bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microchip electrophoresis coupled with on‐line magnetic separation and chemiluminescence detection for multiplexed immunoassay
Authors: Huang Yong , Zhao Shulin , Shi Ming , Liu Jinwen , Liang Hong
Published: February 2012

A facile and universal strategy for multiplexed immunoassay is proposed. The strategy is based on microchip electrophoresis (MCE) coupled with on‐line magnetic separation and chemiluminescence (CL) detection. The system consisted of a microchip, an electromagnet, and a photomultiplier. The realization of multiplexed immunoassay protocol involves sampling magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) labeled antibodies, N‐(4‐aminobutyl)‐N‐ethyl‐isoluminol (ABEI) labeled antigens and free antigens in the precolumn reactor, on‐line immunoreaction, capturing the MNPs‐immunocomplexes, and the separation of unconjugated ABEI‐labeled antigens. After on‐line magnetic separation, the free ABEI‐labeled antigens were transported into the separation channel, and mixed with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in the presence of horseradish peroxidase in the postcolumn reactor, and producing CL emission. Using this arrangement, multiple analytes could be measured simultaneously by performing the technical operations for a single assay. As a proof‐of‐concept, the multiplexed immunoassay was evaluated for the simultaneous determination of five model analytes (i.e. hydrocortisone, corticosterone, digoxin, testosterone, and estriol). The results exhibited excellent precision and sensitivity, the relative standard deviations for nine times detection were lower than 4.7% for all the five components, and the detection limits of five analytes were in the range of 3.6–4.9 nM. The MCE system was validated using two human serum‐based control samples containing five analytes.
A Performance Study of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells With BaZr0.1Ce0.7Y0.2O3–δ Electrolyte Developed by Spray‐Modified Pressing Method
Authors: Guan B. , Lü Z. , Wang G. , Wei B. , Li W. , Huang X.
Published: February 2012

Fuel cells with BaZr0.1Ce0.7Y0.2O3–δ (BZCY) proton‐conducting electrolyte is fabricated using spray‐modified pressing method. In the present study the spray‐modified pressing technology is developed to prepare thin electrolyte layers on porous Ni‐BZCY anode supports. SEM data show the BZCY electrolyte film is uniform and dense, well‐bonded with the anode substrate. An anode‐supported fuel cell with BZCY electrolyte and Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3–δ (BSCF) cathode is characterized from 600 to 700 °C using hydrogen as fuel and ambient air as oxidant. Maximum power density of 536 mW cm–2 along with a 1.01 V OCV at 700 °C is obtained. Impedance spectra show that Ohmic resistances contribute minor parts to the total ones, for instance, only ~23% when operating at 600 °C. The results demonstrate that spray‐modified pressing technology offers a simple and effective way to fabricate quality electrolyte film suitable to operate in intermediate temperature.
Life‐threatening cervical spine collapse as a result of postradiation osteonecrosis—case report and review of the literature
Authors: Smith Valerie A. , Lentsch Eric J.
Published: February 2012

Background

Mandibular osteoradionecrosis (ORN) is a well‐known complication of head and neck radiotherapy; however, ORN of the cervical spine is rarely reported.

Methods

Herein, we present a patient with a history of tonsillar carcinoma treated with chemoradiation who developed acute, severe progressive neck pain due to cervical spine collapse as a result of ORN. We also discuss diagnosis and treatment of cervical ORN based on a review of the literature.

Results

The patient was successfully treated with antibiotics and surgical debridement and fixation.

Conclusion

Delayed diagnosis of cervical ORN can result in marked disability and pain due to spinal cord compression, as well as serious deformity and instability requiring surgical intervention, and even death. It is important for otolaryngologists who treat head and neck malignancies to be aware of this potential complication so that patients may be diagnosed as early as possible and treated with conservative measures. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2013
Hyalinizing clear cell adenocarcinoma of the oropharynx
Authors: Adil Eelam , Setabutr Dhave , Mikesell Kael , Goldenberg David
Published: February 2012

Background

Hyalinizing clear cell adenocarcinoma (HCCA) is a rare salivary gland malignancy. To our knowledge, there are no published reports of primary clear cell carcinoma of the vallecula.

Methods

A 59‐year‐old man with progressive dysphagia and otalgia underwent direct laryngoscopy with biopsy of a vallecular mass. The pathology results returned as clear cell adenocarcinoma. He underwent a wide local excision for his T2N0M0 stage II tumor.

Results

Clear cell adenocarcinoma of the oropharynx typically presents as a painless neck mass and it can be difficult to distinguish from other clear cell malignancies.

Conclusion

Immunohistochemical staining is essential for narrowing the differential diagnosis of these lesions. Treatment is controversial but usually consists of wide local excision and possibly a neck dissection. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2012
AlloDerm and DermaMatrix implants for parotidectomy reconstruction: A histologic study in the rat model
Authors: Athavale Sanjay M. , Rangarajan Sanjeet , Dharamsi Latif , Wentz Sabrina , Phillips Sharon , McRackan Theodore , Yarbrough Wendell G.
Published: February 2012

Background

We analyzed tissue incorporation, immune response, and neovascularization of AlloDerm and DermaMatrix in a rat model of postparotidectomy reconstruction.

Methods

In 8 male Sprague–Dawley rats, 3‐dimensionally folded AlloDerm implants were placed in the left postparotidectomy bed and 3 in the anterior dorsum as controls. The same was done for DermaMatrix on the right side and posterior dorsum. Two animals were euthanized at 4, 8, and 12 days. A blinded pathologist assessed the degree of fibroblast proliferation, neovascularization, and inflammation.

Results

When compared with the dorsum, DermaMatrix implants in the parotid bed had significantly higher numbers of inflammatory cells at 8 and 12 days (p = .049 and .0046). AlloDerm acted more consistently between the postparotidectomy bed and dorsum.

Conclusions

AlloDerm reacts similarly when comparing the postparotidectomy bed to the dorsum. DermaMatrix induces a more marked inflammatory reaction in the postparotidectomy bed when compared with the dorsum. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2013
Mediastinal goiter presenting with ventricular tachycardia
Authors: Gilbert Kevin C. , Dhiwakar Muthuswamy , Stevens William S. , Robbins K. Thomas
Published: February 2012

Background

We report a rare case of a mediastinal goiter confined to the thoracic inlet and cavity presenting with ventricular tachycardia as the sole clinical manifestation.

Methods and Results

The patient did not have any of the typical features of a mediastinal goiter such as neck swelling, dysphagia, or respiratory difficulty, but instead had spontaneous onset of wide‐complex tachycardia requiring emergency treatment. This atypical presentation led to initial misinterpretation of imaging studies and delayed diagnosis of the mediastinal mass. The large, completely intrathoracic thyroid goiter abutted the cardiac muscle and required a combined transcervical and median sternotomy approach for removal. The arrhythmia resolved postoperatively.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this case represents the first documented presentation of ventricular tachycardia as a unique and sole feature of mediastinal goiter. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2012
Health care system performance of 27 OECD countries
Authors: Tchouaket Éric N. , Lamarche Paul A. , Goulet Lise , Contandriopoulos André Pierre
Published: February 2012

The article is based on a multidimensional conception of healthcare system performance. Our objectives are to assess the performance of the healthcare systems of 27 Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development (OECD) countries and to discern the countries' profiles according to the homogeneity of their healthcare systems' levels of performance. The analyses were carried out on data collected from the 27 high‐income OECD countries, primarily using the OECD Health Data 2007 database, the World Health Organization 2008 statistics, OECD Health at a Glance and OECD Social Indicators. Each healthcare system's performance was assessed on the basis of the volume of available resources, services produced and health outcomes achieved and efficiency, effectiveness and productivity, thus characterizing the investments made in proportion to the available resources and services produced. Overall performance profiles were constructed taking into account simultaneously the level of all these components. Using multiple clusters analysis, we were able to group the countries into four profiles (satisfactory, promising, weak‐polarized and limited) according to the homogeneity of their performance levels. This article offers a broad overview of the performance of these healthcare systems. The results will enable decision‐makers to know the strengths and weaknesses of their own health care system and also to compare it with those of other countries. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Isovolemic hemodilution–red cell exchange for prevention of cerebrovascular accident in sickle cell anemia: The standard operating procedure
Authors: Matevosyan Karén , Anderson Christina , Sarode Ravi
Published: February 2012

Red blood cell exchange is an accepted superior therapy to simple chronic transfusion, due to minimal risk of iron overload, for secondary prevention of cerebrovascular accidents in selected patients with sickle cell anemia. Recently, we described our experience of Isovolemic Hemodilution–Red Blood Cell Exchange (IHD‐RBCx), a two‐step modification of the conventional RBCx with several advantages, including cost reduction. We are describing our standard operating procedure for IHD‐RBCx with COBE Spectra apheresis system to make it widely available to the apheresis centers interested in implementing this procedure. J. Clin. Apheresis, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The effective use of plerixafor as a real‐time rescue strategy for patients poorly mobilizing autologous CD34+ cells
Authors: Gopal Ajay K. , Karami Mehdi , Mayor JoAl , Macebeo Mylene , Linenberger Michael , Bensinger William I. , Holmberg Leona
Published: February 2012

Plerixafor enhances CD34+ cell mobilization, however, its optimal use is unknown. We hypothesized that plerixafor could “rescue” patients in the midst of mobilization when factors indicated a poor CD34+ yield. Of 295 consecutive autologous peripheral blood mobilization attempts at our center, 39 (13%) used plerixafor as rescue strategy due to a CD34+ cell concentration <10/μl (median 5.95/μl, n = 30), low CD34+ cell yield from prior apheresis day (median 1.06 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg, n = 7), or other (n = 2). Patients received a median of one plerixafor dose (range: 1–4). Thirty‐four (87%) collected =2 × 10 6 CD34+ cells/kg and 26 (67%) collected =4 × 10 6 CD34+ cells/kg. Median collections for lymphoma (n = 24) and myeloma (n = 15) patients were 4.1 × 106 and 8.3 × 106 CD34/kg, respectively. A single dose of plerixafor was associated with an increase in the mean peripheral blood CD34+ concentration of 17.2 cells/μl (P < 0.001) and mean increased CD34+ cell yield following a single apheresis of 5.11 × 106/kg (P < 0.03). A real‐time rescue use of plerixafor is feasible and may allow targeted use of this agent. J. Clin. Apheresis, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Current status of additive solutions for platelets
Authors: Alhumaidan Hiba , Sweeney Joseph
Published: February 2012

The storage of platelets in additive solution (PAS) had lagged behind red cell concentrates, especially in North America. The partial or complete removal of anticoagulated plasma and storage of platelet concentrates in AS presents many advantages. The PAS can be formulated to optimize aerobic metabolism or decrease platelet activation, thus abrogating the platelet storage lesion and potentially improving in vivo viability. Plasma removal has been shown to reduce allergic reactions and the plasma harvested could contribute to the available plasma pool for transfusion or fractionation. PAS coupled to pathogen reduction technology results in a platelet product of equivalent hemostatic efficacy to conventionally stored platelets. Given the above, the likely future direction of platelet storage will be in new generation designer PAS with an extended shelf life and a superior safety profile to plasma stored platelets. J. Clin. Apheresis, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Structural Approach to Bias in Meta‐analyses
Authors: Shrier Ian
Published: February 2012

Methods to calculate bias‐adjusted estimates for meta‐analyses are becoming more popular. The objective of this paper is to use the structural approach to bias and causal diagrams to show that (i) the current use of the bias‐adjusted estimating tools may sometimes introduce bias rather than reduce it and (ii) the Cochrane collaboration risk of bias tool, which was designed for randomized studies, is also applicable to non‐randomized studies with only minimal changes. Causal diagrams are used to illustrate each of the items in the current risk of bias tool and how they apply to both randomized and non‐randomized studies. With the exception of confounding by indication, the structure of all potential biases present in non‐randomized studies may also be present in randomized studies. In addition, causal diagrams demonstrate important limitations to the methods currently being developed to provide bias‐adjusted estimates of individual studies in meta‐analyses. Finally, causal diagrams can be helpful in deciding when it is appropriate to combine studies in a meta‐analysis of non‐randomized studies even though the studies may use different adjustment sets. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of nonionic micellar aggregates on the electron transfer reaction between l‐glutamic acid and gold(III) complexes
Authors: Sen Pratik K. , Gani Nasimul , Midya Jayanta K. , Pal Biswajit
Published: February 2012

The effect of nonionic micelles of Triton X‐100 on the oxidative decarboxylation of l‐glutamic acid by chloroaurate(III) complexes has been investigated in acetate buffer medium. The reaction is first order with respect to Au(III), but a complex order with respect to glutamate. H+ ion has both accelerating and retarding effects in the pH range 3.72–4.80, whereas a Cl− ion has an inhibiting effect in the range 0.02–0.56 mol dm−3. Under the experimental conditions, AuCl−4 and AuCl3(OH)− are the predominant and effective oxidizing species, whereas the zwitterion (H2A) and mononegative anion (HA−) are the predominant reducing species of the amino acid. The reaction involves a one‐step two‐electron transfer process and passes through the intermediate formation of iminic cation. In the presence of surfactant, the reaction passes through a maximum and it appears to follow Berezin's model, where both the oxidant and the substrate are partitioned between the aqueous and the micellar phase and then react. The binding constants between the reactants and the surfactant have been evaluated at different temperatures. Compensation between substrate–water interaction and substrate–micelle interaction plays an important role in such redox reactions in the presence of a surfactant. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 44: 482–493, 2012
A functional variation in the hypocretin neuropeptide precursor gene may be associated with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in Japan
Authors: Ahmed Wael A. , Tsutsumi Makiko , Nakata Seiichi , Mori Terumi , Nishimura Yoichi , Fujisawa Toshiyuki , Kato Ichiro , Nakashima Mayuki , Kurahashi Hiroki , Suzuki Kenji
Published: February 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To evaluate the association of hypocretin neuropeptide precursor gene (HCRT) variations with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in a cohort of Japanese patients and to further evaluate whether the significant HCRT variations have potential functional consequences on HCRT expression.

Study Design:

Case‐control genetic association study.

Methods:

We studied the genetic variations within the HCRT gene. The study population consisted of 100 OSAS patients and 100 control subjects. The HCRT gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction in all study subjects followed by direct sequencing and analysis of sequencing data.

Results:

Two genetic variations within the HCRT intron, IVS1+16T>C (rs9902709) and IVS1−69G>C, were identified with significant differences between patients and controls (P < .05). A reporter gene assay using HeLa cells showed that the construct containing the C allele of the rs9902709 variation had significantly higher luciferase activity compared with the construct containing the T allele (P = .002). Furthermore, enzyme immunoassay revealed that subjects with T/C and C/C genotypes for rs9902709 had 1.4‐fold and 1.5‐fold increases in sera levels of orexin‐A, respectively.

Conclusions:

Our genetic association study, followed by functional and quantitative phenotyping assays, demonstrated a functional locus within the HCRT gene, which may act to increase HCRT expression and lead to a protective effect against the development of OSAS. Laryngoscope, 2012
Radiofrequency volumetric tissue reduction of the inferior turbinate in a sheep model
Authors: Kakarala Kiran , Faquin William C. , Cunningham Michael J.
Published: February 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To validate the sheep model for endoscopic nasal surgery, and to utilize this model to compare the immediate and early postoperative histopathologic effects of four electrosurgical turbinate reduction techniques.

Study Design:

Pilot comparative study of electrosurgical devices for inferior turbinate reduction using a sheep model.

Methods:

Three radiofrequency devices (one monopolar and two bipolar) were compared to monopolar electrosurgery in a sheep model of inferior turbinate reduction. Procedures were performed according to device manufacturer guidelines using standard endoscopic instruments. Normative acoustic rhinometry data were obtained for the sheep model. Histopathologic analysis of turbinate specimens was performed at postoperative day 0 and 21.

Results:

Turbinate reduction was performed on seven sheep, one procedure on each side, yielding 14 turbinate specimens. Acoustic rhinometry was validated in the sheep model and demonstrated increased nasal volumes following decongestion and turbinate reduction. Submucosal destruction of glands and venous sinusoids and replacement with fibrosis were demonstrated as a common mechanism of action for all four electrosurgical devices. Epithelial disruption was seen with all devices on postoperative day 0. Squamous metaplasia and normal respiratory epithelial regeneration were documented variably between devices at postoperative day 21.

Conclusions:

The sheep model is useful for study of both the anatomic and histopathologic effects of endonasal procedures. Standard endoscopic instruments and acoustic rhinometry can be used in this model with reproducible results. In this pilot animal study, radiofrequency devices for inferior turbinate reduction demonstrated greater preservation of normal nasal mucosal respiratory epithelium when compared to monopolar electrosurgery. Laryngoscope, 2012
Topical corticosteroids applied with a squirt system are more effective than a nasal spray for steroid‐dependent olfactory impairment
Authors: Shu Chih‐Hung , Lee Po‐Lei , Shiao An‐Suey , Chen Kee‐Tak , Lan Ming‐Ying
Published: February 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Oral corticosteroids may restore conductive olfactory dysfunction that has been defined as steroid‐dependent olfactory loss, but the effect may be temporary. This study was designed to evaluate whether applying topical corticosteroids with a squirt system was more effective than using a nasal spray to maintain olfactory improvement following oral corticosteroids.

Study Design:

Prospective randomized trial enrolling 32 patients.

Methods:

Patients were enrolled if they had suffered from olfactory dysfunction for more than 3 months, and if their composite scores of odor threshold, discrimination, and identification scores in Sniffin' Sticks olfactory tests increased by more than six points after 1 week of oral corticosteroid treatment. A total of 32 patients were enrolled and randomized into two groups. All patients were treated with topical corticosteroids for 2 months using either the spray or squirt system, respectively.

Results:

Both measured and self‐rated olfactory functions after 1 and 2 months of topical corticosteroid treatment were better in the squirt group than in the spray group. However, 2 months of topical corticosteroid treatment with the squirt system only partially maintained olfactory improvement.

Conclusions:

The application of topical corticosteroids with a squirt system was more effective than with a spray in maintaining olfactory improvement with oral corticosteroid treatment. Nevertheless, it only partially maintained the improvement so that topical corticosteroid treatment using a squirt system needs to be combined with intervals of short‐term oral corticosteroids to treat steroid‐dependent olfactory loss while avoiding the side effects of long‐term oral corticosteroid use. Laryngoscope, 2012
Can fractional lasers enhance transdermal absorption of topical lidocaine in an in vivo animal model?
Authors: Oni Georgette , Brown Spencer A. , Kenkel Jeffrey M.
Published: February 2012

Background and Objective

It has been shown in vitro that pretreatment of skin with fractional lasers enhances transdermal delivery of drugs. The aim of this study is to demonstrate in vivo firstly that laser enhances transdermal drug absorption and secondly that this can be manipulated by altering laser settings.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Four pigs were used in the IACUC approved animal study. On day 0, 5 g of 4% topical lidocaine was applied under occlusion for 60 minutes to a 400 cm2 area on the abdomen. Blood was drawn at 0, 60, 90, 120, 180, and 240 minutes. On day 7, the Er:YAG laser was used at 500, 250, 50, and 25 µm ablative depth, respectively, over a 400 cm2 area on the abdomen. Five grams of 4% topical lidocaine was applied immediately with occlusion for 60 minutes, and then removed. Blood was drawn at 0, 60, 90, 120, 180, and 240 minutes. The serum was extracted and analyzed for lidocaine and its metabolite monoethylglycinexylidide (MEGX).

Results

Serum levels of lidocaine and MEGX were undetectable in untreated skin. Following laser treatment both lidocaine and MEGX were detectable. Peak levels of lidocaine were significantly higher (P = 0.0002) at 250 µm (0.62 mg/L), compared to 500 µm (0.45 mg/L), 50 µm (0.48 mg/L), and 25 µm (0.3 mg/L). Peak levels of MEGX were significantly higher (P ≤ 0.0001) at 250 µm (0.048 mg/L), compared to 500 µm (0.018 mg/L), 50 µm (0.036 mg/L), and 25 µm (0.0144 mg/L).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that laser pretreatment significantly increases absorption of topical lidocaine so that it is detectable in the blood and that manipulating laser settings can affect drug absorption. Future work will look at translating this effect into clinical benefit. Lasers Surg. Med. 44:168–174, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Immunohistochemistry of angiogenesis mediators before and after pulsed dye laser treatment of angiomas
Authors: Laquer Vivian T. , Dao Belinda M. , Pavlis Janelle M. , Nguyen Amy N. , Chen Tina S. , Harris Ronald M. , Rugg Elizabeth L. , Kelly Kristen M.
Published: February 2012

Background and Objective

Tissue effects of vascular lesion laser treatment are incompletely understood. Injury caused by pulsed dye laser (PDL) treatment may result in altered expression of mediators associated with angiogenesis.

Materials and Methods

Eight human subjects had one angioma treated with PDL (7 mm, 1.5 millisecond pulse duration, 9 J/cm2, cryogen spray cooling of 30 millisecond with a 30 millisecond delay). One week later, three biopsies were taken: normal skin, untreated angioma, angioma post‐PDL. Tissue was frozen and sections processed for immunohistochemistry staining of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP‐9), and angiopoietin 2 (ANG‐2). Images were graded in a blinded fashion by a board certified dermatopathologist.

Results

There were no clear trends in VEGF expression in the epidermis, dermis, or endothelial cells. As compared to normal skin, angiomas demonstrated the following: bFGF was decreased in the epidermis; MMP‐9 was decreased or unchanged in the epidermis and increased in the endothelial cells; ANG‐2 was increased in the endothelial cells. When comparing normal skin to angiomas + PDL, bFGF was decreased in the epidermis and increased in the dermis; MMP‐9 was decreased or unchanged in the epidermis; ANG‐2 was again increased in the endothelial cells. Comparison of staining in angioma to angioma + PDL samples revealed increased dermal bFGF expression.

Conclusion

Alterations in angiogenesis mediators were noted after PDL. Angiogenesis mediator changes associated with PDL treatment differed from those previously reported for incisional biopsies. This pilot study can guide future work on laser‐induced alterations in vascular lesions and such information may ultimately be used to optimize treatment outcomes. Lasers Surg. Med. 44:205–210, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Early viral load and recipient interleukin-28B rs12979860 genotype are predictors of the progression of hepatitis C after liver transplantation
Authors: Graziadei Ivo W. , Zoller Heinz M. , Schloegl Anna , Nachbaur Karin , Pfeiffer Karl-Peter , Mark Walter , Mikuz Gregor , Pratschke Johann , Margreiter Raimund , Vogel Wolfgang
Published: February 2012

There have been few detailed studies of viral kinetics after liver transplantation (LT), and conflicting data have been reported on viral loads and the severity of recurrent hepatitis C virus (HCV) disease. This long-term study aimed to examine (1) the impact of HCV RNA levels at specific points in time within the first year and (2) the influence of interleukin-28B (IL-28B) genotypes on patient outcomes and the severity of recurrent HCV disease. The viral loads were measured 2, 4, 12, 24, and 48 weeks after LT, and the recipient/donor IL-28B genotypes of 164 patients were determined. A Cox regression analysis showed that the viral load at week 2 was an independent negative predictor of recipient outcomes. A week 2 viral load ≥ 6.0 log10 IU/mL was significantly associated with reduced patient survival. After a mean follow-up of 6.5 years, 21 of 164 patients (12.8%) developed a cholestatic type of HCV recurrence and/or rapidly progressed to cirrhosis within 1 year. A multivariate binary regression analysis showed that HCV viremia at week 2 and a non-C/C recipient IL-28B genotype were independent risk factors for cholestatic recurrent HCV. No predictive factors could be found for the occurrence of recurrent liver cirrhosis 5 and 10 years after LT. Our study shows that the HCV RNA level at week 2 and the recipient IL-28B genotype are independent, statistically significant risk factors for post-LT cholestatic HCV, and it emphasizes the importance of viral load monitoring and IL-28B genotyping for identifying HCV recipients at risk for severe HCV recurrence.
“Ermutigung brauchten wir beide nicht”
Authors: Zbikowski Frauke
Published: February 2012

Marek Checinski und Alexander Kulesza sind theoretische Chemiker. Aus ihrem Wissen über die Dichtefunktionaltheorie haben sie eine Dienstleistung gemacht und berechnen für Industriekunden die Eigenschaften von Katalysatoren und die Verläufe katalytischer Prozesse.
Vom energetischen Imperativ zur nachhaltigen Chemie
Authors: Reschetilowski Wladimir
Published: February 2012

Dass der Mensch durch seine produktive Tätigkeit maßlos Güter anhäuft und so Gefahr läuft, bei einer Übernutzung der natürlichen Ressourcen sich selbst seiner Lebensgrundlage zu entziehen, befürchtete schon Wilhelm Ostwald vor 100 Jahren. Seine Antwort darauf ist heute noch immer aktuell: “Vergeude keine Energie, verwerte sie!”
Analytik in der Industrie
Authors: Sippel Ann‐Kathrin
Published: February 2012

Die erste Frühjahrsschule industrielle Analytik gab Studenten höherer Semester einen Einblick in die analytische Chemie, wie sie die chemische und pharmazeutische Industrie einsetzt. Den theoretischen Teil ergänzte ein Industriepraktikum.
Two methods for pore network of porous media
Authors: Gao Shengyan , Meegoda Jay N. , Hu Liming
Published: February 2012

Two approaches of generating pore networks of porous media are presented to capture the pore fabric. The first methodology extracted pore structure from a computer simulated packing of spheres. The modified Delaunay tessellation was used to describe the porous media, and modified Nelder–Mead method in conjunction with three pore‐merging algorithms was used to generate the pore size and coordination number distributions of the randomly packed spheres. The Biconical Abscissa Asymmetric CONcentric bond was used to describe the connection between two adjacent voids. This algorithm was validated by predicting pore structure of a cubic array of spheres of equal radius with known pore sizes, throat sizes and coordination number distributions. The predicted distributions of pore structure agreed well with the measured. Then, the algorithm was used to predict pore structure and permeability of randomly packed spherical particles, and predicted permeability values were compared with published experimental data. The results showed that the predicted permeability values were in good agreement with those measured, confirming the proposed algorithm can capture the main flow paths of packed beds. The second methodology generated an equivalent pore network of porous media, of which the centers of voids were located in a regular lattice with constant pore center distance. However, this network allowed for matching both main geometrical and topological characteristics of the porous media. A comparison of the two approaches suggested that the second approach can also be used as a predictive tool to quantitatively study the microscopic properties of flow through porous media. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
SERK2v2: A new second‐order stabilized explicit Runge‐Kutta method for stiff problems
Authors: Kleefeld B. , Martín‐Vaquero J.
Published: February 2012

Traditionally, explicit numerical algorithms have not been used with stiff ordinary differential equations (ODEs) due to their stability. Implicit schemes are usually very expensive when used to solve systems of ODEs with very large dimension. Stabilized Runge‐Kutta methods (also called Runge–Kutta–Chebyshev methods) were proposed to try to avoid these difficulties. The Runge–Kutta methods are explicit methods with extended stability domains, usually along the negative real axis. They can easily be applied to large problem classes with low memory demand, they do not require algebra routines or the solution of large and complicated systems of nonlinear equations, and they are especially suited for discretizations using the method of lines of two and three dimensional parabolic partial differential equations. In Martín‐Vaquero and Janssen [Comput Phys Commun 180 (2009), 1802–1810], we showed that previous codes based on stabilized Runge–Kutta algorithms have some difficulties in solving problems with very large eigenvalues and we derived a new code, SERK2, based on sixth‐order polynomials. Here, we develop a new method based on second‐order polynomials with up to 250 stages and good stability properties. These methods are efficient numerical integrators of very stiff ODEs. Numerical experiments with both smooth and nonsmooth data support the efficiency and accuracy of the new algorithms when compared to other well‐known second‐order methods such as RKC and ROCK2. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 2013
The Impact of Federal Preemption of State Antipredatory Lending Laws on the Foreclosure Crisis
Authors: Ding Lei , Quercia Roberto G. , Reid Carolina K. , White Alan M.
Published: February 2012

State antipredatory lending laws (APLs) are designed to protect borrowers against predatory lending that can increase the risk of default and deplete the home equity held by borrowers. Federal regulators instituted preemption that limited the scope and reach of state antipredatory lending regulations for certain lenders. Based on the variation in state laws and the variation in the regulatory environment among lenders, this paper identifies the effects of federal preemption of state APLs on the quality of mortgages originated by preempted lenders. The results provide evidence of a relatively higher increase in default risk among loans exempted from strong state antipredatory laws. These results are most robust among refinance mortgages with adjustable interest rates—a large and highly dynamic market in the period of analysis. The findings provide initial evidence that preemption of state mortgage lending regulations may result in an increase in mortgage default risk, thus limiting consumer protection in the residential mortgage market.
An osteosarcoma zebrafish model implicates Mmp‐19 and Ets‐1 as well as reduced host immune response in angiogenesis and migration
Authors: Mohseny Alexander B , Xiao Wei , Carvalho Ralph , Spaink Herman P , Hogendoorn Pancras CW , Cleton‐Jansen Anne‐Marie
Published: February 2012

About 40% of osteosarcoma patients die of metastases. Novel strategies to improve treatment of metastatic patients require a better understanding of the processes involved, like angiogenesis, migration, and the immune response. However, the rarity of osteosarcoma and its heterogeneity make this neoplasm difficult to study. Recently we reported malignant transformation of mouse mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) which formed osteosarcoma upon transplantation into mice. Here we studied these cells in zebrafish embryos and found that transformed MSCs induced angiogenesis and migrated through the bodies of the embryos, but this was never observed with non‐transformed normal MSCs (progenitors of the transformed MSCs). Whole genome expression analysis of both the cells and the host showed that angiogenesis and migration‐related genes matrix metalloproteinase 19 (Mmp‐19) and erythroblastosis virus E26 oncogene homologue 1 (Ets‐1) were overexpressed in transformed MSCs compared to normal MSCs. Investigating the host response, embryos injected with transformed MSCs showed decreased expression of immune response‐related genes, especially major histocompatibility complex class 1 (mhc1ze), as compared to embryos injected with normal MSCs. These findings contribute to the identification of genetic events involved in angiogenesis, migration, and host response providing targets as well as an appropriate model for high‐throughput drug screens. Copyright © 2012 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Variable response to propranolol treatment of kaposiform hemangioendothelioma, tufted angioma, and Kasabach–Merritt phenomenon
Authors: Chiu Yvonne E. , Drolet Beth A. , Blei Francine , Carcao Manuel , Fangusaro Jason , Kelly Michael E. , Krol Alfons , Lofgren Sabra , Mancini Anthony J. , Metry Denise W. , Recht Michael , Silverman Robert A. , Tom Wynnis L. , Pope Elena
Published: February 2012

Propranolol is a non‐selective beta‐adrenergic antagonist successfully used in a case of kaposiform hemangioendothelioma (KHE) associated with Kasabach–Merritt phenomenon (KMP). We report 11 patients treated with propranolol for KHE and the related variant tufted angioma (TA), six of whom also had KMP. The varied responses to treatment, with only 36% responding in our series, demonstrate the need for further study of this medication before routine use for these indications. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 59: 934–938. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Retracted: Direct to consumer Internet advertising of statins: an assessment of safety
Authors: Williams Bethan , Brown David
Published: February 2012

The following article from Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety, “Direct to consumer Internet advertising of statins: an assessment of safety”, by Bethan Williams and David Brown, published online on 2nd February 2012 on Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com) and in Volume 21, Issue 4, pages 352–365, April 2012, has been retracted by agreement between the authors, the journal Editor‐in‐Chief, and John Wiley & Sons Ltd. The retraction has been agreed due to the inability to verify the accuracy of the data in Appendix 1.
Ionomer‐based polyurethanes: a comparative study of properties and applications
Authors: Jaudouin Olivier , Robin Jean‐Jacques , Lopez‐Cuesta José‐Marie , Perrin Didier , Imbert Claire
Published: February 2012

Polyurethanes cover a large range of materials exhibiting various physical and mechanical properties making them useful in different applications such as elastomers or biomaterials, for instance. The introduction of ionic groups in the polyurethane backbone opens the way to new applications where the ionic groups can act as physical crosslinkers that greatly modify the final mechanical and thermal properties of the materials. Furthermore, the hydrophilicity of the chains can be enhanced by the presence of the ionic species, and so the materials can be processed as conventional dispersions even in a polar solvent such as water. As a consequence the applications are numerous; the main commercial outlets are focused on coatings and textiles industries where they can be used as waterproof coatings or substitutes for leather. But these materials can also be used in high‐tech industries for shape memory materials, biomedical devices and biocompatible materials. This review summarizes the latest developments of this class of promising materials and provides the reader with the potentialities of these polymers in various areas.
Crystalline thin‐foil silicon solar cells: where crystalline quality meets thin‐film processing
Authors: Dross Frederic , Baert Kris , Bearda Twan , Deckers Jan , Depauw Valerie , El Daif Ounsi , Gordon Ivan , Gougam Adel , Govaerts Jonathan , Granata Stefano , Labie Riet , Loozen Xavier , Martini Roberto , Masolin Alex , O'Sullivan Barry , Qiu Yu , Vaes Jan , Van Gestel Dries , Van Hoeymissen Jan , Vanleenhove Anja , Van Nieuwenhuysen Kris , Venkatachalam Srisaran , Meuris Marc , Poortmans Jef
Published: February 2012

Crystalline Si (c‐Si) technology is dominating the photovoltaics market. These modules are nonetheless still relatively expensive, in particular because of the costly silicon wafers, which require large thickness mostly to ease handling. Thin‐film technologies, on the other hand, use much less active material, exhibit a much lower production cost per unit area, but achieve an efficiency still limited on module level, which increases the total system costs. A meet‐in‐the‐middle is possible and is the object of this paper. The development of c‐Si thin‐foil modules is presented: first, the fabrication of the active material on a glass module and then the processing of the Si foils into solar cells, directly on module level. The activity of IMEC in this area is put into perspective with regard to worldwide research results. It appears that great opportunities are offered to this cell concept, although some challenges still need to be tackled before cost‐effective and reliable industrial production can be launched. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Losses produced by soiling in the incoming radiation to photovoltaic modules
Authors: Zorrilla‐Casanova José , Piliougine Michel , Carretero Jesús , Bernaola‐Galván Pedro , Carpena Pedro , Mora‐López Llanos , Sidrach‐de‐Cardona Mariano
Published: February 2012

The accumulation of dust on the surface of a photovoltaic module decreases the radiation reaching the solar cell and produces losses in the generated power. Dust not only reduces the incoming radiation on the solar cell but also changes the dependence on the angle of incidence of such radiation. This work presents the results of a study carried out at the University of Malaga to quantify radiation losses caused by soiling on the surface of photovoltaic modules. Our results show that the mean of the daily irradiation losses in a year caused by dust deposited on the surface of a photovoltaic module is around 4%. After long periods without rain, daily irradiation losses can be higher than 20%. In addition, the irradiance losses are not constant throughout the day, and they are strongly dependent on the angle of incidence and the ratio between diffuse and direct radiations. The irradiance losses as a function of solar time are symmetric with respect to noon, where they reach the minimum value. We also propose a simple theoretical model that describes the qualitative behaviour of the irradiance losses during the day. This model takes into account the percentage of dirty surface and the diffuse/direct irradiance ratio. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multi‐dimensional modeling of solar cells with electromagnetic and carrier transport calculations
Authors: Li Xiaofeng , Hylton Nicholas P. , Giannini Vincenzo , Lee Kan‐Hua , Ekins‐Daukes Ned J. , Maier Stefan A.
Published: February 2012

We present a multi‐dimensional model for comprehensive simulations of solar cells (SCs), considering both electromagnetic and electronic properties. Typical homojunction and heterojunction gallium arsenide SCs were simulated in different spatial dimensions. When considering one‐dimensional problems, the model performs carrier transport calculations following a Beer–Lambert optical absorption approximation. We show that the results of such simulations exhibit excellent agreement with the standard PC1D one‐dimensional photovoltaic simulation. Photonic and plasmonic attempts to enhance SC efficiency demand comprehensive electromagnetic calculations to be undertaken in order to acquire accurate carrier generation profiles in two and three‐dimensional systems. Our model provides complete spectral and spatial information of typical optical and electronic behavior. Furthermore, our approach permits the detailed investigation of complex systems, including plasmonic SCs, which cannot be simulated using low‐dimensional modeling tools. We present the results of numerical simulations of an optically thin plasmonic gallium arsenide SC and observe improved device performance arising from the application of plasmonic nanostructures, which agree well with previous experimental findings. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nanospace preparation by crosslinking helical syndiotactic‐poly(methacrylic acid) in acetonitrile/water after stereocomplexation
Authors: Ajiro Hiroharu , Maegawa Masumi , Akashi Mitsuru
Published: February 2012

Various molecular weights of isotactic (it‐)‐poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and syndiotactic (st‐)‐poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA) were used to form an it‐PMMA/st‐PMAA (1/2) stereocomplex in acetonitrile/water as a suspension. The stereocomplex was tentatively crosslinked with 1,11‐diamino‐3‐6‐9‐trioxaundecane and water soluble carbodiimide at 10, 20, and 40 mol % concentrations versus MAA unit. The it‐PMMA was extracted from the crosslinked stereocomplex under alkaline conditions, and the successive re‐incorporation of the it‐PMMA was carried out. During the extraction and re‐incorporation processes, the FTIR/ATR spectra showed the absence and generation of a peak at 860 cm−1, respectively, which was characteristic of this stereocomplex. The result of the XRD analysis also corresponded with the extraction and re‐incorporation behavior of it‐PMMA; peaks were observed at 2θ = 12 and 15°, d = 0.74 and 0.59 nm, respectively. This study showed that the nanospaces of helical st‐PMAA were available in acetonitrile/water in a suspended state using a crosslinking approach. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Control of helical chirality of poly(quinoxaline‐2,3‐diyl)s based on postpolymerization modification of the terminal group by small chiral molecules
Authors: Nagata Yuuya , Ohashi Satoru , Suginome Michinori
Published: February 2012

Poly(quinoxaline‐2,3‐diyl)s having a terminal formyl or boronyl group were prepared by living polymerization of 1,2‐diisocyanobenzenes using organopalladium initiators bearing a protected formyl or boronyl group. Poly(quinoxaline‐2,3‐diyl)s were successfully deracemized by reacting them with small optically active molecules at their terminal formyl or boronyl group, leading to the induction of optically active helical structures. Poly(quinoxaline‐2,3‐diyl) having terminal formyl groups was converted to one‐handed helical polymer, in which the screw‐sense excess was 68% (84:16). The helix sense of the boronyl‐terminated poly(quinoxaline‐2,3‐diyl) was reversibly controlled by attaching and removing the chiral group. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Reduction of current collapse in the multi‐mesa‐channel AlGaN/GaN HEMT
Authors: Ohi Kota , Hashizume Tamotsu
Published: February 2012

Transport properties and off‐stress‐induced current collapse characteristics of the multi‐mesa‐channel (MMC) AlGaN/GaN HEMTs were investigated. The surrounding field effect in the MMC structure led to a shallower threshold voltage and a smaller subthreshold slope compared to those of the conventional planar HEMT. After applying off‐state bias stress, the planar HEMT showed remarkable current collapse, including significant increase in on‐resistance increasing the drain stress bias. On the other hand, for the MMC HEMT, we observed less change in on‐resistance (RON) even after the application of high drain bias stress. This shows that the MMC structure has resistance to the off‐stress‐induced current collapse. In the case of a mesa‐top width (Wtop) of less than 100 nm, the channel resistance of the MMC HEMT is estimated to be about one order of magnitude higher than the increase in access resistance induced by the off‐state stress. It is thus likely that the operation of the MMC HEMT is rather insensitive to change in access resistance. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Evaluating raw ensembles with the continuous ranked probability score
Authors: Bröcker Jochen
Published: February 2012

The continuous ranked probability score (CRPS) is a frequently used scoring rule. In contrast with many other scoring rules, the CRPS evaluates cumulative distribution functions. An ensemble of forecasts can easily be converted into a piecewise constant cumulative distribution function with steps at the ensemble members. This renders the CRPS a convenient scoring rule for the evaluation of ‘raw’ ensembles, obviating the need for sophisticated ensemble model output statistics or dressing methods prior to evaluation. In this article, a relation between the CRPS score and the quantile score is established. The evaluation of ‘raw’ ensembles using the CRPS is discussed in this light. It is shown that latent in this evaluation is an interpretation of the ensemble as quantiles but with non‐uniform levels. This needs to be taken into account if the ensemble is evaluated further, for example with rank histograms. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society