bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alignment of stone‐pavement clasts by unconcentrated overland flow – implications of numerical and physical modelling
Authors: Dietze Michael , Groth Juliane , Kleber Arno
Published: November 2012

The crucial role of stone pavements in arid environments for aeolian or alluvial processes and as numerical dating tools is increasingly acknowledged. This role is based on the assumption that stone pavements are stable landforms, formed gradually over time and predominantly by vertical processes. However, this is challenged by evidence of stone‐pavement clast reworking or burial. Bimodal, mostly slope aspect‐symmetrical clast orientation is a frequent phenomenon in various study areas. It implies that stone pavements may be influenced by unidirectional lateral processes besides vertical ones.

Here, the finding of lateral processes contributing to stone‐pavement evolution is supported by numerical modelling and physical experiments. These unequivocally show that unconcentrated overland flow can transport clasts to form a closely packed stone mosaic with characteristics similar to those of natural stone pavements. The commonly observed length‐axes orientation angle of 40 ± 14° for natural stone‐pavement clasts is consistently reproduced by angle‐dependent force equilibrium. Monte Carlo runs confirm the natural scatter and allow characterization of the control parameters of clast orientation. The model explains up to 70% of the natural variance. It is further validated by flume experiments, which confirm model predictions of single object orientation angles. Experiments with multiple objects yield artificial stone pavements with properties similar to those found in the field.

The unidirectional lateral process acting on natural stone pavements requires the presence of a vesicular horizon. This underlines the tight genetic coupling of this common epipedon feature and the clast cover. The presented findings highlight the role of stone pavements as process and environment proxies. However, stone pavements represent information since the last surface disturbance only. This has to be considered when using them as age indicators. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrochemical Characteristics and Performance of Platinum Nanoparticles Supported by Vulcan/Polyaniline for Oxygen Reduction in PEMFC
Authors: Kakaei K.
Published: November 2012

We report a Pt/Vulcan carbon–polyaniline (VC–PANI) catalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). This electrocatalyst was prepared from Pt nanoparticles supported by a VC–PANI composite substrate. Electrochemical performance was measured using potentiostat/galvanostats technique and a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) test station. The electrochemical properties of the electrodes were characterized using linear sweep voltammetry, AC impedance spectroscopy and chronoamperometry. Electrochemical characterization by hydrogen adsorption/desorption cyclic voltammetry and CO stripping voltammetry indicates that the electrochemical active surface areas of the Pt/VC–PANI are comparable to the commercial catalyst. The performance of the Pt/VC–PANI and Pt/C(E‐TEK) + PANI electrocatalysts were found to be 1.82 and 1.33 times higher than of the Pt/C(E‐TEK) electrode. The surface morphologies of the electrodes were characterized by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). PANI has a fibrous structure and the improved performance was attributed to the PANI effect and synergistic effects between the carbon Vulcan and the PANI fiber. These results indicate that Pt/VC–PANI is a promising catalyst for the ORR in PEMFCs using an H2/O2 feed.
Origin of Space Charge in Grain Boundaries of Proton‐Conducting BaZrO3
Authors: Helgee E. E. , Lindman A. , Wahnström G.
Published: November 2012

Segregation energies of oxygen vacancies and protons near three symmetric tilt grain boundaries (GBs) in BaZrO3 are determined using density functional theory. Two of the GBs have the [$ \overline 1 $10] direction as tilt axis with a (111) or (112) plane as GB plane, while the third has the [001] direction as tilt axis and a (210) plane as GB plane. Both defects are found to segregate to all three GBs, with vacancy segregation energies of –0.5 and –1.5 eV and proton segregation energies of about –0.8 eV. The effects of the calculated segregation energies on defect concentrations and electrostatic potential in the GB region are investigated using a thermodynamic space charge model. An increased concentration of defects is seen in all GBs, giving electrostatic potential barriers around 0.6 V at 400–600 K. Protons are found to give important contributions to the space charge in all three GBs.
Efficient Anchorage of Palladium Nanoparticles on the Multi‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes as Electrocatalyst for the Hydrazine Electrooxidation in Strong Acidic Solutions
Authors: Liang Y. , Wu K. , Ge C. , Zhou Y. , Chen Y. , Tang Y. , Lu T.
Published: November 2012

A facile homogeneous precipitation–reduction reaction method, which involves PdCl2 → PdO · H2O → Pd0 reaction path, is used to synthesize the multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) supported Pd nanoparticles (Pd/MWCNTs) catalysts. The particle size of Pd/MWCNTs catalysts can be easily tuned by controlling the hydrolysis temperature of PdCl2. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) measurements show the particle size of Pd/MWCNTs catalysts increases with hydrolysis temperature of PdCl2, which is ascribed to the fact that the particle size of PdO · H2O nanoparticles increases with hydrolysis temperature of PdCl2. At the lower hydrolysis temperature, the as‐prepared Pd/MWCNTs catalyst possesses the higher dispersion and the smaller particle size. Consequently, the resultant Pd/MWCNTs catalyst exhibits the big electrochemical active surface area and the excellent electrocatalytic performance for hydrazine electrooxidation in strong acidic solutions. In addition, the electrochemical measurement indicate that particle size effect of Pd‐NPs occurs during the N2H4 electrooxidation. In brief, the mass activity and specific activity of the Pd/MWCNTs catalyst increases and decreases with decreasing the particle size of Pd‐NPs for the N2H4 electrooxidation, respectively.
Chromosome abnormalities in diffuse large B‐cell lymphomas: analysis of 231 Chinese patients
Authors: Zhao Xiaoli , Fan Rong , Lin Guowei , Wang Xiaoqin
Published: November 2012

Genome instability is a hallmark of cancer. Diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common form of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma with high levels of chromosomal aberrations. The purpose of this study was to characterize chromosomal aberrations in Chinese DLBCL patients and to compare chromosomal abnormalities between germinal centre B‐cell‐like (GCB) and non‐GCB subgroups. Fluorescence in situ hybridization, G‐band cytogenetics and immunohistochemistry were performed in 231 cases of de novo DLBCL. We demonstrated that the rate of abnormal and complex karyotypes was 89.1% (139/156) and 92.8% (129/139), respectively. We found a total of 490 structural chromosomal aberrations, including 96 frequent and recurring structural alterations. Most importantly, we identified several rare or novel chromosomal alterations: eight gains (5, 13, 14q, 17, 19p, 20, 21p, Y), one loss (21) and three recurrent translocations [t(7;15)(q22;q22), t(3;20)(p24;q13.1), t(2;3)(q21;q25)]. Moreover, the frequent recurrent genomic imbalance between GCB and non‐GCB subgroups was different. Finally, we discovered two cases of concurrent IGH‐BCL6 and MYC rearrangements. The rate of abnormal karyotypes in DLBCL patients of Chinese descent was similar to that of Western countries, but some common karyotypes were different, as were the abnormal karyotypes of GCB and non‐GCB subgroups. Our discovery of rare and novel abnormal karyotypes may represent unique chromosomal alterations in Chinese DLBCL patients. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Altered local and systemic immune profiles underlie lymph node metastasis in breast cancer patients
Authors: Zuckerman Neta S. , Yu HongXiang , Simons Diana L. , Bhattacharya Nupur , Carcamo‐Cavazos Valeria , Yan Ning , Dirbas Frederick M. , Johnson Denise L. , Schwartz Erich J. , Lee Peter P.
Published: November 2012

Cancer‐mediated immune dysfunction contributes to tumor progression and correlates with patient outcome. Metastasis to tumor draining lymph nodes (TDLNs) is an important step in breast cancer progression and is used to predict patient outcome and survival. Although lymph nodes are important immune organs, the role of immune cells in TDLNs has not been thoroughly investigated. We hypothesized that the host immune response in node negative (NN) patients is more intact and thereby can resist tumor invasion compared to node positive (NP) patients. As such, lymph node metastasis requires breakdown of the host immune response in addition to escape of cancer cells from the tumor. To investigate the immunological differences between NN and NP breast cancer patients, we purified and profiled immune cells from the three major compartments where cancer and immune cells interact: tumor, TDLNs and peripheral blood. Significant down‐regulation of genes associated with immune‐related pathways and up‐regulation of genes associated with tumor‐promoting pathways was consistently observed in NP patients' TDLNs compared to NN patients. Importantly, these signatures were seen even in NP patients' tumor‐free TDLNs, suggesting that such immune changes are not driven solely by local tumor invasion. Furthermore, similar patterns were also observed in NP patients' tumor and blood immune cells, suggesting that immunological differences between NN and NP patients are systemic. Together, these findings suggest that alterations in overall immune function may underlie risk for LN metastasis in breast cancer patients.
Sol–gel‐derived bioactive glass containing SiO2–MgO–CaO–P2O5 as an antibacterial scaffold
Authors: Imani Fooladi Abbas Ali , Hosseini Hamideh Mahmoodzadeh , Hafezi Forough , Hosseinnejad Fatemeh , Nourani Mohammad Reza
Published: November 2012

Bioactive glass (BG) composites with a base of SiO2–Na2O–CaO–P2O5 are biocompatible biomaterials. The assessment of their abilities for medical applications has interested researchers. We produced a BG‐containing SiO2–MgO–CaO–P2O5 by the sol–gel method. To determine the antibacterial effects, we analyzed the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) properties of this product on three microorganisms, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, known causative agents for biofilm formation on implant surfaces. In addition, we performed the 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay to study the cytotoxic effects of our composite on animal cells. Our results demonstrated that our BG product inhibited the growth of bacteria in a concentration‐dependent manner without any cytotoxic effects. Therefore, our BG product can be utilized as an appropriate implant for treating bone and tooth defects. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2013.
Porcine Pancreas: A Superior Source of Cholesterol Esterase for Total Serum Cholesterol Assay by the Enzymatic Kinetic Method
Authors: Srisawasdi Pornpen , Prasertsincharoen Noppadol , Kroll Martin H.
Published: November 2012

Background

Accurate determination of cholesterol requires complete hydrolysis of cholesteryl esters and must be very fast for the kinetic cholesterol assay. We investigated the properties of cholesterol esterase derived from Pseudomonas fluorescens, Candida cylindracea, bovine pancreas, and porcine pancreas for cholesterol determination in human serum.

Methods

Optimization of four enzymes and effect of sodium cholate concentration were performed. We evaluated and compared their performances in enzymatic kinetic cholesterol determination.

Results

The optimal sodium cholate concentration was 3, 5, 15, and 12 mmol/l with the enzyme activities at 200, 100, 100, and 100 U/l for P. fluorescens, C. cylindracea, bovine pancreas, and porcine pancreas, respectively. Linearity obtained from all enzymes was up to 16.3 mmol/l. All assays were compared favorably with standardized endpoint method. Only the cholesterol esterase derived from porcine pancreas demonstrated acceptable precision within the acceptable criteria (%CV < 3.0). Also, this esterase was least affected by interfering substances and showed longer stability than that of C. cylindracea and bovine pancreas.

Conclusion

Porcine pancreas cholesterol esterase is superior to that obtained from P. fluorescens, C. cylindracea, and bovine pancreas for total serum cholesterol determination by the kinetic method because of its lower cost, better accuracy and precision, less interference, and longer stability.
Etiology and Survival of Aplastic Anemia: A Study Based on Clinical Investigation
Authors: Jain Dharmendra , Kumar Ritesh , Tyagi Neetu , Negi Avinash , Pande Amit , Mahajan Amita , Pandey Prashant K. , Malik Radhika , Raina Vimarsh , Malik Balwant K.
Published: November 2012

Background

Management of aplastic anemia is etiology driven, whether constitutional or acquired. Age, gender, and severity of disease also play crucial role in the survival of aplastic anemia. Since, inadequate data are available from India, the present study was conducted with the aim to evaluate the etiology and survival of aplastic anemia.

Methods

Three hundred patients were enrolled between May 2007 and April 2010. Severity analysis and chromosomal breakage study was performed and patients were followed up to calculate the survival rate.

Results

Only 9.4% of the cases demonstrated the evidence of constitutional disease. Patients with acquired disease showed a significantly higher odd ratio for hepatitis. Overall survival was found to be independent of the gender and inherited etiology. Phenotype resembling to constitutional disease was present in only 22.22% (6/27) of patients. Similar ratio of the constitutional and acquired disease in both the age groups was observed.

Conclusion

Irrespective of the age and phenotype, chromosomal breakage study should be mandatory for all patients with aplastic anemia. Hepatitis as a preceding event may be associated with the cause of aplastic anemia. Young age and less severe disease were strongly associated with better survival. Lack of tertiary care facility in the country, time lag between diagnosis and treatment, and unaffordability to abide the treatment cost could be the major contributory factors for poorer survival.
Detection of buffalo mozzarella adulteration by an ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry methodology
Authors: Russo Rosita , Severino Valeria , Mendez Alberto , Lliberia Josep , Parente Augusto , Chambery Angela
Published: November 2012

Over the past years, LC–MS‐based approaches have gained a growing interest in food analysis by using different platforms and methodologies. In particular, enhanced selectivity and sensitivity of multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) scan function offer powerful capabilities in detecting and quantifying specific analytes within complex mixtures such as food matrices. The MRM approach, traditionally applied in biomedical research, is particularly suitable for the detection of food adulteration and for the verification of authenticity to assure food safety and quality, both recognized as top priorities by the European Union Commission.

Increasingly stringent legislation ensure products safety along every step ‘from farm to fork’, especially for traditional foods designed with the Protected Designation of Origin certification. Therefore, there is a growing demand of new methodologies for defining food authenticity in order to preserve their unique traits against frauds.

In this work, an ultra performance liquid chromatopgraphy‐electrospray ionization‐tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) methodology based on MRM has been developed for the sensitive and selective detection of buffalo mozzarella adulteration. The targeted quantitative analysis was performed by monitoring specific transitions of the phosphorylated β‐casein f33‐48 peptide, identified as a novel species‐specific proteotypic marker. The high sensitivity of MRM‐based MS and the wide dynamic range of triple quadrupole spectrometers have proved to be a valuable tool for the analysis of food matrices such as dairy products, thus offering new opportunities for monitoring food quality and adulterations. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Silver macro‐texture substrates fabricated by plasma selective etching for surface‐enhanced Raman scattering
Authors: Liu Fanxin , Ye Xuhong , Tang Chaojun , Ma Hongtao
Published: November 2012

We have demonstrated a novel method to generate the nanostructured substrate that shows a large enhancement with a spatially uniform enhancement factor of approximately 106 in surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). The substrates are fabricated using plasma selective etching. First, the Al2O3–TiC template which contains mixed Al2O3 and TiC grains with the diameters of ~400 nm is selected as a base plate. The Al2O3 and TiC grains have different physical properties, such as hardness, which corresponds to different etching rate in a plasma gas. Then, the Al2O3–TiC substrate is selectively etched to generate a random macro‐texture (MT) with different depths using the plasma of mixed gas of Ar and C2H4. Third, the MT substrate is deposited with a silver film (Ag). We further demonstrate that by varying the thickness of Ag layer, the EF is different which is confirmed by the plasmonic localized electric fields calculations using finite difference time domain. Finally, we combine this novel Ag MT substrate with ultrathin dielectric film, and the prepared substrates are coated with a 10 Å ta‐C film. The 10 Å ta‐C film can protect the oxygen‐free Ag in air and prevent Ag ionizing in aqueous solutions. More importantly, the ultrathin ta‐C can release the strongest plasmonic electric field to the outside of ta‐C layer and get a higher electric field than the uncoated Ag substrate. We expect that this method has more potential applications in analytic assays using SERS technology. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Direct Transformation of N,N′‐Methylene Bisacrylamide Self‐Assembled Fibers Into Polymer Microtubes via RAFT Polymerization
Authors: Li Qi , Tang Liming , Xia Yu , Li Botian
Published: November 2012

A novel fabrication method of polymer tubes with simple operation process and high yield is presented. N,N′‐methylene bisacrylamide (MBA) polymer microtubes are fabricated via reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization using MBA self‐assembled fibers as both the template and monomer source. The resulting products are characterized by SEM, TEM, FTIR, and element analysis. The mechanical properties of the gel‐like product and the MBA organogel are measured by rheometer. The morphology of the polymer tubes obtained via RAFT polymerization is compared with the sample obtained via conventional radical polymerization. Based on the current investigations, the fabrication mechanism of this method is initially proposed.
Associations of polymorphisms in the genes of FGFR2, FGF1, and RBFOX2 with breast cancer risk by estrogen/progesterone receptor status
Authors: Cen Yu‐Ling , Qi Mei‐Ling , Li Hai‐Gang , Su Yi , Chen Li‐Juan , Lin Ying , Chen Wei‐Qing , Xie Xiao‐Ming , Tang Lu‐Ying , Ren Ze‐Fang
Published: November 2012

Genetic polymorphisms of fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) have been demonstrated to be associated with breast cancer risk, presumably through elevation of FGFR2 expression. Fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF1) and RNA binding protein fox‐1 homolog 2 (RBFOX2), which are functionally related to FGFR2, may also associate with breast cancer risk. We investigated the associations between breast cancer risk and the polymorphisms of FGFR2 rs2981582, FGF1 rs250108, and RBFOX2 rs2051579 among 839 incident breast cancer cases and 863 age‐matched controls in the Guangzhou Breast Cancer Study. Stratified odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by estrogen receptor (ER)/progesterone receptor (PR) status using multivariate logistic regression. FGFR2 rs2981582 was confirmed to be significantly associated with the risk of ER‐positive but not ER‐negative breast cancer. In contrast, FGF1 rs250108 was significantly associated with the risk of ER‐negative breast cancer (OR (95% CI) = 1.68 (1.20–2.35) for CT + TT vs. CC genotype) but not ER‐positive breast cancer. CA + AA genotypes at RBFOX2 rs2051579 were associated with a reduced risk of ER‐negative (0.71 (0.52–0.97)) but not ER‐positive breast cancer compared to the CC genotype. Similar results were observed when differentiating breast cancer cases by PR status. Neither of the pairs between the three SNPs had a significant interaction on breast cancer risk. Our findings show a suggestively stronger association between FGFR2 rs2981582 and ER‐positive breast cancer risk and suggest a greater association of FGF1 rs250108 and RBFOX2 rs2051579 with ER‐negative compared to ER‐positive breast cancer. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Location of Decision Rights in Catholic Religious Orders
Authors: Ehrmann Thomas , Rost Katja , Inauen Emil
Published: November 2012

Organizational incentives are an important part of applied economics. Do even organizations like religious orders make the same trade‐offs and substitutions as predicted by economics for firms? It is argued here that religious orders face the problem of controlling the actions of their branch offices to assure the continued value and uniqueness of their trademark. We use the distinction between specific and general knowledge to analyze the optimal colocation of decision rights within the specific knowledge framework of a religious order. Assuming that knowledge is valuable in decision making, then the colocation of the decision authority with the particular knowledge that is beneficial to those decisions is preferable. With a sample of 114 local communities of 20 religious orders of the Roman Catholic Church, we empirically test whether the ratio of search/experience goods, of credence goods and the monitoring costs of the headquarter can explain the colocation of decision rights and authority within an order. Our findings give support for the hypothesis that religious orders at present make the same trade‐offs and substitutions as predicted by economics. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nerve cross‐sectional area in extremes of age
Authors: Cartwright Michael S. , Mayans David R. , Gillson Natalie A. , Griffin Leah P. , Walker Francis O.
Published: November 2012

Introduction: Nerve cross‐sectional area reference values have been reported for many nerves, but there have been few studies in pediatric and geriatric populations. This study was conducted to determine the influence of age on nerve cross‐sectional area. Methods: Thirty‐two children (3 months to 16 years) and 20 geriatric adults (67–92 years) without known neurologic conditions underwent bilateral ultrasound to measure the area of the following nerves: median at the wrist and forearm; ulnar at the wrist and elbow; radial in the spiral groove; sciatic in the distal thigh; fibular at the knee; tibial at the knee and ankle; and sural at the ankle. Results: In general, nerve cross‐sectional area increased with age. Nerve size correlated most closely with age, but a correlation was also seen with body mass index. Conclusions: Nerve cross‐sectional area increases with age, which is important to note when using ultrasound to evaluate children and geriatric patients. Muscle Nerve 47: 890–893, 2013
Rezeptur‐Ringversuche des Zentrallaboratoriums Deutscher Apotheker (ZL). Qualitätssicherung in der Apotheke
Authors: Latsch Holger
Published: November 2012

Die ZL‐Rezeptur‐Ringversuche sind ein wirksames Instrument zur Qualitätssicherung der Herstellung von Rezepturen in Apotheken. Anhand ausgewählter Ringversuchs‐Rezepturen konnte gezeigt werden, dass die Zubereitung jeder Rezeptur im Vorhinein gut überdacht und auf Besonderheiten geprüft werden muss, um letztlich das selbst gesteckte Ziel zu erreichen: Die Herstellung eines qualitativ hochwertigen Produktes. Die ZL‐Rezeptur‐Ringversuche leisten hierzu einen wichtigen Beitrag, denn die individuellen Untersuchungsergebnisse ermöglichen es jeder einzelnen Apotheke, ihre Stärken und Schwächen zu erkennen und im Alltag umzusetzen. Häufig sind es Fehlerquellen, deren Vorhandensein und Relevanz für die Qualität der Rezeptur dem Rezeptar zunächst gar nicht bewusst sind und die erst durch die Teilnahme am Ringversuch zu Tage treten. Die kontinuierliche Teilnahme an den Ringversuchen stärkt das Bewusstsein für diese versteckten Fehlermöglichkeiten und hilft letztlich diese langfristig zu vermeiden.
Das Neue Rezeptur‐Formularium (NRF®) im DAC. Gestern – Heute – Morgen
Authors: Reimann Holger
Published: November 2012

Am Wandel der Rezepturen des NRF innerhalb der letzten Jahrzehnte lassen sich die Erwartungen an die Rezeptur in der Apotheke verfolgen. Nicht nur die monographierten Arzneimittel ändern sich und machen neue Untersuchungen erforderlich, auch die der Apotheke zur Verfügung gestellten Angaben müssen sich an der jeweiligen Praxis in den Apotheken und zeitgemäßen Qualitätsvorgaben orientieren. Deshalb stehen zwar die Rezepturen immer noch im Zentrum des NRF, das Angebot an die Apotheke und die verschreibenden Ärzte kann aber nur ein Gesamtkonzept sein, dessen wichtigste Elemente neben den Rezepturmonographien die allgemeinen Teile des NRF, die Bereitstellung von elektronischen Arbeits‐ und Dokumentationsvorlagen sowie die Service‐Angebote der NRF‐Rezeptur‐Informationsstelle und der NRF‐Rezeptur‐Hinweise im Internet sind. Maßnahmen zur Erhöhung des Anteils der NRF‐Rezepturen an den ärztlichen Rezepturverschreibungen sind dringend erforderlich.
Study of polypropylene/ethylene‐propylene‐diene monomer blends reinforced with sisal fibers
Authors: Pigatto Caroline , Santos Almeida José Humberto , Luiz Ornaghi Heitor , Rodríguez Adriane Lawisch , Mählmann Cláudia Mendes , Amico Sandro Campos
Published: November 2012

Thermoplastics reinforced with natural fibers have attracted much attention from researchers because of their advantages, especially regarding environmental aspects. However, poor impact strength, particularly at low temperatures, limits the application of some thermoplastics, such as polypropylene (PP). To minimize this drawback, impact modifiers have been used, including the terpolymer of ethylene‐propylene‐diene (EPDM). In this work, PP/EPDM/sisal composites of distinct compositions were investigated focusing on the effect of the alkali (NaOH) treatment of the vegetable fiber on the composites properties regarding physical, mechanical, thermal, and morphological behavior. The results indicated that flow rate decreases at higher fiber content due to flow hindering by the presence of the fibers. The addition of the fiber, in general, increased Young's modulus and strength (tensile and flexural), whereas impact strength increased for higher EPDM content. The alkali treatment was considered generally efficient in terms of mechanical properties, even though this was not found in the dynamic mechanical analysis. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Generic alendronate use among medicare beneficiaries: are part d data complete?
Authors: Yun Huifeng , Curtis Jeffrey R , Saag Kenneth , Kilgore Meredith , Muntner Paul , Smith Wilson , Matthews Robert , Wright Nicole , Morrisey Michael A. , Delzell Elizabeth
Published: November 2012

Background

Generic alendronate was approved in the United States on February 6, 2008. Medicare beneficiaries might pay for generic alendronate out‐of‐pocket without having claims submitted, resulting in misclassification of generic alendronate use in Medicare data.

Objectives

To estimate the completeness of generic alendronate use in 2008 Medicare Part D data; to identify factors associated with staying on branded alendronate versus switching to a generic product.

Methods

We identified Medicare beneficiaries highly adherent (medication possession ratio ≥80%) with branded alendronate during 1/1/06–2/6/07 (“2007 cohort”) and during 1/1/07–2/6/08 (“2008 cohort”). The outcome was medication status at the end of follow‐up (12/31/2007 or 12/31/2008), classified as continued branded alendronate, switched to generic alendronate, switched to another bisphosphonate or presumed discontinued bisphosphonate therapy. Cox regression estimated the hazard ratio (HR) for discontinuation in 2008 compared to 2007. Multinomial logistic regression identified factors associated with medication status for the 2008 cohort.

Results

Among 15 310 subjects using branded alendronate in the 2008 cohort, 81% switched to generic alendronate. The proportion presumably discontinuing bisphosphonate therapy was 8.9% in 2008 compared to 7.7% in the 2007 cohort (adjusted HR, 1.15; 95% confidence interval, 1.05, 1.26). Factors associated with staying on branded alendronate in 2008 were higher income, eligibility for a low income subsidy and use of Fosamax® plus vitamin D.

Conclusion

Evaluation of Medicare prescription drug data suggests that the amount of missing claims for generic alendronate in 2008 was not substantial, and misclassification of exposure in studies examining alendronate use post‐generic product availability should be minimal. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
“Foil spintrusion” of high‐performance polymer films
Authors: Lefèvre Jérôme , Feldman Kirill , Giesbrecht Jan , Smith Paul , Tervoort Theo A. , Meijer Han E. H.
Published: November 2012

This article describes the development of high‐performance polymer foils by direct orientation in the liquid‐crystalline phase of a thermotropic copolyester, based on p‐hydroxybenzoic acid (HBA) and 2‐hydroxy‐6‐naphthoic acid (HNA), better known under the trade name Vectra®. Application of a simple air‐gap‐filament‐fusion‐extrusion process (“foil spintrusion”) with the use of a newly developed die, results in highly oriented free‐standing foils, as thin as 3 μm. These foils have a mechanical performance that is comparable with those of commercially produced fibers of the same material. These uniaxially oriented foils could be laminated upon hot‐compacting without, or with as little as 5 wt % of an adhesive, yielding planar foils as thin as 18 μm, which feature excellent isotropic, in‐plane mechanical properties, that is, a Young's modulus E = 20 GPa and a tensile strength σ = 0.5 GPa. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2012
Interactions between Seasonal Snow Cover, Ground Surface Temperature and Topography (Andes of Santiago, Chile, 33.5°S)
Authors: Apaloo Jotham , Brenning Alexander , Bodin Xavier
Published: November 2012

The spatial variables which affect the surface thermal regime are explored in a valley in a high‐altitude catchment of the Andes of Santiago. Two one‐year (2009–10 and 2010–11) ground surface temperature (GST) time series are analysed separately and linear mixed‐effects models are used to quantify the effects of site characteristics on mean GST (MGST) and ground surface thermal regimes. The effect of snow cover onset and disappearance dates on MGST is further examined in a sensitivity analysis. Elevation has the strongest effect on MGST (1°C/100 m), 30 additional days of snow cover suppress MGST by an estimated 0.1 to 0.6°C and openwork boulder surfaces are cooler by an estimated 0.6 to 0.8°C. The sensitivity analysis corroborates the effect of late snow cover in the linear models, which can overwhelm the spatial differences in radiative effects. A positive MGST found on active rock glaciers would suggest negative thermal offsets probably related to the presence of coarse blocky material at the surface, and which may also be present outside rock glaciers. We suggest that spatial patterns of MGST can serve as a proxy for spatial patterns in the lower limit of permafrost occurrence. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Respiratory muscle function in patients with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Dassios Theodore , Katelari Anna , Doudounakis Stavros , Mantagos Stefanos , Dimitriou Gabriel
Published: November 2012

Respiratory muscle function in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) can be assessed by measurement of maximal inspiratory pressure (Pimax), maximal expiratory pressure (Pemax), and pressure–time index of the respiratory muscles (PTImus). We investigated the differences in maximal respiratory pressures and PTImus between CF patients with no gross hyperinflation and healthy controls and described the effects of pulmonary function and nutrition impairment on respiratory muscle function in this group of CF patients. Forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC) and maximal expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of VC (MEF25–75), body mass index (BMI), upper arm muscle area (UAMA), Pimax, Pemax, and PTImus were assessed in 140 CF patients and in a control group of 140 healthy subjects matched for age and gender. Median Pimax and Pemax were significantly lower in CF patients compared to the controls [Pimax = 74 (57–94) in CF vs. 84 (66–102) in controls, P = 0.009], [Pemax = 71 (50–95) in CF vs. 84 (66–102) in controls, P < 0.001]. Median PTImus in CF patients compared to controls was significantly increased [PTImus = 0.110 (0.076–0.160) in CF vs. 0.094 (0.070–0.137) in controls, P = 0.049] and it was significantly higher in CF patients with impaired pulmonary function. In CF patients, PTImus was significantly negatively related to upper arm muscle area (r = 0.184, P = 0.031). These findings suggest that CF patients with no severe lung disease compared to healthy subjects exhibit impaired respiratory muscle function, while CF patients with impaired pulmonary function and nutrition indices exhibit higher PTImus values. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2013; 48:865–873. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Negative regulation of NEP expression by hypoxia
Authors: Mitra Ranjana , Chao Olivia S. , Nanus David M. , Goodman Oscar B.
Published: November 2012

BACKGROUND

Neutral endopeptidase (NEP) is a transmembrane cell surface peptidase present on prostatic epithelial cells that catalytically inactivates small peptide substrates. Neutral endopeptidase loss is associated with prostate cancer growth, progression, and increased angiogenesis. We examined whether NEP expression is regulated by hypoxia, frequently encountered in the tumor microenvironment.

METHODS

NEP expression was compared in prostate cancer cell lines cultured in normoxic and hypoxic conditions. The NEP activity, protein levels, and mRNA levels were determined using enzyme assay, Western blotting and q‐PCR analysis, respectively. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay (ChIP) was used to confirm the negative regulation of NEP at the transcriptional level by hypoxia responsive elements (HREs).

RESULTS

The results indicate that NEP expression was inhibited under hypoxic conditions in the NEP positive LNCaP, C4‐2, and 22RV1 cells and human umbilical vascular endothelial (HUVEC) cells. NEP regulation appeared to be predominantly at the transcriptional level as NEP mRNA expression significantly reduced with hypoxia, concordant with the kinetics of protein levels, and NEP enzyme activity. A search of the NEP gene sequence revealed three putative HREs upstream of the NEP promoter. Two of the HREs demonstrated a specific reduction of shift in the presence of cobalt chloride; specificity of the binding sites was confirmed by ChIP.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicate a novel mechanism where hypoxia negatively regulates the tumor suppressor function of NEP in prostate cancer. The negative regulation of NEP is mediated by binding of the HIF1‐α protein binding to the HREs present upstream of the NEP promoter. Prostate 73: 706–714, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Antinociceptive profile of potent opioid peptide AM94, a fluorinated analogue of biphalin with non‐hydrazine linker
Authors: Mollica Adriano , Costante Roberto , Stefanucci Azzurra , Pinnen Francesco , Lucente Gino , Fidanza Stefano , Pieretti Stefano
Published: November 2012

AM94 is a fluorinated analog of biphalin with non‐hydrazine linker that has an in vitro affinity for μ‐opioid and δ‐opioid receptors tenfold higher than biphalin. Furthermore, in vivo evaluation in rats showed that AM94 has in hot plate test – after both intracerebroventricular and intravenous administrations – a greater and more durable efficacy than biphalin. Here, the antinociceptive profile of AM94 is further evaluated by following two different administration routes, intrathecal and subcutaneous, and two different animal species, rats and mice. The analgesic potency of AM94 is compared with that of both the parent peptide biphalin and morphine. Results show that in rats (tail flick test) and in mice (formalin test), AM94 has a higher and more durable analgesic effect than biphalin after intrathecal and subcutaneous administrations. Conformational properties of biphalin and AM94 were also investigated by variable‐temperature 1H NMR and energy minimization. Copyright © 2012 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Superconductivity in metal‐coated graphene
Authors: Calandra Matteo , Profeta Gianni , Mauri Francesco
Published: November 2012

In this work we explore, by first‐principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations, the possibility of inducing electron–phonon mediated superconductivity in a graphene sheet by doping its surface with alkaline metal adatoms. We demonstrate that, contrary to what could be naively believed, simple exfoliation to one layer of superconducting graphite intercalated compounds (GICs) does not necessarily lead to superconducting graphene, as it is the case in CaC6. On the contrary, it is meaningful to look for superconductivity in monolayers obtained by exfoliating non‐superconducting GICs. In particular, we demonstrate that Li coating and double‐coating of graphene leads to superconductivity in graphene with Tc that could be as large as 18 K.
Resonant Raman profiles and µ‐photoluminescence of atomically thin layers of molybdenum disulfide
Authors: Scheuschner Nils , Ochedowski Oliver , Schleberger Marika , Maultzsch Janina
Published: November 2012

We present photoluminescence and resonant Raman measurements of atomically thin layers of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) in the energy range of the A and B optical transitions. We found a Stokes shift of the transition energies in the resonant Raman measurements compared to the photoluminescence. The Stokes shift increases for the bilayer compared to the single layer. Furthermore, in resonance with the A transition, the Raman intensity of the A1g mode of the bilayer is six times larger than that of the single layer.

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Schematic crystal structure of molybdenum disulfide. (a) Top view (slightly tilted). (b) Side view.
Ab initio calculations for the electronic and optical properties of Y‐doped anatase TiO2
Authors: Khan Matiullah , Cao Wenbin , Ullah Mishkat
Published: November 2012

The yttrium (Y)‐doping effects on the electronic and optical properties of anatase TiO2 have been studied based on density functional theory calculations. Y substitution at Ti sites induces effective reduction in the band gap of anatase TiO2 and the Fermi level is shifted up in the band gap, this will be helpful in enhancing visible light absorption and electron‐hole pair separation, respectively. Optical properties show that Y doping shifts absorption edge of the TiO2 towards visible region and Y doping concentration of 4.16% have best visible light absorption among all models attributed to the optimal doping concentration. Our results may provide reasonable explanation for the experimental result.

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Optical absorption spectra of pure TiO2 and Y‐doped TiO2 with different Yttrium (Y) doping concentration.
Optical properties and radiation response of Ce3+‐doped GdScO3 crystals
Authors: Yamaji Akihiro , Kochurikhin Vladimir , Fujimoto Yutaka , Futami Yoshisuke , Yanagida Takayuki , Yokota Yuui , Kurosawa Shunsuke , Yoshikawa Akira
Published: November 2012

10%‐Ce doped GdScO3 perovskite type single crystal was grown by the Czochralski process. The Ce concentration in the crystal was measured. No impurity phases were observed by powder X‐ray diffraction analysis. We evaluated the optical and radiation properties of the grown crystal. Ce:GdScO3 crystal showed photo‐ and radio‐luminescence peaks due to Ce3+ of 5d‐4f transition and colour centre. The photoluminescence decay time was sub‐ns order. The relative light yield under 5.5 MeV alpha‐ray excitation was calculated to be approximately 9% of BGO. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Laser diode thermal desorption mass spectrometry for the analysis of quinolone antibiotic residues in aquacultured seafood
Authors: Lohne Jack J. , Andersen Wendy C. , Clark Susan B. , Turnipseed Sherri B. , Madson Mark R.
Published: November 2012

RATIONALE

Veterinary drug residue analysis of meat and seafood products is an important part of national regulatory agency food safety programs to ensure that consumers are not exposed to potentially dangerous substances. Complex tissue matrices often require lengthy extraction and analysis procedures to identify improper animal drug treatment. Direct and rapid analysis mass spectrometry techniques have the potential to increase regulatory sample analysis speed by eliminating liquid chromatographic separation.

METHODS

Flumequine, oxolinic acid, and nalidixic acid were extracted from catfish, shrimp, and salmon using acidified acetonitrile. Extracts were concentrated, dried onto metal sample wells, then rapidly desorbed (6 s) with an infrared diode laser for analysis by laser diode thermal desorption atmospheric pressure chemical ionization with tandem mass spectrometry (LDTD‐MS/MS). Analysis was conducted in selected reaction monitoring mode using piromidic acid as internal standard.

RESULTS

Six‐point calibration curves for each compound in extracted matrix were linear with r2 correlation greater than 0.99. The method was validated by analyzing 23 negative samples and 116 fortified samples at concentrations of 10, 20, 50, 100, and 600 ng/g. Average recoveries of fortified samples were greater than 77% with method detection levels ranging from 2 to 7 ng/g. Three product ion transitions were acquired per analyte to identify each residue.

CONCLUSIONS

A rapid method for quinolone analysis in fish muscle was developed using LDTD‐MS/MS. The total analysis time was less than 30 s per sample; quinolone residues were detected below 10 ng/g and in most cases residue identity was confirmed. This represents the first application of LDTD to tissue extract analysis. Published 2012. This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Identification of xanthones from Swertia punicea using high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Du Xin‐Gang , Wang Wei , Zhang Qing‐Ying , Cheng Jun , Avula Bharathi , Khan Ikhlas A. , Guo De‐An
Published: November 2012

RATIONALE

Swertia punicea Hemsl. (Gentianaceae) are used mainly for the treatment of acute bilious hepatitis, cholecystitis, fever, intoxification and jaundice in China, as a traditional Chinese folk medicine. Xanthones as the main chemical components of Swertia punicea have many possible pharmacological properties, such as hepatoprotective and anti‐HIV. In order to obtain an overall picture of the xanthones of Swertia punicea, high‐performance liquid chromatography diode‐array detection/tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC/DAD‐ESI‐MSn) was applied to the structural characterization of xanthones in ethyl acetate and acetone extracts.

METHODS

The ESI‐MS fragmentation behaviors of xanthones were investigated based on the 17 reference xanthones and then applied to the structural characterization of xanthones in ethyl acetate and acetone extracts of Swertia punicea by HPLC/DAD‐ESI‐MSn.

RESULTS

The fragmentation rules of aglycone, C‐glycosides, O‐glycosides, and polyxanthones with different linkages were summarized. The observed fragmentation pathways were used successfully for the analysis of the xanthone constituents of Swertia punicea, and a total of 34 xanthones were identified, among which 16 compounds were new and one compound was reported from this species for the first time.

CONCLUSIONS

The described methods were very valuable for the identification of xanthones, especially of the trace compounds, and therefore could be utilized for sensitive and rapid qualitative analysis of xanthones in Swertia punicea. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Vierendeel bridges over the Albert Canal, Belgium – their significance in the story of brittle failures
Authors: Espion Bernard
Published: November 2012

Between 1933 and 1938, some 50 Vierendeel‐type welded road bridges were erected in Belgium to provide crossings over the Albert Canal or the Campine canals. They were the first significant applications of electric arc welding in Belgium and constitute the majority of the large welded bridges built at that time in Belgium. It was the heyday of the Vierendeel bridge, which had been invented in 1895 but which had found only limited applications before 1930, with less than 40 built in Belgium and Congo in 30 years. But this rapid application of welding to structural steelwork encountered many problems that were probably overlooked in the climate of euphoria surrounding bridge‐building. In March 1938 the Hasselt Bridge suffered a brittle failure. This is generally regarded as the first brittle failure of a large all‐welded structure and received much attention at that time. But in 1940 at least three other bridges of this series were also badly fractured and there are indications that some others also experienced serious cracking problems. This paper places theses accidents in perspective in the long story of brittle failures.
Inhibition of T Cell Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase Enhances Interleukin-18-Dependent Hematopoietic Stem Cell Expansion
Authors: Bourdeau Annie , Trop Sébastien , Doody Karen M. , Dumont Daniel J. , Tremblayef Michel L.
Published: November 2012

The clinical application of hematopoietic progenitor cell-based therapies for the treatment of hematological diseases is hindered by current protocols, which are cumbersome and have limited efficacy to augment the progenitor cell pool. We report that inhibition of T-cell protein tyrosine phosphatase (TC-PTP), an enzyme involved in the regulation of cytokine signaling, through gene knockout results in a ninefold increase in the number of hematopoietic progenitors in murine bone marrow (BM). This effect could be reproduced using a short (48 hours) treatment with a pharmacological inhibitor of TC-PTP in murine BM, as well as in human BM, peripheral blood, and cord blood. We also demonstrate that the ex vivo use of TC-PTP inhibitor only provides a temporary effect on stem cells and did not alter their capacity to reconstitute all hematopoietic components in vivo. We establish that one of the mechanisms whereby inhibition of TC-PTP mediates its effects involves the interleukin-18 (IL-18) signaling pathway, leading to increased production of IL-12 and interferon-gamma by progenitor cells. Together, our results reveal a previously unrecognized role for IL-18 in contributing to the augmentation of the stem cell pool and provide a novel and simple method to rapidly expand progenitor cells from a variety of sources using a pharmacological compound.