bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Roofing Materials
Authors: Michelsen Theodore
Published: July 2011

This article discusses the common roofing systems used in the United States for both low slope and steep slope roof applications. The manufacture, properties and use of the systems is discussed. Built‐up, EPDM, TPO, PVC and modified bitumen low slope systems are covered. Asphalt shingles, tile, slate, wood tile and shakes, as well as metal steep slope systems are covered.
Magnetic Polymers
Authors: Nishide Hiroyuki , Suga Takeo
Published: July 2011

Discovery of doped polyacetylenes and the following extensive investigations of π‐conjugated conducting polymers also evoked the attempt creating magnetic organic polymers. In the last two decades, theoretical and experimental studies on π‐conjugated organic molecules bearing plural unpaired electrons have elucidated a clear correlation between the molecular connectivity or substitution positions of the radical groups on the conjugated skeleton and spin multiplicity or spin quantum number (S) at a ground state. A stabilized high‐spin state (spin alignment, S > 2/2) among the plural unpaired electrons was achieved based on an intramolecular and strong through‐bond spin‐exchange interaction through pi‐conjugation. Here we start with molecular structure‐S correlation of diradical model molecules as an example, and then extend the criteria for designing high‐spin organic polymers. The highest spin alignment (S) value of the polymers has been improved year by year through two main molecular design approaches: (i) π‐conjugated polymers bearing pendant radical groups, and (ii) cross‐conjugated, radical‐integrated polymers. Advantages and limitations of these two approaches are described, and the two‐dimensionally extended organic polyradical molecules (hyperbranched and/or cross‐conjugated network) are highlighted in this chapter. The molecular‐based, tunable magneto‐responsible polymer dots can lead to the potential application for the magnetic information storage, and the opto‐magnetic and electro‐magnetic properties of the polyradicals are promising field. The high‐spin organic polyradical molecules with chemical stability, flexibility, plasticity, and moldability will open a new field of magnetic organic materials.
Dyes, Macromolecular
Authors: Guthrie J. T. , Magami S. M. , Puthiyottil R.
Published: July 2011

The review concerns the science, technology and applications of macromolecular dyes and colorants. The approach considers some of the important synthesis routes to such species, and their applications, dealt with in a chronological order. The concepts that underpin the creation of macromolecular dyes are considered as are the strategies for the creation of a wide variety of variants.
Theoretical Aspects of Organoselenium Chemistry
Authors: Sunoj Raghavan B.
Published: July 2011

The chapter offers an overview of the applications of theoretical methods in the area of organoselenium chemistry. In recent years, the availability of reliable basis sets and computational methods, especially the emergence of density functional methods, have enabled studies on increasingly complex chemical problems. A plethora of such problems in organoselenium chemistry and interesting insights on structure, properties, and reactions derived by using computational methods constitute the contents of this chapter. The types of situations described range from exotic briefly lived intermediates to structural and electronic features of stable and crystalline molecules. Properties such as nuclear magnetic resonance chemical shift and the comparison between computed and experimental quantities have been provided extensively. A number of reactions of selenium compounds with emphasis on biologically significant reactions have been highlighted. In particular, computational studies on glutathione peroxidate activity of selenium compounds have been elaborated. The electronic origins of inter‐ and intra‐molecular nonbonding interactions in organoselenium compounds and an illustration of how theoretical methods have been vital in quantifying such weak interactions have been provided.
Depicting the Missing: Prospective and Retrospective Person Memory for Age Progressed Images
Authors: Lampinen James Michael , Miller Justin T. , Dehon Hedwige
Published: July 2011

One approach that has been used to help recover missing children is forensic age progression. In forensic age progression, outdated photographs of missing children are aged to provide an estimate of the current appearance of the child. We examined the effectiveness of age progressed images in the context of both prospective person memory and retrospective person memory. Memory for outdated and age progressed images did not significantly differ. Moreover, there was some indication that age progressed images were associated with a more conservative response bias. The results failed to demonstrate an advantage for age progressed pictures. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Confined Ferroelectric Properties in Poly(Vinylidene Fluoride‐co‐Chlorotrifluoroethylene)‐graft‐Polystyrene Graft Copolymers for Electric Energy Storage Applications
Authors: Guan Fangxiao , Yang Lianyun , Wang Jing , Guan Bing , Han Kuo , Wang Qing , Zhu Lei
Published: July 2011

Dielectric polymer film capacitors having high energy density, low loss and fast discharge speed are highly desirable for compact and reliable electrical power systems. In this work, we study the confined ferroelectric properties in a series of poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐chlorotrifluoroethylene)‐graft‐polystyrene [P(VDF‐CTFE)‐g‐PS] graft copolymers, and their potential application as high energy density and low loss capacitor films. Thin films (ca. 20 μm) are prepared by different processing methods, namely, hot‐pressing or solution‐casting followed by mechanical stretching at elevated temperatures. After crystallization‐induced microphase separation, PS side chains are segregated to the periphery of PVDF crystals, forming a confining interfacial layer. Due to the low polarizability of this confining PS‐rich layer at the amorphous–crystalline interface, the compensation polarization is substantially decreased resulting in a novel confined ferroelectric behavior in these graft copolymers. Both dielectric and ferroelectric losses are significantly reduced at the expense of a moderate decrease in discharged energy density. Our study indicates that the best performance is achieved for a P(VDF‐CTFE)‐g‐PS graft copolymer with 34 wt‐% PS; a relatively high discharged energy density of approximately 10 J cm−3 at 600 MV m−1, a low dielectric loss (tanδ = 0.006 at 1 kHz), and a low hysteresis loop loss (17.6%) at 550 MV m−1.
Solution‐Processed Organic Light‐Emitting Transistors Incorporating Conjugated Polyelectrolytes
Authors: Seo Jung Hwa , Namdas Ebinazar B. , Gutacker Andrea , Heeger Alan J. , Bazan Guillermo C.
Published: July 2011

Improved performance of p‐type organic light‐emitting transistors (OLETs) is demonstrated by introducing a conjugated polyelectrolyte (CPE) layer and symmetric high work function (WF) source and drain metal electrodes. The OLET comprises a tri‐layer film consisting of a hole transporting layer, an emissive layer, and a CPE layer as an electron injection layer. The thickness of the CPE layer is critical for achieving good performance and provides an important structural handle for consideration in future optimization studies. We also demonstrate for the first time, good performance solution‐processed blue‐emitting OLETs. These results further demonstrate the simplification of device fabrication and improved performance afforded by integrating CPE interlayers into organic optoelectronic devices.
P3HT:PCBM, Best Seller in Polymer Photovoltaic Research
Authors: Dang Minh Trung , Hirsch Lionel , Wantz Guillaume
Published: July 2011

In the field of polymer‐based photovoltaic cells, poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and 1‐(3‐methoxycarbonyl)propyl‐1‐phenyl[6,6]C61 (PCBM) are, to date, the most‐studied active materials around the world for the bulk‐heterojunction structure. Various power‐conversion efficiencies are reported up to approximately 5%. This Research News article is focused on a survey of the tremendous literature published between 2002 and 2010 that exhibits solar cells based on blends of P3HT and PCBM.
Manganese Oxide/Carbon Aerogel Composite: an Outstanding Supercapacitor Electrode Material
Authors: Lin Yu‐Hsun , Wei Te‐Yu , Chien Hsing‐Chi , Lu Shih‐Yuan
Published: July 2011

Manganese oxide/carbon aerogel composite electrodes are prepared by a self‐limiting anodic‐electrochemical deposition of manganese oxide into a binder‐enriched carbon aerogel layer, drop‐cast on a graphite substrate, using 0.1 M Mn(CH3COO)2·4H2O as the electrolyte. Manganese oxide grows in the form of thin nanofibers along the backbone of the carbon aerogel, leaving adequate working space for the electrolyte and enabling a fuller extent of the utilization of the manganese oxide to make the composite an outstanding supercapacitor electrode material. The manganese oxide is determined to be Mn3O4 with the Raman spectroscopy and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy. The rectangularity of the cyclic‐voltammogram loops of the composite electrode is excellent and remains that way for scan rates up to a very‐high value of 500 mV s−1, indicating extremely good redox reversibility and cycle efficiency. At a scan rate of 25 mV s−1, the specific capacitance, as measured in 0.5 M Na2SO4 for a potential window of 0.1–0.9 V vs. Ag/AgCl, reaches a maximum value of 503 F g−1 and experiences only a negligible decay of less than 1% at the 6000th cycle, implying an extraordinary cycling stability. The cycling efficiency is as high as 98% at a current density of 8 A g−1 cm−2, showing an almost‐ideal capacitive behavior. The power density reaches 48.5 kW kg−1 and the energy density 21.6 W h kg−1 at a scan rate of 500 mV s−1, well above the specifications of current state‐of‐the‐art supercapacitors.
Numerical simulation of the wire‐pinning process in PET film casting: Steady‐state results
Authors: Christodoulou Kostas , Hatzikiriakos Savvas G. , Mitsoulis Evan
Published: July 2011

Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) film casting involves melt flow through a slot die, across a small span, and onto a fast moving quench drum. In the “wire‐pinning” casting process, a thin electrified wire close to the line of contact with the drum creates a strong pinning force that delays air entrainment to higher line speeds. Nonuniform wetting of the die lips by the extruded melt is thought to be responsible for the formation of streaks, a defect in the machine direction. A finite element model of the film casting process with wire pinning was developed to assist in understanding what causes significant wetting of the lips and whether this can be avoided by electrostatic pinning. The solution of the governing equations provide the location of the static and dynamic contact lines, thus finding the wetting and pinning points in the process. The simulations investigate the sensitivity of the static wetting line locations on the die lands to the imposed values of static contact angle and die‐lip gap. It was found that while the contact angle has a small effect on the extent of die‐lip wetting within the parameter ranges examined, there is a considerable chance that the feed slot surfaces can be dewetted. This seems to be the greatest danger for causing streaks rather than excessive wetting of the die lands. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2012
Detailed modeling of the evaporation and thermal decomposition of urea‐water solution in SCR systems
Authors: Ebrahimian Vahid , Nicolle Andre , Habchi Chawki
Published: July 2011

This work is aimed to develop a multicomponent evaporation model for droplets of urea‐water solution (UWS) and a thermal decomposition model of urea for automotive exhausts by using the selective catalytic reduction systems. In the multicomponent evaporation model, the influence of urea on the UWS evaporation is taken into account using a nonrandom two‐liquid activity model. The thermal decomposition model is based on a semidetailed kinetic scheme accounting not only for the production of ammonia (NH3) and isocyanic acid but also for the formation of heavier solid by‐products (biuret, cyanuric acid, and ammelide). This kinetics model has been validated against gaseous data as well as solid‐phase concentration profiles obtained by Lundstroem et al. (2009) and Schaber et al. (2004). Both models have been implemented in IFP‐C3D industrial software to simulate UWS droplet evaporation and decomposition as well as the formation of solid by‐products. It has been shown that the presence of the urea solute has a small influence on the water evaporation rate, but its effect on the UWS temperature is significant. In addition, the contributions of hydrolysis and thermolysis to urea decomposition have been assessed. Finally, the impacts of the heating rate as well as gas‐phase chemistry on urea decomposition pathways have been studied in detail. It has been shown that reducing the heating rate of the UWS causes the extent of the polymerization to decrease because of the higher activation energy. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2012
Investigation of chitosan gelation mechanisms by a modeling approach coupled to local experimental measurement
Authors: Venault A. , Bouyer D. , Pochat‐Bohatier C. , Vachoud L. , Faur C.
Published: July 2011

The formation of chitosan hydrogels using experimental and modeling approaches are described. Chitosan gelation was induced by an ammonia intake from a liquid phase (wet process) or a gaseous phase (vapor process), involving three steps: (i) external mass transfer at the interface, (ii) internal transport within the polymer solution, and (iii) chemical reactions inducing gelation. The experimental study allowed quantifying gelation fronts speeds from local measurement. The main resistance to gelation was investigated for both gelation processes. Experimental results exhibited that internal diffusion through the chitosan matrix was the main resistance in the whole gelation mechanism. The numerical model involved a coupling between mass and heat transfer phenomena and chemical reactions, in transient conditions. Numerical results were first validated and then used as a predictive tool to investigate (i) coupled mechanisms localized in the chitosan matrix and (ii) the influence of operating conditions on gelation rates. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2012
Case–control studies for identifying novel teratogens
Authors: Werler Martha M. , Louik Carol , Mitchell Allen A.
Published: July 2011

The case–control study design offers an operationally efficient approach to measuring an association between an exposure and an outcome, especially when the outcome is rare, as is true for specific birth defects. For example, instead of following 50,000 pregnant women to have sufficient statistical power to identify a doubling in risk of oral clefts associated with a common exposure (e.g., cigarette smoking), 75 cases and 3 controls per case could be studied with equal statistical power. Examples of case sources include hospital or clinical series, or birth defect registries. For validity, control subjects should represent the population base of the cases, which can be difficult to identify for non‐population‐based case groups. Case–control studies typically rely on retrospective exposure measurement, which presents a major challenge and sets up the possibility of recall bias. Approaches are discussed to keep sources of bias to a minimum, including recall, non‐differential information, and selection biases. Case–control studies can play an important role in this process for both hypothesis‐generation and hypothesis‐testing of potential teratogens. Examples of case–control studies and their contributions to the field are presented. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
We don't know what we don't study: The case for research on medication effects in pregnancy
Authors: Parisi Melissa A. , Spong Catherine Y. , Zajicek Anne , Guttmacher Alan E.
Published: July 2011

This Commentary addresses issues related to exposures to teratogens and makes the case for increased research into the safety of medication usage during pregnancy for mothers and fetuses. Not only are medications commonly used during pregnancy, but evidence points to an increasing prevalence and number of drug exposures experienced by the embryo or fetus, particularly during the critical first trimester of pregnancy. Although the first trimester represents a particularly vulnerable period of organogenesis, exposures during other gestational time periods may also be associated with deleterious outcomes. In addition to the changing (and in many cases unknown) risks to a developing fetus, other challenges to studying medication exposures and their effects during pregnancy include the dramatic changes in physiology that occur in pregnant women and the ethical dilemmas posed by including this vulnerable population in randomized controlled trials of safety and efficacy. However, without adequate knowledge of the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, efficacy, and safety of medication use in pregnancy, women may be under‐dosed to minimize exposure or not treated at all, resulting in inadequate treatment and potential harm to the mother and her baby. The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) is undertaking studies on medications and teratogenic exposures during pregnancy, including alcohol, maternal diabetes, oral hypoglycemic agents, and antiviral medications, through several of its research networks. Although this is a start, there is a critical need for further research on medications used during pregnancy, especially their effects on both the mother and her developing child. Published 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evolving knowledge of the teratogenicity of medications in human pregnancy
Authors: Adam Margaret P. , Polifka Janine E. , Friedman J.M.
Published: July 2011

A majority of pregnant women take at least one medication during pregnancy, although the safety of such drugs during pregnancy is not always known. We reviewed the safety during pregnancy of 172 drugs approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) from 2000 to 2010 using the TERIS risk rating system. We also reviewed safety information for 468 drugs approved by the FDA from 1980 to 2000 to determine if revisions in risk categories had been made in the last 10 years. The teratogenic risk in human pregnancy was “undetermined” for 168 (97.7%) of drug treatments approved between 2000 and 2010. Furthermore, the amount of data available regarding safety in pregnancy was rated as “none” for 126 (73.3%) of these drugs. For those drugs approved between 1980 and 2000, only 23 (5%) changed a full risk category or more in the past 10 years. Sources of data that led to a revised risk were derived from exposure cohort studies performed through record linkage studies, teratogen information services, large population‐based case‐control studies, and pregnancy registries. The mean time for a treatment initially classified as having an “undetermined” risk to be assigned a more precise risk was 27 years (95% confidence interval 26–28 years). The lack of information needed to assess the safety of drug treatments during human pregnancy remains a serious public health problem. A more active approach to post‐marketing surveillance for teratogenic effects is necessary. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Health status among prehistoric Eskimos from Point Hope, Alaska
Authors: Dabbs Gretchen R.
Published: July 2011

Using the protocol outlined in The Backbone of History: Health and Nutrition in the Western Hemisphere (BBH) (Steckel and Rose. 2002a. The backbone of history: health and nutrition in the Western Hemisphere. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press), this project compares the Mark I Health Index (MIHI) scores of the Ipiutak (n = 76; 100BCE–500CE) and Tigara (n = 298; 1200–1700CE), two samples of North American Arctic Eskimos excavated from Point Hope, Alaska. Macroscopic examination of skeletal remains for evidence of anemia, linear enamel hypoplasias (LEH), infection, trauma, dental health, and degenerative joint disease (DJD) was conducted to assess differences in health status resulting from a major economic shift at Point Hope. These data demonstrate that despite differences in settlement pattern, economic system, and dietary composition, the MIHI scores for the Ipiutak (82.1) and Tigara (84.6) are essentially equal. However, their component scores differ considerably. The Ipiutak component scores are suggestive of increased prevalence of chronic metabolic and biomechanical stresses, represented by high prevalence of nonspecific infection and high frequencies of DJD in the hip/knee, thoracic vertebrae, and wrists. The Tigara experienced more acute stress, evidenced by higher prevalence of LEH and trauma. Comparison of overall health index scores with those published in BBH shows the MIHI score for the Ipiutak and Tigara falling just above the average for sites in the Western Hemisphere, adding support to the argument that the human capacity for cultural amelioration of environmental hardships is quite significant. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization of soluble and membrane‐bound alkaline phosphatase in Nilaparvata lugens and their potential relation to development and insecticide resistance
Authors: Wang Zengxia , Liu Shuhua , Yang Baojun , Liu Zewen
Published: July 2011

Two forms (soluble and membrane‐bound) of alkaline phosphatases (ALPs) were found in the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens. In order to further study ALPs in N. lugens, two putative ALP genes (Nl‐ALP1 and Nl‐ALP2) were identified in this pest. Both Nl‐ALP1 and Nl‐ALP2 show approximately the same degree of sequence identity (40–50%) to other insect soluble and membrane‐bound forms of ALP. Correlation of ALP activity and mRNA levels at different developmental stages, or following application of 20‐hydroxyecdysone (20E) and insecticide fenvalerate, suggests that Nl‐ALP1 and Nl‐ALP2 might encode a soluble (sALP) and a membrane‐bound ALP (mALP), respectively. Nl‐ALP1‐specific antibody Nl1‐I detected only a specific band in soluble protein preparations and Nl‐ALP2 specific antibody Nl2‐I only detected a specific band in insoluble protein preparations, which provided conclusive linkages between Nl‐ALP1 and a sALP and between Nl‐ALP2 and a m ALP. Then, Nl‐ALP1 was denoted as Nl‐sALP for a sALP and Nl‐ALP2 was denoted as Nl‐mALP for a mALP. Only sALP activity and Nl‐sALP mRNA level were induced by 20E and fenvalerate, which was confirmed by the density of specific band detected by Nl1‐I in Sus strain with or without fenvalerate treatment. Additionally, the sALP activity, as well as Nl‐sALP mRNA level, was significantly higher in a fenvalerate resistant population, compared with Sus strain. These results indicate that the sALP is more responsive to chemical stimulus, such as hormone and insecticide, and might play dual roles in development and insecticide tolerance. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Improving the detection of pulmonary hypertension in systemic sclerosis using pulmonary function tests
Authors: Schreiber Benjamin E. , Valerio Christopher J. , Keir Gregory J. , Handler Clive , Wells Athol U. , Denton Christopher P. , Coghlan John G.
Published: July 2011

Objective

To construct a readily applicable formula for selecting patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) for right‐sided heart catheterization (RHC) based on the results of their pulmonary function tests (PFTs).

Methods

The diagnostic value of PFT variables was quantified in 386 patients with SSc against data obtained from RHC.

Results

We derived the following formula using data from 257 patients: predicted mPAP = 136 – SpO2 – 0.25 × DLCO % predicted, where mPAP is the mean pulmonary artery pressure, SpO2 is the oxygen saturation as measured by pulse oximetry, and DLCO is the diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide. We validated the formula in the remaining 129 SSc patients. The area under the curve was 0.75 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.67, 0.84). Using a predicted threshold of 25 mm Hg, the sensitivity was 90.1% (95% CI 82, 96) and the specificity was 29.2% (95% CI 17, 44). When used as a screening procedure in a typical scleroderma patient population, it is projected that those with an mPAP below 25 mm Hg are unlikely to have pulmonary hypertension (PH; prevalence 4.4%), those with a predicted mPAP of 25–35 mm Hg are at average risk of having PH (prevalence of 11.3%), and those with a formula‐predicted mPAP above 35 mm Hg are likely to have PH (prevalence of 62.9%), thus justifying RHC. In patients with equivocal findings on echocardiography, a high formula‐predicted mPAP is strongly associated with the presence of PH.

Conclusion

We derived and validated an easily applied formula for determining pulmonary function in patients with SSc that identifies subgroups with a low, average, or high prevalence of PH. It provides information that is complementary to echocardiography and that should improve the selection of patients for RHC.
Polydeoxyribonucleotide reduces cytokine production and the severity of collagen‐induced arthritis by stimulation of adenosine A2A receptor
Authors: Bitto Alessandra , Polito Francesca , Irrera Natasha , D'Ascola Angela , Avenoso Angela , Nastasi Giancarlo , Campo Giuseppe M. , Micali Antonio , Bagnato Gianfilippo , Minutoli Letteria , Marini Herbert , Rinaldi Mariagrazia , Squadrito Francesco , Altavilla Domenica
Published: July 2011

Objective

Broad antiinflammatory effects following adenosine A2A receptor stimulation have been demonstrated in acute inflammatory diseases, including arthritis. Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) activates the adenosine A2A receptor. This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of PDRN in collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA) in mice.

Methods

Arthritis was induced in DBA/1 mice by an intradermal injection of 100 μl of bovine type II collagen in Freund's complete adjuvant. Mice were immunized a second time 21 days later. Control animals received 100 μl of a saline solution. Animals with CIA were randomized to receive one of the following: vehicle (1 ml/kg); PDRN (8 mg/kg intraperitoneally daily); 3,7‐dimethyl‐propargylxanthine (DMPX), a specific adenosine A2A receptor antagonist (0.1 mg/kg intraperitoneally daily); or PDRN plus DMPX. The treatment was initiated immediately after the second immunization and continued to day 45. Clinical evaluation of arthritis was performed throughout the study. On day 45, the animals were killed and the severity of arthritis was evaluated histologically. Cartilage expression and circulating levels of high mobility group box chromosomal protein 1 (HMGB‐1), tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), and IL‐10 were investigated. Inflammatory cytokine production was also evaluated in stimulated human chondrocytes treated with PDRN.

Results

PDRN treatment significantly ameliorated clinical signs of arthritis, improved histologic damage, reduced the cartilage expression and circulating levels of HMGB‐1, TNFα, and IL‐6, and enhanced IL‐10 expression. The concomitant administration of DMPX and PDRN ablated the PDRN‐induced protective effect in experimental arthritis. PDRN also reduced cytokine production from stimulated human chondrocytes.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that PDRN may represent a new alternative for the treatment of arthritis.
Fibroblast growth factor 2 and transforming growth factor β1 induce precocious maturation of articular cartilage
Authors: Khan Ilyas M. , Evans Sam L. , Young Robert D. , Blain Emma J. , Quantock Andrew J. , Avery Nick , Archer Charles W.
Published: July 2011

Objective

We have discovered that a combination of fibroblast growth factor 2 and transforming growth factor β1 induce profound morphologic changes in immature articular cartilage. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that these changes represent accelerated postnatal maturation.

Methods

Histochemical and biochemical assays were used to confirm the nature of the morphologic changes that accompany growth factor stimulation of immature bovine articular cartilage explants in serum‐free culture medium. Growth factor–induced apoptosis, cellular proliferation, and changes in the collagen network were also quantitatively analyzed.

Results

Growth factor stimulation resulted in rapid resorption from the basal aspect of immature cartilage explants that was simultaneously opposed by cellular proliferation from the apical aspect driven from a pool of chondroprogenitor cells we have previously described. Maturation‐dependent changes in tissue stiffness, collagen crosslinking, and collagen fibril architecture as well as differentiation of the extracellular matrix into distinct pericellular, territorial, and interterritorial domains were all present in growth factor–stimulated cartilage samples and absent in control samples.

Conclusion

Our data demonstrate that it is possible to significantly enhance the maturation of cartilage tissue using specific growth factor stimulation. This may have applications in transplantation therapy or in the treatment of diseased cartilage, through phenotype modulation of osteoarthritic chondrocytes in order to stimulate growth and maturation of cartilage repair tissue.
Complexity and the practice of web information architecture
Authors: Burford Sally
Published: July 2011

This article describes the outcomes of research that examined the practice of web information architecture (IA) in large organizations. Using a grounded theory approach, seven large organizations were investigated and the data were analyzed for emerging themes and concepts. The research finds that the practice of web IA is characterized by unpredictability, multiple perspectives, and a need for responsiveness, agility, and negotiation. This article claims that web IA occurs in a complex environment and has emergent, self‐organizing properties. There is value in examining the practice as a complex adaptive system. Using this metaphor, a pre‐determined, structured methodology that delivers a documented, enduring, information design for the web is found inadequate – dominant and traditional thinking and practice in the organization of information are challenged.
Molecular Triangles: Synthesis, Self‐Assembly, and Blue Emission of Cyclo‐7,10‐tris‐triphenylenyl Macrocycles
Authors: Schwab Matthias Georg , Qin Tianshi , Pisula Wojciech , Mavrinskiy Alexey , Feng Xinliang , Baumgarten Martin , Kim Hun , Laquai Frédéric , Schuh Sebastian , Trattnig Roman , W. List Emil J. , Müllen Klaus
Published: July 2011

A set of cyclo‐7,10‐tris‐triphenylenyl macrocycles have been prepared by a Yamamoto cyclotrimerization protocol. In these novel macrocycles, three triphenylene units are covalently linked to each other, resulting in the formation of triangular‐shaped molecules. The fully planar derivative revealed pronounced self‐assembly behavior. NMR spectroscopy was used to determine the association constant in solution. 2D wide‐angle X‐ray scattering was applied to the study of the liquid crystallinity of this new discotic mesogen in the bulk state. Furthermore, nonplanar, laterally substituted derivatives were successfully tested as blue emitters in organic light‐emitting diodes owing to their unique optoelectronic properties and their high stability. In this case, substitution with sterically demanding phenyl groups was efficiently used to suppress intermolecular packing, thus preventing undesired quenching effects.
Ameisen und Aliens. Zur Wissensgeschichte von Soziologie und Entomologie
Authors: Werber Niels
Published: July 2011

Ants and Aliens. An Episode in the History of Entomological and Sociological Construction of Knowledge. The frequent use of biological metaphors in descriptions of society is well known and has already been investigated. Even the traces of biological theory in sociology have been explored. In this field of science, studies of social insects play an important role, because ants, bees, and termites have been considered to be genuinely political animals and founders of societies. Like men, social insects exist only in collectives; thus, the entomologist's research directs him from the individual insect, its morphology and taxonomy to the analysis of insect societies. Entomologists like Wheeler or Wilson become sociologists and develop methods to deal with a society whose members are dumb, soulless, without reason, rational choice, or motives. Tools invented to describe the evolution of insect societies have been picked up by sociological founders of systems theory like Parsons or Luhmann, who were busy building a theory of a society, which for heuristic reasons is not composed of men (individuals with souls, motives, consciousness and so on) but rather of communications, media, or codes. My paper treats 1.) the genealogy of this discursive mixture of problems, methods, and focuses on 2.) the rhetorical dimension of this entomological‐sociological passage. I will sketch certain ‘evident’ pictures of society, which function as media of a subliminal crossing of entomological and sociological premises, models, and assumptions. Both can be found in novels like Wilson's Anthill, which this paper analyzes with respect to the concepts of society implied by them, that is, concepts whose blueprints are based on models of an ant society.
Cold temperature decreases bacterial species richness in nitrogen‐removing bioreactors treating inorganic mine waters
Authors: Karkman A. , Mattila K. , Tamminen M. , Virta M.
Published: July 2011

Explosives used in mining, such as ammonium nitrate fuel oil (ANFO), can cause eutrophication of the surrounding environment by leakage of ammonium and nitrate from undetonated material that is not properly treated. Cold temperatures in mines affect nitrogen removal from water when such nutrients are treated with bioreactors in situ. In this study we identified bacteria in the bioreactors and studied the effect of temperature on the bacterial community. The bioreactors consisted of sequential nitrification and denitrification units running at either 5 or 10°C. One nitrification bioreactor running at 5°C was fed with salt spiked water. From the nitrification bioreactors, sequences from both ammonia‐ and nitrite‐oxidizing bacteria were identified, but the species were distinct at different temperatures. The main nitrifiers in the lower temperature were closely related to the genera Nitrosospira and Candidatus Nitrotoga. 16S rRNA gene sequences closely related to halotolerant Nitrosomonas eutropha were found only from the salt spiked nitrification bioreactor. At 10°C the genera Nitrosomonas and Nitrospira were the abundant nitrifiers. The results showed that bacterial species richness estimates were low, <150 operational taxonomic units (OTUs), in all bioreactor clone libraries, when sequences were assigned to operational taxonomic units at an evolutionary distance of 0.03. The only exception was the nitrification bioreactor running at 10°C where species richness was higher, >300 OTUs. Species richness was lower in bioreactors running at 5°C compared to those operating at 10°C. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2011;108: 2876–2883. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Clinical use of temporary percutaneous left ventricular assist devices
Authors: Froesch Patric , Martinelli Michele , Meier Pascal , Cook Stéphane , Hullin Roger , Windecker Stephan , Mohacsi Paul , Meier Bernhard
Published: July 2011

Background:

Temporary percutaneous left ventricular assist devices (TPLVAD) can be inserted and removed in awake patients. They substitute left ventricular function for a period of up to a few weeks and provide an excellent backup and bridge to recovery or decision.

Methods:

Retrospective analysis of 75 patients who received TPLVAD to treat cardiogenic shock (n = 49) or to facilitate high‐risk percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (n = 26). Forty‐two patients with cardiogenic shock and 16 patients with high‐risk PCI received a TandemHeart and 7 patients and 10 patients, respectively, received an Impella Recover LP 2.5. Outcome and related complications up to 1 month are reported with reference to device depending function.

Results:

One‐month survival was 53% in patients with shock and 96% in patients with PCI.

Conclusion:

TPLVADs can support the failing heart with acceptable risk. Outcome is better in prophylactic use than in patients with cardiogenic shock. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transcatheter closure of direct communication of main pulmonary artery to left atrium using muscular VSD occluder in an infant
Authors: Rad Elaheh Malakan , Arabi Mohammad Yousef
Published: July 2011

We report a direct main pulmonary artery (MPA) to left atrium (LA) communication in a 21‐month‐old infant which is closed by transcatheter approach using a muscular VSD occluder. We explain the characteristic diagnostic clues of this anomaly on chest radiography, echocardiography and angiography. To our knowledge this is the first case of congenital MPA to LA communication effectively occluded by a VSD muscular occluder. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Percutaneous closure of paravalvular leak and ventricular septum defect
Authors: Smolka Grzegorz , Pysz Piotr , Ochała Andrzej
Published: July 2011

We report a case of a patient with history of complicated infective endocarditis. Following aortic valve replacement, he developed heart failure symptoms related to paravalvular leak and ventricular septum defect. Comprehensive multimodality imaging allowed planning a simultaneous closure of both with a single device. Successfully accomplished procedure resulted in significant abatement of symptoms and reduction of ventricles dilatation. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Left main perforation and acute stent thrombosis—a cath lab nightmare
Authors: Fang Hsiu‐Yu , Wu Chiung‐Jen
Published: July 2011

Coronary perforation is a rare, but life‐threatening, complication that can develop during a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Prompt nonsurgical treatment such as covered stent deployment can potentially arrest progression of the condition; however, other lethal complications such as acute stent thrombosis or side branch occlusion can occur. This report describes a case of perforation of the left main coronary artery that was successfully managed via stenting; however, acute stent thrombosis and side branch occlusion subsequently occurred under extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support. Means of avoiding this tragic outcome involve the routine use of intravascular ultrasound in patients undergoing PCI of the left main coronary artery, being respectful of circumferential calcification, and keeping the procedure as simple as possible. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis and Catalytic Water Oxidation Activities of Ruthenium Complexes Containing Neutral Ligands
Authors: Xu Yunhua , Duan Lele , Åkermark Torbjörn , Tong Lianpeng , Lee Bao‐Lin , Zhang Rong , Åkermark Björn , Sun Licheng
Published: July 2011

Two dinuclear and one mononuclear ruthenium complexes containing neutral polypyridyl ligands have been synthesised as pre‐water oxidation catalysts and characterised by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy and ESI‐MS. Their catalytic water oxidation properties in the presence of [Ce(NH4)2(NO3)6] (CeIV) as oxidant at pH 1.0 have been investigated. At low concentrations of CeIV (5 mM), high turnover numbers of up to 4500 have been achieved. An 18O‐labelling experiment established that both O atoms in the evolved O2 originate from water. Combined electrochemical study and electrospray ionisation mass spectrometric analysis suggest that ligand exchange between coordinated 4‐picoline and free water produces Ru aquo species as the real water oxidation catalysts.
Synthesis of the Anti‐HIV Agent (−)‐Hyperolactone C by Using Oxonium Ylide Formation–Rearrangement
Authors: Hodgson David M. , Man Stanislav
Published: July 2011

Starting from readily available (S)‐styrene oxide an asymmetric synthesis is described of the naturally occurring anti‐HIV spirolactone (−)‐hyperolactone C, which possesses adjacent fully substituted stereocenters. The key step involves a stereocontrolled RhII‐catalysed oxonium ylide formation–[2,3] sigmatropic rearrangement of an α‐diazo‐β‐ketoester bearing allylic ether functionality. From the resulting furanone, an acid‐catalysed lactonisation and dehydrogenation gives the natural product.
Development of supercritical fluid extraction and supercritical fluid chromatography purification methods using rapid solubility screening with multiple solubility chambers
Authors: Gahm Kyung H. , Huang Ke , Barnhart Wesley W. , Goetzinger Wolfgang
Published: July 2011

Rapid solubility screening in diverse supercritical fluids (SCFs) was carried out via multiple solubility chambers with a trapping device and online ultraviolet (UV) detection. With this device, it was possible to rapidly study the solubility variations of multiple components in a mixture. Results from solubility studies have been used to develop efficient supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) and supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) methods. After the investigation of solubilities of theophylline and caffeine in several neat organic solvents and SCFs, advantages of SFE over conventional organic solvent extraction were demonstrated with a model mixture of theophylline and caffeine. The highest solubility ratio of 1:40 (theophylline:caffeine) was observed in the SCF with 20% acetonitrile (MeCN), where a ratio of 1:11 was the highest in the neat organic solvents. A model mixture of theophylline:caffeine (85:15 w/w, caffeine as an impurity) was successfully purified by SFE by leveraging the highest solubility difference. The SCF with 20% MeCN selectively removed caffeine and left theophylline largely intact. Rapid SCF solubility screening was applied to development of SFE and SFC methods in a drug discovery environment. Two successful applications were demonstrated with proprietary Amgen compounds to either remove an achiral impurity before chiral purification or enhance chiral chromatographic throughput. Chirality, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Application of a new amidophosphite ligand to Rh‐catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of β‐dehydroamino acid derivatives in supercritical carbon dioxide: Activation effect of protic co‐solvents
Authors: Lyubimov Sergey E. , Rastorguev Eugenie A. , Davankov Vadim A.
Published: July 2011

New chiral amidophosphite ligand was synthesized and tested in the Rh‐catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of (Z)‐β‐(acylamino)acrylates in protic solvents and supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) The catalytic performance is affected greatly by the acidity of the solvents. Better enantioselectivity (up to 88% ee) was achieved in scCO2 containing 1,1,1,3,3,3‐hexafluoro‐2‐propanol, compared to neat protic solvents. Chirality, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Author reply
Authors: Hellquist Barbro Numan , Jonsson Håkan , Nyström Lennarth
Published: July 2011

The comments of Dr. Weedon‐Fekjaer, Dr. Jørgensen, and Dr. Gøtzsche are adressed.
Identification of spliced variants of the proto‐oncogene hdm2 in colorectal cancer
Authors: Yu Zhiwei , Zhang Bin , Cui Binbin , Wang Yihui , Han Peng , Wang Xishan
Published: July 2011

BACKGROUND:

The human double minute 2 (hdm2) oncogene is a negative regulator of the p53 gene. Expression and alternative splicing of the hdm2 gene may contribute to colorectal cancer development or progression. This study aimed to determine the presence and identification of aberrant mRNA transcripts of hdm2 in colorectal cancer tissues and cell lines, and determine the nature of their association with clinicopathological characteristics and survival of patients.

METHODS:

A total of 69 colorectal cancer and corresponding normal tissue specimens and 10 colon cancer cell lines were recruited for polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing analyses of hdm2 mRNA. Genomic DNA from these tissues and cells was also extracted for p53 gene mutation analysis. The association of hdm2 fragmented transcripts and p53 gene mutation with clinicopathological data was then statistically analyzed.

RESULTS:

In 62 cases (89.9%; 62 of 69) of colorectal cancer tissues the full‐length hdm2 was amplified, whereas 7 cases had no hdm2 transcripts. Thirty‐two of 62 cases (51.6%) and 6 of 10 cell lines (60%) showed at least 1 hdm2 spliced variant. A total of 4 hdm2 splicing variants were found in colorectal cancer tissues and cells, that is, lack of nucleotides between 157 and 292 bp in hdm2/1338, 81 to 901 bp in hdm2/707, 157 to 292, 407 to 505, and 668 to 901 bp in hdm2/1007, and 610 to 883 in hdm2/1200. Of these, hdm2/1338 is a novel hdm2 variant in colorectal cancer. Mutation in p53 was detected in 21 cases (33.8%; 21 of 62). Although there was no association found between expression of hdm2 splicing variants and p53 gene mutations, expression of hdm2 splicing variants was associated with advanced tumor stage (P = .022) and distant metastasis (P = .004) in wild‐type p53 cases, and with poor survival of patients (P = .039).

CONCLUSIONS:

The data from the current study provide the first evidence that hdm2 mRNA is frequently mutated by alternative splicing in colorectal cancer, and may play a role in colorectal tumorigenesis or cancer progression. Cancer 2012; . © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Neuromuscular impairments in adult survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Ness Kirsten K. , Hudson Melissa M. , Pui Ching‐Hon , Green Daniel M. , Krull Kevin R. , Huang Tseng T. , Robison Leslie L. , Morris E. Brannon
Published: July 2011

BACKGROUND:

Treatment regimens for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) contain neurotoxic agents that may interfere with neuromuscular health. In this study, the authors examined associations between neuromuscular impairments and physical function and between neuromuscular impairments and doses of vincristine and intrathecal methotrexate used to treat leukemia among survivors of childhood ALL.

METHODS:

ALL survivors >10 years from diagnosis participated in neuromuscular performance testing. Treatment data were abstracted from medical records. Regression models were used to evaluate associations between treatment factors, neuromuscular impairments, and physical performance.

RESULTS:

Among 415 survivors (median age, 35 years; age range, 21‐52 years), balance, mobility, and 6‐minute walk (6MW) distances were 1.3 standard deviations below age‐specific and sex‐specific values in 15.4%, 3.6%, and 46.5% of participants, respectively. Impairments included absent Achilles tendon reflexes (39.5%), active dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM) <5 degrees (33.5%), and impaired knee extension strength (30.1%). In adjusted models (including cranial radiation), survivors who received cumulative intrathecal methotrexate doses ≥215 mg/m2 were 3.4 times more likely (95% confidence interval, 1.2‐9.8 times more likely) to have impaired ROM than survivors who received no intrathecal methotrexate, and survivors who received cumulative vincristine doses ≥39 mg/m2 were 1.5 times more likely (95% CI, 1.0‐2.5 times more likely) to have impaired ROM than survivors who received lower cumulative doses of vincristine. Higher intrathecal methotrexate doses were associated with reduced knee extension strength and 6MW distances.

CONCLUSIONS:

Neuromuscular impairments were prevalent in childhood ALL survivors and interfered with physical performance. Higher cumulative doses of vincristine and/or intrathecal methotrexate were associated with long‐term neuromuscular impairments, which have implications on future function as these survivors age. Cancer 2012;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.