bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plattenbalken mit Querkraftverstärkung aus Textilbeton unter nicht vorwiegend ruhender Belastung
Authors: Brückner Anett , Wellner Sabine , Ortlepp Regine , Scheerer Silke , Curbach Manfred
Published: March 2013

Aufbauend auf den Ergebnissen des SFB 528 “Textile Bewehrungen zur bautechnischen Verstärkung und Instandsetzung” wurde in einem DAfStb‐Forschungsvorhaben die Querkrafttragfähigkeit von textilbetonverstärkten Plattenbalken unter nicht vorwiegend ruhender Beanspruchung untersucht. Im Sinne einer Machbarkeitsstudie wurden insgesamt drei Plattenbalken statisch belastet und sieben einer Schwellbelastung mit zwei Millionen Lastwechseln mit einem Dauerlastanteil von 80 % und einer Schwingbreite von 30 % – beides bezogen auf die Gebrauchslast – unterzogen. Es wurden unverstärkte Referenzbalken und mit Textilbeton verstärkte Probekörper getestet. Um ein Querkraftversagen der verstärkten sowie der nicht verstärkten Plattenbalken zu erreichen, wurde die Stahlbügelbewehrung auf die Mindestbewehrung reduziert. Als Verstärkungstextil wurde ein Multiaxialgelege aus Carbonfasern verwendet. Die umfangreiche Bestückung mit Messmitteln und die Kombination verschiedener Messmethoden ermöglichte sowohl die Beobachtung des globalen Strukturverhaltens als auch lokaler Effekte. Im vorliegenden Aufsatz werden die Versuche beschrieben und die wichtigsten Ergebnisse vorgestellt.

T‐beams strengthened with TRC under non predominantly static loading

Based on the results of the DFG Collaborative Research Center 528 “Textile Reinforcements for Structural Strengthening and Repair”, the shear resistance of T‐beams strengthened with textile reinforced concrete (TRC) was investigated under non predominantly static loading in a research project funded by the DAfStb. For the purpose of a feasibility study T‐beams were performed in 3‐point bending tests. Three beams were loaded statically and seven beams cyclically. During two million cycles, the continuous part of the load mounted to 80 % of the service load; the stress range made up ± 15 % of this value. We tested unreinforced reference beams and with TRC reinforced specimens. To achieve a shear failure, the steel stirrups were reduced to the minimum reinforcement. A multiaxial fabric made of carbon fibres was used as strengthening reinforcement. The extensive use of measuring instruments and the combination of different measurement methods allowed the observation of both the global structural behaviour as well as local effects. In this paper, the experiments and main results are described.
From deep sequencing to viral tagging: Recent advances in viral metagenomics
Authors: Willner Dana , Hugenholtz Philip
Published: March 2013

Culture‐independent high‐throughput sequencing has provided unprecedented insights into microbial ecology, particularly for Earth's most ubiquitous and diverse inhabitants – the viruses. A plethora of methods now exist for amplifying the vanishingly small amounts of nucleic acids in natural viral communities in order to sequence them, and sequencing depth is now so great that viral genomes can be detected and assembled even amid large concentrations of non‐viral DNA. Complementing these advances in amplification and sequencing is the ability to physically link fluorescently labeled viruses to their host cells via high‐throughput flow sorting. Sequencing of such isolated virus–host pairs facilitates cultivation‐independent exploration of the natural host range of viruses. Within the next decade, as these technologies become widespread, we can expect to see a systematic expansion of our knowledge of viruses and their hosts.
Rhythm of carbon and nitrogen fixation in unicellular cyanobacteria under turbulent and highly aerobic conditions
Authors: Krishnakumar S. , Gaudana Sandeep B. , Viswanathan Ganesh A. , Pakrasi Himadri B. , Wangikar Pramod P.
Published: March 2013

Nitrogen fixing cyanobacteria are being increasingly explored for nitrogenase‐dependent hydrogen production. Commercial success however will depend on the ability to grow these cultures at high cell densities. Photo‐limitation at high cell densities leads to hindered photoautotrophic growth while turbulent conditions, which simulate flashing light effect, can lead to oxygen toxicity to the nitrogenase enzyme. Cyanothece sp. strain ATCC 51142, a known hydrogen producer, is reported to grow and fix nitrogen under moderately oxic conditions in shake flasks. In this study, we explore the growth and nitrogen fixing potential of this organism under turbulent conditions with volumetric oxygen mass transfer coefficient (KLa) values that are up to 20‐times greater than in shake flasks. In a stirred vessel, the organism grows well in turbulent regime possibly due to a simulated flashing light effect with optimal growth at Reynolds number of approximately 35,000. A respiratory burst lasting for about 4 h creates anoxic conditions intracellularly with near saturating levels of dissolved oxygen in the extracellular medium. This is concomitant with complete exhaustion of intracellular glycogen storage and upregulation of nifH and nifX, the genes encoding proteins of the nitrogenase complex. Further, the rhythmic oscillations in exhaust gas CO2 and O2 profiles synchronize faithfully with those in biochemical parameters and gene expression thereby serving as an effective online monitoring tool. These results will have important implications in potential commercial success of nitrogenase‐dependent hydrogen production by cyanobacteria. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2013; 110:2371–2379. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Laser exposure of gold nanorods can increase neuronal cell outgrowth
Authors: Paviolo Chiara , Haycock John W. , Yong Jiawey , Yu Aimin , Stoddart Paul R. , McArthur Sally L.
Published: March 2013

The usage of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) in biological applications has risen significantly over the last 10 years. With the wide variety of chemical and biological functionalization available and their distinctive optical properties, Au NPs are currently used in a range of biological applications including sensing, labeling, drug delivery, and imaging applications. Among the available particles, gold nanorods (Au NRs) are particularly useful because their optical absorption can be tuned across the visible to near infrared region. Here, we present a novel application of Au NRs associated with low power laser exposure of NG108‐15 neuronal cells. When cells were irradiated with a 780 nm laser, the average number of neurons with neurites increased. A similar stimulatory effect was observed for cells that were cultured with poly‐(4‐styrenesulfonic acid)‐coated and silica‐coated Au NRs. Furthermore, when the NG108‐15 cells were cultured with both bare and coated Au NRs and then irradiated with 1.2–7.5 W/cm2 at 780 nm, they showed a neurite length increase of up to 25 µm versus control. To the best of our knowledge, this effect has never been reported before. While the pathways of the stimulation is not yet clear, the data presented here demonstrates that it is linked to the absorption of light by the Au NRs. These initial results open up new opportunities for peripheral nerve regeneration treatments and for novel approaches to addressing central nervous system axons following spinal cord injury. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2013; 110: 2277–2291. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Radioactive seed localization for non-palpable breast cancer
Authors: Barentsz M W , van den Bosch M A A J , Veldhuis W B , van Diest P J , Pijnappel R M , Witkamp A J , Verkooijen H M
Published: March 2013

Background

Radioactive seed localization (RSL) is an alternative to wire localization for guiding surgical excision of non-palpable breast cancer. This review provides an overview of the available evidence on the accuracy of RSL in patients undergoing breast-conserving surgery.

Methods

PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library were searched systematically in January 2012 for studies that addressed localization of non-palpable breast cancer using an iodine-125-labelled seed. Studies were deemed eligible if they reported on the proportion of patients with tumour-positive margins after RSL, the proportion of patients needing re-excision after RSL, and procedural complications.

Results

Six studies reported data on RSL in 1611 patients with non-palpable breast lesions. Overall complete resection rates ranged from 73 to 96·7 per cent. Three studies included over 300 patients, and complete resection rates in these studies varied between 89·5 and 96·7 per cent. The risk of seed migration and failure of seed placement ranged from 0 to 0·6 per cent and 0 to 7·2 per cent respectively.

Conclusion

Available scientific evidence suggests that RSL is a safe and accurate technique for localization of non-palpable breast lesions.
Artificial Copper Enzymes for Asymmetric Diels–Alder Reactions
Authors: Deuss Peter J. , Popa Gina , Slawin Alexandra M. Z. , Laan Wouter , Kamer Paul C. J.
Published: March 2013

The development of artificial copper enzymes from sterol carrier protein type 2 like domain (SCP‐2L) for the use in asymmetric catalysis was explored. For this purpose, proteins were modified with various nitrogen donor ligands. Maleimide‐containing ligands were found most suitable for selective cysteine bio‐conjugation. Fluorescence spectroscopy was used to confirm copper binding to an introduced phenanthroline ligand, which was introduced in two unique cysteine containing SCP‐2L mutants. Copper adducts of several modified SCP‐2L templates were applied in asymmetric Diels–Alder reactions. A clear influence of both the protein environment and the introduced ligand was found in the asymmetric Diels–Alder reaction between azachalcone and cyclopentadiene. A promising enantioselectivity of 25 % ee was obtained by using SCP‐2L V83C modified with phenanthroline–maleimide ligand. Good endo selectivity was observed for SCP‐2L modified with the dipicolylamine‐based nitrogen donor ligand. These artificial metalloenzymes provide a suitable starting point for the implementation of various available techniques to optimise the performance of this system.
Efficient Total Synthesis of (S)‐Dihydroresorcylide, a Bioactive Twelve‐Membered Macrolide
Authors: Zhang Li , Ma Wenquan , Xu Lili , Deng Fei , Guo Yuewei
Published: March 2013

The efficient synthesis of (S)‐dihydroresorcylide (1a) along with trans‐resorcylide dimethyl ether (2b), was achieved in linear 9 steps from commercially available orcinol monohydrate (6) with esterification, carbonylation, and ring‐closing metathesis (RCM) as the key steps in the synthetic sequence.
Physicochemical Characterization of Acidiphilium sp. Biofilms
Authors: Malki Moustafa , Casado Santiago , López María Francisca , Caillard Renaud , Palomares F. Javier , Gago José A. Martín , Vaz‐Domínguez Cristina , Cuesta Angel , Amils Ricardo , Fernández Víctor M. , Velez Marisela , De Lacey Antonio L. , Olea David
Published: March 2013

The biofilm formation of a strain of the extremophile bacterium Acidiphilium sp., capable of donating electrons directly to electrodes, was studied by different surface characterization techniques. We develop a method that allows the simultaneous study of bacterial biofilms by means of fluorescence microscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM), in which transparent graphitic flakes deposited on a glass substrate are used as a support for the biofilm. The majority of the cells present on the surface were viable, and the growth of the biofilms over time showed a critical increase of the extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) as well as the formation of nanosized particles inside the biofilm. Also, the presence of Fe in Acidiphilium biofilms was determined by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), whereas surface‐enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy indicated the presence of redox‐active proteins.
The Gelling Ability of Some Diimidazolium Salts: Effect of Isomeric Substitution of the Cation and Anion
Authors: D'Anna Francesca , Vitale Paola , Ferrante Francesco , Marullo Salvatore , Noto Renato
Published: March 2013

The gelling ability of some geminal imidazolium salts was investigated both in organic solvents and in water solution. Organic salts differing either in the cation or anion structure were taken into account. In particular, the effects on the gel‐phase formation of isomeric substitution on the cation or anion as well as of the use of mono‐ or dianions were evaluated. As far as the cation structure is concerned, isomeric cations, such as 3,3′‐di‐n‐octyl‐1,1′‐(1,4‐phenylenedimethylene)diimidazolium and 3,3′‐di‐n‐octyl‐1,1′‐(1,3‐phenylenedimethylene)diimidazolium, were used. On the other hand, in addition to the bromide anion, isomeric dianions, such as the 1,5‐ and 2,6‐naphthalenedisulfonate anions, were also examined. After preliminary gelation tests, different factors affecting the obtained gel phases, such as the nature of the solvent, organogelator concentrations, and action of external stimuli, were analyzed. The gel‐phase formation was also studied as a function of time, by using resonance light scattering measurements. Gel morphologies were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. To further support the understanding of the different behavior shown by the isomeric cations, some representative ion pairs were analyzed by DFT‐based investigations. The collected data underline the significant role played by isomeric substitution of both cation and anion structures in determining the gelling capability of the investigated salts, as well as the properties of the gel phases. Finally, DFT investigations were helpful in the identification of the structural features affecting the self‐assembly.
Electricity Storage in Biofuels: Selective Electrocatalytic Reduction of Levulinic Acid to Valeric Acid or γ‐Valerolactone
Authors: Xin Le , Zhang Zhiyong , Qi Ji , Chadderdon David J. , Qiu Yang , Warsko Kayla M. , Li Wenzhen
Published: March 2013

Herein, we report an effective approach to electricity storage in biofuels by selective electrocatalytic reduction of levulinic acid (LA) to high‐energy‐density valeric acid (VA) or γ‐valerolactone (gVL) on a non‐precious Pb electrode in a single‐polymer electrolyte membrane electrocatalytic (flow) cell reactor with a very high yield of VA (>90 %), a high Faradaic efficiency (>86 %), promising electricity storage efficiency (70.8 %), and a low electricity consumption (1.5 kWh LVA−1). The applied potential and electrolyte pH can be used to accurately control the reduction products: lower overpotentials favor the production of gVL, whereas higher overpotentials facilitate the formation of VA. A selectivity of 95 % to VA in acidic electrolyte (pH 0) and 100 % selectivity to gVL in neutral electrolyte (pH 7.5) are obtained. The effect of the molecular structure on the electrocatalytic reduction of ketone and aldehyde groups of biomass compounds was investigated. Whereas LA can be fully electroreduced to VA though a four‐electron transfer, the CO groups are only electroreduced to OH by a two‐electron‐transfer process when glyoxylic acid and pyruvic acid serve as feedstocks.
Lipase‐Catalyzed (Trans)esterification of 5‐Hydroxy‐ methylfurfural and Separation from HMF Esters using Deep‐Eutectic Solvents
Authors: Krystof Monika , Pérez‐Sánchez María , Domínguez de María Pablo
Published: March 2013

5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is a valuable biomass‐derived building block. Among possible HMF valorization products, a broad range of HMF esters can be synthesized. These HMF esters have found some promising applications, such as monomers, fuels, additives, surfactants, and fungicides, and thus several catalytic approaches for HMF (trans)esterifications have been reported. The intrinsic reactivity of HMF is challenging, forcing the use of mild reaction conditions to avoid by‐product formation. This paper explores the lipase‐catalyzed (trans)esterification of HMF with different acyl donors (carboxylic acids and methyl‐ and ethyl esters) mostly in solvent‐free conditions. The results demonstrate that lipases may be promising alternatives for the synthesis of HMF esters—with high productivities and reactions at high substrate loadings—provided that robust systems for lipase immobilization are applied to assure an adequate reusability of the enzymes. Once (trans)esterifications have been conducted, the separation of unreacted HMF and HMF esters is performed by using deep‐eutectic solvents (DES) as separation agents. DES are able to dissolve hydrogen‐bond donors (e.g., HMF), whereas non‐hydrogen‐bond donors (in this case HMF esters) form a second phase. By using this approach, high ester purities (>99 %) and efficiencies (up to >90 % HMF ester recovery) in separations were obtained by using choline chloride‐based DES.
Intrinsic Nitrogen‐doped CVD‐grown TiO2 Thin Films from All‐N‐coordinated Ti Precursors for Photoelectrochemical Applications
Authors: Kim Sun Ja , Xu Ke , Parala Harish , Beranek Radim , Bledowski Michal , Sliozberg Kirill , Becker Hans‐Werner , Rogalla Detlef , Barreca Davide , Maccato Chiara , Sada Cinzia , Schuhmann Wolfgang , Fischer Roland A. , Devi Anjana
Published: March 2013

N‐doped titanium dioxide (TiO2) thin films are grown on Si(100) and indium tin oxide (ITO)‐coated borosilicate glass substrates by metal‐organic (MO)CVD. The intrinsic doping of TiO2 thin films is achieved using all‐nitrogen‐coordinated Ti precursors in the presence of oxygen. The titanium amide‐guanidinate complex, [Ti(NMe2)3(guan)] (guan = N,N′‐diisopropyl‐2‐dimethylamidoguanidinato) has been developed to compensate for the thermal instability of the parent alkylamide [Ti(NMe2)4]. Both of these amide‐based compounds are tested and compared as precursors for intrinsically N‐doped TiO2 at various deposition temperatures in the absence of additional N sources. The structure and morphology of TiO2 thin films are characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Rutherford back scattering (RBS), nuclear reaction analysis (NRA), and secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) analyses are performed to determine N content and distribution in the films. The optical and photoelectrochemical properties of TiO2 thin films on ITO substrates are also examined. N‐doped TiO2 thin films, grown from [Ti(NMe2)3(guan)] at 600 °C, exhibit the lowest optical absorption edge (3.0 eV) and the highest visible light photocurrent response. When compared to undoped TiO2, while in UV light photoconversion efficiency decreases significantly, the intrinsically N‐doped TiO2 shows enhanced photocurrents under visible light irradiation.
A case of anaplastic lymphoma kinase‐positive large B‐cell lymphoma: Aspiration cytology findings
Authors: Nakatsuka Shin‐ichi , Oku Kazuko , Nagano Teruaki , Kimura Hayato , Hanamoto Atsushi , Ito Mahito , Hashimoto Koji
Published: March 2013

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase‐positive (ALK+) large B‐cell lymphoma (LBCL) is a rare subtype of non‐Hodgkin B‐cell lymphoma that exhibits a more aggressive clinical course and poorer prognosis than the typical diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma. In this study, we report the case of a 67‐year‐old man with left cervical lymph node swelling. Aspiration cytology revealed many clusters of cohesive, large, and solitary cells. The tumor cells had abundant cytoplasm and large round‐to‐oval nuclei with prominent nucleoli. The Giemsa staining specimens exhibited amorphous global bodies adjacent to some clusters. Histologically, large tumor cells occupied the lymph nodes in a sinusoidal pattern, and immunohistochemically, these cells were cytokeratin−, CD19−, CD20−, CD79a−, CD3−, CD30−, CD138+, IgG−, IgA+, and ALK+. Chromogenic in situ hybridization revealed restricted immunoglobulin light‐chain expression. Fluorescent in situ hybridization demonstrated translocation of the ALK gene. The tumor cells were negative for Epstein–Barr virus and human herpesvirus 8. It is important to differentiate ALK+LBCL from metastatic carcinoma and other lymphoma subtypes with similar histological features to ensure a proper treatment strategy and prediction of prognosis. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2014;42:69–72. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Preparation of 1D CuO Nanorods by Means of a Metal Ion Containing Ionic Liquid and Their Supercapacitance
Authors: Xu Li , Xia Jiexiang , Wang Kun , Li Huaming , Huang Liying , Luo Zhijun , Wang Leigang
Published: March 2013

1D CuO nanorods have been successfully prepared in the presence of a metal ion containing ionic liquid, namely bis(1‐hexadecyl‐3‐methylimidazolium) tetrachlorocuprate ([C16mim]2CuCl4) under solvothermal conditions. The prepared samples were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), FTIR spectroscopy and the Brunauer‐Emmet‐Teller (BET) surface area method. The nanorods synthesized from metal ion containing ionic liquids showed good crystallinity, well‐defined morphologies, small sizes and large BET surface areas. The effect of changing the alkyl chain length of the ionic liquid's cation on the morphology of CuO has been investigated. It was found that the ionic liquid acted not only as a Cu source but also as a solvent and template for the fabrication of 1D CuO nanorods. In addition, the capacitance of CuO as an electrode material was tested by cyclic voltammetry and chronopotentiometric measurements. With the morphologies changing from nanoparticles to nanorods, the BET surface area of CuO was significantly increased from 38.79 m2 g–1 to 88.46 m2 g–1 and the specific capacitance of CuO also increased from 58.25 F g–1 to 498.75 F g–1. Thus, the CuO nanorods are promising for the future development of supercapacitors.
Construction of Functionalized Carbocycles Having Contiguous Tertiary Carbinol and All‐Carbon Stereogenic Centers
Authors: Reddy Chennakesava , Babu Srinivasarao Arulananda , Aslam Nayyar Ahmad , Rajkumar Vadla
Published: March 2013

A highly stereoselective protocol is reported for customizing functionalized carbocyclic building blocks (β‐hydroxy esters) and bicyclic lactones with a stereoarray that contains contiguous tertiary carbinol and all‐carbon stereocenters. The efficient asymmetric induction and diastereofacial selective addition of allyl and propargyl indiums to hindered α,α‐disubstituted cycloalkanones is presented. The stereochemistry of representative products was unequivocally established from single‐crystal X‐ray crystal structure analyses, and a plausible reaction pathway was proposed to support the high diastereofacial selectivity.
Neuro‐Fuzzy Prediction of Fe‐V2O5‐Promoted γ‐Alumina Catalyst Behavior in the Reverse Water–Gas–Shift Reaction
Authors: Takassi M. A. , Gharibi Kharaji A. , Esfandyari M. , KoolivandSalooki M.
Published: March 2013

The application of an Fe‐V2O5‐promoted γ‐alumina catalyst was studied for the reverse water–gas–shift reaction. The reaction was performed under a wide range of synthesis conditions, temperatures, and CO2/H2 ratios in a batch reactor. The experimental results were compared with neuro‐fuzzy simulation results. The Mamdani algorithm (a gradient descent algorithm) was applied to train the fuzzy system, and a test set was used to evaluate the performance of the system by applying the efficiency coefficient (E), root‐mean‐square error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE). The predicted values from the model are in good agreement with the experimental data. The outcome of this study demonstrates how the neuro‐fuzzy method, as a promising prediction technique, can be effectively applied to the reverse water–gas–shift reaction. This study applies neuro‐fuzzy modelling to predict the product composition of CO, CO2 and CH4 in the reverse water–gas–shift reaction, for which the input vector was three‐dimensional (including the variables of operating temperature, time, and CO2/H2 ratio) for 34 different experiments, and the output vectors consisted of CO, CO2 and CH4 conversions.
Durability of Pt/C and Pt/MC‐PEDOT Catalysts under Simulated Start‐Stop Cycles in Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells
Authors: Tintula K. K. , Jalajakshi A. , Sahu A. K. , Pitchumani S. , Sridhar P. , Shukla A. K.
Published: March 2013

A composite of mesoporous carbon (MC) with poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) is studied as catalyst support for platinum nanoparticles. The durability of commercial Pt/carbon and Pt/MC‐PEDOT as cathode catalyst is investigated by invoking air‐fuel boundary at the anode side so as to foster carbon corrosion at the cathode side of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC). Pt/MC‐PEDOT shows higher resistance to carbon corrosion in relation to Pt/C. Electrochemical techniques such as cyclic voltammetry (CV) and impedance measurements are used to evaluate the extent of degradation in the catalyst layer. It is surmised that the resistance of MC‐PEDOT as catalyst support toward electrochemical oxidation makes Pt/MC‐PEDOT a suitable and stable cathode catalyst for PEFCs.
Enhanced Performances of Structured Oxygen Electrodes for High Temperature Steam Electrolysis
Authors: Ogier T. , Bassat J. M. , Mauvy F. , Fourcade S. , Grenier J. C. , Couturier K. , Petitjean M. , Mougin J.
Published: March 2013

The present study is focused on alternative structured oxygen electrodes for solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOEC). The Ln2NiO4+δ (Ln = La or Pr) nickelate oxides were selected as innovative electrode materials with respect to their mixed electronic and ionic conductivity. A thin interfacial ceria‐based layer was added in between the electrode and the zirconia‐based electrolyte to improve mechanical and electrochemical properties and to limit the chemical reactivity. These structured cells were characterized by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy on symmetrical cells, under zero dc conditions and anodic polarization. Low polarization resistance RP and improved anodic overpotential ηA versus current density curves were obtained for the Pr2NiO4+δ electrode with Ce0.8Y0.2O2–δ interlayer: RP is decreased down to 0.06 Ω cm2 at 800 °C, under air and zero dc conditions. Then, complete hydrogen electrode‐supported cells including Pr2NiO4+δ as oxygen electrode were electrochemically characterized. At 800 °C, when the inlet gas composition is 90 vol.% H2O–10 vol.% H2 at the hydrogen electrode, air being swept at the oxygen electrode, the current density determined at 1.28 V reaches –0.9 A cm–2, the corresponding steam to hydrogen conversion ratio being 58%. These results are compared to those obtained with a reference cell including the oxygen deficient perovskite La0.6Sr0.4Fe0.8Co0.2O3–δ as oxygen electrode.
Verhalten von nichtbindigen Böden bei niederzyklischer Belastung
Authors: Danne Stefanie , Hettler Achim
Published: March 2013

Niederzyklische Belastungen treten in der Praxis in verschiedenen Situationen und insbesondere bei geotechnischen Herstellvorgängen auf. Zur Erfassung der Größenordnung herstellbedingter Verformungen ist man bisher auf Beobachtungsmethoden und Messungen angewiesen, da gängige Stoffmodelle bei Verformungsberechnungen infolge niederzyklischer Belastungsvorgänge oft Defizite aufweisen. Mithilfe der in diesem Beitrag vorgestellten Triaxialversuchsserien wurden u.a. Antwort‐Ellipsen produziert, welche einen Beitrag zur Weiter‐ oder Neuentwicklung von höherwertigen Stoffmodellen leisten, mit welchen es möglich sein soll, herstellbedingte, aus niederzyklischen Beanspruchungen resultierende Verformungen numerisch zu prognostizieren.

Incremental stress‐strain behaviour of non‐cohesive soils at low cycle loading. Low cycle loading‐processes occur in different situations and in particular during geotechnical construction‐processes. To capture the magnitude of deformations due to these processes, one is currently dependent on observations and measurements, because common constitutive models often show deficits when predicting these deformations. With the aid of triaxial series presented in this article, strain‐response‐envelopes amongst others were produced, which can contribute to the development of constitutive equations to improve the numerical prediction of deformation of construction‐induced, low cycle loading‐processes.
Möglichkeiten der Prognose von Oberflächensetzungen beim Tunnelvortrieb im Lockergestein – Teil 1: Empirisches Prognoseverfahren
Authors: Fillibeck Jochen
Published: March 2013

Der Bau von Tunneln im Lockergestein führt immer zu Spannungsumlagerungen und Verformungen im umliegenden Gebirge. Daher ist bei der Planung von oberflächennahen Tunneln in setzungsempfindlicher Umgebung die Prognose von Setzungen über dem Tunnel von ganz besonderer Bedeutung. Die Bestimmung derartiger Verformungen kann durch die Auswertung vorangegangener Tunnelbauprojekte – der empirischen Prognose – oder aber durch numerische Berechnungen erfolgen. Mit dem hier vorliegenden Teil 1 der Veröffentlichung wird ein empirisches Prognoseverfahren vorgestellt, mit dem sich die Setzungen beim Tunnelvortrieb einfach bestimmen lassen. Hierzu wurden insgesamt über 350 Messquerschnitte aus aktuellen Baumaßnahmen im Spritzbeton‐ und Schildvortrieb ausgewertet. Es wurde unter anderem der Einfluss der Vortriebsart, der Baugrundeigenschaften, der Tunneltiefe und der Querschnittsgröße auf die Größe der Setzungsmulde beschrieben. Aufgrund der Vielzahl vergleichbarer Messungen konnte der Größe der Setzungsmulde eine Auftretenswahrscheinlichkeit zugeordnet werden. Im Teil 2 der Veröffentlichung wird auf numerische Berechnungen mit der FE‐Methode eingegangen. Es werden Aussagen über die Eignung verschiedener Stoffmodelle getroffen und Verfahren zur Setzungsberechnung beschrieben, wobei zwischen 2D‐, 3D‐ und 4D‐FE‐Berechnungen unterschieden wird. Schließlich werden die Anwendungsmöglichkeiten und ‐grenzen von numerischen Verfahren im Vergleich mit dem empirischen Verfahren diskutiert.

Possibilities to predict the surface settlement during tunnelling in soil – Part 1: empirical erediction method. Tunneling in soft ground always leads to stress rearrangements and deformations in the surrounding soil. Therefore, while planning shallow tunnels in areas sensitive to settlements, the prediction of the extent of ground subsidence is of prime importance. The deformations can be detected by the evaluation of measurement data available from previous tunnel project sites – the empirical prediction – or by numerical calculations. In part 1 of the following publication, the empirical prediction method of Fillibeck is introduced. For deriving this empirical method, more than 400 measuring sections from actual shotcrete and shield tunnel projects were analyzed. Among others, the influence of the excavation method, geological situation, tunnel depth and tunnel diameter on the settlement trough was described. Because of the large number of comparable measurements, it was possible to describe the size of the settlement trough in relation to the occurrence probability. The second part of the publication deals with numerical Finite Element Methods. For the calculation of settlement troughs, the suitability of different material models is analyzed and different calculation methods are described, distinguishing between 2D, 3D and 4D calculations. Finally, in comparison to the empirical method, the application spectrum and the limitations of numerical methods are discussed.
The influence of nonuniform ambient noise on crustal tomography in Europe
Authors: Basini P. , Nissen‐Meyer T. , Boschi L. , Casarotti E. , Verbeke J. , Schenk O. , Giardini D.
Published: March 2013

Ambient‐noise seismology is of great relevance to high‐resolution crustal imaging, thanks to the unprecedented dense data coverage it affords in regions of little seismicity. Under the assumption of uniformly distributed noise sources, it has been used to extract the Green's function between two receivers. We determine the imprint of this assumption by means of wave propagation and adjoint methods in realistic 3‐D Earth models. In this context, we quantify the sensitivity of ambient‐noise cross‐correlations from central Europe with respect to noise‐source locations and shear wave‐speed structure. We use ambient noise recorded over 1 year at 196 stations, resulting in a database of 864 cross‐correlations. Our mesh is built upon a combined crustal and 3‐D tomographic model. We simulate synthetic ambient‐noise cross‐correlations in different frequency bands using a 3‐D spectral‐element method. Traveltime cross‐correlation measurements in these different frequency bands define the misfit between synthetics and observations as a basis to compute sensitivity kernels using the adjoint method. We perform a comprehensive analysis varying geographic station and noise‐source distributions around the European seas. The deterministic sensitivity analysis allows for estimating where the starting crustal model shows better accordance with our data set, and gain insight into the distribution of noise sources in the European region. This highlights the potential importance of considering localized noise distributions for tomographic imaging, and forms the basis of a tomographic inversion in which the distribution of noise sources may be treated as a free parameter similar to earthquake tomography.
From Protein Structure to Function via Computational Tools and Approaches
Authors: Kolodny Rachel , Kosloff Mickey
Published: March 2013

The three‐dimensional structures of proteins are often considered fundamental for understanding their function. Yet, because of the complexity of protein structure, extracting specific functional information from structures can be a considerable challenge. Here, we present selected approaches and tools that we have developed to study and connect protein sequence, structure, and function spaces. First, we consider a global perspective of structure space and view the protein data bank (PDB) as a database. We highlight challenges in searching protein structure space and in using the PDB as the starting point for computational structural studies. Then we describe a function‐oriented view and show examples of how multiple protein structures can be used to extract insights about the function and specificity of proteins at the family level.
Entering the Arena: The Figured Worlds Transition of Preservice Teachers
Authors: Saunders Jane M. , Ash Gwynne Ellen
Published: March 2013

The article describes a semester‐long project that draws on Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games as a resource and over‐arching theme for preservice taking a content area literacy course. We examine how prepare preservice teachers learn to connect written texts to content area (disciplinary) literacy and consider ways to prepare them for the myriad hidden rules of teaching in today's complex public school environments. Included are examples from our students’ work, as is a detailed description of our over‐arching goals for The Hunger Games Achievements project.
Seasonal aspects of the quasi‐biennial oscillation in the Max Planck Institute Earth System Model and ERA‐40
Authors: Krismer Thomas R. , Giorgetta Marco A. , Esch Monika
Published: March 2013

This study investigates seasonal modulations of the quasi‐biennial oscillation (QBO) of the tropical stratosphere. For this purpose, the Max Planck Institute Earth System Model (MPI‐ESM), which internally generates a realistic QBO compared to the ERA‐40 data set, is employed. The modeled QBO is forced with resolved and parametrized waves. At 5 hPa, the seasonal distribution of the onset of QBO westerly jets clusters in spring and fall due to the coupling of the QBO and the semiannual oscillation. This seasonal clustering of the westerly jets extends throughout the stratosphere, shifting to later months with increasing pressure. QBO westerly jets starting in the upper stratosphere in fall propagate to the middle stratosphere more slowly than westerly jets starting in spring. This is attributed to seasonal modulations of the QBO forcing and enhanced wave filtering by the QBO westerly jet in the lower stratosphere in fall and winter compared to spring and summer. The observed stalling of the QBO easterly jet in the lower stratosphere and the accompanied prolonged persistence of the QBO westerly jet in the vicinity of the tropopause are attributed equally to seasonal variations of the resolved and parameterized wave forcing and the advective forcing.
Blood transcriptomics: applications in toxicology
Authors: Joseph Pius , Umbright Christina , Sellamuthu Rajendran
Published: March 2013

The number of new chemicals that are being synthesized each year has been steadily increasing. While chemicals are of immense benefit to mankind, many of them have a significant negative impact, primarily owing to their inherent chemistry and toxicity, on the environment as well as human health. In addition to chemical exposures, human exposures to numerous non‐chemical toxic agents take place in the environment and workplace. Given that human exposure to toxic agents is often unavoidable and many of these agents are found to have detrimental human health effects, it is important to develop strategies to prevent the adverse health effects associated with toxic exposures. Early detection of adverse health effects as well as a clear understanding of the mechanisms, especially at the molecular level, underlying these effects are key elements in preventing the adverse health effects associated with human exposure to toxic agents. Recent developments in genomics, especially transcriptomics, have prompted investigations into this important area of toxicology. Previous studies conducted in our laboratory and elsewhere have demonstrated the potential application of blood gene expression profiling as a sensitive, mechanistically relevant and practical surrogate approach for the early detection of adverse health effects associated with exposure to toxic agents. The advantages of blood gene expression profiling as a surrogate approach to detect early target organ toxicity and the molecular mechanisms underlying the toxicity are illustrated and discussed using recent studies on hepatotoxicity and pulmonary toxicity. Furthermore, the important challenges this emerging field in toxicology faces are presented in this review article. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Noninvasive cross‐sectional imaging of proximal caries using swept‐source optical coherence tomography (SS‐OCT) in vivo
Authors: Shimada Yasushi , Nakagawa Hisaichi , Sadr Alireza , Wada Ikumi , Nakajima Masatoshi , Nikaido Toru , Otsuki Masayuki , Tagami Junji , Sumi Yasunori
Published: March 2013

The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of swept‐source optical coherent tomography (SS‐OCT) in detecting and estimating the depth of proximal caries in posterior teeth in vivo. SS‐OCT images and bitewing radiographs were obtained from 86 proximal surfaces of 53 patients. Six examiners scored the locations according to a caries lesion depth scale (0–4) using SS‐OCT and the radiographs. The results were compared with clinical observations obtained after the treatment. SS‐OCT could detect the presence of proximal caries in tomograms that were synthesized based on the backscatter signal obtained from the proximal carious lesion through occlusal enamel. SS‐OCT showed significantly higher sensitivity and larger area under the receiver operating characteristic curve than radiographs for the detection of cavitated enamel lesions and dentin caries (Student's t ‐test, p < 0.05). SS‐OCT appears to be a more reliable and accurate method than bitewing radiographs for the detection and estimation of the depth of proximal lesions in the clinical environment. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Acquired hemoglobin variants and exposure to glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase deficient red blood cell units during exchange transfusion for sickle cell disease in a patient requiring antigen‐matched blood
Authors: Raciti Patricia M. , Francis Richard O. , Spitalnik Patrice F. , Schwartz Joseph , Jhang Jeffrey S.
Published: March 2013

Red blood cell exchange (RBCEx) is frequently used in the management of patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) and acute chest syndrome or stroke, or to maintain target hemoglobin S (HbS) levels. In these settings, RBCEx is a category I or II recommendation according to guidelines on the use of therapeutic apheresis published by the American Society for Apheresis. Matching donor red blood cells (RBCs) to recipient phenotypes (e.g., C, E, K‐antigen negative) can decrease the risk of alloimmunization in patients with multi‐transfused SCD. However, this may select for donors with a higher prevalence of RBC disorders for which screening is not performed. This report describes a patient with SCD treated with RBCEx using five units negative for C, E, K, Fya, Fyb (prospectively matched), four of which were from donors with hemoglobin variants and/or glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. Pre‐RBCEx HbS quantification by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) demonstrated 49.3% HbS and 2.8% hemoglobin C, presumably from transfusion of a hemoglobin C‐containing RBC unit during a previous RBCEx. Post‐RBCEx HPLC showed the appearance of hemoglobin G‐Philadelphia. Two units were G6PD‐deficient. The patient did well, but the consequences of transfusing RBC units that are G6PD‐deficient and contain hemoglobin variants are unknown. Additional studies are needed to investigate effects on storage, in‐vivo RBC recovery and survival, and physiological effects following transfusion of these units. Post‐RBCEx HPLC can monitor RBCEx efficiency and detect the presence of abnormal transfused units. J. Clin. Apheresis 28:325–329, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Combination treatment using percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and low‐density lipoprotein apheresis in a patient with peripheral arterial disease and a history of chronic hemodialysis
Authors: Nishimura Hiroaki , Enokida Hideki , Tsuruta Masafumi , Yoshino Yuji , Yamada Yasutoshi , Sugita Satoshi , Hayashi Sadao , Arata Kenichi , Hayami Hiroshi , Nishiyama Kenryu , Nakagawa Masayuki
Published: March 2013

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is very common in dialysis patients, who tend to have diffuse calcification and severe peripheral arterial stenosis that make it difficult to treat limbs using only surgical or endovascular interventions. Better ways to treat this condition are therefore required and also follow‐up studies to evaluate the effects of these treatments on the microcirculation. A 59‐year‐old man who had a cadaveric kidney transplant five years previously after 25 years of regular hemodialysis complained of pain at rest in his right lower limb and subsequently developed an intractable decubitus ulcer on his right fifth toe (Fontaine IV). Digital subtraction angiography revealed a severe obstruction of the right femoral artery and diffuse stenosis of the right superficial femoral artery. The patient underwent percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) and six sessions of low‐density lipoprotein apheresis (LDL apheresis). At the end of these sessions his complaints were almost completely alleviated. The mean elevation in skin temperature after each session was (1.58 ± 0.99)°C [mean ± SD] over the right dorsalis pedis artery and (1.52 ± 0.88)°C at the tip of the right fifth toe. Ultrasound‐measured blood flow rates in the right dorsalis pedis artery were 9.2 cm/s before PTA and 20.2 cm/s one month after PTA. Hemodialysis was resumed 3 days after the PTA due to contrast‐induced nephropathy. The combination of PTA and LDL apheresis is useful for treating PAD in hemodialysis patients, with the changes in peripheral artery patency are able to be evaluated effectively by measuring skin temperature. J. Clin. Apheresis 28:330–334, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quantitative reproducibility of mass spectra in matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization and unraveling of the mechanism for gas‐phase peptide ion formation
Authors: Ahn Sung Hee , Park Kyung Man , Bae Yong Jin , Kim Myung Soo
Published: March 2013

In a previous study on matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) of peptides using α‐cyano‐4‐hydroxycinnamic acid (CHCA) as a matrix, we found that the patterns of single‐shot spectra obtained under different experimental conditions became similar upon temperature selection. In this paper, we report that absolute ion abundances are also similar in temperature‐selected MALDI spectra, even when laser fluence is varied. The result that has been obtained using CHCA and 2,5‐dihydroxybenzoic acid as matrices is in disagreement with the hypothesis of laser‐induced ionization of matrix as the mechanism for primary ion formation in MALDI. We also report that the total number of ions in such a spectrum is unaffected by the identity, concentration and number of analytes, i.e. it is the same as that in the spectrum of pure matrix. We propose that the generation of gas‐phase ions in MALDI can be explained in terms of two thermal reactions, i.e. the autoprotolysis of matrix molecules and the matrix‐to‐analyte proton transfer, both of which are in quasi‐equilibrium in the early matrix plume. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Route of infection and hematological effect of Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch.) Sorokin on Dysdercus cingulatus (Fab.) adult
Authors: Sahayaraj Kitherian , Borgio Jesu Francis , Lucini Luigi
Published: March 2013

The primary objective of this work was to identify, under laboratory conditions, the route of infection and hemogram of Dysdercus cingulatus (Fab.) adults by Metarhizium anisopliae. The infection process in D. cingulatus by M. anisopliae involved the conidia adherence to the host cuticle and germination after 24 h post‐infection, accompanied by falling of bristles. The subsequent step, within 24–48 h post‐infection, comprised penetration of fungus through spiracles, root of bristles, hemolymph, and the three dorsal sacs. Subsequently, within 72–96 h post‐infection, the fungus penetrated into trachea and sacs, then emerged on cuticular surface and was found to be maximum in hemolymph. A great decrease in hemocytes count was observed within 96 h from infection. The hemosomic index (HSI) decreased gradually as the incubation period increased. As far as we know, this is the first study to know the mechanism of action of M. anisopliae to D. cingulatus.
Isolation of genes related to abscisic acid production in Botrytis cinerea TB‐3‐H8 by cDNA‐AFLP
Authors: Gong Tao , Shu Dan , Zhao Ming , Zhong Juan , Deng Hong‐Yuan , Tan Hong
Published: March 2013

Abscisic acid (ABA) plays important roles in many aspects of plant growth and development. Botrytis cinerea TB‐3‐H8, a high‐yield strain of ABA, was used to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of ABA production in the present work. cDNA‐amplified fragment length polymorphism (cDNA‐AFLP) technique was applied to isolate genes differentially expressed between ABA high and low‐yield conditions. This resulted in the identification of 856 differentially expressed transcript‐derived fragments (TDFs). Forty‐five TDFs that displayed obvious up‐regulated expression profiles in the ABA high‐yield condition were sequenced. Based on BlastX in NCBI, 31 TDFs were assumed to have homology with genes encoding proteins with known functions. According to molecular function of gene ontology (GO) analysis, the 31 TDFs were categorized to proteins with enzyme catalytic activities, transcription factor activities, transporter activities, and kinds of binding activities. Further confirmation of the differential expression of these sequences was carried out by performing semi‐quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) on 10 randomly selected TDFs. Five up‐regulated genes were selected to analyze the expression profiles using real‐time PCR. This study enriches our knowledge of the molecular basis for ABA biosynthesis in B. cinerea TB‐3‐H8.