bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Making Sense of Subordinate Feedback for Leadership Development
Authors: Herold David M. , Fields Dail L.
Published: October 2004

Many leadership development programs assume that m anagers utilize feedback from subordinates to prepare a personal improvement agenda. Encouraging the use of such feedback assumes that (a) raters can clearly distinguish between different dimensions of leadership behavior, (b) that the data reflect managers’ personal leadership style or predispositions rather than other, external influences, and (c) that the rated behaviors are valued by the organization. This study examines the validity of these assumptions in a sample of engineering managers undergoing leadership training. Results indicate that although subordinates did make distinctions between different leadership dimensions, organizational roles of the leaders were significantly related to such ratings, and organizational rewards were significantly but weakly related to only one of five leadership dimensions being assessed. Results are discussed in terms of their implications for leaders and organizations trying to make sense of subordinate data in leadership development contexts.
Police Field Mobile Computing: Applying the Theory of Task-Technology Fit
Authors: Ioimo Ralph E. , Aronson Jay E.
Published: October 2004

This research examines the effectiveness of field mobile computing in law enforcement through the theory of task-technology fit. Field mobile computing has been at the forefront of police technology implementations throughout the United States for the past several years. This study measures how well these systems match tasks the field officers must perform and measures the effectiveness of field mobile computing as implemented in a medium-sized Southwestern police department. The authors found statistical support indicating that inquiries to local, state, and national criminal information databases increased with the implementation of mobile computing. The authors also found that field officers recognize the potential benefits mobile computing affords them and that the amount of time required for completing reports increased with the implementation of field mobile computing. Last, administrators, detectives, and records personnel all experienced statistically significant improvements in the tasks they performed, directly resulting from the implementation of mobile computing.
Discomfort and factual recollection in intensive care unit patients
Authors: van de Leur Johannes P , van der Schans Cees P , Loef Bert G , Deelman Betto G , Geertzen Jan HB , Zwaveling Jan H
Published: October 2004

Introduction

A stay in the intensive care unit (ICU), although potentially life-saving, may cause considerable discomfort to patients. However, retrospective assessment of discomfort is difficult because recollection of stressful events may be impaired by sedation and severe illness during the ICU stay. This study addresses the following questions. What is the incidence of discomfort reported by patients recently discharged from an ICU? What were the sources of discomfort reported? What was the degree of factual recollection during patients' stay in the ICU? Finally, was discomfort reported more often in patients with good factual recollection?

Methods

All ICU patients older than 18 years who had needed prolonged (>24 hour) admission with tracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation were consecutively included. Within three days after discharge from the ICU, a structured, in-person interview was conducted with each individual patient. All patients were asked to complete a questionnaire consisting of 14 questions specifically concerning the environment of the ICU they had stayed in. Furthermore, they were asked whether they remembered any discomfort during their stay; if they did then they were asked to specify which sources of discomfort they could recall. A reference group of surgical ward patients, matched by sex and age to the ICU group, was studied to validate the questionnaire.

Results

A total of 125 patients discharged from the ICU were included in this study. Data for 123 ICU patients and 48 surgical ward patients were analyzed. The prevalence of recollection of any type of discomfort in the ICU patients was 54% (n = 66). These 66 patients were asked to identify the sources of discomfort, and presence of an endotracheal tube, hallucinations and medical activities were identified as such sources. The median (min–max) score for factual recollection in the ICU patients was 15 (0–28). The median (min–max) score for factual recollection in the reference group was 25 (19–28). Analysis revealed that discomfort was positively related to factual recollection (odds ratio 1.1; P < 0.001), especially discomfort caused by the presence of an endotracheal tube, medical activities and noise. Hallucinations were reported more often with increasing age. Pain as a source of discomfort was predominantly reported by younger patients.

Conclusion

Among postdischarge ICU patients, 54% recalled discomfort. However, memory was often impaired: the median factual recollection score of ICU patients was significantly lower than that of matched control patients. The presence of an endotracheal tube, hallucinations and medical activities were most frequently reported as sources of discomfort. Patients with a higher factual recollection score were at greater risk for remembering the stressful presence of an endotracheal tube, medical activities and noise. Younger patients were more likely to report pain as a source of discomfort.
Reconstruction of regulatory and metabolic pathways in metal-reducing δ-proteobacteria
Authors: Rodionov Dmitry A , Dubchak Inna , Arkin Adam , Alm Eric , Gelfand Mikhail S
Published: October 2004

Background

Relatively little is known about the genetic basis for the unique physiology of metal-reducing genera in the delta subgroup of the proteobacteria. The recent availability of complete finished or draft-quality genome sequences for seven representatives allowed us to investigate the genetic and regulatory factors in a number of key pathways involved in the biosynthesis of building blocks and cofactors, metal-ion homeostasis, stress response, and energy metabolism using a combination of regulatory sequence detection and analysis of genomic context.

Results

In the genomes of δ-proteobacteria, we identified candidate binding sites for four regulators of known specificity (BirA, CooA, HrcA, sigma-32), four types of metabolite-binding riboswitches (RFN-, THI-, B12-elements and S-box), and new binding sites for the FUR, ModE, NikR, PerR, and ZUR transcription factors, as well as for the previously uncharacterized factors HcpR and LysX. After reconstruction of the corresponding metabolic pathways and regulatory interactions, we identified possible functions for a large number of previously uncharacterized genes covering a wide range of cellular functions.

Conclusions

Phylogenetically diverse δ-proteobacteria appear to have homologous regulatory components. This study for the first time demonstrates the adaptability of the comparative genomic approach to de novo reconstruction of a regulatory network in a poorly studied taxonomic group of bacteria. Recent efforts in large-scale functional genomic characterization of Desulfovibrio species will provide a unique opportunity to test and expand our predictions.
Data mining analysis of building simulation performance data
Authors: Morbitzer C , Strachan P , Simpson C
Published: October 2004

Detailed simulation studies of building performance can result in large data sets, particularly where statistical information on annual energy or environmental performance is required. Key performance indicators such as the number of hours above a certain temperature can easily be extracted. However, it is difficult for users to explore such datasets and understand the underlying reasons why a building performs in a certain way. This is especially true in climate responsive buildings which involve complex interactions of ventilation, solar gains, internal gains and thermal mass, for example. Data mining techniques have traditionally been employed in the financial and marketing sectors to elicit patterns within the data. This paper describes how the different data mining techniques may be employed in helping to analyse building performance data. Clustering is identified as a particular useful analysis technique and its potential is illustrated through a number of case studies.
Modelling the SOLVENT ventilated window for whole building simulation
Authors: Leal V , Erell E , Maldonado E , Etzion Y
Published: October 2004

Whole building simulation may play a key role in the optimization and assessment of the market potential of new building components. ESP-r was used for these purposes in the development of a novel ventilated reversible glazing system. The innovative character of the ‘SOLVENT’ window required the development of a specific simulation approach within this whole building simulation software, in order to account for buoyancy in the air channel. A multi-zone approach with an air flow network was developed, and several variations studied. Parametric studies assessed the effect of the number of zones into which the window is divided, heat transfer correlations for the air gap and for the external surface of the window, local loss coefficients for the air flow network and the use of the ISH module for detailed solar radiation treatment. An experimental measurement campaign performed in the PASSYS test cell in Porto allowed calibration and verification of the simulation model, as well as an analysis of the accuracy achieved.
Two-objective on-line optimization of supervisory control strategy
Authors: Nassif N , Kajl S , Sabourin R
Published: October 2004

The set points of supervisory control strategy are optimized with respect to energy use and thermal comfort for existing HVAC systems. The set point values of zone temperatures, supply duct static pressure, and supply air temperature are the problem variables, while energy use and thermal comfort are the objective functions. The HVAC system model includes all the individual component models developed and validated against the monitored data of an existing VAV system. It serves to calculate energy use during the optimization process, whereas the actual energy use is determined by using monitoring data and the appropriate validated component models. A comparison, done for one summer week, of actual and optimal energy use shows that the on-line implementation of a genetic algorithm optimization program to determine the optimal set points of supervisory control strategy could save energy by 19.5%, while satisfying the minimum zone airflow rates and the thermal comfort. The results also indicate that the application of the two-objective optimization problem can help control daily energy use or daily building thermal comfort, thus saving more energy than the application of the one-objective optimization problem.
Is there a politics to geopolitics?
Authors: Murphy Alexander B. , Bassin Mark , Newman David , Reuber Paul , Agnew John
Published: October 2004

The term geopolitics is understood and used in a variety of ways. Political geographers typically invoke the term with reference to the geographical assumptions and understandings that influence world politics. Outside of the academy, geopolitics often connotes a conservative or right-wing political-territorial calculus associated with the strategic designs of Henry Kissinger, Aleksandr Dugin, and followers of the new Geopolitik in Germany. This forum considers the nature and significance of the gap in the ways that the term geopolitics is understood and deployed. Four eminent contributors to the literature in political geography offer their thoughts on the meanings associated with the term and potential confusions that arise from its different uses.
Anxiety and self-management behaviour in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: what has been learned?
Authors: Dowson C A , Kuijer R G , Mulder R T
Published: October 2004

A considerable amount of literature has described the prevalence of anxiety in patients with the lung condition chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Few, if any, papers have reviewed the inter-relationship between anxiety symptoms and self-management interventions in this population. This is the aim of the current review. First, the review examines the evidence suggesting that anxiety is more common in COPD than other populations. Secondly, the focus shifts to evaluating the evidence for and against the efficacy of COPD self-management programmes. Finally this paper examines the relationship between anxiety and COPD self-management with particular reference to the benefits and possible harm of some COPD self-management goals and anxious patients.
An Unprecedented Dimerization of 1,2,3-Butatriene Catalyzed by Palladium Complexes
Authors: Suzuki Noriyuki , Tezuka Hidekazu , Fukuda Yoshiyuki , Yoshida Hajime , Iwasaki Masakazu , Saburi Masahiko , Tezuka Meguru , Chihara Teiji , Wakatsuki Yasuo
Published: October 2004

Dehydrogenative dimerization of (Z)-1,4-bis(trimethylsilyl)-1,2,3-butatriene was catalyzed by Pd complexes in the presence of allyl halides to give predominantly an acyclic conjugated enyne, while addition of methylaluminoxane (MAO) instead of allyl halides produced an unprecedented dimer that has an alkynyl-substituted cyclopentadienyl structure.
Synthesis and Characterization of 3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane-Modified Superparamagnetic Magnetite Nanoparticles
Authors: Shen Xing-Can , Fang Xiu-Zhong , Zhou Ying-Hua , Liang Hong
Published: October 2004

The aminosilane-modified magnetite nanoparticles were synthesized by the coprecipitation and surface modification with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTTS). The superparamagnetic APTTS/Fe3O4 nanospheres with an average diameter of 10 nm were characterized significantly with functional group, well dispersion and stabilization in aqueous fluids, as well as a maximized saturation magnetization of 63.54 emu/g.
Enhanced Swelling Behaviors of Polypyrrole Film Doped with Sulfonated Polyaniline
Authors: Tanaka Akihisa , Takashima Wataru , Kaneto Keiichi
Published: October 2004

Polypyrrole (PPyDBS/PMAS) films partially doped with poly(2-methoxyaniline-5-sulfonate) (PMAS) have been deposited in dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid solutions. Both of the conductivity and water content of the film were found to show the strong dependence of PMAS contents, indicating that the PMAS was clearly incorporated and strongly affects the film characteristics. The obvious increase of cathodic expansion (4.5% in expansive strain) for PPyDBS/PMAS (5%) film elucidates that the PMAS additive contributes to improve the cathodic expansion, which can be attributed to the increased swelling capability of PPy with PMAS incorporation.
A New Method for the Synthesis of β-Amino–β′-Hydroxy Ketones by the Samarium(II) Iodide-mediated Aldol Reaction of Aldehydes with Aryl or Alkyl Aziridinyl Ketones
Authors: Mukaiyama Teruaki , Ogawa Yasuyuki , Kuroda Kiichi
Published: October 2004

β-Amino–β′-hydroxy ketones were synthesized by the aldol reaction of aldehydes with samarium enolates generated by aziridine fragmentation of aryl or alkyl aziridinyl ketones with two moles of samarium(II) iodide.
Dinuclear Manganese(II) Complex Containing Tetrakis(2-pyridyl)methane as a Spiro-fused Bridge
Authors: Okazawa Atsushi , Ishida Takayuki , Nogami Takashi
Published: October 2004

A dinuclear manganese(II) complex [{Mn(hfac)2}2(py4C)] was synthesized, where hfac and py4C denote 1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoropentane-2,4-dionate and tetrakis(2-pyridyl)methane, respectively. X-Ray crystallographic analysis revealed that the dihedral angle was 87.4(2)° between two chelate rings around the spiro center. Very weak antiferromagnetic interaction is operative between manganese(II) spins.
3-Dithiolthione-substituted Polythiophene and Its Redox Activities
Authors: Takemura Ichiro , Iwasaki Tomokazu , Takeoka Shinji , Nishide Hiroyuki
Published: October 2004

We synthesized 3-dithiolthione-substituted polythiophene, poly[3-(1′,2′-dithiol-3′-thione-4′-yl)thiophene], by cyclization reaction of poly[3-bis(methoxycaronyl)methyl thiophene]. Its redox behavior and electronic states showed that the oxidation of the polythiophene followed the oxidation of the dithiolthione ring to the radical cation of the dithiolthione ring.
Synthesis and Structure of 1-Titana- and 1-Hafnacyclopent-3-yne Complexes
Authors: Suzuki Noriyuki , Watanabe Takaaki , Hirose Takuji , Chihara Teiji
Published: October 2004

1-Titanacyclopent-3-yne and 1-hafnacyclopent-3-yne complexes were synthesized, and one of the titanium compounds was structurally characterized. Its molecular structure was similar to the zirconium analogue, although shorter Ti–C bonds may emphasize the ring strain of the five-membered cyclic alkyne structure.
Preparation of Ordered Multilayer Titania/polymer Nanocomposite Thin Films by Evaporation-induced Self-assembly
Authors: Zhang Shengmao , He Benfang , Zhang Zhijun , Dang Hongxin , Liu Weimin , Xue Qunji
Published: October 2004

The ordered multiplayer TiO2/Poly(DMCB) nanocomposite thin films were prepared by an evaporation-induced self-assembly method on a glass substrate. In the nanocomposite thin films, the surfactant DMCB was used as both structure-directing agents and monomers. The structures of the films were characterized using FTIR, XRD, and TEM. The results indicated that the films were composed of organic and inorganic layers with orderly interlaced arrangement and the interlayer distance between organic layer and inorganic layer was 7.17 and 6.26 nm before and after polymerization, respectively.
Encouraging young males to perform testicular self‐examination: A simple, but effective, implementation intentions intervention
Authors: Steadman Liz , Quine Lyn
Published: October 2004

Objectives: The objective of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a simple psychological intervention known as ‘implementation intentions’ to promote performance of testicular self‐examination (TSE) in a sample of young males.

Method: A prospective, randomized controlled design measured knowledge of testicular cancer, prior experience with TSE and intention to perform TSE within a 3‐week period. Participants in the intervention group were instructed to formulate specific plans for when and where they would perform TSE. Three weeks later, a second questionnaire assessed self‐reported performance of TSE during the study period and future intention to perform TSE. One hundred and fifty‐nine male undergraduates aged between 18 and 35 were assigned, at random, to an intervention or non‐intervention group. Men over 35 were excluded so that the sample reflected the highest risk age group for testicular cancer. Just under half the original participants (76/159) completed the study. We measured performance of TSE and future intention to perform TSE.

Results: Responders and non‐responders did not differ on any of the measures assessed at Time 1. At Time 2, 30 (65%) participants in the intervention reported performing TSE compared with 12 (40%) in the control condition, and chi‐squared analyses revealed that the difference was significant.

Conclusions: The implementation intentions intervention procedure, which encourages the use of environmental and contextual ‘cues’ to prompt a desired behaviour, appears to offer a promising strategy for encouraging the performance of TSE.
Appraisal theory and emotional sequelae of first visit to colposcopy following an abnormal cervical screening result
Authors: Orbell Sheina , Hagger Martin , Brown Val , Tidy John
Published: October 2004

Objectives: Attendance at colposcopy following an abnormal cervical smear is potentially a highly distressing event. This study evaluates the role of cognitive appraisal components (Lazarus, 1991; Smithet al., 1993) in explaining emotional reactions to this event. We also compare the psychological sequelae of immediate treatment at first colposcopy (See and Treat, ST) vs. colposcopy with treatment deferred to a later date (Diagnose and Defer, DD).

Method: One thousand and eighty‐five women referred for colposcopy completed a questionnaire assessing appraisal and emotion following their attendance. Clinical data were abstracted from medical records and social deprivation scores were estimated from postal code information based on normative data.

Results: Diagnosis and cognitive appraisals were each significantly associated with emotion, together accounting for between 3 and 15% of variance in different emotions. Specific patterns of appraisal explained specific emotions in line with theoretical predictions. Women with Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN) 2 or CIN 3 undergoing ‘ST’ were less anxious, less embarrassed and significantly more relieved compared with a matched sample of women undergoing ‘DT', and perceived their first appointment as more motivationally congruent.

Conclusion: Diagnosis, motivationally incongruent experiences and low emotion‐focused coping potential are the most important determinants of anxiety after colposcopy. ‘See and Treat’ appears to have a positive psychological impact by increasing motivational congruence.
Does perceived behavioural control mediate the relationship between power beliefs and intention?
Authors: Godin Gaston , Gagné Camille , Sheeran Paschal
Published: October 2004

Objectives: In order to determine whether the relationship between power beliefs (Σp) and health‐related behavioural intentions is mediated by perceived behavioural control (PBC) we used structural equation modelling of eight cross‐sectional data sets.

Method: Eight studies that examined health‐related behaviours and employed representative samples totallingN = 4663 participants were analysed. All studies involved power belief items derived from pilot testing and employed standard multiitem measures of power beliefs, PBC and intention that were highly reliable.

Results: Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the discriminant validity of power beliefs, PBC and intention. Structural equation modelling of relevant paths indicated that PBC only partially mediated the relationship between power beliefs and intention (ZSobel = 5.15,p < .001;ZBaron&Kenny = 5.16,p < .001). Power beliefs had a significant direct relationship with intention even after PBC had been taken into account.

Conclusion: The findings undermine Ajzen's contention that PBC mediates the power beliefs‐intention relationship and suggests that it is important to employ measures of power beliefsin addition to measures of PBC in order to enhance the prediction of intentions to perform health‐risking, or health‐promoting, behaviours.
In Silico Prediction of the Deleterious Effect of a Mutation: Proceed with Caution in Clinical Genetics
Authors: Tchernitchko Dimitri , Goossens Michel , Wajcman Henri
Published: October 2004

When a sequence variation is found in a candidate gene for a disease, it is important to establish whether this change is neutral or responsible for the observed disorders in a patient. To answer this question, in the absence of further experimental investigations, several simulation programs have been proposed to predict whether a nonsynonymous single-nucleotide polymorphism is likely to have or not have a deleterious effect on the phenotype. In this work, we tested two such programs, PolyPhen and SIFT, using two kinds of targets. The first ones concerned the products of the hemoglobin and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase genes, which are abundantly documented. The second concerned two systems for which much less information is available: (a) the TNFRSF1A gene, implicated in tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated periodic syndrome, and (b) the MEFV gene, which is believed to be involved in familial Mediterranean fever. Our data suggest that, from a practical point of view, these programs should not be used to decide, in the absence of other tests or arguments, whether the sequence variation found in a patient is or is not responsible for the disease. The consequence of an erroneous prediction may be disastrous in the perspective of genetic counseling.
The significance of serum γ-glutamyltransferase in cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Pompella Alfonso , Emdin Michele , Passino Claudio , Paolicchi Aldo
Published: October 2004

Since early after the introduction of serum γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT) in clinical practice as a reliable and widely employed laboratory test, epidemiological and prospective studies have repeatedly shown that this activity possesses a prognostic value for morbidity and mortality. The association is independent of possibly concomitant conditions of liver disease, and notably, a significant independent correlation of serum GGT exists with the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases (myocardial infarction, stroke). Experimental work has documented that active GGT is present in atherosclerotic plaques of coronary as well as in cerebral arteries. These findings, and the recently recognized functions of GGT in the generation of reactive oxygen species, indicate that serum GGT represents a true marker of cardiovascular diseases and underlying atherosclerosis. Further insights into potential therapeutic interest will probably be derived from studies investigating the origin of GGT activity in plaque tissue.
Expression level of MDR1 message in peripheral blood leukocytes from healthy adults: a competitive nucleic acid sequence-based amplification assay for its determination
Authors: Kobayashi Hiroyuki , Takemura Yuzuru , Hayashi Tsukasa , Ujiiye Takeshi , Kawase Masako , Niino Yasuhiro , Miyachi Hayato , Ohshima Toshio , Hotta Tomomitsu
Published: October 2004

Accurate quantification of multidrug resistance-1 gene (
Alteration of homocysteine catabolism in pre-eclampsia, HELLP syndrome and placental insufficiency
Authors: Herrmann Wolfgang , Hübner Ulrich , Koch Ines , Obeid Rima , Retzke Ulrich , Geisel Jürgen
Published: October 2004

Hyperhomocysteinemia is a risk factor in obstetrical complications such as pre-eclampsia, ‘hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelet’ (HELLP)-syndrome and placental insufficiency. The aim of our study was to investigate the alterations of homocysteine catabolism in these patients in relation to serum B-vitamins and renal function. Maternal fasting serum from preeclampsia (n = 24), HELLP (n = 20) and placental insufficiency (n = 25) patients at the time of diagnosis and pregnant controls (n = 34) was analyzed for homocysteine and its metabolites cystathionine and methylmalonic acid, the vitamins B
Time course of systemic markers of inflammation in patients presenting with acute coronary syndromes
Authors: Brueckmann Martina , Bertsch Thomas , Lang Siegfried , Sueselbeck Tim , Wolpert Christian , Kaden Jens J. , Jaramillo Carlos , Huhle Guenter , Borggrefe Martin , Haase Karl K.
Published: October 2004

Inflammation within coronary plaques may cause an acute coronary syndrome by promoting rupture and erosion. It was the aim of this study to examine whether markers of inflammation derive from a cardiac or extracardiac source and how their levels develop over time.

Blood samples were taken from patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) with proven atherosclerotic lesion(s) of the left coronary artery (n = 13) and from control patients without coronary artery disease (n = 13). Blood was taken from the femoral vein and the coronary sinus vein before and after coronary angioplasty (day 0) and on days 1 and 120.

Levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin- 6 (IL-6), interleukin-1-receptor antagonist (IL-1 ra) and soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) were higher in ACS patients as compared to controls and remained elevated up to day 120. In the long-term time course these markers of inflammation and plaque remodeling slightly decreased in ACS patients. There were no statistically significant differences detectable in the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1 β, IL-10, IL-1 ra, sCD40L and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) in the blood of ACS patients taken from a cardiac source as compared to an extracardiac source (coronary sinus vs. femoral vein).

This study demonstrates the importance of a systemic inflammatory condition in patients with ACS, in whom markers of inflammation are increased as compared to controls. During long-term follow-up the pro-inflammatory activity remains elevated in ACS patients, supporting the concept of a systemic rather than a local vascular inflammation contributing to the development of atherosclerosis.
Potential pitfalls of comparative measurements of reticulocytes with flow cytometry and microscopy in prematures and infants
Authors: Wiegand Gesa , Effenberger-Klein Anja , Weber Rainer , Kosanke Wolfgang , Niethammer Dietrich , Bruchelt Gernot
Published: October 2004

Reticulocyte counting by flow cytometry (Bayer H*3, ADVIA 120) in blood of prematures, infants and children > 1 year of age was compared with microscopic counting under research conditions (9000 counted red blood cells per slide). While in children > 1 year a good concordance of both methods was observed, 2.3–2.4-fold higher values were obtained in neonates by microscopy (Brilliant Cresyl Blue stain, 0.5%). However, another laboratory found good agreement between H*3-counting and microscopy in samples also obtained from neonates using the same methods. Despite very similar results for all age groups in comparative flow cytometry measurements in both laboratories, counting of smears from neonates differed, showing an approximately 2.3-fold larger amount of reticulocytes in our laboratory. The reason for these observations was a greater enlargement (1250-fold) used routinely in our laboratory compared with 800-fold in the other one. Thus very mature reticulocytes frequently found in neonates could only be detected using a 1250-fold enlargement. Similarly, the low concentration of the colouring matter used in the H*3 (0.0005% oxazin or 0.001% ADVIA 120) is obviously not sufficient for detection of mature reticulocytes. Therefore, it is important to consider this phenomenon and to standardise microscopic enlargement, especially for comparisons in multicentre studies.
A particle-enhanced turbidimetric immunoassay for quantitative determination of orosomucoid in urine: development, validation and reference values
Authors: Christiansen Merete S. , Blirup-Jensen Søren , Foged Lise , Larsen Marianne , Magid Erik
Published: October 2004

Increased urinary orosomucoid excretion rate (UOER) is an independent predictor of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes, as demonstrated by a conventional, immunoturbidimetric method. We wanted to optimize the method by developing a fully automated, particle-enhanced turbidimetric (PET) immunoassay with a lower detection limit, to allow assessment of orosomucoid in urine in healthy individuals and patients. A micro-particle-based immunoreagent was prepared for a PET immunoassay. The calibration was traceable to the certified reference material (CRM 470) for specific human serum proteins. We studied 69 healthy adults (28 men and 41 women) to establish reference values for the new assay. The detection limit of orosomucoid in urine was found to be 0.05 mg/l, about 20 times lower than for the conventional assay. Within-run imprecision [CV%, (level)] was 6.7% (0.23 mg/l), 1.0% (1.08 mg/l) and 1.0% (4.69 mg/l). Total imprecision [CV%, (level)] was 10.4% (0.23 mg/l), 3.9% (1.08 mg/l) and 3.4% (4.69 mg/l). Reference values [median (2.5–97.5 percentiles)] for UOER were 0.36 (0.07–2.04) µg/min and for urinary orosomucoid/creatinine ratio 0.04 (0.009–0.17) mg/mmol. We describe a fully automated, transferable, sufficiently precise, high-sensitivity assay for orosomucoid in urine and present reference values traceable to CRM 470.
Multicentre performance evaluation of the E170 Module for MODULAR ANALYTICS
Authors: Bieglmayer Christian , Chan Daniel W. , Sokoll Lori , Imdahl Roland , Kobayashi Masaji , Yamada Erike , Lilje Diana J. , Luthe Hilmar , Meissner Jochen , Messeri Gianni , Celli Alessandra , Tozzi Paola , Roth Heinz-Jürgen , Schmidt Frank-Peter , Mächler Marie-Luise , Schuff-Werner Peter , Zingler Christiana , Smitz Johan , Schiettecatte Johan , Vonderschmitt Dieter J. , Pei Patrick , Ng Katherine , Ebert Christoph , Kirch Peter , Wanger Michael , McGovern Margaret , Stockmann Wolfgang , Kunst Albert
Published: October 2004

The E170 module was evaluated at 13 sites in an international multicentre study. The objective of the study was to assess the analytical performance of 49 analytes, and to collect feedback on the system’s reliability and practicability. The typical, within-run coefficients of variation (CVs) for most of the quantitative assays ranged between 1 and 2% while a range of 2–4% was achieved with the infectious disease methods. Total precision CVs were found to be within the manufacturer’s expected performance ranges, demonstrating good concordance of the system’s measuring channels and a high reproducibility during the 2–4-week trial period. The functional sensitivity of 11 selected assays met the clinical requirements (e.g., thyreotroponin (TSH) 0.008 mU/l, troponin T 0.02 µg/l, total prostate-specific antigen (PSA) 0.03 µg/l). The E170 showed no drift during an 8-hour period and no relevant reagent carryover. Accuracy was confirmed by ring trial experiments and method comparisons vs. Elecsys
On The Permeability of Main Wood Species in China
Authors: Bao Fucheng , Lu Jianxiong , Avramidis Stavros
Published: October 2004

This research dealt with the longitudinal air permeability of 40 important Chinese woods. The air
permeabilities measured at about 10% moisture content for softwoods ranged between 0.00759 and
1.87130 darcy, while for hardwoods ranged between 0.00182 and 13.49867 darcy. The sapwood
permeability of both softwoods and hardwoods was generally much higher than that of heartwood with
3 to 144 and 1 to 1302 times, respectively. The permeability values of wood were not affected by
density between and within species. In all species studied, the permeability of heartwood of all
softwoods, about 70% ring-porous and about 30% diffuse-porous or semi-diffuse porous hardwoods
were below 0.1 darcy. The number of low permeability softwoods was higher than that of hardwoods.
The number of low permeability ring-porous hardwoods was higher than that of diffuse-porous or
semi-diffuse porous hardwoods. Finally, all the studied species were classified into five categories by
their longitudinal permeabilities.
Removal of Hexavalent Chromium from Dilute Aqueous Solution by Coniferous Leaves
Authors: Aoyama M. , Sugiyama T. , Doi S. , Cho N.-S , Kim H.-E.
Published: October 2004

The ability of coniferous leaves to remove Cr(VI) from dilute aqueous solutions by physico-chemical
adsorption and chemical reduction was investigated. Of 30 coniferous tree species tested, relatively high
removal ability was found in Ginkgo, Larix, Pinus, Cryptomeria, Metasequoia, Taxodium, Thuja and
Thujopsis spp. To search for optimum operation condition for treatment of wastewater containing
Cr(VI), factors affecting Cr(VI) removal were studied using P. densiflora leaves. The extent of the
removal was dependent upon the initial solution pH, contact time, temperature and initial concentration
of Cr(VI) in solution. The Cr(VI) removal was mainly governed by the physico-chemical adsorption
onto the substrate. The adsorption data were well fitted to the Freundlich isotherm.
Performance of Copper and Non-Copper Based Wood Preservatives in Terrestrial Microcosms
Authors: Edlund Marie-Louise , Nilsson Thomas
Published: October 2004

The use of wood preservatives based on copper, chromium and arsenic (CCA) has become restricted
in several countries due to environmental concerns. As a consequence, several chromium and arsenic
free preservatives based on fungicides, regarded as more environmentally acceptable, have been
developed. Most of these preservatives have only been tested in the laboratory against pure cultures of
basidiomycetes and their long term effectiveness in practice is in many cases unknown.

The effectiveness of six different preservatives, representing different types and combinations of
fungicides, against mixed natural populations of micro-organisms, was evaluated during one year in
terrestrial microcosms with soils known to provide high activity of different types of wood destroying
micro-organisms.

Of the fungicides tested, copper compounds provided the best protection against wood destroying
micro-organisms. Copper free preservatives provided good protection against pure cultures of brown- and
white rot fungi, but were ineffective when treated stakes were exposed in unsterile soils.
Micromorphological Characteristics of Compression Wood Degradation in Waterlogged Archaeological Pine Wood
Authors: Kim Yoon Soo , Singh Adya P.
Published: October 2004

The degradation characteristics of waterlogged archaeological compression wood excavated in South
Korea were examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and confocal laser scanning
microscopy (CLSM). Degradation of Pinus compression wood occurred mainly in the inner part of the
S2 layer. In contrast, the outer part of the S2 layer remained relatively intact. CLSM and TEM showed
the erosion type of bacterial attack to be dominant in the secondary cell walls of both severe and mild
compression wood. However, in some cases the middle lamella was also degraded, which suggests that
other forms of microbial attacks, such as bacterial tunnelling, were also present. Bacterial erosion in
the severe compression wood was mainly confined to the inner part of the S2 layer whereas in the mild
compression wood it also extended into the outer part of the S2 and the S1 layer. The extent of erosion
correlated to the differences in the amount and distribution of lignin, particularly in the outer S2 layer
between the severe and mild compression wood cells. These features are compared with the degradation
of normal Pinus wood.
Induction of Resin Pockets in Seedlings of Pinus sylvestris L. by Mechanical Bending Stress during Growth
Authors: Temnerud Erik , Valinger Erik , Sundberg Björn
Published: October 2004

Mechanical bending stress due to wind exposure has been suggested to be of major importance for
induction of resin pockets in gymnosperm trees. In this study, this idea was tested experimentally by
applying bending stress to 1-year-old internodes of five-year-old Pinus sylvestris L. seedlings during
dormancy and/or growth. The stems were bent manually to 30° from their original upright position at
regular intervals. About 30% of the stems that were bent during growth were wounded in the xylem,
whereas no wounding was observed in control stems or stems bent during dormancy. Similarity of these
wounds to naturally-occurring resin pockets leads us to conclude that exposure of seedlings to
mechanical bending stress due to wind during growth can be a source of formation of resin pockets.
Glyceryl-Acyl and Aryl-Acyl Dimers in Pseudotsuga menziesii Bark Suberin
Authors: Graça José , Pereira Helena
Published: October 2004

The cork from the outer bark of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) was exhaustively extracted and
submitted to a mild CaO-catalyzed methanolic depolymerization. The solubilized material (2.5 % yield)
was derivatized and analysed with GC-MS. Glycerol was the main component (41.2%), followed by
aliphatic acid monomers (30.6%) and glyceryl and feruloyl dimers (14.5%). Monoacylglyceryl esters
of α,ω-diacids were dominant (68% of glyceryl dimers), followed by monoacylglyceryl esters of
alkanoic acids and of ω-hydroxyacids (respectively 20% and 9%). For all cases 1- and 2-monoacyl-glyceryl
esters were present. Dimers of ω-hydroxyacids esterified to ferulic acid through their primary
hydroxyl were also found. The feruloyl ester of docosanol could also be identified. The relative
abundance of the dimers followed the proportion of acid monomers. The direct evidence found here
for P. menziesii, and previously for Q. suber, that glycerol is esterified to all suberinic acids and that
ω-hydroxyacids are esterified to ferulic acid supported the discussion of a suberin structure developing
on glyceryl-diacyl-glyceryl and glyceryl-hydroxyacyl-feruloyl backbones.
A New Mechanism in the Ozone Reaction with Lignin Like Structures
Authors: Ragnar Martin , Eriksson Tord , Reitberger Torbjörn , Brandt Peter
Published: October 2004

A new mechanism including a homolytic cleavage of a trioxide intermediate forming superoxide is
suggested to be the main course of radical formation in reactions of ozone and lignin like structures.
The suggested mechanism is supported by quantum chemical and thermochemical methods.
The Mechanisms Behind the Improved Dimensional Stability of Particleboards Made from Steam-Pretreated Particles
Authors: Sekino Noboru , Inoue Masafumi , Irle Mark , Adcock Tim
Published: October 2004

The mechanisms which cause an improvement in the dimensional stability of particleboards made from
steam pretreated particles were investigated from the aspects of potential thickness recoveries of
densified wood particles and the breakage of the adhesive bond network in particleboards. Since the
latter would depend on the balance between bond strengths and stresses imposed on the adhesive bond,
the effects of steaming temperature (160 to 220°C) on bond quality, recovery stress of compressed
wood and in-plane swelling stress were investigated. Steam pretreatment was found: 1) to reduce
thickness recoveries of densified wood particles, steaming temperatures above 190°C are especially
effective, 2) not to cause a significant reduction in bond strength when steaming below 210°C or if
relatively high press pressures of 1.5MPa are employed, 3) to reduce recovery stress of compressed
wood, which is mainly caused by the increase in wood compressibility, 4) to reduce in-plane swelling
stress of particles, which was found to correlate with reductions in both hygroscopicity and elasticity.
The Thermomechanical Behaviour of Wood Subject to Fungal Decay
Authors: Birkinshaw C. , McCarthy C.J. , Regan N. , Hale M.D.C. , Cahill D. , McCourt M.
Published: October 2004

Specimens of Pinus sylvestris have been subject to decay by the brown rot fungus Coniophora puteana, the white rot fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium, and to doses of γ irradiation sufficiently high to cause significant molecular damage. Specimens of Picea abies have been subject to decay by the brown rot fungus Postia placenta. The dynamic mechanical properties of the decayed and degraded materials have been assessed between −100 °C and 120 °C using in some cases a natural frequency instrument and in other cases a driven frequency instrument. The results obtained have allowed calculation of the temperature coefficients of modulus for the materials at various stages of decay or degradation, and these are relatively constant regardless of the history of the specimen. Such changes as do occur can be explained by modulus dependent frequency effects. The static mechanical properties of some specimens were also assessed by three point bending at 20 °C. Measured changes in dynamic stiffness and flexural modulus have been compared with the weight changes and the proportionality constant relating strength and stiffness loss to weight loss obtained for each situation. These show that in the case of fungal attack the dynamic stiffness falls more quickly than flexural strength, and that, as would be expected, the brown rot fungi are the more effective at reducing mechanical properties.
Investigations into Laccase-Mediator Delignification of Kraft Pulps
Authors: Sealey J. , Ragauskas A.J. , Elder T.J.
Published: October 2004

The structure activity effects of 1-hydroxy benzotriazole and phthalimide derivatives as mediators for laccase were studied. Using a softwood kraft pulp it was shown that the N-hydroxy unit is a key component of 1-hydroxybenzotriazole for efficient laccase mediator delignification to occur. It was also found that the 1-hydroxybenzotriazole structure was very sensitive to substituent effects with respect to laccase-mediator delignification. Computational results from PM3 indicate that the bond dissociation energy, and electronic factors of the radical may contribute to the efficiency of the mediator for LMS delignification.
Cell-Wall-Associated Oxidases from the Lignifying Xylem of Angiosperms and Gymnosperms: Monolignol Oxidation
Authors: Deighton Nigel , Richardson Andrew , Stewart Derek , McDougall Gordon J.
Published: October 2004

Cell-wall-associated oxidases extracted from the lignifying xylem of Sitka spruce and ash oxidise sinapyl alcohol at a greater rate than coniferyl alcohol and p-coumaryl alcohol (SA > CA > pCA). The enzyme from ash shows a marked preference, on a specific activity basis, for the oxidation of SA over CA and pCA (SA ≫ CA ≥ pCA) and has a particularly low affinity for the oxidation of coniferyl alcohol compared to the enzyme from spruce (SA > CA > pCA). This difference in monolignol preference between the spruce and ash enzymes may relate to their required functions during lignification, in that the hardwood enzyme would be supplied mainly SA and the softwood enzyme would be supplied mainly CA. The spruce enzyme also displayed a marked preference for the oxidation of sinapyl alcohol over sinapyl aldehyde even when the two compounds were presented in a mixture.

Purified cell walls from the lignifying xylem of spruce could oxidise CA by the action of bound oxidase activity and dissolved oxygen (~ 240 μM) but CA oxidation was increased many fold by the action of the bound peroxidase activity and 240 μM H2O2. However, the initial dimeric and trimeric products of the peroxidase- and oxidase-catalysed reactions detected by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry were the same and present in similar proportions. This indicates that the oxidation of CA by oxidase or by peroxidase proceeds via the same intermediates and occurs by a similar mechanism.

Insoluble dehydrogenation polymers (DHPs) of CA were formed in similar yields by spruce extracts in the absence (oxidase activity) or presence (peroxidase activity) of H2O2. The peroxidase-catalysed DHPs and the oxidase-catalysed DHPs gave Fourier transform infra-red spectra with maxima that were characteristic of DHPs of CA. However, differences in the comparative intensities of some maxima suggest that the oxidase-catalysed DHPs were less condensed than the peroxidase-catalysed polymers. These findings are discussed with respect to the possible contribution of oxidases to lignin structure in developing wood.
Atmospheric Acetic Acid Pulping of Rice Straw IV: Physico-Chemical Characterization of Acetic Acid Lignins from Rice Straw and Woods. Part 1. Physical Characteristics
Authors: Pan Xue-Jun , Sano Yoshihiro
Published: October 2004

Lignins obtained by atmospheric acetic acid delignification of rice straw, birch and fir were characterized by molecular weight, solubility and thermomechanical analysis, and by ultraviolet (UV), Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) and 13C-NMR spectroscopy. Rice straw lignins (rice lignins) were very different from birch and fir lignins. The former was difficult to dissolve in most tested solvents and infusible on heating, while the latter had a good solubility and fusibility. FTIR spectra indicated that the rice lignins had more conjugated and fewer unconjugated carbonyl groups than the wood lignins. 13C-NMR spectra showed that rice lignins had more polysaccharides associated to the lignin and more p-coumaric and ferulic acid than the wood lignins. Concentrations of acetic acid and choice of catalyst (sulfuric or hydrochloric acid) had a considerable effect on the characteristics of rice lignins. Rice lignin obtained with 90% acetic acid than that obtained with 80% acetic acid, and the lignin obtained with sulfuric acid as catalyst than that obtained with hydrochloric acid, had lower molecular weight, better solubility, lower glass-transition temperature and lower UV absorptivity. 80% acetic acid delignified rice straw less effectively than 90% acetic acid.