bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Influencing the Calibration of near Infrared Reflectometry Applied to the Assessment of Total Nitrogen in Potato Tissues. I. Particle Size, Milling Speed and Leaf Senescence
Authors: MacKerron Donald K.L. , Young Mark W. , Davies Howard V.
Published: May 2009

Several factors thought to modify the calibration between nitrogen concentration, [N]NIR and [N]Dumas, were examined including particle size using size-classes from the distribution produced by milling through a standard screen. The standard milling procedure produced differing distributions of particle size from different tissues, [N] differed between size classes and the pattern of [N] with particle size differed between tissues. In leaf and stem the smallest particles had the highest [N], in tuber material they had the lowest. Samples for analysis are generally milled in batches and analysed later. These findings show that it is important to ensure that samples are well-mixed and that they are not allowed to stratify. Only well-mixed samples should be used to fill the sample cups on a near infrared (NIR) analyser. A divergence in the relations between [N]NIR and [N]Dumas for stem samples implies that the calibration model used for that material might be particularly sensitive to particle size distribution. Within the range examined, milling speed was not an important variable in the preparation of leaf and tuber material. There is little to be gained from treating small quantities of senescent leaves separately from the remainder of a sample. However, if [N] is to be assessed in large numbers of samples of leaves that are mostly senescent then a separate calibration should be derived.
Factors Influencing the Calibration of near Infrared Reflectometry Applied to the Assessment of Total Nitrogen in Potato. II. Operator, Moisture and Maturity Class
Authors: Young Mark W. , MacKerron Donald K.L. , Davies Howard V.
Published: May 2009

Oven dried samples of leaf stem and tuber material taken from a nitrogen field experiment were analysed by Dumas combustion when fresh and by near infrared (NIR) then, and in the next two years, by a number of operators who made estimates of nitrogen concentration, [N]NIR, with differing degrees of error. The errors differed between years in the case of the one operator who made estimates in two years. Leaf, stem and tuber material of high and low nitrogen concentration were treated to produce samples at various moisture contents. These samples were scanned by NIR and the spectral data were examined. Higher moisture was found to decrease the reflectance at all the wavelengths used and would, therefore, introduce error into [N]NIR estimates. The NIR calibration used was found to be applicable to cultivars in a range of maturity classes. Several recommendations are made that will help to minimise the error introduced into [N]NIR estimates from various sources.
Determination of the Sodium Chloride Content of Sausages by near Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Ellekjær M.R. , Hildrum K.I. , Næs T. , Isaksson T.
Published: May 2009

Near infrared (NIR) reflectance and transmittance spectroscopy were studied as potential methods for determination of the sodium chloride (NaCl) content of sausages. Fifty-seven batches of sausages with varying chemical composition were produced. The NaCl content of the sausages varied between 1.4 and 2.2%. NIR reflectance and transmittance analyses were performed on both the sausage-mixes and the sausages. Comparable accuracy was achieved when performing the NIR analysis of either the sausage-mixes or the sausages. The NIR reflectance and transmittance methods were able to determine the NaCl content of the sausages with prediction errors of 0.04% and 0.07%, respectively. This suggests that both methods could be utilised for prediction of the NaCl content, in addition to the main chemical components of the sausages.
Discrimination of Commercial Natural Mineral Waters Using near Infrared Spectroscopy and Principal Component Analysis
Authors: Tanaka Munehiro , Shibata Ayako , Hayashi Nobuyuki , Kojima Takayuki , Maeda Hisashi , Ozaki Yukihiro
Published: May 2009

To obtain fundamental knowledge on the development of micro analyses for constituents in water, the discrimination of three varieties of commercial natural mineral water, ultra pure water and deionised water, was attempted using near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. Both the original NIR spectra and their second derivatives were almost identical to each other for these five types of water and it was difficult to discriminate between their spectra visually. However, the use of discriminant analysis enabled the five kinds of waters to be distinguished. Principal component analysis for the second derivative spectra revealed that the independent variables of the discriminant analysis were identical with the wavelength regions affected by ionic hydration. For the discrimination of water, the original spectra were more suitable than the second derivative spectra because the baseline variation of the original spectra had the useful information for the analysis.
Non-Destructive Determination of Sugar Content in Satsuma Mandarin Fruit by near Infrared Transmittance Spectroscopy
Authors: Miyamoto Kumi , Kitano Yoshinobu
Published: May 2009

Using many samples of satsuma mandarins collected at random in packing houses, a method of establishing stable calibration equations to determine sugar content in the fruit by near infrared (NIR) transmittance spectroscopy was investigated. High accuracy in the determination of sugar content in the fruit could be obtained by multiple linear regression (MLR) using second derivative (D2) spectra in the 710–930 nm region. As a minimum, the four wavelengths mentioned below were needed as the predictor variables of the MLR equation. The D2 spectral change in the region of 900–910 nm was due to sugars (sucrose, glucose and fructose). A wavelength range of 880–890 nm and a wavelength range of 900–910 nm were selected as the best pair. A wavelength range of 740–755 nm region or 840–855 nm region compensated for the different optical pathlength of each fruit. One of the wavelengths around 794 nm or 835 nm was needed to compensate for the influence of fruit temperature. The influence of various factors such as fruit variety, growing location, harvest season and production year were investigated when the calibration was developed. When calibration samples had sufficient variation in fruit quality, it was possible to obtain a stable equation for all variations.
Near Infrared Technology in Hungary and the Influence of Karl H. Norris on Our Success
Authors: Kaffka Karoly J.
Published: May 2009

The history of Hungarian activity in the field of near infrared spectroscopy is summarised in this paper, beginning in 1972 when Karoly Vas, Director of the Hungarian Central Food Research Institute, visited the Instrumentation Research Laboratory of the USDA Agriculutural Research Center in Beltsville, Maryland, and met Karl H. Norris. There, Karoly Vas became acquainted with the new technology using the near infrared spectral region for multi-component analysis and recognised its importance and perspectives. Through a cooperation agreement between the USDA and the Hungarian Ministry of Food and Agriculture, a close collaboration was established between the two institutes. Many Hungarian researchers—the author, L. Horváth, B.T. Nádai, J.L. Gönczy, A. Czabaffy, F. Kulcsár, M. Váradi and G. Kiskó—involved in NIR technology have had the opportunity to spend some time in Beltsville and to enjoy Karl H. Norris' deep knowledge of NIR spectroscopy, his unbelievable skill in this field of science, accompanied with the willingness to share his experiences and results. The results of the collaborative work achieved in the analysis of wine, sunflower seed, pastry products, cocoa powder, dietary fibre etc., using NIR technology are presented here. Karl H. Norris' valuable contribution is emphasised.
A Brief Review of near Infrared in Petroleum Product Analysis
Authors: Workman Jerome
Published: May 2009

The use of infrared spectroscopy [including near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy] for the analysis of petroleum product analysis has become an essential component of hydrocarbon processing and refining since the mid-1940s. Early scientific literature identified absorption band positions for a variety of hydrocarbon functional groups from pure compounds to complex mixtures. The short wavelength NIR region (generally designated as 750–1100 nm), and the long-wavelength NIR region (1100–2500 nm) have been explored for their relative chemical information content with respect to hydrocarbon fuel mixtures. The functional groups of methyl, methylene, carbon–carbon, carbon–oxygen (including carbonyl), and aromatic (C–H) are measured directly using NIR spectroscopy. NIR spectroscopy combined with multivariate calibration has resulted in the reported analysis of numerous fuel components. The scientific literature has reported varied success for the measurement of RON (research octane number), MON (motor octane number), PON (pump octane number), cetane, cloud point, MTBE ( tert-Butyl methyl ether), RVP (Reid vapour pressure), ethanol, API, bromine number, lead, sulphur, aromatics, olefins and saturates content in such products as gasoline, diesel fuels, and jet fuels. This review paper summarises the foundational work using near-infrared for hydrocarbon fuels measurement beginning in 1938.
Beyond Prediction: Extracting Relevant Information from near Infrared Spectra
Authors: Robert P. , Devaux M.-F. , Bertrand D.
Published: May 2009

With the increase of near infrared (NIR) applications, numerous chemometric methods have been developed. Among the mathematical treatments available, principal comoponent analysis (PCA) is certainly the most well-known when considering highly correlated data. In the field of near infrared spectroscopy, it allows the study of spectra without deleting wavelengths and without making any preliminary assumptions on the data. One advantage of PCA lies in the graphical displays obtained and, more precisely, on the similarity maps and spectral patterns. While the maps reveal clusters of the samples, the spectral patterns make a spectral interpretation possible. The present paper reviews our contribution to the development and application of PCA to NIR spectroscopy. It shows that PCA is the core of various mathematical treatments such as principal component regression (PCR), factorial discriminant analysis (FDA) and canonical correlation analysis (CCA). One advantage of using PCA in the prediction techniques lies in the use of all the wavelengths in the predictive model. The extraction of relevant and comprehensive wavelengths can be guided by CCA which allows the description of the samples by taking both mid- and near infrared data into account. Besides a comprehensive presentation of the mathematical treatements, examples are given.
New Methods for Wavelength Standardisation for near Infrared Spectrophotometers. Part 1. Review of Current Standardisation Methodology
Authors: Funk D.B.
Published: May 2009

The role of standardisation in near infrared spectroscopy applications is explored. Different methods for achieving consistency among instruments are described, along with the strengths and weaknesses of each. Wavelength axis standardisation is identified as a particularly challenging problem.
Reference Materials in Extended near Infrared Diffuse Reflection Spectrometry—The Misuse of Polytetrafluoroethylene
Authors: Chaffin Nathan C. , Griffiths Peter R.
Published: May 2009

This work reports that inherent absorption by polytetrafluoroethlyene precludes its use as a near infrared or extended near infrared reflection reference material. The effect of this inherent absorption on certain analyte bands is shown. The effectiveness of a previously published method for removing moisture and hydrocarbons from the surface of polytetrafluoroethylene is shown. It is suggested that diffuse gold should be used as the reflection reference material for all measurements made below 5000 cm−1.
A Method for Wavelength Standardisation in Filter Instruments
Authors: Fearn Tom , Eddison Colin , Withey Robin , Cowe Ian A.
Published: May 2009

One of the factors affecting the successful transfer of calibrations between different near infrared filter instruments from the same production line is the existence of small differences in the wavelength response of nominally identical filters. A method is described for standardising spectral data from a production instrument to correct for wavelength differences between its filters and those of a master instrument. A chemometric approach combines spectral scans of both sets of filters with information about the spectra of the samples to be measured in order to derive appropriate corrections. The result is a matrix of correction factors that can be programmed into the instrument to improve calibration transferability.
Observations on the Use, in Prediction of Functionality in Cereals, of Weights Derived during Development of Partial Least Squares Regression
Authors: Williams Phil
Published: May 2009

Partial least squares regression is a multivariate method commonly used for the development of near infrared calibrations for prediction of composition and functionality in wheat and other cereals. Modern software enables storage of the “weights” and “loadings” realised during equation development. These can be used in the interpretation of the factors affecting the development of the calibration equations. The weights indicate areas of wavelength where variance in the optical signal has been used in the development of the calibration equation. This paper gives examples of the use of weights in interpretation of calibrations for the prediction of composition and functionality factors.
Determination of Soil Separates with near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy
Authors: Couillard A. , Turgeon A.J. , Westerhaus M.O. , Shenk J.S.
Published: May 2009

The use of near infrared (NIR) reflectance spectroscopy to evaluate soil properties has started to receive more attention in recent years. The technology is evolving and research on NIR spectroscopic analysis using natural state samples is increasing. There is no method available today, besides NIR spectroscopy, that could simultaneously evaluate physical and chemical properties of a soil sample without processing the sample and affecting the visual quality of the site. More samples can be scanned in their natural undisturbed form resulting in a variety of particle sizes. Research on the effect of scanning products with different particle sizes is essential. The differences in the particle size of the soil separates may lower the prediction accuracy of NIR spectroscopy. In this study, we evaluated the ability of NIR spectroscopy to predict soil separates from artificial soil samples. Feldspar and silica sands and silts, kaolinite and montmorillonite clays, and reed sedge and Canadian sphagnum peat moss organic matters were used as separates. They were scanned alone, and in different mixture percentages, from 400 to 2500 nm with a total of 116 samples. The absence of linearity in the binary mixtures, preventing accurate calibration, was noticed and required the development of a transformation model to generate new laboratory values from a laboratory weight scaling factor generated for each soil separate. The adjustment of the laboratory values improved the prediction accuracy of the mixtures. The coefficient of determination ranged from 0.95 to 0.99. The standard error of cross-validation ranged from 2.09 to 5.82%.
A Calibration Tutorial for Spectral Data. Part 1: Data Pretreatment and Principal Component Regression Using Matlab
Authors: Geladi Paul , Martens Harald
Published: May 2009

Regression and calibration play an important role in analytical chemistry. All analytical instrumentation is dependent on a calibration that uses some regression model for a set of calibration samples. The ordinary least squares (OLS) method of building a multivariate linear regression (MLR) model has strict limitations. Therefore, biased or regularised regression models have been introduced. Some selected ones are ridge regression (RR), principal component regression (PCR) and partial least squares regression (PLS or PLSR). Also, artificial neural networks (ANN) based on back-propagation can be used as regression models. In order to understand regression models more is needed than just a set of statistical parameters. A deeper understanding of the underlying chemistry and physics is always equally important. For spectral data this means that a basic understanding of spectra and their errors is useful and that spectral representation should be included in judging the usefulness of the data treatment.

A “constructed” spectrometric example is introduced. It consists of real spectrometric measurements in the range 408–1176 nm for 26 calibration samples and 10 test samples. The main response variable is litmus concentration, but other constituents such as bromocresolgreen and ZnO are added as interferents and also the pH is changed. The example is introduced as a tutorial. All calculations are shown in detail in Matlab. This makes it easy for the reader to follow and understand the calculations. It also makes the calculations completely traceable. The raw data are available as a file. In Part 1, the emphasis is on pretreatment of the data and on visualisation in different stages of the calculations. Part 1 ends with principal component regression calculations. Partial least squares calculations and some ANN results are presented in Part 2.
Quantitative Analysis of Raw Apple Juices Using near Infrared, Fourier-Transform near Infrared and Fourier-Transform Infrared Instruments: A Comparison of Their Analytical Performances
Authors: Sinnaeve G. , Dardenne P. , Agneessens R. , Lateur M. , Hallet A.
Published: May 2009

Several near infrared (NIR) and mid-infrared (MIR) instruments were evaluated for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of raw apple juices prepared from different varieties and cultivars: (i) NIR with a dispersive monochromator using transmittance and a cuvette (NIR transmittance), (ii) NIR with a dispersive monochromator using transflectance (NIR reflectance), (iii) NIR with Fourier-transform interferometer and a transmittance fibre optic (FT-NIR), (iv) MIR Fourier-transform interferometer and a transmittance flow cell (FT-MIR). Principal component analysis (PCA) can be used to detect abnormal juices and outliers. The PCA scores can be used to provide a rough estimate of the characteristics of the juices. It is shown that the best analytical results are achieved by the FT-MIR technique and by NIR transmittance. The accuracy obtained in transflectance (NIR reflectance) or by the FT-NIR technique are lower. The analysis of the main components of apple juices (malic acid, total sugars, sucrose, glucose, fructose) leads to valuable analytical results [ R2 > 0.95 and standard deviation/standard error of calibration ( SD/SEC) ratio ranging from 4.2 to 10.2]. Tannic acid is hard to predict whatever the technique of spectral acquisition. pH is also rather difficult to predict but can be used to perform a three groups classification ( SD/SEC between 2.5 and 3.0). The specific gravity can also be predicted in most cases.
The Nominal Share Price Puzzle
Authors: Weld William C , Michaely Roni , Thaler Richard H , Benartzi Shlomo
Published: May 2009

The average nominal share prices of common stocks traded on the New York Stock Exchange have remained constant at approximately $35 per share since the Great Depression as a result of stock splits. It is surprising that U.S. firms actively maintained constant nominal prices for their shares while general prices in the economy went up more than tenfold. This is especially puzzling given that commissions paid by investors on trading ten $35 shares are about ten times those paid on a single $350 share. We review potential explanations including signaling and optimal trading ranges and find that none of the existing theories are able to explain the observed constant nominal prices. We suggest that the evidence is consistent with the idea that customs and norms can explain the nominal price puzzle.
(Un)Happiness in Transition
Authors: Guriev Sergei , Zhuravskaya Ekaterina
Published: May 2009

Despite strong growth performance in transition economies in the last decade, residents of transition countries report abnormally low levels of life satisfaction. Using data from the World Values Survey and other sources, we study various explanations of this phenomenon. First, we document that the disparity in life satisfaction between residents of transition and nontransition countries is much larger among the elderly. Second, we find that deterioration in public goods provision, an increase in macroeconomic volatility, and a mismatch of human capital of residents educated before transition (which disproportionately affects the aged population) explain a great deal of the difference in life satisfaction between transition countries and other countries with similar income and other macroeconomic conditions. The rest of the gap is explained by the difference in the quality of the samples. As in other countries, life satisfaction in transition countries is strongly related to income; but, due to a higher nonresponse of high-income individuals in transition countries, the survey-data estimates of the recent increase in life satisfaction, driven by 10-year sustained economic growth in transition region, are biased downwards. The evidence suggests that if the region keeps growing, life satisfaction in transition countries will catch up with the “normal” level in the near future.
Retrospectives: Who Said “Debauch the Currency”: Keynes or Lenin?
Authors: White Michael V , Schuler Kurt
Published: May 2009

One frequently quoted passage from the work of John Maynard Keynes is that “the best way to destroy the capitalist system [is] to debauch the currency.” The passage, attributed to Vladimir Illyich Lenin, appears in Keynes' book The Economic Consequences of the Peace, which became an international bestseller when it was published in 1919. Economic historian Frank W. Fetter and others have expressed doubt that Keynes was really quoting Lenin because they found no such statement in Lenin's collected published writings. Fetter suggested that Keynes based his remark on stories about what the Soviets were supposed to be saying that he heard at the Paris peace conference of 1919. It is now possible to show that Keynes based his remark on a report of an interview with Lenin published by London and New York newspapers in April 1919. Keynes' discussion of inflation in the Economic Consequences can then be read as an extended commentary on the remarks attributed to Lenin in the interview. While the report of the interview was not reprinted after 1919, it will be also shown here that Lenin responded to Keynes in a speech that was reprinted in his Collected Works.
The Coming Global Climate–Technology Revolution
Authors: Barrett Scott
Published: May 2009

Emissions of CO2 and other greenhouse gases can be reduced significantly using existing technologies, but stabilizing concentrations will require a technological revolution—a “revolution” because it will require fundamental change, achieved within a relatively short period of time. Inspiration for a climate–technology revolution is often drawn from the Apollo space program or the Manhattan Project, but averting dangerous climate change cannot be “solved” by a single new technology, deployed by a single government. The technological changes needed to address climate change fundamentally will have to be pervasive; they will have to involve markets; and they will have to be global in scope. My focus in this paper is not on the moderate emission reductions that can be achieved using existing technologies, but on the breakthrough technologies that are needed to reduce emissions dramatically. The challenges are formidable. Indeed, it is possible that the revolution needed to dramatically reduce emissions of greenhouse gases will fail. Should the climate change abruptly, the incentive to “engineer” the climate will be strong. There will be a climate–technology revolution, but its nature will depend on the institutions we develop to address the challenge we face.
Consumer Shopping Behavior: How Much Do Consumers Save?
Authors: Griffith Rachel , Leibtag Ephraim , Leicester Andrew , Nevo Aviv
Published: May 2009

This paper documents the potential and actual savings that consumers realize from four particular types of purchasing behavior: purchasing on sale; buying in bulk (at a lower per unit price); buying generic brands; and choosing outlets. How much can and do households save through each of these behaviors? How do these patterns vary with consumer demographics? We use data collected by a marketing firm on all food purchases brought into the home for a large, nationally representative sample of U.K. households in 2006. We are interested in how consumer choice affects the measurement of price changes. In particular, a standard price index based on a fixed basket of goods will overstate the rise in the true cost of living because it does not properly consider sales and bulk purchasing. According to our measures, the extent of this bias might be of the same or even greater magnitude than the better-known substitution and outlet biases.
Further data on interrogative suggestibility and compliance scores following instructed malingering
Authors: Hansen Ingo , Smeets Tom , Jelicic Marko
Published: May 2009

Purpose. This study examined whether people can successfully feign high levels of interrogative suggestibility and compliance as measured by the Gudjonsson Suggestibility Scales (GSS) and the Gudjonsson Compliance Scale (GCS) when given instructions to malinger.

Methods. Participants (N = 90) were randomly allocated to one of three groups that received: (1) instructions to give into leading questions in order to look vulnerable to suggestions, (2) instructions to be compliant with the examiner, or (3) the standard GSS/GCS instructions.

Results. One of the two malingering instructions led to modestly elevated scores of total suggestibility, while subscales remained unaffected. In contrast, both malingering groups obtained highly elevated compliance scores.

Conclusions. These findings suggest that heightened suggestibility is rather difficult to malinger, thereby confirming the reliability of the GSS. On the other hand, it might be easier to malingering compliance as measured with the self‐report GCS.
Bone Morphogenetic Protein 7 (BMP7) Gene Polymorphisms Are Associated With Inverse Relationships Between Vascular Calcification and BMD: The Diabetes Heart Study
Authors: Freedman Barry I , Bowden Donald W , Ziegler Julie T , Langefeld Carl D , Lehtinen Allison B , Rudock Megan E , Lenchik Leon , Hruska Keith A , Register Thomas C , Carr J Jeffrey
Published: May 2009

Inverse relationships have been observed between BMD and vascular calcification (VC), suggesting an underlying metabolic pathway linking these processes. Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are potential candidate genes that may mediate this relationship. Four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the BMP2 gene, 2 SNPs in BMP4, and 16 SNPs in BMP7 were tested for association with measures of VC using CT (coronary and carotid arteries, abdominal aorta), and BMD was measured using DXA (lumbar spine, hip, and distal radius) and quantitative CT (QCT; thoracic and lumbar spine) in 920 European Americans from 374 Diabetes Heart Study families: 762 with type 2 diabetes. Variance components quantitative trait locus association analysis was computed using SOLAR software, and a bivariate principal component analysis (PCA) assessed for genetic relationships between BMD and VC. Association was observed between several measures of BMD and BMP7 rs17404303 (thoracic spine QCT p = 0.03; lumbar spine QCT p = 0.02; hip DXA p = 0.06, dominant models). In addition, 6 of 16 BMP7 SNPs showed significant and opposing effects on the bivariate PCA for VC and BMD (two-sided exact test, p = 0.0143). Polymorphisms in BMP7 are associated with inverse relationships between bone mineralization and VC in the coronary, carotid, and abdominal aorta in a diabetes-enriched cohort of European Americans.
Deleterious Effects of Glucocorticoid Replacement on Bone in Women After Long-Term Remission of Cushing's Syndrome
Authors: Barahona Maria-José , Sucunza Nuria , Resmini Eugenia , Fernández-Real Jose-Manuel , Ricart Wifredo , Moreno-Navarrete Jose-Maria , Puig Teresa , Wägner Ana M. , Rodriguez-Espinosa José , Farrerons Jordi , Webb Susan M.
Published: May 2009

Endogenous hypercortisolism and high-dose and long-term glucocorticoid (GC) therapy reduce bone mass. Patients in remission after successful treatment of Cushing's syndrome (CS) often present hypoadrenalism and require long-term GC replacement. The aim of our study was to evaluate whether this GC “replacement” had any further effect on bone in women after long-term remission of CS. Thirty-seven women (mean age: 50 ± 14 yr; 27 of pituitary and 10 of adrenal origin) with cured CS (mean time of cure: 11 ± 6 yr), 14 with active CS, and 85 sex-, body mass index (BMI)-, and age-matched controls were enrolled. BMD and BMC were measured by DXA scanning. Bone biochemical markers were also measured. Duration and dose of GC replacement and duration of endogenous hypercortisolism were calculated. Cured and active CS patients had less BMC, BMD, and osteocalcin than controls (p < 0.01). These differences were observed in estrogen-sufficient women but not in those with estrogen deficiency. Duration of GC treatment (mean: 42 mo; range, 2–420 mo) and endogenous hypercortisolism (mean: 70 mo; range, 13–241 mo) negatively correlated with BMC and lumbar spine BMD. After regression analysis, the main predictor of abnormal BMC and BMD was the duration of GC replacement (p < 0.01). Patients treated for CS persistently have less bone mass despite long-term cure. Both duration of endogenous hypercortisolism and mainly exogenous “replacement” therapy with GC negatively affect bone mass. Thus, the additional deleterious effect of GC for the treatment of adrenal axis suppression should be considered.
Effects of impaired functional domains of osteopontin on renal crystal formation: Analyses of OPN transgenic and OPN knockout mice
Authors: Hamamoto Shuzo , Nomura Shintaro , Yasui Takahiro , Okada Atsushi , Hirose Masahiro , Shimizu Hideo , Itoh Yasunori , Tozawa Keiichi , Kohri Kenjiro
Published: May 2009

Osteopontin (OPN) has been described as playing a nonredundant role in renal crystal formation. Here we investigated the effects of impaired domains of OPN, namely, the Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) sequence and two calcium-binding sites on crystal formation. We used wild-type mice (WT group), OPN knockout mice (KO group), and OPN knockout mice carrying either a transgene in which the RGD sequence had been modified to Arg-Gly-Glu (RGE group) or whose two calcium-binding sites had been deleted (CaX group). Following intraperitoneal injection of glyoxylate for 9 days, the changes occurring in three parameters of crystal formation—localization, number, and microstructure—were analyzed. In the WT group, crystal deposits increased gradually at the renal corticomedullary junction in an orderly fashion, whereas those in the KO group were observed sporadically in the renal cortex. In both the CaX and RGE groups, deposits were localized near the corticomedullary junction. Crystal deposition was greatest in the WT group and least in the KO group. The number of deposits in the RGE group was nearly equal to that in the KO group. Microscopic observations revealed that the crystal nuclei in the CaX group were stratified and occurred in a disordered pattern; this pattern was dissimilar to that in the WT group, in which a rosette petal–like radial pattern was observed. In the RGE group, the nuclei exhibited a radial pattern similar to that in the WT group. The results indicated the possibility that each domain contributes to the mechanism by which OPN stimulates crystal formation. © 2010 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
High-Density Association Study of 383 Candidate Genes for Volumetric BMD at the Femoral Neck and Lumbar Spine Among Older Men
Authors: Yerges Laura M , Klei Lambertus , Cauley Jane A , Roeder Kathryn , Kammerer Candace M , Moffett Susan P , Ensrud Kristine E , Nestlerode Cara S , Marshall Lynn M , Hoffman Andrew R , Lewis Cora , Lang Thomas F , Barrett-Connor Elizabeth , Ferrell Robert E , Orwoll Eric S , Zmuda Joseph M
Published: May 2009

Genetics is a well-established but poorly understood determinant of BMD. Whereas some genetic variants may influence BMD throughout the body, others may be skeletal site specific. We initially screened for associations between 4608 tagging and potentially functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 383 candidate genes and femoral neck and lumbar spine volumetric BMD (vBMD) measured from QCT scans among 862 community-dwelling white men ≥65 yr of age in the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Study (MrOS). The most promising SNP associations (p < 0.01) were validated by genotyping an additional 1156 white men from MrOS. This analysis identified 8 SNPs in 6 genes (APC, DMP1, FGFR2, FLT1, HOXA, and PTN) that were associated with femoral neck vBMD and 13 SNPs in 7 genes (APC, BMPR1B, FOXC2, HOXA, IGFBP2, NFATC1, and SOST) that were associated with lumbar spine vBMD in both genotyping samples (p < 0.05). Although most associations were specific to one skeletal site, SNPs in the APC and HOXA gene regions were associated with both femoral neck and lumbar spine BMD. This analysis identifies several novel and robust genetic associations for volumetric BMD, and these findings in combination with other data suggest the presence of genetic loci for volumetric BMD that are at least to some extent skeletal-site specific.
Application of High-Resolution Skeletal Imaging to Measurements of Volumetric BMD and Skeletal Microarchitecture in Chinese-American and White Women: Explanation of a Paradox
Authors: Walker Marcella D , McMahon Donald J , Udesky Julia , Liu George , Bilezikian John P
Published: May 2009

Asian women have lower rates of hip and forearm fractures despite lower areal BMD (aBMD) by DXA compared with white women and other racial groups. We hypothesized that the lower fracture rates may be explained by more favorable measurements of volumetric BMD (vBMD) and microarchitectural properties, despite lower areal BMD. To address this hypothesis, we used high-resolution pQCT (HRpQCT), a new method that can provide this information noninvasively. We studied 63 premenopausal Chinese-American (n = 31) and white (n = 32) women with DXA and HRpQCT. aBMD by DXA did not differ between groups for the lumbar spine (1.017 ± 0.108 versus 1.028 ± 0.152 g/cm2; p = 0.7), total hip (0.910 ± 0.093 versus 0.932 ± 0.134 g/cm2; p = 0.5), femoral neck (0.788 ± 0.083 versus 0.809 ± 0.129 g/cm2; p = 0.4), or one-third radius (0.691 ± 0.052 versus 0.708 ± 0.047 g/cm2; p = 0.2). HRpQCT at the radius indicated greater trabecular (168 ± 41 versus 137 ± 33 mg HA/cm3; p = <0.01) and cortical (963 ± 46 versus 915 ± 42 mg HA/cm3; p < 0.0001) density; trabecular bone to tissue volume (0.140 ± 0.034 versus 0.114 ± 0.028; p = <0.01); trabecular (0.075 ± 0.013 versus 0.062 ± 0.009 mm; p < 0.0001) and cortical thickness (0.98 ± 0.16 versus 0.80 ± 0.14 mm; p < 0.0001); and lower total bone area (197 ± 34 versus 232 ± 33 mm2; p = <0.001) in the Chinese versus white women and no difference in trabecular number, spacing, or inhomogeneity before adjustment for covariates. Similar results were observed at the weight-bearing tibia. At the radius, adjustment for covariates did not change the direction or significance of differences except for bone, which became similar between the groups. However, at the tibia, adjustment for covariates attenuated differences in cortical BMD and bone area and accentuated differences in trabecular microarchitecture such that Chinese women additionally had higher trabecular number and lower trabecular spacing, as well as inhomogeneity after adjustment. Using the high-resolution technology, the results provide a mechanistic explanation for why Chinese women have fewer hip and forearm fractures than white women.
Common Sequence Variation in FLNB Regulates Bone Structure in Women in the General Population and FLNB mRNA Expression in Osteoblasts In Vitro
Authors: Wilson Scott G , Jones Michelle R , Mullin Ben H , Dick Ian M , Richards J Brent , Pastinen Tomi M , Grundberg Elin , Ljunggren Östen , Surdulescu Gabriela L , Dudbridge Frank , Elliott Katherine S , Cervino Alessandra CL , Spector Timothy D , Prince Richard L
Published: May 2009

Previous data from our group indicate that BMD is linked to chromosome 3p14–p21. Because the filamin B (FLNB gene resides in this region, is the cause of skeletal dysplasias, and was identified among the top genes in our bioinformatics analysis, we hypothesized a role for FLNB in the regulation of bone structure in the general population. Using a tag single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) approach, a family study of 767 female sibs in which the 3p14–p21 linkage with BMD was previously shown was examined. FLNB variants showing a BMD association were tested in two additional data sets, a study of 1085 UK female twins and a population study (CAIFOS) of 1315 Australian women. Genotype-expression studies were performed in 96 human osteoblast lines to examine the variants in vitro. rs7637505, rs9822918, rs2177153, and rs2001972 showed association with femoral neck (p = 0.0002–0.02) in the family-based study. The twin study provided further support for an association between rs7637505 and femoral neck and spine BMD (p = 0.02–0.03). The CAIFOS study further suggested an association between rs2177153 and rs9822918 and femoral neck BMD (p = 0.004–0.03). Prevalent fractures were increased in carriers of the A allele of rs2177153 (p = 0.009). In vitro studies showed association between rs11130605, itself in strong LD with rs7637505, and FLNB mRNA expression. These findings suggest common variants in FLNB have effects on bone structure in women. Although the location of variants having effects is not entirely consistent, variation at the 5′ end of the gene may reflect effects on levels of FLNB transcription efficiency.
Correlates of Subchondral BMD: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Dore Dawn , Quinn Stephen , Ding Changhai , Winzenberg Tania , Jones Graeme
Published: May 2009

Subchondral bone is hypothesized to be important in the development and progression of osteoarthritis (OA); however, little is known about the determinants of subchondral bone. This study describes the relationship between tibial subchondral BMD (sBMD) and anthropometric, lifestyle, and structural measures in 740 randomly selected subjects (mean age, 62 yr; range, 50–80 yr; 52% women). We measured medial tibial sBMD by DXA at two regions of interest (ROIs). We also assessed anthropometrics, vitamin D, steps per day by pedometer, joint space narrowing (JSN) and osteophytes (by X-ray), cartilage defects, cartilage volume, and bone marrow lesions (BML; by MRI), and hip and spine BMD (by DXA). sBMD using ROI 1 was negatively associated with age and female sex and positively associated with BMI. In multivariable analysis, sBMD was positively correlated with steps per day (r = 0.08, p = 0.025), tibial osteophytes (r = 0.08, p = 0.028), JSN (r = 0.11, p < 0.01), cartilage defects (r = 0.16, p < 0.01), cartilage volume (r = 0.12, p = 0.01), BMLs (r = 0.17, p = 0.013 [tibial]; r = 0.16, p = 0.018 [femoral]), and hip and spine BMD (r = 0.36, p < 0.01 and r = 0.38, p < 0.01, respectively). Similar associations were observed using ROI 2, with vitamin D also associated with sBMD (r = 0.10, p < 0.01). In conclusion, this study identified a large number of factors associated with sBMD, of which the most novel is cartilage defects. Longitudinal studies are required to address causality.
The Application of the Dual-Beam Laser Interferometer for Calibration Precision Machine ToolsAnwendung eines Zweistrahl-Laserinterferometers zur Kalibrierung von Präzisionswerkzeugen
Authors: Liu Chien-Hung , Jywe Wen-Yuh , Jäger Gerd , Jeng Yeau-Ren , Hsu Tung-Hui , Teng Yun-Feng , Chen I-Ching , Huang Hsueh-Liang , Wang Ming-Shi , Duan Li-Li , Jwo Hsin-Hung
Published: May 2009

In this paper, a dual-beam laser interferometer measurement system for precision machine tools was presented. The straightness measurement module and the angular measurement module were combined to form this measurement system such that the operations of precision machine tools, the positioning, vertical straightness, horizontal straightness, pitch and yaw, can be obtained. The resolution of the positioning, straightness and angle has achieved 0.1 nm, 1 nm and 0.1 arcsec, respectively. The performance of this measurement system has been proved by experiments.
Design of a Novel Low-Cost and Long-Stroke Co-Planar Stage for NanopositioningNeuartiger preisgünstiger Zwei-Ebenen-Positioniertisch für die Nanopositionierung
Authors: Fan Kuang-Chao , Ke Zhi-Yua , Li Bai-Kun
Published: May 2009

A new co-planar stage has been designed based on the Abbé principle, symmetrical structure, and Bryan principle. It is used for the long-stroke and nanopositioning to be equipped as the X-Y stage to a developed Micro-CMM. Other than the common motor-ballscrew or linear motor driven type, this co-planar stage is moved by the friction force of an ultrasonic motor with the push-pull mode in each axis. This push-pull mechanism follows the Abbé principle that the measuring axis is in line with the moving axis. The developed new nanoscales can provide the displacement readings to 1 nm resolution after signal interpolation. The measuring length is about 20 mm. After careful assembly, the straightness and the flatness of the table can be achieved to submicron order.
An Improved Three-Probe Method for Precision Measurement of StraightnessVerbesserung der Drei-Sensoren-Methode für die Präzisions-Geradheitsmessung
Authors: Gao Wei , Lee Jung Chul , Arai Yoshikazu , Park Chun Hong
Published: May 2009

This paper presents a scanning three-probe method for precision measurement of straightness. This method employs two three-probe units, which are placed on the two sides of a cylindrical workpiece. The error motions of the scanning stage can be cancelled by taking the differential output in each of the probe units. A new algorithm is proposed for calculation and compensation of the difference between the zero-values of the probes, which appears in the differential output as an unknown.
Structural evolution of a 3T phengite mica up to 10 GPa: an in-situ single-crystal X-ray diffraction study
Authors: Gatta G. Diego , Rotiroti Nicola , Pavese Alessandro , Lotti Paolo , Curetti Nadia
Published: May 2009

The high-pressure structural evolution of a natural 3T-phengite [(K0.90Na0.05)S = 0.95(Al1.51Mg0.32Fe0.18Ti0.03)S = 2.04(Si3.40Al0.60)O10(OH)2, a = b = 5.2279(11) and c = 29.752(7) Å, space group: P3112] from Cima Pal (Sesia Zone, Western Alps, Italy) was studied by single-crystal X-ray diffraction with a diamond anvil cell under hydrostatic conditions up to about 10 GPa. Nine structural refinements were performed at selected pressures within the P-range investigated. The compressional behavior of the same phengite sample was previously studied up to about 27 GPa by synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction, and the corresponding P–V curve was modeled by a third-order Birch–Murnaghan Equation of State (BM-EoS). The significant elastic anisotropy of the 3T-phengite (i.e.
β(c) > β(a)) is mainly controlled by the compression of the K-polyhedra. The evolution of the volume of the inter-layer K-polyhedron as a function of P is monotonic, without any evidence of discontinuity. Fitting the P–V data with a truncated second-order BM-EoS, we obtain a bulk modulus value of K
0(K-polyhedron) = 35(3) GPa. The tetrahedra and octahedra in the 3T-phengite structure are significantly less compressible than the K-polyhedron, and behave similarly to rigid units within the P-range investigated. The main P-induced effect on the tetrahedral sheet consists in a cooperative rotation of the tetrahedra, describable by the evolution of the “tetrahedral rotation angle” (or “ditrigonal rotation angle”, α) as a function of P. The value of the ditrigonal rotation angle increases significantly with P: α (°) = α
P0 + 0.57(2)P (GPa) [R about 99%]. The volume of the K-polyhedron and the value of ditrigonal rotation parameter (α) are not independent of one another, showing a correlation of about 99%.
Synchrotron powder structure of a new layered lanthanide-organic network
Authors: Cunha-Silva Luis , Ananias Duarte , Carlos Luis D. , Almeida Paz Filipe Alexandre , Rocha Joao
Published: May 2009

The hydrothermal synthesis and detailed structural characterisation of layered materials formulated as [Ln(H2cmp)] · xH2O [where H5cmp = (carboxyme thyl)iminodi(methylphosphonic acid) and x < 1; Ln3+ = Nd3+ (1) and Eu3+ (2)] are reported. Compounds were isolated as microcrystalline powders and the crystal structure of 1 was determined by ab initio methods from high-resolution synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) data collected at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF, Grenoble, France – beam lines BM01a and BM01b). The structure of 2 was refined by conventional PXRD, starting from the atomic coordinates of 1. Materials contain a single Ln3+ metal centre in highly distorted dodecahedral coordination geometry. Connectivity through H2cmp3– anionic ligands leads to undulated tapes of Ln3+ running parallel to the b-axis [closest inter-Ln distances of 4.203(3) and 4.170(3) Å for 1 and 2] which coalesce into layers, 2
∞[Nd(H2cmp)], extended in the bc plane. The presence of a terminal protonated phosphonate group seems to induce the formation of the layers. Topologically, the structure is a 8-connected uninodal plane net, which can be further envisaged as two periodic self-penetrated (4,4) nets. The photophysical properties of the Eu3+-bearing material were studied at room temperature (with and without vacuum). The two materials have been further stud ied using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), vibrational spectroscopy (FT-IR) and CHN elemental analyses.
Amine-templated uranyl selenates with chiral [(UO2)2(SeO4)3(H2O)]2– layers: topology, isomerism, structural relationships
Authors: Krivovichev Sergey V. , Gurzhiy Vladislav V. , Tananaev Ivan G. , Myasoedov Boris F.
Published: May 2009

Eleven new amine-templated uranyl selenate hydrates have been prepared by evaporation from aqueous solution of uranyl nitrate, selenic acid and the respective amines. The structures of the compounds have been solved by direct methods and refined using least-squares techniques. Each structure is based upon [(UO2)2(SeO4)3(H2O)]2– layers of corner-sharing UO7 pentagonal bipyramids and SeO4 tetrahedra. The layers are based upon 4- and 6-membered rings arranged in different fashion. In topology I, 6-membered rings form edge-sharing chains, whereas, in topology II, they form corner-sharing chains. Layers with the topology II exist in two geometrical isomers that differ in the system of ‘up’ and ‘down’ orientations of tetrahedra relative to the plane of the layer. There are two isomers, one of which is chiral and the other is achiral. The layers with the topology II are chiral. Chirality is induced by the combination of orientations of tetrahedra and direction of the U → H2O bond. The analysis of the relationships between composition and shape of amine molecules and layer topology reveals two important regularities. 1. Aliphatic components of amine molecules tend to associate with 6-MRs of the inorganic layers. 2. Molecules with longer and spacious aliphatic components favor formation of the layers with topology II, whereas those with shorter aliphatic components prefer layers with the topology I.