bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Engineered 3D Silk‐Based Metastasis Models: Interactions Between Human Breast Adenocarcinoma, Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Osteoblast‐Like Cells
Authors: Talukdar Sarmistha , Kundu Subhas C.
Published: May 2013

Bone metastasis occurs in 70% of breast cancer patients and is a frequent cause of morbidity in cancer patients. A delicate balance exists in the bone microenvironment, but the functional dynamics underlying the tumor cell‐microenvironment interactions remain poorly understood. 3D in vitro model systems of metastasis can throw new light on this phenomenon. Silk protein fibroin scaffolds, are cytocompatible for 3D cancer cell culture. They are structurally more resistant to protease degradation than other native biomaterials making these matrices suitable for cancer modeling. In this report, human breast adenocarcinoma cells, human osteoblast like cells and mesenchymal stem cells are co‐cultered. Cancer cells and osteoblast‐like cells are found to interact through secreted products. Decreased population of osteoblast‐like cells and mineralization of extracellular matrix are observed as a result of co‐culture. Significantly increased migration of breast cancer cells is observed in the bone‐like constructs than in non‐seeded scaffolds. The co‐culture constructs show significant increase in drug resistance, invasiveness and angiogenicity. Co‐culture of breast cancer cells with osteoblast like cells and mesenchymal stem cells also indicate that the interaction of cancer cells with bone microenvironment varies with spatial organization, presence of osteogenic factors as well as stromal cell type. Here, results show that 3D in vitro co‐culture models is possibly a better system to study and target cancer progression.
Visible‐Near Infrared Absorbing Polymers Containing Thienoisoindigo and Electron‐Rich Units for Organic Transistors with Tunable Polarity
Authors: Dutta Gitish K. , Han A‐Reum , Lee Junghoon , Kim Yiho , Oh Joon Hak , Yang Changduk
Published: May 2013

Systematic creation of polymeric semiconductors from novel building blocks is critical for improving charge transport properties in organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs). A series of ultralow‐bandgap polymers containing thienoisoindigo (TIIG) as a thiophene analogue of isoindigo (IIG) is synthesized. The UV‐Vis absorptions of the TIIG‐based polymers (PTIIG‐T, PTIIG‐Se, and PTIIG‐DT) exhibit broad bands covering the visible to near‐infrared range of up to 1600 nm. All the polymers exhibit unipolar p‐channel operations with regard to gold contacts. PTIIG‐DT with centrosymmetric donor exhibits a maximum mobility of 0.20 cm2 V−1 s−1 under gold contacts, which is higher than those of the other polymers containing axisymmetric donors. Intriguingly, OFETs fabricated with aluminum electrodes show ambipolar charge transport with hole and electron mobilities of up to 0.28 (PTIIG‐DT) and 0.03 (PTIIG‐T) cm2 V−1 s−1, respectively. This is a record value for the hitherto reported TIIG‐based OFETs. The finding demonstrates that TIIG‐based polymers can potentially function as either unipolar or ambipolar semiconductors without reliance on the degree of electron affinity of the co‐monomers.
Flexible Multi‐Colored Electrochromic and Volatile Polymer Memory Devices Derived from Starburst Triarylamine‐Based Electroactive Polyimide
Authors: Yen Hung‐Ju , Chen Chih‐Jung , Liou Guey‐Sheng
Published: May 2013

Flexible multi‐colored electrochromic and volatile memory devices are fabricated from a solution‐processable electroactive aromatic polyimide with starburst triarylamine unit. The polyimide prepared by the chemical imidization was highly soluble in many organic solvents and showed useful levels of thermal stability associated with high glass‐transition temperatures. The polyimide with strong electron‐donating capability possesses static random access memory behavior and longer retention time than other 6FDA‐based polyimides. The differences of the highest‐occupied and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital levels among these polyimides with different electron‐donating moieties are investigated and the effect on the memory behavior is demonstrated. The polymer film shows reversible electrochemical oxidation and electrochromism with high contrast ratio both in the visible range and near‐infrared region, which also exhibits high coloration efficiency, low switching time, and the outstanding stability for long‐term electrochromic operation. The highly stable electrochromism and interesting volatile memory performance are promising properties for the practical flexible electronics applications in the future.
Nanoporous Polytetrafluoroethylene/Silica Composite Separator as a High‐Performance All‐Vanadium Redox Flow Battery Membrane
Authors: Wei Xiaoliang , Nie Zimin , Luo Qingtao , Li Bin , Chen Baowei , Simmons Kevin , Sprenkle Vincent , Wang Wei
Published: May 2013

A novel low‐cost nanoporous polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)/silica composite separator has been prepared and evaluated for its use in an all‐vanadium redox flow battery (VRB). The separator consists of silica particles enmeshed in a PTFE fibril matrix. It possesses unique nanoporous structures with an average pore size of 38 nm and a porosity of 48%. These pores function as the ion transport channels during redox flow battery operation. This separator provides excellent electrochemical performance in the mixed‐acid VRB system. The VRB using this separator delivers impressive energy efficiency, rate capability, and temperature tolerance. In additon, the flow cell using the novel separator also demonstrates an exceptional capacity retention capability over extended cycling, thus offering excellent stability for long‐term operation. The characteristics of low cost, excellent electrochemical performance and proven chemical stability afford the PTFE/silica nanoporous separator great potential as a substitute for the Nafion membrane used in VRB applications.
Receipt of maintenance therapy is most predictive of survival in older acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients treated with intensive induction chemotherapy regimens
Authors: Landsburg Daniel J. , Stadtmauer Edward , Loren Alison , Goldstein Steven , Frey Noelle , Nasta Sunita D. , Porter David L. , Tsai Donald E. , Perl Alexander E. , Hexner Elizabeth O. , Luger Selina
Published: May 2013

While the prognosis for older adults diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is frequently poor, long‐term survival can be achieved in patients treated with curative intent. We reviewed the outcomes of 37 patients age ≥60 treated at our institution with either DVP‐ or hyperCVAD‐based chemotherapy regimens from 2003–2011. In this patient population, a complete response rate of 92%, relapse rate of 56% and median overall survival of 18.1 months was experienced. Univariate analysis revealed that receipt of maintenance therapy vs. no maintenance therapy was associated with a statistically‐significant impact on overall survival (p = 0.001, HR 0.15 for death), while disease‐related characteristics including high‐risk white blood cell count at diagnosis and Philadelphia chromosome status as well as treatment‐related factors including chemotherapy regimen or completion of intensive therapy were not. Many patients were unable to initiate or remain on maintenance therapy due to toxicities including infections and cytopenias. Our analysis reveals the benefit of prolonged therapy in the treatment of older adults with ALL as well as the high incidence of treatment‐related toxicity experienced by these patients. Am. J. Hematol. 88:657–660, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Clinical correlations of mutations affecting six components of the SWI/SNF complex: Detailed description of 21 patients and a review of the literature
Authors: Kosho Tomoki , Okamoto Nobuhiko , Ohashi Hirofumi , Tsurusaki Yoshinori , Imai Yoko , Hibi‐Ko Yumiko , Kawame Hiroshi , Homma Tomomi , Tanabe Saori , Kato Mitsuhiro , Hiraki Yoko , Yamagata Takanori , Yano Shoji , Sakazume Satoru , Ishii Takuma , Nagai Toshiro , Ohta Tohru , Niikawa Norio , Mizuno Seiji , Kaname Tadashi , Naritomi Kenji , Narumi Yoko , Wakui Keiko , Fukushima Yoshimitsu , Miyatake Satoko , Mizuguchi Takeshi , Saitsu Hirotomo , Miyake Noriko , Matsumoto Naomichi
Published: May 2013

Mutations in the components of the SWItch/sucrose nonfermentable (SWI/SNF)‐like chromatin remodeling complex have recently been reported to cause Coffin–Siris syndrome (CSS), Nicolaides–Baraitser syndrome (NCBRS), and ARID1B‐related intellectual disability (ID) syndrome. We detail here the genotype‐phenotype correlations for 85 previously published and one additional patient with mutations in the SWI/SNF complex: four with SMARCB1 mutations, seven with SMARCA4 mutations, 37 with SMARCA2 mutations, one with an SMARCE1 mutation, three with ARID1A mutations, and 33 with ARID1B mutations. The mutations were associated with syndromic ID and speech impairment (severe/profound in SMARCB1, SMARCE1, and ARID1A mutations; variable in SMARCA4, SMARCA2, and ARID1B mutations), which was frequently accompanied by agenesis or hypoplasia of the corpus callosum. SMARCB1 mutations caused “classical” CSS with typical facial “coarseness” and significant digital/nail hypoplasia. SMARCA4 mutations caused CSS without typical facial coarseness and with significant digital/nail hypoplasia. SMARCA2 mutations caused NCBRS, typically with short stature, sparse hair, a thin vermillion of the upper lip, an everted lower lip and prominent finger joints. A SMARCE1 mutation caused CSS without typical facial coarseness and with significant digital/nail hypoplasia. ARID1A mutations caused the most severe CSS with severe physical complications. ARID1B mutations caused CSS without typical facial coarseness and with mild digital/nail hypoplasia, or caused syndromic ID. Because of the common underlying mechanism and overlapping clinical features, we propose that these conditions be referred to collectively as “SWI/SNF‐related ID syndromes”. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Risk factors for stereotypic behavior and self‐biting in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta): Animal's history, current environment, and personality
Authors: Gottlieb Daniel H. , Capitanio John P. , McCowan Brenda
Published: May 2013

Captive rhesus macaques sometimes exhibit undesirable abnormal behaviors, such as motor stereotypic behavior (MSB) and self‐abuse. Many risk factors for these behaviors have been identified but the list is far from comprehensive, and large individual differences in rate of behavior expression remain. The goal of the current study was to determine which experiences predict expression of MSB and self‐biting, and if individual differences in personality can account for additional variation in MSB expression. A risk factor analysis was performed utilizing data from over 4,000 rhesus monkeys at the California National Primate Research Center. Data were analyzed using model selection, with the best fitting models evaluated using Akaike Information Criterion. Results confirmed previous research that males exhibit more MSB and self‐biting than females, MSB decreases with age, and indoor reared animals exhibit more MSB and self‐biting than outdoor reared animals. Additionally, results indicated that animals exhibited less MSB and self‐biting for each year spent outdoors; frequency of room moves and number of projects positively predicted MSB; pair separations positively predicted MSB and self‐biting; pair housed animals expressed less MSB than single housed and grate paired animals; and that animals expressed more MSB and self‐biting when in bottom rack cages, or cages near the room entrance. Based on these results we recommend limiting exposure to these risk factors when possible. Our results also demonstrated a relationship between personality and MSB expression, with animals low on gentle temperament, active in response to a human intruder, and high on novel object contact expressing more MSB. From these results we propose that an animal's MSB is related to its predisposition for an active personality, with active animals expressing higher rates of MSB. Am. J. Primatol. 75:995–1008, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sexual dimorphism of the bony labyrinth: A new age‐independent method
Authors: Osipov Benjamin , Harvati Katerina , Nathena Despoina , Spanakis Konstantinos , Karantanas Apostolos , Kranioti Elena F.
Published: May 2013

Currently in physical anthropology there is a need for reliable methods of sex estimation for immature individuals and highly fragmented remains. This study develops a sex estimation technique from discriminant function analysis of the bony labyrinth as it matures before puberty and can survive taphonomic conditions that would destroy most other skeletal material. The bony labyrinth contains the organs of hearing and balance. For this reason biologists and paleoanthropologists have undertaken research in this area to understand evolutionary changes in locomotion. Prior studies have found clear differences between species, but within‐species variation has not been satisfactorily investigated. 3D segmentations of the left and right labyrinths of 94 individuals from a Cretan collection were generated and measured. Mean measurements of height, width, size, and shape indices were analyzed for sexual dimorphism, bilateral asymmetry, and measurement error. Significant sexual dimorphism was detected for several measurements. For sex estimation, the single best variable was the radius of curvature of the posterior semicircular canal, which achieved 76% accuracy. Two multivariate functions increased accuracy to 84%. Although these equations are less accurate than equations for complete long bones and crania, they appear to be as accurate as or better than other techniques for sexing immature individuals and temporal bones. Am J Phys Anthropol 151:290–301, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of bio‐oil and epoxidized linseed oil on physical, mechanical, and biological properties of treated wood
Authors: Temiz Ali , Kose Gaye , Panov Dmitri , Terziev Nasko , Alma Mehmet Hakkı , Palanti Sabrina , Akbas Selcuk
Published: May 2013

In this article, the effects of bio‐oil and epoxidized linseed oil (ELO) on water absorption, tangential swelling, decay and insect resistance, thermo‐gravimetric analysis, and mechanical properties of treated wood samples were studied. The bio‐oil used in this article was by‐product of ThermoWood thermal modification process. Linseed oil and hydrogen peroxide were used to prepare ELO. The results indicated that the samples treated with bio‐oil had lower water absorption than that of the control group. The second treatment with ELO significantly reduced further the water absorption. The decay resistance of treated wood samples with 20% of bio‐oil against brown (Coniophora puteana) and white rot (Trametes versicolor) fungi was very high. According to the insect test results, increasing bio‐oil concentration from 10% to 20% significantly decreased surviving rate of Hylotrupes bajulus. Thermo‐gravimetric analysis showed that all treated samples had higher initial deterioration temperature than that of the control group. Regarding the wood strength, the impregnated bio‐oil generally reduced the mechanical properties of wood except modulus of elasticity (MOE). © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 1562–1569, 2013
Bulk synthesis of homogeneous and transparent bulk core/multishell quantum dots/PMMA nanocomposites with bright luminescence
Authors: Ma Yongsheng , Zhang Bingbo , Gu Mu , Huang Shiming , Liu Xiaolin , Liu Bo , Ni Chen
Published: May 2013

Core/multishell CdSe/CdS/CdS/Cd0.75Zn0.25S/Cd0.5Zn0.5S/Cd0.25 Zn0.75S/ZnS/ZnS QDs/PMMA bulk nanocomposites were successfully synthesized. To achieve a homogeneous and stable dispersion in MMA monomers, QDs were first modified with amphiphilic polymer of poly(ethylene glycol)‐oleate (PEG‐oleate). Subsequently, the transparent and homogeneous bulk composites were obtained by photopolymerization. The TEM analysis of ultramicrotome cut of composite demonstrates that QDs are well dispersed in the PMMA matrix. UV–vis transmission spectra show the nanocomposites still maintain high transmittance even with QDs content of up to 6 wt %. The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) reveals the incorporation of the QDs significantly improves the thermal stability of composites, as evidenced by the retardation of a degradation initiation by 60°C. Photoluminescence spectra suggest that the nanocomposites exhibit bright fluorescence under UV excitation. X‐ray excited luminescence spectra show they have response to X‐ray. All of the experimental results indicate the great promising applications of core/multishell QDs/PMMA nanocomposites in optical communication devices and radiation detectors. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 1548–1553, 2013
Glutaraldehyde‐crosslinked chitosan/hydroxyapatite bone repair scaffold and its application as drug carrier for icariin
Authors: Li Yan , Liu Taotao , Zheng Jun , Xu Xiaoyan
Published: May 2013

Chitosan/hydroxyapatite (CS/HA) bone repair scaffolds crosslinked by glutaraldehyde (GA) were prepared. Characterization of morphology, structure, mechanical property, and porosity of scaffolds were evaluated. The influences of CS viscosity, HA content, and crosslinking degree on properties of scaffolds were discussed. SEM images showed that CS/HA scaffolds were porous with short rod‐like HA particles dispersing evenly in CS substrate. When [η]CS= 5.75 × 10−4, HA content = 65%, and crosslinking degree = 10%, the resulting CS/HA scaffolds had a flexural strength of 20 MPa and porosity of 60%, which could meet the requirements of bone repair materials. The scaffolds were used as drug carriers for icariin, and the impacts of loading time and crosslinking degree of scaffolds on drug‐loading dose were discussed. The suitable loading time was 24 h and it would be better to keep crosslinking degree no more than 10%. The drug release behavior demonstrated that the icariin‐loading CS/HA scaffolds could achieve basic drug sustained release effect. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 1539–1547, 2013
Applying distribution model projections for an uncertain future: the case of the Pacific oyster in UK waters
Authors: Jones Miranda C. , Dye Stephen R. , Pinnegar John k. , Warren Rachel , Cheung William W.L.
Published: May 2013

The inherent complexity of the environment is such that attempts to model it must operate under simplifications and assumptions. Considering predictions from alternative models, with a range of assumptions and data requirements, therefore provides a more robust approach.

The intractability and uncertainty resulting from a suite of predictions may hinder the application of science in policy, where a single prediction with little ambiguity or uncertainty would be most desirable. Few studies modelling species' distributions attempt to present multi‐model outputs in a format most useful to the non‐modelling community, and none of these have done so for the marine environment.

The problem of uncertainty is particularly prevalent in predicting the distribution of invasive alien species under climate change. As invasive alien species are one of the main drivers of biodiversity loss and may incur significant economic costs, the benefit of applying predictions to highlight areas of possible establishment and inform policy and management may be large.

An ensemble prediction is used to assess the distribution of suitable habitat for the Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas, in UK waters both currently and in the future. The ensemble incorporates predictions from three species distribution models, using data from two global climate models. A method is developed highlighting the agreement of the ensemble, further applying threshold values to retain information from constituent predictions in the final map of agreement.

Ensemble predictions made here suggest that Pacific oyster will experience an opening of suitable habitat in northern UK waters, reaching the Faroe Islands and the eastern Norwegian Sea by 2050. Habitat suitability will increase with warming temperatures in the English Channel and Central North Sea for this species. The approaches applied here can be incorporated into risk assessment frameworks for invasive species, as stipulated in the Convention on Biological Diversity.

Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Differential Detection of Zn2+and Cd2+Ions by BODIPY‐Based Fluorescent Sensors
Authors: He Hui , Ng Dennis K. P.
Published: May 2013

Two monostyryl BODIPY derivatives that contain one or two bis(hydroxyamido)amino group(s) as the metal chelator have been prepared. The effects of various metal ions on their electronic absorption and fluorescence properties have been studied in detail in MeCN or in phosphate buffered saline (PBS). The results show that the derivative with two hydroxyamide chains can selectively detect Zn2+ions in MeCN. The compound and ions bind in a 1:1 stoichiometry with an association constant of 2.2(±0.1)×104 M−1. The intensity of the fluorescence emission increases remarkably and is substantially blue‐shifted from 624 to 572 nm, owing to the inhibition of intramolecular charge transfer, thus allowing its use as a ratiometric fluorescent sensor for Zn2+ions. The derivative with four hydroxyamide chains behaves differently: It responds selectively toward Cd2+ions in phosphate buffered saline. The compound and ions bind in a 1:2 stoichiometry, with first and second association constants of 4.4(±0.9)×104 M−1and 1.3(±0.1)×104 M−1, respectively. Upon the addition of 80 equivalents of Cd2+ions, the fluorescence quantum yield increases 15‐fold. Both of these compounds exhibit differential sensing of Zn2+and Cd2+ions and the associated color changes can be easily seen by the naked eye.
2,3‐Di(2‐pyridyl)‐5‐phenylpyrazine: A NN‐CNN‐Type Bridging Ligand for Dinuclear Transition‐Metal Complexes
Authors: Wu Si‐Hai , Zhong Yu‐Wu , Yao Jiannian
Published: May 2013

A new bridging ligand, 2,3‐di(2‐pyridyl)‐5‐phenylpyrazine (dpppzH), has been synthesized. This ligand was designed so that it could bind two metals through a NN‐CNN‐type coordination mode. The reaction of dpppzH with cis‐[(bpy)2RuCl2] (bpy=2,2′‐bipyridine) affords monoruthenium complex [(bpy)2Ru(dpppzH)]2+ (12+) in 64 % yield, in which dpppzH behaves as a NN bidentate ligand. The asymmetric biruthenium complex [(bpy)2Ru(dpppz)Ru(Mebip)]3+ (23+) was prepared from complex 12+ and [(Mebip)RuCl3] (Mebip=bis(N‐methylbenzimidazolyl)pyridine), in which one hydrogen atom on the phenyl ring of dpppzH is lost and the bridging ligand binds to the second ruthenium atom in a CNN tridentate fashion. In addition, the RuPt heterobimetallic complex [(bpy)2Ru(dpppz)Pt(CCPh)]2+ (42+) has been prepared from complex 12+, in which the bridging ligand binds to the platinum atom through a CNN binding mode. The electronic properties of these complexes have been probed by using electrochemical and spectroscopic techniques and studied by theoretical calculations. Complex 12+ is emissive at room temperature, with an emission λmax=695 nm. No emission was detected for complex 23+ at room temperature in MeCN, whereas complex 42+ displayed an emission at about 750 nm. The emission properties of these complexes are compared to those of previously reported Ru and RuPt bimetallic complexes with a related ligand, 2,3‐di(2‐pyridyl)‐5,6‐diphenylpyrazine.
Neubau der Uferspundwand an der Marineoperationsschule (MOS) in Bremerhaven
Authors: Herbort Johannes , Verch Sabine , Pabst Christian
Published: May 2013

Das Gelände der Marineoperationsschule auf der Geesteinsel in Bremerhaven reicht im Norden, Westen und Süden direkt an die Geeste. Die Uferspundwand am West‐ und Südufer ist nach einer Nutzungsdauer von bis zu 80 Jahren so stark korrodiert, dass eine Instandsetzung der Wand nicht wirtschaftlich möglich ist. Mit dem Planfeststellungsbeschluss vom Februar 2011 wurde der Ersatzneubau genehmigt. Der Bericht beschreibt die Randbedingungen der Entwurfs‐, und Ausführungsplanung, insbesondere den Einfluss der ortstypischen Weichböden und Grundwasserverhältnisse, die trotz einer sichtbaren Wandhöhe von maximal 7,60 m zu dem Ergebnis führen, dass der Höhenversprung zwischen Kasernengelände und Geeste nur mittels kombinierter schwerer Spundwand mit Tragbohlenlängen von bis zu 33 m realisiert werden kann. Weiterhin geht der Bericht auf die planfestgestellten, lärmreduzierenden Auflagen bei der Bauabwicklung ein.

New sheet pile quay wall for Naval Operations School, Bremerhaven – Design challenge in soft soils typical of this locality

The grounds of the Naval Operations School between the bends in the River Geeste in Bremerhaven extend right up to the riverbanks on the northern, southern and western sides. After 80 years the sheet piling on the southern and western banks has become so badly corroded that repairing the wall would be uneconomic. Permission for the construction of a replacement wall was granted in February 2011. This article describes the boundary conditions for the design and construction work, especially the influence of the soft soils and groundwater situation so typical of this locality. The only answer to the abrupt change in level between the school grounds and the river is a heavyweight, combined sheet pile structure with piles up to 33 m long. Despite this, at most only the top 7.60 m of the wall is visible. The article also looks at the restrictions on site noise emissions laid down by the authorities.
Bau und Planung des Fernwärmedükers RUDOLF von Düsseldorf‐Lausward nach Düsseldorf‐Oberkassel
Authors: Groß Thomas , Neuhaus Holger , Stanislowski Gregor , Steinweg Martina
Published: May 2013

Die Stadtwerke Düsseldorf Netz GmbH betreiben derzeit ein Fernwärmenetz mit einer Länge von ca. 190 km, welches unter anderem vom Heizkraftwerk Lausward gespeist wird.

Für den zukunftsorientierten Ausbau des Fernwärmenetzes im Stadtgebiet Düsseldorf war die Anbindung der linksrheinisch gelegenen Stadtteile an das bestehende rechtsrheinische Fernwärmenetz notwendig. Eine Fernwärmeleitung quer durch den Rhein zwischen dem Heizkraftwerk und dem Stadtteil Heerdt sollte bis Ende 2012 die Verbindung herstellen.

Design and construction of a long‐distance heating culvert from Düsseldorf‐Lausward to Düsseldorf Oberkassel

The company “Stadtwerke Düsseldorf GmbH” is operating a net of approximately 190 km long‐distance heating pipelines which is energized by the heating‐plant “Lausward”.

For the forward‐looking development of the long‐distance heating pipeline net it was necessary to cross the river Rhine to connect the districts left from the Rhine of the city Düsseldorf with a new efficient heating plant under construction. A new long‐distance heating pipeline has to connect the Heating plant on the right side of the river Rhine with the city districts on the left side.
The biological impact of concurrent exposure to metallic nanoparticles and a static magnetic field
Authors: Comfort Kristen K. , Maurer Elizabeth I. , Hussain Saber M.
Published: May 2013

The rapid advancement of technology has led to an exponential increase of both nanomaterial and magnetic field utilization in applications spanning a variety of sectors. While extensive work has focused on the impact of these two variables on biological systems independently, the existence of any synergistic effects following concurrent exposure has yet to be investigated. This study sought to ascertain the induced alterations to the stress and proliferation responses of the human adult low calcium, high temperature keratinocyte (HaCaT) cell line by the application of a static magnetic field (approximately 0.5 or 30 mT) in conjunction with either gold or iron oxide nanoparticles for a duration of 24 h. By evaluating targets at a cellular, protein, and genetic level a complete assessment of the HaCaT response was generated. A magnetic field‐dependent proliferative effect was found (∼15%), which correlated with a decrease in reactive oxygen species and a simultaneous increase in ki67 expression, all occurring independently of nanoparticle presence. Furthermore, the application of a static magnetic field was able to counteract the cellular stress response induced by nanoparticle exposure through a combination of decreased reactive oxygen species production and modification of gene regulation. Therefore, we conclude that while these variables each introduce the potential to uniquely influence physiological events, no negative synergistic reactions were identified. Bioelectromagnetics. 34:500–511. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reibungsfreie Gleitlagerung für vorgespannte Bodenplatten
Authors: Schweighofer Anton , Kollegger Johann
Published: May 2013

Am Institut für Tragkonstruktionen – Betonbau der Technischen Universität Wien wurde eine neue Gleitlagerung entwickelt, die eine reibungslose Lagerung von vorgespannten Bodenplatten während des Herstellungsprozesses sicherstellt. Die Umsetzbarkeit dieser neuen Methode wurde in Großversuchen an 60 m langen, 1 m breiten und 30 cm dicken Betonplattenstreifen getestet. Die neue Gleitlagerung besteht aus zwei Lagen luftdichter Folien mit dazwischen liegendem Vlies. Die Folien werden an ihren Rändern durch Kleben oder Schweißen miteinander verbunden. Nach dem Herstellen der Bodenplatte wird im Zwischenraum der beiden Folien Überdruck erzeugt. Dieser Zwischenraum wird durch das eingelegte Vlies sichergestellt. Der erzeugte Überdruck, in der Höhe des Eigengewichts der Platte, ermöglicht eine reibungsfreie Verformung der Bodenplatte infolge abfließender Hydratationswärme, Schwinden und Vorspannung, ohne den Aufbau von Zwang oder Verluste der Vorspannkraft.

Frictionless plain bearing for post‐tensioned slab on ground

A new method for building large concrete slabs on ground on a frictionless support was developed at Vienna University of Technology. An Austrian patent for this method was granted and an international patent application has been filed. The feasibility of this new method has been demonstrated in large field tests on concrete slab strips with a length of 60 m, a width of 1.0 m and a thickness of 30 cm. The frictionless support is obtained by first placing an air‐tight membrane, then a geotextile and at last a second air‐tight membrane on the ground where the concrete slab is to be built. In the next step the membranes are sealed at the boundary. After casting the slab on top of the second membrane, low air pressure is applied in the clearance between the two membranes. This clearance is created by the geotextile. Shortening of the slab due to the loss of hydration heat, early shrinkage and post‐tensioning is possible without causing friction forces between slab and subsoil because the self‐weight of the slab is balanced by the applied air pressure.
Segmentbrücke aus textilbewehrtem Beton – Rottachsteg Kempten im Allgäu
Authors: Michler Harald
Published: May 2013

Aufgrund seiner sehr guten mechanischen Eigenschaften ist Textilbeton hervorragend geeignet, Leichtbau mit Beton zu betreiben. Damit ergibt sich die Möglichkeit, Betonbrücken von bisher nicht für möglich gehaltener Größe vorzufertigen und quasi fix und fertig an den Bestimmungsort zu transportieren. Damit ergeben sich kürzere Bauzeiten bzw. Verkehrssperrungen und auch wirtschaftliche und qualitative Vorteile lassen sich durch die Fertigung im Werk erzielen.

Mit der in Oschatz/Sachsen hergestellten und im Herbst 2007 im Allgäu montierten Geh‐ und Radwegbrücke über die Rottach in Kempten im Allgäu wird dies in der Praxis bewiesen und gezeigt, dass sich Bauteile aus textilbewehrtem Beton auch wirtschaftlich am Markt durchsetzen können. Die Brücke wurde im Herbst 2007 in Betrieb genommen und hat sich nun schon im sechsten Winter bewährt. Dies wird zum Anlass genommen, um in diesem Beitrag über die Konzeption, die Berechnung und die Herstellung der Textilbetonbrücke Kempten zu berichten. Dieser Bericht basiert auf dem Aufsatz “Innovativ! Leicht! Formbar! Bewährt! – Textilbetonbrücke Rottachsteg Kempten im Allgäu”, der im Tagungsband zum 23. Dresdner Brückenbausymposium 2013 abgedruckt ist, und übernimmt Teile aus diesem.

Segment bridge of textile reinforced concrete – Rottachsteg Kempten in the Allgäu

On account of its very good mechanical properties textile reinforced concrete (TRC) is a material to be best to do lightweight concrete constructions. With this material it is possible to realize prefabricated concrete bridges with a size that was not possible yet due to limits in transport. Shorter construction or traffic blockages times are also a positive effect and with this economic and qualitative advantages are achievable due to prefabrication.

A praxis test was done with a bridge prefabricated in Oschatz/ Saxony and transported to Kempten/Allgäu for mounting. The Rottach‐Bridge does prove and demonstrate that textile reinforced concrete constructions can also assert themselves economically in the market. The bridge was put into operation in autumn 2007 and now has proved itself already in sixth winter. This is taken as an occasion to report in this paper on the design, calculation and preparation of textile concrete bridge Kempten. This report is based on and takes over parts from this.
Kinetic modeling of native Cassava starch thermo‐oxidative degradation using Weibull and Weibull‐derived models
Authors: Janković Bojan
Published: May 2013

A new approach in kinetic modeling of thermo‐oxidative degradation process of starch granules extracted from the Cassava roots was developed. Based on the thermoanalytical measurements, three reaction stages were detected. Using Weibull and Weibull‐derived (inverse) models, it was found that the first two reaction stages could be described with the change of apparent activation energy (Ea) on conversion fraction (α(T)) (using “Model‐free” analysis). It was found that first reaction stage, which involves dehydration and evaporation of lower molecular mass fractions, can be described with an inverse Weibull model. This model with its distribution of Ea values and derived distribution parameters includes the occurrence of three‐dimensional diffusion mechanism. The second reaction stage is very complex, and it was found to contain the system of simultaneous reactions (where depolymerization occurs), and can be described with standard Weibull model. Identified statistical model with its distribution of Ea values and derived distribution parameters includes the kinetic model that gives the variable reaction order values. Based on the established models, shelf‐life studies for first two stages were carried out. Shelf‐life testing has shown that optimal dehydration time is achieved by a programmed heating at medium heating rate, whereas optimal time of degradation is achieved at highest heating rate. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 101: 41–57, 2014.
Supercoiled pseudocircular domains in single‐twisted DNAs under tension: Elastic constants and unwinding dynamics in complexes with topo I
Authors: Schurr J. Michael , Fujimoto Bryant S.
Published: May 2013

Extension versus twist data of Koster et al. (Nature 2005, 434, 671–674) are analyzed to obtain C for the main‐chain segments and the twist energy parameter (ET) for the supercoiled pseudocircular (sp) domain(s) from which C is estimated via simulations. The torsional rigidity in the tension‐free sp domain(s) (C = 163 fJ fm) is typical of the unstrained DNA and is less than half the value in the main‐chain segments under tension (C = 350–410 fJ fm). Tension is suggested to induce a structural transition to a torsionally stiffer state. Data of Koster et al. for the rate of extension owing to unwinding of a covalent complex of DNA with human Topoisomerase Ib (H Topo I) are analyzed to determine the torque and rate of rotation from which an effective friction coefficient is obtained. A Langevin equation for the unwinding motion in a supercoiled DNA:H Topo I complex is solved to obtain the temporal trajectory of the average winding angle and the time‐dependent distribution of winding angles. The mean rate constant for the religation reaction is estimated from the measured probability of reaction per turn. We predict that unwinding proceeds rather far during a single‐cleavage and religation cycle, and is effectively completely equilibrated during the 3.2 cleavage and religation cycles that occur during each noncovalent binding and dissociation event. H Topo I is predicted to be completely processive as in accord with observations on calf‐thymus Topo I (Brewood et al., Biochemistry 2010, 49, 3367–3380). © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 99: 1046–1069, 2013.
Story in a sample—the potential (and limitations) of cryo‐electron microscopy applied to molecular machines
Authors: Frank Joachim
Published: May 2013

This article addresses recent developments in cryo‐electron microscopy and single‐particle reconstruction of macromolecules. With the advent of powerful classification techniques, it is now possible to extract and visualize multiple conformers contained within the same dataset. It is discussed how and to what extent this technique can be used in the study of the dynamics of molecular machines. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 99: 832–836, 2013.
Application of high throughput pretreatment and co‐hydrolysis system to thermochemical pretreatment. Part 2: Dilute alkali
Authors: Li Hongjia , Gao Xiadi , DeMartini Jaclyn D. , Kumar Rajeev , Wyman Charles E.
Published: May 2013

High throughput pretreatment (HTPH) and enzymatic hydrolysis systems are now vital for screening large numbers of biomass samples to investigate biomass recalcitrance over various pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis conditions. Although hydrothermal pretreatment is currently being employed in most high throughput applications, thermochemical pretreatment at low and high pH conditions can offer additional insights to better understand the roles of hemicellulose and lignin, respectively, in defining biomass recalcitrance. Thus, after successfully applying the HTPH approach to dilute acid pretreatment [Gao et al. (2012) Biotechnol. Bioeng. 110(3): 754–762], extension to dilute alkali pretreatment was also achieved using a similar single‐step neutralization and buffering concept. In the latter approach, poplar and switchgrass were pretreated with 1 wt% sodium hydroxide at 120°C for different reaction times. Following pretreatment, an H2Cit−/HCit2− buffer with a pH of 4.5 was used to condition the pretreatment slurry to a pH range of 4.69–4.89, followed by enzymatic hydrolysis for 72 h of the entire mixture. Sugar yields showed different trends for poplar and switchgrass with increases in pretreatment times, demonstrating the method provided a clearly discernible screening tool at alkali conditions. This method was then applied to selected Populus tremuloides samples to follow ring‐by‐ring sugar release patterns. Observed variations were compared to results from hydrothermal pretreatments, providing new insights in understanding the influence of biomass structural differences on recalcitrance. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2013;110: 2894–2901. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A tandem laboratory scale protein purification process using Protein A affinity and anion exchange chromatography operated in a weak partitioning mode
Authors: Shamashkin Michael , Godavarti Ranga , Iskra Timothy , Coffman Jon
Published: May 2013

A significant consequence of scaling up production of high titer monoclonal antibody (mAb) processes in existing facilities is the generation of in‐process pools that exceed the capacity of storage vessels. A semi‐continuous downstream process where columns and filters are linked and operated in tandem would eliminate the need for intermediate holding tanks. This study is a bench‐scale demonstration of the feasibility of a tandem process for the purification of mAbs employing an affinity Protein A capture step, followed by a flow‐through anion‐exchange (AEX) step with the possibility of adding an in‐line virus filtration step (VF). All three steps were linked sequentially and operated as one continuous process using an ÄKTA FPLC equipped with two pumps and a system of valves and bypasses that allowed the components to be engaged at different stages of the process. The AEX column was operated in a weak partitioning (WP) mode enabled by a precise in‐line titration of Protein A effluent. In order to avoid complex control schemes and facilitate validation, quality and robustness were built into the system through selection of buffers based on thermodynamic and empirical models. The tandem system utilized the simplest possible combination of valves, pumps, controls, and automation, so that it could easily be implemented in a clinical or commercial production facility. Linking the purification steps in a tandem process is expected to generate savings in time and production costs and also reduce the size of quality systems due to reduced documentation requirements, microbial sampling, and elimination of hold time validation. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2013;110: 2655–2663. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reliable and sensitive determination of dutasteride in human plasma by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Contractor Pritesh , Kurani Hemal , Guttikar Swati , Shrivastav Pranav S.
Published: May 2013

An accurate and precise method was developed and validated using LC‐MS/MS to quantify dutasteride in human plasma. The analyte and dutasteride‐13C6 as internal standard (IS) were extracted from 300 μL plasma volume using methyl tert‐butyl ether–n‐hexane (80:20, v/v). Chromatographic analysis was performed on a Gemini C18 (150 × 4.6 mm, 5 µm) column using acetonitrile–5 mm ammonium formate, pH adjusted to 4.0 with formic acid (85:15, v/v) as the mobile phase. Tandem mass spectrometry in positive ionization mode was used to quantify dutasteride by multiple reaction monitoring. The entire data processing was done using Watson LIMSTM software, which provided excellent data integrity and high throughput with improved operational efficiency. The calibration curve was linear in the range of 0.1–25 ng/mL, with intra‐and inter‐batch values for accuracy and precision (coefficient of variation) ranging from 95.8 to 104.0 and from 0.7 to 5.3%, respectively. The mean overall recovery across quality controls was ≥95% for the analyte and IS, while the interference of matrix expressed as IS‐normalized matrix factors ranged from 1.01 to 1.02. The method was successfully applied to support a bioequivalence study of 0.5 mg dutasteride capsules in 24 healthy subjects. Assay reproducibility was demonstrated by reanalysis of 103 incurred samples. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Differential response in downstream processing of CHO cells grown under mild hypothermic conditions
Authors: Tait Andrew S. , Tarrant Richard D. R. , Velez‐Suberbie M. Lourdes , Spencer Daniel I. R. , Bracewell Daniel G.
Published: May 2013

The manufacture of complex therapeutic proteins using mammalian cells is well established, with several strategies developed to improve productivity. The application of sustained mild hypothermic conditions during culture has been associated with increases in product titer and improved product quality. However, despite associated cell physiological effects, very few studies have investigated the impact on downstream processing (DSP). Characterization of cells grown under mild hypothermic conditions demonstrated that the stationary phase was prolonged by delaying the onset of apoptosis. This enabled cells to maintain viability for extended periods and increase volumetric productivity from 0.74 to 1.02 g L−1. However, host cell proteins, measured by ELISA, increased by ∼50%, attributed to the extended time course and higher peak and harvest cell densities. The individual components making up this impurity, as determined by SELDI‐TOF MS and 2D‐PAGE, were shown to be largely comparable. Under mild hypothermic conditions, cells were less shear sensitive than those maintained at 37°C, enhancing the preliminary primary recovery step. Adaptive changes in membrane fluidity were further investigated by adopting a pronounced temperature shift immediately prior to primary recovery and the improvement observed suggests that such a strategy may be implementable when shear sensitivity is of concern. Early and late apoptotic cells were particularly susceptible to shear, at either temperature, even under the lowest shear rate investigated. These findings demonstrate the importance of considering the impact of cell culture strategies and cell physiology on DSP, by implementing a range of experimental methods for process characterization. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 29:688–696, 2013
Coping with Age‐related Threats to Role Identity: Older Couples and the Management of Household Money
Authors: Bisdee Dinah , Price Debora , Daly Tom
Published: May 2013

As more couples live together into old age, difficult decisions have to be made about money matters, including the financing of late‐life care. This paper analyses in‐depth qualitative data from six older heterosexual couples, part of a wider study concerning money management in later life. Research when these cohorts were younger found that the organisation of money management within households was specialised and highly gendered, leading to substantive imbalances of power and access to financial resources, while also being core to the formation and maintenance of gendered role identities and couple identities. We find in this study that if a partner's ability to fulfil a money management role identity is threatened by later‐life issues such as poor health and cognitive decline, the other partner may try to protect that aspect of the spouse's role identity, using various covert strategies. This might be done to shore up the spouse's self‐esteem in the face of such age‐related threats to role identity, to ‘keep up appearances’ to the outside world or to maintain their identity as a couple at a time of life when there may be multiple difficulties to deal with. These findings have implications for practice and policy in the realm of money and identity management in later life. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the Nature of Selective Palladium‐Based Nanoparticles on Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Nanotubes for the Direct Synthesis of H2O2
Authors: Abate S. , Freni M. , Arrigo R. , Schuster M. E. , Perathoner S. , Centi G.
Published: May 2013

Catalysts based on Pd and Pd–Au nanoparticles supported on N‐doped carbon nanotubes (N‐CNTs) are studied in the direct synthesis of H2O2. The initial selectivity in H2O2 formation is rather high (>95 %); however, there is a fast initial decrease during the first hour of time on stream. This was due to the initial presence of an organic capping agent (polyvinyl alcohol, which is used in the catalyst synthesis to obtain a high dispersion of metal particles). The removal of this capping agent during the reaction leads to a high mobility of metal nanoparticles. The high initial selectivity, when the capping agent is present, is due to small Pd terraces fully covered with chemisorbed O2 and limited H2 chemisorbed sites that consecutively hydrogenate the formed H2O2. The alloying of Pd with Au decreases the intrinsic reaction rate (per mg of Pd) and increases the selectivity in H2O2 formation, whereas Au alone is inactive. Au also has a minor effect on the consecutive conversion of H2O2 in both the decomposition and hydrogenolysis (in the presence of H2 only) reactions. These results suggest that Au does not block the unselective sites of H2O2 conversion but mainly creates isolated small terraces of Pd that can limit H2 chemisorption sites, which thus leads to higher selectivity to H2O2 under given reaction conditions.
Sums of ranking differences and inversion numbers for method discrimination
Authors: Koziol James A.
Published: May 2013

Héberger and colleagues [Trends Anal Chem 2010;29:101–109; J Chemometrics 2011;25:151–158] have introduced the sum of ranking differences as a measure for comparing models or methods and have demonstrated its applicability in a variety of settings. The sum of ranking differences is closely related to another distance measure for permutations, namely, the inversion number. In this note, we describe the inversion number along with some of its distributional properties and draw comparisons with the sum of ranking differences for model comparison. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.