bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scanned Pipette Techniques for the Highly Localized Electrochemical Fabrication and Characterization of Conducting Polymer Thin Films, Microspots, Microribbons, and Nanowires
Authors: Laslau Cosmin , Williams David E. , Kannan Bhuvaneswari , Travas‐Sejdic Jadranka
Published: October 2011

The limited toolbox for conducting polymer (CP) microscale fabrication and characterization hampers the development of applications such as sensors and actuators. To address this issue, a robust and integrated methodology is presented, capable of electrochemical fabrication and characterization of CPs in a highly localized manner, allowing for CP patterning and spatial mapping of voltammetric response. This is enabled by scanning probe microscopy (SPM) tipped with a single‐barreled micropipette to electrochemically polymerize CP microspot arrays, demonstrated for 3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene and aniline monomers. Stationary electropolymerization produces individual microspots; lateral movement produces long microribbons; retraction produces extruded microstructures. Subsequently the same SPM setup is tipped with a double‐barreled micropipette to carry out localized cyclic voltammetry. The micropipettes are filled with saline solutions in contact with Ag/AgCl electrodes, forming a thin meniscus of solution at the micropipette tip, which enable an automated approach in air and subsequent contact with the surface. The flexibility of this novel technique is demonstrated by application to 2D poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) microspots, microribbons and nanowires, plus polyaniline (PANI) microstructures and self‐assembled thin films. Finally, setting up a dynamic electrochemical cell allowed for voltammetric–amperometric imaging, simultaneously mapping the morphology and current response of CPs. Future refinements towards the nanoscale through smaller‐tipped pipettes should open up new opportunities for voltammetric response mapping of individual CP nanostructures.
Tailoring Interface Structure in Highly Strained YSZ/STO Heterostructures
Authors: Rivera‐Calzada A. , Diaz‐Guillen M. R. , Dura O. J. , Sanchez‐Santolino G. , Pennycook T. J. , Schmidt R. , Bruno F. Y. , Garcia‐Barriocanal J. , Sefrioui Z. , Nemes N. M. , Garcia‐Hernandez M. , Varela M. , Leon C. , Pantelides S. T. , Pennycook S. J. , Santamaria J.
Published: October 2011

Heterostructures combining transition metal oxides, as compared to other materials, are able to accommodate very large amounts of epitaxial strain without breaking into islands or structural domains. Coherently strained interfaces are an interesting playground for the search of materials with enhanced ion diffusivities, of interest in devices for energy generation and storage. In this work we highlight the importance of the interface structure of highly strained YSZ/STO superlattices in determining an enhancement of their ionic conductivity. We show the role of growth orientation in controlling the structure and morphology of the interface. Results of density functional theory calculations are discussed, showing that the incompatibility of the oxygen positions at the interface planes plays a key role in stabilizing the high values of ionic conductivities.
Failure mechanism of time‐temperature superposition for poly(vinyl chloride)/dioctylphthalate (100/70) system
Authors: Zou Jiajia , You Feng , Su Lin , Yang Zhuo , Chen Guangshun , Guo Shaoyun
Published: October 2011

The failure behavior and its mechanism of time‐temperature superposition (TTS) poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC)/dioctylphthalate (DOP) (100/70) system were studied from low to high temperatures with a step of 10°C. Arrhenius equation, WLF equation, mathematical nonlinear fitting, and manual shift were applied for TTS fitting. None of these methods could obtain the well‐superposed master curves with either single horizontal shift or two‐dimensional (horizontal and vertical) shift. The rheological data and differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) results were used to explain the failure mechanism of the TTS fitting. The curves of storage modulus versus frequency were well fitted to an empirical equation G′ = G + Kωn. The yield behavior was used to analyze the influence of test temperature on the dynamic rheological behavior for the PVC/DOP (100/70) system. A transition of rheological behavior from the solid‐like to the linear viscoelastic could be observed at 190°C because of the gradual melting of microcrystallites and the destruction of gel networks, which were confirmed by DSC analysis. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Prioritization of data quality dimensions and skills requirements in genome annotation work
Authors: Huang Hong , Stvilia Besiki , Jörgensen Corinne , Bass Hank W.
Published: October 2011

The rapid accumulation of genome annotations, as well as their widespread reuse in clinical and scientific practice, poses new challenges to management of the quality of scientific data. This study contributes towards better understanding of scientists' perceptions of and priorities for data quality and data quality assurance skills needed in genome annotation. This study was guided by a previously developed general framework for assessment of data quality and by a taxonomy of data‐quality (DQ) skills, and intended to define context‐sensitive models of criteria for data quality and skills for genome annotation. Analysis of the results revealed that genomics scientists recognize specific sets of criteria for quality in the genome‐annotation context. Seventeen data quality dimensions were reduced to 5‐factor constructs, and 17 relevant skills were grouped into 4‐factor constructs. The constructs defined by this study advance the understanding of data quality relationships and are an important contribution to data and information quality research. In addition, the resulting models can serve as valuable resources to genome data curators and administrators for developing data‐curation policies and designing DQ‐assurance strategies, processes, procedures, and infrastructure. The study's findings may also inform educators in developing data quality assurance curricula and training courses.
Die semiintegrale Grubentalbrücke – Besonderheiten bei der Planung
Authors: Keil Andreas , Wenger Philipp , Fackler Thomas , Schilling Jürgen
Published: October 2011

Die neue Grubentalbrücke gehört zu den besonderen Eisenbahnbrücken des Verkehrsprojekts Deutsche Einheit 8 (VDE 8), der Neubaustrecke Nürnberg–Erfurt–Halle– Leipzig–Berlin, die in einer neuen Bauart, in integraler bzw. semiintegraler Bauweise, errichtet werden. Die semiintegrale Bauweise bringt eine Reihe von Besonderheiten bei der Planung und der Genehmigung mit sich. Vorrangig zu nennen sind die Berücksichtigung der Interaktion mit dem Baugrund, die Ausführung der monolithischen Knotenbereiche, die Schienenspannungsberechnung und die dynamische Berechnung sowie die Nachweise der monolithisch angeschlossenen Pfeiler gegen Ermüdung. Die Umsetzung der neuen Bauweise erforderte mehrere unternehmensinterne Genehmigungen (UiG) der DB AG, sowie eine Zustimmung im Einzelfall (ZiE) des Eisenbahnbundesamtes (EBA) für die gesamte Brücke. Auf diese Themen soll im vorliegenden Beitrag vertieft eingegangen werden.
Untersuchungen zur Verklebung dreischichtiger Massivholzplatten unter Verwendung von Laubholz
Authors: Wetzig Melanie , Haß Philipp , Niemz Peter , Hänsel Andreas
Published: October 2011

Aufgrund ansteigender Nutzlaubholzbestände sind die physikalisch‐mechanischen Eigenschaften sowie mögliche Verwendungsbereiche von Laubholz in den letzten Jahren wieder verstärkt Inhalt verschiedener Forschungsarbeiten. Die meisten Laubholzarten haben einen wesentlich höheren Elastizitätsmodul und deutlich höhere Quell‐und Schwindmaße als Nadelhölzer, was in Klebfugen bei Feuchteänderungen zu höheren Spannungen führt. Die nachfolgenden Untersuchungen wurden an dreischichtigen Massivholzplatten durchgeführt, die völlig bzw. teilweise aus Laubholz gefertigt wurden. Die Einzellagen der Platten wurden sowohl in den Holzarten als auch in den Schichtdicken variiert. Kern der Untersuchungen war, ob und in welchem Maße durch Variation der Klebstoffart und der Fugendicke feuchteinduzierte Spannungen kompensiert werden können, die aufgrund unterschiedlicher Plattenaufbauten hervorgerufen werden. Die im Zuge erhöhter relativer Luftfeuchten auftretenden Dehnungen und Spannungen innerhalb der Massivholzplatten wurden durch drei Versuchsanordnungen geprüft. Die Ergebnisse zeigten einen deutlichen Einfluss der Verklebung auf das Quellverhalten der Platten.

Investigation on bonding of three‐layer cross laminated timber using hardwood. Because of growing hardwood quantity the physical‐mechanical properties as well as possible application areas of hardwoods are increasingly topic of different research projects. The following investigations were carried out on three‐layer cross laminated timber which was partially or totally made from hardwood. The respective layers were varied in wood species as well as in thickness. The main point of the work was to determine how far strains, induced by the bigger swelling of hardwood compared to softwood, can be compensated in elastic glue joint. Occurred strains into the panels were determined by three test set‐ups. The results showed influences of the used glue joint on swelling behaviour of the panel configurations.
Tunnelknall: Entstehung und Gegenmaßnahmen
Authors: Brux Gunther
Published: October 2011

Bei langen, eingleisigen Eisenbahntunneln kann es beim Durchfahren mit hohen Geschwindigkeiten zum ‘Tunnelknall’ kommen, was die Bewohner in Portalnähe und die Zuginsassen beeinträchtigen kann. Nach eingehenden Untersuchungen sind zum Vermeiden entsprechende Maßnahmen entwickelt worden.
Zur Sicherheit kritischer Infrastrukturen unter außergewöhnlichen multiplen Gefährdungen
Authors: Gebbeken Norbert , Teich Martien
Published: October 2011

Der Schutz von kritischer baulicher Infrastruktur vor außergewöhnlichen Einwirkungen und multiplen Gefährdungen, deren Eintreten häufig als “sehr unwahrscheinlich“ beurteilt wird, hat seit Fukushima an neuer Dynamik gewonnen. Dieser Aufsatz gibt einen Einblick in die Gefährdungs‐ und Risikoanalyse und diskutiert ausgewählte außergewöhnliche Einwirkungen in Bezug auf die Bauwerkssicherheit. Anschließend werden Hinweise zum Entwurf gegeben. Der optimale Entwurf ist keineswegs der schnellste und materialsparendste, sondern er mündet vielmehr in ein Bauwerk, das auch unter extremen Einwirkungen sicher ist. Erreicht wird dies durch einen robusten, duktilen und redundanten Tragwerksentwurf auf Basis abgestufter Gefährdungsszenarien. Das Bauwerk sollte gutmütig auf Laständerungen reagieren. Zum Abschluss dieses Aufsatzes werden einige typische Probleme bei der Qualitätssicherung kritischer baulicher Infrastruktur aufgezeigt.

Safety of critical built infrastructures subjected to extreme multiple hazards. The protection of critical built infrastructures subjected to extreme multiple hazards, which are often regarded as being “very unlikely”, has become even more important since the nuclear accident in Fukushima. Even “very unlikely” events or chains of events can occur, and critical infrastructures should withstand these events. This paper gives an overview of hazard and risk analysis basics and discusses typical characteristics of extreme loadings. Furthermore, some important design guidelines are pointed out. The optimal concept leads to a safe, i.e., robust, ductile and redundant design on the basis of graded hazard scenarios. Finally, this paper emphasizes typical problems regarding the quality assurance of critical infrastructures.
Metropol Parasol in Sevilla
Authors: Schmid Volker , Faller George , Koppitz Jan‐Peter
Published: October 2011

Metropol Parasol ist ein architektonisch und städtebaulich innovatives und kontrovers diskutiertes Projekt inmitten der Altstadt von Sevilla, das eine archäologische Ausgrabungsstätte, eine Markthalle, einen städtischen Open‐Air‐Veranstaltungsort und eine spektakuläre Verschattungskonstruktion aus Holz mit integriertem Restaurant und Aussichtswegen, alles vertikal übereinander gestapelt, vereint. Der Artikel beschreibt den Tragwerksentwurf im Zusammenspiel mit den formalen und funktionalen Aspekten des Projekts. Die disparaten Anforderungen an das Tragwerk führten zur beschriebenen Hybridkonstruktion aus Holz, Beton, Stahl und Stahlverbund. Dieser Aufsatz beschreibt den gesamten Tragwerksentwurf und Teile seiner Umsetzung in Beton, Stahl und Stahlverbund sowie das Brandschutzkonzept. Ein weiterer Artikel in dieser Ausgabe geht ausführlicher auf die innovative Holzkonstruktion ein.

Metropol Parasol in Seville – Innovative hybrid structure in timber, concrete and steel. Metropol Parasol is an urbanistic and architecturally innovative and much discussed signature project in the centre of the old town of Seville. It comprises an archaeological site, a market hall, an urban open‐air venue space and a spectacular shading structure which is manufactured from timber and includes a restaurant and walkways on the top. This paper describes the structural design and it’s interdependency with the formal and functional aspects of the project. The disparate requirements for the structural design were best met with a hybrid structure of timber, concrete, steel and steel composite. This paper describes the structural design of the entire project and parts of the concrete, steel and steel composite structure as well as the fire engineering. Another article in this issue will explain in detail the innovative timber structure.
Methodological, Ethical, and Legal Considerations in Drug Court Research
Authors: DeMatteo David , Filone Sarah , LaDuke Casey
Published: October 2011

Since their inception in the late 1980s, drug courts have become the most prevalent specialty court in the United States. A large body of outcome research conducted over the past two decades has demonstrated that drug courts effectively reduce drug use and criminal recidivism, which has led to the rapid proliferation of these courts. Importantly, drug court research has flourished despite the many challenges faced by researchers when working with a vulnerable population of justice‐involved substance users. In this article, we highlight the most common methodological, ethical, and legal challenges encountered in drug court research, and discuss ways in which researchers can overcome these challenges to conduct high‐quality research. Drug court research exemplifies how rigorous empirical investigation can be accomplished in the criminal justice system, and it can serve as a useful model for researchers working in other parts of the judicial system. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Real‐time recognition and tracking for augmented reality books
Authors: Cho Kyusung , Jung Jinki , Lee Sang‐Wook , Lim Sang Ok , Yang Hyun Seung
Published: October 2011

An augmented reality book (AR book) is an application in which such multimedia elements as virtual 3D objects, movie clips, or sound clips are augmented to a conventional book using augmented reality technology. It can provide better understanding about the contents and visual impressions for users. For AR books, this paper presents a markerless tracking method, which recognizes and tracks a large number of pages in real‐time, even on PCs with low computation power. For fast recognition with respect to a large number of pages, we propose a generic randomized forest that is an extension of a randomized forest. In addition, we define the spatial locality of the subregions in an image to resolve the problem of a dropping recognition rate under a complex background. For tracking with minimal jittering, we also propose the adaptive keyframe‐based tracking method, which automatically updates the current frame as a keyframe when it describes the page better than the existing one. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Human motion retrieval using topic model
Authors: Zhu Mingyang , Sun Huaijiang , Lan Rongyi , Li Bin
Published: October 2011

Content‐based human motion retrieval is important for animators with the development of motion editing and synthesis, which need to search similar motions in large databases. Obtaining text‐based representation from quantization of mocap data turned out to be efficient. It becomes a fundamental step of many researches in human motion analysis. Geometric features are one of these techniques, which involve much prior knowledge and reduce data redundancy of numerical data. We describe geometric features as basic unit to define human motions (also called mo‐words) and view a human motion as a generative process. Therefore, we obtain topic motions, which possess more semantic information using latent Dirichlet allocation by learning from massive training examples in order to understand motions better. We combine probabilistic model with human motion retrieval and come up with a new representation of human motions and a new retrieval framework. Our experiments demonstrate its advantages, both for understanding motions and retrieval. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gold(I) and Gold(III) Corroles
Authors: Rabinovich Elena , Goldberg Israel , Gross Zeev
Published: October 2011

Corrole complexes with gold(I) and gold(III) were synthesized and their structural, photophysical, and electrochemical properties investigated. This work includes the X‐ray crystallography characterization of gold(I) and gold(III) complexes, both chelated by a corrole with fully brominated β‐pyrrole carbon atoms. The mononuclear and chiral gold(I) corrole appears to be the first of its kind within the porphyrinoid family, while the most unique property of the gold(III) corrole is that it displays phosphorescence at ambient temperatures.
Copy number alterations in prostate tumors and disease aggressiveness
Authors: Cheng Iona , Levin Albert M. , Tai Yu Chuan , Plummer Sarah , Chen Gary K. , Neslund‐Dudas Christine , Casey Graham , Rybicki Benjamin A. , Witte John S.
Published: October 2011

Detecting genomic alterations that result in more aggressive prostate cancer may improve clinical treatment and our understanding of the biology underlying this common but complex disease. To this end, we undertook a genome‐wide copy number alterations (CNAs) study of clinicopathological characteristics of 62 prostate tumors using the Illumina 1M single nucleotide polymorphism array. The highest overall frequencies of CNAs were on chromosomes 8q (gains), 8p (loss and copy‐neutral), and 6q (copy‐loss). Combined loss and copy‐neutral events were associated with increasing disease grade (P = 0.03), stage (P = 0.01), and diagnostic prostate specific antigen (PSA) (P = 0.01). Further evaluation of CNAs using gene ontology identified pathways involved with disease aggressiveness. The “regulation of apoptosis” pathway was associated with stage of disease (P = 0.004), while the “reproductive cellular process” pathway was associated with diagnostic PSA (P = 0.00038). Specific genes within these pathways exhibited strong associations with clinical characteristics; for example, in the apoptosis pathway BNIP3L was associated with increasing prostate tumor stage (P = 0.007). These findings confirm known regions of CNAs in prostate cancer and localize additional regions and possible genes (e.g., BNIP3L, WWOX, and GATM) that may help to clarify the genetic basis of prostate cancer aggressiveness. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Impact of bladder‐derived acellular matrix, growth factors, and extracellular matrix constituents on the survival and multipotency of marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Antoon Roula , Yeger Herman , Loai Yasir , Islam Syed , Farhat Walid A.
Published: October 2011

We investigate the effect of bladder‐derived acellular matrix (ACM) on bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM‐MSC) growth, survival, and differentiation, and evaluate the effect of collagen I and IV on BM‐MSC differentiation potential to SMC. BM‐MSCs isolated from CD1_mice were characterized by surface markers and differentiation into different lineages. BM‐MSC SMC potential was further evaluated in stem cell medium alone or supplemented with TGF‐β1 and recombinant human platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF‐BB) on plastic, collagen I and IV using western blot. Furthermore, BM‐MSCs were seeded on porcine derived ACM‐fortified with hyaluronic acid and cultured in Mesencult+‐growth factors, bone, or fat induction media for 3 weeks. Seeded constructs were evaluated by H&E, Ki67 assay, Oil red O, and Alizarin red stain. SMC differentiation was semiquantified via immunohistochemistry. BM‐MSCs differentiated into fat and bone when induced. In Mesencult, BM‐MSCs differentiated into SMC, expressing α‐SMA, calponin, and MHC. BM‐MSCs cultured on collagen I and IV reduced expression of SMC and MHC compared to plastic. On ACM‐HA, BM‐MSCs maintained multipotent state by differentiating to bone and fat when induced. In Mesencult, BM‐MSC‐seeded ACM‐HA expressed α‐SMA, calponin, and MHC. TGF‐β1 and PDGF‐BB enhanced SMC differentiation on collagens and ACM‐HA. SMC proteins expression by BM‐MSC varies depending on culture substrate. SMC markers are expressed higher on plastic and lower on collagen I, IV, and ACM‐HA, suggesting these substrates preferentially maintain undifferentiated state of BM‐MSC, which could be advantageous for incorporation of cell‐seeded grafts to permit host modulation of tissue regeneration. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A:, 2012.
New insights into the molecular mechanism of multiple synostoses syndrome (SYNS): Mutation within the GDF5 knuckle epitope causes noggin-resistance
Authors: Schwaerzer Gerburg K. , Hiepen Christian , Schrewe Heinrich , Nickel Joachim , Ploeger Frank , Sebald Walter , Mueller Thomas , Knaus Petra
Published: October 2011

Growth and differentiation factor 5 (GDF5), a member of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) family, is essential for cartilage, bone, and joint formation. Antagonists such as noggin counteract BMP signaling by covering the ligand's BMP type I (BMPRI) and type II (BMPRII, ActRII, ActRIIB) interaction sites. The mutation GDF5-S94N is located within the BMPRII interaction site, the so-called knuckle epitope, and was identified in patients suffering from multiple synostoses syndrome (SYNS). SYNS is characterized by progressive symphalangism, carpal/tarsal fusions, deafness and mild facial dysmorphism. Here we present a novel molecular mechanism of a GDF5 mutation affecting chondrogenesis and osteogenesis. GDF5-S94N exhibits impaired binding to BMPRII causing alleviated Smad and non-Smad signaling and reduced chondrogenic differentiation of ATDC5 cells. Surprisingly, chondrogenesis in mouse micromass cultures was strongly enhanced by GDF5-S94N. By using quantitative techniques (SPR, reporter gene assay, ALP assay, qPCR), we uncovered that this gain of function is caused by strongly reduced affinity of GDF5-S94N to the BMP/GDF antagonist noggin and the consequential lack of noggin inhibition. Thus, since noggin is upregulated during chondrogenic differentiation, GDF5-S94N exceeds the GDF5 action, which results in the phenotypic outcome of SYNS. The detailed molecular characterization of GDF5-S94N as a noggin-resistant growth factor illustrates the potential of GDF5 mutants in applications with defined therapeutical needs. © 2012 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Cyr61 expression in osteosarcoma indicates poor prognosis and promotes intratibial growth and lung metastasis in mice
Authors: Sabile Adam A , Arlt Matthias JE , Muff Roman , Bode Beata , Langsam Bettina , Bertz Josefine , Jentzsch Thorsten , Puskas Gabor J , Born Walter , Fuchs Bruno
Published: October 2011

Osteosarcoma is the most frequent primary malignant bone tumor in children and adolescents with a high propensity for lung metastasis, the major cause of disease-related death. Reliable outcome-predictive markers and targets for osteosarcoma metastasis-suppressing drugs are urgently needed for more effective treatment of metastasizing osteosarcoma, which has a current mean 5-year survival rate of approximately 20%. This study investigated the prognostic value and the biological relevance of the extracellular matrix-associated growth factor Cyr61 of the CCN family of secreted proteins in osteosarcoma and metastasis. The prognostic value of Cyr61 was assessed with Kaplan-Meier analyses based on Cyr61 immunostaining of a tissue microarray of osteosarcoma biopsies collected from 60 patients with local or metastatic disease. Effects of Cyr61 overexpression on intratibial tumor growth and lung metastasis of the low metastatic human SaOS-2 osteosarcoma cell line were examined in severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice. Cyr61-provoked signaling was studied in vitro in nonmanipulated SaOS-2 cells. Cyr61 immunostaining of osteosarcoma tissue cores correlated significantly (p = 0.02) with poor patient survival. Mice intratibially injected with Cyr61-overexpressing SaOS-2 cells showed faster tumor growth and an increase in number and outgrowth of lung metastases and consequently significantly (p = 0.0018) shorter survival than mice injected with control SaOS-2 cells. Cyr61-evoked PI-3K/Akt/GSK3β signaling in SaOS-2 cells resulted in a subcellular redistribution of the cell cycle inhibitor p21Cip1/WAF1. Cyr61 has considerable potential as a novel marker for poor prognosis in osteosarcoma and is an attractive target for primary tumor- and metastases-suppressing drugs. © 2012 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Effect of denosumab treatment on the risk of fractures in subgroups of women with postmenopausal osteoporosis
Authors: McClung Michael R , Boonen Steven , Törring Ove , Roux Christian , Rizzoli René , Bone Henry G , Benhamou Claude-Laurent , Lems Willem F , Minisola Salvatore , Halse Johan , Hoeck Hans C , Eastell Richard , Wang Andrea , Siddhanti Suresh , Cummings Steven R
Published: October 2011

Denosumab reduces the risk of new vertebral and nonvertebral fractures. Previous trials suggest that the efficacy of antiresorptives on fractures might differ by patients' characteristics, such as age, bone mineral density (BMD), and fracture history. In the FREEDOM study, 7808 women aged 60 to 90 years with osteoporosis were randomly assigned to receive subcutaneous injections of denosumab (60 mg) or placebo every 6 months for 3 years. New vertebral and nonvertebral fractures were radiologically confirmed. Subgroup analyses described in this article were prospectively planned before study unblinding to evaluate the effect of denosumab on new vertebral and nonvertebral fractures across various subgroups. Compared with placebo, denosumab decreased the risk of new vertebral fractures in the overall study population over 3 years. This effect did not significantly differ for any of the nine subgroups analyzed (p > 0.09 for all potential interactions). Denosumab also reduced all nonvertebral fractures by 20% in the full study cohort over 3 years. This risk reduction was statistically significant in women with a baseline femoral neck BMD T-score ≤ −2.5 but not in those with a T-score > −2.5; in those with a body mass index (BMI) < 25 kg/m2 but not ≥ 25 kg/m2; and in those without but not with a prevalent vertebral fracture. These differential treatment effects were not explained by differences in BMD responses to denosumab. Denosumab 60 mg administered every 6 months for 3 years in women with osteoporosis reduced the risk of new vertebral fractures to a similar degree in all subgroups. The effect of denosumab on nonvertebral fracture risk differed by femoral neck BMD, BMI, and prevalent vertebral fracture at baseline. © 2012 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Fish out of water: terrestrial jumping by fully aquatic fishes
Authors: Gibb Alice C. , Ashley‐Ross Miriam A. , Pace Cinnamon M. , Long John H.
Published: October 2011

Many teleosts that live at the water's edge will voluntarily strand themselves to evade predators or escape poor conditions—this behavior has been repeatedly observed in the field for killifishes (Cyprinodontiformes). Although most killifishes are considered fully aquatic and possess no obvious morphological specializations to facilitate terrestrial locomotion, individuals from several different species have been observed moving across land via a “tail flip” behavior that generates a terrestrial jump. Like aquatic fast starts, terrestrial jumps are produced by high‐curvature lateral flexion of the body (stage one), followed by contralateral flexion of the posterior body (stage two). Here, terrestrial jumps and aquatic fast starts are quantified for two littoral teleosts: Gambusia affinis (a killifish, Cyprinodontiformes) and Danio rerio (a small carp, Cypriniformes) to determine if the tail flip is produced by other (non‐killifish) teleosts and to test the null hypothesis that the tail flip is a fast start behavior, performed on land. Both Danio and Gambusia produce tail flip‐driven terrestrial jumps, which are kinematically distinct from aquatic escapes and characterized by (1) a prolonged stage one, during which the fish bends, lifting and rolling the center of mass over the caudal peduncle, and (2) a relatively brief stage two, wherein the caudal peduncle pushes against the substrate to launch the fish into the aerial phase. The ability of these fully aquatic fishes to employ the same structure to produce distinct kinematic patterns in disparate environments suggests that a new behavior has evolved to facilitate movement on land and that anatomical novelty is not a prerequisite for effective terrestrial locomotion. J. Exp. Zool. 315:649–653, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Neuropeptide Y Y1 receptor hippocampal overexpression via viral vectors is associated with modest anxiolytic‐like and proconvulsant effects in mice
Authors: Olesen M.V. , Christiansen S.H. , Gøtzsche C.R. , Nikitidou L. , Kokaia M. , Woldbye D.P.D.
Published: October 2011

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) exerts anxiolytic‐ and antidepressant‐like effects in rodents that appear to be mediated via Y1 receptors. Gene therapy using recombinant viral vectors to induce overexpression of NPY in the hippocampus or amygdala has previously been shown to confer anxiolytic‐like effect in rodents. The present study explored an alternative and more specific approach: overexpression of Y1 receptors. Using a recombinant adeno‐associated viral vector (rAAV) encoding the Y1 gene (rAAV‐Y1), we, for the first time, induced overexpression of functional transgene Y1 receptors in the hippocampus of adult mice and tested the animals in anxiety‐ and depression‐like behavior. Hippocampal Y1 receptors have been suggested to mediate seizure‐promoting effect, so the effects of rAAV‐induced Y1 receptor overexpression were also tested in kainate‐induced seizures. Y1 receptor transgene overexpression was found to be associated with modest anxiolytic‐like effect in the open field and elevated plus maze tests, but no effect was seen on depression‐like behavior using the tail suspension and forced swim tests. However, the rAAV‐Y1 vector modestly aggravated kainate‐induced seizures. These data indicate that rAAV‐induced overexpression of Y1 receptors in the hippocampus could confer anxiolytic‐like effect accompanied by a moderate proconvulsant adverse effect. Further studies are clearly needed to determine whether Y1 gene therapy might have a future role in the treatment of anxiety disorders. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
“Chemische Techniken in die Biochemie tragen”
Authors: Remenyi Christian
Published: October 2011

“Chemoselektive Reaktionen für die Synthese und Anwendung funktionaler Proteine” — so lautet der Name eines neuen Schwerpunktprogramms der DFG. Die Nachrichten aus der Chemie fragten zwei der Initiatoren, Christian Hackenberger und Dirk Schwarzer, nach dem Ursprung und den Zielen.
Schlenk in Tübingen
Authors: Anwander Reiner
Published: October 2011

Wilhelm Schlenk, Mitbegründer der metallorganischen Chemie, wurde im Jahr 1935 aus politischen Gründen aus der Hauptstadt Berlin in die schwäbische Kleinstadt Tübingen versetzt.
Sprechen Sie Reach?
Authors: Geldsetzer Felix O.
Published: October 2011

Einstufungen, Kennzeichnungen und Sicherheitsdatenblätter ändern sich mit den neuen Verordnungen zur Registrierung und Verpackung. Dazu gehören neue Begriffe wie “akut toxisch der Kategorie 1 bis 3” statt “sehr giftig” und “giftig”.
Biobasierte Chemieprodukte
Authors: Grimm Vera , Zweck Axel
Published: October 2011

Ein Paradigmenwechsel in der Chemiewirtschaft steht an: Die Umstellung der erdölbasierten auf eine nachhaltigere biobasierte Rohstoffbasis.
Biomarker für den Zustand einer Zelle
Authors: Poole Jason C. , Gaige Tony , Stupack Jackie , Leonetti Nicole A. , Vilalta Adriαn
Published: October 2011

Die Zahl an Mitochondrien in einer Zelle verändert sich als Antwort auf Stimuli, etwa durch Arzneimittel, und zelluläre Zustände. Das Verhältnis von mitochondrialer zu nukleärer DNA ist daher ein Indikator für den metabolischen Status einer Zelle. Quantitative PCR bestimmt präzise den Mitochondriengehalt.
Stroke risk and NSAIDs: a systematic review of observational studies
Authors: Varas‐Lorenzo Cristina , Riera‐Guardia Nuria , Calingaert Brian , Castellsague Jordi , Pariente Antoine , Scotti Lorenza , Sturkenboom Miriam , Perez‐Gutthann Susana
Published: October 2011

Aims

To perform a quantitative systematic review of observational studies on the risk of stroke associated with the use of individual NSAIDs.

Methods and results

Searches were conducted using the Medline database within PubMed (1990–2008). Observational cohort or case–control studies were eligible if reported on the risk of cardiovascular events associated with individual NSAIDs versus the nonuse of NSAIDs. We found 3193 articles, in which 75 were eligible for review and abstraction. Of the 75 articles, 6 reported relative risk (RR) of stroke. Data were abstracted into a database using a standardized entry form. Two authors assessed study quality, and discrepancies were resolved by consensus.

The pooled RR of all subtypes of incident stroke was increased with the current use of rofecoxib (RR = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.15–2.33) and diclofenac (RR = 1.27, 95% CI = 1.08–1.48). The pooled estimates for naproxen, ibuprofen, and celecoxib were close to unity. The risk of ischemic stroke was also increased with rofecoxib (RR = 1.82, 95% CI = 1.09–3.04) and diclofenac (RR = 1.20, 95% CI = 0.99–1.45). Data were inadequate to estimate the pooled RR by dose and duration, for other individual NSAIDs or nonischemic stroke subtypes.

Conclusion

This meta‐analysis supports an increased risk of ischemic stroke with the current use of rofecoxib and diclofenac. Additional studies are required to evaluate most individual NSAIDS, the effect of dose and duration, and the subtypes of stroke. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sexual adjustment following early stage cervical and endometrial cancer: prospective controlled multi‐centre study
Authors: Juraskova Ilona , Butow Phyllis , Bonner Carissa , Robertson Rosalind , Sharpe Louise
Published: October 2011

Objective

The primary aim of this study was to investigate objective and subjective aspects of sexual adjustment for women with early stage cervical and endometrial cancer during the first 6 months post‐treatment, compared to women with benign and pre‐invasive gynaecological conditions. ‘Objective’ aspects of sexual function were operationalised as the frequency of sexual activity and ‘subjective’ aspects as the perceived quality of sexual interactions.

Method

This multi‐centre controlled study compared sexual outcomes of women treated for early stage cervical and endometrial cancer (n = 53) with (i) benign gynaecological patients (n = 60), as a comparison group for the physical effects of major pelvic surgery, and (ii) pre‐invasive cancer patients (n = 52), as a comparison group for the emotional effect of the perceived threat of cancer. All patients were assessed at baseline and at 6 months follow‐up using standardised measures of objective and subjective aspects of sexual function, overall satisfaction with sexual life, relationship satisfaction and psychological distress.

Results

Despite experiencing treatment‐related physical changes, women with early stage cervical and endometrial cancer did not report more severe or longer‐lasting sexual sequelae than the benign or pre‐invasive groups. There were no significant differences between the three groups or changes over time for the objective, subjective or overall measures of sexual function, controlling for age, psychological distress and relationship satisfaction.

Conclusion

The current findings suggest that early stage cervical and endometrial cancer patients fare as well as benign and pre‐invasive cancer groups in terms of sexual adjustment over the 6 months post‐treatment. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comments on “An Essay on Contact Angle Measurements”: Determination of Surface Roughness and Modeling of the Wetting Behavior
Authors: Terriza Antonia , Alvarez Rafael , Yubero Francisco , Borras Ana , González‐Elipe Agustin R.
Published: October 2011

This commentary addresses the problem of determining surface roughness values and their use to assess the wetting behavior of surfaces. For very rough surfaces it is shown that depending on the observation scale by atomic force microscopy (AFM) quite different RMS roughness values can be obtained and that only the values taken at saturation can be used for properly describing the roughness of the examined materials. This effect has clear consequences when trying to apply wetting models to account for the influence of roughness on contact angles. These ideas are discussed with examples taken from rough polymer surfaces subjected to plasma etching.

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High efficiency orange‐red phosphorescent organic light emitting diodes based on a Pt(II)‐pyridyltriazolate complex from a structure optimized for charge balance and reduced efficiency roll‐off
Authors: Li Minghang , Lin Ming‐Te , Chen Wei‐Hsuan , McDougald Roy , Arvapally Ravi , Omary Mohammad , Shepherd Nigel D.
Published: October 2011

We report a high power efficiency (PE) of 44.7 ± 0.5 lm/W, high external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 19.7 ± 0.1% at 500 Cd/m2, and efficiency roll‐off of only 4% of the peak value at a useful brightness of 1000 Cd/m2 from orange‐red emitting, organic light emitting diodes featuring 1,1‐bis[(di‐4‐tolylamino)phenyl]cyclohexane (TAPC) as the hole transport layer/electron blocking layer, an emissive layer consisting of 65% bis[3,5‐bis(2‐pyridyl)‐1,2,4‐triazolato]platinum(II) (Pt(ptp)2) doped into 4,4′‐bis(carbazol‐9‐yl)triphenylamine (CBP), and 1,3,5‐tris(phenyl‐2‐benzimidazolyl)‐benzene (TPBI) as the electron transport layer (ETL). Based on a comparison of these structures with devices that did not incorporate an electron/exciton blocker and devices featuring N,N′‐dicarbazolyl‐3,5‐benzene (mCP) as the electron/exciton blocking layer, we ascribe the high efficiency and low efficiency roll‐off to better charge balance, and enhanced confinement of excitons and the recombination zone to the emissive layer.
The precipitation response to the desiccation of Lake Chad
Authors: Lauwaet D. , van Lipzig N. P. M. , Van Weverberg K. , De Ridder K. , Goyens C.
Published: October 2011

Located in the semi‐arid African Sahel, Lake Chad has shrunk from a surface area of 25000 km2 in 1960 to about 1350 km2 due to a series of droughts and anthropogenic influences. The disappearance of such a large open‐water body can be expected to have a noticeable effect on the meteorology in the surroundings of the lake. The impact could extend even further to the west as westward propagating convective systems pass Lake Chad in the rainfall season. This study examines the sensitivity of the regional hydrology and convective processes to the desiccation of the lake using a regional atmospheric model. Three Lake Chad scenarios are applied reflecting the situation in 1960, the current situation and a potential future scenario in which the lake and the surrounding wetlands have disappeared. The model simulations span the months July–September in 2006, which includes the rainfall season in the Lake Chad area. Total precipitation amounts and the components of the hydrological cycle are found to be hardly affected by the existence of the lake. A filled Lake Chad does, however, increase the precipitation at the east side of the lake. The model results indicate that the boundary layer moisture and temperature are significantly altered downwind of the lake. By investigating a mesoscale convective system (MCS) case, this is found to affect the development and progress of the system. At first, the MCS is intensified by the more unstable boundary layer air but the persistence of the system is altered as the cold pool propagation becomes less effective. The proposed mechanism is able to explain the differences in the rainfall patterns nearby Lake Chad between the scenarios. This highlights the local sensitivity to the desiccation of Lake Chad whereas the large‐scale atmospheric processes are not affected. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Dimensional changes associated with freeze‐drying of the internal elastic lamina from cerebral arteries
Authors: Campbell G. J. , Roach M. R.
Published: October 2011

The shrinkage associated with the freeze‐drying of the internal elastic lamina isolated from human cerebral arteries of various outside diameters has been assessed with the use of a new technique. The net linear shrinkage of freeze‐drying remains essentially constant at 6.9 % ± 0.21 % SE (Standard Error) regardless of the outside diameter of the artery. A comparison of the shrinkage between the circumferential and longitudinal orientations of the tissue did not reveal a statistically significant difference which means that the shrinkage is planar‐isotropic.
SIMSEM—A simulated scanning electron microscope
Authors: Crawford D. , Gerneke D. A.
Published: October 2011

A computer‐based simulator for a scanning electron microscope (SEM) has been developed. The simulator, called SIMSEM, is interactive – it teaches students the fundamentals of scanning electron microscopy and the basic methods for operating a SEM in the secondary‐electron or backscattered imaging modes. We anticipate that this type of system will find wide acceptance in SEM laboratories pursuing a policy of research productivity in a multi‐user environment with a high turn‐over of students.

In this paper, hardware and software systems in SIMSEM are described and an example of a SIMSEM session is given.
Sensitivity analysis for interactions under unmeasured confounding
Authors: VanderWeele Tyler J. , Mukherjee Bhramar , Chen Jinbo
Published: October 2011

We develop a sensitivity analysis technique to assess the sensitivity of interaction analyses to unmeasured confounding. We give bias formulas for sensitivity analysis for interaction under unmeasured confounding on both additive and multiplicative scales. We provide simplified formulas in the case in which either one of the two factors does not interact with the unmeasured confounder in its effects on the outcome. An interesting consequence of the results is that if the two exposures of interest are independent (e.g., gene–environment independence), even under unmeasured confounding, if the estimate of the interaction is nonzero, then either there is a true interaction between the two factors or there is an interaction between one of the factors and the unmeasured confounder; an interaction must be present in either scenario. We apply the results to two examples drawn from the literature. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Mobile Sn Nanowire Inside a β‐Ga2O3 Tube: A Practical Nanoscale Electrically/Thermally Driven Switch
Authors: Zou Rujia , Zhang Zhenyu , Tian Qiwei , Ma Guanxing , Song Guosheng , Chen Zhigang , Hu Junqing
Published: October 2011

Nanoelectromechanical system switches are seen as key devices for fast switching in communication networks since they can be switched between transmitting and receiving states with an electrostatic command. Herein, the fabrication of practical, nanoscale electrically/thermally driven switches is reported based on a mobile Sn nanowire inside a β‐Ga2O3 tube. The melting point of Sn inside the Ga2O3 tube is found to be as low as 58 °C—far below the value of bulk Sn (231.89 °C)—and its crystal phase (β‐Sn) remains unchanged even at temperatures as low as –170 °C. Thus a miniaturization of the unique wide‐temperature‐range thermometer based on the linear thermal expansion of liquid Sn fillings in the Ga2O3 tube is realized. In addition, the electrical properties of the Sn‐nanowire‐filled β‐Ga2O3 tubes are carefully determined: importantly, the resistance demonstrates a sudden drop (rise) when two Sn nanowires contact (separate), due to the thermally driven motion of the liquid Sn fillings inside the tube. Thus this structure can be switched between its on and off states by controlling the motion, merging or splitting, of the Sn nanowires inside the tube, either electrically, by applying a current, or thermally, at a predetermined temperature.
The DigiHome Service‐Oriented Platform
Authors: Romero Daniel , Hermosillo Gabriel , Taherkordi Amirhosein , Nzekwa Russel , Rouvoy Romain , Eliassen Frank
Published: October 2011

Nowadays, the computational devices are everywhere. In malls, offices, streets, cars, and even homes, we can find devices providing and consuming functionality to improve the user satisfaction. These devices include sensors that provide information about the environment state (e.g., temperature, occupancy, light levels), service providers (e.g., Internet TVs, GPS), smartphones (that contain user preferences), and actuators that act on the environment (e.g., closing the blinds, activating the alarm, changing the temperature). Although these devices exhibit communication capabilities, their integration into a larger monitoring system remains a challenging task, partly because of the strong heterogeneity of technologies and protocols. Therefore, in this article, we focus on home environments and propose a middleware solution, called DigiHome, that applies the Service Component Architecture (SCA) component model to integrate data and events generated by heterogeneous devices in this kind of environments. DigiHome exploits the SCA extensibility to incorporate the REpresentational State Transfer (REST) architectural style and, in this way, leverages on the integration of multiscale systems‐of‐systems (from wireless sensor networks to the Internet). Additionally, the platform applies Complex Event Processing technology that detects application‐specific situations. We claim that the modularization of concerns fostered by DigiHome and materialized in a service‐oriented architecture, makes it easier to incorporate new services and devices in smart home environments. The benefits of the DigiHome platform are demonstrated on smart home scenarios covering home automation, emergency detection, and energy saving situations. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Happy first anniversary, Trends
Authors: Kirby Roger
Published: October 2011

The first anniversary issue of Trends in Urology & Men's Health provides me with an opportunity to thank contributors and the outstanding editorial team for helping to make this such a successful launch year. What better time then to look back and consider what has been achieved? Copyright © 2011 Wiley Interface Ltd
Robotic reconstructive urology: possibilities for the urological surgeon beyond the prostate
Authors: Mehta Saahil , Dasgupta Prokar , Challacombe Ben J.
Published: October 2011

The rapid dissemination of robotic‐assisted laparoscopic surgery into surgical practice over the past five years has been startling. Urology has been quick to develop robotic‐assisted techniques, particularly in the treatment of localised prostate cancer, where large series with excellent outcomes have been reported. The UK currently has 23 da Vinci (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA, USA) surgical systems, with several more planned, and most are primarily used to perform robotic‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). However, there are a growing number of other reconstructive urological procedures facilitated by this robotic system, which, although less numerous and thus potentially less financially rewarding than RARP, may also have huge patient benefits.