bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Catalytic Conversion of Carbohydrates into 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural by Germanium(IV) Chloride in Ionic Liquids
Authors: Zhang Zehui , Wang Qian , Xie Haibo , Liu Wujun , Zhao Zongbao (Kent)
Published: December 2010

Direct conversion of carbohydrates into 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) catalyzed by germanium(IV) chloride in ionic liquids has been investigated in search of an efficient and environmentally friendly process. Monosaccharides D‐fructose and D‐glucose, disaccharides sucrose and maltose, and even the polysaccharide cellulose were successfully converted into HMF with good yields under mild conditions (yield up to 92 % in 5 min in the case of fructose). The structure of ionic liquids, catalyst loading, reaction temperature and water content had noticeable effects on this catalytic system. Addition of 5 Å molecular sieves during the dehydration of glucose resulted in an increase in HMF yield from 38.4 % to 48.4 %. A mechanism for glucose conversion to HMF catalyzed by germanium(IV) chloride was proposed according to 13C NMR spectra obtained in situ under different conditions using D‐glucose‐2‐13C as the substrate.
Nanostructured Carbon–Metal Oxide Hybrids as Amphiphilic Emulsion Catalysts
Authors: Ruiz M. Pilar , Faria Jimmy , Shen Min , Drexler Santiago , Prasomsri Teerawit , Resasco Daniel E.
Published: December 2010

Nanohybrids composed of “onion‐like” carbon, single‐walled (SWCNTs) or multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) fused to silica or alumina particles have been compared as stabilizers of water/oil emulsions and interfacial catalysts. The amphiphilic character of these nanohybrids makes them effective in stabilizing emulsions (up to 85 % of total volume) comprising of small droplets (less than 40 μm). Furthermore, these nanohybrids have been used as supports for transition metal particles (palladium and copper) to catalyze reactions at the water/oil interface. Three different reaction systems have been conducted in the emulsions to demonstrate the principle: 1) hydrogenation of phenanthrene; 2) hydrogenation of glutaraldehyde and benzaldehyde; 3) oxidation of tetralin. Comparison of the maximum conversions achieved in emulsions as opposed to the single phase, together with much better control of selectivity in the two‐phase system shows the benefits of using these nanohybrid catalysts.
Single‐cell tracking with a reversing flow cytometer
Authors: Sitton Greg , Srienc Friedrich
Published: December 2010

We have developed an instrument based on a flow cytometer platform that is capable of tracking individual, suspended cells over extended time periods. The instrument repeatedly moves in a capillary the same volume segment of fluid containing tens to hundreds of suspended cells through the focal point of a laser. Individual cells are then tracked based on the timing of when they cross the laser, and cell properties are measured as in a conventional flow cytometer. Because cells are repeatedly measured the single‐cell rates of change can be determined. The developed instrumentation was applied to measure the variability of ABC transporter activity in a population of human cancer cells and the temperature dependence of constitutively expressed Gfp in yeast. A wide range of transport rates can be observed in the cancer cell population while the single‐cell Gfp fluorescence in yeast shows pronounced oscillations in response to temperature shifts. These observations are not detectable at the population level. Therefore, such measurements are useful for investigating cell function as they reveal how variable properties of single cells change over time. © 2010 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Stable and sensitive probes for lysosomes: Cell‐penetrating fluorescent calix[4]arenes accumulate in acidic vesicles
Authors: Mueller Anja , Lalor Ruth , Cardaba Clara Moyano , Matthews Susan E.
Published: December 2010

The uptake of a fluorescently labeled cationic calix[4] (NBDCalAm) in live, nonfixed cells has been investigated. The compound is taken into the cells rapidly and shows distinct endosomal distribution after 2 hours. This distribution pattern shows colocalization with lysosomal staining. The uptake is not altered by inhibition of clathrin or caveolae dependent pathways nor by depletion of the cellular ATP‐pool. Immediately after uptake the probe is localized in the Golgi and brefeldin A treatment prevents transport to lysosomes. Pulse chase experiments with bafilomycin A1, monensin, and sodium azide showed that accumulation and retention of the probe in lysosomes is primarily driven by the activity of vacuolar ATPases. The NBD labeled calix[4]arene provides a very stable and sensitive marker for lysosomes, and has a considerable advantage over some commercially available lysosomal markers in so far that the fluorescent signal is stable even when the cells are incubated in dye‐free medium after staining. © 2010 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Beta‐catenin signaling in hepatic development and progenitors: Which way does the WNT blow?
Authors: Lade Abigale G. , Monga Satdarshan P. S.
Published: December 2010

The Wnt/β‐catenin pathway is an evolutionarily conserved signaling cascade that plays key roles in development and adult tissue homeostasis and is aberrantly activated in many tumors. Over a decade of work in mouse, chick, xenopus, and zebrafish models has uncovered multiple functions of this pathway in hepatic pathophysiology. Specifically, beta‐catenin, the central component of the canonical Wnt pathway, is implicated in the regulation of liver regeneration, development, and carcinogenesis. Wnt‐independent activation of beta‐catenin by receptor tyrosine kinases has also been observed in the liver. In liver development across various species, through regulation of cell proliferation, differentiation, and maturation, beta‐catenin directs foregut endoderm specification, hepatic specification of the foregut, and hepatic morphogenesis. Its role has also been defined in adult hepatic progenitors or oval cells especially in their expansion and differentiation. Thus, beta‐catenin undergoes tight temporal regulation to exhibit pleiotropic effects during hepatic development and in hepatic progenitor biology. Developmental Dynamics 240:486–500, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Commentaries on ‘Iron supplementation for breath‐holding attacks in children’
Authors: Hartfield Dawn S. , Yager Jerome Y. , DiMario Francis J.
Published: December 2010

These are commentaries of a Cochrane review, published in this issue of EBCH, first published as: Zehetner AA, Orr N, Buckmaster A, Williams K, Wheeler DM. Iron supplementation for breath‐holding attacks in children.Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews2010, Issue 5. Art. No.: CD008132. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD008132.pub2.

Further information for thisCochrane reviewis available in this issue of EBCH in the accompanyingSummaryarticle. Copyright © 2010 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The Cochrane Collaboration
Commentaries on ‘Antifungal therapy in infants and children with proven, probable or suspected invasive fungal infections’ with a response from the review authors
Authors: Groll Andreas H. , Lehrnbecher Thomas , Arshad Mehreen , Benjamin Daniel K. , Cohen‐Wolkowiez Michael
Published: December 2010

These are commentaries on a Cochrane review, published in this issue of EBCH, first published as: Blyth CC, Hale K, Palasanthiran P, O'Brien T, Bennett MH. Antifungal therapy in infants and children with proven, probable or suspected invasive fungal infections. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2010, Issue 2. Art. No.: CD006343. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD006343.pub2.

Further information for this Cochrane review is available in this issue of EBCH in the accompanying Summary article. Copyright © 2010 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The Cochrane Collaboration
Bonding Interactions between Nitrous Oxide (N2O) and Mono‐Ruthenium Substituted Keggin‐Type Polyoxometalates: Electronic Structures of Ruthenium/N2O Adducts
Authors: Liu Chun‐Guang , Guan Wei , Yan Li‐Kai , Su Zhong‐Min
Published: December 2010

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed for three ruthenium/nitrous oxide(N2O) adducts, RuIICl2(η1‐N2O)(P–N)(PPh3) {P–N = [o‐(dimethylamino)phenyl]diphenylphosphane} (1), RuII(η1‐N2O)(TMP)(THF) (TMP = dianion of tetramesitylporphyrin, THF = tetrahydrofuran) (2), and [PW11O39{RuII/(η1‐N2O/H2O)}]n– (3). The bonding interactions between the N2O molecule and the metal–ruthenium fragment were determined from the energy‐decomposition analysis (EDA) and their electronic structures. The results show that the bonding in the ruthenium(II)/N2O adducts 1–3 can be interpreted in terms of weak donor–acceptor interactions between the N2O molecule and the ruthenium(II) center. The geometrical optimization of the polyoxometalate (POM) adduct 3 indicates a bent Ru–NNO linkage, which effectively enhances donor–acceptor interactions with the quasi π‐symmetry orbital. The mono‐ruthenium(II) substituted Keggin‐type POM adduct 3 is a potential reagent for the activation of the N2O molecule because of the strong Ru–NNO bond and the significant RuNN–O π*‐antibonding orbital character relative to adducts 1 and 2, according to our DFT calculations.
Thiolate‐Bridged Iron–Nickel Models for the Active Site of [NiFe] Hydrogenase
Authors: Ohki Yasuhiro , Tatsumi Kazuyuki
Published: December 2010

Hydrogenases catalyze the reversible oxidation of H2, which is crucial for the anaerobic metabolism of microorganisms. They attract growing interest in connection with H2‐based energy systems. [NiFe] hydrogenase is the most common type among the currently known hydrogenases, and its active site consists of an “organometallic” Fe–Ni complex supported by cysteinyl thiolate ligands. This review presents an overview of the synthesis, properties, and reactions of thiolate‐bridged iron–nickel complexes that model the active site of [NiFe] hydrogenase.
A novel DNA selection and direct extraction process and its application in DNA recombination
Authors: Wang An‐Bang , Cheng Chia‐Wei , Lin I‐Chun , Lu Fei‐Yau , Tsai Huai‐Jen , Lin Chiu‐Chun , Yang Chun‐Hui , Pan Po‐Ting , Kuan Chen‐Chi , Chen Yen‐Chih , Lin Yi‐Wei , Chang Chih‐Ning , Wu Yi‐Hung , Kurniawan Tetuko , Lin Chii‐Wann , Wo Andrew M. , Chen Lin‐Chi
Published: December 2010

In the conventional bench‐top approach, the DNA recombination process is time‐ and effort‐consuming due to laborious procedures lasting from several hours to a day. A novel DNA selection and direct extraction process has been proposed, integrated and tested on chip. The integrative microfluidic chip can perform the whole procedure of DNA recombination, including DNA digestion, gel electrophoresis, DNA extraction and insert‐vector ligation within 1 h. In this high‐throughput design, the manual gel cutting was replaced by an automatic processing system that performed high‐quality and high‐recovery efficiency in DNA extraction process. With no need of gel‐dissolving reagents and manipulation, the application of selection and direct extraction process could significantly eliminate the risks from UV and EtBr and also facilitate DNA recombination. Reliable output with high success rate of cloning has been achieved with a significant reduction in operational hazards, required materials, efforts and time.
Toxicity of water-soluble fractions of biodiesel fuels derived from castor oil, palm oil, and waste cooking oil
Authors: Leite Maria Bernadete Neiva Lemos , de Araújo Milena Maria Sampaio , Nascimento Iracema Andrade , da Cruz Andrea Cristina Santos , Pereira Solange Andrade , do Nascimento Núbia Costa
Published: December 2010

Concerns over the sustained availability of fossil fuels and their impact on global warming and pollution have led to the search for fuels from renewable sources to address worldwide rising energy demands. Biodiesel is emerging as one of the possible solutions for the transport sector. It shows comparable engine performance to that of conventional diesel fuel, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, the toxicity of products and effluents from the biodiesel industry has not yet been sufficiently investigated. Brazil has a very high potential as a biodiesel producer, in view of its climatic conditions and vast areas for cropland, with consequent environmental risks because of possible accidental biodiesel spillages into water bodies and runoff to coastal areas. This research determined the toxicity to two marine organisms of the water-soluble fractions (WSF) of three different biodiesel fuels obtained by methanol transesterification of castor oil (CO), palm oil (PO), and waste cooking oil (WCO). Microalgae and sea urchins were used as the test organisms, respectively, for culture-growth-inhibition and early-life-stage-toxicity tests. The toxicity levels of the analyzed biodiesel WSF showed the highest toxicity for the CO, followed by WCO and the PO. Methanol was the most prominent contaminant; concentrations increased over time in WSF samples stored up to 120 d. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011; 30:893–897. © 2010 SETAC
Breakdown voltage of compressed SF6 at very low frequency/low frequency (VLF/LF)
Authors: Han Jian , Gorur Ravi S. , Hansen Peder
Published: December 2010

The breakdown voltage (BDV) of compressed sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) in the pressure range of 1–5 atm at 30 kHz, the frequency used by Navy for communications with vessels, is presented. Experiments were conducted in both uniform field (plane–plane gap) and non‐uniform field (rod–plane gap). The impact of pressure on the BDV is quantitatively analyzed. The pressure correction factors for calculating the BDV of SF6 at 30 kHz have been developed from knowledge of breakdown characteristics of air and from regression models. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Two steps numerical method for calculating the AC interference from a faulty power line on nearby buried pipelines
Authors: Lucca Giovanni
Published: December 2010

The paper presents a numerical method for evaluating induced voltages and currents, at power frequency, on a buried pipeline due to inductive and conductive coupling with a power line in fault condition; both the systems can have generic layouts represented by broken lines. The algorithm consists of a two steps solution of a two wires transmission line model applied at first to the circuit shield wire(s) with earth return and then to the circuit pipeline with earth return. This calculation method is particularly tailored for industrial and real cases applications. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of partial root zone drying and deficit irrigation on yield and oil quality of sunflower in a Mediterranean environment
Authors: Sezen S. Metin , Yazar Attila , Tekin Servet
Published: December 2010

This study examines the effects of different partial root zone drying and deficit irrigation regimes on seed and oil yield quality and water use of drip‐irrigated sunflower under field conditions in 2006 and 2007 in the eastern Mediterranean region of Turkey. Irrigation regimes consisted of full irrigation (FI‐100) and three deficit irrigation treatments (DI‐25, DI‐50, DI‐75), and partial root zone drying (PRD‐50) and rain‐fed treatment (RF). Irrigation regimes significantly (P < 0.01) influenced sunflower seed and oil yields and yield components. Although PRD‐50 received about 36% less irrigation water as compared to FI‐100, sunflower yield was reduced by an average of 15%. PRD‐50 produced higher seed and oil yield than DI‐50. Irrigation regimes had significantly different effects on yield components and some quality parameters such as the head diameter, number of seeds per head, 1000 seed weight and oil, and plant height at harvest. Yield reduction was mainly due to a lower number of seeds per head and lower seed weights. The saturated (palmitic and stearic acid) and unsaturated (oleic and linoleic acid) fatty acid contents were significantly affected by water stress. The PRD‐50 treatment resulted in highest WUE (1.0 kg m−3) and IWUE (1.4 kg m−3) in both growing seasons. The results revealed that under a water scarcity situation, PRD‐50 is an acceptable irrigation strategy to increase sunflower yield and quality. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Denitrifying phosphorus removal with nitrite by a real‐time step feed sequencing batch reactor
Authors: Peng Yong‐Zhen , Wu Chang‐Yong , Wang Ran‐Deng , Li Xiao‐Ling
Published: December 2010

BACKGROUND: Nitrite is toxic to anoxic phosphorus uptake when it exceeds a threshold concentration. In this study, denitrifying phosphorus removal with nitrite as electron acceptor was investigated in a sequencing batch reactor (SBR) operated using a real‐time step feed strategy.

RESULTS: The nitrite pulse concentration was initially determined by batch experiments. pH increased with use of nitrite for phosphate uptake, and decreased when the nitrite was used up. Nitrite was added promptly after the pH reached the peak value, and phosphate uptake continued, driven by the nitrite addition. The pH was adjusted to 7.50 using HCl with each pulse of nitrite addition. ORP could be used to determine the endpoint of denitrifiying phosphorus removal. However, the variation of second derivative of ORP with time was much more sensitive and should be a more suitable control parameter than ORP itself to determine the endpoint of denitrifying phosphorus removal.

CONCLUSION: Compared with denitrifying phosphorus removal with nitrate as electron acceptor, denitrifying phosphorus removal with nitrite using real‐time step feed can save 22.3% of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) for phosphorus removal and 49.4% of PHA for nitrogen removal. In addition, the reaction time could be shortened. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Lipoma arborescens of the peroneal tendon sheath
Authors: Moukaddam Hicham , Smitaman Edward , Haims Andrew H.
Published: December 2010

Lipoma arborescens or synovial lipomatosis is a rare disorder characterized by mature fat infiltration of hypertrophic synovial villi, most frequently affecting the suprapatellar pouch of the knee. Involvement of the synovial tendon sheath is extremely rare with only a few reported cases in the literature. We present a case of lipoma arborescens involving the peroneal and flexor tendons sheaths of the ankle, review the few reported cases to date, and discuss MR imaging features of this rare entity. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2011;33:221–224. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Diagnostic value of delineating deep fascia in distinguishing between benign and malignant soft‐tissue tumors in lower limbs using 3.0 T magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Liu Li , Wu Ning , Ouyang Han
Published: December 2010

Purpose

To determine the association between morphological changes to the deep fascia and the malignancy of soft‐tissue tumors in the lower limbs using 3.0 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Materials and Methods

MR images of 47 consecutive patients with 48 pathologically proven soft‐tissue tumors in the lower limbs were retrospectively reviewed by two radiologists. Lesions were divided into four groups according to their predominant location relative to the deep fascia: Group A: subcutaneous lesions superficial to the deep fascia (n = 9); Group B: lesions located beneath the deep fascia (n = 8); Group C: lesions centered in the interspaces of the deep fascia investment (n = 11); and Group D: intramuscular lesions (n = 20).

Results

The deep fascial structures were complete in all of the 19 benign lesions. In malignant lesions, destruction signs of the deep fascia were observed in 27 of the 29, which were characterized by disappearance/disruption of the fascial line and aggressive growth penetrating through the fascial line into the adjacent compartment, or disappearance/disruption of the intermuscular septa and embedding the mutilated fascial septa within the lesion, or destruction of the fascia‐muscle planes and abolishment of the deep fascial interspaces. Diagnosis of malignancy based on the signs of destruction of the deep fascial structure delineated with 3.0 T MRI, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 93.10%, 100%, and 95.83%, respectively.

Conclusion

Tumor involvement and destruction of the deep fascial structures visualized by 3.0 T MRI may be of utility in differentiating malignant from benign soft‐tissue tumors. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2011;33:173–179. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Advanced morphological 3D magnetic resonance observation of cartilage repair tissue (MOCART) scoring using a new isotropic 3D proton‐density, turbo spin echo sequence with variable flip angle distribution (PD‐SPACE) compared to an isotropic 3D steady‐state free precession sequence (True‐FISP) and standard 2D sequences
Authors: Welsch Goetz H. , Zak Lukas , Mamisch Tallal C. , Paul Dominik , Lauer Lars , Mauerer Andreas , Marlovits Stefan , Trattnig Siegfried
Published: December 2010

Purpose

To evaluate a new isotropic 3D proton‐density, turbo‐spin‐echo sequence with variable flip‐angle distribution (PD‐SPACE) sequence compared to an isotropic 3D true‐fast‐imaging with steady‐state‐precession (True‐FISP) sequence and 2D standard MR sequences with regard to the new 3D magnetic resonance observation of cartilage repair tissue (MOCART) score.

Materials and Methods

Sixty consecutive MR scans on 37 patients (age: 32.8 ± 7.9 years) after matrix‐associated autologous chondrocyte transplantation (MACT) of the knee were prospectively included. The 3D MOCART score was assessed using the standard 2D sequences and the multiplanar‐reconstruction (MPR) of both isotropic sequences. Statistical, Bonferroni‐corrected correlation as well as subjective quality analysis were performed.

Results

The correlation of the different sequences was significant for the variables defect fill, cartilage interface, bone interface, surface, subchondral lamina, chondral osteophytes, and effusion (Pearson coefficients 0.514–0.865). Especially between the standard sequences and the 3D True‐FISP sequence, the variables structure, signal intensity, subchondral bone, and bone marrow edema revealed lower, not significant, correlation values (0.242–0.383). Subjective quality was good for all sequences (P ≥ 0.05). Artifacts were most often visible on the 3D True‐FISP sequence (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Different isotropic sequences can be used for the 3D evaluation of cartilage repair with the benefits of isotropic 3D MRI, MPR, and a significantly reduced scan time, where the 3D PD‐SPACE sequence reveals the best results. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2011;33:180–188. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A contingency model of union commitment and participation: Meta‐analysis of the antecedents of militant and nonmilitant activities
Authors: Monnot Matthew J. , Wagner Stephen , Beehr Terry A.
Published: December 2010

Correlation estimates from a meta‐analysis of 108 studies including 126 independent samples and nearly 70 000 participants were used to test multiple path models of the antecedents of militant and nonmilitant union participation. Variables moderating the relationship between union commitment and participation were examined. The magnitude of the relationship between commitment and militant participation was moderated by status‐based group membership (i.e., white collar versus blue collar), supporting a contingency model of union participation. Results updated and further developed an integrative model of union participation. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cationic contrast agents improve quantification of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content by contrast enhanced CT imaging of cartilage
Authors: Bansal Prashant N. , Joshi Neel S. , Entezari Vahid , Malone Bethany C. , Stewart Rachel C. , Snyder Brian D. , Grinstaff Mark W.
Published: December 2010

Minimally invasive and non‐destructive methods to quantify glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in articular cartilage extracellular matrix are of significant interest for the biochemical analysis of cartilage and diagnosis and tracking of osteoarthritis in vivo. Here, we report the use of cationic iodinated contrast agents in comparison to conventional anionic contrast agents for the quantitative monitoring of GAG concentrations with peripheral quantitative computed tomography. Using an ex vivo bovine osteochondral plug model, the cationic contrast agents were evaluated for their ability to distribute into articular cartilage and generate a positive relationship with GAG content. The cationic agents resulted in much higher equilibrium X‐ray attenuations in cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM) than anionic agents. Experiments with samples subjected to enzymatic GAG degradation demonstrated that the cationic agents were up to five times more sensitive (p = 0.0001) to changes in GAG content and had a 24% higher correlation (p = 0.002) compared to the anionic agent (R2 = 0.86, p < 0.0001 compared with R2 = 0.62, p = 0.004). The natural inhomogeneous distribution of GAGs in the ECM could clearly be identified in undegraded samples. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29:704–709, 2011
P2Y2 receptors and GRK2 are involved in oscillatory fluid flow induced ERK1/2 responses in chondrocytes
Authors: Xing Yanghui , Gu Yan , Gomes Ronald R. , You Jun
Published: December 2010

Mechanical loading is an important factor regulating cartilage metabolism maintained by chondrocytes. However, some of its underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this study, we employed a chondrogenic cell line ATDC5 to investigate roles of P2Y2 and GRK2 in chondrocyte mechanotransduction. We first confirmed the expression of chondrocyte markers in differentiated ATDC5 cells. We then exposed both differentiated and undifferentiated ATDC5 cells to oscillatory fluid flow, and found that differentiated ATDC5 cells responded to oscillatory fluid flow by increasing COX‐2 and aggrecan expressions. More importantly, fluid flow induced ERK1/2 response in differentiated cells was increased more than 10 times compared to those in undifferentiated cells. Furthermore, we found that P2Y2 mRNA and protein levels in differentiated ATDC5 cells were significantly higher than those in undifferentiated cells. In contrast, GRK2 protein levels in differentiated cells were significantly lower than those in undifferentiated cells. Finally, overexpressions of P2Y2 and GRK2 in differentiated ATDC5 cells result in a 34% increase and a 21% decrease of the ERK1/2 phosphorylation, respectively, in response to oscillatory fluid flow, suggesting important roles of P2Y2 and GRK2 in chondrocyte mechanotransduction. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29:828–833
Preharvest bagging with wavelength‐selective materials enhances development and quality of mango (Mangifera indica L.) cv. Nam Dok Mai #4
Authors: Chonhenchob Vanee , Kamhangwong Damrongpol , Kruenate Jittiporn , Khongrat Krittaphat , Tangchantra Nantavat , Wichai Uthai , Singh S Paul
Published: December 2010

BACKGROUND: Preharvest bagging has been shown to improve development and quality of fruits. Different light transmittance bags showed different effects on fruit quality. This study presents the benefits of using newly developed plastic bagging materials with different wavelength‐selective characteristics for mangoes (cv. Nam Dok Mai #4). Mangoes were bagged at 45 days after full bloom (DAFB) and randomly harvested at 65, 75, 85, 95, and 105 DAFB. The bags were removed on the harvest days. The wavelength‐selective bags (no pigment, yellow, red, blue/violet, blue) were compared with the Kraft paper bag with black paper liner, which is currently used commercially for several fruits, and with non‐bagging as a control.

RESULTS: Bagging significantly (p⩽0.05) reduced diseases and blemishes. Mango weight at 95 DAFB was increased approximately 15% by VM and V plastic bagging, as compared to paper bagging and control. Plastic bagging accelerated mango ripening as well as growth. Plastic‐bagged mangoes reached maturity stage at 95 DAFB, while non‐bagged mangoes reached maturity stage at 105 DAFB. Paper bagging resulted in a pale‐yellow peel beginning at 65 DAFB, while plastic bagging improved peel glossiness.

CONCLUSION: Preharvest bagging with different wavelength‐selective materials affected mango development and quality. Bagging mangoes with VM and V materials could reduce peel defects and diseases, increase weight, size, and sphericity, improve peel appearance, and shorten the development periods of mangoes. The results suggest a favorable practice using the newly developed VM and V plastic bags in the production of mangoes, and possibly other fruits as well. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Reel‐to‐reel machining with ultra short pulsed lasers
Authors: Gebhardt Mandy , Hänel Jens
Published: December 2010

Flexible electronic devices expand more and more into everyday life. The steady growing demand for high yield and mass production of such devices requires new production processes based on industrial systems combining high throughput with extreme low manufacturing costs.
Laser Beam Profiling in the Production Process
Authors: Hettwer Manfred
Published: December 2010

Laser material processing is increasingly becoming more accepted in modern production lines. A growing number of production steps previously carried out by mechanical methods are being replaced by laser beam processing. The use of such high power laser beams requires adequate beam measurement technology to ensure product quality and to minimize service down time.
Two concentric fiber diameters in one laser light cable
Authors: Andreasch Wolfgang , Huber Rudolf , Mock Daniel
Published: December 2010

Different applications for laser material processing, such as cutting and welding, require a modification in the laser beam's quality to produce the best results. Therefore, when switching applications, it is usually necessary to change the laser light cable. The new 2in1 fiber that TRUMPF has developed for the Trulaser cell 7040 fiber contains two concentric fiber core diameters in just one laser light cable. During the cutting process, the laser beam is guided into the inner fiber core and during welding into the outer ring core. The 2in1 fiber causes the laser light to reach the work‐piece with just the right depth of sharpness and the correct beam diameter.
UV Lasers Enable Smart Phones and Other Microelectronics
Authors: Delmdahl Ralph , Pfeufer Volker
Published: December 2010

The smaller package sizes and increased functionality of today's smart phones create numerous manufacturing challenges, many of which are now being solved with high performance UV lasers.
Non‐destructive detection of corrosion applied to steel and galvanized steel coated with organic paints by the pulsed phase thermography
Authors: Schönberger A. , Virtanen S. , Giese V. , Schröttner H. , Spießberger C.
Published: December 2010

Organic coatings in the automobile industry have to resist corrosion and mechanical damage from stone chipping. Currently, no tool is established in industrial non‐destructive applications for analyzing the damage of stone‐impacts and the following corrosion after accelerated corrosion tests. Measurement methods such as the scanning Kelvin probe can analyze the corrosion progress in a detailed manner, but with a long measurement time. The pulsed phase thermography (PPT) is a non‐destructive tool to analyze inhomogeneities and defects in materials, with a huge field of applications existing. The present work shows advances in using the PPT to detect propagation of corrosion under coatings. Physical principles of the mechanism of the corrosion detection under coatings are described. Results of measurements of organic coatings on carbon steel as well as of organic coated galvanized steel show the corrosion propagation. Influencing factors to the measurement such as the thickness of the coatings are investigated, but no significant effect on the quality of the analysis was found. The corrosion progress can be monitored by the PPT fast and reliably. The achieved results correlate with the theoretical basis and the test results after surface characterization and destructive analysis of samples.
Oxidation of tungstate‐containing green rust (Cl–) in aqueous solution
Authors: Shinoda K. , Fujieda S. , Tsuri S. , Suzuki S.
Published: December 2010

The influence of tungstate on the oxidation of green rust [GR(Cl–)], which contains both Fe(II) and Fe(III), was investigated by synthesizing suspensions of GR(Cl–) containing tungstate and oxidizing them via injection of N2 gas containing O2. XRD and TEM analyses were used for characterizing the solid particles formed during synthesis and oxidation. The results showed that the formation of fine α‐FeOOH was enhanced by the addition of tungstate to the GR(Cl–) suspensions, while GR(Cl–) without tungstate was transformed primarily into γ‐FeOOH. The pH, oxidation‐reduction potential (ORP), and dissolved oxygen (DO) values of the aqueous solution were measured during oxidation of GR(Cl–) with and without tungstate. The results showed that whereas the pH value of the solution was decreased and the ORP value was increased monotonically by oxidation of GR(Cl–), the pH and ORP values during oxidation the GR(Cl–) suspension containing tungstate revealed characteristic changes with time. XAS was also used for characterizing the chemical state and local structure of tungstate in the oxidized particles. The results indicated that the local structure of WO was essentially retained in the particles precipitated from GR(Cl–) suspensions.
Cavity expansion in cross‐anisotropic rock
Authors: Kolymbas Dimitrios , Wagner Peter , Blioumi Anastasia
Published: December 2010

Schistous rock can be considered—in a first approximation—as cross‐anisotropic linear elastic material. The determination of the corresponding material constants on the basis of the laboratory investigation of rock samples often fails, as the extraction of appropriate cores proves to be unfeasible (the cores disintegrate if the schistosity is pronounced). In this paper a new method is presented to determine the material constants of a linear elastic cross‐anisotropic rock on the basis of cavity expansion field tests, e.g. with a radial jack. To this purpose, an analytic approximation for the deformation of a hydrostatically loaded cylindrical cavity in cross‐anisotropic rock is derived which serves to the inverse analysis of the material parameters. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of random fields and their impact on the mechanics of geosystems at multiple scales
Authors: Chen Qiushi , Seifried Andrew , Andrade José E. , Baker Jack W.
Published: December 2010

The behavior of particulate media, such as sands, is encoded at the granular‐scale and hence methods for upscaling such behavior across relevant scales of interest—from granular‐scale (∼1 mm) to field‐scale (>1m)—are needed to attain a more accurate prediction of soil behavior. Multi‐scale analysis is especially important under extreme conditions, such as strain localization, penetration, or liquefaction, where the classical constitutive description may no longer apply. In this paper, internally consistent probabilistic models for undrained shear strength and Young's modulus are developed at multiple scales, and incorporated into a simulation framework where refinement of the material description to finer scales is pursued only as necessary. This probabilistic simulation approach is then coupled with the finite element method. Numerical examples are presented to show how the performance of the geosystem is influenced by taking into account multi‐scale random fields. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Systematik und Biologie der Hepatitis‐Viren. Ähnliche Erkrankung – unterschiedliche Viren
Authors: Winckler Thomas
Published: December 2010

Hepatitis‐Viren wurden und werden dadurch gefunden und letztlich auch benannt, dass man die infektiösen Agenzien – meist in Form ihrer Nukleinsäuren – im Blut von Patienten mit Leberentzündungen nachweist. Die Nomenklatur folgt dann dem Alphabet. So ist es leicht nachvollziehbar, dass durchaus sehr unterschiedliche Virustypen gefunden wurden, die strukturell keine oder nur wenig Gemeinsamkeiten aufweisen. Umso interessanter ist es, sich die Biologie der verschiedenen Hepatitis‐Viren genauer anzusehen.
Alfa‐Interferone. Gentechnisch hergestellte Virustatika
Authors: Dingermann Theo , Zündorf Ilse
Published: December 2010

Bereits seit den 1980er Jahren wird IFN‐α für die Therapie der Hepatitis C erfolgreich eingesetzt. Mit den gentechnisch hergestellten Wirkstoffen und vor allem durch die Modifikation mit Methoxy‐Polyethylenglycolketten konnte die Effizienz der Therapie gesteigert werden, so dass die Peginterferone in Kombination mit dem nukleosidischen Polymeraseinhibitor Ribavirin die Standardtherapie der Hepatitis C darstellen. Die beiden derzeit verfügbaren Peginterferone PegIntron® und Pegasys® unterscheiden sich nur in einer Aminosäure innerhalb des Proteinanteils, allerdings erheblich bezüglich der Art und Struktur der Pegylierung, was sich in der Pharmakodynamik und ‐kinetik auswirkt. Die mittlerweile mit beiden Wirkstoffen durchgeführten Head‐to‐Head‐Studien zeigen nur einen geringen Unterschied in der Wirksamkeit der beiden Peginterferone, mit einem minimalen Vorteil für Peginterferon‐α‐2a.

Die Pipeline mit neuen Interferon‐Modifikationen und ‐Molekülen ist gut gefüllt, nicht zuletzt deshalb weil der Hepatitis‐Markt eine gute Verdienstmöglichkeit liefert.
Intravenous iron sucrose for children with iron deficiency failing to respond to oral iron therapy
Authors: Crary Shelley E. , Hall Katherine , Buchanan George R.
Published: December 2010

Background

For decades, parenteral iron has been used in patients with iron deficiency unresponsive to oral iron therapy and in hemodialysis‐dependent patients receiving erythropoietin. Newer intravenous (IV) iron formulations such as iron sucrose have replaced high‐molecular weight iron (HMW) dextran in dialysis patients; however, the use of parenteral iron in children without renal disease has not been well defined.

Procedure

Pharmacy records were reviewed on children (≤18 years of age) who received IV iron sucrose at Children's Medical Center Dallas between January 1, 2004 and June 30, 2009. Patients who received iron sucrose for chronic renal disease were excluded from analysis.

Results

Thirty‐eight children received iron sucrose for non‐renal indications, 13 with iron deficiency refractory to oral iron therapy, 13 with iron malabsorption or dependence on parenteral nutrition, 7 for chronic gastrointestinal blood loss, and 5 for miscellaneous indications. Among these 38 children, who received a total of 510 doses of IV iron sucrose, there were only six adverse reactions. Patients in all categories had a good response to the iron sucrose, with a median hemoglobin rise of 1.9–3.1 g/dl depending on the indication.

Conclusions

Parenteral iron is a safe and effective means to treat iron deficiency in children who cannot receive or do not respond to oral iron due to intolerance, poor adherence, or iron malabsorption. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011;56:615–619. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Improved rapid detection of trypsin isoinhibitors using non‐denaturing polyacrylamide gels with immobilised azoalbumin
Authors: Alizadeh Hossein , Leung David W.M.
Published: December 2010

Introduction – Proteinaceous inhibitors of animal trypsin occur naturally as isoforms in seeds and some are of interest as antinutritional or anti‐pest agents.

Objective – To establish a simplified electrophorectic, in‐gel method for rapid and direct detection of trypsin isoinhibitors present in crude plant extracts that are particularly suitable for many studies including rapid evaluation of cultivars.

Methodology – Azoalbumin (3%, w/v) is immobilised in 7.5% polyacrylamide gels before electrophoresis under non‐denaturing conditions.

Results – This improved method eliminates the need for both time‐consuming and labourious staining and destaining or renaturation steps.

Conclusion – Immobilised azoalbumin in polyacrylamide gels, run under non‐denaturing electrophoresis conditions, can be used to assist rapid evaluation of trypsin isoinhibitors in numerous crude plant extracts. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stratum‐specific positive predictive values of claims for acute pancreatitis among commercial health insurance plan enrollees with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Dore David D. , Chaudhry Saadia , Hoffman Clorinda , Seeger John D.
Published: December 2010

Purpose

To estimate the positive predictive value (PPV) of claims for acute pancreatitis among initiators of antihyperglycemic drugs in commercial health insurance claims data.

Methods

As part of a systematic study of the occurrence of acute pancreatitis among antihyperglycemic drug initiators (N = 260 255) within a large US health insurer's claims database, we identified potential cases of acute pancreatitis and confirmed them through medical record review. Potential cases had an International Classification of Diseases, 9th revision diagnosis code for acute pancreatitis (577.0) associated with an inpatient or emergency department claim. We sought 860 medical records to confirm potential cases and received 585 (70%), which were reviewed by a clinical adjudication committee. We estimated the PPV and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of claims for these medical records and a subset that had the diagnosis code listed in the first position of an inpatient claim.

Results

The PPV was 0.50 (95% CI 0.44−0.53) for an acute pancreatitis diagnosis code in any position and 0.60 (95% CI 0.55−0.65) if in the first position of an inpatient claim. The estimated PPV varied across strata defined by patient characteristics and was generally lower within strata where potential risk factors for acute pancreatitis were present.

Conclusions

These data indicate that health insurance claims‐based identification of acute pancreatitis might overestimate actual cases and introduce appreciable bias, usually toward the null. Further case confirmation or relative risk correction may be necessary to address potential bias. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Patient characteristics and process factors associated with antipsychotic polypharmacy in a nationwide sample of psychiatric inpatients in Italy
Authors: Santone Giovanni , Bellantuono Cesario , Rucci Paola , Picardi Angelo , Preti Antonio , de Girolamo Giovanni
Published: December 2010

Purpose

The present study investigated: (i) the rate of prescription of antipsychotic (AP) polypharmacy (APP) in a large, representative sample of psychiatric inpatients; and (ii) the relationship between APP prescription and the characteristics of patients and facilities.

Methods

The sample included 1022 psychiatric patients scheduled to be discharged from acute inpatient facilities with drug therapies including AP. Demographic and clinical data were obtained from the treating physician or retrieved from patients' records through a standardized Patient Form. Patients were administered the 24‐item Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale. Three indicators were used to describe the process of care in the facilities: a Restrictiveness score, a Standardization score, and a Treatment score. A multilevel mixed‐effect logistic regression was used to predict APP using patient and facility as the variables.

Results

APP was prescribed to 333 (32.5%) patients, the most common patterns being a first‐generation and a second‐generation AP (n = 178, 17.6%) or of two first‐generation APs (n = 80, 7.8%). Patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia and poorer insight into illness at admission were significantly more likely to receive APP. The availability of more complex therapeutic interventions in the facility was also associated with APP.

Conclusions

In our nationwide sample of psychiatric inpatients, APP was frequently prescribed to treat the more severe patients. However, it was also associated with process of care characteristics such as delivery of more complex therapeutic interventions, and was therefore not used only to control patient behavior. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Do people regard cheaper medicines effective? Population survey on public opinion of generic substitution in Finland
Authors: Heikkilä Reeta , Mäntyselkä Pekka , Ahonen Riitta
Published: December 2010

Purpose

Generic substitution (GS) is an important way to decrease medical costs. We aimed to study the opinions and attitudes of Finnish people about GS five years after it was introduced, the reasons for substituting and what people think about generic medicines.

Methods

We sent a postal survey to a random stratified population sample of 3000 Finnish people aged at least 18 years in 2008. The random sample was drawn from five mainland counties. The sampling was conducted by the Finnish Population Register Centre. The response rate was 62% (n = 1844) after exclusion of unobtainable addressees (n = 34).

Results

Most of the respondents (70.9%) considered GS a good law reform. However, there were many respondents who were unsure about their opinion (26.9%). The respondents also held the opinion that cheaper medicines are effective (80.9%) and that GS does not cause any risk to drug safety (84.9%). Most of the respondents (88.4%) who had substituted their medicines had not noticed any difference between the previously used and substituted medicines. Two main reasons for substituting were a desire to save money and recommendation by pharmacists. Of the respondents, 16.3% had experience with both substituting and refusing it. The percentage of the respondents who only had experience with refusing GS was 8.6%. Female gender, older age and use of prescription drugs were associated with refusing.

Conclusions

Finnish people consider GS a good reform. They also have confidence in the effect of cheaper medicines. Savings are the main reason for accepting GS. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Das Nahfeld‐Rasterwärmemikroskop
Authors: Kittel Achim , Hellmann David , Worbes Ludwig , Holthaus Martin
Published: December 2010

Evaneszente elektromagnetische Felder – Felder also, die an eine Oberfläche gebunden sind und exponentiell im angrenzenden Medium abklingen – üben schon lange eine große Faszination aus. Meist werden sie durch die interne Totalreflexion von eingestrahltem Licht erzeugt. Sie können jedoch auch durch Wärmebewegung von Ladungen in Festkörpern entstehen. Mit einem von uns an der Universität Oldenburg entwickelten Nahfeld‐Rasterwärmemikroskop lassen sich aus der Untersuchung dieser evaneszenten Felder bisher unzugängliche, lokale Eigenschaften des Festkörpers, wie die photonische Zustandsdichte, messen.
Ein Hammer aus Wasser. Spielwiese
Authors: Schlichting Hans Joachim , Ucke Christian
Published: December 2010

Ein luftdicht verschlossener, etwa zur Hälfte mit Wasser gefüllter Glaszylinder gibt ein erstaunlich hartes Geräusch von sich, wenn man ihn ruckartig auf und ab bewegt. Ursache hierfür ist ein schlagartig aufeinander folgendes Sieden und Kondensieren von Wasserdampf unter der Flüssigkeitssäule. Die in diesem Wasserhammer ablaufenden Vorgänge sind ebenso für das Hämmern einer Heizungsanlage wie für das Rauschen von siedendem Wasser verantwortlich.
Lichtmikroskopie unterhalb des Abbe‐Limits. Lokalisationsmikroskopie
Authors: Cremer Christoph
Published: December 2010

Ein Jahrhundert lang galt die von Ernst Abbe und Lord Rayleigh postulierte Grenze der lichtmikroskopischen Auflösung bei etwa 200 nm als unüberwindlich. Neue physikalische und optoelektronische Verfahren haben sie durchbrochen. Das ihnen zugrunde liegende Prinzip der Lokalisationsmikroskopie nutzt aus, dass näher zusammen liegende Lichtpunkte, etwa zur Fluoreszenz angeregte Moleküle, durch ihre unterschiedlichen spektralen Signaturen räumlich trennbar sind. Solche Signaturen können zum Beispiel verschiedene Fluoreszenzfarben sein oder zeitlich differierende und damit trennbare Fluoreszenzübergänge. Inzwischen sind mehrere Varianten experimentell realisiert. Diese Verfahren können mit sichtbarem Licht Nanostrukturen bis ins molekulare Detail abbilden. Dies gelingt zunehmend auch an lebenden Zellen.