bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship Between Erythropoietin Responsiveness, Insulin Resistance, and Malnutrition-Inflammation-Atherosclerosis (Mia) Syndrome in Hemodialysis Patients with Diabetes
Authors: Abe Masanori , Okada Kazuyoshi , Maruyama Takashi , Maruyama Noriaki , Matsumoto Koichi , Soma Masayoshi
Published: February 2011

Background

This study aimed to explore the relationship between recombinant human erythropoietin (EPO) responsiveness, insulin resistance, and malnutrition-inflammation-atherosclerosis (MIA) syndrome in hemodialysis patients.

Methods

This was an observational cohort study in hemodialysis patients. Adipokines, inflammatory cytokines, and required EPO dosage were measured in diabetes (DM; n=58) and non-diabetes (non-DM; n=58) groups over 48 weeks. Furthermore, the EPO responsiveness index (required EPO dosage divided by hemoglobin) was evaluated with or without MIA syndrome in both groups.

Results

The DM group had significantly higher plasma leptin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels but lower plasma high molecular weight (HMW) adiponectin levels compared to the non-DM group. Although hemoglobin levels were not significantly different, required EPO dosage was significantly higher in the DM group than in the non-DM group, particularly in the presence of MIA syndrome. The DM group with MIA syndrome had significantly higher plasma leptin, IL-6, and hs-CRP levels but lower plasma HMW adiponectin levels compared to the non-DM group with MIA syndrome. There was also a significant association between EPO dosage and homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), hs-CRP, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor α, leptin, and HMW adiponectin levels in DM patients with MIA syndrome.

Conclusion

Diabetic hemodialysis patients with MIA syndrome have a lower response to EPO and a higher resistance to insulin. This fact may explain the poor outcome of these patients and demonstrate the importance of diagnosis and therapeutic management.
Combined Transceiver Optimization for Uplink Multiuser MIMO with Limited CSI
Authors: Hu Chia-Chang , Yang Chung-Lun
Published: February 2011

Joint precoder and decoder optimization is considered for uplink multiuser multiple-input multiple-output (MU-MIMO) systems with limited channel state information (CSI) at both the transmitters and receivers. Instead of counting on complex iterative-based algorithms, an efficient and noniterative QR-based linear transceiver pair design is employed. In addition, an equal power distribution (EPD) scheme is applied to adjust transmit power allocation of each mobile station (MS) between its symbols under the total transmit-power constraint. Simulations are conducted to provide a comparative evaluation of the proposed QR-EPD algorithm with other transceiver designs on the sum mean-squared error (SMSE) and the averaged bit-error-rate (BER) performance.
Synthesis of Spiroborate Esters from 1,2‐Aminoalcohols, Ethylene Glycol and Triisopropyl Borate: Preparation of (S)‐1‐(1,3,2‐Dioxaborolan‐2‐yloxy)‐3‐Methyl‐1,1‐Diphenylbutan‐2‐Amine
Authors: Stepanenko Viatcheslav , Huang Kun , Ortiz‐Marciales Margarita
Published: February 2011

(2S)‐2‐Amino‐3‐methyl‐1,1‐diphenylbutanol

Bromobenzene

L‐Valine methyl ester hydrochloride

Phenylmagnesium chloride

Ethylene glycol

Triisopropyl borate

(‐)‐(S)‐1‐(1,3,2‐Dioxaborolan‐2‐yloxy)3‐methyl‐1,1‐diphenylbutan‐2‐amine
New, Convenient Route for Trifluoromethylation of Steroidal Molecules
Authors: Fei Xiang‐Shu , Tian Wei‐Sheng , Ding Kai , Wang Yun , Chen Qing‐Yun
Published: February 2011

Androst‐4‐ene‐3,17‐dione

Oxirane, 2‐methyl

Bromine

Androst‐4‐ene‐3,17‐dione, 4‐bromo

Acetic acid, 2,2‐difluoro‐2‐(fluorosulfonyl‐methyl ester
Lithium Amides as Homochiral Ammonia Equivalents for Conjugate Additions to α,β‐Unsaturated Esters: Asymmetric Synthesis of (

S

)‐β‐Leucine
Authors: Davies Stephen G. , Fletcher Ai M. , Roberts Paul M.
Published: February 2011

t
‐Butyl diethylphosphonacetate

Methylmagnesium bromide

Isobutyraldehyde

t
‐Butyl (
E
)‐4‐methylbut‐2‐enoate

R
‐alpha‐Methylbenzylamine

R‐N
‐Benzyl‐
N
‐(a‐methylbenzyl)amine

Butyllithium

t
‐Butyl 3[
N‐
benzyl‐N‐(a‐methylbenzyl)amine]‐4‐methylpentanoate

Palladium hydroxide on carbon

t
‐Butyl‐3‐amino‐4‐methylpentanoate

Trifluoracetic acid

(
S
)‐3‐Amino‐4‐methylpentanoic acid

(
S
)‐3‐[
N
‐(
p
‐Toluenesulfonyl)amino}‐4‐methylpentanoic acid
Organocatalytic α‐Methylenation of Aldehydes: Preparation of 3,7‐Dimethyl‐2‐Methylene‐6‐Octenal
Authors: Benohoud Meryem , Erkkilä Anniina , Pihko Petri M.
Published: February 2011

4‐(Dimethylamino)benzoic acid

Pyrrolidine

Citronellal

3,7‐Dimethyl‐2‐methylene‐6‐octenal

Formaldehdye, aqueous
Direct Fluorination of the Carbonyl Group of Benzophenones Using Deoxo‐Fluor®: Preparation of Bis(4‐Fluorophenyl)Difluoromethane
Authors: Chang Ying , Lee Hyelee , Bae Chulsung
Published: February 2011

Dextro‐Fluor

Bis(2‐methoxyethyl)aminosulfur trifluoride

Benzophenone

Bis(4‐fluorophenyl)ketone
Isolation and Expansion of Cardiosphere‐Derived Stem Cells
Authors: Tan Jun‐Jie , Carr Carolyn A. , Stuckey Daniel J. , Ellison Georgina M. , Messina Elisa , Giacomello Alessandro , Clarke Kieran
Published: February 2011

The isolation and in vitro expansion of stem cells from the adult heart may provide a cell therapy for regenerating damaged myocardium. Cardiac stem cells can be isolated via magnetic or fluorescent cell sorting using specific cell‐surface markers, including c‐kit, Sca‐1, and Isl‐1. Because these isolation methods yield relatively few cells, substantial in vitro expansion is required to generate sufficient cell numbers for therapy. An alternative method uses cells spontaneously shed from cultured heart explants, which are harvested, induced to form cardiospheres, and expanded as a monolayer for several passages. This method for generating therapeutically relevant numbers of cells in a shorter time period than cell surface marker–based isolations is ideally suited for autologous cardiac stem cell therapy after myocardial infarction. Curr. Protoc. Stem Cell Biol. 16:2C.3.1‐2C.3.12. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Imaging of Endogenous RNA Using Genetically Encoded Probes
Authors: Ozawa Takeaki , Umezawa Yoshio
Published: February 2011

Imaging of RNAs in single cells revealed their localized transcription and specific function. Such information cannot be obtained from bulk measurements. This unit contains a protocol of an imaging method capable of visualizing endogenous RNAs bound to genetically encoded fluorescent probes in single living cells. The protocol includes methods of design and construction of the probes, their characterization, and imaging a target RNA in living cells. The methods for RNA imaging are generally applicable to many kinds of RNAs and may allow for elucidating novel functions of localized RNAs and understanding their dynamics in living cells. Curr. Protoc. Chem. Biol. 3:27‐37 © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Preparing DNA Libraries for Multiplexed Paired‐End Deep Sequencing for Illumina GA Sequencers
Authors: Son Mike S. , Taylor Ronald K.
Published: February 2011

Whole‐genome sequencing, also known as deep sequencing, is becoming a more affordable and efficient way to identify SNP mutations, deletions, and insertions in DNA sequences across several different strains. Two major obstacles preventing the widespread use of deep sequencers are the costs involved in services used to prepare DNA libraries for sequencing and the overall accuracy of the sequencing data. This unit describes the preparation of DNA libraries for multiplexed paired‐end sequencing using the Illumina GA series sequencer. Self‐preparation of DNA libraries can help reduce overall expenses, especially if optimization is required for the different samples, and use of the Illumina GA Sequencer can improve the quality of the data.
Acid‐Fast Staining and Petroff‐Hausser Chamber Counting of Mycobacterial Cells in Liquid Suspension
Authors: Treuer Robin , Haydel Shelley E.
Published: February 2011

Accurate and rapid cell counts of mycobacterial species in culture are difficult to obtain. Here, a method using modified Kinyoun acid‐fast staining was adapted for use with a Petroff‐Hausser sperm and bacteria cell‐counting chamber by using a liquid suspension staining technique. Cell counts obtained by this method were compared to viable cell counts by agar plate counting, revealing accurate correlation.
Electro‐optical Materials: Switching of Electrically Responsive, Light‐Sensitive Colloidal Suspensions of Anisotropic Pigment Particles (Adv. Funct. Mater. 3/2011)
Authors: Eremin Alexey , Stannarius Ralf , Klein Susanne , Heuer Jana , Richardson Robert M.
Published: February 2011

An unusual electro‐optical behavior of colloidal suspensions of dichroic, elongated (rod‐shaped) pigment particles is reported. These suspensions exhibit nematic liquid crystal order at low volume fraction of the suspended particles (<15 wt%) and show a strong electric and optical response to an external electric field. Additionally, the characteristics of the optical response can be reversibly manipulated by illuminating the sample with light in its absorption band. The suspensions show a number of interesting phenomena like homeotropic‐planar orientational transitions and light‐induced pattern formation.
New Synthetic Strategy for High‐Enantiopurity N‐Protected α‐Amino Ketones and their Derivatives by Asymmetric Hydrogenation
Authors: Sun Tian , Hou Guohua , Ma Miaofeng , Zhang Xumu
Published: February 2011

Asymmetric hydrogenation of α‐dehydroamino ketones catalyzed by a rhodium‐chiral phosphorus ligand complex (up to 99% ee, 1000 TON), represents an efficient approach to chiral α‐amino ketones. The reduction of α‐amino ketones catalyzed by palladium on carbon (Pd/C) leads to amphetamine precursors with quantitative yield and no significant enantioselectivity loss.
A Complexation Promoted Organic N‐Hydroxy Catalytic System for Selective Oxidation of Toluene
Authors: Zhang Qiaohong , Chen Chen , Xu Jie , Wang Feng , Gao Jin , Xia Chungu
Published: February 2011

Complexation was innovatively utilized to design a novel catalytic system for the selective oxidation of toluene, which runs contrary to the traditional definition of organic metal complex catalysis. In the present system, an N‐heteroaromatic ring‐containing N‐hydroxy compound acts as the catalytically active component. Through an electron‐withdrawing effect produced by the occurring complexation with proper metal salts, which was characterized by real‐time in situ Fourier transform infrared spectra, the activity of the organic molecule could be remarkably improved. The combination of copper(II) chloride with 6‐hydroxy‐pyrrolo[3,4‐b]pyrazine‐5,7‐dione showed the best activity, and an inert hydrocarbon such as toluene could be efficiently transformed with 70.9% conversion and 93.5% selectivity to benzoic acid at 90 °C within 2 h.
Highly Regio‐ and Stereoselective Nickel‐Catalyzed Addition of Dialkyl Phosphites to Ynamides: an Efficient Synthesis of β‐Aminovinylphosphonates
Authors: Fadel Antoine , Legrand Frédéric , Evano Gwilherm , Rabasso Nicolas
Published: February 2011

A highly regio‐ and stereoselective, nickel(II)‐catalyzed procedure for the hydrophosphonylation of ynamides has been developed. This protocol provides a straightforward and efficient entry to a series of β‐aminovinylphosphonates that can easily be prepared in good yields from a wide range of ynamides and dialkyl phosphites as well as useful insights into the reactivity of ynamides under nickel catalysis.
Packed‐bed reactor for short time gas phase olefin polymerization: Heat transfer study and reactor optimization
Authors: Tioni Estevan , Spitz Roger , Broyer J. P. , Monteil Vincent , McKenna Timothy
Published: February 2011

A specially conceived packed‐bed stopped flow minireactor (3 mL) suitable for short gas phase catalytic reactions has been used to study the start‐up of ethylene homopolymerization with a supported metallocene catalyst. Focus has been put on the heat transfer characteristics of the supported catalysts and on understanding the relationship between the initial rate and the relative gas/particle velocities and the influence of particle parameters in the packed bed. We performed a comprehensive study on the influence of various physical parameters on the heat transfer regime at start up conditions. The catalyst activity as well as the polymer morphology is shown to be dependent on heat transfer regime. The knowledge thus obtained is applicable to industrial problems like catalyst injection in fluidized beds and helps preventing experimental artifacts due to overheating in following studies. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2012
Effects of modern drainage systems on the spatial distribution of loach in rice ecosystems
Authors: Katayama Naoki , Saitoh Daigo , Amano Tatsuya , Miyashita Tadashi
Published: February 2011

Although rice fields support many aquatic species, recent agricultural intensification in Asia has led to loss of biodiversity, such as freshwater fish, in exchange for increased agricultural productivity. In Japan, modern drainage systems have been introduced in recent decades.

This study investigated the effects of several aspects of modern drainage systems on the spatial distribution of dojo loach Misgurnus anguillicaudatus, a dominant fish species in Japanese rice fields.

Multimodel inference approaches and hierarchical partitioning were used to estimate the direction and degree of the effect of each system on the spatial distribution of dojo loach.

Three variables related to modern drainage systems (gaps between fields and ditches, the type of drainage ditch, and the presence of underground drainage pipes), flooding dates, and spatial autocovariates showed significant influence on the abundance of loach. In particular, gaps had the largest impact among all the variables on loach in the later part of the survey (June).

Based on the results, the effectiveness of several conservation methods implemented for paddy‐dwelling fish in Japan was discussed. The knowledge will be a guide to the appropriate conservation of freshwater fish in Asia and other countries.

Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Situating Remote Sensing in Anthropological Archaeology
Authors: Thompson Victor D. , Arnold Philip J. , Pluckhahn Thomas J. , Vanderwarker Amber M.
Published: February 2011

Productive applications of geophysics to anthropological questions in American archaeology necessarily involve specific research questions or agendas. While only some anthropological questions can be addressed by shallow geophysics, these techniques provide an opportunity to address some important questions that are fundamental to archaeology. One such agenda is the investigation of ‘persistent places’, which is rooted in anthropological inquiry and which can be investigated, at least in part, by shallow geophysical techniques. For the next stage in the use of remote sensing that goes beyond mere prospection, research agendas must be clearly linked with broader theoretical concepts of what we term inquiry‐based archaeogeophysics. Specifically with regard to the application of geophysics to the study of persistent places, we propose four categories of research that relate to the meaning, context and changing function of such places. These categories include: construction variation, continuity and discontinuity in the use of space, studying natural and/or cultural landscape modifications over time and space, and constancies in the use of space and architecture at the regional level. In order to illustrate these points, we provide examples from sites in Mexico and the USA that represent different time periods (2500 BC to AD 1000), adaptations (hunter–gatherers to intensive agriculturists), and levels of socio‐political complexity (egalitarian to stratified societies). The use of geophysics at these persistent places contributes to our understanding of changes in the use of space and architecture through time. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relevance of lymph node metastasis along the superior mesenteric vein in gastric cancer
Authors: An J Y , Pak K H , Inaba K , Cheong J-H , Hyung W J , Noh S H
Published: February 2011

Background

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of lymph node metastasis along the superior mesenteric vein (station 14v) to determine the need for 14v dissection in gastric cancer surgery.

Methods

A total of 1104 patients with gastric cancer who underwent gastrectomy including 14v dissection were enrolled. Patients were categorized into two groups: those with and those without 14v lymph node involvement by metastasis.

Results

Of the total study population, 73 patients (6·6 per cent) had 14v-positive gastric cancer. These patients were more likely to have advanced tumour (T), node (N) and distant metastatic (M) status, and histologically undifferentiated gastric cancers. The 3- and 5-year survival rates of patients with 14v-positive disease were 24 and 9 per cent respectively. Survival in this group was similar to that of patients who had gastric cancer with distant metastasis (M1). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that 14v status was a significant prognostic factor for gastric cancer (hazard ratio 2·13; P < 0·001). After histologically complete (R0) resection, the overall survival of 14v-positive patients with any stage of cancer was significantly worse than that for 14v-negative patients with stage IV cancer (P = 0·006).

Conclusion

14v status is an independent prognostic factor for gastric cancer, with 14v-positive gastric cancer having a poor prognosis, similar to that of M1 disease. The exclusion of 14v in regional lymph node dissection should be considered.
Progresses in the Preparation of Coke Resistant Ni‐based Catalyst for Steam and CO2 Reforming of Methane
Authors: Liu Chang‐jun , Ye Jingyun , Jiang Jiaojun , Pan Yunxiang
Published: February 2011

Steam reforming of methane is an extremely important process for the hydrogen and syngas production. Nickel‐based catalysts have been extensively employed in the industrial process of steam reforming because of their high activity, low cost, and the plentiful supply of Nickel. Nickel‐based catalysts have also shown high activity for CO2 reforming of methane, which has been considered as a good option, with consumption of a significant amount of carbon dioxide. However, a major challenge is that Ni catalysts have a high thermodynamic potential for coke formation during reforming reactions. For steam reforming, coke formation induces deactivation of the catalyst, especially if the carbon forms as carbon filaments. The filamentous carbon material has a high mechanical strength and can cause mechanical deformation of the catalyst. For CO2 reforming, coke formation over Ni catalyst is even more serious and leads to rapid deactivation of the catalyst. It is highly desired to design and synthesize a coke resistant Ni catalyst not only for reforming of methane, but also for reforming of other hydrocarbons (including biomass derived hydrocarbons). Herein we summarize the very recent progresses in the design, synthesis, and characterization of coke resistant Ni catalysts for steam and CO2 reforming of methane. The progresses in the use of promoters, in the effect of supporting materials and in the preparation methods have been discussed. The thermal stability, regeneration, and future development of coke resistant Ni catalysts for these processes are also briefly addressed.
Autodisplay of Nitrilase from Alcaligenes faecalis in E. coli Yields a Whole Cell Biocatalyst for the Synthesis of Enantiomerically Pure (R)‐Mandelic Acid
Authors: Detzel Christian , Maas Ruth , Jose Joachim
Published: February 2011

In the present study, a whole cell biocatalyst for the synthesis of (R)‐mandelic acid from mandelonitrile was constructed. For this purpose, nitrilase from Alcaligenes faecalis subsp. faecalis ATCC 8750 was displayed on the surface of Escherichia coli by using Autodisplay. Localization of the nitrilase in the cell envelope of E. coli was monitored by SDS‐PAGE and surface exposure was verified by its accessibility to externally added protease. The whole cell biocatalyst converted up to 2.6 mM of (R)‐mandelic acid under optimum conditions at pH 7.5 and 45 °C within 24 h (1 mL culture, OD578=10). By using chiral HPLC, the ee value of the product was determined to be >99 %. The surface displayed nitrilase showed an apparent Km value of 3.6 mM and an apparent Vmax value of 1 nmol min−1 mL−1 when a bacterial suspension of OD578 3 was used. Substrate inhibition by benzaldehyde was similar to that of the free enzyme. The whole‐cell biocatalyst retained 55 % of its initial (R)‐mandelic acid production after 5 cycles of repeated use, and could be stored at −70 °C for 180 d without a substantial loss of activity. In addition the whole cell biocatalyst converted 9.3 mM phenylacetonitrile within 16 h.
Applicability of the Laser Backscattering Instruments FBRM and 3D ORM SMF in Batch Crystallizations
Authors: Peda Stefan , Bröckel Ulrich , Ay Peter , Stollberg Christian
Published: February 2011

Zur Steuerung von Batch‐Kristallisationen ist die Kenntnis der zeitabhängigen Größenverhältnisse in gerührten Systemen von entscheidender Bedeutung. Mit dem Grundgedanken der Echtzeitanalyse von Kristallisationskinetiken wird in diesem Beitrag am Beispiel eines inerten, partikulären Modellstoffsystems die mögliche Anwendung der In‐situ‐Lasermessverfahren Focused Beam Reflectance Measurement (FBRM) und 3‐Fold Dynamical Optical Reflectance Measurement with Selective Multi Depth Focus (3D ORM SMF) in Batch‐Kristallisationen näher untersucht. Die unterschiedliche, gerätespezifische Darstellung des verwendeten Modellstoffsystems wird nachgewiesen.
Influence of Vegetation Characteristics on Soil Denitrification in Shoreline Wetlands of the Danjiangkou Reservoir in China
Authors: Liu Wenzhi , Liu Guihua , Zhang Quanfa
Published: February 2011

Soil denitrification in reservoir shoreline wetlands is an important process for removing excess inorganic nitrogen from upland runoff and controlling eutrophication in aquatic ecosystems. As yet, little is known about the influence of vegetation characteristics on the soil denitrification potential in reservoir shoreline wetlands, although vegetation can affect both denitrifying bacteria and soil properties. In this study, we measured the spatial variability of denitrification enzyme activity (DEA) using acetylene block method in shoreline wetlands of the Danjiangkou Reservoir, a water source of the South‐to‐North Water Transfer Project in China. Results indicated that DEA ranged from 0.001 to 2.449 µg N (N2O) g−1 h−1, with a mean of 0.384 µg N (N2O) g−1 h−1. DEA varied significantly among five representative plant communities and the highest DEA (0.248–2.449 µg N (N2O) g−1 h−1) was observed in the Polygonum hydropiper community. Plant biomass and vegetation cover were significantly and positively related to DEA and together explained 44.2% of the total variance. These results suggest that vegetation characteristics should also be considered in assessing soil denitrification capacity and restoring shoreline wetlands for nitrogen pollution removal in the Danjiangkou Reservoir after dam heightening.
Malachite Green Removal from Aqueous Solution by the Peel of Cucumis sativa Fruit
Authors: Santhi Thirumalisamy , Manonmani Subbian
Published: February 2011

This study investigates the potential use of activated carbon prepared from the peel of Cucumis sativa fruit for the removal of malachite green (MG) dye from simulated wastewater. The effects of different system variables, adsorbent dosage, initial dye concentration, pH, and contact time were investigated and optimal experimental conditions were ascertained. The results showed that when the amount of the adsorbent increased, the percentage of dye removal increased accordingly. Optimum pH value for dye adsorption was 6.0. Maximum dye was sequestered within 50 min of the start of every experiment. The adsorption of MG followed the pseudo‐second‐order rate equation and fits the Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin–Radushkevich (D–R), and Tempkin equations well. The maximum removal of MG was obtained at pH 6 as 99.86% for adsorbent dose of 1 g/50 mL and 25 mg L−1 initial dye concentration at room temperature. Activated carbon developed from the peel of C. sativa fruit can be an attractive option for dye removal from diluted industrial effluents since test reaction made on simulated dyeing wastewater showed better removal percentage of MG.
Inactivation Efficiency of Bioaerosols Using Carbon Nanotube Plasma
Authors: Yang Shinhao , Huang Yi‐Chin , Luo Chin‐Hsiang , Lin Yi‐Chang , Huang Jhih‐Wei , Chuang Cheng‐Ping Jimmy , Chen Chiou‐Jong , Fang Wei , Chuang Chi‐Yu
Published: February 2011

The purpose of this study was to inactivate indoor bioaerosols using carbon nanotube corona discharge plasma technology. Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, and λ virus bioaerosols were generated using a Collison nebulizer. The effect of various factors, including the flow rate (30, 60, and 90 lpm) and the operating voltages (−1.5, −3.0, −4.5, −6.0, and −7.5 kV), on bioaerosol reduction was examined. The results indicated that the corona discharge using the carbon nanotube electrodes decreased the threshold voltage of plasma. The inactivation efficiencies of E. coli bioaerosols using the carbon nanotube corona discharge system at discharge voltages of −1.5, −3.0, −4.5, −6.0, and −7.5 kV were 57, 61, 71, 93, and 97%, respectively. The corona discharge system using carbon nanotube electrodes had higher bioaerosol inactivation efficiency than the corona discharge system using stainless steel electrodes. The results further demonstrated that the inactivation efficiency decreased with an increasing flow rate. The inactivation efficiencies of E. coli, B. subtilis, and λ virus bioaerosols using carbon nanotube corona discharge plasma were 93, 88, and 81%, respectively.
Assessment of Metal Pollution in Water and Surface Sediments of the Seyhan River, Turkey, Using Different Indexes
Authors: Davutluoglu Orkun I. , Seckin Galip , Ersu Cagatayhan B. , Yilmaz Turan , Sari Bulent
Published: February 2011

The aim of this study was to assess the level of heavy metals (Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) contamination and enrichment in the surface sediments of the Seyhan River, which is the receiving water body of both treated and untreated municipal and industrial effluents as well as agricultural drainage waters generated within Adana, Turkey. Sediment and water samples were taken from six previously determined stations covering the downstream of the Seyhan dam during both wet and dry seasons and the samples were then analyzed for the heavy metals of concern. When both dry and wet seasons were considered, metal concentrations varied significantly within a broad range with Al, 7210–33 967 mg kg−1 dw; Cr, 46–122 mg kg−1 dw; Cu, 6–57 mg kg−1 dw; Fe, 10 294–26 556 mg kg−1 dw; Mn, 144–638 mg kg−1 dw; Ni, 82–215 mg kg−1 dw; Pb, 11–75 mg kg−1 dw; Zn, 34–146 mg kg−1 dw in the sediments while Cd was at non‐detectable levels for all stations. For both seasons combined, the enrichment factor (EF) and the geo‐accumulation index (Igeo) for the sediments in terms of the specified metals ranged from 0.56 to 10.36 and −2.92 to 1.56, respectively, throughout the lower Seyhan River. The sediment quality guidelines (SQG) of US‐EPA suggested the sediments of the Seyhan River demonstrated “unpolluted to moderate pollution” of Cu, Pb, and Zn, “moderate to very strong pollution” of Cr and Ni. The water quality data, on the other hand, indicated very low levels of these metals suggesting that the metal content in the surface sediments were most probably originating from fine sediments transported along the river route instead of water/wastewater discharges with high metal content.
Langmuir–Blodgett Film of Asymmetric Calix[4]arene Derivative Modified Electrode for Voltammetric Determination of Silver
Authors: Zou Lina , Wu Xianli , Li Yamin , Yang Baocheng , Zhang Shusheng , Ye Baoxian
Published: February 2011

A new electrochemical voltammetric sensor, Langmuir–Blodgett (LB) film of 25,27‐dimethoxy‐26‐(N‐trichloroacetyl)carbamoyloxy‐p‐tert‐butylcalix[4]arene (DCA) modified GCE (LBDCA–GCE), was designed and successfully used for recognition and determination of trace amounts of Ag+ in water. Under the optimum experimental conditions, the lowest detectable concentration of Ag+ reached 1 × 10−9 mol L−1. Moreover, LBDCA–GCE exhibited a well‐defined response relating to the Ag+ with good sensitivity, selectivity, reproducibility, and long stability. The recognizing mechanism of LBDCA–GCE for silver ion in aqueous solution was also discussed. The results show that the size of calixarene cavity may be the predominate factor affecting recognition of calixarene for silver ions.
One‐Pot Sequential Azide–Alkyne [3+2] Cycloaddition and Atom Transfer Radical Addition (ATRA): Expanding the Scope of In Situ Copper(I) Regeneration in the Presence of Environmentally Benign Reducing Agent
Authors: Ricardo Carolynne L. , Pintauer Tomislav
Published: February 2011

One‐pot sequential reactions involving azide–alkyne [3+2] cycloaddition and atom transfer radical addition (ATRA) catalyzed by [CuII(TPMA)X][X] {X = Br– or Cl–, TPMA = tris(2‐pyridylmethyl)amine} in the presence of ascorbic acid as a reducing agent are reported. Reactions with azidopropyl methacrylate and 1‐(azidomethyl)‐4‐vinylbenzene in the presence of a variety of alkynes [phenylacetylene, (3,4‐difluorophenyl)acetylene, propargyl alcohol, 2‐methyl‐3‐butyn‐2‐ol, methyl propiolate and ethyl propiolate] and alkyl halides (carbon tetrachloride, carbon tetrabromide, ethyl trichloroacetate, methyl trichloroacetate, ethyl dichloroacetate, methyl dichloroacetate, dichloroacetonitrile and 2‐bromopropionitrile) proceeded efficiently to yield highly functionalized (poly)halogenated esters and aryl compounds containing a triazolyl group in the presence of as low as 0.5 mol‐% of the catalyst. It is envisioned that the presented methodology could have further implications in the organic synthesis of functionalized triazoles, which have recently been identified as the lead targets for the screening of potential pharmaceutical drugs.
Electrophilic C12 Building Blocks for Alkaloids: 1,1 Iterative Organoiron‐Mediated Routes to (±)‐Lycoramine and (±)‐Maritidine
Authors: Stephenson G. Richard , Roe Caroline , Sandoe Elizabeth J.
Published: February 2011

Aryllithium reagents generated from protected 6‐bromoguaiacol and 2‐bromo‐4,5‐dimethoxybenzyl alcohol derivatives were used to prepare ortho‐substituted (1‐arylcyclohexadienyl)iron(1+) electrophiles. These were treated with Na+[Me3SiCH2CH2O2CCHCN]– to build aryl‐substituted quaternary centres in new examples of 1,1 iterative {[η4] → [η5]+ → [η4] → [η5]+ → [η4]} reaction sequences, which make use of the electrophilicity of the metal complex in two key carbon–carbon bond‐formation steps. MOM protection of the guaiacol was better than SEM for access to the lycoramine skeleton, and TBDPS was best for maritidine. Decomplexation, hydrolysis, and cyclisation completed formal total syntheses of the Amaryllidaceae alkaloids (±)‐lycoramine and (±)‐marididine, establishing the compatibility of the organoiron method with the presence of ortho substituents on the aryl group, and nucleophile addition ipso to the substituted arene.
An analytical approach to the effect of finite‐sized end reservoirs on electroosmotic transport through narrow confinements
Authors: Pal Debashis , Chakraborty Suman
Published: February 2011

The presence of end reservoirs often alters the electrical potential distributions inside narrow fluidic confinements of electrokinetically actuated miniaturized devices to a significant extent. This paper examines the influence of finite size effect of the end reservoirs on the concerned potential distribution analytically, using the Schwarz–Christoffel conformal mapping. The effective electric field directly acting across the channel is accordingly represented by a calibration curve, which sums up the role of the key geometric parameters (reservoir‐to‐channel height and length ratios) on the potential distribution. The analytical model is further augmented to assess the flow characteristics through the channel. The results indicate that the alterations in the flow characteristics due to alterations in the effective electric field on account of the finite size effects of the end reservoirs can turn out to be significantly more prominent than the corresponding alterations due to the axial pressure gradients induced by the sudden contraction and expansion effects associated with the end reservoirs. The derived results can be further utilized to facilitate the practical design of miniaturized fluidic devices, using conveniently tractable analytical tools.
Boundary conditions control for a shallow‐water model
Authors: Kazantsev Eugene
Published: February 2011

A variational data assimilation technique was used to estimate optimal discretization of interpolation operators and derivatives in the nodes adjacent to the rigid boundary. Assimilation of artificially generated observational data in the shallow‐water model in a square box and assimilation of real observations in the model of the Black sea are discussed. It is shown in both experiments that controlling the discretization of operators near a rigid boundary can bring the model solution closer to observations as in the assimilation window and beyond the window. This type of control also allows to improve climatic variability of the model. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Calbindin‐D28K expression increases in the dorsolateral hippocampus following corticosterone treatment in female zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata)
Authors: Ash Ashley L. , Saldanha Colin J. , Bailey David J.
Published: February 2011

The hippocampus (HP) in zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) is important in the consolidation of spatial memories. Chronic, elevated levels of steroid hormones, like the glucocorticoids, can decrease this type of memory function in birds and mammals; neuronal atrophy, loss, and a decrease in synaptic contacts in the mammalian HP are observed as the underlying cause. Calbindin‐D28k is constitutively expressed in cells of the nervous system but increases in concentration following a neurotoxic insult, protecting neurons against apoptotic cell death. We hypothesized that treatment of female zebra finches with a glucocorticoid (corticosterone) would increase calbindin expression in the HP and the caudomedial nidopallium (NCM), a region important for perceptual (song) memories, relative to “blank” controls. Additionally, because the HP in zebra finches appears similar to that in mammals, based on a variety of structural and functional factors, and as particular regions of the HP in mammals are more vulnerable to glucocorticoid‐induced damage, we also hypothesized that expression of calbindin would vary among the HP subdivisions. Overall levels of calbindin were higher in the HP of corticosterone‐treated birds, due almost entirely to elevated calbindin expression in the dorsolateral subdivision of the HP only. In contrast, the dorsomedial HP, ventral HP, and NCM appear less affected by glucocorticoid exposure. These results suggest a role for glucocorticoids in the modulation of HP‐ but not NCM‐dependent memories as well as a further functional differentiation among the HP subdivisions. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
CD34+ collection efficiency as a function of blood volumes processed in pediatric autologous peripheral blood stem cell collection
Authors: Dubrovsky Leonid , Wong Edward C.C. , Perez‐Albuerne Evelio , Loechelt Brett , Kamani Naynesh , Sande Jane , Mintz Kathy , Paul Wendy , Luban Naomi L.C. , Rood Brian R. , Fry Terry
Published: February 2011

Purpose:

To characterize the relationship between CD34+ collection efficiency and blood volumes processed in pediatric patients undergoing autologous peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) collection.

Methods:

Retrospective 8‐year (2001–2009) study of pediatric patients (n = 79) with neuroblastoma and central nervous system (CNS) tumors undergoing first day of autologous PBSC harvest using MNC program on the COBE Spectra (Caridian BCT, Lakewood, CO) was performed. Patients undergoing 0 to 2.9 BV (standard volume), 3 to 6 BV (large volume), and greater than 6 BV (ultra large volume) harvests were evaluated for CD34+ collection efficiency, diagnosis (neuroblastoma vs. nonneuroblastoma), disease type (primary vs. relapse), mobilization regimen, granulocyte colony stimulating factor (GCSF) dose, and apheresis complications.

Results:

CD34+ collection efficiencies (CE) for neuroblastoma patients were 67%, 50%, and 53% for standard (n = 14), large (n = 9), and ultra large (n = 5) volume harvests, respectively. Similarly, patients with nonneuroblastoma diagnoses had CD34+ CE of 63%, 55%, and 65% for low (n = 19), large (n = 27), and ultra large (n = 5) volume harvests, respectively. Weight, granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G‐CSF) stimulation, type of mobilization, and apheresis complications (normalized by run time) were similar between the standard, large, and ultra large volume groups in patients with either neuroblastoma or nonneuroblastoma diagnoses.

Conclusions:

CD34+ collection efficiency in pediatric autologous PBSC collection on the first day of harvest does not decrease with higher numbers of blood volumes processed in patients with either neuroblastoma or nonneuroblastoma primary disease. These results indirectly indicate bone marrow CD34+ cell mobilization occurs with longer apheresis procedures in pediatric patients. J. Clin. Apheresis, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Towards sustainable land management in the drylands: Scientific connections in monitoring and assessing dryland degradation, climate change and biodiversity
Authors: Cowie A. L. , Penman T. D. , Gorissen L. , Winslow M. D. , Lehmann J. , Tyrrell T. D. , Twomlow S. , Wilkes A. , Lal R. , Jones J. W. , Paulsch A. , Kellner K. , Akhtar‐Schuster M.
Published: February 2011

The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification and its sister conventions, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Convention on Biological Diversity, all aim to halt or mitigate the deterioration of the ecological processes on which life depends. Sustainable land management (SLM) is fundamental to achieving the goals of all three Conventions. Changes in land management undertaken to address dryland degradation and desertification can simultaneously reduce net greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to conservation of biodiversity. Management to protect and enhance terrestrial carbon stocks, both in vegetation and soil, is of central importance to all three conventions. Protection of biodiversity conveys stability and resilience to agro‐ecosystems and increases carbon storage potential of dryland systems. SLM improves livelihoods of communities dependent on the land. Despite these complementarities between the three environmental goals, tradeoffs often arise in their pursuit. The importance of human–environment interactions to the condition of land compels attention to adaptive management. In order to reconcile concerns and agendas at a higher strategic level, identification of synergies, conflicts, trade‐offs, interconnections, feedbacks and spillover effects among multiple objectives, drivers, actions, policies and time horizons are crucial. Once these issues are transparent, coordinated action can be put into place across the three multilateral environmental agreements in the development of strategies and policy measures to support SLM. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of Fluctuation and Segregation in the Rate Acceleration of ATRP Miniemulsion Polymerization
Authors: Tobita Hidetaka
Published: February 2011

In the ATRP and SFRP miniemulsion polymerization, a particle size range may exist in which the polymerization rate is larger than that of the corresponding bulk polymerization. Here, MC simulations are applied to clarify the reason for the acceleration. It is shown that the statistical variation of the trapping agent concentration (fluctuation effect) dominates the acceleration for good living conditions, while the segregation effect is important when the bimolecular termination is significant. Even for the segregation‐dominated conditions, the polymerization rate cannot be predicted accurately without accounting for the fluctuation effect.

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Model‐Based Design for Preparing Styrene/Methyl Methacrylate Structural Gradient Copolymers
Authors: Wang Lin , Broadbelt Linda J.
Published: February 2011

Because of the complexity of monomer sequence formation during polymerization, it is necessary to employ programmed synthesis to prepare copolymers with well‐defined sequences. We introduce a computational tool that can generate recipes to synthesize copolymers with pre‐designed monomer sequences. An efficient design strategy was crafted based on analyzing the impact of varying multiple synthesis factors in forced gradient copolymerization on the targeted properties. Finally, the proposed design tool was applied to generate recipes for several different structural gradient copolymers as case studies. It was shown that a recipe that meets certain targets can be designed in minutes. The recipes that are designed can also be tailored according to different application requirements.

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Background suppression in arterial spin labeling MRI with a separate neck labeling coil
Authors: Shen Qiang , Duong Timothy Q.
Published: February 2011

In arterial spin labeling (ASL) MRI to measure cerebral blood flow (CBF), pair‐wise subtraction of temporally adjacent non‐labeled and labeled images often can not completely cancel the background static tissue signal because of temporally fluctuating physiological noise. While background suppression (BS) by inversion nulling improves CBF temporal stability, imperfect pulses compromise CBF contrast. Conventional BS techniques may not be applicable in small animals because the arterial transit time is short. This study presents a novel approach of BS to overcome these drawbacks using a separate ‘neck’ radiofrequency coil for ASL and a ‘brain’ radiofrequency coil for BS with the inversion pulse placed before spin labeling. The use of a separate ‘neck’ coil for ASL should also improve ASL contrast. This approach is referred to as the inversion‐recovery BS with the two‐coil continuous ASL (IR‐cASL) technique. The temporal and spatial contrast‐to‐noise characteristics of basal CBF and CBF‐based fMRI of hypercapnia and forepaw stimulation in rats at 7 Tesla were analyzed. IR‐cASL yielded two times better temporal stability and 2.0–2.3 times higher functional contrast‐to‐noise ratios for hypercapnia and forepaw stimulation compared with cASL without BS in the same animals. The Bloch equations were modified to provide accurate CBF quantification at different levels of BS and for multislice acquisition where different slices have different degree of BS and residual degree of labeling. Improved basal CBF and CBF‐based fMRI sensitivity should lead to more accurate CBF quantification and should prove useful for imaging low CBF conditions such as in white matter and stroke. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neue Lasertechnologie deckt verborgene Fingerabdrücke auf
Authors: Schulze Matthias , Harris Roy
Published: February 2011

Frühere Artikel haben bereits beschrieben, wie Laser mittels eines Prozesses, bekannt als Fluoreszenz, verborgene Fingerabdrücke sichtbar machen können. Der Laser beleuchtet die Fingerabdrücke, welche ihrerseits Licht in einer anderen Farbe (Wellenlänge) emittieren. Mit einer farbfilternden Schutzbrille kann man dabei sehr effektiv das Streulicht abblocken, um die schwächere Fluoreszenz mit hoher Empfindlichkeit zu beobachten. Jedoch haben bisher die hohen Kosten, der Aufwand, die Größe und das Gewicht der früheren grünen Laser den Einsatz dieser Methode auf einige wenige größere Polizeidirektionen und Laboratorien von kapitalkräftigen Erkennungsdiensten beschränkt. Dies änderte sich drastisch mit der Einführung von bezahlbaren forensischen Einsatzgeräten mit transportablen grünen Lasern auf Basis der OPSL (optically pumped semiconductor laser) — Technologie.
LED Lichtquellen in der Medizin
Authors: Reiter Peter
Published: February 2011

Die LED‐Technologie ist vor allem auf dem Medizinsektor seit Jahren auf dem Vormarsch. Denn im Vergleich zu anderen Lichtquellen können gerade in der Medizintechnik mit Hilfe von LEDs Projekte realisiert werden, die ansonsten nicht bzw. nur aufwändiger und damit kostenintensiver möglich wären.
DLP erobert die Märkte
Authors: Chhabra Arun
Published: February 2011

Krankenhäuser, Sternwarten, Online‐Shops — das sind nicht die klassischen Gebiete der Projektionstechnologie, für die Texas Instruments DLP mittlerweile weltberühmt ist. Vielmehr findet man die DLP‐Chips in Business‐ und PrivatProjektoren, TV‐Geräten und digitalen Kinoprojektoren. Mehr als 20 Millionen DLP‐Chipsets sind derzeit in über 350 verschiedenen Projektor‐Modellen im Umlauf, außerdem sorgen DLP‐Systeme in tausenden von Lichtspielhäusern für extrem helle und hochauflösende Bilder. Das neueste Highlight im DLP‐Portfolio sind die so genannten Pico‐Projektoren, die so klein sind, dass sie in Handys eingebaut werden können. Aktuelle Modelle wurden dieses Jahr bereits auf der CES in Las Vegas und auf dem Mobile World Congress in Barcelona vorgestellt. Weniger bekannt hingegen ist, dass die DLPTechnologie auch innovative Spektroskopie‐Applikationen jenseits herkömmlicher Bildprojektion ermöglicht.
Optical System design
Authors: Thöniss Thomas , Adams Geoff , Gerhard Christoph
Published: February 2011

Optical design is a convenient phrase that covers the whole range of activities required for the creation of an optical system. Optical design usually begins with simple considerations of the spatial envelope of a new lens — finding the object/image distances and sizes, aperture, focal length etc. The designer must then find a suitable starting design, either derived from basic theory, from his experience or from a design library. This start point will need to be analysed and understood and then optimised to match the requirements of the task in hand [1]. Almost always, optimisation involves repeated simultaneous multi—variable adjustments, and this therefore requires sophisticated software tools as following described in this article.
Advancing Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy
Authors: Fabich Markus
Published: February 2011

Surface metrology is rapidly emerging as a vital analytical technique to determine the topology of materials in a broad range of areas from silicon semiconductor manufacture and corrosion analysis, to forensic and even archaeological investigations. Used to identify both design features and artefacts at any stage of research, development and manufacture, this technique requires the use of a microscope able to accurately and repeatedly visualize even the minutest of details. This article reports recent progress in confocal laser scanning microscopy to fulfill those demands of surface metrology.
Verborgenes sichtbar gemacht
Authors: Sackewitz Michael
Published: February 2011

Oft lässt eine visuelle Oberflächenprüfung keine ausreichenden Rückschlüsse auf die Qualität eines Werkstückes zu. Fehlstellen wie Lunker, Poren oder mangelhafte Fügeverbindungen sind äußerlich kaum erkennbar, können sich aber erheblich qualitätsmindernd und sicherheitskritisch auswirken. Hier setzen Inspektionsverfahren an, die im nicht‐sichtbaren Bereich des Wellenlängenspektrums arbeiten und so zerstörungsfrei den Blick in das Materialinnere eröffnen — sie können Verborgenes sichtbar machen.
Kameras für die dritte Dimension
Authors: Ringbeck Thorsten , Profittlich Martin , Schaller Christian
Published: February 2011

Fledermäuse orientieren sich extrem schnell auch in absoluter Dunkelheit. Sie verwenden dazu eine Art Ultraschall Radar, um die Umgebung räumlich wahrzunehmen. Der Photo‐Misch‐Detektor (engl. Photonic Mixer Device, PMD) verwendet dieses Prinzip der Fledermäuse im optischen Bereich — dreidimensionale Szenen werden ohne Rechenaufwand kostengünstig, effizient und mit hoher Geschwindigkeit erfasst.