bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Das Konzept der Bioraffinerie – Produktion von Plattformchemikalien und Finalprodukten
Authors: Kamm B. , Kamm M.
Published: April 2007

Die Nutzung von nachwachsenden Rohstoffen wird in den nächsten Jahren und Jahrzehnten aus vielen Gründen an Bedeutung gewinnen und die nationalen Volkswirtschaften und globale Weltwirtschaft gravierend verändern. Die partielle oder gar vollständige Umstellung ganzer Volkswirtschaften auf erneuerbare Rohstoffe erfordert völlig neue Ansätze in Forschung, Entwicklung und Produktion. Die Entwicklung von Bioraffinerien stellt dabei den Schlüssel für eine integrierte Produktion von Nahrungsmitteln, Futtermitteln, Chemikalien, Materialien, Gebrauchsgütern und Kraftstoffen der Zukunft dar. Bioraffinerien kombinieren die notwendigen Technologien von biogenen Rohstoffen mit denen der Plattformchemikalien und Finalprodukte. Das Hauptaugenmerk ist auf die Verknüpfung von biotechnologischer und chemischer Stoffwandlung und die Entwicklung der Bioraffineriesysteme: die Lignocellulose‐Feedstock‐Bioraffinerie, die Getreide‐Ganzpflanzen‐Bioraffinerie, die Grüne Bioraffinerie, das Zwei‐Plattform‐Konzept sowie die Plattformchemikalien gerichtet.
Rohstoffwandel
Authors: Vogel G. H.
Published: April 2007

Die Änderung der Rohstoffbasis ist für die chemische Industrie nichts Neues, immer wurden damit eine Innovationswelle und ein Aufschwung angestoßen. Eine Voraussetzung ist, frühzeitig die wissenschaftlichen und technologischen Grundlagen für einen erneuten Rohstoffwandel zu entwickeln. Gerade die chemische Industrie, der die Naturgesetze wohl vertraut sind, sollte ihre Zukunft nicht auf Wachstum, sondern auf Nachhaltigkeit ausrichten, um die bis 2050 erwartete Weltbevölkerung von neun Milliarden Menschen mit ihrem überproportional steigenden Rohstoffhunger versorgen zu können.
Nachwachsende Rohstoffe in der chemischen Industrie – Weg vom Öl?
Authors: Nordhoff S. , Höcker H. , Gebhardt H.
Published: April 2007

Steigende fossile Rohstoffpreise legen den Schluss nahe, dass Produkte auf Basis nachwachsender Rohstoffe über kurz oder lang prinzipiell wirtschaftlich werden. Dieses weit verbreitete Paradigma wird in der vorliegenden Arbeit hinterfragt. Preiskopplungen, wie sie seit Dekaden insbesondere bei den petrochemischen Rohstoffen zu beobachten sind, erfolgen nun auch verstärkt bei nachwachsenden Rohstoffen. Haupttreiber ist die konkurrierende energetische Verwertung, da sowohl fossile als auch nachwachsende Rohstoffe vornehmlich für Wärme, Strom und Mobilität genutzt werden. Daraus folgt, dass die Preise durch die energetische Verwertung bestimmt werden. Anhand einfacher Überlegungen wird gezeigt, wie Preise nachwachsender Kohlenstoffquellen mit den Rohölpreisen korrelieren. Der einzusetzende Rohstoff wird mit steigenden Ölpreisen ebenfalls teurer. Damit können Erwartungen an die Preisentwicklung fossiler Energieträger auch für die Bewertung alternativer Verfahren genutzt werden. Dadurch wird jedoch die Annahme, dass ein steigender Rohölpreis die Wirtschaftlichkeit alternativer Produkte und Prozesse auf Basis nachwachsender Rohstoffe begünstigt, erheblich in Frage gestellt. Im Umkehrschluss folgt daraus, dass diese Produkte und Prozesse bereits heute wirtschaftlich sein müssen. Gerade bei neuen Ansätzen der Weißen Biotechnologie ist zu beachten, dass schon jetzt mit realistischen Annahmen die entsprechende Route wirtschaftlich darstellbar ist. Das eingangs erwähnte Paradigma wird damit zumindest sehr fragwürdig.
Light and color, some ethical issues
Authors: Schanda J.
Published: April 2007

This is a comment to the editorial by J. Hutchings on “Talking about Color… and Ethics.” © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 32, 233–235, 2007
New method for measuring an optical property of a sample treated by FWA
Authors: Imura Kenji
Published: April 2007

In this article, a new method for measuring a total spectral radiance factor of a FWA‐treated sample illuminated by a specific standard illuminant is introduced. The method replaces an unstable real fluorescent standard by a bi‐spectral luminescent radiance factor data, which works as a virtual fluorescent standard (VFS) by knowing spectral intensity distributions of illuminations applied to the sample. The method utilizes two illuminations I1 and I2 whose relative spectral intensity distributions are different from each other and synthesizes a virtual illumination presenting the identical fluorescent spectral radiance factor to that presented by the standard illuminant with the VFS of the specific bi‐spectral luminescent radiance factor by linearly combining I1 and I2 with the suitable weighting factors. The applicability of the method is examined in principle by comparing ISO brightness and CIE whiteness index of fluorescent standard paper as a test sample obtained by this new method to the assigned values. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 32, 195–200, 2007
Oil transnational corporations: corporate social responsibility and environmental sustainability
Authors: Edoho Felix M.
Published: April 2007

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) occupies the center stage of the debate on the operations of transnational corporations in the developing countries. The quest for profit maximization as the overriding value at the expense of corporate social responsibility puts some transnational corporations on a collision path with their Niger Delta host communities, who are demanding environmental sustainability. Militant groups have shut down flow stations and taken oil workers hostage. Unresponsiveness of oil firms to community demands for CSR is heightening the volatility of the Nigerian oil industry. The problem will intensify until oil firms initiate authentic CSR strategies to address the environmental havocs emanating from their operations. At the core of such strategies is recognizing the host communities as bona fide stakeholders and addressing their socioeconomic needs. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Cyclin E/Cdk2 is required for sperm maturation, but not DNA replication, in early sea urchin embryos
Authors: Schnackenberg Bradley J. , Palazzo Robert E. , Marzluff William F.
Published: April 2007

The cell cycle is driven by the activity of cyclin/cdk complexes. In somatic cells, cyclin E/cdk2 oscillates throughout the cell cycle and has been shown to promote S‐phase entry and initiation of DNA replication. In contrast, cyclin E/cdk2 activity remains constant throughout the early embryonic development of the sea urchin and localizes to the sperm nucleus following fertilization. We now show that cyclin E localization to the sperm nucleus following fertilization is not unique to the sea urchin, but also occurs in the surf clam, and inhibition of cyclin E/cdk2 activity by roscovitine inhibits the morphological changes indicative of male pronuclear maturation in sea urchin zygotes. Finally, we show that inhibition of cyclin E/cdk2 activity does not block DNA replication in the early cleavage cycles of the sea urchin. We conclude that cyclin E/cdk2 activity is required for male pronuclear maturation, but not for initiation of DNA replication in early sea urchin development. genesis 45:282–291, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
IL‐13 induces expression of CD36 in human monocytes through PPARγ activation
Authors: Berry Antoine , Balard Patricia , Coste Agnès , Olagnier David , Lagane Céline , Authier Hélène , Benoit‐Vical Françoise , Lepert Jean‐Claude , Séguéla Jean‐Paul , Magnaval Jean‐François , Chambon Pierre , Metzger Daniel , Desvergne Béatrice , Wahli Walter , Auwerx Johan , Pipy Bernard
Published: April 2007

The class B scavenger receptor CD36 is a component of the pattern recognition receptors on monocytes that recognizes a variety of molecules. CD36 expression in monocytes depends on exposure to soluble mediators. We demonstrate here that CD36 expression is induced in human monocytes following exposure to IL‐13, a Th2 cytokine, via the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR)γ pathway. Induction of CD36 protein was paralleled by an increase in CD36 mRNA. The PPARγ pathway was demonstrated using transfection of a PPARγ expression plasmid into the murine macrophage cell line RAW264.7, expressing very low levels of PPARγ, and in peritoneal macrophages from PPARγ‐conditional null mice. We also show that CD36 induction by IL‐13 via PPARγ is dependent on phospholipase A2 activation and that IL‐13 induces the production of endogenous 15‐deoxy‐Δ12,14‐prostaglandin J2, an endogenous PPARγ ligand, and its nuclear localization in human monocytes. Finally, we demonstrate that CD36 and PPARγ are involved in IL‐13‐mediated phagocytosis of Plasmodium falciparum‐parasitized erythrocytes. These results reveal a novel role for PPARγ in the alternative activation of monocytes by IL‐13, suggesting that endogenous PPARγ ligands, produced by phospholipase A2 activation, could contribute to the biochemical and cellular functions of CD36.
Syk‐dependent ERK activation regulates IL‐2 and IL‐10 production by DC stimulated with zymosan
Authors: Slack Emma C. , Robinson Matthew J. , Hernanz‐Falcón Patricia , Brown Gordon D. , Williams David L. , Schweighoffer Edina , Tybulewicz Victor L. , Reis e Sousa Caetano
Published: April 2007

Zymosan is a particulate yeast preparation that elicits high levels of IL‐2 and IL‐10 from dendritic cells (DC) and engages multiple innate receptors, including the Syk‐coupled receptor dectin‐1 and the MyD88‐coupled receptor TLR2. Here, we show that induction of IL‐2 and IL‐10 by zymosan requires activation of ERK MAP kinase in murine DC. Surprisingly, ERK activation in response to zymosan is completely blocked in Syk‐deficient DC and unaffected by MyD88 deficiency. Conversely, ERK activation in response to the TLR2 agonist Pam3Cys is completely MyD88 dependent and unaffected by Syk deficiency. The inability of TLR2 ligands in zymosan to couple to ERK may explain the Syk dependence of the IL‐2 and IL‐10 response in DC and emphasises the importance of Syk‐coupled pattern recognition receptors such as dectin‐1 in the detection of yeasts. Furthermore, the lack of receptor compensation observed here suggests that responses induced by complex innate stimuli cannot always be predicted by the signalling pathways downstream of individual receptors.
Erythropoietin enhances immune responses in mice
Authors: Katz Odelia , Gil Lidor , Lifshitz Lilach , Prutchi‐Sagiv Sara , Gassmann Max , Mittelman Moshe , Neumann Drorit
Published: April 2007

Erythropoietin (Epo) is the main erythropoietic hormone. Recombinant human Epo (rHuEpo) is thus used in clinical practice for the treatment of anemia. Accumulating data reveals that Epo exerts pleiotropic activities. We have previously shown an anti‐neoplastic activity of Epo in murine multiple myeloma (MM) models, and in MM patients. Our findings that this anti‐neoplastic effect operates via CD8+ T lymphocytes led us to hypothesize that Epo possesses a wider range of immunomodulatory functions. Here we demonstrate the effect of Epo on B lymphocyte responses, focusing on three experimental models: (i) tumor‐bearing mice, (5T2 MM mouse); (ii) antigen‐injected healthy mice; and (iii) antigen‐injected transgenic mice (tg6), overexpressing human Epo. In the MM model, despite bone marrow dysfunction, Epo‐treated mice retained higher levels of endogenous polyclonal immunoglobulins, compared to their untreated controls. In both Epo‐treated wild type and tg6 mice, Epo effect was manifested in the higher levels of splenocyte proliferative response induced in vitro by lipopolysaccharide. Furthermore, these mice had increased in vivo production of anti‐dinitrophenyl (DNP) antibodies following immunization with DNP‐keyhole limpet hemocyanin. Epo‐treated mice showed an enhanced immune response also to the clinically relevant hepatitis B surface antigen. These findings suggest a potential novel use of rHuEpo as an immunomodulator.

See accompanying commentary: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/eji.200737401
A Magnetostructural and Electrochemical Study of CuII and FeIII Complexes Containing a Tetradentate Aminebis(phenolate) Ligand with a Pendent Tetrahydrofuran Group
Authors: Safaei Elham , Weyhermüller Thomas , Bothe Eberhard , Wieghardt Karl , Chaudhuri Phalguni
Published: April 2007

Ligating properties of a tetradentate ligand 2‐{bis[(3,5‐di‐tert‐butyl‐2‐hydroxybenzyl)amino]methyl}tetrahydrofuran,H2L, with [O,O,N,O]‐donor atoms towards CuII and FeIII are described. The ligand H2L yields both mononuclear LFeIII(acac) (1) and dinuclear [L2FeIII2(μ‐OCH3)‐(μ‐OH)] (2), [L2FeIII2(μ‐C2O4)] (3) and [L2CuII2] (4) complexes, which were characterized by various physical techniques, including X‐ray diffraction, Mössbauer, electrochemical and magnetic susceptibility (2–290 K) measurements. That the electrochemical oxidations are ligand‐centered, i.e. formation of phenoxyl radicals from the coordinated phenolates, have been shown by voltammetric methods. Complexes 2–4 display antiferromagnetic exchange coupling of the neighbouring metal centers. Comparison of the evaluated weak exchange coupling constants (J) with the literature values leads to the conclusion that the angle Cu–O–Cu′ is not the only determinant for the nature of the exchange coupling and the capability of the bridging ligands as mediators for spin coupling in case of FeIII follows the order phenoxide ≈ methoxide > hydroxide. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Characterization of the glycerolipid composition of a high‐palmitoleic acid sunflower mutant
Authors: Salas Joaquín J. , Moreno‐Pérez Antonio J. , Martínez‐Force Enrique , Garcés Rafael
Published: April 2007

The glycerolipid composition of a high‐palmitoleic acid sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) mutant accumulating up to 20% of n‐7 fatty acids was studied. This line produces oil with a complex triacylglycerol (TAG) composition, containing species that have not been previously identified in sunflower. In this regard, palmitoleic acid was esterified in an unexpected way in the three positions of the TAG molecules. The polar glycerolipid composition of the mutant was also studied, in order to identify and quantify the changes in membrane lipids imposed by the sunflower enzymatic machinery during the accumulation of the unusual n‐7 fatty acids. The high‐palmitoleic mutant accumulated important quantities of n‐7 fatty acids in the polar lipid fraction, especially in the phosphatidylcholine lipid class. However, the total polar lipid content of these lines was not affected. On the other hand, the mutations responsible for the n‐7 lipid accumulation induced an important decrease in the oil yield of the new mutant.
An improved assay for the determination of phospholipase C activity
Authors: Durban Markus A. , Bornscheuer Uwe T.
Published: April 2007

Phospholipases C (PLC, EC 3.1.4.3) are enzymes that specifically hydrolyze the C‐O‐P bond in phospholipids, yielding sn‐1,2(2,3)‐diacylglycerides and the phosphate residue bearing the corresponding headgroup. The biochemical characterization of PLC requires methods for the reliable determination of their activity. Here, an assay is described in which the phosphate residue released by the PLC is cleaved with an alkaline phosphatase. The phosphate formed is then extracted with n‐butanol and quantified as phosphomolybate complex. The applicability of this method is demonstrated for a concentration range from 10 nM to 10 mM for a range of phospholipids bearing different headgroups in an aqueous and a two‐phase system. The method has the additional advantage that the crude enzyme can be used without the need for purification.
Cerebral white matter changes and rate of progression of dementia during cholinesterase inhibitor treatment: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Devine M. E. , Fonseca J. A. S. , Walker R. W. H. , Sikdar T. , Stevens T. , Walker Z.
Published: April 2007

Background

Cerebral white matter changes (WMC) represent cerebrovascular disease (CVD) and are common in dementia. Cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs) are effective in Alzheimer's Disease (AD) with or without CVD, and in Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB). Predictors of treatment response are controversial.

Objective

To investigate the effect of WMC severity on rate of progression of dementia during treatment with ChEIs.

Methods

CT or MRI brain scans were rated for WMC severity in 243 patients taking ChEIs for dementia. Raters were blind to patients' clinical risk factors, dementia subtype and course of illness. Effects of WMC severity on rates of decline in cognition, function and behaviour were analysed for 140 patients treated for 9 months or longer. Analysis was performed for this group as a whole and within diagnostic subgroups AD and DLB. The main outcome measure was rate of change in Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) score. Secondary measures were rates of change in scores on the Cambridge Cognitive Examination (CAMCOG), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) and Clifton Assessment Procedures for the Elderly – Behaviour Rating Scale (CAPE‐BRS).

Results

There was no significant association between severity of WMC and any specified outcome variable for the cohort as a whole or for patients with AD. In patients with DLB, higher WMC scores were associated with more rapid cognitive decline.

Conclusions

Increased WMC severity does not influence clinical response to ChEI treatment in AD, but may hasten deterioration in ChEI‐treated patients with DLB. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An evaluation of two self‐report screening measures for mood in an out‐patient chronic heart failure population
Authors: Haworth J. E. , Moniz‐Cook E. , Clark A. L. , Wang M. , Cleland J. G. F.
Published: April 2007

Objective

To examine the criterion validity of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Geriatric Depression Scale 15‐item (GDS‐15) in a community sample of Chronic Heart Failure (CHF) out‐patients.

Methods

Eighty‐eight of 203 older adults with confirmed CHF responded to a postal survey and participated in a face‐to‐face interview. The GDS‐15 and HADS were compared to diagnoses from the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV (SCID‐I), using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and positive and negative predictive values, sensitivity and specificity for various cut‐off points.

Results

For all depressive disorders, the area under the ROC curve for the GDS‐15 was 0.883 and a cut‐off of 5 gave a sensitivity of 0.818 and a specificity of 0.833. The area under the ROC curve for the HADS Depression (D) and Anxiety (A) were 0.889 and 0.941 respectively. At a cut‐off of 7, the HADS‐A gave a sensitivity of 0.938 and a specificity of 0.847. At a cut‐off of 4, the HADS‐D gave a sensitivity of 0.864 and a specificity of 0.788.

Conclusions

The GDS‐15 and HADS are valid screening tools for detecting depression in aged CHF out‐patients. However, use of the HADS requires reduced cut‐points to ensure that patients with mood disorder are not missed in this population. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The relationship between severity of Alzheimer's disease and prevalence of comorbid depressive symptoms and depression: a systematic review
Authors: Verkaik Renate , Nuyen Jasper , Schellevis François , Francke Anneke
Published: April 2007

Objectives

To gain more insight into the association between severity of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and prevalence of comborbid depression.

Methods

A systematic literature review based on the Cochrane methodology was performed. PubMed, PsychINFO and EMBASE databases were searched for existing studies that fulfilled predefined inclusion criteria. The studies were divided into: (1) those that analysed the association between severity of AD and prevalence of depressive symptoms (‘continuous’ approach) and (2) those that investigated the association between severity of AD and diagnosed depression (‘categorical’ approach). The quality of existing studies was rated and the results were synthesized with a best evidence synthesis.

Results

Twenty‐four studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Nineteen reported results for a continuous approach and seven for a categorical approach. Three of the four high quality studies within the continuous approach did not find a significant association between severity of AD and prevalence of depressive symptoms. None of the three high quality studies using the categorical approach found a significant association between the severity of AD and the prevalence of diagnosed depression.

Conclusions

There is evidence for a lack of association between the severity of AD and the prevalence of comorbid depressive symptoms or diagnosed depression. Until new studies contradict this conclusion, prevention and intervention strategies for comorbid depression in AD should be aimed at all patients irrespective their disease severity. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A phase II study of a THP‐COP regimen for the treatment of elderly patients aged 70 years or older with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Tsurumi Hisashi , Hara Takeshi , Goto Naoe , Kanemura Nobuhiro , Kasahara Senji , Sawada Michio , Yasuda Ichiro , Yamada Toshiki , Shimizu Masahito , Takami Tsuyoshi , Moriwaki Hisataka
Published: April 2007

Pirarubicin (tetrahydropyranyl adriamycin: THP) is an anthracycline drug that reportedly has fewer cardiotoxic effects than doxorubicin. A phase II study was conducted in order to determine the efficacy of a treatment regimen incorporating THP, namely THP‐COP in the treatment of elderly patients aged 70 years or older with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL). The treatment regimens for Group A (aged 70–79 years,n = 45) and Group B (aged 80 years or older,n = 16) consisted of cyclophosphamide, THP, vincristine, and prednisolone, repeated six times, every 3 weeks. The complete remission rate was 72.1%. The 5‐year survival rate was 38.1%. For elderly patients with favourable prognostic factors, the 5‐year survival rate was significantly better at 77.9% compared with 15.6% for patients with poor prognostic factors (p < 0.01). Death associated with the treatment regimen was not observed. We conclude that the THP‐COP treatment regimen has fewer side effects and is very effective in the treatment of DLBCL in elderly patients, especially those with favourable prognostic factors. The present findings indicate the necessity of future studies investigating a combination therapy comprised of rituximab and THP‐COP for the treatment of elderly patients with CD20‐positive DLBCL. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The implementation of process orientation at a Swedish hospital
Authors: Fältholm Ylva , Jansson Anna
Published: April 2007

During the last decade, as a response to the need for inter‐ as well as intra‐organizational integration, management models initially developed for industry have been spread to health care organizations. Based on 62 in‐depth interviews, this qualitative study aims at describing and analyzing the limited success of implementation of process orientation at a Swedish hospital and in doing so, the traditional and the critical approaches are combined. Applying a traditional approach, the limited success of the implementation of process orientation is explained in terms of difficulties to challenge deeply institutionalized organizational routines and the inter‐disciplinary boundaries. This might be condensed to the dilemma of how to maintain and develop the specialization of the medical profession while focusing process rather than function and how to enhance inter‐organizational integration without hampering intra‐organizational collaboration. Applying a critical approach, the limited success is explained in terms of a differentiated translation process and in terms of separation of talk and practice. This means that process orientation, notwithstanding that it might be an efficient tool for the type of integration needed, might be regarded as part of a change discourse, aiming at conveying a picture of an efficient and modern organization. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Drought forecasting using artificial neural networks and time series of drought indices
Authors: Morid Saeid , Smakhtin Vladimir , Bagherzadeh K.
Published: April 2007

Drought forecasting is a critical component of drought risk management. The paper describes an approach to drought forecasting, which makes use of Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and predicts quantitative values of drought indices—continuous functions of rainfall which measure the degree of dryness of any time period. The indices used are the Effective Drought Index (EDI) and the Standard Precipitation Index (SPI). The forecasts are attempted using different combinations of past rainfall, the above two drought indices in preceding months and climate indices like Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) and North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) index. A number of different ANN models for both EDI and SPI with the lead times of 1 to 12 months have been tested at several rainfall stations in the Tehran Province of Iran. The best models in both cases have been found to include, among the others, a corresponding drought index value from the same month of the previous year. Both best models have the R2 values of 0.66‐0.79 for a lead time of 6 months, but it is also shown that the EDI forecasts are superior to those of the SPI for all lead times and at all rainfall stations. The better performance of the EDI model is illustrated by its more accurate prediction of the overall pattern of ‘dry’ and ‘wet’ conditions. The structure of the model inputs (previous rain and drought indices) does not vary with the lead time, which makes the models very convenient for the operational purposes. The final forecasting models can be utilized by drought early warning systems, which are emerging in Iran at present. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society
Pressure gradient force, atmospheric circulation and climate in western Europe (1899–2002)
Authors: Kastendeuch Pierre P.
Published: April 2007

One mission of synoptic climatology is to quantify the link between atmospheric circulation and surface environment. The pressure gradient force (PGF) is used as a multiple index to summarize the monthly atmospheric circulation for a site in western Europe (5°E and 50°N). The study of the temporal evolution of the PGF components (direction, magnitude, X and Y components) was carried out for the period 1899–2002. The results reflect the variability in atmospheric circulation and reveal some trends. The magnitude of the PGF is particularly affected by several successive periods where the strength of the atmospheric flow was lower (negative trend) or higher (positive trend) than normal. During the last decades of the twentieth century the atmospheric flow appears stronger than before (positive trend), except in summer. As the direction of the PGF can be related to the trajectory of the flow via the Buys–Ballot law, its anomalies are directly related to anomalies in the advection of air masses. No definite trend can be detected for this variable. However, it seems that the northerly flow becomes rare in winter. The relevance of the PGF is also examined with regard to the evolution of monthly temperatures and precipitations via some series of multiple regressions. The best results are obtained for the precipitations, with an explained variance lying between 47 and 73% (respectively in May and February). For temperatures, the explained variance oscillates between 34 and 73% (in September and January). The fact that the meridional and zonal components of the PGF, and the absolute pressure at the site are explicitly taken into account, ensures a good quantification of the atmospheric circulation ‘anomalies’, that are largely responsible for the annual, seasonal or monthly singularities of temperature and precipitation over western Europe. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society
Preparation and Characterization of a Scaffold for Vascular Tissue Engineering by Direct‐Assembling of Collagen and Cells in a Cylindrical Geometry
Authors: Boccafoschi Francesca , Rajan Navneeta , Habermehl Jason , Mantovani Diego
Published: April 2007

In the past 25 years, several efforts have been focused on developing vascular substitutes showing long‐term patency when implanted in humans. In this study, we present our last findings in an ongoing project aiming to develop a tissue‐regenerated blood vessel from collagen‐based scaffolds. A collagen‐based scaffold with adequate biological properties was developed by directly assembling collagen and cells in a cylindrical geometry. The technique mainly involves the use of a ventilated rotating tube allowing smooth muscle cells to grow in a cylindrical collagen matrix. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), histology, and cell cycle analyses were carried out in order to assess the biological potential of the cell‐based scaffold for further maturation. Compliance results showed that this technique allows cells to assemble in the collagen matrix, thus providing enough rigidity to the structure to be handled and mounted in a perfusion bioreactor for further growth and maturation.

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Covalent Grafting of Fibronectin onto Plasma‐Treated PTFE: Influence of the Conjugation Strategy on Fibronectin Biological Activity
Authors: Vallières Karine , Petitclerc Éric , Laroche Gaétan
Published: April 2007

Surface coating of synthetic materials is often considered to improve biomedical devices biocompatibility. In this study, we covalently bound fibronectin (FN) onto ammonia plasma‐treated PTFE via two crosslinkers, namely glutaric anhydride (GA) and sulfosuccinimidyl‐4‐(p‐maleimidophenyl)butyrate (sulfo‐SMPB). With respect to clean PTFE, cell adhesion increased markedly on both FN grafted surfaces, although it was twice higher on PTFE‐GA‐FN than on PTFE‐SMPB‐FN. ELISA experiments performed with a polyclonal antibody revealed that the amount of FN is identical on both surfaces while monoclonal antibody specific to the RGD binding site clearly demonstrated a greater availability when FN is surface grafted through GA. These results provide evidence of a variation in protein conformation correlated with the surface conjugation strategy.

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Novel Physically Crosslinked Polyurethane‐block‐Poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) Hydrogel Biomaterials
Authors: Patel Alpesh , Mequanint Kibret
Published: April 2007

Successful tissue repair and regeneration relies on the design of new biomaterials that can mediate cell interaction without inflicting undesirable responses. Novel physically crosslinked polyurethane‐block‐poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) hydrogel biomaterials were synthesized by the macroiniferter controlled radical polymerization method. The structures of the hydrogels were studied by FT‐IR and 1H NMR. Hydrogels with EWC up to 37 wt.‐% were prepared. The presence of the PVP block significantly increased the hard‐segment glass transition temperature. Vascular smooth muscle cell attachment and spreading on the hydrogels indicated that these materials have a potential for use as scaffolds in tissue engineering.

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Improved Mesenchymal Stem Cell Seeding on RGD‐Modified Poly(L‐lactic acid) Scaffolds using Flow Perfusion
Authors: Alvarez‐Barreto Jose F. , Sikavitsas Vassilios I.
Published: April 2007

Arg‐Gly‐Asp (RGD) has been widely utilized to increase cell adhesion to three‐dimensional scaffolds for tissue engineering. However, cell seeding on these scaffolds has only been carried out statically, which yields low cell seeding efficiencies. We have characterized, for the first time, the seeding of rat mesenchymal stem cells on RGD‐modified poly(L‐lactic acid) (PLLA) foams using oscillatory flow perfusion. The incorporation of RGD on the PLLA foams improves scaffold cellularity in a dose‐dependent manner under oscillatory flow perfusion seeding. When compared to static seeding, oscillatory flow perfusion is the most efficient seeding technique. Cell detachment studies show that cell adhesion is dependent on the applied flow rate, and that cell attachment is strengthened at higher levels of RGD modification.

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On Unstable Isolated and Embedded Eigenvalues
Authors: Demuth M.
Published: April 2007

In this paper we consider the convergence behaviour of spectral concentration intervals for unstable eigenvalues. A criterion is given to decide after the perturbation whether the unstable eigenvalue was isolated or embedded in the unperturbed case.
Some Theorems of the PRAGMÉN‒LINDELÖF's Theory for Subharmonic Functions
Authors: Riedel M.
Published: April 2007

Some new results of the PRAGMÉN‒LINDELÖF theory in 𝔜+ (namely the elementary method of successive mapping [4] and ROSSBERG's [8] non‒elementary theorem) are carried over to subharmonic functions. The theorems have – in spite of their very different nature – a common salient feature: Restrictions on the rate of increase of the function under consideration are imposed not only in the whole of 𝔜+, but also on one or several rays in 𝔜+ starting from 0. Our method yields also a new proof of ROSSBERG's theorem [8] without any superfluous boundary conditions.
Prevalence and predictors of ocular manifestations of RA: is there a need for routine screening?
Authors: Piper Holly , Douglas Karen MJ , Treharne Gareth J , Mitton Debbie L , Haider Sajjad , Kitas George D
Published: April 2007

Background: People with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have an increased risk for eye problems caused by associated conditions or medication side‐effects. Consequent visual impairment may increase the risk of falls or difficulties self‐administering medications.

Aims: The aim of the present study was to estimate the prevalence and predictors of ocular manifestations and visual impairment in a local sample of people with RA. The Visual Functioning Questionnaire (VFQ‐25) was evaluated as a screening tool in people with RA.

Methods: Seventy‐five participants with RA attended a visual screening clinic. Demographic, medication and disease characteristics were recorded, a full ophthalmological assessment was performed by an expert ophthalmologist and the VFQ‐25, Health Assessment Questionnaire and Self‐administered Comorbidity Questionnaire were completed.

Results: Twenty‐nine participants (38.7%) had impaired visual acuity; this was correctable by appropriate refraction in 93.1%. The prevalence of cataracts was 22.7% and this was predicted by older age and steroid use. An abnormal Schirmer's test, suggesting dry eyes, was seen in 70.7% of participants but only 12.0% were using artificial tears. Answers to the VFQ‐25 suggested misinterpretation of questions as relating to disability attributed to arthritis rather than caused by visual impairment.

Conclusions: Visual impairment does not appear to be particularly prevalent in RA, obviating the need for a screening programme. Utilization of the VFQ‐25 as a screening tool in RA requires further consideration. The high prevalence of cataracts in participants on steroids emphasizes the need to prescribe the minimum required dose. The high prevalence of dry eyes suggests that a Schirmer's test should be performed regularly, with prescription of artificial tears if required. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Physiologie des Schlafes: Ein Prozess aktiver Erholung
Authors: Zulley Jürgen
Published: April 2007

Schlaf ist ein aktiver Erholungsvorgang, dessen zeitliches Auftreten durch biologische Rhythmen vorgegeben ist. Dieser tagesperiodische Verlauf betrifft praktisch sämtliche Körperfunktionen. Der Schlaf selber ist ein uneinheitlicher Zustand, der vor allem durch den Wechsel von REM‐ und NREM‐Phasen gekennzeichnet ist. Während des Schlafes finden, mit unterschiedlicher Intensität, Regenerationsprozesse statt. Der natürliche Schlaf ist Grundbedingung für Gesundheit, Leistung und Wohlbefinden.
H1‐Antihistaminika der ersten Generation. Problemlos in der Empfehlung?
Authors: Bennack Edith , Holzgrabe Ulrike
Published: April 2007

Doxylamin, Diphenhydramin und Dimenhydrinat sind Antihistaminika der ersten Generation, die in der Lage sind, die Blut‐Hirn‐Schranke zu überwinden und zentral gelegene H1‐Rezeptoren anzugreifen. Sie wirken daher nicht nurperipher antiallergisch, sondern auch zentral sedierend und – außer Doxylamin, auch antiemetisch. In der Selbstmedikation spielen diese H1‐Antihistaminika als rezeptfreie Schlafmittel eine große Rolle; häufig wird aber zu wenig darauf geachtet, dass sie mit zahlreichen anderen Arzneimitteln teils schwerwiegende Interaktionen auslösen können und ihre Anwendung häufig kontraindiziert ist.
Pflanzliche Sedativa: Neue Aspekte zu altbewährten Arzneipflanzen
Authors: Unger Matthias
Published: April 2007

Extrakte oder Extraktkombinationen aus Baldrianwurzeln, Hopfenzapfen, Melissenblättern und Passionsblumenkraut hatten in klinischen Studien eine sedierende oder anxiolytische Wirkung, verkürzten die Einschlafzeit und verbesserten die Schlaf‐ und Lebensqualität. Inwiefern die fixe Kombination von Extrakten das Wirkungsspektrum bzw. die Wirkstärke der Zubereitungen beeinflusst, ist noch unklar. Während die Wirkmechanismen von Zubereitungen aus Hopfen, Melisse und Passionsblume noch im Dunkeln liegen, wurden in Baldrianextrakten Substanzen identifiziert, die in tierexperimentellen Studien eine sedative und schlaffördernde Wirkung besitzen. Das in Extrakten von Valeriana officinalis identifizierte hydrophile Lignan 4'‐O‐β‐D‐Glucosyl‐9‐O‐(6”‐desoxysaccharosyl)olivil ist ein Partialagonist am Adenosin‐A1‐Rezeptor, der die schlaffördernde Wirkung von Adenosin vermittelt. Erste klinische Daten deuten darauf hin, dass die Substanz auch beim Menschen an diesen Rezeptor bindet. Die für pflanzliche Schlaf‐ bzw. Beruhigungsmittel beanspruchten Indikationen, wie z.B. Schlafstörungen und nervöse Unruhe‐ oder Spannungszustände erscheinen gerechtfertigt und es ist zu erwarten, dass weitere experimentelle und klinische Studien den therapeutischen Stellenwert der pflanzlichen Sedativa belegen.
Wirkstoffe in der Pipeline. Können wir die Schlaflosigkeit demnächst besser behandeln?
Authors: Zlotos Darius Paul
Published: April 2007

Nachdem die Benzodiazepine weitgehend von den Z‐Hypnotika (Zolpidem, Zopiclon und Zaleplon) verdrängt wurden, kommen auf den Schlafmittelmarkt große Veränderungen zu. In den nächsten Jahren ist mit der Einführung von neuen Hypnotika mit z.T. innovativen Wirkprinzipien zu rechnen. Bei den Arzneistoffkandidaten handelt es sich um GABAerge‐, serotoninerge‐ und melatoninerge Wirkstoffe.
Nichtmedikamentöse Verfahren in der Insomniebehandlung. Verhaltenstherapie bietet eine Alternative
Authors: Crönlein Tatjana , Hajak Göran
Published: April 2007

Ein erhöhtes körperliches und seelisches Anspannungsniveau zusammen mit schlechten Schlafgewohnheiten führen zur Chronifizierung von Schlafstörungen. Dieser so genannte Teufelskreis ist für Patienten selbstständig meist nicht zu durchbrechen. Verhaltenstherapeutische Verfahren umgehen Nachteile einer medikamentösen Behandlung wie ein mögliches Abhängigkeitspotenzial oder eine limitierte Zeit der Einnahme und sind mittlerweile gut validiert. Kernelemente der Therapie sind die Aufklärung des Patienten über die Störung und die aufrechterhaltenden Mechanismen. Darauf aufbauend kommen verschiedene Verfahren zur Anwendung, wobei die Bettzeitenrestriktion und Entspannungsverfahren die Eckpfeiler darstellen. Die Methoden werden mittlerweile aus Gründen der Ökonomie und Effektivität in multimodalen Gruppenprogrammen erfolgreich angeboten. Für das Gelingen der Behandlung ist wie bei jeder psychosomatischen Störung eine gründliche Differentialdiagnostik bezüglich körperlicher Schlafstörungen indiziert.
Innovative Pränataldiagnostik
Authors: Nicke Annette
Published: April 2007

Die invasive Pränataldiagnostik ist zurzeit die einzig zuverlässige und zugleich Standardmethode zur Analyse von Chromosomenanomalien und kann bisher nicht durch sonographische Methoden oder die Bestimmung maternaler Serumparameter ersetzt werden.
Prenatal diagnosis of a Turkish Bartsocas–Papas syndrome case with upper limb pterigia
Authors: Ceylaner Gülay , Güven Melih A. , Ceylaner Serdar , Uzel Murat , Müftüoǧlu Kamil
Published: April 2007

Objectives

Bartsocas–Papas syndrome is a severe, autosomal recessive syndrome. The major findings are severe popliteal webbing, ankyloblepharon, syndactyly, orofacial clefts, filiform bands, hypoplastic nose and ectodermal anomalies. We report a Turkish family with three affected pregnancies and a fetus prenatally diagnosed and terminated in pregnancy.

Methods

Obstetric ultrasound, amniocentesis and postmortem evaluation were done.

Results

Obstetric ultrasound presented lower limb malformations and facial findings. Postmortem fetal evaluation showed severe lower limb findings, less severe upper limb involvement and classical facial features of the syndrome.

Conclusion

Upper limb pterygia is an unusual finding and reported in just two patients who were classified as having multiple pterygium syndrome, Aslan Type (605203) in the OMIM catalogue. We thought, as did many other authors, that those cases were consistent with Bartsocas‐Papas syndrome and upper limb involvement less severe than lower limb findings as rare findings of this syndrome. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Changing GPs' prescription patterns through guidelines and feedback. Intervention study
Authors: Schaefer Kirsten , Hansen Anders Onsberg , Maerkedahl Henrik , Rehfeld Claus , Birk Hans Okkels , Henriksen Lars Onsberg
Published: April 2007

Purpose

To investigate whether and how a multi‐dimensional intervention including clinical guidelines on the choice of medical treatment in the primary and the secondary health care sector, and individual feedback to general practices about their own and other practices' prescription patterns in five Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical classification system (ATC)‐groups was followed by changes in the practices' prescription pattern.

Methods

Prospective historical registry study and a questionnaire study of GPs' self‐reported use of guidelines and feedback.

Results

In every ATC‐group the number of prescribed defined daily doses (DDDs) kept growing after the intervention, while potential savings by DDD decreased. Individual practices' changes in the prescription pattern differed by ATC‐group and practices with high potential savings/DDD before the intervention showed the greatest relative reduction in potential savings/DDD. The county's average cost/DDD for the five ATC‐groups declined from above the Danish average before the intervention to a level below the average cost/DDD after the intervention. In the questionnaire study (response rate: 79%), 69% of respondents had read the guidelines and 78% reported that the feedback influenced their prescription of drugs.

Conclusions

The observed changes in drug costs and potential savings were not due to volume effects but a combination of price effects, including generic substitution and choice of less expensive analogues, demonstrating that it is possible to change GPs' prescription patterns without interfering with patients' access to treatment or with GPs' clinical freedom.' Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimizing information on drug exposure by collection of package code information in questionnaire surveys
Authors: Quinzler R. , Schmitt S. P. W. , Szecsenyi J. , Haefeli W. E.
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The thorough analysis of special drug characteristics requires information on the specific brand of a drug. This information is often not sought in pharmacoepidemiologic surveys although in many countries packages are labelled with an unequivocal code (in Germany called Pharmazentralnummer (PZN)). We aimed to assess the benefit and quality of PZN information collected in self‐completed questionnaires.

Methods

We performed a survey in 905 ambulatory patients who were asked to list brand name, strength, and the PZN of all drugs they were taking.

Results

The medication list was completed by 97.5% (n = 882) of the responding patients (mean age 67.3 years). Altogether 5543 drugs (100%) were mentioned in the questionnaires and for 4230 (76.3%) the exact drug package could be allocated on the basis of the PZN. When PZN was considered in addition to the drug name the quality of drug coding was significantly improved (p < 0.001) with regard to the allocation of drug package (74% versus 2%), brand (90% versus 70%), and strength (96% versus 86%). The time needed for drug coding was three times shorter.

Conclusions

The high response rate and high fraction of correct PZN indicate that the collection of package code information is a valuable method to achieve more accurate drug data in questionnaire surveys and to facilitate the drug coding procedure. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Risk of myocardial infarction associated with selective COX‐2 inhibitors: Meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Chen Li‐Chia , Ashcroft Darren M
Published: April 2007

Purpose

To evaluate the risk of myocardial infarction (MI) associated with the use of selective cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) inhibitors (coxibs).

Methods

Systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) using a fixed‐effect model to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) for risk of MI associated with coxibs compared against placebo, non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and other coxibs.

Results

Fifty‐five trials (99 087 patients) were included in the meta‐analysis. The overall pooled OR for MI risk for any coxib compared against placebo was 1.46 (95%CI: 1.02, 2.09). We found celecoxib, rofecoxib, etoricoxib, valdecoxib and lumiracoxib were associated with higher MI risks compared against placebo. The pooled OR for any coxib compared against other NSAIDs was 1.45 (95%CI: 1.09, 1.93). Rofecoxib had a significantly higher risk of MI than naproxen (OR: 5.39; 95%: 2.08, 14.02) and valdecoxib had lower MI risk than diclofenac (OR: 0.14, 95%CI: 0.03, 0.73). There were no significant differences identified in the risk of MI from the available head‐to‐head comparisons of coxibs.

Conclusions

Coxibs were associated with increased risks of MI when compared against placebo or non‐selective NSAIDs. Differences in MI risk were also apparent between comparisons of individual NSAIDs. Future work should consider using individual patient data (IPD) meta‐analysis to explore differences in MI risk between different subgroups of patients. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessing spiritual growth and spiritual decline following a diagnosis of cancer: reliability and validity of the spiritual transformation scale
Authors: Cole Brenda S. , Hopkins Clare M. , Tisak John , Steel Jennifer L. , Carr Brian I.
Published: April 2007

This study assessed the factor structure, reliability, and validity of an instrument designed to assess spiritual transformations following a diagnosis of cancer—the Spiritual Transformation Scale (STS). The instrument was administering to 253 people diagnosed with cancer within the previous 2 years. Two underlying factors emerged (spiritual growth (SG) and spiritual decline (SD)) with adequate internal reliability (alpha=0.98 and 0.86, respectively) and test–retest reliability (r=0.85 and 0.73, respectively). Validity was supported by correlations between SG and the Positive and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS) Positive Affect Subscale (r=0.23, p<0.001), the Daily Spiritual Experiences Scale (r=0.57, p<0.001), and the Post‐traumatic Growth Inventory (r=0.68, p<0.001). SD was associated with higher scores on the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale (r=0.38, p<0.001) and PANAS‐Negative Affect Subscale (r=0.40, p<0.001), and lower scores on the PANAS‐Positive Affect Subscale (r=−0.23, p<0.001), and the Daily Spiritual Experiences Scale (r=−0.30, p<0.001). Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that the subscales uniquely predicted adjustment beyond related constructs (intrinsic religiousness, spiritual coping, and general post‐traumatic growth). The results indicate that the STS is psychometrically sound, with SG predicting better, and SD predicting poorer, mental and spiritual well‐being following a diagnosis of cancer. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.