bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Voltammetric quantification of tamoxifen
Authors: Jain Rajeev , Vikas  , Radhapyari Keisham
Published: February 2011

The electrochemical behaviour of tamoxifen has been investigated at gold electrode by cyclic voltammetry (CV), differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and squarewave voltammetric techniques. The dependence of current and potential on pH, concentration, scan rate, nature of solvent, surfactants and different surfactant concentration is investigated. Tamoxifen is oxidized in a single two‐electron, irreversible and diffusion‐controlled wave. Linear calibration plots are obtained over the concentration range 1.0–5.0 and 1.0–6.0 µgmL−1 in 1.0 M KCl and Britton Robinson buffers (pH 2.51) respectively. The procedure has been applied to the assay of the drug in tablet form with mean percentage recoveries of 99.98%. The suggested method can be successfully applied to the determination of tamoxifen in different drug formulations. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measurement of serum lamotrigine by high performance liquid chromatography using a phenyltriazine as internal standard
Authors: Madhavaram H. , Woollard G. A. , Couch R. A. F.
Published: February 2011

Lamotrigine, an anti‐epileptic drug with a phenyltriazine molecular structure, is commonly measured for therapeutic drug monitoring purposes by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or gas liquid chromatography (GLC). A convenient internal standard is the structurally related phenyltriazine compound BWA725C previously obtainable from the Wellcome Foundation, UK. Irsogladine is also structurally similar to lamotrigine and was therefore tested as a possible replacement for BWA725C.

A GLC procedure with thermionic detection (NPD) has been utilized routinely for lamotrigine in our drug monitoring facility. Irsogladine was unsuitable, however, because the retention times of irsogladine and a co‐prescribed drug, carbamazepine, were very similar. An HPLC method utilizing a Prodigy Phenomenex ODS3 column performed well using either of the internal standards. The pH of the mobile phase had a distinct impact on the spectra of lamotrigine and BWA725C. A mobile phase at pH 3, with detection at 225 nm was required to effectively resolve lamotrigine from sulthiame and irsogladine from phenobarbitone. Comparison of the HPLC and the existing GLC method with routine patient specimens (n = 43) gave an equation, y = 0.9382x + 0.8238, R2 = 0.9862. Irsogladine was found to be a suitable internal standard for an HPLC analysis of lamotrigine. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cyanide and Carbon Monoxide Ligand Formation in Hydrogenase Biosynthesis
Authors: Swanson Kevin D. , Duffus Benjamin R. , Beard Trevor E. , Peters John W. , Broderick Joan B.
Published: February 2011

The inside cover picture shows a schematic representation of [FeFe]‐hydrogenase maturation in a microbial community in a geothermal hot spring of Yellowstone National Park, USA. In the stepwise formation of the active site H‐cluster (lower right) of the [FeFe]‐hydrogenase, carbon monoxide and cyanide ligands are synthesized from tyrosine through a radical SAM reaction catalyzed by HydG (lower left, shown here as a ribbon diagram based on a homology model). The synthesis and transfer of these diatomic ligands to the H‐cluster during hydrogenase maturation is discussed in detail in the Microrevierw by John W. Peters, Joan B. Broderick et al. (p. 935 ff ). Photograph and superimposed artwork by courtesy of Kevin Swanson.
Bench‐scale fluidized‐bed fast pyrolysis of peanut shell for bio‐oil production
Authors: Zhang Changsen , Zhang Ruiqin , Li Xipeng , Li Yuewei , Shi Wen , Ren Xiantao , Xu Xingmin
Published: February 2011

Pyrolysis of peanut shell in a fluidized bed to produce bio‐oil is investigated as a useful way to utilize the agriculture residues in China. The influence of reaction temperature and the flow rate of carrier gas (N2) on the pyrolysis product distribution and some characteristics of these products generated in the bench‐scale fluidized‐bed system developed in this study are quantified. The main components of bio‐oil are classified into six categories including aldehydes, ketones, acids, esters, phenols, and alcohols that were analyzed with GC‐MS. Properties of products (bio‐oil, char, noncondensible gas) such as elemental analysis, moisture, heat value, kinematic viscosity, flashing point, and density, were also characterized. It was found out that the maximum yield of bio‐oil, around 60% by weight, was achieved at reaction temperature at 500°C and the flow rate of N2 at 3.2 Nm3 h−1. N2 balance and total mass balance on this system were performed to demonstrate the result credibility of the experiments. Some other useful parameters based on the system were also obtained for future economic and design studies. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2011
Effects of Al2O3 coating on diesel engine performance, combustion, and emission characteristics fueled by pongamia methyl ester and its blends with diesel
Authors: Mohamedmusthafa M. , Sivapirakasam S.P. , Udayakumar M. , Balasubramanian K.R.
Published: February 2011

In this study, for the first time, a nano ceramic material of Al2O3 was used as thermal barrier coating in a diesel engine. In the first phase, engine combustion chamber elements (cylinder head, cylinder liner, valves, and piston crown face) were coated with 200 μm thickness nano ceramic material of Al2O3 by using plasma spray‐coating method. In second phase, experiments were carried out on Al2O3‐coated engine by using Pongamia methyl ester (PME), PME blends of 20 and 40% by volume with diesel and pure diesel. The test run was repeated on uncoated engine and the results were compared. An increase in engine power and decrease in specific fuel consumption, as well as significant improvements in exhaust gas emissions (except NOx) and smoke density, were observed for all test fuels used in the Al2O3‐coated engine compared with that of the uncoated engine. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2012
Leaching behavior and immobilization of copper flotation waste using fly ash
Authors: Çoruh Semra
Published: February 2011

Copper flotation waste generally contains a significant amount of Cu together with trace elements of other toxic metals such as Zn, Co, and Pb. The release of heavy metals into the environment has resulted in a number of environmental problems. The aim of this study was to perform a laboratory investigation to assess the feasibility of immobilizing the heavy metals in copper flotation waste. For this purpose, samples of copper flotation waste were immobilized with fly ash (FA). In this study, the leaching characteristics of copper flotation waste have been evaluated by the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP), Synthetic Precipitation Leaching Procedure (SPLP), Extraction Procedure (EP Tox), and Field Leach Test (FLT) tests methods. The adsorption capacities and adsorption efficiencies were determined. The adsorption rate data was analyzed according to the pseudosecond order kinetic, Elovich kinetic and intra‐particle diffusion kinetic models. The pseudosecond order kinetic model was the best fit kinetic model for the experimental data. The results show that adding FA to the copper flotation waste drastically reduces the heavy metal content in the leachate. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2011
Coupling the lattice‐Boltzmann and spectrin‐link methods for the direct numerical simulation of cellular blood flow
Authors: Reasor Daniel A. , Clausen Jonathan R. , Aidun Cyrus K.
Published: February 2011

The implementation of a spectrin‐link (SL) red blood cell (RBC) membrane method coupled with a lattice‐Boltzmann (LB) fluid solver is discussed. Details of the methodology are included along with subtleties associated with its integration into a massively parallel hybrid LB finite element (FE) suspension flow solver. A comparison of the computational performance of the coupled LB–SL method with that of the previously implemented LB–FE is given for an isolated RBC and for a dense suspension in Hagen–Poiseuille flow. Validating results for RBCs isolated in shear and parachuting in microvessel flow are also presented. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
mRNA and protein levels of FUS, EWSR1, and TAF15 are upregulated in liposarcoma
Authors: Spitzer Jessica I. , Ugras Stacy , Runge Simon , Decarolis Penelope , Antonescu Christina , Tuschl Tom , Singer Samuel
Published: February 2011

Translocations or mutations of FUS, EWSR1, and TAF15 (FET) result in distinct genetic diseases. N‐terminal translocations of any FET protein to a series of transcription factors yields chimeric proteins that contribute to sarcomagenesis, whereas mutations in the conserved COOH‐terminal domain of wild‐type FUS were recently shown to cause familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. We thus investigated whether the loss of one FUS allele by translocation in liposarcoma may be followed by mutations in either the remaining FUS allele or the paralogous EWSR1. Furthermore, we investigated the strength of the FET promoters and their contributions to sarcomagenesis given the proteins' frequent involvement in oncogenic translocations. We sequenced the respective genomic regions of both FUS and EWSR1 in 96 liposarcoma samples. Additionally, we determined FET transcript and protein levels in several liposarcoma cell lines. We did not observe sequence variations in either FUS or EWSR1. However, protein copy numbers reached an impressive 0.9 and 5.5 Mio of FUS and EWSR1 per tumor cell, respectively. Compared with adipose‐derived stem cells, FUS and EWSR1 protein expression levels were elevated on average 28.6‐fold and 7.3‐fold, respectively. TAF15 mRNA levels were elevated on average 3.9‐fold, although with a larger variation between samples. Interestingly, elevated TAF15 mRNA levels did not translate to strongly elevated protein levels, consistent with its infrequent occurrence as translocation partner in tumors. These results suggest that the powerful promoters of FET genes are predominantly responsible for the oncogenic effect of transcription factor translocations in sarcomas. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Clinical significance of genome‐wide minimally deleted regions in oral squamous cell carcinomas
Authors: Chien Huei‐Tzu , Liao Chun‐Ta , Huang Shiang‐Fu , Chen I‐How , Liu Tsung‐Yun , Jou Yuh‐Shan , Wang Hung‐Ming , Hsieh Ling‐Ling
Published: February 2011

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has the highest rate of increase among male cancers in Taiwan. An understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of this disease as well as the development of prognostic markers for the clinical management of this disease is very important. Thus, a systematic loss of heterozygosity (LOH) analysis was performed to define minimally deleted regions (MDRs) in 63 male OSCCs using 400 polymorphic microsatellite markers. For increasing reliability, genomic DNA was extracted from >90% tumor cells that had been purified by LCM, and only when a microsatellite marker provided LOH information in >30% of the OSCCs was there considered to be successful allelotyping. A correlation of the various MDRs with clinicopathological parameters and prognosis was carried out. In total, 32 MDRs were identified and ten were noted as novel. In addition, six MDRs were found to be associated with cigarette smoking. Among these markers, a loss of MDR c7r2 (7q32.2‐q35) was significantly associated with poor disease‐free survival (DFS) and ten MDRs were associated with allelic imbalance (AI) in tumors. Among the latter, a loss of MDR c14r1 (14q24.2‐q32.12) and c11r1 (11q13.4‐q25) had a synergistic effect on poor DFS and were able to reduce further the DFS rate in patients with MDR c7r2 loss. Taken together, the results generated in this study provide new insights that help with exploring the molecular mechanisms associated with OSCC tumorigenesis and cigarette smoking. They also should aid the development of potential prognostic markers for the clinical management of OSCC. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Association between type‐three metabotropic glutamate receptor gene (GRM3) variants and symptom presentation in treatment refractory schizophrenia
Authors: Bishop Jeffrey R. , Miller Del D. , Ellingrod Vicki L. , Holman Timothy
Published: February 2011

Objective

Positive associations between polymorphisms in the type‐three metabotropic glutamate receptor gene (GRM3) and the pathogenesis of schizophrenia as well as response to antipsychotic treatment have been reported. The objective of this study was to determine whether refractory psychiatric symptoms in antipsychotic non‐responders are related to polymorphisms in GRM3.

Methods

Ninety‐five treatment refractory schizophrenia participants were enrolled. Prior to a medication switch, global psychopathology and negative symptoms were rated. These participants were genotyped for seven markers in GRM3. Genotype associations with symptoms were assessed.

Results

Two markers in GRM3 (rs1989796 and rs1476455), were associated with the presence of refractory global symptoms as measured by the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) Total scores. Participants with an rs1476455_CC genotype had significantly higher BPRS scores than A‐carriers (55.1 ± 10.4 vs. 48.3 ± 9.2; F = 7.6, p = 0.0071). Additionally, participants with the rs1989796_CC genotype had significantly higher BPRS scores than T‐carriers (50.1 ± 5.7 vs. 55.8 ± 10.5, F = 7.1, p = 0.0091). No evidence for significant associations with negative symptoms was observed.

Conclusions

Polymorphisms in the GRM3 gene may be associated with refractory global psychosis symptoms but not negative symptoms in persons with schizophrenia. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Predictors of 12‐week remission in a nationwide cohort of people with depressive disorders: the CRESCEND study
Authors: Kim Jae‐Min , Kim Sung‐Wan , Stewart Robert , Kim Seon‐Young , Yoon Jin‐Sang , Jung Sung‐Won , Lee Min‐Soo , Yim Hyeon‐Woo , Jun Tae‐Youn
Published: February 2011

Objective

To estimate the 12‐week remission rate of patients with depressive disorders and predictors of this in a naturalistic clinical setting in South Korea.

Methods

For people with DSM‐IV depressive disorders about to receive treatment at 18 hospitals, data on sociodemographic and health status were obtained. A free choice of clinical interventions was allowed and naturalistic follow‐up took place at 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks later. Remission was defined as a Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score of ≤7 sustained to 12 weeks or last follow‐up, if earlier.

Results

For 723 participants, the 12‐week remission rate was 31.4%. Remission was more likely in women, and in patients without a prior history of suicide attempt, and those with lower baseline anxiety.

Conclusions

Remission associated with unrestricted clinical interventions was comparable to STAR*D estimates for citalopram alone. Comorbid anxiety and a previous suicide attempt were markers of worse outcome. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of major discontinuities from borehole cores of the black consolidated marl formation of Draix (French Alps)
Authors: Neuville A. , Toussaint R. , Schmittbuhl J. , Koehn D. , Schwarz J.‐O.
Published: February 2011

A quantitative description of rock discontinuities present in subsurface cores that were drilled (down to 20 m) in the marls of the Laval and Moulin catchments near Draix (France) is presented. Three kinds of discontinuities are studied: those fully open, those open but filled with clay rich material and those sealed with calcite. With a laser profiler, the topography of facing sides of typical discontinuities was measured with a normal resolution of 1 µm. The probability distribution of the elevation of each surface are obtained and shown to be normal. Possible self‐affine scaling invariance of the topography were explored. The mineralogical content of an interface between the marl bulk and the embedded calcite vein is also investigated using X‐ray computed tomography. Implication of this study for water transport in such discontinuities is addressed in a companion paper in the same issue. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fracture aperture reconstruction and determination of hydrological properties: a case study at Draix (French Alps)
Authors: Neuville A. , Toussaint R. , Schmittbuhl J.
Published: February 2011

We propose two techniques for fracture aperture reconstruction. The first one is a correlation technique that estimates the normal aperture or the tangential shift across a discontinuity whose sides present geometrical similarities. The only required material is a pair of appropriately controlled images of each side. Here, the images are maps of the corresponding side topography, obtained from laser profilometry. Assuming a purely normal opening, it is possible, from two corresponding sides of a given discontinuity in a core log, to infer the precise geometry of the in situ aperture. The second technique allows to retrieve the three‐dimensional geometry of a sealed discontinuity from non‐independent topography measurements of both sides. Both techniques are applied to discontinuities extracted from a core drilled down to 20 m in a fractured marl formation at Draix (French Alps). The probability density functions of the aperture of the sealed and open discontinuities are shown to be Gaussian. At the sample scale, the sealed fracture aperture is self‐affine, while the open one shows a cross‐over from a self‐affine regime at very small scales to an uncorrelated regime at largest scales. After extrapolating those scaling laws at the scale of the whole formation, we discuss when the aperture roughness affects the hydraulic properties of the Draix fractured bedrock. The overall estimated permeability is significant (10−9 − 10−8 m2), consistently with some previous indirect inferences. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of the environmental impact of apple pest control strategies using pesticide risk indicators
Authors: Ioriatti Claudio , Agnello Arthur M , Martini Fabrizio , Kovach Joseph
Published: February 2011

Various pesticide risk indicators have been developed for estimating pesticide impact on human health and the environment. The present work applied a pesticide risk indicator to estimate change in pesticide risk in apple production between 2001 and 2009. The “Environmental Impact Quotient” was used, which evaluates potential impacts of pesticide active ingredients on farm workers, consumers, and nontarget organisms. A modified Environmental Impact Quotient was also tested, which accounts for all ingredients in the formulation presenting a health or environmental hazard, as identified in the Security Data Sheet. Irrespective of the rating system applied, an overall average improvement in environmental impact of apple protection strategies was indicated ranging from 23 to 24%. Hazard reduction was more significant when estimated per treatment, and was higher for acaricides and insecticides than for fungicides. Improvement appeared to be a consequence of using more selective and more effective active ingredients, applying alternative pest control techniques, compulsory periodic sprayer calibration, and wider use of dwarfing orchards. The modified Environmental Impact Quotient does not overcome all limitations regarding accuracy of pesticide risk indicators, but its ease of use in relying on official, easily accessible data, and the consistency of its results, makes it a good candidate for monitoring the success of reduced risk policies. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2011;7:542–549. © 2011 SETAC
Cut costs using working capital management
Authors: Sagner James S.
Published: February 2011

Managing working capital involves organizing your company's short‐term resources to sustain ongoing activities, mobilize funds, and optimize liquidity. The two most critical cost efficiencies are float and processing expenses.

The author gives some examples of firms using working capital management to control costs, and he includes a checklist of 20 actions companies should take to understand their working capital requirements—and produce cost savings. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
E‐discovery and its global implications
Authors: Fanning Kurt , Drogt Emily
Published: February 2011

We've all been following the saga of WikiLeaks and the electronic government documents it disclosed. And during congressional hearings on the financial crisis, lawmakers grilled Goldman Sachs executives over the content of their e‐mails, airing Goldman's “dirty laundry.” But your company's e‐mails and sensitive electronic documents can also be disclosed—in connection with some civil or criminal case. This process is called e‐discovery, and it can threaten the privacy of both US and multinational companies. What special challenges does this pose for companies? And what actions should your company take to cope? The authors of this article explain what you need to know. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Capital investment decisions: Moving beyond traditional financial models
Authors: Boedeker Russell R. , Hughes Susan B. , Paulson Gjerde Kathy A.
Published: February 2011

Companies can supplement their traditional capital budgeting techniques with a strategic analysis that helps align both short‐ and long‐term goals. In fact, a strategic analysis of this kind may be the only technique applicable for decisions in which cash inflows are difficult to estimate. Because a strictly financial analysis may lead to different decisions than a strategic analysis, managers need to develop appropriate review criteria that can take into account both strategic and financial analyses, when appropriate. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Innovative corporate performance management
Authors: Paladino Bob , Paladino Joseph R.
Published: February 2011

How do some of the most successful companies around organize and innovate to achieve results? In particular, how do they manage to innovate and change in a challenging market? This article provides answers through its presentation of a detailed case study. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Basal and Src kinase‐mediated activation of the EphA2 promoter requires a cAMP‐responsive element but is CREB‐independent
Authors: Du Xiaojian , Baldwin Cindy , Hooker Erika , Glorion Pauline , Lemay Serge
Published: February 2011

We have previously identified the EphA2 receptor tyrosine kinase as a potentially important injury‐responsive gene and a transcriptional target of Src kinase activity in renal ischemia‐reperfusion injury (IRI). In the present study, we confirmed, using EphA2 gene trap mice that the endogenous EphA2 promoter is strongly activated following renal IRI. We also examined in more detail the mechanisms responsible for Src kinase‐induced activation of the −2 kb human EphA2 promoter and found that the minimal Src‐responsive elements were contained in the −145 to +137 region of the human EphA2 gene. This region contains a canonical cAMP‐responsive element (CRE) that we found to be critical for both basal and Src kinase‐induced transcriptional activity. However, despite activation of the prototypical CRE‐binding factor CREB by the Src kinase Fyn, siRNA‐mediated knockdown of CREB had no significant impact on either basal or Fyn‐induced EphA2 promoter activity. Similarly, activation of CREB by the adenylate cyclase agonist forskolin failed to induce EphA2 promoter activation. Thus, Src kinase‐induced activation of the EphA2 promoter is CRE‐dependent but CREB‐independent. J. Cell. Biochem. 112: 1268–1276, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Novel catalytic bromolactonization of alkenoic acids using iodobenzene and Oxone®
Authors: He Yan , Pu Ye , Shao Bo , Yan Jie
Published: February 2011

The novel catalytic reaction for bromolactonization of alkenoic acids is reported. When iodobenzene is used as recyclable catalyst in combination with Oxone® as terminal oxidant, the cyclization of various 4‐pentenoic acids with sodium bromide is easily carried out in CF3CH2OH at room temperature and giving five‐membered bromolactones in good yields. J. Heterocyclic Chem., 2011.
Synthesis of novel quinoline analogues of nimesulide: An unusual observation
Authors: Reddy Lingam Venkata , Nakka Mamatha , Suman Alishetty , Ghosh Soumen , Helliwell Madeleine , Mukkanti Khagga , Mukherjee Alok Kumar , Pal Sarbani
Published: February 2011

Reduction of nimesulide followed by treating the N‐acyl derivative of resulting arylamine with Vilsmeier‐Haack reagent provided novel 2‐chloro‐3‐formylquinoline derivatives. The construction of quinoline ring using Vilsmeier‐Haack reagent afforded an unexpected compound, N‐(2‐chloro‐3‐formyl‐7‐phenoxy quinolin‐6‐yl)formamide, in addition to the expected product. The structure of this unexpected quinoline derivative was established via single‐crystal X‐ray analysis and its formation could be explained by an unprecedented N‐S bond cleavage under Vilsmeier‐Haack reaction conditions. The 2‐chloro‐3‐formylquinoline derivatives obtained were converted to a number of corresponding Schiff bases with potential pharmacological importance. J. Heterocyclic Chem., 2011.
Effect of low‐magnitude, high‐frequency vibration on osteogenic differentiation of rat mesenchymal stromal cells
Authors: Lau Esther , Lee W. David , Li Jason , Xiao Andrew , Davies John E. , Wu Qianhong , Wang Liyun , You Lidan
Published: February 2011

Whole body vibration (WBV), consisting of a low‐magnitude, high‐frequency (LMHF) signal, is anabolic to bone in vivo and may act through alteration of the lineage commitment of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC). We investigated the effect of LMHF vibration on rat bone marrow‐derived MSCs (rMSCs) in an in vitro system. We subjected rMSCs to repeated (six) bouts of 1‐h vibration at 0.3g and 60 Hz in the presence of osteogenic (OS) induction medium. The OS differentiation of rMSCs under the loaded and non‐loaded conditions was assessed by examining cell proliferation, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, mRNA expression of various osteoblast‐associated markers [ALP, Runx2, osterix (Osx), collagen type I alpha 1 (COL1A1), bone sialoprotein (BSP), osteopontin (OPN), and osteocalcin (OCN)], and matrix mineralization. LMHF vibration did not enhance the OS differentiation of rMSCs. Surprisingly, the mRNA level of Osx, a transcription factor necessary for osteoblast formation, was decreased, and matrix mineralization was inhibited. Our findings suggest that LMHF vibration may exert its anabolic effects in vivo via mechanosensing of a cell type different from MSCs. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29: 1075–1080, 2011
Do mucosal folds in the eustachian tube function as microturbinates?
Authors: Ozturk Kayhan , Snyderman Carl H. , Sando Isamu
Published: February 2011

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Mucosal folds in the eustachian tube (ET) may function as microturbinates and provide protection and clearance.

Study Design:

Descriptive study.

Methods:

Nineteen whole‐mount temporal bone ET specimens (nine pediatric and 10 adult) were evaluated in the present study. Five specific localizations for each case were selected. The cartilaginous segment of the ET was divided vertically and the length of mucosal surfaces and the number of mucosal folds of anterior and posterior walls on the histological sections were analyzed with MetaMorph 7.5.2.0 software.

Results:

The length of the mucosal surface of the posterior wall of the ET was longer than the anterior wall (P < .05). In pediatric specimens, the posterior wall had more mucosal folds than adult specimens (P < .05).

Conclusions:

Microturbinates in the posterior wall of the ET may provide important protection and clearance functions for children and play a role in the pathogenesis of eustachian tube dysfunction. Laryngoscope, 2011
A Case of preoperative “first‐bite syndrome” associated with mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the parotid gland
Authors: Diercks Gillian R. , Rosow David E. , Prasad Mukesh , Kuhel William I.
Published: February 2011

First‐bite syndrome, characterized by excruciating pain in the parotid region after the first few bites of food, can be seen after surgery of the parapharyngeal space. Herein we describe a patient with no prior surgical history who presented with facial pain consistent with first‐bite syndrome. Imaging and ultrasound‐guided FNA revealed a nonpalpable mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the parotid gland, which was removed surgically with facial nerve preservation. After surgical intervention, the patient's symptoms resolved. An extensive literature review demonstrated that this is the first description of a preoperative first‐bite syndrome, or first‐bite syndrome associated with the presence a parotid mass. Laryngoscope, 2011
Cellular Integration and Vascularisation Promoted by a Resorbable, Particulate‐Leached, Cross‐Linked Poly(ε‐caprolactone) Scaffold
Authors: Baker Simon C. , Rohman Geraldine , Hinley Jennifer , Stahlschmidt Jens , Cameron Neil R. , Southgate Jennifer
Published: February 2011

Flexible, strong scaffolds were created by crosslinking PCL with 1,6‐hexamethylenediisocyanate, using paraffin beads as a porogen. Particulate leaching generated homogeneous scaffolds with interconnected spherical pores of 5–200 µm. Subcutaneous implantation in rats for 3 months resulted in minimal scaffold resorption and a non‐inflammatory regenerative host response, with complete infiltration by alternatively‐activated CD68+ macrophages. In addition, scaffolds were populated extensively along microfractures by a stromal matrix, which was highly vascularised and contained a subset of stromal cells that expressed the anti‐inflammatory CD163 antigen. Such microfractures may be an important physical feature for directing stromal integration and vascularisation events.

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Synthetic analogues of biogenic magnetite: synthesis and characterization of magnetite nanoparticles
Authors: Dudchenko N. O.
Published: February 2011

Biogenic magnetite serve for a wide range of biological functions, including the orientation of animals in the space and also play an important role in the brain functioning. We describe the synthesis and characterization of magnetite nanoparticles that are the synthetic analogues of biogenic magnetite. Magnetite nanoparticles were prepared via co‐precipitation of iron (II) and iron (III) with sodium hydroxide in aqueous solution at high temperature (80°C). To avoid the oxidation of the magnetite surface, further covering of the magnetite nanoparticles with (3‐aminopropyl)triethoxysilane was performed. The obtained magnetite nanoparticles had a comparatively high magnetization (45 A·m2/kg) and crystallinity. The average diameter of synthesized magnetite nanoparticles was around 14 nm. We could conclude that the characteristics of the synthesized magnetite nanoparticles (size, phase composition, magnetic properties) are similar to biogenic magnetite.
Order reduction in computational inelasticity: Why it happens and how to overcome it—The ODE‐case of viscoelasticity
Authors: Eidel Bernhard , Kuhn Charlotte
Published: February 2011

Time integration is the numerical kernel of inelastic finite element calculations, which largely determines their accuracy and efficiency. If higher order Runge–Kutta (RK) methods, p≥3, are used for integration in a standard manner, they do not achieve full convergence order but fall back to second‐order convergence. This deficiency called order reduction is a longstanding problem in computational inelasticity. We analyze it for viscoelasticity, where the evolution equations follow ordinary differential equations. We focus on RK methods of third order. We prove that the reason for order reduction is the (standard) linear interpolation of strain to construct data at the RK‐stages within the considered time interval. We prove that quadratic interpolation of strain based on tn, tn + 1 and, additionally, tn − 1 data implies consistency order three for total strain, viscoelastic strain and stress. Simulations applying the novel interpolation technique are in perfect agreement with the theoretical predictions. The present methodology is advantageous, since it preserves the common, staggered structure of finite element codes for inelastic stress calculation. Furthermore, it is easy to implement, the overhead of additional history data is small and the computation time to obtain a defined accuracy is considerably reduced compared with backward Euler. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Numerical treatment of degenerate diffusion equations via Feller's boundary classification, and applications
Authors: Cacio Emanuela , Cohn Stephen E. , Spigler Renato
Published: February 2011

A numerical method is devised to solve a class of linear boundary‐value problems for one‐dimensional parabolic equations degenerate at the boundaries. Feller theory, which classifies the nature of the boundary points, is used to decide whether boundary conditions are needed to ensure uniqueness, and, if so, which ones they are. The algorithm is based on a suitable preconditioned implicit finite‐difference scheme, grid, and treatment of the boundary data. Second‐order accuracy, unconditional stability, and unconditional convergence of solutions of the finite‐difference scheme to a constant as the time‐step index tends to infinity are further properties of the method. Several examples, pertaining to financial mathematics, physics, and genetics, are presented for the purpose of illustration. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2011
Verbände & Initiativen: Optik & Photonik 1/2011
Authors: Popp Jürgen , Wolff Andreas
Published: February 2011

Biophotonik auf der LASER World of PHOTONICS

Neue Möglichkeiten für personalisierte Krebstherapie

Neuer endoskopischer Ansatz für die Tumordiagnostik
A cost effectiveness analysis of thiopurine methyltransferase testing for guiding 6‐mercaptopurine dosing in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Donnan Jennifer R. , Ungar Wendy J. , Mathews Maria , Hancock‐Howard Rebecca L. , Rahman Proton
Published: February 2011

Background

An increased understanding of the genetic basis of disease creates a demand for personalized medicine and more genetic testing for diagnosis and treatment. The objective was to assess the incremental cost‐effectiveness per life‐month gained of thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT) genotyping to guide doses of 6‐mercaptopurine (6‐MP) in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) compared to enzymatic testing and standard weight‐based dosing.

Procedure

A cost‐effectiveness analysis was conducted from a health care system perspective comparing costs and consequences over 3 months. Decision analysis was used to evaluate the impact of TPMT tests on preventing myelosuppression and improving survival in ALL patients receiving 6‐MP. Direct medical costs included laboratory tests, medications, physician services, pharmacy and inpatient care. Probabilities were derived from published evidence. Survival was measured in life‐months. The robustness of the results to variable uncertainty was tested in one‐way sensitivity analyses. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis examined the impact of parameter uncertainty and generated confidence intervals around point estimates.

Results

Neither of the testing interventions showed a benefit in survival compared to weight‐based dosing. Both test strategies were more costly compared to weight‐based dosing. Incremental costs per child (95% confidence interval) were $277 ($112, $442) and $298 ($392, $421) for the genotyping and phenotyping strategies, respectively, compared to weight‐based dosing.

Conclusions

The present analysis suggests that screening for TPMT mutations using either genotype or enzymatic laboratory tests prior to the administration of 6‐MP in pediatric ALL patients is not cost‐effective. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011; 57: 231–239. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Multivariate analysis of the relation between immune dysfunction and treatment intensity in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Ek Torben , Josefson Mats , Abrahamsson Jonas
Published: February 2011

Background

Immunoreconstitution following childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a complex process during which various immune functions recover differentially. This process is difficult to elucidate since variables are interrelated and require simultaneous evaluation, rendering conventional statistical methods inappropriate.

Procedure

We used principal components analysis (PCA) and projection of latent structures (PLS) to evaluate immune competence in 32 children treated for ALL. One or 6 months after completion of therapy, the relation between lymphocyte subpopulations, lymphocyte function and response to vaccination with tetanus, diphtheria and hemophilus influenzae, was investigated.

Results

PCA demonstrated that increasing treatment intensity correlated with progressive immune dysfunction. Children treated with high intensity had poor response to vaccination associated with loss of humoral memory, decreased CD4+45RA+ T‐lymphocytes and increased CD5+ B‐lymphocytes. Patients treated with intermediate intensity had better preservation of humoral memory but decreased CD4+45RA+ T‐cells. Patients with a low intensity regimen had similar vaccination response and lymphocyte levels as controls.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate the utility of PCA and PLS in detecting hidden structures in complex data and suggest that, even 6 months after therapy, patients treated with intermediate and high intensity have attenuated responses to de novo antigens whereas those with high intensity also respond poorly to recall antigens. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011;56:1078–1087. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The effect of a sodium octacosanoate‐based nucleating agent on the crystallization of thermoplastic polyurethanes
Authors: Freitag C.P.M. , Riegel I.C. , Pezzin S.H. , Costa M.L. , Amico S.C.
Published: February 2011

Sodium octacosanoate (NaC28‐32) is commonly used as a nucleating agent in polyester and polyamide formulations. In this work, the effect of adding this agent to three chemically identical thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs), but with distinct molecular weights, was addressed, focusing on the study of the crystallization phenomenon. The modified Avrami and Avrami‐Ozawa kinetic models were applied to the isothermal and non‐isothermal crystallization processes, respectively, and both indicated faster crystallization when the nucleating agent was used, with an increase in temperature and rate of crystallization of the TPU. Such effect was partly attributed to the formation of a larger number of crystallization nuclei in comparison to the neat TPU. Besides, the nucleating effect was more pronounced for the TPU with the lowest molecular weight (30,000 Dalton). The Avrami and Avrami‐Ozawa models indicated that the TPU crystallization process occurs with the development of two‐dimensional lamellar aggregates, axialites, and that the incorporation of thenucleating agent does not alter this geometry. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Replication characterization in injection molding of microfeatures with high aspect ratio: Influence of layout and shape factor
Authors: Yang Can , Huang Han‐Xiong , Castro Jose M. , Yi Allen Y.
Published: February 2011

In this work, both experimental study and numerical simulation were carried out to investigate the replication capability and flow behavior of polymeric melt inside microchannels with high aspect ratio. For this purpose, a mold insert with microchannels having different layouts (parallel and transverse to the main flow direction) and various cross sectional shapes (triangle, rectangle, and semicircle) was designed and fabricated. The filled length and surface morphology of the microfeatures molded under different conditions were characterized using scanning electron microscope and optical microscope. It was found that the cross sectional shape had clear influence on the filled length of the microfeatures, with a dependence on the mold layout. Moreover, serious hesitation of polymeric flows in microchannels took place in the transverse layout, which led to eccentric line defects. However, such defects were not observed in the parallel layout. At last, the specific mechanisms of how the cross sectional shape affected the replication capability and how the line defects in the microfeatures' surface formed were discussed. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Measurement and simulation of vibrations of PV‐modules induced by dynamic mechanical loads
Authors: Assmus Marcus , Jack Steffen , Weiss Karl‐Anders , Koehl Michael
Published: February 2011

The dynamic behavior of PV‐modules is analyzed by different methods. Outdoor measurements of the deflection show their dynamic behavior under wind loads and the correlation between wind velocity and mechanical deflection. Indoor tests were performed with acoustic excitation of the modules with monitoring of the deflection. The frequency range of the resonance frequencies of different modules was between 10 and 100 Hz. Numerical calculations, based on FEM‐modeling, yielded a very good agreement with the experimental results. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Study of the effect of excess carrier lifetime depth profiles and depth dependent absorption coefficients on the emitted photoluminescence spectrum of chalcopyrite thin films
Authors: Knabe S. , Langemeyer M. , Heidemann F. , Brüggemann R. , Bauer G. H.
Published: February 2011

The emitted photoluminescence (PL) resulting from radiative recombination in semiconductors is strongly governed by excess carrier density, which is influenced by excess carrier lifetime, absorption coefficient and according boundary conditions at front and rear contact. We have numerically solved the diffusion equation for the excess carrier density with depth dependent lifetime profiles (originating from a depth dependent defect density) and depth dependent absorption coefficient (originating from a depth dependent band‐gap) using a residual control based boundary value problem solver. The emitted PL from the absorber has been calculated on the basis of the excess carrier density with a 1D‐matrix transfer formalism including propagation, multireflection at phase boundaries and reabsorption of PL‐photons. For different lifetime or absorption depth profiles we have characterized the influence on the excess carrier depth profile as well as on the resulting spectral PL yield. Finally the calculated PL spectra were compared to the quasi‐Fermi level splitting from the excess carriers to show the influence of both depth profiles on the shape of the photoluminescence spectrum. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ray tracing for the optics at nano‐textured ZnO–air and ZnO–silicon interfaces
Authors: Schulte Melanie , Bittkau Karsten , Pieters Bart Elger , Jorke Silvia , Stiebig Helmut , Hüpkes Jürgen , Rau Uwe
Published: February 2011

We investigate the scattering behavior of nano‐textured ZnO–Air and ZnO–Silicon interfaces for the application in thin film silicon solar cells. Contrary to the common approach, the numerical solution of the Maxwell's equations, we introduce a ray tracing approach based on geometric optics and the measured interface topography. The validity of this model is discussed by means of scanning near‐field optical microscopy (SNOM) measurements and numerical solutions of the Maxwell's equations. We show, that the ray tracing model can qualitatively describe the formation of micro lenses, which are the dominant feature of the local scattering properties of the investigated interfaces. A quantitative analysis for the ZnO–Silicon interface at λ = 488 and 780 nm shows that the ray tracing model corresponds well to the numerical solution of the Maxwell's equations, especially within the first 1.5 µm distance from the interface. Direct correlations between the locally scattered intensity and the interface topographies are found. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thirty Years of Geographical (In)consistency in the British Population Census: Steps towards the Harmonisation of Small‐Area Census Geography
Authors: Walford Nigel S. , Hayles Kelly N.
Published: February 2011

The existence of digital boundary data files to accompany area census statistics for small units has now become accepted as the norm in respect of population census output in many countries. However, there has been growing variation in the specification of census geography and widespread inconsistency in the sets of polygons between the constituent countries of the UK. This paper reports on research that has created data sets of consistent areas and estimates of census counts spanning the last four British censuses from 1971 to 2001 to enable the comparison of small spatial units and the analysis of population change. The paper assesses the data sets produced by areal weighting and dasymetric mapping by comparison with a subset of consistent spatial units between 1981 and 1991 and with published statistics for larger areas. The results are also examined in relation to previously published methods of obtaining weights empirically for use in the dasymetric mapping. The paper highlights the potential of the consistent small spatial units that have been created for the analysis of population change over time. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the role of the metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer states in the light‐induced spin crossover in FeII (bpy)3
Authors: Graaf Coen De , Sousa Carmen
Published: February 2011

The light‐induced spin crossover in FeII complexes is studied with complete active space second‐order perturbation theory. The potential energy surfaces of the low‐spin and high‐spin states are determined as function of the Fe‐‐ligand distance interpolating between the high‐spin and low‐spin equilibrium geometries. In addition, we calculate the relative energies of the lowest excited
${\rm Fe}-3{\rm d}^6$
states along this coordinate. To address the mechanism of spin crossover, the metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer states with singlet, triplet, and quintet spin coupling were also treated. The curves of the singlet and triplet MLCT states nearly coincide, but the quintet MLCT curve is higher in energy and the equilibrium distance displaced to larger distances. The possible deactivation mechanisms of the 1MLCT state are discussed considering the relative energies and spin‐orbit coupling matrix elements of the relevant electronic states. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem 111:3385–3393, 2011
The quantile method for symbolic principal component analysis
Authors: Ichino Manabu
Published: February 2011

In this article, we present a new quantification method to realize the principal component analysis (PCA) for symbolic data tables. We first describe the nesting property for the monotone point sequences and the correlation matrix by the rank correlation coefficient. Then, we present the object splitting method by which interval valued data table can be transformed to a usual numerical data table. We are able to apply the traditional PCA to this transformed data table. The quantile method is a generalization of the object splitting method, and can manipulate histograms, nominal multi‐value types, and other types simultaneously. We present several experimental results in order to illustrate the usefulness of the quantile method. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Statistical Analysis and Data Mining 4: 184–198, 2011