequency (TOF up to 5.7×105 h−1) and at very low loading (0.05–0.001 mol %). The system 3/4 also efficiently catalyzes the hydrogenation of many ketones (H2, 5.0 atm) in ethanol with KOtBu (2.0 mol %) at 70 °C (TOF up to 1.5×104 h−1). The in‐situ‐generated catalysts prepared by the reaction of [OsCl2(PPh3)3] with Josiphos diphosphanes and (±)‐1‐alkyl‐substituted Pyme ligands, promote the enantioselective TH of different ketones with 91–96 % ee (ee=enantiomeric excess) and with a TOF of up to 1.9×104 h−1 at 60 °C.
Convergence proof of the velocity field for a stokes flow immersed boundary method
Authors: Mori Yoichiro
Published: December 2007

The immersed boundary (IB) method is a computational framework for problems involving the interaction of a fluid and immersed elastic structures. It is characterized by the use of a uniform Cartesian mesh for the fluid, a Lagrangian curvilinear mesh on the elastic material, and discrete delta functions for communication between the two grids. We consider a simple IB problem in a two‐dimensional periodic fluid domain with a one‐dimensional force generator. We obtain error estimates for the velocity field of the IB solution for the stationary Stokes problem. We use this result to prove convergence of a simple small‐amplitude dynamic problem. We test our error estimates against computational experiments. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Transition between Airy1 and Airy2 processes and TASEP fluctuations
Authors: Borodin Alexei , Ferrari Patrik L. , Sasamoto Tomohiro
Published: December 2007

We consider the totally asymmetric simple exclusion process, a model in the KPZ universality class. We focus on the fluctuations of particle positions, starting with certain deterministic initial conditions. For large time t, one has regions with constant and linearly decreasing density. The fluctuations on these two regions are given by the Airy1 and Airy2 processes, whose one‐point distributions are the GOE and GUE Tracy‐Widom distributions of random matrix theory. In this paper we analyze the transition region between these two regimes and obtain the transition process. Its one‐point distribution is a new interpolation between GOE and GUE edge distributions. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
State of the art in heterogeneous strong migration of computations
Authors: Milanés A. , Rodriguez N. , Schulze B.
Published: December 2007

The emergence of new environments, such as grids and mobile devices, poses new requirements for programming systems and models. Migration techniques, which have been extensively studied but not widely used, gain a chance to rise in light of these requirements. This survey reviews a particular case of migration that fits well into those environments—that is, heterogeneous strong migration of running computations at application level. We approach it from an implementation point of view, commenting on related issues and current solutions. We discuss the strong influence that language support for migration has on implementation issues, and the advantages that a higher level of support would represent for the portability and performance of the application, as well as in terms of control and flexibility for the programmer. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Life cell quantification of mitochondrial membrane potential at the single organelle level
Authors: Distelmaier Felix , Koopman Werner J. H. , Testa Epifania R. , de Jong Arjan S. , Swarts Herman G. , Mayatepek Ertan , Smeitink Jan A. M. , Willems Peter H. G. M.
Published: December 2007

Mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψ) is key to mitochondrial function and cellular survival. Here, we aimed to develop an automated protocol allowing sensitive quantification of Δψ in living cells at the level of individual mitochondria. Human skin fibroblasts were stained with the fluorescent cation tetramethyl rhodamine methyl ester (TMRM), which is sequestered by mitochondria according to their Δψ. Cells were visualized by videomicroscopy and the acquired images were processed to generate a mitochondria‐specific mask. The latter was superimposed on the original image to allow quantification of TMRM fluorescence. Following validation, our approach revealed that mitochondria with different Δψ coexisted within the same cell. Furthermore, our method allowed reproducible detection of small (<10%) reductions in TMRM intensity induced by the complex III inhibitor antimycin A. Mitochondrial uncoupling by p‐trifluoromethoxy carbonyl cyanide phenyl hydrazone (FCCP) greatly reduced mitochondrial TMRM fluorescence. Under these conditions faithful mask calculation and TMRM intensity analysis were still possible using a mitochondria‐targeted green fluorescence protein (mitoAcGFP1), expressed in the cells using baculoviral transfection. © 2007 International Society for Analytical Cytology
Deformation‐based nuclear morphometry: Capturing nuclear shape variation in HeLa cells
Authors: Rohde Gustavo K. , Ribeiro Alexandre J. S. , Dahl Kris N. , Murphy Robert F.
Published: December 2007

The empirical characterization of nuclear shape distributions is an important unsolved problem with many applications in biology and medicine. Numerous genetic diseases and cancers have alterations in nuclear morphology, and methods for characterization of morphology could aid in both diagnoses and fundamental understanding of these disorders. Automated approaches have been used to measure features related to the size and shape of the cell nucleus, and statistical analysis of these features has often been performed assuming an underlying Euclidean (linear) vector space. We discuss the difficulties associated with the analysis of nuclear shape in light of the fact that shape spaces are nonlinear, and demonstrate methods for characterizing nuclear shapes and shape distributions based on spatial transformations that map one nucleus to another. By combining large deformation metric mapping with multidimensional scaling we offer a flexible approach for elucidating the intrinsic nonlinear degrees of freedom of a distribution of nuclear shapes. More specifically, we demonstrate approaches for nuclear shape interpolation and computation of mean nuclear shape. We also provide a method for estimating the number of free parameters that contribute to shape as well as an approach for visualizing most representative shape variations within a distribution of nuclei. The proposed methodology can be completely automated, is independent of the dimensionality of the images, and can handle complex shapes. Results obtained by analyzing two sets of images of HeLa cells are shown. In addition to identifying the modes of variation in normal HeLa nuclei, the effects of lamin A/C on nuclear morphology are quantitatively described. © 2007 International Society for Analytical Cytology
Cell cycle studies based upon quantitative image analysis
Authors: Stacey Dennis W. , Hitomi Masahiro
Published: December 2007

When cell cycle studies are performed following cell cycle synchronization, it is possible that critical properties of an actively cycling cell will be overlooked. For this reason past studies have not revealed critical aspects of cell cycle control; such as how a cell determines when to exit the cell cycle, or how rapidly it should cycle. To address these challenging questions we have developed a procedure to quantitate fluorescent stains in a monolayer culture, where nuclear fluorescence and cell cycle history can be assessed with accuracy on a cell by cell basis. The cell cycle position of each cell can be determined by analyzing DNA and BrdU levels. The behavior of cells in a given cell cycle position can then be studied by quantitating up to two other stained markers. When the microinjection of siRNA, neutralizing antibodies, and expression plasmids are coupled with quantitative image analysis, these cell cycle studies can be conducted following alterations in the expression levels of selected cellular targets. With these techniques we have discovered critical aspects of cell cycle control; including how cyclin D1 levels vary through the cell cycle, the molecular mechanisms governing these changes, and the biological implications of changes in cyclin D1 concentration in various cell cycle stages. Our studies with cyclin D1, coupled with similar studies of p27Kip1, form the basis of an entirely new model of cell cycle control proposed here. This model explains how cell cycle progression is terminated, and how the length of the cell cycle is regulated. © 2007 International Society for Analytical Cytology
How to Appraise Investment Projects
Authors: Chong Gin
Published: December 2007

How do you evaluate a potential project? Prior investment appraisal models suggest that managers focus on the risk level before assessing the financial returns of the project. But the author of this article suggests a project appraisal model (PAM) to weigh both the financial and nonfinancial results. So PAM will help you evaluate investment projects on a holistic basis. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Risky Business in China
Authors: Byington J. Ralph , McGee Jo Ann
Published: December 2007

Want to do an M&A deal in China? Be very careful! Remember that corruption and white‐collar crime (WCC) is not confined to the United States. It is an epidemic that has infected business abroad as well. And while the penalties for WCC in the United States are tame, in China the punishment can be death.

The authors review WCC in China, including who is doing it, what the penalties are, and protective measures executives can take to avoid and prevent encounters with the Chinese versions of WCC. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
FTC Goes Wild Over Whole Foods Merger
Authors: Rouse Robert W. , DeLaurell Roxane M.
Published: December 2007

Despite a credit crunch in 2007, merger and acquisition (M&A) activity has continued at a rapid pace. The two primary regulatory agencies that evaluate proposed mergers—the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)—issued a guidelines commentary in 2006. It gave us vital insight on how the DOJ and FTC evaluate mergers. The authors review the commentary and show how it worked in the case of one recent acquisition—where the FTC and DOJ disagreed. The authors then discuss how companies can avoid the M&A mistakes of the past. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bcl‐xL prevents staurosporine‐induced hepatocyte apoptosis by restoring protein kinase B/mitogen‐activated protein kinase activity and mitochondria integrity
Authors: Wang Yinna , Zhang Baochun , Peng Ximei , Perpetua Michele , Harbrecht Brian G.
Published: December 2007

Our study reports that staurosporine induces apoptosis in cultured rat hepatocytes in a dose‐ and time‐dependent fashion. Staurosporine induced apparent cleavage of caspase‐8, caspase‐9, and caspase‐3. The release of cytochrome c from mitochondria, and Bid activation were also detected in staurosporine‐treated primary hepatocytes. These results suggest that mitochondria‐mediated cell death signaling may be involved in staurosporine‐induced hepatocyte apoptosis. Bcl‐xL overexpression protected from “loss of” mitochondrial transmembrane potential and prevented staurosporine‐induced caspase‐3 and caspase‐8 cleavage. Overexpression of constitutively active ERK and PKB inhibited staurosporine‐induced caspase‐3 activation and hepatocyte death. PI3K inhibitor (LY294002) and ERK inhibitor (PD98059) significantly reversed the protective effects of Bcl‐xL on staurosporine‐induced hepatocyte death. Our data suggest that Bcl‐xL prevents staurosporine‐induced hepatocyte apoptosis by modulating protein kinase B and p44/42 mitogen‐activated protein kinase activity and disrupts mitochondria death signaling. J. Cell. Physiol. 215: 676–683, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nanofibrous Poly(lactic acid)/Hydroxyapatite Composite Scaffolds for Guided Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Jeong Sung In , Ko Eun Kyoung , Yum Jungsuk , Jung Chul Ho , Lee Young Moo , Shin Heungsoo
Published: December 2007

The production of nanofibrous PLA/HA composite scaffolds is described. The morphological, mechanical, surface, and thermal properties of the composites were extensively investigated. The results show that the mixture of PLA and HA formed smooth nanofibers without lumps. The incorporation of HA increased the mechanical strength of the nanofibers and changed the morphology, increasing the mean fiber diameter and pore size. Surface and internal properties confirmed that HA was homogeneously distributed inside the nanofibers and oriented towards their surface. The nanofiber composites allowed the adhesion and proliferation of pre‐osteoblasts for up to 3 weeks.

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Segmented Block Copolymers with Terephthalic‐Extended Poly(ethylene oxide) Segments
Authors: Husken Debby , Feijen Jan , Gaymans Reinoud J.
Published: December 2007

Segmented block copolymers comprised of flexible PEO segments and monodisperse crystallizable bisestertetraamide segments have been synthesized. The influence of the terephthalic units in the soft phase on the transitions and the thermal mechanical and elastic properties are studied. The presence of terephthalic units in the copolymer increases the glass transition temperature of the soft phase by ≈5 °C. The low‐temperature flexibility of the copolymers is improved because of the lower crystallinity and melting temperature of PEO. With the use of terephthalic‐extended PEO segments, segmented block copolymers with low moduli (G' < 15 MPa) and good elastic properties could be obtained.

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