bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spudcans als Gründungsform für Offshore‐Hubplattformen
Authors: Henke Sascha , Qiu Gang , Pucker Tim
Published: December 2012

Für die Errichtung von Windparks ist der Einsatz von Offshore‐Hubplattformen Stand der Technik. Die Hubplattform installiert sich vor dem eigentlichen Arbeiten auf dem Meeresgrund, um ausreichende Stabilität für die Arbeiten zu haben und den Einfluss des Seegangs zu minimieren. Eine mögliche Gründungsvariante für die Beine einer Offshore‐Hubplattform ist die sogenannte Spudcan‐Lösung. Hierbei wird ein Kreisfundament mit großem Durchmesser am Bein der Hubplattform befestigt, über das die Gründungslasten abgetragen werden. Der Einsatz derartiger Gründungen ist im internationalen Öl‐ und Gasbereich gängig und erprobt. Dennoch ist bereits die korrekte Bemessung der vertikalen Tragfähigkeit der Spudcans komplex. So ist zum Beispiel die Bestimmung der Last‐Setzungskurve bei unterschiedlichen Baugrundverhältnissen schwierig und die Definition der “sicheren Seite” ebenfalls nicht eindeutig. Ein weiteres Problem, welches bei Absetzen auf geschichtetem Baugrund auftreten kann, ist der sogenannte “punch‐through”, d. h. bei beispielsweise dicht gelagertem Sand über weichem Boden kann es zu einem plötzlichen Durchstanzen der Plattform in die Weichschicht kommen, was bis hin zum Verlust der Plattform führen kann. In diesem Beitrag werden verschiedene Bemessungsansätze aus der Literatur und internationale Richtlinien zur Bemessung von Spudcans vorgestellt. Zudem werden offene Fragestellungen und Ansätze aus der Forschung diskutiert. Diese sollen dem Leser einen Eindruck über die Möglichkeiten von Spudcan‐Gründungen geben und ihn gleichzeitig für mögliche Problemstellungen sensibilisieren.

Spudcans as foundations for offshore jack‐up rigs – Problems and calculation methods

For the installation of wind parks jack‐up rigs can be used. Jack‐up rigs are founded on the seabed before start of operation to receive sufficient stability and to reduce wave induced influences. One possible foundation for jack‐up rigs on the seabed is the so‐called spudcan. A spudcan is a circular foundation attached to the legs of the jack‐up rig to transfer the vertical loads into the ground. The use of spudcan‐foundations is state‐of‐the‐art in the oil‐ and gas industry. Nevertheless, the design of this type of foundation is still challenging. For example, the correct determination of the load‐settlement‐response with respect to different soil conditions is complex and the definition of the “safe side” is not always clear. Another problem related to the spudcan depositioning onto layered soil is the so‐called “punch‐through”‐failure. This means that during installation onto dense sand overlying weak clay the spudcan may suddenly punch through the sand layer into the weaker layer. This can even lead to a total loss of the jack‐up rig. In this contribution, different methods for spudcan design recommended in literature and international guidelines are summarized. Furthermore, open questions and results of ongoing research are discussed to give the reader an impression of the capabilities and the difficulties regarding spudcan foundations.
Verschiebung von Großobjekten – spezielle, nicht alltägliche Ingenieur‐ und Baumeisterarbeiten
Authors: Caminada Paul
Published: December 2012

In den vergangenen 60 Jahren wurden in der Schweiz mehr als 400 Objekte wie Kirchen, Wohnhäuser, Brücken und sogar Felsen verschoben. Die Aktion beim Bahnhof in Zürich‐Oerlikon ist nun die größte, die jemals in der Schweiz durchgeführt wurde. Meistens handelt es sich um Objekte, die dem fortschrittlichen Verkehr im Wege stehen und wegen ihres Wertes oder aus Gründen der Pietät nicht einfach abgerissen werden können. Die Art und Weise der Verschiebung hat sich seit Jahrhunderten kaum verändert. Dies zeigt auch die Versetzung eines ägyptischen Obelisken auf dem Petersplatz in Rom im Jahr 1586 durch den Tessiner Ingenieurarchitekten Domenico Fontana.
Neue DGNB‐Kriterien für ökologische Qualität
Authors: Bayer Frank , Konermann Reinhard
Published: December 2012

Korrosionsschutzbeschichtungen haben die primäre Aufgabe, Stahl dauerhaft vor Korrosion zu schützen. Für das nachhaltige Bauen mit Stahl ist die Beschichtung von besonderer Bedeutung. Die Deutsche Gesellschaft für Nachhaltiges Bauen e. V. (DGNB) hat in der neuen Kriterienmatrix des Kriteriums Ökologische Qualität – Risiken für die lokale Umwelt (Version 2012) für die einzelnen Bauprodukte und ‐stoffe zusätzliche Anforderungen und deren Nachweise festgelegt. Das neue Regelwerk definiert den nachhaltigen Korrosionsschutz und liefert Kennzahlen für die Zertifizierung von nachhaltig errichteten Gebäuden.
Ermittlung von Modellunsicherheiten bei Stahlbetonstrukturen
Authors: Krawtschuk Alexander , Strauß Alfred , Haider Katharina , Zimmermann Thomas , Bergmeister Konrad
Published: December 2012

Im konstruktiven Brückenbau sind die Instandhaltungsstrategien und die damit verbundenen Investitionskosten von der Bauart, der Qualität und vom Entwurfskonzept abhängig. Heutzutage neigen Brückenbetreiber und Planer beim Bau von Brücken dazu, Lebenszyklusanalysen in ihren Entscheidungsprozess aufzunehmen, um die Gesamtwirkung, die strukturelle Zuverlässigkeit und Langlebigkeit sowie den finanziellen Aufwand zu optimieren. Dennoch führen Bemühungen, die zu erwartenden Lebenserhaltungskosten mittels bewährten Konstruktionsprinzipien zu reduzieren, zu unbekannten Risiken. Permanente als auch kurzfristige Monitoring‐Konzepte können die Unsicherheiten neuer Konzepte durch Beobachtung der Leistung der Bauteile während einer vorgeschriebenen Zeitdauer reduzieren. Die Ziele dieser Arbeit sind die Diskussion der wirksamen Einbeziehung von Monitoring‐Daten im Modell durch Einflusslinien‐ und Modellkorrekturfaktoren‐Konzepte, die Untersuchung der Funktionalität der Monitoring‐Systeme einschließlich Fehlerbehebung und die inverse Ermittlung und Bewertung der Sensor‐Eigenschaften und Überwachung der Daten. Die vorgeschlagene Methodik wird an einem bestehenden fugenlosen Dreifeldbrückensystem als integratives Überwachungssystem angewendet.

Novel monitoring techniques for abutment free bridge structures

In structural bridge engineering, maintenance strategies and thus budgetary demands are highly influenced by construction type and quality of design. Nowadays bridge owners and planners tend to include life‐cycle cost analyses in their decision processes regarding the overall design trying to optimize structural reliability and durability within financial constraints. However, efforts to reduce maintenance costs over the expected lifetime by adopting well established design principles lead to unknown risks concerning for instance boundary conditions. Smart permanent and short term monitoring concepts can reduce the associated risk of new design concepts by observing the performance of structural components during prescribed time periods. The objectives of this article are the discussion of concepts for (a) the effective incorporation of monitoring data in model updating procedures by means of the influence line and the model correct factor concept, (b) the investigation of the functionality of monitoring systems including error tracking, and (c) the inverse identification and evaluation of sensor properties and monitoring values. The proposed methodology will be applied to an integrative monitoring system applied on an existing three‐span joint less bridge structure.
Development and validation of an LC‐ESI‐MS/MS quantification method for a potentialγ‐aminobutyric acid transporter 3 (GAT3) marker and its application in preliminary MS binding assays
Authors: Polley Maria , Höfner Georg , Wanner Klaus Theodor
Published: December 2012

Binding assays for theγ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) transporter GAT3 can be assumed to significantly facilitate screening for respective inhibitors. As appropriate labeled ligands for this promising drug target are not available so far, we started efforts to set up mass spectrometry‐based binding assays (MS binding assays), for which labeled markers are not required. Therefore, we developed a sensitive and rapid LC‐ESI‐MS/MS quantification method for DDPM‐1007 {(RS)‐1‐[4,4,4‐Tris(4‐methoxyphenyl)but‐2‐en‐1‐yl]piperidine‐3‐carboxylic acid}, one of the most potent GAT3 inhibitors yet known, as a potential GAT3 marker. Using a 50 × 2 mm C8column in combination with a mobile phase composed of 10 mmammonium bicarbonate buffer pH 8.0 and acetonitrile (60:40, v/v) at a flow rate of 450 μL/min DDPM‐1007 could be analyzed in the positive multiple reaction monitoring mode [(m/z) 502.5 → 265.4] within a chromatographic cycle time of 3 min. Deuterated DDPM‐1007 [(2H9)DDPM‐1007] was synthesized and employed as internal standard. This way DDPM‐1007 could be quantified in a range from 100 pmto10 nmin the matrix resulting from respective binding experiments without any sample preparation. The established quantification method met the requirements of the FDA guidance for bioanalytical method validation concerning linearity and intra‐ and inter‐batch accuracy. Based on this LC‐ESI‐MS/MS quantification preliminary MS binding assays employing membrane preparations obtained from a stably GAT3 expressing HEK293 cell line and DDPM‐1007 as nonlabeled GAT3 marker could be performed. In these experiments specific binding of DDPM‐1007 at GAT3 could be unambiguously detected. Additionally, the established LC‐MS method provides a suitable analytical tool for further pharmacokinetic characterization of DDPM‐1007, as exemplified for its logDdetermination. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Novel nanoimaging approach: Antibodious polymeric nanolabel for intracellular alpha‐fetoprotein targeted monitoring
Authors: Ünlüer Özlem Biçen , Ersöz Arzu , Say Ridvan , Tomsuk Özlem , Sivas Hülya
Published: December 2012

This study describes preparation and use of novel labeled and antibodious polymeric nanolabels (anti‐alpha fetoprotein cross‐linked nanolabels) as an immunogenic and semisynthetic nanolabel with potential prognostic and therapeutic roles for hepatoma cancer. Specificity, uptake, and binding efficiencies of the nanolabel have been examined in a human hepatosarcoma cell line HepG2, a human colorectal cell line DLD‐1, and a mouse myoblast cell line C2. Labeling of the cells has been performed by treating live and fixed cells with varying concentrations of the nanolabels and then, the cells have been examined under a fluorescence microscope. In addition, all cell lines have also been labeled using FITC‐conjugated nanotrastuzumab to compare the results obtained with those of the binding of the FITC‐nanoanti‐alpha fetoprotein nanolabels. Results show that FITC‐conjugated anti‐alpha fetoprotein cross‐linked nanolabels have been taken up by both live and fixed cells and have efficiently and specifically labeled HepG2 cells at a quite low concentration. Taken all together, the results indicate that the novel targeted nanoimaging tools and technique demonstrated their ability to detect the distribution of the nanolabels as probes in hepatoma cells. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 29: 472–479, 2013
Homocysteine induces energy imbalance in rat skeletal muscle: Is creatine a protector?
Authors: Kolling Janaína , Scherer Emilene B. S. , Siebert Cassiana , Hansen Fernanda , Torres Felipe V. , Scaini Giselli , Ferreira Gabriela , de Andrade Rodrigo B. , Gonçalves Carlos A. S. , Streck Emílio L. , Wannmacher Clovis M. D. , Wyse Angela T. S.
Published: December 2012

Homocystinuria is a neurometabolic disease caused by a severe deficiency of cystathionine beta‐synthase activity, resulting in severe hyperhomocysteinemia. Affected patients present several symptoms including a variable degree of motor dysfunction. In this study, we investigated the effect of chronic hyperhomocysteinemia on the cell viability of the mitochondrion, as well as on some parameters of energy metabolism, such as glucose oxidation and activities of pyruvate kinase, citrate synthase, isocitrate dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase, respiratory chain complexes and creatine kinase in gastrocnemius rat skeletal muscle. We also evaluated the effect of creatine on biochemical alterations elicited by hyperhomocysteinemia. Wistar rats received daily subcutaneous injections of homocysteine (0.3–0.6 µmol/g body weight) and/or creatine (50 mg/kg body weight) from the 6th to the 28th days of age. The animals were decapitated 12 h after the last injection. Homocysteine decreased the cell viability of the mitochondrion and the activities of pyruvate kinase and creatine kinase. Succinate dehydrogenase was increased other evaluated parameters were not changed by this amino acid. Creatine, when combined with homocysteine, prevented or caused a synergistic effect on some changes provoked by this amino acid. Creatine per se or creatine plus homocysteine altered glucose oxidation. These findings provide insights into the mechanisms by which homocysteine exerts its effects on skeletal muscle function, more studies are needed to elucidate them. Although creatine prevents some alterations caused by homocysteine, it should be used with caution, mainly in healthy individuals because it could change the homeostasis of normal physiological functions. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Damit Blut nicht verklumpt
Authors: Geiger Jörg
Published: December 2012

Thrombozytenaggregationshemmer sind sowohl aus Sicht der Chemie als auch der Biochemie eine außergewöhnliche Familie von Pharmaka. Der Grund für die Vielfalt an Aggregationshemmern und die kontinuierliche Suche nach neuen liegt in den besonderen Anforderungen an diese Substanzen. Die Medikamente müssen mit hoher Wirksamkeit auch bei längerer Anwendung sehr gut verträglich sein, dürfen kaum Nebenwirkungen aufweisen und müssen möglichst einfach anzuwenden sein. Durch ausgeklügelte Modifizierungen der Leitstrukturen werden diese Anforderungen erfüllt und die Bioverfügbarkeit und Wirksamkeit optimiert. Die wichtigsten biochemischen Ziele der Thrombozytenaggregationshemmer sind heute die Hemmung der Thromboxansynthese und der ADP‐Rezeptoren, aber eine Reihe neuer, vielversprechender Zielstrukturen wird gegenwärtig auf ihre Eignung untersucht und erste Wirkstoffe sind in Aussicht.
Vanilla or Vanillin? Chemie einmal bilingual
Authors: Schumacher Elke
Published: December 2012

Der Frage Vanille oder Vanillin, Naturstoff oder Syntheseprodukt gingen 20 Schülerinnen und Schüler aus den Klassenstufen 9 bis 12 einen Labortag lang im Alfried‐Krupp‐Schülerlabor an der Ruhr‐Universität Bochum nach. Sie waren als erfolgreiche Teilnehmer der 2. Runde der Chemie‐Olympiade aus NRW der Einladung der Landesbeauftragten für die Chemie‐Olympiade, Birgit Vieler, und des Labors gefolgt, um anhand des Beispiels Vanillearoma Möglichkeiten der Gewinnung und Unterscheidung von natürlichen, naturidentischen und künstlichen Aromastoffen kennenzulernen. Das Projekt wurde an diesem Tag bilingual in englischer Sprache durchgeführt, kann aber auch in deutscher Sprache gebucht werden.
Influence of Surfactants on Degradation of 1‐(2‐Chlorobenzoyl)‐3‐(4‐chlorophenyl) Urea by Nanoscale Zerovalent Iron
Authors: Zhou Qingxiang , Lin Haiying
Published: December 2012

Nanoscale zerovalent iron (NZVI) has been proved to be effective in the degradation of environmental pollutants and exhibits advantages in the removal of 1‐(2‐chlorobenzoyl)‐3‐(4‐chlorophenyl) urea (CCU), an analog of diflubenzuron. This present study focused on the influence of surfactants in the degradation procedure with NZVI in order to provide a simple and rapid removal method for CCU. Triton X‐100, Tween 20, Tween 80, sodium dodecyl sulfonate (SDS), and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) were investigated under anaerobic conditions. The experimental results demonstrated that the degradation rate increased sharply with the presence of SD during the first 15 min, up to 99.97% with addition of 0.01 g L−1 SDS, whereas the presence of Triton X‐100, Tween 80, and Tween 20 resulted in a slight enhancement of the degradation of CCU. The enhancement strength of them was in the order Tween 20, Triton X‐100, and Tween 80. However, addition of the cationic surfactant CTAB resulted in a significant inhibitive effect. In contrast, the mixed surfactants did not result in the expected performance, and the performance was lower than that using some certain single surfactant among the mixed surfactants.
Tidal and Fluvial Influence on Shallow Groundwater Fluctuation in Coastal Wetlands in Yellow River Delta, China
Authors: Luan Zhaoqing , Deng Wei
Published: December 2012

In coastal wetland, groundwater is influenced by both tidal processes and land hydrological processes. To study the influences of tidal processes and river runoff on the shallow groundwater dynamic in coastal wetland of the Yellow River Delta, surface and shallow groundwater depth were monitored. It was found that in the east part of the study area where close to the shoreline, surface is characteristic of obvious periodicity, the fluctuation of surface water was mainly controlled by tidal processes. As to the shallow groundwater, fluctuation of water depth is also influenced by the tidal process and has obvious periodicity similar to the surface water. In the north part of the study area, the shallow groundwater is mainly influenced by the Yellow River runoff. The influence distance of tidal processes and river runoff on shallow groundwater system is 14 700 and 11 600 m, respectively.
Anatomical basis of sun compass navigation II: The neuronal composition of the central complex of the monarch butterfly
Authors: Heinze Stanley , Florman Jeremy , Asokaraj Surainder , el Jundi Basil , Reppert Steven M.
Published: December 2012

Each fall, eastern North American monarch butterflies in their northern range undergo a long‐distance migration south to their overwintering grounds in Mexico. Migrants use a time‐compensated sun compass to determine directionality during the migration. This compass system uses information extracted from sun‐derived skylight cues that is compensated for time of day and ultimately transformed into the appropriate motor commands. The central complex (CX) is likely the site of the actual sun compass, because neurons in this brain region are tuned to specific skylight cues. To help illuminate the neural basis of sun compass navigation, we examined the neuronal composition of the CX and its associated brain regions. We generated a standardized version of the sun compass neuropils, providing reference volumes, as well as a common frame of reference for the registration of neuron morphologies. Volumetric comparisons between migratory and nonmigratory monarchs substantiated the proposed involvement of the CX and related brain areas in migratory behavior. Through registration of more than 55 neurons of 34 cell types, we were able to delineate the major input pathways to the CX, output pathways, and intrinsic neurons. Comparison of these neural elements with those of other species, especially the desert locust, revealed a surprising degree of conservation. From these interspecies data, we have established key components of a conserved core network of the CX, likely complemented by species‐specific neurons, which together may comprise the neural substrates underlying the computations performed by the CX. J. Comp. Neurol. 521:267–298, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Design of vascular networks: A mathematical model approach
Authors: Yang Jian , Wang Yongtian
Published: December 2012

In this paper, methods for the modeling of a realistic vascular tree in 3D space and for hemodynamic calculating throughout the simulated tree structure have been developed. Vascular trees are generated based on the power law relationship. Variations in branching asymmetry and segment length of the vasculature are precisely controlled by the designed Gaussian distributions. The resolution limit of current imaging techniques for vessel detectability is simulated by designed pruning technique. On the basis of the generated diameters and lengths, the space locations of the vessel segments are calculated by optimizing the out‐of‐plane angles of two daughter branches. The generated vascular tree not only follows the power law relationship, but also maximizes the filling volume of the tree structure in 3D space. From the hemodynamic calculation in the simulated vasculature, the processes for which structural changes affect hemodynamic distributions are studied in detail. And also, the fractal nature and resistance of the vascular trees are quantified and compared. The developed method provides some insight into the design of the vascular trees in biology and may be used as a reference for the study of vascular diseases. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of patient‐specific inlet boundary conditions in the numerical modelling of blood flow in abdominal aortic aneurysm disease
Authors: Hardman David , Semple Scott I. , Richards Jennifer M.J. , Hoskins Peter R.
Published: December 2012

Three inlet boundary condition datasets were derived from phase‐contrast MRI: (i) centre line velocity data converted to two‐dimensional (2D) velocity profile using Womersley equations (Womersley), (ii) 2D velocity profile with one axial component of velocity (1CV), (iii) 2D velocity profile with three components of velocity (3CV). Computational fluid dynamics was performed using a rigid wall approach with geometry data extracted from the computed tomography dataset. Helical flow was present in the 1CV and 3CV simulations, with more complex patterns for the 3CV case. The Womersley method produced simplified flow patterns with an absence of helical flow. Mean values of quantitative indices (helical flow index, mean wall shear stress, oscillatory index) were compared with the 3CV inlet data. These were lower for both the Womersley inlet data (28%, 71%, 56%) and the 1CV inlet data (9%, 24%, 69%). It was concluded that inlet methods based on centre line velocity, such as might be obtained from Doppler ultrasound, lead to significantly simplified abdominal aortic aneurysm haemodynamics and thus are not recommended. Single velocity component (axial) data from MRI might suffice when general flow characteristics and spatial wall shear stress are required. Ideally 2D MRI velocity profiles with 3‐velocity component data are preferred to fully account for helical flow. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microgel Capsules Tailored by Droplet‐Based Microfluidics
Authors: Seiffert Sebastian
Published: December 2012

Microgel capsules are micrometer‐sized particles that consist of a cross‐linked, solvent‐swollen polymer network complexed with additives. These particles have various applications, such as drug delivery, catalysis, and analytics. To optimize the performance of microgel capsules, it is crucial to control their size, shape, and content of encapsulated additives with high precision. There are two classes of microgel‐capsule structures. One class comprises bulk microcapsules that consist of a polymer network spanning the entire particle and entrapping the additive within its meshes. The other class comprises core–shell structures; in this case, the microgel polymer network just forms the shell of the particles, whereas their interior is hollow and hosts the encapsulated payload. Both types of structures can be produced with exquisite control by droplet‐based microfluidic templating followed by subsequent droplet gelation. This article highlights some early and recent achievements in the use of this technique to tailor soft microgel capsules; it also discusses applications of these particles. A special focus is on the encapsulation of living cells, which are very sensitive and complex but also very useful additives for immobilization within microgel particles.
Numerical investigation of magnetic field effect on pressure in cylindrical and hemispherical silicon CZ crystal growth
Authors: Mokhtari F. , Bouabdallah A. , Merah A. , Oualli H.
Published: December 2012

The effect of axial magnetic field of different intensities on pressure in silicon Czochralski crystal growth is investigated in cylindrical and hemispherical geometries with rotating crystal and crucible and thermocapillary convection. As one important thermodynamic variable, the pressure is found to be more sensitive than temperature to magnetic field with strong dependence upon the vorticity field. The pressure at the triple point is proposed as a convenient parameter to control the homogeneity of the grown crystal. With a gradual increase of the magnetic field intensity the convection effect can be reduced without thermal fluctuations in the silicon melt. An evaluation of the magnetic interaction parameter critical value corresponding to flow, pressure and temperature homogenization leads to the important result that a relatively low axial magnetic field is required for the spherical system comparatively to the cylindrical one.
T/B ratio does not reflect levels of ZAP70 expression in clonal CLL B‐cells due to ZAP70 overexpression in patient T‐cells
Authors: Rizzo David , Bouvier Gaëlle , Youlyouz‐Marfak Ibtissam , Guerin Estelle , Trimoreau Franck , Bordessoule Dominique , Jaccard Arnaud , Gachard Nathalie , Feuillard Jean
Published: December 2012

Flow cytometry is the reference technique for assessing ZAP70 expression, a marker of poor prognosis in CLL. One of the most common methods is to assess ZAP70 levels in CLL cells by calculating the ratio between ZAP70 mean fluorescence intensities (MFIs) in residual T‐cells and CLL B‐cells (ZAP70 T/B ratio). In this study, we developed a new method for ZAP70 labeling. Cells were labeled with a combination of anti ZAP70 phycoerythrin‐conjugated SBZAP monoclonal antibody (mAb) and mAbs against CD45, CD19, and CD5. The latter three were used to specifically gate on different lymphocyte subsets. Staining was performed in absence (test) or in presence of excess unconjugated SBZAP mAb (isoclonic control). A so‐called ZAP70 isoclonic ratio between SBZAP MFIs in the test and isoclonic control was calculated. A series of 32 patients with CLL and 10 normal controls were studied. Prediction of IGHV mutation status by ZAP70 isoclonic and T/B ratios was similar. By using the ZAP70 isoclonic ratio, we showed that ZAP70 expression was increased in T‐cells from CLL patients. Nearly all cases with increased ZAP70 expression in CLL cells were associated with high ZAP70 expression in cognate T‐cells. Therefore, the ZAP70 isoclonic ratio was more likely to closely reflect the biology of ZAP70 dysregulation rather than the T/B ratio. These results also explained why ZAP70 T/B ratios were artefactually close to normal in cells from CLL patients with high levels of ZAP70. © 2012 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Germylene and (Diazomethyl)germylene Complexes – Potential Precursors for a Transition‐Metal–Germa‐Alkyne Complex
Authors: Bonnefille Eric , Saffon‐Merceron Nathalie , Couret Claude , Mazières Stéphane
Published: December 2012

The synthesis and characterization of chlorogermylenes and (diazomethyl)germylenes involving the germanium atom coordinated to a tungsten pentacarbonyl group are reported. Treatment of chlorogermylene 1 with pentacarbonyl(tetrahydrofuran) tungsten led to chlorogermylene complex 2 in good yield. A similar reaction with (diazomethyl)germylene 3 gave complex 4, which rapidly lost the trimethylsilyl moiety to generate tungsten complex 5. Otherwise, complex 5 was obtained directly by reaction of the lithium salt of trimethylsilyldiazomethane with complex 2. Complexes 2 and 5 were fully characterized by NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and X‐ray crystallography. The photolysis of 5 was studied with the aim of generating a germa‐alkyne complex.
Multiple candidates bit‐flipping algorithms for decoding LDPC codes
Authors: Huang Zhiliang , Chen Ming , Diao Chunjuan , Chen Hua‐Min
Published: December 2012

This letter proposes an effective scheme to improve the error performance of conventional bit‐flipping (BF) algorithms for decoding low‐density parity‐check codes. The proposed scheme, which is referred to as the multiple‐candidates (MC) scheme, constructs a set of candidates for the starting vector of the iterative decoding procedure. Each candidate vector in the set is generated by randomly flipping several high error probability bits of the original hard‐decision vector. Simulation results show that two typical BF algorithms applying the MC scheme achieve noticeable gains over the original BF algorithms with moderate increase in computational cost. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improving identification of lynch syndrome patients: A comparison of research data with clinical records
Authors: Tan Yen Y. , McGaughran Julie , Ferguson Kaltin , Walsh Michael D. , Buchanan Daniel D. , Young Joanne P. , Webb Penelope M. , Obermair Andreas , Spurdle Amanda B. ,   on behalf of the ANECS Group
Published: December 2012

Current evidence suggests poor identification and referral of Lynch syndrome patients. This study evaluated the strategies by which patients with endometrial cancer were referred to genetics services. Data from clinic‐based patients with endometrial cancer enrolled through the Australian National Endometrial Cancer population‐based research study with detailed family history information were analyzed. The Amsterdam II criteria, the revised Bethesda guidelines, and criteria adapted for this study was assessed using personal/family history information. The percentages of patients referred and who could have been referred to genetics services, and the performance of each criterion for identifying possible mismatch‐repair (MMR) gene mutation carriers, based on tumor MMR immunohistochemistry (IHC), were determined. Research data indicated that 236/397(59%) of patients with endometrial cancer had family/personal history of cancer, including 14 (4%) who fulfilled Amsterdam II criteria. Family history information was noted in the hospital records for only 61(15%) patients, including 7/14 (50%) of patients meeting Amsterdam criteria, and always less extensively than that recorded in the research setting. Only 13 patients (two meeting Amsterdam criteria) were referred for genetic assessment. Of 58 patients with tumor MMR protein‐IHC loss, the Amsterdam criteria and Bethesda guidelines identified only three and 34% of these possible germline mutation carriers, respectively. Greater sensitivity (60%) was obtained using a single criterion proposed by our study, ≥2 first‐degree or second‐degree relatives reporting Lynch cancers. Hospital records indicate poor recognition of family history. Application of research methods show improved identification and may facilitate appropriate referrals of endometrial cancer patients with possible Lynch syndrome.
Risk of venous thromboembolic events associated with VEGFR‐TKIs: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Qi Wei‐Xiang , Min Da‐Liu , Shen Zan , Sun Yuan‐Jue , Lin Feng , Tang Li‐Na , He Ai‐Na , Yao Yang
Published: December 2012

Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have been widely used in advanced cancers. Concerns have arisen regarding the risk of venous thromboembolism with the use of these drugs. Currently, the contribution of VEGFR‐TKIs to venous thromboembolism is still unknown. We performed a meta‐analysis to determine the incidence and relative risk (RR) of venous thromboembolism events (VTEs) associated with these agents. Eligible studies included phase II and III prospective trials evaluating US Food and Drug Administration approved VEGFR‐TKIs (pazopanib, sunitinib, sorafenib and vandetanib), and data on VTEs were available. Overall incidence rates, RR and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated employing fixed‐ or random‐effects models depending on the heterogeneity of included trials. A total of 14 studies (4,430 patients) were selected for this meta‐analysis. The incidence of VTEs related to VEGFR‐TKIs was 3% (95%CI: 1.7–5.1%), and there was no statistically significant increase in the risk of VTEs for VEGFR‐TKIs versus controls in overall population (RR0.912, 95%CI: 0.617–1.348, p = 0.643). On subgroup analysis, no significant increase in the risk of VTEs was found among different VEGFR‐TKIs or tumor types. No evidence of publication bias was observed. The use of VEGFR‐TKIs does not significantly increase the risk of VTEs, the risk of VTEs in patients with cancer is driven predominantly by tumor types, host factors and concomitant usage of anticancer agents. These results would provide important information for clinicians who use VEGFR‐TKIs to treat patients with solid cancer.
In situ imaging of biopolymers and extracellular enzymes in activated sludge flocs of a municipal wastewater treatment plant
Authors: Szilveszter Szabolcs , Ráduly Botond , Ábrahám Beáta , Lányi Szabolcs
Published: December 2012

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to investigate biopolymers and extracellular enzymes in whole activated sludge flocs originating from a full‐scale wastewater treatment plant, by means of confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) techniques. Both sectioned and whole activated sludge floc samples have been stained using specific fluorochromes and immunostains in order to visualize the structural and functional characteristics of these bioaggregates. Samples were stained for visualization of lipids, sugars, total cells, esterase enzyme producing bacteria, and for β‐glycosidase (EC3.2.1.21), alkaline phosphatase (EC3.1.3.1) and trypsin (EC3.4.21.4) enzymes. Simultaneous staining schemes were applied and immunostaining specificity tests were performed.

RESULTS

By the CLSM imaging and the 3‐D reconstruction of the stained flocs the distributions of the targeted floc components were successfully assessed. The immunostain specificity controls gave satisfactory results in each case. The reflected total cells‐to‐enzymes ratio was repeatedly higher for the sectioned samples.

CONCLUSIONS

The CLSM imaging of whole sludge flocs delivers valuable information on the spatial distribution of the floc build‐up materials, with a satisfactory visualization accuracy of the individual components. The images of whole and sectioned samples showed similar distributions of the floc components, but the consistent differences revealed in cells‐to‐enzymes ratios call for further research.© 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Demineralization of sludge‐based adsorbent by post‐washing for development of porosity and removal of dyes
Authors: Kong Lingjun , Tian ShuangHong , Luo Rongshu , Liu Wei , Tu YuTing , Xiong Ya
Published: December 2012

Background

There is growing interest in employing sludge‐based carbons (SC) from waste treatment as adsorbents. However, the application of SC is limited by its poor porosity caused by large amounts of minerals blocking the pores. It is thus, highly desirable to develop a post‐washing process to remove the minerals in SC.

Results

In this paper, SC was washed with deionized water (DW), hydrochloric acid (HCl), citric acid (CA) and a mixed solution of hydrochloric acid and citric acid (HCl‐CA), respectively. Results showed that HCl‐CA washing had the highest demineralization efficiency (63%), so that HCl‐CA washed SC had the lowest ash content (32%) and largest total pore volume (0.455 m3 g‐1), and presented the highest adsorption capacities of 319 mg g‐1 for acid orange II (AOII) and 250 mg g‐1 for methylene blue (MB).

Conclusion

HCl‐CA washing has the highest demineralization efficiency. The high efficiency is attributed to the synergetic effects of both protonation and chelation. Demineralization has a strong influence on the development of pore structures, which further influences adsorption capacity. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
The Wing‐Patterning Network in the Wingless Castes of Myrmicine and Formicine Ant Species Is a Mix of Evolutionarily Labile and Non‐Labile Genes
Authors: Shbailat Seba Jamal , Abouheif Ehab
Published: December 2012

Wing polyphenism in ants is the ability of a single genome to produce winged or wingless castes in a colony in response to environmental cues. Although wing polyphenism is a universal and homologous feature of ants, the gene network underlying wing polyphenism is conserved in the winged castes, but is labile in the wingless castes, that is, the network is interrupted at different points in the wingless castes of different ant species. Because the expression of all genes sampled so far in this network in the wingless castes is evolutionarily labile across species, an important question is whether all “interruption points” in the network are evolutionarily labile or are there interruption points that are evolutionarily non‐labile. Here we show that in the wingless castes, the expression of the gene brinker (brk), which mediates growth, patterning, and apoptosis in the Drosophila wing disc, is non‐labile; it is absent in vestigial wing discs of four ants species. In contrast, the expression of engrailed (en), a gene upstream of brk is labile; it is present in some species but absent in others. In the winged castes, both brk and en expression are conserved relative to their expression in Drosophila wing discs. The differential lability of genes in the network in wingless castes may be a general feature of networks underlying polyphenic traits. This raises the possibility that some genes, like brk, may be under stabilizing selection while most others, like en, may be evolving via directional selection or neutral drift. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 320B:74–83, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
High sensitivity mass spectrometric quantification of serum growth hormone by amphiphilic peptide conjugation
Authors: Arsene Cristian G. , Schulze Dirk , Kratzsch Jürgen , Henrion André
Published: December 2012

Amphiphilic peptide conjugation affords a significant increase in sensitivity with protein quantification by electrospray‐ionization mass spectrometry. This has been demonstrated for human growth hormone (GH) in serum using N‐(3‐iodopropyl)‐N,N,N‐dimethyloctylammonium iodide as derivatizing reagent. The signal enhancement achieved is up to a factor of 5–6 and enables extension of the applicable concentration range down to the very low concentrations (≤ 1.0 µg/L) as encountered with clinical glucose suppression tests for patients with acromegaly. The method has been validated using a set of serum samples spiked with known amounts of recombinant 22 kDa GH in the range of 0.48 to 7.65 µg/L. The coefficient of variation (CV) calculated based on the deviation of results from the expected concentrations was 3.5%. The limit of detection (LoD) was determined as 0.1 µg/L and the limit of quantification (LoQ) as 0.4 µg/L. The potential of the method as a tool in clinical practice has been demonstrated with patient samples of about 1 µg/L. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clarification of a peak at m/z 1634 from tryptically digested cytochrome c
Authors: Shin Seongjae , Yang Hyo‐Jik , Kim Jae‐hyung , Kim Jinhee , Lee Ji‐hye , Park Kyu Hwan , Kim Hyun Sik , Kim Jeongkwon
Published: December 2012

A peptide peak at m/z 1634 in the mass spectrum of tryptically digested cytochrome c has been ambiguously assigned to either a peptide IFVQKCAQCHTVEK or a peptide CAQCHTVEK combined with a heme group (CAQCHTVEK + heme (Fe(III))). A comprehensive investigation was performed to clearly identify the origin of the peak. Tryptic digests of cytochrome c were analyzed by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS), liquid chromatography‐tandem MS (LC‐MS/MS), LC‐ultraviolet (LC‐UV), and MALDI Fourier transform‐ion cyclotron resonance (FT‐ICR) MS. The use of instruments with extremely high mass accuracy revealed the mass difference between the IFVQKCAQCHTVEK and the (CAQCHTVEK + heme (Fe(III))) ions. Fragmentation of the peptide associated with the unknown peak yielded a heme ion and other fragment ions originating from a (CAQCHTVEK + heme (Fe(III))) ion. Furthermore, an absorption peak at 395 nm confirmed the presence of a heme group in the unknown peptide. High mass accuracy analyses of MS and MS/MS spectra, in addition to three‐dimensional UV contour mapping, showed that the peak at m/z 1634 is due to a (CAQCHTVEK + heme (Fe(III))) ion and not from protonated IFVQKCAQCHTVEK. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structural bases for central nervous system malfunction in the quaking mouse: Dysmyelination in a potential model of schizophrenia
Authors: Rosenbluth J. , Bobrowski‐Khoury N.
Published: December 2012

The dysmyelinating mouse mutant quaking (qk) is thought to be a model of schizophrenia based on diminution of CNS myelin (Andreone et al., 2007) and downregulation of the Qk gene (Haroutunian et al., 2006) in the brains of schizophrenic patients. The purpose of this study was to identify specific structural defects in the qk mouse CNS that could compromise physiologic function and that in humans might account for some of the cognitive defects characteristic of schizophrenia. Ultrastructural analysis of qk mouse CNS myelinated fibers shows abnormalities in nodal, internodal, and paranodal regions, including marked variation in myelin thickness among neighboring fibers, spotty disruption of paranodal junctions, abnormal distribution of nodal and paranodal ion channel complexes, generalized thinning and incompactness of myelin, and on many axonal profiles complete absence of myelin. These structural defects are likely to cause abnormalities in conduction velocity, synchrony of activation, temporal ordering of signals, and other physiological parameters. We conclude that the structural abnormalities described are likely to be responsible for significant functional impairment both in the qk mouse CNS and in the human CNS with comparable myelin pathology. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Activities of free and encapsulated Lactobacillus acidophilusLA5 or Lactobacillus casei 01 in processed longan juices on exposure to simulated gastrointestinal tract
Authors: Chaikham Pittaya , Apichartsrangkoon Arunee , Worametrachanon Srivilai , Supraditareporn Wissanee , Chokiatirote Ekachai , Van der Wiele Tom
Published: December 2012

Background

Fruit drinks containing probiotics are gaining interest in the global marketplace. For example, longan juice, containing carbohydrate and various bioactive components, is a potentially health‐promoting beverage as well as probiotic carrier for human consumption. In this study, high‐pressure and thermal processes were applied to eliminate competitive micro‐organisms in longan juice prior to the addition of Lactobacillus acidophilus LA5 or Lactobacillus casei 01. The activities of these probiotics in a simulated gastrointestinal tract were also investigated.

Results

Encapsulated probiotics could survive in the acidic environment of the stomach and small intestine, while the free cells were completely eliminated. In the colon experiment, the influence of encapsulated L. casei 01 on colon lactobacilli was significantly greater than that of encapsulated L. acidophilus LA5. Both encapsulated probiotics suspended in processed longan juices led to extensive increases in the formation of lactic acid and short‐chain fatty acids (SCFA). Acetate was the major SCFA produced by colon bacteria, followed by propionate and butyrate. The discernible clear zone suggested that L. casei 01 provided greater antibacterial activity than L. acidophilus LA5.

Conclusion

Both encapsulated probiotics along with processed longan juice led to significant increases in colon lactobacilli, lactic acid and SCFA formation. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Trauma History and Psychopathology in War‐Affected Refugee Children Referred for Trauma‐Related Mental Health Services in the United States
Authors: Betancourt Theresa S. , Newnham Elizabeth A. , Layne Christopher M. , Kim Soeun , Steinberg Alan M. , Ellis Heidi , Birman Dina
Published: December 2012

There is an increasing need to deliver effective mental health services to refugee children and adolescents across the United States; however, the evidence base needed to guide the design and delivery of services is nascent. We investigated the trauma history profiles, psychopathology, and associated behavioral and functional indicators among war‐affected refugee children presenting for psychological treatment. From the National Child Traumatic Stress Network's Core Data Set, 60 war‐affected refugee children were identified (51.7% males, mean age = 13.1 years, SD = 4.13). Clinical assessments indicated high rates of probable posttraumatic stress disorder (30.4%), generalized anxiety (26.8%), somatization (26.8%), traumatic grief (21.4%), and general behavioral problems (21.4%). Exposure to war or political violence frequently co‐occurred with forced displacement; traumatic loss; bereavement or separation; exposure to community violence; and exposure to domestic violence. Academic problems and behavioral difficulties were prevalent (53.6% and 44.6%, respectively); however, criminal activity, alcohol/drug use, and self‐harm were rare (all < 5.45%). These findings highlight the complex trauma profiles, comorbid conditions, and functional problems that are important to consider in providing mental health interventions for refugee children and adolescents. Given the difficulties associated with access to mental health services for refugees, both preventive and community‐based interventions within family, school, and peer systems hold particular promise.
Trauma Experience Among Homeless Female Veterans: Correlates and Impact on Housing, Clinical, and Psychosocial Outcomes
Authors: Tsai Jack , Rosenheck Robert A. , Decker Suzanne E. , Desai Rani A. , Harpaz‐Rotem Ilan
Published: December 2012

This study examined lifetime exposure to traumatic events as reported by 581 homeless female veterans enrolled in a Homeless Women Veterans Program across 11 sites to characterize the types of trauma they experienced; their correlation with baseline characteristics; and their association with housing, clinical outcomes, and psychosocial functioning over a 1‐year treatment period. Almost all participants endorsed multiple types and episodes of traumatic events. Among the most common were having someone close experience a serious or life‐threatening illness (82%) and rape (67%). Exploratory factor analysis revealed 6 potential trauma categories: being robbed, experiencing accident or disasters, illness or death of others, combat, sexual assault, and physical assault. At baseline, trauma from sexual assault was associated with more days homeless (β = .18, p < .001), trauma from accidents or disasters was associated with poorer physical health (β = −.23, p < .001), and trauma from being robbed was related to greater use of drugs (β = .22, p < .001). Trauma reported at baseline, however, was not predictive of 1‐year outcomes, suggesting type and frequency of trauma does not negatively affect the housing gains homeless women veterans can achieve through homeless services.