bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adsorptive removal of uranium from water by sulfonated phenol–formaldehyde resin
Authors: Atun Gülten , Ortaboy Sinem
Published: August 2009

Adsorption characteristics of a sulfonated phenol‐formaldehyde resin (SPR) have been studied for U removal from aqueous solution by means of batch method. Adsorption experiments have been carried out as a function of contact time, solution/adsorbent ratio, particle size and pH. Adsorption isotherm has been evaluated by changing adsorbent dosage in the range of 0.04–80 g/L at an initial uranyl nitrate concentration of 0.05 mol/L. The enormous adsorption capacity of 0.29 mol/g estimated from the plateau region of the S shaped isotherm is well comparable the Langmuir capacity of 0.31 mol/g. Equilibrium data are also adequately well described by the Freundlich and the Dubinin‐Radushkevich (D‐R) isotherm equations. The parameters of the isotherms and pH dependency of distribution coefficients (KD) indicate that polymeric uranyl chains form on bidentate surface complex as a result of solute–solute interactions on the adsorbent surface. Both desorption and elution studies show that uranyl chains are irreversibly bounded on the SPR. Kinetic curves having a fast initial part followed by a slower process well fit both McKay model based on two‐resistance diffusion and Nernst‐Plank model with single diffusion coefficient. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Antimicrobial polyethylene terephthalate (PET) treated with an aromatic N‐halamine precursor, m‐aramid
Authors: Kim Sam Soo , Kim Jiyoung , Huang T. S. , Whang Hyun Suk , Lee Jaewoong
Published: August 2009

A commercial m‐aramid as N‐halamine precursor has been coated onto polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fabric surface by pad‐dry‐curing process. The process is accomplished by padding the scoured PET fabric through the homogeneous m‐aramid solution, drying at 150°C for 3 min, and curing at 230°C for 3 min. The PET surface coated with m‐aramid was characterized using fourier transform infrared‐attenuated total reflection (FTIR‐ATR) spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). FTIR exhibits new bands in the 1645 and 1524 cm−1 regions as characteristic of m‐aramid bands, which indicate the PET fabric coated with m‐aramid. XPS results show a distinguishable peak at binding energy 398.7 eV, which confirms the nitrogen atom of m‐aramid on the PET surface. In addition, SEM image shows a layer of coating onto the PET surfaces, which demonstrates the presence of m‐aramid coating on the surface of the PET. After exposure to dilute sodium hypochlorite solution, exhibition of antimicrobial activity on the coated PET is attributed to the conversion of N‐halamine moieties from the N‐halamine precursor. The chlorinated PET showed high antimicrobial activity against Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive bacteria. The chlorinated PET coated with 10% m‐aramid exhibited about 6 log reductions of S. aureus and E. coli O157:H7 at a contact time of 10 and 30 min, respectively. Furthermore, the antimicrobial activity was durable and rechargeable after 25 wash cycles. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Facile route to hierarchical conducting polymer nanostructure: Synthesis of layered polypyrrole network plates
Authors: Wang Taoqing , Zhong Wenbin , Ning Xutao , Wang Yongxin , Yang Wantai
Published: August 2009

Polypyrrole (PPy) nanowire network plates with both average length and width in tens of micrometers were prepared in an aqueous solution containing cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and nitric acid (HNO3) by chemical oxidative polymerization methods. It is found that PPy plates are constructed with double layers of nanowire networks. The influences of recipe such as the concentration of CTAB, HNO3, and pyrrole, as well as the reaction temperature on the morphologies of produced PPy were systematically investigated. By control experiment employing H2SO4 or HCl in place of HNO3, it is disclosed that HNO3 probably plays a key role in forming PPy plates. A plausible forming mechanism of PPy plate structures is offered. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Electrospinning of poly(dimethyl siloxane) by sol–gel method
Authors: Kim Young Bum , Cho Donghwan , Park Won Ho
Published: August 2009

Crosslinked poly(dimethyl siloxane) (PDMS) fibers were fabricated by electrospinning in combination with a sol–gel process followed by heat treatment. Before and after heat treatment, the changes in the chemical and thermal properties of the electrospun PDMS fibers were examined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), equilibrium swelling tests, and contact angle measurements. There was no significant change in morphology and average diameter of the as‐spun PDMS fibers after heat treatment. The tensile properties of the as‐spun PDMS fibers mat increased with increasing heat treatment temperature. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
On the Impact of Parametric Assumptions and Robust Alternatives for Longitudinal Data Analysis
Authors: Lu Naiji , Tang Wan , He Hua , Yu Qin , Crits‐Christoph Paul , Zhang Hui , Tu Xin
Published: August 2009

Models for longitudinal data are employed in a wide range of behavioral, biomedical, psychosocial, and health‐care‐related research. One popular model for continuous response is the linear mixed‐effects model (LMM). Although simulations by recent studies show that LMM provides reliable estimates under departures from the normality assumption for complete data, the invariable occurrence of missing data in practical studies renders such robustness results less useful when applied to real study data. In this paper, we show by simulated studies that in the presence of missing data estimates of the fixed effect of LMM are biased under departures from normality. We discuss two robust alternatives, the weighted generalized estimating equations (WGEE) and the augmented WGEE (AWGEE), and compare their performances with LMM using real as well as simulated data. Our simulation results show that both WGEE and AWGEE provide valid inference for skewed non‐normal data when missing data follows the missing at random, the most popular missing data mechanism for real study data.
Haplotype Inference for Population Data with Genotyping Errors
Authors: Zhu Wensheng , Kuk Anthony Y. C. , Guo Jianhua
Published: August 2009

Inference of haplotypes is important in genetic epidemiology studies. However, all large genotype data sets have errors due to the use of inexpensive genotyping machines that are fallible and shortcomings in genotyping scoring softwares, which can have an enormous impact on haplotype inference. In this article, we propose two novel strategies to reduce the impact induced by genotyping errors in haplotype inference. The first method makes use of double sampling. For each individual, the “GenoSpectrum” that consists of all possible genotypes and their corresponding likelihoods are computed. The second method is a genotype clustering algorithm based on multi‐genotyping data, which also assigns a “GenoSpectrum” for each individual. We then describe two hybrid EM algorithms (called DS‐EM and MG‐EM) that perform haplotype inference based on “GenoSpectrum” of each individual obtained by double sampling and multi‐genotyping data. Both simulated data sets and a quasi real‐data set demonstrate that our proposed methods perform well in different situations and outperform the conventional EM algorithm and the HMM algorithm proposed by Sun, Greenwood, and Neal (2007,Genetic Epidemiology31, 937–948) when the genotype data sets have errors.
Understanding the mode of action of ThDP in benzoylformate decarboxylase
Authors: Topal Kevser Gocmen , Atilgan Canan , Demir Ayhan S. , Aviyente Viktorya
Published: August 2009

The mechanism of all elementary steps involved in the catalytic cycle of benzoylformate decarboxylase (BFD, E.C. 4.1.1.7) to generate the acyloin linkage is investigated by extensive molecular dynamics simulations. Models involving different charge states of amino acids and/or mutants of critical residues were constructed to understand the involvement of the catalytically active residues and the reactivity differences between different substrates in this reaction. Our calculations confirm that H70, S26, and H281 are catalytically active amino acids. H281 functions as a base to accept Hdonor in the first nucleophilic attack and as an acid in the second, to donate the proton back to Oacceptor. S26 assists H281 in deprotonation of the donor aldehyde and protonation of the acceptor aldehyde. In both the first and second nucleophilic attacks, H70 interacts with Oaldehyde and aligns it toward the nucleophilic center. H70 has been found to have an electrostatic effect on the approaching aldehyde whose absence would block the initiation of the reaction. The reactivity difference between benzaldehyde (BA) and acetaldehyde (AA) is mainly explained by the steric interactions of the acceptor aldehyde with the surrounding amino acids in the active center of the enzyme. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 93: 32–46, 2010.

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Outcome of surgery for rectovaginal fistula due to Crohn's disease
Authors: Ruffolo C , Penninckx F , Van Assche G , Vermeire S , Rutgeerts P , Coremans G , D'Hoore A
Published: August 2009

Background

This study examined the outcome of surgery for symptomatic Crohn's rectovaginal fistula (RVF) and assessed the effect of therapy with antibody against tumour necrosis factor (TNF) on healing.

Methods

Fifty-six patients with Crohn's disease underwent surgery for a RVF between January 1993 and December 2006. Outcome analysis was performed in February 2008 in relation to the surgical procedures used and the effect of anti-TNF treatment.

Results

Four patients with a healed fistula still had a stoma at final follow-up for other reasons and were excluded from the analysis. Fistula closure was achieved in 81 per cent of the remaining 52 patients. Primary and secondary surgical success rates were 56 and 57 per cent respectively. The primary healing rate was similar in patients who received anti-TNF treatment before the first operation (12 of 18 patients) and those who did not (19 of 34). In univariable analysis, duration of Crohn's disease (P = 0·037) and previous extended colonic resection (P < 0·001) were significantly related to failure of primary surgery, but only the latter remained significant in multivariable analysis (P < 0·001). Late recurrence developed in four patients.

Conclusion

Fistula closure was achieved in most patients, but more than one operation was often required.
A computer‐based testing system to evaluate protective relays as a tool in power system protection education
Authors: Martins L. Sousa , Fortunato Carlos , Pires V. Fernão
Published: August 2009

Teaching power system relaying is a fundamental issue in a power system high‐level course. However, for an effective instruction of this topic an experience with real equipments can be considered as fundamental. To achieve this purpose, in this paper a new approach for the practical learning of power system relaying is presented. This consists of a computer‐based testing system of relay‐operating characteristic. Different relay types and developed specific software are also an important piece of the laboratory practice. Using this system it is possible to understand the performance and limitations of different protective relay systems and to test a real relay disoperation. The benefit of using this system is not available through traditional lectures and textbooks. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 20: 19–28, 2012
A Solid‐Supported Organocatalyst for Highly Stereoselective, Batch, and Continuous‐Flow Mannich Reactions
Authors: Alza Esther , Rodríguez‐Escrich Carles , Sayalero Sonia , Bastero Amaia , Pericàs Miquel A.
Published: August 2009

The fast and highly stereoselective Mannich reaction of aldehydes and ketones with the N‐(p‐methoxyphenyl) ethyl glyoxylate imine catalyzed by polystyrene resins functionalized with (2S,4R)‐hydroxyproline is reported. The effect of the nature of the linker connecting proline with the polymeric backbone has been studied, and a 1,2,3‐triazole linker constructed from azidomethyl polystyrene and O‐propargyl hydroxyproline turns out to be optimal for catalytic activity and enantioselectivity. With aldehyde donors, fast reactions leading to complete conversion in 1–3 h are recorded in DMF. With ketone donors, the reactions tend to be slower, but can be efficiently accelerated (six‐membered ring cycloalkanones) by low‐power microwave irradiation. This approach, which greatly facilitates product isolation since the catalyst is removed by simple filtration, has allowed the implementation of the reactions of aldehyde substrates in a continuous‐flow, single‐pass system. In this manner, the continuous synthesis of the enantiomerically and diastereomerically pure adducts (syn/anti>97:3; ee>99 %) has been achieved at room temperature with residence times of 6.0 min. This methodology has allowed for the preparation of up to 7.8 mmol of the desired Mannich adduct through the use of 0.46 mmol of catalytic resin (5.9 mol %), in a greatly simplified experimental protocol that avoids purification steps.
Deprotonative Metalation of Functionalized Aromatics Using Mixed Lithium–Cadmium, Lithium–Indium, and Lithium–Zinc Species
Authors: Snégaroff Katia , L'Helgoual'ch Jean‐Martial , Bentabed‐Ababsa Ghenia , Nguyen Tan Tai , Chevallier Floris , Yonehara Mitsuhiro , Uchiyama Masanobu , Derdour Aïcha , Mongin Florence
Published: August 2009

In situ mixtures of CdCl2⋅TMEDA (0.5 equiv; TMEDA=N,N,N′,N′‐tetramethylethylenediamine) or InCl3 (0.33 equiv) with [Li(tmp)] (tmp=2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidino; 1.5 or 1.3 equiv, respectively) were compared with the previously described mixture of ZnCl2⋅TMEDA (0.5 equiv) and [Li(tmp)] (1.5 equiv) for their ability to deprotonate anisole, benzothiazole, and pyrimidine. [(tmp)3CdLi] proved to be the best base when used in tetrahydrofuran at room temperature, as demonstrated by subsequent trapping with iodine. The Cd–Li base then proved suitable for the metalation of a large range of aromatics including benzenes bearing reactive functional groups (CONEt2, CO2Me, CN, COPh) or heavy halogens (Br, I), and heterocycles (from the furan, thiophene, pyrrole, oxazole, thiazole, pyridine, and diazine series). Five‐membered heterocycles benefiting from doubly activated positions were similarly dideprotonated at room temperature. The aromatic lithium cadmates thus obtained were involved in palladium‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reactions or simply quenched with acid chlorides.
Comparison of Prognostic Value of Different Risk Score Methods on Outcome of Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Zhong Bin , Liu Zengzhang , Su Li , Lan Xianbin , Chen Yunqing , Ling Zhiyu , Du Huaan , Yin Yuehui
Published: August 2009

Background

Thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow grade (TFG) was a gold standard for comparison of the various methods of evaluating the efficacy of reperfusion, and risk score was a pragmatic method of risk stratification and evaluation of prognosis for acute coronary syndrome (ACS). However, it is uncertain whether or not the prognostic value of combining risk score and TFG on outcome of acute coronary syndrome could be improved.

Materials and Methods

A total of 279 consecutive patients with ACS (mean age 67.57 ± 9.88 years, 69.2% male) admitted to our hospital were enrolled. Clinical risk score, TFG, and combined risk score were calculated. The primary endpoint of this study included cardiac death and noncardiac death; the secondary endpoint included nonfatal stroke, reinfarction, heart failure, and recurrent angina.

Results

During the follow‐up of 11.41 ± 5.33 months, 11 patients reached the primary endpoint, and 23 patients reached the secondary endpoint. The prognostic values evaluated by composite endpoint, primary endpoint, and secondary endpoint were 0.722, 0.685, and 0.721, respectively, for clinical risk score they were 0.774, 0.798, and 0.737, respectively, for TFG they were 0.805, 0.808, and 0.776, respectively, for combined risk score. In pair‐wise comparisons of prognostic values, there were no significant differences among these methods, except that the combined risk score can more accurately predict the composite endpoint than the others.

Conclusion

The results suggest that the combined risk score is a simple and efficient method of prediction of composite endpoint. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Diabetes and Peripheral Arterial Disease in Men: Trends in Prevalence, Mortality, and Effect of Concomitant Coronary Disease
Authors: Kamalesh Masoor , Shen Jianzhao
Published: August 2009

Background

Recent data on trends in diabetes mellitus (DM) prevalence and long‐term effect on mortality in peripheral arterial disease (PAD) subjects is lacking.

Methods

All subjects discharged from any VA medical center between October 1990 to September 1997 with an International Classification of Diseases (ICD)‐9 code for PAD and DM in the discharge summary were retrospectively identified. Demographic data were extracted from the database. Mortality data were obtained from the Beneficiary Information and Resource Locator. Outcome measures were age specific DM prevalence over time, and short‐term and long‐term mortality.

Results

Of 33, 629 patients with PAD, 9474 (29%) had DM. Diabetes mellitus subjects were less likely to be white and had more comorbidities. Mean length of hospital stay was greater for DM (22.3 d vs 18.7 days, P < 0.001). Mortality was higher for DM at 180 days (9.8% vs 8.4%, P < 0.001), 1 year (16.4% vs 13.7%, P < 0.001), and continues to increase at 8 years of follow‐up. Logistic regression analysis showed no interaction between DM and coronary artery disease (CAD).

Conclusions

Diabetes mellitus increases all‐cause mortality in subjects with PAD starting at 6 months post‐discharge and continues to be higher even at 8 years of follow‐up. There was a lack of interaction of DM and CAD on mortality in this cohort of subjects with PAD. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Long‐Term Prognosis of Non‐Interventionally Followed Patients with Isolated Myocardial Bridge and Severe Systolic Compression of the Left Anterior Descending Coronary Artery
Authors: Ural Ertan , Bildirici Ulas , Çelikyurt Umut , Kilic Teoman , Sahin Tayfun , Acar Eser , Kahraman Göksel , Ural Dilek
Published: August 2009

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the long‐term prognosis of non‐interventionally followed patients with myocardial bridge and angiographic milking of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery.

Methods

All of the coronary angiography records from May 2000 to November 2007 were reevaluated and patients who had more than 70% narrowing during systole on LAD were eligible for the present study. Follow‐up was carried out by physical examination, echocardiography, and treadmill exercise testing. The clinical situations of the patients, medical treatment at the time of follow‐up, and experienced events (death, myocardial infarction, or revascularization) were recorded.

Results

There were 59 eligible patients (44 male, 74.6%). The mean age of the patients was 54 ± 11 years. The bridges were located in the proximal, mid, and distal portion of the LAD in 17 (28.8%), 20 (33.9%), and 22 (37.3%) patients, respectively. Distributions of the narrowing degree were as follows: between 70% to 89% in 33 (56%) patients and 90% to 100% in 26 (44%) patients. Mean follow‐up duration of the group was 37 ± 13 months (range 15–65 mo). The clinical presentation during follow‐up was stable angina in 9 (15.3%) cases, atypical angina in 12 (20.3%), atypical chest pain in 13 (22%), dyspnea in 3 (5.1%), and syncope in 3 (5.1%) cases. There were no experienced events and/or hospitalizations related to cardiac disease. Echocardiographic examination revealed normal systolic ventricular function. Only 17 (28.8%) patients continued to use medication. Most of them were on β‐blocker therapy.

Conclusion

Patients with myocardial bridges and angiographic milking of the LAD coronary artery have a good long‐term prognosis. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Long‐Term Risk of Stroke in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction Complicated with New‐Onset Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Milika Asanin R. , Zorana Vasiljevic M. , Mihailo Matic D. , Igor Mrdovic B. , Jovan Perunicic P. , Danica Matic P. , Bosiljka Vujisic‐Tesic D. , Sanja Stankovic Dj. , Dragan Matic M. , Miodrag Ostojic C.
Published: August 2009

Background

The long‐term risk of stroke after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) complicated with new‐onset atrial fibrillation (AF) remains unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the long‐term risk of AF and stroke in patients with AMI complicated with new‐onset AF.

Methods

Patients with AMI complicated with new‐onset AF (n = 260) and those without new‐onset AF (n = 292) were followed for a mean of 7 years. All patients had sinus rhythm at hospital discharge.

Results

During the follow‐up, AMI patients with new‐onset AF had more frequent AF than those without new‐onset AF (10.4% vs 2.7%, respectively; P < 0.0001). New‐onset AF during AMI was a significant predictor of subsequent AF occurrence (the time elapsing between 2 consecutive R waves [RR] = 3.15, P = 0.004); but AF recurrence in follow‐up (RR = 5.08, P = 0.001) and non‐anticoagulation at discharge (RR = 0.29, P = 0.008) were independent predictors of stroke (Cox regression analysis). A period of 3.5 hours of AF within the first 48 hours of AMI was the high sensitivity cut‐off level for the prediction of low long‐term risk of stroke obtained by receiver operating characteristic analysis. Among patients who did not receive anticoagulants at discharge, the patients with short AF did not experience stroke and AF recurrence during follow‐up, while those in the other group developed it (10.8%, P = 0.038 and 13.5%, P = 0.019, respectively).

Conclusion

New‐onset AF during AMI identifies the patients at long‐term risk for stroke who may potentially benefit from anticoagulant therapy. Atrial fibrillation recurrence in follow‐up was independently related to the development of stroke. However, for low‐risk patients with AF (those with short AF occurring early in AMI) long‐term anticoagulants might not be required. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Parallelized and pipelined hardware implementation of computationally expensive prediction filters
Authors: Gracia Luis , Perez‐Vidal Carlos
Published: August 2009

In this paper parallelization and segmentation methodologies are used to obtain a real‐time (RT) implementation of computationally expensive estimators or filters in an FPGA. First, the filter to be applied is briefly described, and afterwards its hardware structure and VHDL implementation are indicated. A comparative study is performed between the FPGA parallelized implementation and the implementation in a sequential processor. The analysis proves that the execution times measured on the FPGA are considerably lower, making that implementation valid for its use in RT systems. Moreover, several experimental results are shown for a visual servoing application in order to evidence the good performance of the proposed algorithms and implementations. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of pediatric abdominal masses by fine‐needle aspiration cytology: A clinicoradiologic approach
Authors: Viswanathan Seethalakshmi , George Sophia , Ramadwar Mukta , Medhi Seema , Arora Brijesh , Kurkure Purna
Published: August 2009

The pathologist forms a very important part of the clinical team in the management of pediatric intra‐abdominal masses in giving a rapid, accurate diagnosis for these potentially curable tumors. Fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is an invaluable tool in this regard when interpreted with clinicoradiologic parameters. With this in mind, we decided to evaluate the role of FNAC in pediatric abdominal masses in our institution. A total of 83 of 105 FNAC accessioned in the pathology department over 5 years (2003–2007) were studied. These included only cases where a diagnosis could be offered on cytology. Detailed clinicoradiological features were obtained from hospital records. Cytomorphological features examined included cellularity, architectural pattern, background, key cellular details. Immunocytochemistry were done where necessary. Lesions diagnosed on FNAC included Wilms' tumor (19), lymphoma (10), neuroblastoma (6), hepatoblastoma (5), PNET (5), rhabdomyosarcoma (2), DSRCT (2), germ cell tumor (6), and miscellaneous tumors (7). Definite diagnosis could be offered on cytomorphology in 74.7% (62) cases, while in 25.3% (21) cases only a diagnosis of round cell tumor could be offered. Concordance with final histopathology and biochemical parameters was subsequently obtained in 79/83 (95.5%) of cases. A clinically relevant classification is possible on FNAC in pediatric abdominal tumors when interpreted with clinicoradiologic parameters. This obviates the need for a more time‐consuming biopsy procedure in critical situations and in stage II nephroblastoma where it is contraindicated. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nuclear morphometry and texture analysis of B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma: Utility in subclassification on cytosmears
Authors: Gupta Shilpa , Gupta Ruchika , Singh Sompal , Gupta Kusum , Kudesia Madhur
Published: August 2009

Non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a heterogeneous group of lymphoid neoplasms and accurate subclassification is an essential prerequisite for proper management of patients. This study was aimed at evaluating the utility of nuclear morphometry and textural features on cytology smears to classify the cases of NHL on aspiration cytology.

Fine needle aspiration smears of 50 cases of B‐cell NHL were included. Various morphometric and texture parameters were obtained by manually tracing the nuclei on digitized images in each case and discriminant analysis performed using various features taken individually as well as all together. The percentage of cells correctly classified to a particular NHL subtype using the discriminant functions so obtained was noted.

Our results show that discriminant analysis done on size parameters could correctly classify a greater number of cells than on shape parameters (36.4% vs. 21.2%, respectively). Texture parameters based on single pixel values (first order texture) were inferior (42.8%) to those based on pair of pixels (58.7%) in subtyping of cells. Discriminant analysis based on color parameters was more effective (61.9%) as compared to rest of the morphometric and textural parameters. Using all the morphometric and textural parameters together, 83.3% of cells could be correctly classified to a particular NHL subtype.

The present study, perhaps the first study of detailed morphometric analysis on cytosmears, shows that satisfactory classification of NHL on aspiration cytology is possible using nuclear morphometry and textural parameters considered together. These results are promising for further studies on this subject and development of automated cytodiagnosis. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Tumoral calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal deposition disease: A rare diagnosis by fine‐needle aspiration
Authors: Kishore B. , Khare P. , Gupta R. Jain , Gupta C. , Khare V.
Published: August 2009

Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal deposition disease (CPPD) is a well‐recognized inflammatory joint disorder characterized by presence of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals in intraarticular and periarticular tissue. We report here a case of a 48‐year‐old male who presented with painless right hand swelling. Clinical suspicion was that of malignant soft tissue tumor. Fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) yielded chalky white gritty material. Microscopic examination showed large areas of basophilic calcified material, histiocytes, giant cells and characteristic rhomboid shaped crystals. At places, chondroid material was also identified, hence, diagnosis of CPPD was made. This was confirmed on histopathological examination. Tophaceous/ tumoral pseudogout is a rare form of CPPD and it is important to recognize that this form can be diagnosed in FNA cytology (FNAC) and misdiagnosis of benign or malignant cartilaginous lesions can be avoided. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Grading of soft tissue sarcomas on fine‐needle aspiration cytology smear
Authors: Mallik Mrinmay Kumar , Dey Pranab , Gupta Subhash Kumari , Vasishta Rakesh Kumar
Published: August 2009

In this present study we have attempted to grade soft tissue sarcomas on fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) material and then subsequently correlated our findings on histology section.

A total of 44 cases of primary soft tissue sarcomas (STS) were graded and correlated with the subsequent histopathology sections.

FNAC successfully diagnosed 40 cases and four cases were reported as benign. There were 11 grade I, 32 grade II and one grade III cases on histopathology. Out of the 11 grade I cases, only three cases were graded correctly on cytology. On FNAC, 31 sarcomas were diagnosed correctly as grade II tumors and one case was under diagnosed as benign. There was a single case of grade III sarcoma on histopathology which was correctly diagnosed and graded on FNAC.

In majority of the STS it is possible to grade on FNAC. Grade I STS is relatively difficult to grade than grade II STS. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prenatal maternal emotional complaints are associated with cortisol responses in toddler and preschool aged girls
Authors: de Bruijn Anouk T.C.E. , van Bakel Hedwig J.A. , Wijnen Hennie , Pop Victor J.M. , van Baar Anneloes L.
Published: August 2009

Associations between prenatal maternal emotional complaints and child behavioral and cognitive problems have been reported, with different relations for boys and girls. Fetal programming hypotheses underline these associations and state that the early development of the HPA‐axis of the children may have been affected. In the present study, differences in cortisol responses of prenatally exposed and nonexposed children are examined for both sexes separately. Cortisol response patterns of a group preschool aged children that were prenatally exposed to high levels of maternal emotional complaints (N = 51) were compared to a nonexposed group (N = 52). Child saliva was collected at the start of a home visit (T1), 22 min after a mother–child interaction episode (T2), and 22 min after a potentially frustrating task (T3). Repeated measures analyses showed that prenatally exposed girls showed higher cortisol levels across the three episodes compared to nonexposed girls. No differences were found in boys. Maternal prenatal emotional complaints might be related to child HPA‐axis functioning differently for boys and girls. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 51: 553–563, 2009.
Induction of Treg by monocyte‐derived DC modulated by vitamin D3 or dexamethasone: Differential role for PD‐L1
Authors: Unger Wendy W. J. , Laban Sandra , Kleijwegt Fleur S. , van der Slik Arno R. , Roep Bart O.
Published: August 2009

Specific therapy with modulated DC may restore immunological tolerance, thereby obviating the need for chronic immunosuppression in transplantation or autoimmunity. In this study we compared the tolerizing capacity of dexamethasone (Dex)‐ and 1α,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 (VD3)‐modulated DC. Treatment of monocytes with either VD3 or Dex resulted in DC with stable, semi‐mature phenotypes compared with standard DC, with intermediate levels of co‐stimulatory and MHC class II molecules, which remained unaltered after subsequent pro‐inflammatory stimulation. IL‐12p70 secretion was lost by VD3‐ and Dex‐DC, whereas IL‐10 secretion was unaffected. VD3‐DC distinctly produced large amounts of TNF‐α. Both VD3‐ and Dex‐DC possessed the capacity to convert CD4 T cells into IL‐10‐secreting Treg potently suppressing the proliferation of responder T cells. However, only Treg induced by VD3‐DC exhibited antigen specificity. VD3‐, but not Dex‐, DC expressed significant high levels of PD‐L1 (programmed death‐1 ligand), upon activation. Blockade of PD‐L1 during priming redirected T cells to produce IFN‐γ instead of IL‐10 and abolished acquisition of regulatory capacity. Our findings demonstrate that both VD3‐ and Dex‐DC possess durable but differential tolerogenic features, acting via different mechanisms. Both are potentially useful to specifically down‐regulate unwanted immune responses and induce immune tolerance. These modulated DC appear suitable as adjuvant in antigen‐specific clinical vaccination intervention strategies.
Abundance of follicular helper T cells in Peyer's patches is modulated by CD155
Authors: Seth Sebastian , Ravens Inga , Kremmer Elisabeth , Maier Michael K. , Hadis Usriansyah , Hardtke Svenja , Förster Reinhold , Bernhardt Günter
Published: August 2009

The secondary humoral immune response is characterized by plasma B cells secreting isotype‐switched and affinity‐matured antibodies. The efficient generation of plasma B cells in the GC depends on the presence of follicular helper T (TFH) cells, a cell type thought to arise from naive CD4‐positive T cells by a hitherto unresolved differentiation pathway. Mice deficient for CD155, an adhesion receptor of the immunoglobulin superfamily, are impaired to mount a secondary humoral immune response upon oral administration of antigen, while the primary IgM response is unaffected. Here, we show that mice lacking CD155 harbor significantly reduced numbers of TFH cells in their Peyer's patches. This was paralleled by a decreased frequency of TFH cells in the GC. Moreover, the CD155 ligand CD226, which is involved in T‐cell activation, is down‐regulated during TFH cell differentiation, resulting in a complete absence of CD226 on those TFH cells residing in the GC. Concurrently, the expression of TIGIT/WUCAM, a newly discovered CD155 ligand, is induced in TFH cells. Thus, these cells replace an activating by a putative inhibitory CD155‐binding partner during their differentiation.
Why Aire? Compensating for late bloomers
Authors: Cohn Melvin
Published: August 2009

The question under analysis in this commentary is, what was the evolutionary selection pressure that necessitated the ectopic expression of a subset of peripheral self‐antigens in the thymus and by peripheral APC? The suggestion is that antigen expression is delayed until after the immune system is responsive.
Functional Chimeras: New Bingel–Hirsch‐Type Steroid–Fullerene Hybrids
Authors: Coro Julieta , Rodríguez Hortensia , Rivera Daniel G. , Suárez Margarita , Molero Dolores , Herranz María Ángeles , Martínez‐Álvarez Roberto , Filippone Salvatore , Martín Nazario
Published: August 2009

Cyclopropanations between C60 and readily available malonates bearing different steroid moieties (4–6) by the Bingel–Hirsch protocol has allowed the synthesis of a new series of hybrid functionalized chimeras (7–9). Whereas cycloadducts 7 and 8 showed the expected chemical structures, the presence of the diene moiety in the ergosterol unit of malonate 6 resulted in the production of the corresponding cycloadduct with an additional oxygen molecule. A thorough spectroscopical study (1H and 13C NMR, COSY, DEPT, HMQC, and HMBC) allowed the structure of monocycloadduct 9 to be unambiguously unraveled as that of an endoperoxide, as a result of the sensitizing effect of the C60 unit, which efficiently promotes the addition of excited singlet oxygen to the diene moiety of the steroid. Cyclic voltammetry of hybrids 7–9, as well as their electronic spectra, support the exclusive formation of the corresponding monoadducts. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Spatially resolved measurements of gas composition in a pressurised black liquor gasifier
Authors: Carlsson Per , Gebart Rikard , Grönberg Carola , Marklund Magnus , Risberg Mikael , Wiinikka Henrik , Öhrman Olov
Published: August 2009

Black liquor gasification is a new process for recovery of energy and chemicals in black liquor from the Kraft pulping process. The process can be combined with catalytic conversion of syngas into motor fuels. The potential for motor fuel production from black liquor in Sweden is to replace about 25% of the current consumption of gasoline and diesel. For Finland the figure is even higher while for Canada it is about 14% and for the USA about 2%. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2009
Improvements of biomass physical and thermochemical characteristics via torrefaction process
Authors: Sadaka Samy , Negi Sunita
Published: August 2009

Various types of feedstocks such as straws and cotton gin waste are characterized by their low bulk density and relatively low energy content as well as irregular particle sizes and shapes. These factors impact the production of bioenergy from these fluffy feedstocks. The goal of this research is to improve the physical and thermochemical characteristics of biomass via torrefaction process. Torrefaction involves the heating of biomass to moderate temperature of 200 to 300°C in an inert atmosphere. Thus, the properties of the biomass undergo chemical and physical changes under torrefaction process.

Several batches of wheat straw, rice straw, and cotton gin waste were torrefied at 260°C for 0, 15, 30, 45, and 60 min using a batch torrefaction system located at the bioenergy lab, Stuttgart, AR. Another set of experiments took place in which wheat straw was used as the feedstock. The effects of torrefaction temperature (200, 260, and 315°C) and residence time (60, 120, and 180 min) on the physical and thermochemical characteristics of wheat straw were studied. During 1 hour torrefaction at 260°C, moisture content was reduced by 70.5%, 49.4%, and 48.6% for wheat straw, rice straw, and cotton gin waste, respectively. Insignificant reduction (<1.9%) of the volatile solids was observed under the same torrefaction conditions. The heating value increased by 15.3%, 16.9%, and 6.3% for wheat straw, rice straw, and cotton gin waste, respectively. Rice straw showed the highest weight loss of 30.7% under the same torrefaction conditions.

The second set of experiment showed that the torrefaction temperature have stronger effect compared with residence time. The highest heating value (22.75 MJ/kg) and the highest weight loss (54%) of wheat straw were observed at torrefaction temperature of 315°C and 3‐h residence time. Also, improvement of size reduction was visually observed, which has the favorable properties for application for gasification and/or pyrolysis. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2009
Experimental investigation on the seismic response of a steel liquid storage tank equipped with floating roof by shaking table tests
Authors: De Angelis M. , Giannini R. , Paolacci F.
Published: August 2009

In this paper, the effectiveness of the base isolation on steel storage tanks has been investigated through numerical models and then checked by shaking table tests on a reduced scale (1:14) model of a real steel tank, typically used in petrochemical plants. In the experimental campaign the floating roof has also been taken into account. The tests have been performed on the physical model both in fixed and isolated base configurations; in particular two alternative base isolation systems have been used: high‐damping rubber bearings devices and sliding isolators with elasto‐plastic dampers. Finally, a comparison between experimental and numerical results has also been performed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An accurate and efficient Riemann solver with tangent velocities for Godunov schemes in special relativistic hydrodynamics
Authors: Durante Danilo , Riccardi Giorgio
Published: August 2009

In order to numerically integrate the special relativistic hydrodynamics (SRHD) equations through a Godunov scheme, the use of an exact Riemann solver having a low computational cost is proposed. The solver works through a Newton iterative method in pressure, by using a preliminary detection of the wave pattern and an integration by series of the ODE for the normal velocity across a rarefaction wave. A comparison with the solver of Martì and Müller shows about a 90% reduction of the computational cost. The present Riemann solver has been used inside a first‐order Godunov scheme, in order to test the solver for high jumps of the primitive variables, perhaps avoiding certain numerical manipulations (e.g. limiting filters and multi‐step integration schemes). The time evolution of a two‐dimensional mixing layer is finally considered and a comparison with the solution obtained from a HLL method is carried out.

The main result of this analysis lies in showing how the present exact Riemann solver can be successfully employed in the effective numerical integration of the SRHD equations. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Numerical investigation of fully developed laminar flow in irregular annuli: Square‐circular ducts
Authors: Al‐Odat M. Q. , Haddad O. M.
Published: August 2009

Numerical study is carried out on fully developed laminar axial flow of incompressible Newtonian fluid in irregular annuli of different cross‐sectional geometry. Accurate prediction of the friction factor of this flow was obtained using high‐order finite element method. Investigations are performed for the annular flow between rectangular and circular ducts under all possible arrangements. The governing equations are solved by an efficient finite element technique. It was found that a higher annular area‐ratio will lead to a monotonic increase in (f Re) value in the case of regular annuli, and will lead to an increase followed by a decrease in (f Re) value in the case of irregular annuli. Furthermore, this study illustrates that irregular annuli have lower (f Re) value than regular annuli, and that the square‐in‐circle case (SC‐case) has the lowest (f Re) value whereas the circle‐in‐circle case (CC‐case) has the highest (f Re) value. The finite element technique developed in this study was validated against the already reported numerical results in the literature, and the results presented in this work show excellent agreement. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fuzzy logic adaptive Kalman filtering in the control of irrigation canals
Authors: Durdu Ömer Faruk
Published: August 2009

A fuzzy logic adaptive Kalman filtering methodology was developed for the automatic control of an irrigation canal system under unknown disturbances (water withdrawals) acting in the canal. Using a linearized finite difference model of open channel flow, the canal operation problem was formulated as an optimal control problem and an algorithm for gate opening in the presence of arbitrary external disturbances (changes in flow rates) was derived. Based on the linear optimal control theory, the linear quadratic regulator (LQR), assuming all the state variables (flow depths and flow rates) were available, was designed to generate control input (optimal gate opening). As it was expensive to measure all the state variables (flow rates and flow depths) in a canal system, a fuzzy logic adaptive Kalman filter and traditional Kalman filter were designed to estimate the values for the state variables that were not measured but were needed in the feedback loop. The performances of the state estimators designed using the fuzzy logic adaptive Kalman filter methodology and the traditional Kalman filtering technique were compared with the results obtained using the LQR (target loop function). The results of the present study indicated that the performance of the fuzzy logic adaptive Kalman filter was far superior to the performance of the observer design based upon the traditional Kalman filter approach. The obvious advantages of the fuzzy logic adaptive Kalman filter were the prevention of filter divergence and ease of implementation. As the fuzzy logic adaptive Kalman filter requires smaller number of state variables for the acceptable accuracy therefore, it would need less computational effort in the control of irrigation canals. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improving costing methods in multicentre economic evaluation: the use of multiple imputation for unit costs
Authors: Grieve Richard , Cairns John , Thompson Simon G.
Published: August 2009

Economic evaluations must use appropriate costing methods. However, in multicentre cost‐effectiveness analyses (CEA) a fundamental issue of how best to measure and analyse unit costs has been neglected. Multicentre CEA commonly take the mean unit cost from a national database, such as NHS reference costs. This approach does not recognise that unit costs vary across centres and are unavailable in some centres. This paper proposes the use of multiple imputation (MI) to predict those centre‐specific unit costs that are not available, while recognising the statistical uncertainty surrounding this imputation.

We illustrate MI with a CEA of a multicentre randomised trial (1014 patients, 60 centres), implemented using multilevel modelling. We use MI to derive centre‐specific unit costs, based on centre characteristics including average casemix, and compare this to using mean NHS reference costs. In this case study, using MI unit costs rather than mean reference costs led to less heterogeneity across centres, more precise estimates of incremental cost, but similar estimates of incremental cost‐effectiveness.

We conclude that using MI to predict unit costs can preserve correlations, maximise the use of available data, and, when combined with multilevel modelling is an appropriate method for recognising the statistical uncertainty in multicentre CEA. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cost‐effectiveness acceptability curves – caveats quantified
Authors: Jakubczyk Michał , Kamiński Bogumił
Published: August 2009

Cost‐effectiveness acceptability curves (CEACs) have become widely used in applied health technology assessment and at the same time are criticized as unreliable decision‐making tool. In this paper we show how using CEACs differs from maximizing expected net benefit (NB) and when it can lead to inconsistent decisions. In the case of comparing two alternatives we show the limits of the discrepancy between CEAC and expected NB approach and link it with expected value of perfect information. We also show how the shape of CEAC is influenced by the skewness of estimate of expected NB distribution, the correlation between cost and effect estimates and their variance. In the case of more than two options we show when using CEACs can lead to non‐transitive choices in pair‐wise comparisons and when it lacks independence of irrelevant alternatives property in joint comparisons. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.