bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abnormal bone geometry at the metacarpal bone shaft of rheumatoid arthritis patients with maintained muscle–bone relationship
Authors: Eser Prisca , Aeberli Daniel , Widmer Jolanda , Möller Burkhard , Villiger Peter M.
Published: November 2010

Objective

Metacarpal juxtaarticular bone is altered in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, a detailed analysis of disease‐related geometric adaptations of the metacarpal shaft is missing. The aim of the present study was to assess the role of RA disease, forearm muscle cross‐sectional area (CSA), age, and sex on bone geometry at the metacarpal shaft.

Methods

In 64 RA patients and 128 control subjects, geometric properties of the third metacarpal bone midshaft and forearm muscle CSA were measured by peripheral quantitative computed tomography (QCT). Linear models were performed for cortical CSA, total bone CSA, polar stress‐strain index (SSI; a surrogate for a bone's resistance to bending and torsion), cortical thickness, and the metacarpal index (MI; cortical CSA/total CSA), with the explanatory variables muscle CSA, age, RA status, and sex.

Results

Forearm muscle CSA was associated with cortical and total metacarpal CSA and polar SSI. RA group status was associated with all bone parameters except cortical CSA. There was a significant interaction between RA status and age, indicating that the RA group had a greater age‐related decrease in cortical CSA, cortical thickness, and the MI.

Conclusion

Bone geometry of the metacarpal shaft is altered in RA patients compared to healthy controls. Whereas bone mass of the metacarpal shaft is adapted to forearm muscle mass, cortical thickness and the MI are reduced, but outer bone shaft circumference and the polar SSI increased in RA patients. These adaptations correspond to an enhanced aging pattern in RA patients.
Comparative study of the detection of joint injury in early‐stage rheumatoid arthritis by magnetic resonance imaging of the wrist and finger joints and physical examination
Authors: Tamai Mami , Kawakami Atsushi , Iwamoto Naoki , Kawashiri Shin‐Ya , Fujikawa Keita , Aramaki Toshiyuki , Kita Junko , Okada Akitomo , Koga Tomohiro , Arima Kazuhiko , Kamachi Makoto , Yamasaki Satoshi , Nakamura Hideki , Ida Hiroaki , Origuchi Tomoki , Takao Shoichiro , Aoyagi Kiyoshi , Uetani Masataka , Eguchi Katsumi
Published: November 2010

Objective

To verify whether magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)–proven joint injury is sensitive as compared with joint injury determined by physical examination.

Methods

MRI of the wrist and finger joints of both hands was examined in 51 early‐stage rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients by both plain and gadolinium diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid–enhanced MRI. Synovitis, bone edema, and bone erosion (the latter two included as bone lesions at the wrist joints); metacarpophalangeal joints; and proximal interphalangeal joints were considered as MRI‐proven joint injury. Japan College of Rheumatology–certified rheumatologists had given a physical examination just before the MRI study. The presence of tender and/or swollen joints in the same fields as MRI was considered as joint injury on physical examination. The association of MRI‐proven joint injury with physical examination–proven joint injury was examined.

Results

A total of 1,110 sites were available to be examined. MRI‐proven joint injury was found in 521 sites, whereas the other 589 sites were normal. Physical examination–proven joint injury was found in 305 sites, which was significantly low as compared with MRI‐proven joint injury (P = 1.1 × 10−12 versus MRI). Joint injury on physical examination was not found in 81.5% of the sites where MRI findings were normal. Furthermore, an association of the severity of MRI‐proven joint injury with that of joint injury on physical examination was clearly demonstrated (P = 1.6 × 10−15, rs = 0.469).

Conclusion

Our present data suggest that MRI is not only sensitive but accurately reflects the joint injury in patients with early‐stage RA.
An ask‐the‐expert service on a rheumatology web site: Who were the users and what did they look for?
Authors: Richter Jutta G. , Becker Arnd , Schalis Hendrik , Koch Tobias , Willers Reinhart , Specker Christof , Monser Robert , Schneider Matthias
Published: November 2010

Objective

To analyze the inquiries sent to an online ask‐the‐rheumatologist service in order to identify the users' needs and requirements.

Methods

The official web site of the German Competence Network Rheumatology (www.rheumanet.org) provided expert information for patients, relatives, and physicians. We analyzed the content of 1,133 inquiries posted over 5 years and the experts' answers were blinded for analyses.

Results

Patients (60.0%), relatives (24.3%), and physicians (15.7%) addressed the experts. Inquiries were predominantly sent by women (62.2%). Distinct rheumatic diseases were mentioned in 40.5% of the inquiries, and 16.3% reported musculoskeletal symptoms without a definite diagnosis. The number of questions ranged from 1–7 per inquiry (mean ± SD 1.58 ± 0.9). Of the inquiries, 33.2% contained personal histories, 24.9% searched for a rheumatologist nearby, and 11.6% asked for a “second opinion.” The questions covered a wide range of interests, including medication (30.8%), diagnosis‐related issues (15.7%), laboratory tests (6.9%), (treatment) guidelines (6.2%), sexual and reproductive health issues (4.1%), and clinical trials (3.4%). In more than 50% of the inquiries, the information requested from the experts was already at least partly published on the web site. The experts' answers covered the users' questions completely in 91.8%, partly in 6.1%, and not at all in 2.1%.

Conclusion

A standardized medical web site providing tailored and trustworthy information for all user groups gains from an ask‐the‐expert service. Only such an interactive online application is able to satisfy users' actual demands: searching for specific individualized information on the internet. Therefore, an ask‐the‐expert service contributes to optimized patient care.
Incidence of arthritis in a prospective cohort of psoriasis patients
Authors: Eder Lihi , Chandran Vinod , Shen Hua , Cook Richard J. , Shanmugarajah Sutha , Rosen Cheryl F. , Gladman Dafna D.
Published: November 2010

Objective

Epidemiologic studies about the incidence of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) are limited to a few population‐based studies. There are limited data regarding the incidence of PsA in patients with psoriasis. We aimed to determine the incidence of PsA among a prospective cohort of psoriasis patients.

Methods

The setting is a prospective longitudinal cohort study of psoriasis patients without arthritis. The patients are assessed annually by a rheumatologist in order to detect the onset of arthritis. We summarize the results of 4 years of followup and report the cumulative incidence of PsA from the time of entry to the study that was estimated using an event per person‐years analysis and a nonparametric analysis.

Results

Three hundred thirteen psoriasis patients that had at least 1 year of followup were included in the analysis. The annual incidence rate was found to be 1.87 (95% confidence interval 0.71–3.03) PsA cases per 100 psoriasis patients.

Conclusion

The incidence rate of PsA in patients with psoriasis may be higher than previously reported, particularly among patients with moderate to severe psoriasis.
Contraceptive counseling and use among women with systemic lupus erythematosus: A gap in health care quality?
Authors: Yazdany Jinoos , Trupin Laura , Kaiser Rachel , Schmajuk Gabriela , Gillis Joann Zell , Chakravarty Eliza , Schwarz Eleanor Bimla
Published: November 2010

Objective

Disease activity and medication use can complicate pregnancies in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We therefore examined contraceptive counseling and use among women in the University of California, San Francisco Lupus Outcomes Study.

Methods

In 2008, we queried participants regarding their pregnancy intentions, contraceptive use, and receipt of contraceptive counseling. Premenopausal women age <45 years who were sexually active with men were considered at risk of pregnancy. We compared self‐reported rates of contraceptive counseling and use stratified by treatment with teratogenic medications and by history of thrombosis or antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL), using chi‐square tests. We used logistic regression models to examine predictors of contraceptive counseling and use.

Results

Among 206 women, 86 were at risk for unplanned pregnancy. Most (59%) had not received contraceptive counseling in the last year, 22% reported inconsistent contraceptive use, and 53% depended solely on barrier methods. Intrauterine device contraceptives (IUDs) were used by 13%. Women using potentially teratogenic medications were no more likely to have received contraceptive counseling, to have used contraception consistently, or to have used more effective contraceptives. A history of thrombosis or aPL did not account for low rates of hormonal methods. Four women with a history of thrombosis or aPL were using estrogen‐containing contraceptives.

Conclusion

Most women at risk for unplanned pregnancy reported no contraceptive counseling in the past year, despite common use of potentially teratogenic medications. Many relied upon contraceptive methods with high failure rates; few used IUDs. Some were inappropriately using estrogen‐containing contraceptives. These findings suggest the need to improve the provision of contraceptive services to women with SLE.
Treatment and nontreatment predictors of health assessment questionnaire disability progression in rheumatoid arthritis: A longitudinal study of 18,485 patients
Authors: Michaud Kaleb , Wallenstein Gene , Wolfe Frederick
Published: November 2010

Objective

To examine predictors of progression of disability in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), as measured by the Health Assessment Questionnaire disability index (HAQ), and to determine rates of progression during biologic treatment.

Methods

We followed 18,485 RA patients for up to 11 years (mean 3.7 years) in a longitudinal study of RA outcomes. Patients were characterized as having moderate or severe RA versus less severe RA at study entry. Annualized progression rates were determined in multivariable analyses using generalized estimating equations.

Results

Although all of the demographic and severity characteristics were associated with baseline differences in HAQ score, progression was only associated with age, comorbidity, initial severity, and treatment. HAQ score increased fastest in patients ages >65 years (0.031; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.028, 0.034). HAQ progression was independently associated with the presence of baseline cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and the number of comorbid conditions. Annualized progression rates were greater in patients with mild to inactive RA (0.021; 95% CI 0.019, 0.023) than in moderate to severe RA (0.003; 95% CI 0.001, 0.006). The overall progression rate during biologic treatment was 0.008 (95% CI 0.005, 0.011); for patients with moderate to severe RA, the rate was 0.001 (95% CI −0.005, 0.003).

Conclusion

Age and comorbidity are important predictors of the rate of loss of functional status, and have a stronger effect on HAQ progression than does biologic treatment. There is little difference in progression rates among biologics. Patients with more severe RA progress less than those with less severe RA, a possible function of regression to the mean.
Influence of Bulk and Interface Porosity on the Adhesion of Sintered Ag Films on Barium Titanate Substrates
Authors: Lee Chao‐Yu , Dupeux Michel , Tuan Wei‐Hsing
Published: November 2010

Measurements of the practical adhesion of screen‐printed Ag films on BaTiO3 substrates have been completed, showing that the interfacial crack propagation energy decreases rapidly with increasing silver volume porosity. A geometrical model is proposed to estimate the interface porosity, which is relevant for adhesion concerns, in function of the volume porosity of the sintered silver layer. Experimental results present more consistent tendencies after this transcription.
Fast, Physically‐Based Algorithms for Online Calculations of Texture and Anisotropy during Fabrication of Steel Sheets
Authors: Winning Myrjam , Raabe Dierk
Published: November 2010

Because of the complex microstructures of crystalline materials exposed to commercial manufacturing processes it is up to now not possible to obtain fast and on‐line simulations of crystallographic texture and anisotropy in the course of multiple deformation‐ and heat treatment procedures. In the present paper a hybrid approach for the on‐line texture and anisotropy prediction will be developed for the fabrication of low alloyed ferritic steel sheets during cold rolling and subsequent annealing procedures. Our approach is based on two consecutive models: The first one is an artificial neuronal network (ANN) for the description of the rolling texture evolution. The second one is an analytical, Avrami‐based texture component approach for the recrystallization. First results on low carbon steels will be presented.
EXAFS as Powerful Analytical Tool for the Investigation of Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Materials
Authors: Gross Silvia , Bauer Matthias
Published: November 2010

The potential and application of X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) for structural investigations of organic–inorganic hybrid materials, with a special emphasis on systems consisting of inorganic building blocks (clusters) embedded into polymer backbones, is extensively reviewed. In the first part of the paper, the main features of organic–inorganic hybrid materials, their classification, the synthetic approaches for their preparation, and their applications are concisely presented, whereas the particular issues related to their characterization are discussed in more detail. In the second section of the paper, the principles and the theoretical background of the XAS method, including experimental design, data reduction, evaluation, analysis, and interpretation are described and discussed. Examples of potentialities of the method for the short‐range structural investigation of inorganic nanostructures in hybrids are provided, and the state‐of‐the‐art in the field of hybrid materials is reviewed. In the third part, six different case studies belonging to our past and present experience in this field are presented and discussed, with a particular focus on their XAS investigation.
Gate‐Bias Controlled Charge Trapping as a Mechanism for NO2 Detection with Field‐Effect Transistors
Authors: Andringa Anne‐Marije , Meijboom Juliaan R. , Smits Edsger C. P. , Mathijssen Simon G. J. , Blom Paul W. M. , de Leeuw Dago M.
Published: November 2010

Detection of nitrogen dioxide, NO2, is required to monitor the air‐quality for human health and safety. Commercial sensors are typically chemiresistors, however field‐effect transistors are being investigated. Although numerous investigations have been reported, the NO2 sensing mechanism is not clear. Here, the detection mechanism using ZnO field‐effect transistors is investigated. The current gradually decreases upon NO2 exposure and application of a positive gate bias. The current decrease originates from the trapping of electrons, yielding a shift of the threshold voltage towards the applied gate bias. The shift is observed for extremely low NO2 concentrations down to 10 ppb and can phenomenologically be described by a stretched‐exponential time relaxation. NO2 detection has been demonstrated with n‐type, p‐type, and ambipolar semiconductors. In all cases, the threshold voltage shifts due to gate bias induced electron trapping. The description of the NO2 detection with field‐effect transistors is generic for all semiconductors and can be used to improve future NO2 sensors.
Efficient and Selective Aerobic Alcohol Oxidation Catalyzed by Copper(II)/2,2,6,6,‐Tetramethylpiperidine‐1‐oxyl at Room Temperature
Authors: Hossain Md. Munkir , Shyu Shin‐Guang
Published: November 2010

A simple and efficient copper(II)/2,2,6,6,‐tetramethylpiperidine‐1‐oxyl (TEMPO)‐catalyzed aerobic oxidation of both primary and secondary benzylic, allylic, and aliphatic alcohols to their corresponding aldehydes and ketones at room temperature using the copper(II) complex [Cu(μ‐Cl)(Cl)(phen)]2 as the Cu(II) source is reported. The conversion of both electron‐rich and electron‐neutral benzyl alcohols is smooth and faster than those of electron‐deficient ones. The chemoselectivity of a primary benzyl alcohol over the secondary alcohol is also observed. Alcohols regarded as difficult substrates for oxidation due to their coordinating ability with transition metal catalyst such as 4‐(methylthio)benzyl alcohol and 3‐pyridinemethanol are also oxidized easily. In addition, a lignin model alcohol is oxidized to the corresponding aldehyde in excellent yield. Conversions of benzylic and allylic alcohols are faster as compared to those of aliphatic alcohols in accordance with their CαH bond strengths. A plausible mechanism of the TEMPO‐based catalytic cycle is proposed.
Molybdenum(VI) Amino Triphenolate Complexes as Catalysts for Sulfoxidation, Epoxidation and Haloperoxidation
Authors: Romano Francesco , Linden Anthony , Mba Miriam , Zonta Cristiano , Licini Giulia
Published: November 2010

Two molybdenum(VI) complexes bearing a C3 symmetrical amino tris‐tert‐butylphenolate ligand have proved to be air‐ and water‐tolerant catalysts that efficiently catalyse, in high yields and selectivity, the oxidation of sulfides, olefins and halides. In particular high turnover frequencies and turnover numbers (TOF and TON) have been obtained for the cyclooctene epoxidation (catalyst loading down to 0.05%, TONs up to 88,000 and TOFs up to 7500 h−1).
Polymer Cocktail: A Multitask Supported Ionic Liquid‐Like Species to Facilitate Multiple and Consecutive CC Coupling Reactions
Authors: Sans Victor , Gelat Fabien , Karbass Naima , Burguete M. Isabel , García‐Verdugo Eduardo , Luis Santiago V.
Published: November 2010

Polymer‐supported ionic liquid‐like species (SILLPs) with different functionalities have been combined to obtain new catalytic systems (polymer cocktail) with improved properties towards their application for CC coupling reactions. The SILLPs have been synthesized in a simple way and combined to play different functions in the reaction medium. Those roles involve simultaneously (or consecutively) their actuation as supported reagents, precatalysts and scavengers of undesired reaction side‐products. The system has been tested by employing three different CC coupling reactions for 8 consecutive cycles. Moreover, different aryl bromides and iodides have proved to be efficiently transformed by the catalytic cocktail. Finally, the Heck reaction has been conducted in continuous‐flow conditions using a packed bed of this polymer cocktail and employing supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) as a solvent, which cannot be carried out with the use of soluble bases as this would lead to the clogging of the reactor. Finally, the SILLPs cocktail enables one to combine different reaction steps and purification in a single vessel, which represents a significant improvement in terms of process intensification and green chemistry. This is particularly true in the case of the use of scCO2 as this allows the direct production of crude materials not contaminated either by salts or by solvents.
Efficient Palladium‐Catalyzed Double Arylation of Phosphonoalkynes and Diarylalkynes in Water: Use of a Dinuclear Palladium(I) Catalyst
Authors: Sajna K. V. , Srinivas Venu , Kumara Swamy K. C.
Published: November 2010

A novel use of the dinuclear palladium(I) catalyst [(OCH2CMe2CH2O)P‐S‐Pd(PPh3)]2 in aqueous medium for the double arylation of phosphonoalkynes as well as diarylalkynes is reported. This double arylation requires both the iodoarene and arylboronic acid along with the catalyst. The structures of some key products have been proven by X‐ray crystallography.
Preparation and property evaluation of nanocomposites based on polyurethane‐modified epoxy/montmorillonite systems
Authors: Bakar M. , Kostrzewa M. , Hausnerova B. , Sar K.
Published: November 2010

Montmorillonite nanoclay and polyurethanes obtained from polyethylene glycol (PUR 400) and polyoxypropylene diol (PUR 1002) were used to enhance the mechanical properties of an epoxy resin. Maximum impact strength improvement was obtained with compositions containing 2% nanoclay and 10% PUR 400 as well as that with 1% nanoclay and 15% PUR 400, corresponding to 110% and 75%, respectively, in relation to the unmodified epoxy resin. Moreover, a 10‐fold increase was observed with respect to the flexural strain at break for the composition containing 15% PUR 1002 and 2% nanoclay. SEM micrographs have indicated that the mechanism of mechanical property enhancement is associated with increased yield of the epoxy matrix. Moreover, FTIR results showed that some chemical reactions have taken place between the hydroxyl groups of epoxy resin and the isocyanate groups of polyurethane, explaining partly the improvement in the mechanical properties of the polymer matrix. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 29:237–248, 2010; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/adv.20192
The selfish brain: Competition for energy resources
Authors: Peters Achim
Published: November 2010

Obesity and type 2 diabetes have become the major health problems in many industrialized countries. Here, I present the unconventional concept that a healthy organism maintains its systemic homeostasis by a “competent brain‐pull”, i.e., the brain's ability to properly demand glucose from the body, and that the underlying cause of obesity is “incompetent brain‐pull.” I describe the energy fluxes from the environment, through the body, toward the brain as the final consumer in a “supply chain” model. There is data‐based support for the hypothesis, which states that under conditions of food abundance incompetent brain‐pull will lead to build ups in the supply chain culminating in obesity and type 2 diabetes. There is also support for the related hypothesis, which states that under conditions of food deprivation, a competent brain‐pull mechanism is indispensable for the continuation of the brain's high energy level. To experimentally determine how the competent brain‐pull functions to demand for cerebral energy, healthy young men undergoing psychosocial stress were studied. It was found that the brain under stressful conditions demands for energy from the body by using a brain‐pull mechanism, which is referred to as “cerebral insulin suppression” and in so doing it can satisfy its excessive needs during stress. This article gives an overview about the recent work on the “Selfish Brain” theory dealing with the maintenance of the cerebral and peripheral energy homeostasis. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prevalence of multiple congenital contractures including arthrogryposis multiplex congenita in Alberta, Canada, and a strategy for classification and coding
Authors: Lowry R. Brian , Sibbald Barbara , Bedard Tanya , Hall Judith G.
Published: November 2010

BACKGROUND

The population prevalence of multiple congenital contractures, many of which have either arthrogryposis multiplex congenita or amyoplasia congenita, ranges from 1/3300 to 1/56,000. Three other studies report a range of 1/4500 to 1/12,500. Classification and coding of these disorders in the International Classification of Diseases, tenth edition, (ICD‐10) is less than satisfactory, even when augmented by the Royal College of Pediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH). expansion.

METHODS

The database of the Alberta Congenital Anomalies Surveillance System (ACASS) was used to review all cases (1980–2007) of the previously named disorders with special emphasis on the 1997–2007 cohort. The latter period was chosen because more complete ascertainment was likely due to the addition of terminations of pregnancy data beginning in 1997. This cohort was further analyzed into the three practical groups: I, limb only; II, limb plus non–central nervous system anomalies; and III, limb plus lethality, central nervous system anomalies, or both, with further syndrome identification in groups II and III. The ICD‐10–RCPCH classification and codes were reviewed.

RESULTS

The prevalence for multiple congenital contractures in Alberta is 1/8700 for 1980‐1996 and 1/4300 for 1997‐2007. Rates for the three groups were calculated. Specific diagnostic categories were found in groups II and III of 43% and 65%, respectively. Mortality is high, especially in the first month of life (45% total losses). New classification and coding systems are proposed. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quantification of oxyresveratrol analogtrans‐2,4,3′,5′‐tetramethoxystilbene in rat plasma by a rapid HPLC method: application in a pre‐clinical pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Lin Hai‐Shu , Choo Qiu‐Yi , Ho Paul C.
Published: November 2010

A rapid HPLC method was developed and validated for the quantification of oxyresveratrol analogtrans‐2,4,3′,5′‐tetramethoxystilbene (oxyresveratrol tetramethyl ether, OTE) in rat plasma. Chromatographic separation was achieved on an RP‐HPLC column, which was protected by a guard column through a 12 min gradient delivery of a mixture of acetonitrile–water at 50°C. The UV absorbance at 325 nm was recorded. The retention time of OTE andtrans‐stilbene (internal standard) was about 7.7 and 8.4 min, respectively. The calibration curves were linear (R2≥ 0.9986) with a lower limit of quantification of 15 ng/mL. The intra‐ and inter‐day variations, in terms of RSD, were all lower than 9.8% while the intra‐day and inter‐day bias ranged from −8.3 to +9.2%. The pharmacokinetics of OTE was assessed in rats using 2‐hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin as a dosing vehicle. After intravenous administration, OTE possessed a long terminal elimination half‐life (t1/2λz= 481 ± 137 min) and slow clearance (Cl= 29.1 ± 3.7 mL/min/kg). Upon oral administration, OTE was rapidly absorbed. However, it only displayed minimal plasma exposure and its absolute oral bioavailability (F) was as low as 4.5 ± 3.2%. Fortunately, the levels of OTE after single oral administration were sufficient to inhibit human cytochrome P450 1B1. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simultaneous multiresidue determination of 48 pesticides in Yeongsan and Sumjin River water using GC‐NPD and confirmation via GC‐MS
Authors: Park Jong Hyouk , Mamun Md. Iqbal Rouf , Abd El‐Aty A. M. , Na Tae Woong , Choi Jeong‐Heui , Ghafar M. W. , Choi Woo Jung , Kim Kap Soon , Kim Sang Don , Shim Jae‐Han
Published: November 2010

In a continuation of our earlier work, a multiresidual analytical method using 48 frequently used neutral pesticides in a water matrix was developed and validated in this study. The samples were extracted with dichloromethane and the pesticides were analyzed via GC‐NPD followed by confirmation with GC‐MS. Good linearity was detected over a concentration range of 0.01–1.0 µg/mL with correlation coefficients (r2) in excess of 0.982. The recoveries were measured between 70.7 and 111.4% for the majority of the targeted pesticides with relative standard deviations (RSDs) of less than 20%. The LODs and LOQs were in ranges of 0.1–2 and 0.33–6.6 µg/L, respectively. A total of 66 water samples were collected from different locations in Yeongsan and the Sumjin River, Republic of Korea, and were analyzed in accordance with the developed method. None of the water samples were determined to contain any of the targeted pesticides. The method has been shown to be simpler, faster, and more cost‐effective than the method established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of Irreversible Kinase Inhibitors by Directly Detecting Covalent Bond Formation: A Tool for Dissecting Kinase Drug Resistance
Authors: Klüter Sabine , Simard Jeffrey R. , Rode Haridas B. , Grütter Christian , Pawar Vijaykumar , Raaijmakers Hans C. A. , Barf Tjeerd A. , Rabiller Matthias , van Otterlo Willem A. L. , Rauh Daniel
Published: November 2010

Targeting protein kinases in cancer therapy with irreversible small‐molecule inhibitors is moving to the forefront of kinase‐inhibitor research and is thought to be an effective means of overcoming mutation‐associated drug resistance in epidermal growth factor receptor kinase (EGFR). We generated a detection technique that allows direct measurements of covalent bond formation without relying on kinase activity, thereby allowing the straightforward investigation of the influence of steric clashes on covalent inhibitors in different resistant kinase mutants. The obtained results are discussed together with structural biology and biochemical studies of catalytic activity in both wild‐type and gatekeeper mutated kinase variants to draw conclusions about the impact of steric hindrance and increased catalytic activity in drug‐resistant kinase variants.
Lignin Depolymerization and Conversion: A Review of Thermochemical Methods
Authors: Pandey M. P. , Kim C. S.
Published: November 2010

The structure of lignin suggests that it can be a valuable source of chemicals, particularly phenolics. However, lignin depolymerization with selective bond cleavage is the major challenge for converting it into value‐added chemicals. Pyrolysis (thermolysis), gasification, hydrogenolysis, chemical oxidation, and hydrolysis under supercritical conditions are the major thermochemical methods studied with regard to lignin depolymerization. Pyrolytic oil and syngases are the primary products obtained from pyrolysis and gasification. A significant amount of char is also produced during pyrolysis. Thermal treatment in a hydrogen environment seems very promising for converting lignin to liquid fuel and chemicals like phenols, while oxidation can produce phenolic aldehydes. Reaction severity, solvents, and catalysts are the factors of prime importance that control yield and composition of the product.
Regularized sliced inverse regression for determination of the percentage of crystallinity in FCC catalysts
Authors: Hernández Noslen , Talavera Isneri , Porro Diana , Dago Angel
Published: November 2010

This paper proposes a new calibration model based on regularized sliced inverse regression (RSIR) for predicting the percentage of crystallinity of fluidized catalytic cracking catalysts (FCC) using Fourier transform mid‐infrared spectroscopy (FT‐MIR). RSIR is an effective dimension‐reduction tool that looks for a proper dimension‐reduction subspace without requiring a pre‐specified functional form for the relation between independent and dependent variables. Combinations of RSIR with linear and nonlinear learning algorithms like multiple linear regression (MLR) and Support vector regression (SVR) were applied to the preprocessed data set. A comparison of performance among the different approaches, including previous results reached using PLS, was done. RSIR–MLR achieved the highest prediction accuracy, leading to a simple calibration model. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simulation of Fluid Flow in Biogas Fermenters
Authors: Hennig Torsten , Dudlik Andreas , Deerberg Görge
Published: November 2010

Die Erfüllung der Mischaufgabe durch die Rührwerkstechnik in Biogasanlagen ist eine wesentliche Voraussetzung für eine optimale Vergärung und einen hohen Biogasertrag. Anhand von CFD‐Simulationen wird ein dreistufiges Zentralrührwerk auf Basis der Kriterien Energieverbrauch, Fähigkeit zur stofflichen und energetischen Homogenisierung und Verhinderung der Bildung von Schwimm‐ und Sinkschichten untersucht. Die Auswertung anhand geeigneter Kennzahlen weist auf eine unzureichende Durchmischung im oberen Teil des Fermenters und eine ungleichmäßige Belastung der Rührerwelle hin. Konstruktive Veränderungen am Rührorgan führen zu verbesserten Ergebnissen.
Adsorption – a Successful and Versatile Separation Technique Continuously Improved at Linde
Authors: Belloni Aldo
Published: November 2010

The current Linde adsorption processes, whether using pressure swing adsorption (PSA) operations for purifying hydrogen or methane, vacuum PSA for producing oxygen or temperature swing adsorption for H2O and CO2 retention in front of air separation plants, were developed from the first steps some 30 years ago to today's high standards of process maturity and reliability. Numerous experiences from plants worldwide, in conjunction with increasingly refined design and operation tools and high‐performance laboratory test units have helped to create an ever‐expanding set of improvements for adsorption plant concepts and process implementations.
Growth Factors and Cytokines in Acute Lung Injury
Authors: Deng Jane C. , Standiford Theodore J.
Published: November 2010

Cytokines and growth factors play an integral role in the maintenance of immune homeostasis, the generation of protective immunity, and lung reparative processes. However, the dysregulated expression of cytokines and growth factors in response to infectious or noxious insults can initiate and perpetuate deleterious lung inflammation and fibroproliferation. In this article, we will comprehensively review the contribution of individual cytokines and growth factors and cytokine networks to key pathophysiological events in human and experimental acute lung injury (ALI), including inflammatory cell recruitment and activation, alveolar epithelial injury and repair, angiogenesis, and matrix deposition and remodeling. The application of cytokines/growth factors as prognostic indicators and therapeutic targets in human ALI is explored. © 2011 American Physiological Society.Compr Physiol1:81‐104, 2011.
Nanosizing and Nanoconfinement: New Strategies Towards Meeting Hydrogen Storage Goals
Authors: de Jongh Petra E. , Adelhelm Philipp
Published: November 2010

Hydrogen is expected to play an important role as an energy carrier in a future, more sustainable society. However, its compact, efficient, and safe storage is an unresolved issue. One of the main options is solid‐state storage in hydrides. Unfortunately, no binary metal hydride satisfies all requirements regarding storage density and hydrogen release and uptake. Increasingly complex hydride systems are investigated, but high thermodynamic stabilities as well as slow kinetics and poor reversibility are important barriers for practical application. Nanostructuring by ball‐milling is an established method to reduce crystallite sizes and increase reaction rates. Since five years attention has also turned to alternative preparation techniques that enable particle sizes below 10 nanometers and are often used in conjunction with porous supports or scaffolds. In this Review we discuss the large impact of nanosizing and ‐confinement on the hydrogen sorption properties of metal hydrides. We illustrate possible preparation strategies, provide insight into the reasons for changes in kinetics, reversibility and thermodynamics, and highlight important progress in this field. All in all we provide the reader with a clear view of how nanosizing and ‐confinement can beneficially affect the hydrogen sorption properties of the most prominent materials that are currently considered for solid‐state hydrogen storage.
Endometrial glandular and stromal breakdown, part 4: Cytomorphology of “condensed cluster of stromal cells including a light green body”
Authors: Norimatsu Yoshiaki , Kawai Miho , Kamimori Akira , Yuminamochi Tsutomu , Ohsaki Hiroyuki , Yanoh Kenji , Kawanishi Namiki , Kobayashi Tadao K.
Published: November 2010

This study was undertaken to clarify the origin of the chromophilic substance that stained in light green [light green body (LGB)] was observed in the condensed cluster of stromal cells and in the background of endometrial glandular and stromal breakdown cases. The material consists of cytologic smears of endometrial glandular and stromal breakdown (EGBD) from 58 samples in which a histopathological diagnosis was subsequently obtained by endometrial curettage.

The following parameters were examined. (1) The occurrence and number of a LGB. As for the “condensed cluster of stromal cells,” “condensed cluster of stromal cells including LGB” and “LBG in background,” it was observed with all fields on one slide per case. When it was observed more than one in a preparation, the occurrence was determined and the number was also calculated. (2) Immunostaining of paraffin‐embedded tissue sections and cytologic preparations.

The occurrence of “condensed cluster of stromal cells,” “condensed cluster of stromal cells including LGB” and “LGB in background” was 100%, 44.8% and 91.4%, respectively. The number of “condensed cluster of stromal cells,” “condensed cluster of stromal cells including LGB” and “LGB in background” was 21.2, 2.0 and 4.0, respectively.

When histological sections from paraffin‐embedded tissue were tested by immunocytochemistry, “LGB” stained weakly or negative for fibrinogen, whereas it stained positively for CD31 and factor VIII. In addition, it stained positively for CD42b.

When cytologic preparation was tested by immunocytochemistry, “LGB” stained positively for CD31, factor VIII and CD42b. However, as for the fibrinogen, quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the immunocytochemical stain was not feasible due to extensive nonspecific reaction in the whole preparation.

The “LGB” in EGBD cases proved to be a thrombus mostly made up by platelets, and it seemed that the recognition of the LGB showed to be a useful cytomorphological criterion for an always more accurate diagnosis of EGBD cases. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2012. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Diagnostic utility of vitreous humor fluid cytology for intraocular sarcoidosis: A clinicopathologic study of 7 cases
Authors: Kinoshita Yuichi , Takasu Kosho , Adachi Yasuhi , Yuri Takashi , Matsunaga Shiho , Nagumo Sachiko , Shikata Nobuaki
Published: November 2010

Sarcoidosis is an enigmatic multisystem sarcoid disease occurring mainly in the lungs, skin, and eyes. Sarcoidosis of the eyes (intraocular sarcoidosis) has been proposed as one of the causes of uveitis. We carried out a clinicopathological study involving seven patients with intraocular sarcoidosis based on vitreous humor fluid cytology.

In the seven patients, the sex ratio was 4:3, and the average age at onset was 65.6‐years‐old. Vitreous opacity was noted in all patients and snowball‐like vitreous opacity in 85.7%. Nerve papilloedema was noted in 42.9%. Diagnostic vitrectomy and adrenocortical hormone therapy were performed in all patients. As a result, the symptoms were improved. Vitreous perfusion fluid cytology revealed multinucleate giant cells in 85.7% and lymphocytes and epithelioid cells in all cases.

Cytological diagnosis is not included in the current criteria for sarcoidosis, but its value in the diagnosis of intraocular sarcoidosis was suggested based in present study. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2012. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Squash cytology of subependymal giant cell astrocytoma: Report of four cases with brief review of literature
Authors: Jaiswal Sushila , Vij Mukul , Jaiswal Awadhesh Kumar , Srivastava Arun Kumar , Behari, Sanjay
Published: November 2010

Squash cytology description of subependymal giant cell astrocytoma (SEGA) is poorly described in the literature. Objective of this study is to study the cytomorphological features of SEGA in squash smears. Introperative squash smear preparations of four patients of SEGA diagnosed from 2004 to 2010 were reviewed. One to two millimetres of the biopsy material was crushed between two glass slides to make a thin film and fixed in 95% alcohol and stained by haematoxylin and eosin (H&E). Smear cytology diagnoses were correlated with clinical, radiological data and finally with histopathological findings of the tumor specimen.

We had four cases (all males; age range 11–15 years; mean age 12.5 years). All tumors were located in the lateral ventricles. The cytological smears in all four cases were cellular and display pleomorohic binucleate to multinucleate tumor cells disposed in cohesive clusters, groups or lying singly. Elongated spindle shaped and strap cells with long thick cell processes were also identified. On squash smears, SEGA can be diagnosed when cytomorphological features are correlated with clinical and radiological finding. The distinct cytomorphological features are cellular smears comprising of pleomorohic binucleate to multinucleate tumor cells with round to polygonal eccentrically placed mildly anisomorphic nuclei, prominent nucleoli, and abundant eosinophilic glassy cytoplasm. Astrocytic fibrillary background, endothelial proliferation, mitosis, and necrosis are lacking. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The combined influence of genetic factors and sedentary activity on body mass changes from adolescence to young adulthood: the National Longitudinal Adolescent Health Study
Authors: Graff M. , North K. E. , Monda K. L. , Lange E. M. , Lange L. A. , Guo G. , Gordon‐Larsen P.
Published: November 2010

Background

An increase in sedentary activities is likely a major contributor to the rise in obesity over the last three decades. Little research has examined interactions between genetic variants and sedentary activity on obesity phenotypes. High levels of sedentary activity during adolescence may interact with genetic factors to influence body mass changes between adolescence and young adulthood, a high risk period for weight gain.

Methods

In the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, siblings and twin pairs (16.5 ± 1.7 years) were followed into young adulthood (22.4 ± 1.8 years). Self‐reported screen time (TV, video, and computer use in h/week) and body mass index (kg/m2), calculated from measured height and weight at adolescence and at young adulthood, were available for 3795 participants. We employed a variance component approach to estimate the interaction between genotype and screen time for body mass changes. Additive genotype‐by‐screen time interactions were assessed using likelihood‐ratio tests. Models were adjusted for race, age, sex, and age‐by‐sex interaction.

Results

The genetic variation in body mass changes was significantly larger in individuals with low ($\sigma_{{{\rm G}}} = 27.59 \pm 1.58$) compared with high ($\sigma_{{{\rm G}}} = 18.76 \pm 2.59$) levels of screen time (p < 0.003) during adolescence.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that sedentary activities during adolescence may interact with genetic factors to influence body mass changes between adolescence and young adulthood. Accounting for obesity‐related behaviours may improve current understanding of the genetic variation in body mass changes. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Heat makes a difference in activity‐based anorexia: A translational approach to treatment development in anorexia nervosa
Authors: Cerrato Maria , Carrera Olaia , Vazquez Reyes , Echevarría Enrique , Gutierrez Emilio
Published: November 2010

Objective:

To test the effect of raising ambient temperature (AT) on activity‐based anorexia (ABA) and to extend to female rats previous findings reported in male animals.

Method:

Two studies are reported in which female rats were submitted to food restriction and free access to an activity wheel either separately or in combination under changing (21–32°C) or constant AT (21°C).

Results:

Warming ABA animals reversed running activity, preserved food‐intake, and enabled female rats to recover from acute weight loss. Moreover, sedentary food‐restricted warmed rats maintained a body weight equivalent to the levels of animals housed at standard AT in spite of 20% reduced food‐intake.

Discussion:

The replication on female rats corroborates the effect previously reported for males, which is indicative of the robust effect of AT in recovering rats from ABA. The findings reported here represent strong preclinical evidence in favor of heat supply as a useful adjunctive component for the treatment of anorexia nervosa (AN). © 2010 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2012)
The response of carbon dioxide exchange to manipulations of Sphagnum water content in an ombrotrophic bog
Authors: Adkinson A. C. , Humphreys E. R.
Published: November 2010

Sphagnum mosses contribute to the long‐term carbon sequestration of many northern peatlands. Variability in both Sphagnum and peatland CO2 exchange is strongly influenced by water availability, but there is limited work examining the links between these relationships, particularly in a field setting. In this study, the effects of varying moss water content (WC), through precipitation exclusion (PE) and water addition (WA) treatments, on net ecosystem CO2 exchange (NEE) and component fluxes were assessed during a single growing season at Mer Bleue bog, a temperate ombrotrophic peatland. CO2 exchange by Sphagnum, vascular plants, and the total ecosystem were measured in situ using chambers. On average, the hummock species of Sphagnum dominant at the site maintained WCs within the optimal range for photosynthesis in all treatments and no treatment effect on CO2 exchange was observed. However, in a few samples associated with below optimal WCs, Sphagnum photosynthesis was reduced. Water table (WT) depth and direct precipitation were both important controls on Sphagnum WC, suggesting that frequent small rain events may be important in maintaining Sphagnum WC. This study only explored one variable associated with drought conditions (i.e. water availability through intercepted precipitation). Consequently, further study is necessary to assess the relative importance of deep WT positions and high temperatures on moss WC. Nevertheless, the results of this study suggest that decreased Sphagnum photosynthesis has the potential to influence peatland CO2 uptake at Mer Bleue in drought years, but only if moss WC is reduced below the optimal range. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Water use patterns of three species in subalpine forest, Southwest China: the deuterium isotope approach
Authors: Xu Qing , Li Harbin , Chen Jiquan , Cheng Xiaoli , Liu Shirong , An Shuqing
Published: November 2010

Determination of water sources of plant species in a community is critical for understanding the hydrological processes and their importance in ecosystem functions. Such partitioning of plant xylem water into specific sources (i.e. precipitation, groundwater) can be achieved by analysing deuterium isotopic composition (δD) values for source waters. A subalpine dark coniferous forest in southwestern China was selected to examine water use strategies of three key species. Our objectives are to: (1) determine contributions of rainfall and groundwater to soil and xylem water and (2) examine effects of rain, days after rain, soil depth, and species on such contributions. We found that the three species tend to have different, but complementary water use patterns. The dominant canopy tree of Abies faxoniana relies primarily on groundwater (i.e. 66–96% of its water sources) and does not change its dependency on groundwater between seasons. In contrast, the midstory Betula utilis and the understory Bashania fangiana depend predominantly on rainwater (i.e. 13–94% and 32–93%, respectively), and tend to use water opportunistically, switching to groundwater as the main source under stressful conditions during the dry season. The complementary and, for some species, shifting water use strategies and the lack of dependency on rainwater by the foundation species of the subalpine coniferous forest ecosystem should act together to promote species co‐existence and maintain community resiliency under potentially increasing water stress caused by climate change. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.