bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Verbesserte Konvertierbarkeit lignocellulosehaltiger Substrate in der Nassfermentation – Extrusion von Stroh
Authors: Friedrich E. , Friedrich H. , Lincke M. , Schwarz B. , Wufka A. , Faßauer B.
Published: July 2010

Eine unerwünschte Begleiterscheinung von Biomassekonversionsprozessen in Landwirtschaft und Industrie, zu denen auch die Biogasproduktion durch Fermentation gehört, ist die bei einigen Einsatzstoffen auftretende Konkurrenz zur Nahrungsmittelproduktion. Der hohe Anteil an schwer abbaubarer Lignocellulose sowie Handhabungsprobleme haben den breitenwirksamen Einsatz alternativer, in großen Mengen verfügbarer und nahrungsmittelkonkurrenzfreier organischer Koppel‐ oder Abfallprodukte wie Getreidestroh bislang verhindert. In einem Pilotversuch wurde nun gezeigt, dass entgegen bisheriger praktischer Erfahrungen hoch‐lignocellulosehaltiges Getreidestroh im weit verbreiteten Nassfermentationsverfahren effizient und betriebsstabil zu Biogas konvertiert werden kann.
Li4Ti5O12 Nanoparticles Prepared with Gel‐hydrothermal Process as a High Performance Anode Material for Li‐ion Batteries
Authors: Qiu Zheng , Yang Li , Tang Yufeng , Fang Shaohua , Huang Jianshu
Published: July 2010

Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) nanoparticles were prepared by gel‐hydrothermal process and subsequent calcination treatment. Calcination treatment led to structural water removal, decomposition of organics and primary formation of LTO. The formation temperature of spinel LTO nanoparticles was lower than that of bulk materials counterpart prepared by solid‐state reaction or by sol‐gel processing. Based on the thermal gravimetric analysis (TG) and differential thermal gravimetric (DTG), samples calcined at different temperatures (350, 500 and 700°C) were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), field emitting scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), cyclic voltammogram and charge‐discharge cycling tests. A phase transition during the calcination process was observed from the XRD patterns. And the sample calcined at 500°C had a distribution of diameters around 20 nm and exhibited large capacity and good high rate capability. The well reversible cyclic voltammetric results of both electrodes indicated enhanced electrochemical kinetics for lithium insertion. It was found that the Li4Ti5O12 anode material prepared through gel‐hydrothermal process, when being cycled at 8 C, could preserve 76.6% of the capacity at 0.3 C. Meanwhile, the discharge capacity can reach up to 160.3 mAh·g−1 even after 100 cycles at 1 C, close to the theoretical capacity of 175 mAh·g−1. The gel‐hydrothermal method seemed to be a promising method to synthesize LTO nanoparticles with good application in lithium ion batteries and electrochemical cells.
In‐situ Apparent Mobility of Charge Carriers in Polyaniline Films Measured with a New Four‐band Electrode
Authors: Jiang Xiaoqing , Xue Wenbin , Sun Peipei , Harima Yutaka
Published: July 2010

The in‐situ apparent mobility in polyaniline films was accurately measured in a wide doping region using a new four‐band electrode. It was found the apparent mobility in polyaniline films rises with increasing the doping level or carrier density. The influence of film thickness on the conductivity and apparent mobility of charge carriers was also investigated. The relative higher conductivity observed in a thinner film under low and intermediate doping potentials is assigned to the higher inter‐chain mobility related to the more ordered structure of the film. The mobility variations provide experimental evidence to confirm the inter‐chain path for hopping transport of polarons and the intra‐chain path for evolution of metallic conduction.
Determination of Intracellular Concentration of Acyl‐Coenzyme A Esters for Metabolic Profiling Clostridium acetobutylicum
Authors: Deng Wenhua , Cheng Jiayi , Li Tonghua , Kang Jingwu
Published: July 2010

A method for determination of intracellular acyl‐coenzyme A esters in Clostridium acetobutylicum (CA) by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was developed and validated. In our experiment, two important intermediates acyl‐coenzyme A esters including acetyl‐CoA, butyryl‐CoA could be baseline separated on a Zobax‐C18 column with mobile phase composed of the acetonitrile and phosphate buffer (pH 5.0). Samples treated with freeze‐thaw and protein precipitated by addition of trichloroacetic acid could be directly injected for determination of acetyl‐CoA, butyryl‐CoA with a recovery higher than 73%. With this method, the metabolite profiling of the acyl‐coenzyme A esters of CA was obtained. The comparison of the metabolite profiling between the model strain ATCC 824 and a mutant strain EA 2018, which produces higher butanol than the former was performed. Some useful information was concluded for understanding the mechanism of CA for selectively producing the solvent.
Adsorption of Nonylphenol on Activated Sludge Biomass Under Aseptic Conditions
Authors: Bouki Chryssa , Dvorakova Marketa , Diamadopoulos Evan
Published: July 2010

This work examined the relative distribution of nonylphenol (NP), a known endocrine disrupting compound, between the water phase and biosolids (sludge) under aseptic conditions, as well as the conditions under which NP could be released from the biosolids back into the water phase. The experimental work involved adsorption and desorption studies on activated sludge biomass with the water phase being both pure water and treated municipal wastewater (secondary effluent). NP adsorption on biomass was very fast: about 90% of NP was removed from the water phase in 1 h, while in 5 h the equivalent degree of removal was around 99%. There was no significant difference in adsorptive behavior of active and inactive biomass. Adsorption of NP under equilibrium showed that NP accumulates in the biosolids reaching levels up to two orders of magnitude higher than the equilibrium water phase concentration. This was due to the hydrophobic nature of both NP and the biosolids. The adsorption isotherm was modeled by means of the Freundlich model. Desorption of NP from biosolids was possible to a significant extent at pH 12 and above. This may have an implication on lime stabilized sludge, where under high pH conditions, NP may leach out from dewatered sludge.
Synthesis of Polyaluminum Chloride Using Alternative and Simple Ultrasonic Vibration System
Authors: Trivedi Kunal N. , Boricha Arvind B. , Bajaj Hari C. , Jasra Raksh V.
Published: July 2010

Advantage of ultrasonic vibrating system over usual method (under simply rapid stirring) for the synthesis of polyaluminum chloride (PACl) is illustrated here. Ultrasonication helps in dispersion of NaOH into the aluminum solution. Coagulants were synthesized at two different OH/Al ratios (1.0 and 2.4). Aluminum present in the coagulants as monomeric, oligomeric and colloidal form was analyzed by Al‐Ferron timed spectroscopy; and 27Al‐NMR spectroscopy. PACls synthesized under ultrasonic vibrating system generated more oligomeric Al species compared to the PACls prepared by usual method, and gave better coagulation/flocculation efficiency.
Reactivation of hepatitis B virus after rituximab‐containing treatment in patients with CD20‐positive B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Matsue Kosei , Kimura Shun‐Ichi , Takanashi Yoko , Iwama Kan‐Ichi , Fujiwara Hideaki , Yamakura Masayuki , Takeuchi Masami
Published: July 2010

BACKGROUND:

Reactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) after rituximab‐containing chemotherapy in patients with B‐cell lymphoma has been recognized as a potentially serious complication in HBV immune patients.

METHODS:

To determine the HBV reactivation in patients treated with rituximab, a retrospective study of HBV‐related markers was performed before and after rituximab‐containing treatment in 261 consecutive patients with CD20‐positive B‐cell lymphoma.

RESULTS:

Of the 261 patients, 230 patients were tested for both hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti‐HBc) before treatment. Fifty‐six (24.3%) of 230 patients were anti‐HBc positive, and the remaining 174 (75.6%) patients were anti‐HBc negative. Among the 56 anti‐HBc–positive patients, 5 (8.9%) became HBsAg positive (HBV reactivation), whereas none of the 174 anti‐HBc–negative patients became HBsAg positive with a median follow‐up of 24 months (P = .001). Among the 5 patients with HBV reactivation, 4 were negative for antibody to HBsAg (anti‐HBs), and 1 patient was positive for anti‐HBs. All 5 of these patients were treated successfully with entecavir on detection of HBsAg, although 4 of the 5 patients exhibited mild to moderate elevation of alanine aminotransferase. Among 56 anti‐HBc–positive patients, those negative for anti‐HBs had a higher probability of developing HBV reactivation compared with those positive for anti‐HBs (4 of 19; 21.1% vs 1 of 37; 2.7%, P = .014).

CONCLUSIONS:

Patients with isolated anti‐HBc are at high risk of HBV reactivation and should be monitored closely for HBsAg, anti‐HBs, HBV‐DNA, and transaminase levels during and after rituximab‐containing treatment. Although preemptive use of entecavir enabled successful management of HBV reactivation, mild to moderate hepatic flare was still observed. These approaches should be further evaluated in a prospective study with regard to clinical usefulness, safety, and cost‐effectiveness. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Bethesda and beyond
Authors: Cibas Edmund
Published: July 2010

The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology has been gaining acceptance in the United States. Modifications will be made on the basis of an evolving understanding of thyroid disease and additional published evidence. Dr. Renshaw's studies are welcome additions to the growing literature on thyroid fine‐needle aspiration.
HMGA2 gene expression analysis performed on cytologic smears to distinguish benign from malignant thyroid nodules
Authors: Lappinga Paul J. , Kip N. Sertac , Jin Long , Lloyd Ricardo V. , Henry Michael R. , Zhang Jun , Nassar Aziza
Published: July 2010

BACKGROUND:

Up to 80% of thyroid nodules with an indeterminate diagnosis on fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) (eg, “suspicious for follicular neoplasm”) prove to be benign at the time of surgical resection. Ancillary tests in current use are limited in their ability to improve the preoperative detection of malignant follicular thyroid nodules. Studies using paraffin‐embedded tissue have indicated that high mobility group AT‐hook 2 (HMGA2) overexpression is present in a high percentage of malignant thyroid neoplasms but not in benign thyroid neoplasms. In the current study, the ability of HMGA2 overexpression analysis to preoperatively distinguish benign from malignant thyroid nodules by reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) on suspicious cytologic smears was evaluated.

METHODS:

Patients who underwent thyroid FNA and subsequent thyroid resection from 2001 through 2007 were identified. A subset of these patients who had a cytologic diagnosis of “suspicious” underwent HMGA2 expression analysis. HMGA2 expression was detected on cells scraped from cytologic smears with 1‐step, real‐time quantitative RT–PCR.

RESULTS:

Of the 125 cases identified, RNA extraction and HMGA2 analysis were successful in 115 cases. With an HMGA2 overexpression change of 5.9‐fold or greater compared with a thyroid tumor cell line as a positive cutoff, the test was found to have the following overall performance for detecting malignant nodules: sensitivity of 71%, specificity of 97%, positive predictive value of 94%, and negative predictive value of 84%. HMGA2 overexpression was found to have low sensitivity for detecting Hurthle cell carcinoma (33%).

CONCLUSIONS:

HMGA2 mRNA expression analysis can be performed on cytologic smears and demonstrates a high specificity and positive predictive value and relatively high sensitivity and negative predictive value for detecting malignancy in “suspicious” thyroid aspirate specimens. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Hydrogen Bonding in Phosphine Oxide/Phosphate–Phenol Complexes
Authors: Cuypers Ruud , Sudhölter Ernst J. R. , Zuilhof Han
Published: July 2010

To develop a new solvent‐impregnated resin (SIR) system for the removal of phenols and thiophenols from water, complex formation by hydrogen bonding of phosphine oxides and phosphates is studied using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and quantum chemical modeling. Six different computational methods are used: B3LYP, M06‐2X, MP2, spin component‐scaled (SCS) MP2 [all four with 6‐311+G(d,p) basis set], a complete basis set extrapolation at the MP2 level (MP2/CBS), and the composite CBS‐Q model. This reveals a range of binding enthalpies (ΔH) for phenol–phosphine oxide and phenol–phosphate complexes and their thio analogues. Both structural (bond lengths/angles) and electronic elements (charges, bond orders) are studied. Furthermore, solvent effects are investigated theoretically by the PCM solvent model and experimentally via ITC. From our calculations, a trialkylphosphine oxide is found to be the most promising extractant for phenol in SIRs, yielding ΔH=−14.5 and −9.8 kcal mol−1 with phenol and thiophenol, respectively (MP2/CBS), without dimer formation that would hamper the phenol complexation. In ITC measurements, the ΔH of this complex was most negative in the noncoordinating solvent cyclohexane, and slightly less so in π–π interacting solvents such as benzene. The strongest binding is found for the dimethyl phosphate–phenol complex [−15.1 kcal mol−1 (MP2/CBS)], due to the formation of two H‐bonds (PO⋅⋅⋅H‐O‐ and P‐O‐H⋅⋅⋅O‐H); however, dimer formation of these phosphates competes with complexation of phenol, and would thus hamper their use in industrial extractions. CBS‐Q calculations display erroneous trends for sulfur compounds, and are found to be unsuitable. Computationally relatively cheap SCS‐MP2 and M06‐2X calculations did accurately agree with the much more elaborate MP2/CBS method, with an average deviation of less than 1 kcal mol−1.
Synthesis and properties of α‐Fe2O3 nanorods
Authors: Ramesh R. , Ashok K. , Bhalero G. M. , Ponnusamy S. , Muthamizhchelvan C.
Published: July 2010

We report synthesis of α‐Fe2O3 (hematite) nanorods by reverse micelles method using cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) as surfactant and calcined at 300 °C. The calcined α‐Fe2O3 nanorods were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), high‐resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The result showed that the α‐Fe2O3 nanorods were hexagonal structure. The nanorods have diameter of 30‐50 nm and length of 120‐150 nm. The weak ferromagnetic behavior was observed with saturation magnetization = 0.6 emu/g, coercive force = 25 Oe and remanant magnetization = 0.03 emu/g. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Monocrystalline Cd0.2Zn0.8Te solid solution obtained by self‐selecting vapour growth
Authors: Szczerbakow A. , Golacki Z. , Domagala J. Z. , Minikayev R. , Dziawa P. , Reszka A. , Kowalski B. J.
Published: July 2010

Cd0.2Zn0.8Te monocrystals with the sizes of about 15 mm have been produced by self‐selecting vapour growth (SSVG). High degree of structural perfection of monocrystalline Cd0.2Zn0.8Te was achieved. Excellent compositional uniformity was observed as well. To our knowledge, no comparable results are reported for this solid solution. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Modeling of UHF voltage multiplier for radio‐triggered wake‐up circuits
Authors: Wang Jiang , Dong Liang , Fu Yuzhuo
Published: July 2010

Wake‐up circuits harvest electromagnetic energy emitted by radio devices, and they can be implemented using ultra‐high frequency (UHF) voltage multipliers. In this letter, we derive an analytical model of the UHF voltage multiplier. The model is compliant with HSPICE circuit simulations, and it allows for short design time of voltage multipliers for radio‐triggered wake‐up circuits. According to this model, we design and optimize voltage multipliers with and without junction capacitance matching. With an incident 2.4‐GHz signal of less than −30dBm power, the circuits can produce a voltage above 1 V within tens of microsecond. This dc output switches an inverter of 200MΩ load and wakes up the rest of the circuits on a wireless node. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of the plasticity‐related gene, Arc, in the frog brain
Authors: Mangiamele Lisa A. , Thomson Claire J. , Lebonville Christina L. , Burmeister Sabrina S.
Published: July 2010

In mammals, expression of the immediate early gene Arc/Arg3.1 in the brain is induced by exposure to novel environments, reception of sensory stimuli, and production of learned behaviors, suggesting a potentially important role in neural and behavioral plasticity. To date, Arc has only been characterized in a few species of mammals and birds, which limits our ability to understand its role in modifying behavior. To begin to address this gap, we identified Arc in two frog species, Xenopus tropicalis and Physalaemus pustulosus, and characterized its expression in the brain of P. pustulosus. We found that the predicted protein for frog Arc shared 60% sequence similarity with Arc in other vertebrates, and we observed high Arc expression in the forebrain, but not the midbrain or hindbrain, of female túngara frogs sacrificed at breeding ponds. We also examined the time‐course of Arc induction in the medial pallium, the homologue of the mammalian hippocampus, in response to a recording of a P. pustulosus mating chorus and found that accumulation of Arc mRNA peaked 0.75 h following stimulus onset. We found that the mating chorus also induced Arc expression in the lateral and ventral pallia and the medial septum, but not in the striatum, hypothalamus, or auditory midbrain. Finally, we examined acoustically induced Arc expression in response to different types of mating calls and found that Arc expression levels in the pallium and septum did not vary with the biological relevance or acoustic complexity of the signal. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 70: 813–825, 2010
Regioselectivity in Tether‐Directed Remote Functionalization – The Addition of a Cyclotriveratrylene‐Based Trimalonate to C60 Revisited
Authors: Kraszewska Agnieszka , Rivera‐Fuentes Pablo , Rapenne Gwénaël , Crassous Jeanne , Petrovic Ana G. , Alonso‐Gómez José Lorenzo , Huerta Elisa , Diederich François , Thilgen Carlo
Published: July 2010

The Bingel addition of a trimalonate derived from a chiral, cyclotriveratrylene (CTV)‐based tripodal tether to C60 was reinvestigated. The present use of enantiomerically pure (P)‐ and (M)‐configured CTV units in the tether allowed the isolation of a total of four enantiomerically pure C3‐symmetric tris‐adducts of [60]fullerene (two from each CTV enantiomer). With the support of NMR and UV/Vis spectroscopy, electronic (ECD) and vibrational (VCD) circular dichroism spectroscopic analysis (comparison to ECD data of known compounds and to ECD and VCD data calculated by TD‐DFT or ZINDO methods as part of this work) allowed a definitive determination of the following structural features for all four CTV‐C60 conjugates: (i) The constitution of the fullerene addition pattern, (ii) its absolute configuration, and (iii) the absolute configuration of the CTV moiety. It is concluded that the triple Bingel addition proceeded with complete regioselectivity and negligible diastereoselectivity, affording only the trans‐3,trans‐3,trans‐3 fullerene addition pattern in both enantiomeric forms, whereas the previously reported e,e,e motif was not formed.
Dehydrogenative Functionalization of C(sp3)–H Bonds Adjacent to a Heteroatom Mediated by Oxoammonium Salts
Authors: Richter Heinrich , García Mancheño Olga
Published: July 2010

The first oxoammonium salt mediated formation of C–C bonds from benzylic C(sp3)–H bonds adjacent to an oxygen or nitrogen atom by dehydrogenative coupling with enolizable carbonyls has been developed. The use of these oxidants in combination with catalytic amounts of Fe(OTf)2 as Lewis acid allows the reaction to be carried out under mild conditions, leading to the corresponding coupling products in moderate to good yields.
Chemiluminescently labeled aptamers as the affinity probe for interaction analysis by capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Li Hong‐Yi , Deng Qin‐Pei , Zhang De‐Wen , Zhou Ying‐Lin , Zhang Xin‐Xiang
Published: July 2010

Aptamers are nucleic acid oligonucleotides, which can recognize targets with high affinity and specificity. Fluorescently labeled aptamers have been used as affinity probes in CE for interaction analysis. In this study, a method of labeling aptamers chemiluminescently with isoluminol isothiocyanate (ILITC) through covalent bonds was proposed and realized. The ILITC‐labeled aptamers were characterized by HPLC‐MS and purified by HPLC. After desalination, the ILITC‐labeled aptamers were employed as the affinity probe for interaction analysis in CE coupled with chemiluminescence detection (CE‐CL) by interface of end column reaction mode, the apparatus of which was home‐designed and setup. CE‐CL experiment conditions, including buffer pH, concentrations of horseradish peroxidase and H2O2, were optimized first. The system of thrombin and its 29‐mer aptamer was chosen as the model. Binding parameters, namely the dissociation constant (Kd) and the binding site number (n), were calculated. The Kd obtained was 124.0±6.9 nM in agreement with the reported values. Thus, interaction analysis method based on chemiluminescently labeled aptamers as the affinity probe in CE‐CL has been established. This method can be widely applied due to the ease and universality of the labeling method, simplicity of CE‐CL apparatus and combination with aptamers for a wide range of targets.
Degradation of glacial deposits quantified with cosmogenic nuclides, Quartermain Mountains, Antarctica
Authors: Morgan Daniel J. , Putkonen Jaakko , Balco Greg , Stone John
Published: July 2010

Many glacial deposits in the Quartermain Mountains, Antarctica present two apparent contradictions regarding the degradation of unconsolidated deposits. The glacial deposits are up to millions of years old, yet they have maintained their meter‐scale morphology despite the fact that bedrock and regolith erosion rates in the Quartermain Mountains have been measured at 0·1–4·0 m Ma−1. Additionally, ground ice persists in some Miocene‐aged soils in the Quartermain Mountains even though modeled and measured sublimation rates of ice in Antarctic soils suggest that without any recharge mechanisms ground ice should sublimate in the upper few meters of soil on the order of 103 to 105 years. This paper presents results from using the concentration of cosmogenic nuclides beryllium‐10 (10Be) and aluminum‐26 (26Al) in bulk sediment samples from depth profiles of three glacial deposits in the Quartermain Mountains. The measured nuclide concentrations are lower than expected for the known ages of the deposits, erosion alone does not always explain these concentrations, and deflation of the tills by the sublimation of ice coupled with erosion of the overlying till can explain some of the nuclide concentration profiles. The degradation rates that best match the data range 0·7–12 m Ma−1 for sublimation of ice with initial debris concentrations ranging 12–45% and erosion of the overlying till at rates of 0·4–1·2 m Ma−1. Overturning of the tills by cryoturbation, vertical mixing, or soil creep is not indicated by the cosmogenic nuclide profiles, and degradation appears to be limited to within a few centimeters of the surface. Erosion of these tills without vertical mixing may partially explain how some glacial deposits in the Quartermain Mountains maintain their morphology and contain ground ice close to the surface for millions of years. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The use of the Schmidt Hammer and Equotip for rock hardness assessment in geomorphology and heritage science: a comparative analysis
Authors: Viles Heather , Goudie Andrew , Grab Stefan , Lalley Jennifer
Published: July 2010

Rapid, field‐based measurements of rock hardness are of use in investigating many geomorphological and heritage science problems. Several different methods are now available for taking such measurements, but little work has been done to assess their comparability and strengths and weaknesses. We review here the capabilities of two types of Schmidt Hammer (Classic N type and Silver Schmidt BL type) alongside two types of Equotip (standard type D and Piccolo) for investigating rock hardness in relation to rock weathering on various types of sandstone and limestone, as well as basalt and dolerite. Whilst the two Schmidt hammers and the two Equotips show comparable results when tested at 15 individual sites, interesting differences are found between the Equotip and Schmidt Hammer values which may reveal information about the nature of weathering on different surfaces. Operator variance is shown to be an issue in particular for the Equotip devices, which also exhibit higher variability in measurements and necessitate larger sample sizes. Carborundum pre‐treatment also has varying effects on the data collected, depending on the nature of the surface studied. The Equotip devices are shown to be particularly useful on smaller blocks and in situations where edge effects may affect Schmidt Hammer readings. We conclude that whilst each device contributes to geomorphological research, they do not necessarily produce comparable information. Indeed, using Schmidt Hammer and Equotip in combination and looking at any differences in results may provide invaluable insights into the structure of the near‐surface zones and the nature of weathering processes. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prediction of metal cation toxicity to the bioluminescent fungus Gerronema viridilucens
Authors: Mendes Luiz Fernando , Bastos Erick Leite , Stevani Cassius Vinicius
Published: July 2010

A correlation between the physicochemical properties of mono- [Li(I), K(I), Na(I)] and divalent [Cd(II), Cu(II), Mn(II), Ni(II), Co(II), Zn(II), Mg(II), Ca(II)] metal cations and their toxicity (evaluated by the free ion median effective concentration, EC50F) to the naturally bioluminescent fungus Gerronema viridilucens has been studied using the quantitative ion character–activity relationship (QICAR) approach. Among the 11 ionic parameters used in the current study, a univariate model based on the covalent index (X2mr) proved to be the most adequate for prediction of fungal metal toxicity evaluated by the logarithm of free ion median effective concentration (log EC50F): log EC50F = 4.243 (±0.243) −1.268 (±0.125)·X2mr (adj-R2 = 0.9113, Alkaike information criterion [AIC] = −60.42). Additional two- and three-variable models were also tested and proved less suitable to fit the experimental data. These results indicate that covalent bonding is a good indicator of metal inherent toxicity to bioluminescent fungi. Furthermore, the toxicity of additional metal ions [Ag(I), Cs(I), Sr(II), Ba(II), Fe(II), Hg(II), and Pb(II)] to G. viridilucens was predicted, and Pb was found to be the most toxic metal to this bioluminescent fungus (EC50F): Pb(II) > Ag(I) > Hg(I) > Cd(II) > Cu(II) > Co(II) ≈ Ni(II) > Mn(II) > Fe(II) ≈ Zn(II) > Mg(II) ≈ Ba(II) ≈ Cs(I) > Li(I) > K(I) ≈ Na(I) ≈ Sr(II)> Ca(II). Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010;29:2177–2181. © 2010 SETAC
Dieldrin-dissolving abilities of the xylem saps of several plant families, particularly Cucurbita pepo L.
Authors: Murano Hirotatsu , Otani Takashi , Seike Nobuyasu
Published: July 2010

The uptake ability of hydrophobic organic chemicals by plants and the nature of xylem sap of the plants were studied. The plants were grown in soil contaminated with dieldrin. High amounts of dieldrin were detected in the shoots of Cucurbita pepo and Cucumis sativus, but little was seen in the shoots of Brassica oleracea var. italica, Solanum lycopersicum, Glycine max, Zea mays, and Helianthus annuus. The xylem saps of C. pepo and C. sativus leached dieldrin adsorbed on C8 granules, but those of the other plants did not. The xylem saps of C. pepo and C. sativus eluted high amounts of dieldrin from the size-exclusion chromatography column near the fractions of RNase A (13.7 kDa) after Aprotinin (6.5 kDa), which has a larger molecular weight than dieldrin (381). The enhancement of dieldrin solubility by xylem sap was reduced by proteinase and heating. It was suspected that the protein-like materials in the xylem sap delivered dieldrin from the roots to the shoots. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010;29:2269–2277. © 2010 SETAC
Solution of the diffusion equation in multi‐material domains by sub‐division of elements along reconstructed interfaces
Authors: Garimella R. V. , Lipnikov K.
Published: July 2010

This paper describes the accurate solution of the diffusion equation in three‐dimensional multi‐material domains where some mesh elements contain more than one material. Given the volume fractions of each material in mesh elements, the method first recreates the material interfaces in the elements using interface reconstruction methods. Then the mesh is subdivided along the interfaces making sure that the final polyhedral mesh is conforming. Finally, the diffusion equation is solved on the sub‐divided mesh containing all single material elements. It is shown that the method produces second‐order accurate solutions with a lower error than methods that average the material properties in the multi‐material elements. Published in 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of the impact of the Mother and Infant Health Project in Ukraine
Authors: Nizalova Olena Y. , Vyshnya Maria
Published: July 2010

This paper exploits a unique opportunity to evaluate the impact of the quality change in the labor and delivery services brought about by the Mother and Infant Health Project in Ukraine. Employing program evaluation methods, we find that the administrative units participating in the Project have exhibited greater improvements in both maternal and infant health compared to the control ones. Among the infant health characteristics, the MIHP impact is most pronounced for infant mortality resulting from deviations in perinatal period. As for the maternal health, the MIHP is the most effective at combating anemia, blood circulation and urinary‐genital system complications, and late toxicosis. The analysis suggests that the effects are due to early attendance of antenatal clinics, lower share of C‐sections, and greater share of normal deliveries. Preliminary cost‐effectiveness analysis shows enormous benefit per dollar spent on the project: the cost to benefit ratio is one to 97 taking into account both maternal and infant lives saved as well as cost savings due to the changes in labor and delivery practices. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Strategic analysis for health care organizations: the suitability of the SWOT‐analysis
Authors: van Wijngaarden Jeroen D. H. , Scholten Gerard R. M. , van Wijk Kees P.
Published: July 2010

Because of the introduction of (regulated) market competition and self‐regulation, strategy is becoming an important management field for health care organizations in many European countries. That is why health managers are introducing more and more strategic principles and tools. Especially the SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats)‐analysis seems to be popular. However, hardly any empirical research has been done on the use and suitability of this instrument for the health care sector. In this paper four case studies are presented on the use of the SWOT‐analysis in different parts of the health care sector in the Netherlands. By comparing these results with the premises of the SWOT and academic critique, it will be argued that the SWOT in its current form is not suitable as a tool for strategic analysis in health care in many European countries. Based on these findings an alternative SWOT‐model is presented, in which expectations and learning of stakeholder are incorporated. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exploring health professionals' perspectives on factors affecting Iranian hospital efficiency and suggestions for improvement
Authors: Afzali Hossein Haji Ali , Moss John R , Mahmood Mohammad Afzal
Published: July 2010

While numerous studies have been undertaken in many developed countries and in a few developing countries, there has so far been no systematic attempt to identify factors affecting efficiency in the Iranian hospitals. This study was designed to elicit the perspectives of a group of health professionals and managers so as to analyse factors affecting the efficiency of hospitals owned by the Iranian Social Security Organization (SSO), which is the second largest institutional source of hospital care in that country. This study also aimed to identify actions that would improve efficiency. Using purposive sampling (to identify key informants), interviews with seventeen health professionals and hospital managers involved in the SSO health system were conducted. The respondents identified a number of organizational factors affecting efficiency, particularly the hospital budgeting and payment system used to fund physicians, and the lack of the managerial skills needed to manage complex facilities such as hospitals. The interviewees stressed the necessity for reforms of the regulatory framework to improve efficiency. A few participants recommended the concept of a funder‐provider split. The results of this exploratory study have provided meaningful insight into Iranian health professionals views of factors affecting efficiency, and of possible remedial actions. It is expected that the findings will provide guidance for health policy makers and hospital managers in the Iranian SSO to analyse factors affecting efficiency and to identify remedial actions to improve efficiency. Hospitals in other developing countries may be affected by similar factors. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A cross‐cultural examination of Aboriginal and European Canadian mothers' beliefs regarding proactive and reactive aggression
Authors: Cheah Charissa S. L. , Sheperd Kelly A.
Published: July 2010

The purpose of the present study was to examine the maternal beliefs and practices regarding preschool children's proactive and reactive aggression, within a cross‐cultural framework. Participants included 30 Aboriginal and 45 European Canadian mothers of preschoolers who provided their emotional reactions, causal attributions, socialization strategies, and parenting goals in response to children's aggressive behaviours. Results supported previous research that both groups of mothers generally responded negatively to both types of aggression, although there were differences in the extent of negative emotional responses expressed by mothers in the two cultures depending on the type of aggression. Mothers believed that reactive aggression was due to more external causes than proactive aggression and generally used more power assertive strategies in response to proactive versus reactive aggression. Aboriginal mothers were less anxious and used less power assertive strategies than European Canadian mothers. These findings speak to the importance of examining both similarities and differences in mother's beliefs and practices across cultures. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
SOX9 determines RUNX2 transactivity by directing intracellular degradation
Authors: Cheng Aixin , Genever Paul G
Published: July 2010

Mesenchymal stem cell differentiation is controlled by the cooperative activity of a network of signaling mechanisms. Among these, RUNX2 and SOX9 are the major transcription factors for osteogenesis and chondrogenesis, respectively. Their expression is overlapped both temporally and spatially during embryogenesis. Here we have demonstrated that RUNX2 and SOX9 physically interact in intact cells and have confirmed that SOX9 can inhibit the transactivation of RUNX2. In addition, RUNX2 exerts reciprocal inhibition on SOX9 transactivity. In analyses of the mechanism by which SOX9 regulated RUNX2 function, we demonstrated that SOX9 induced a dose-dependent degradation of RUNX2. Although RUNX2 is normally degraded by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, we found that SOX9-mediated degradation was proteasome-independent but phosphorylation-dependent and required the presence of the RUNX2 C-terminal domain, which contains a nuclear matrix targeting sequence (NMTS). Furthermore, SOX9 was able to decrease the level of ubiquitinated RUNX2 and direct RUNX2 to the lysosome for degradation. SOX9 also preferentially directed β-catenin, an intracellular mediator of canonical Wnt signaling, for lysosomal breakdown. Consequently, the mechanisms by which SOX9 regulates RUNX2 function may underlie broader signaling pathways that can influence osteochondrogenesis and mesenchymal fate. © 2010 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Deriving the phylogenetic information from some physicochemical properties of protein sequences computed
Authors: Chiu Shih‐Hau , Chen Chien‐Chi , Yuan Gwo‐Fang , Lin Thy‐Hou
Published: July 2010

The evolutionary relationships of organisms are traditionally delineated by the alignment‐based methods using some DNA or protein sequences. In the post‐genome era, the phylogenetics of life could be inferred from many sources such as genomic features, not just from comparison of one or several genes. To investigate the possibility that the physicochemical properties of protein sequences might reflect the phylogenetic ones, an alignment‐free method using a support vector machine (SVM) classifier is implemented to establish the phylogenetic relationships between some protein sequences. There are two types of datasets, namely, the “Enzymatic” (assigned by an EC accession) and “Proteins” used to train the SVM classifiers. By computing the F‐score for feature selection, we find that the classification accuracies of trained SVM classifiers could be significantly enhanced to 84% and 80%, respectively, for the enzymatic and “proteins” datasets classified if the protein sequences are represented with some top 255 features selected. These show that some physicochemical features of amino acid sequences selected are sufficient for inferring the phylogenetic properties of the protein sequences. Moreover, we find that the selected physicochemical features appear to correlate with the physiological characteristic of the taxonomic classes classified. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2010
Physicochemical and adsorptive properties of fast‐pyrolysis bio‐chars and their steam activated counterparts
Authors: Lima Isabel M. , Boateng Akwasi A. , Klasson Kjell T.
Published: July 2010

BACKGROUND: This study investigated steam‐activation as a technology for adding value to fast‐pyrolysis bio‐chars. Due to short residence times in the fluidized‐bed pyrolyzer, required to maximize bio‐oil production, the bio‐char structure tends to be underdeveloped thereby impacting its full potential application as a value‐added co‐product.

RESULTS: The bio‐chars of several substrates from a fluidized‐bed fast pyrolyzer and their respective corresponding steam‐activated counterparts were characterized for their surface areas and metal ion adsorption (copper, cadmium, nickel and zinc). Surface areas increased with activation from negligible to 136–793 m2 g−1 of material, with concomitant pore development evidenced by scanning electron microscopy and mathematical modeling. Affinity to Cu2+ was highest with adsorption efficiencies for 1 mmol L−1 solutions ranging from 60–85%. Metal ion adsorption performance was feedstock dependent and increased with activation, possibly due to improved access to highly reactive adsorption sites associated with the inorganic material in the feedstock.

CONCLUSION: Because of their higher yields and metal ion uptake, broiler litter and alfalfa stems could be the feedstock of choice when considering upgrading fast pyrolysis bio‐char for metal ion uptake. However, if the development of large surface areas is required, guayule bagasse and soybean straw could be the preferred feedstock. Published 2010 by John Wiley and Sons, Ltd.
A study by infra‐red spectroscopy of hydrogen bonding in cellulose
Authors: Marrinan H. J. , Mann J.
Published: July 2010

The interaction between cellulose and heavy water allows absorptions due to stretching of OH groups in crystalline and amorphous regions to be studied independently. Crystalline regions give several absorption bands in the 3600–3000 cm.−1 range and it is shown that all the bands are due to stretching of OH groups. Arguments are presented that support the idea that these bands can be interpreted in terms of vibrations of individual groups. It is shown that all the OH groups in crystalline regions of regenerated and bacterial celluloses are hydrogen‐bonded, and that crystal structures suggested by Peirce for these celluloses are incorrect. Suggestions are made about the types of hydrogen bond present in regenerated cellulose.

The relationship between infra‐red absorption frequencies and O……O distances in crystals is discussed. It is concluded that no reliable estimate of O……O distances in cellulose can be made from absorption frequencies on the basis of results available at present.
Polyaminotriazoles as fibre‐forming materials
Authors: Fisher J. W.
Published: July 2010

A new series of condensation polymers, the polyaminotriazoles, are described. These are made most simply by condensation of aliphatic dihydrazides in the presence of excess of hydrazine. The polymers are fibre‐forming and can be melt‐spun to give filaments which, after drawing, possess high strength and good affinity for dyestuffs of the acid and S.R.A. types, i.e. disperse types, as used for cellulose acetate rayon.
A general system describing the visco‐elastic properties of bitumens and its relation to routine test data
Authors: Van Poel C. Der
Published: July 2010

After dynamic and static experiments on the mechanical behaviour of bitumens an attempt was made to incorporate all the essential factors into a simple system. This was found to be possible in the form of a nomograph, by means of which the deformation of bitumens can be calculated as a function of stress, time and temperature. Origin or method of manufacture proved to be of less importance than hardness and rheological type. For correlation with standard test‐methods, the ring‐and‐ball temperature and the penetration index were found to be suitable parameters. The nomograph enables the average behaviour of a given grade to be calculated with an accuracy sufficient for engineering purposes.

Another feature of the nomograph is that it creates the possibility of giving an interpretation of other routine tests. By way of example both penetration and Fraass breaking test are discussed.
Developments in the theory of particle mixing
Authors: Lacey P. M. C.
Published: July 2010

It is shown that there are three components in a mixing process: convection, diffusion and shear. The concepts involved in analysing complete and partial mixtures are examined and a statistically satisfactory expression evolved for the state of a mixture. A number of theories of mixing rate are examined and compared with the few published experimental results, and a new theoretical treatment is offered based on diffusion theory. This is shown to be in at least as good agreement with fact as existing theories, and to provide a better basis for extension to more complex cases.
A study of phase transitions in sodium hydroxide
Authors: Smothers W. J. , Kruh R. F. , Carlton J. K. , Chiang Yao
Published: July 2010

As a part of a broad programme of investigation of sodium hydroxide, the transitions up to its melting point were studied. This was accomplished by correlation of results obtained through use of differential thermal, high‐temperature microscopic, and high‐temperature X‐ray analyses. The melting of sodium hydroxide monohydrate, the driving off of entrapped water at higher temperatures, the transition of x‐sodium hydroxide to β‐sodium hydroxide, and the melting point of β‐sodium hydroxide were the transitions identified and studied. An X‐ray powder pattern for β‐sodium hydroxide was obtained; it appeared to indicate a cubic structure for this material, with a lattice parameter of 11.0 Å.
Studies on the chlorination of the side chains of alkylaromatic compounds
Authors: Harvey P. G. , Smith F. , Stacey M. , Tatlow J. C.
Published: July 2010

Photochemical chlorinations of alkylaromatic compounds, such as toluene, the xylenes, mesitylene etc., give the corresponding side‐chain polychloro‐derivatives, though some nuclear chlorination, and also the formation of viscous condensation products, may occur concomitantly. Replacement by chlorine of the side‐chain hydrogen of alkylperchlorobenzenes does not, in general, appear to proceed to completion. Attempts to obtain perchloro‐compounds by further chlorination in ultraviolet light cause fission of dichloromethyl groups and the formation of hexachlorobenzene.
Phase equilibria in sugar solutions. III. Ternary systems of water‐hexose‐inorganic salt
Authors: Kelly F. H. C.
Published: July 2010

Ternary diagrams at 30° for systems water‐KCl and either glucose or fructose are presented. The solution at the invariant point (I.P.) contained less KCl in the presence of fructose, and this is attributed to the higher solubility of fructose than glucose in water.
Phase equilibria in sugar solutions. IV. Ternary system of water‐glucose‐fructose
Authors: Kelly F. H. C.
Published: July 2010

The ternary diagram at 30° for the system water‐glucose‐fructose is presented. An area in which anhydrous glucose was the solid phase was identified. It is concluded that the transition temperature of glucose hydrate (50°) is appreciably reduced by the presence of fructose.
The oxidation of 5: 6‐Dihydroxyindoies and the structure of melanin
Authors: Bruce J. M.
Published: July 2010

The first stage in the formation of melanin from 5: 6‐dihydroxyindole is regarded as the formation of a mixture of 5: 6‐dihydroxy‐(3: 4′‐ and ‐3: 7′)‐di‐indolyl 5′ 6′‐quinones. Fission of the ortho‐quinonoid rings of these compounds to either a dicarboxylic acid or an α‐keto‐acid, followed by recyclization through the 2‐position of the intact indole nucleus, would give, after decarboxylation, a mixture of ‘2: 3‐dihydroxy‐6‐oxo‐8: 9‐(2′: 3′‐ and ‐3′: 2′‐pyrrolo) heptindoles’

‘Cycloheptindole’, ‘Ring Index’ No. 1789

which, after oxidation to the corresponding ortho‐quinones, could undergo oxidative copolymerization to a polymer showing the properties of melanin.

Quantitative evidence in favour of such a mechanism is cited, the application of the hypothesis to substituted 5: 6‐dihydroxyindoles is described, and the possibility that melanin may be a copolymer of ‘3‐{6′‐[4′: 5′‐(2″: 3″‐ and −3″: 2″‐pyrrolo)‐5′: 6′‐dihydropyr‐2′‐onyl] }‐indole‐5: 6‐quinones’ is briefly discussed.