bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Semiparametric regression analysis of two‐sample current status data, with applications to tumorigenicity experiments
Authors: Tong Xingwei , Zhu Chao , Sun Jianguo
Published: February 2009

Current status data frequently occur in failure time studies, particularly in demographical studies and tumorigenicity experiments. Although commonly used in this context, proportional hazards and odds models are inadequate when survival functions cross. The authors consider a class of two‐sample models which is suitable for this situation and encompasses the proportional hazards and odds models. The estimating equations they propose lead to consistent and asymptotically Gaussian estimates of regression parameters in the extended model. Their approach is assessed through simulations and illustrated using data from a tumorigenicity experiment.
Nonlinear functional models for functional responses in reproducing kernel hilbert spaces
Authors: Lian Heng
Published: February 2009

The author proposes an extension of reproducing kernel Hilbert space theory which provides a new framework for analyzing functional responses with regression models. The approach only presumes a general nonlinear regression structure, as opposed to existing linear regression models. The author proposes generalized cross‐validation for automatic smoothing parameter estimation. He illustrates the use of the new estimator both on real and simulated data.
Bayesian analysis of mark‐recapture data with travel time‐dependent survival probabilities
Authors: Muthukumarana Saman , Schwarz Carl J. , Swartz Tim B.
Published: February 2009

The authors extend the classical Cormack‐Jolly‐Seber mark‐recapture model to account for both temporal and spatial movement through a series of markers (e.g., dams). Survival rates are modeled as a function of (possibly) unobserved travel times. Because of the complex nature of the likelihood, they use a Bayesian approach based on the complete data likelihood, and integrate the posterior through Markov chain Monte Carlo methods. They test the model through simulations and apply it also to actual salmon data arising from the Columbia river system. The methodology was developed for use by the Pacific Ocean Shelf Tracking (POST) project.
Estimation of sex‐specific survival with uncertainty in sex assessment
Authors: Pradel Roger , Maurin‐Bernier Lory , Gimenez Olivier , Genovart Meritxell , Choquet Rémi , Oro Daniel
Published: February 2009

In monomorphic species, determination of sex from behavior is prone to errors. The authors develop capture‐recapture survival models that account for uncertainty in the assessment of sex. They examine parameter redundancy for four basic models with constant or time‐dependent survival and encounter probabilities. They further develop a more refined and more appropriate model for an Audouin's gull data set where four distinct behavioral clues have been used. They examine how useful it is to incorporate the least reliable of the clues and the genetic determination of sex available for only a handful of individuals. They finally discuss the implications of their findings for the design of field studies.
Automatic generation of multistate capture‐recapture models
Authors: Choquet Rémi
Published: February 2009

Nowadays multistate capture‐recapture models are used extensively in biological studies. They feature movement parameters possibly associated with the quality of sites; they also allow a combination of different sources of information to improve the stability and the accuracy of the estimates. Model refinements potentially yield more precise information on biological status. The integration of extensive biological information in the model increases its complexity, however. Thus without an appropriate tool, model building and selection may be time consuming. In this paper, the author describes a tool called GEMACO dedicated to the automatic generation of design matrices for multistate models by means of a programming language. This symbolic and flexible tool avoids tedious matrix manipulations. It is well suited for the description of complex structures and has been implemented in a generic multistate program called M‐SURGE freely available at http://www.cefe.cnrs.fr/BIOM/logiciels.htm
Analysis of band‐recovery data in a multistate capture‐recapture framework
Authors: Gauthier Gilles , Lebreton Jean‐Dominique
Published: February 2009

Dead recoveries of marked animals are commonly used to estimate survival probabilities. Band‐recovery models can be parameterized either by r (the probability of recovering a band conditional on death of the animal) or by f (the probability that an animal will be killed, retrieved, and have its band reported). The T parametrization can be implemented in a capture‐recapture framework with two states (alive and newly dead), mortality being the transition probability between the two states. The authors show here that the f parametrization can also be implemented in a multistate framework by imposing simple constraints on some parameters. They illustrate it using data on the mallard and the snow goose. However, they mention that because it does not entirely separate the individual survival and encounter processes, the f parametrization must be used with care on reduced models, or in the presence of estimates at the boundary of the parameter space. As they show, a multistate framework allows the use of powerful software for model fitting or testing the goodness‐of‐fit of models; it also affords the implementation of complex models such as those based on mixture of information or uncertain states
Why a time effect often has a limited impact on capture‐recapture estimates in closed populations
Authors: Rivest Louis‐Paul
Published: February 2009

The author is concerned with log‐linear estimators of the size N of a population in a capture‐recapture experiment featuring heterogeneity in the individual capture probabilities and a time effect. He also considers models where the first capture influences the probability of subsequent captures. He derives several results from a new inequality associated with a dispersive ordering for discrete random variables. He shows that in a log‐linear model with inter‐individual heterogeneity, the estimator N is an increasing function of the heterogeneity parameter. He also shows that the inclusion of a time effect in the capture probabilities decreases N in models without heterogeneity. He further argues that a model featuring heterogeneity can accommodate a time effect through a small change in the heterogeneity parameter. He demonstrates these results using an inequality for the estimators of the heterogeneity parameters and illustrates them in a Monte Carlo experiment
The potential of integrated modelling in conservation biology: A case study of the black‐footed albatross (Phoebastria nigripes)
Authors: Véran Sophie , Lebreton Jean‐Dominique
Published: February 2009

Conservation biology aims at assessing the status of a population, based on information which is often incomplete. Integrated population modelling based on state‐space models appears to be a powerful and relevant way of combining into a single likelihood several types of information such as capture‐recapture data and population surveys. In this paper, the authors describe the principles of integrated population modelling and they evaluate its performance for conservation biology based on a case study, that of the black‐footed albatross, a northern Pacific albatross species suspected to be impacted by longline fishing
Nonparametric tests of hypotheses for umbrella alternatives
Authors: Alvo Mayer
Published: February 2009

The author proposes a general method for constructing nonparametric tests of hypotheses for umbrella alternatives. Such alternatives are relevant when the treatment effect changes in direction after reaching a peak. The author's class of tests is based on the ranks of the observations. His general approach consists of defining two sets of rankings: the first is induced by the alternative and the other by the data itself. His test statistic measures the distance between the two sets. The author determines the asymptotic distribution for some special cases of distances under both the null and the alternative hypothesis when the location of the peak is known or unknown. He shows the good power of his tests through a limited simulation study
Likelihood and bayesian approaches to inference for the stationary point of a quadratic response surface
Authors: Sambucini Valeria , Piccinato Ludovico
Published: February 2009

In response surface analysis, a second order polynomial model is often used for inference on the stationary point of the response function. The standard confidence regions for the stationary point are due to Box & Hunter (1954). The authors propose an alternative parametrization, in which the stationary point is the parameter of interest; likelihood techniques and Bayesian analysis are then easier to perform. The authors also suggest an approximate method to get highest posterior density regions for the maximum point (not simply for the stationary point). Furthermore, they study the coverage probabilities of these Bayesian regions through simulations.
Robust methods for generalized linear models with nonignorable missing covariates
Authors: Sinha Sanjoy K.
Published: February 2009

The EM algorithm is often used for finding the maximum likelihood estimates in generalized linear models with incomplete data. In this article, the author presents a robust method in the framework of the maximum likelihood estimation for fitting generalized linear models when nonignorable covariates are missing. His robust approach is useful for downweighting any influential observations when estimating the model parameters. To avoid computational problems involving irreducibly high‐dimensional integrals, he adopts a Metropolis‐Hastings algorithm based on a Markov chain sampling method. He carries out simulations to investigate the behaviour of the robust estimates in the presence of outliers and missing covariates; furthermore, he compares these estimates to the classical maximum likelihood estimates. Finally, he illustrates his approach using data on the occurrence of delirium in patients operated on for abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Inference for general parametric functions in box‐Cox‐type transformation models
Authors: Yang Zhenlin , Wu Eden Ka‐Ho , Desmond Anthony F.
Published: February 2009

The authors propose a simple but general method of inference for a parametric function of the Box‐Cox‐type transformation model. Their approach is built upon the classical normal theory but takes parameter estimation into account. It quickly leads to test statistics and confidence intervals for a linear combination of scaled or unsealed regression coefficients, as well as for the survivor function and marginal effects on the median or other quantité functions of an original response. The authors show through simulations that the finite‐sample performance of their method is often superior to the delta method, and that their approach is robust to mild departures from normality of error distributions. They illustrate their approach with a numerical example.
A Simplified Clinical Electrocardiogram Score for the Prediction of Cardiovascular Mortality
Authors: Tan Swee Yaw , Sungar Gannon W , Myers Jonathan , Sandri Marcus , Froelicher Victor
Published: February 2009

Background

Electrocardiogram (ECG) scores have been demonstrated to predict CV mortality but they are rarely utilized clinically.

Objective

Develop a simple score consisting of adding classical ECG abnormalities to make the ECG a more convenient prognostic tool.

Methods

Resting ECGs of 29,320 outpatient male veterans from the Palo Alto Veteran Affairs Healthcare System (PAVHS) collected between 1987 and 2000 were computer analyzed with an average follow‐up of 7.5 y. Twelve classic ECG abnormalities were chosen on the basis of prevalence and corresponding relative risks, including left and right bundle branch block, diagnostic Q waves, intraventricular conduction defect, atrial fibrillation, left atrial abnormality, left and right axis deviation, left and right ventricular hypertrophy, ST depression, and abnormal QTc interval. A simple score derived from the summation of these criteria was then entered into an age and heart rate adjusted Cox analysis.

Results

There was a progressive increase in risk of death as the number of ECG abnormalities increased. The relative risks for 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 ECG abnormalities were 1.8 (CI 1.6–2.0), 2.4 (CI 2.2–2.7), 3.6 (CI 3.2–4.1), 4.5 (CI 3.8–5.4), and 6.0 (CI 4.7–7.8) respectively (p < 0.001). The age‐adjusted hazard ratio for CV mortality was 6.0 when there were five or more ECG abnormalities present.

Conclusion

Summing the number of classical ECG abnormalities provides a powerful predictor of CV mortality independent of age, standard risk factors, and clinical status. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Inflammation in Lone Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Yao Shu‐Yuan , Chu Jian‐Min , Chen Ke‐Ping , Tang Min , Fang Pi‐Hua , Wang Fang‐Zheng , Zhang Shu
Published: February 2009

Objectives

This study was designed to evaluate the correlation between lone atrial fibrillation and inflammation.

Methods

A total of 411 subjects were enrolled in this study, including 333 patients with lone atrial fibrillation, and 78 controls. C‐reactive protein (CRP) and echocardiography were evaluated, and the electrocardiograph was monitored to identify cardiac rhythm at the time of blood sampling. According to the rhythm, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation was divided into presence and absence of atrial fibrillation.

Results

Subjects with lone atrial fibrillation had higher CRP levels than controls (media, 1.00 mg/L; IQR, 1.00–2.54 versus media, 1.00 mg/L; IQR, 1.00–1.55; p = 0.016) and subjects with persistent atrial fibrillation had higher CRP levels than those with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (media, 1.62 mg/L; IQR, 1.00–3.98 versus media, 1.00 mg/L, IQR, 1.00–2.10; p = 0.022), and so did presence of atrial fibrillation rather than absence of atrial fibrillation (media, 2.11 mg/L; IQR, 1.00–3.60 versus media, 1.00 mg/L; IQR, 1.00–1.76; p = 0.000) in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. However, there was no significant difference in CRP levels between persistent atrial fibrillation and presence of atrial fibrillation in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (p = 0.992). Neither was there any difference between absence of atrial fibrillation in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and controls (p = 0.483). In patients with lone atrial fibrillation, atrial fibrillation rhythm (B = 4.85, 95%CI: 2.61–8.99) was the only independent predictor of elevated CRP levels after adjusted covariants.

Conclusions

Patients with lone atrial fibrillation had elevated CRP levels only when they were in atrial fibrillation rhythm and an elevated CRP level was not related to duration of time or history of atrial fibrillation. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Safety of Intra‐aortic Balloon Pump Using Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Antagonists
Authors: Laish‐Farkash Avishag , Hod Hanoch , Matetzky Shlomo , Guetta Victor
Published: February 2009

Background

Anticoagulation with heparin is recommended with intra‐aortic balloon pump (IABP) to prevent thrombosis and embolization. However, anticoagulation increases the risk of bleeding, particularly in combination with glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa antagonists.

Hypothesis

We investigated the safety of using GP IIb/IIIa antagonists without heparin after IABP insertion in patients who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods

Consecutive patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), who underwent primary PCI and were treated with GP IIb/IIIa antagonists without concomitant heparin, and in whom IABP was inserted, were followed during hospitalization for thrombotic and hemorrhagic complications.

Results

Ninety‐seven patients were included in this analysis. Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonist treatment duration was 12–24 h in 89% of patients, and IABP duration was up to 48 h in 97% of patients. Three patients (3.1%) developed vascular complications: 1 had a major limb ischemia (long IABP treatment), 1 had a minor limb ischemia, and 1 had a cerebrovascular event (after prolonged resuscitation). All patients were already on heparin at the time of the thrombotic events. The rates of major and minor bleeding complications were 9% and 15.5%, respectively.

Conclusions

The rate of thrombotic complications is relatively low in post‐primary PCI patients with IABP treated with GP IIb/IIIa antagonists without concomitant heparin therapy. Such an approach may reduce the risk of hemorrhagic complications, with low risk of thrombotic complications. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Relationship Between Accurate Auscultation of the Fourth Heart Sound and the Level of Physician Experience
Authors: Gupta Saurabh , Michaels Andrew D.
Published: February 2009

Background

Poor performance by physicians‐in‐training and interobserver variability between physicians has diminished clinicians' confidence in the value of the fourth heart sound (S4).

Hypothesis

We sought to determine if accurate auscultation of an S4 improves with advancing levels of experience.

Methods

We performed a prospective study of 100 patients undergoing left heart catheterization. Patients underwent blinded auscultation by 4 physicians (each from 1 of 4 different levels of experience), computerized acoustic cardiography, measurement of B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels, echocardiography for measurement of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and cardiac catheterization for measurement of left ventricular end‐diastolic pressure (LVEDP).

Results

While cardiology fellows', residents', and interns' auscultatory findings demonstrated no significant agreement with acoustic cardiography, an S4 auscultated by cardiology attendings had moderate diagnostic accuracy with acoustic cardiography (odds ratio [OR]: 2.31; receiver‐operating‐characteristic [ROC] area: 0.60). The sensitivities of the S4 were low (39%–46%) for identifying patients with abnormal measures of left ventricular filling pressure (BNP and LVEDP, respectively), and the specificities were fair (76%–80%) with acoustic cardiography. The S4 was not associated with abnormal LVEF. None of the ausculatory groups performed as well as acoustic cardiography in separating patients based on objective measures of left ventricular filling pressure. Acoustic cardiography had the lowest (superior) negative likelihood ratios compared to any ausculatory group.

Conclusions

The S4 auscultated by cardiology attendings demonstrated superior diagnostic test characteristics compared with internal medicine housestaff and cardiology fellows. Correlations between the S4 and measures of ventricular filling pressure were superior for acoustic cardiography compared to the auscultator groups. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis of Calix(aza)crown and its Oligomeric Analogue for the Extraction of Selected Metal Cations and Dichromate Anions
Authors: Akkus Gülderen Uysal , Memon Shahabuddin , Sezgin Mehmet , Yilmaz Mustafa
Published: February 2009

The present study reports the synthesis of a novel ionophore, calix[4]azacrown (5) bearing two amino groups at the lower rim along with its oligomeric analogue (6). The liquid‐liquid extraction properties of these compounds towards selected metal cations and dichromate anions have been evaluated. It is observed that (5) and (6) are good extractants for the selected metal cations. However, in the case of dichromate anion, only species (5) shows remarkable extraction properties at low pH, whereas species (6) shows poor extraction behavior. The results have importance especially in wastewater treatment to obtain environmentally safe industrial effluent and they should also assist supramolecular chemists in designing and synthesizing more sophisticated host molecules for the removal of toxic pollutants.
Cognitive functioning in breast cancer survivors: A controlled comparison
Authors: Jim Heather S. L. , Donovan Kristine A. , Small Brent J. , Andrykowski Michael A. , Munster Pamela N. , Jacobsen Paul B.
Published: February 2009

BACKGROUND:

The current study was performed to determine whether neuropsychologic functioning differs in breast cancer survivors 6 months after the completion of adjuvant treatment compared with women without cancer.

METHODS:

Participants were 187 women who were diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ or stage I or stage II breast cancer and 187 age‐matched and geographically matched women without cancer. Of the survivors, 97 had been treated after surgery with chemotherapy only or chemotherapy plus radiotherapy and 90 had been treated after surgery with radiotherapy only (grading determined according to the American Joint Committee on Cancer grading system).

RESULTS:

Small but statistically significant differences in cognitive functioning and cognitive impairment were observed in those survivors who were treated with chemotherapy and their matched controls, as well as in survivors treated with radiotherapy only and their matched controls. No group differences were observed with regard to cognitive symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS:

Data from the current study suggest that cognitive deficits are subtle and likely the result of the general effects of cancer diagnosis and treatment rather than systemic treatment. Cancer 2009. Published 2009 by the American Cancer Society.
Metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck
Authors: Oddone Nicolas , Morgan Gary J. , Palme Carsten E. , Perera Lakmalie , Shannon Jennifer , Wong Eva , Gebski Val , Veness Michael J.
Published: February 2009

BACKGROUND:

The authors propose a prognostic score model using a prospective study of patients with regional metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

METHODS:

Two‐hundred fifty patients were analyzed using a competing risks model to identify risk factors for survival. A risk score was obtained using the significant coefficients from the regression model, and cutoff points were determined that separated the score into 3 risk groups (low risk, moderate risk, and high risk).

RESULTS:

At a median follow‐up of 54 months (range, 1.3‐212 months) 70 of 250 patients (28%) developed recurrent disease: Most were regional recurrences (51 of 70 patients; 73%) in the treated lymph node basin. After regional recurrence, a majority (73%) died of disease. The following 4 variables were associated significantly with survival: immunosuppression (hazard ratio [HR], 3.13; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.39‐7.05), treatment (HR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.16‐0.66), extranodal spread (HR, 9.92; 95% CI, 1.28‐77.09), and margin status (HR, 1.85; 95% CI, 1.85‐3.369); and those 4 variables (immuosuppression, treatment, extranodal spread, and margin status) were used to calculate the ITEM score. The 5‐year risk of dying from disease for patients with high‐risk (>3.0), moderate‐risk (>2.6‐3.0), and low‐risk (≤2.6) ITEM scores were 56%, 24%, and 6%, respectively. Fifty‐six of 250 patients (22%) died from another cause.

CONCLUSIONS:

Patients who underwent surgery and received adjuvant radiotherapy had a better outcome compared with patients who underwent surgery alone. Patients who had moderate‐ or high‐risk ITEM scores, usually because of extranodal spread and involved excision margins, had a poor outcome. The authors recommend considering these patients for inclusion in adjuvant chemoradiotherapy trials. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
NA cohort study of thyroid cancer and other thyroid diseases after the Chernobyl accident
Authors: Bozhok Yuriy , Greenebaum Ellen , Bogdanova Tetyana I. , McConnell Robert J. , Zelinskaya Anna , Brenner Alina V. , Zurnadzhy Lyudmyla Y. , Zablotska Lydia , Tronko Mykola D. , Hatch Maureen
Published: February 2009

BACKGROUND:

The Ukrainian American Cohort Study was established to evaluate the risk of thyroid disorders in a group exposed as children and adolescents to 131I by the Chernobyl accident (arithmetic mean thyroid dose, 0.79 grays). Individuals are screened by palpation and ultrasound and are referred to surgery according to fine‐needle aspiration biopsy (FNA). However, the accuracy of FNA cytology for detecting histopathologically confirmed malignancy after this level of internal exposure to radioiodines is unknown.

METHODS:

During the first screening cycle (1998‐2000), 13,243 individuals were examined, 356 individuals with thyroid nodules were referred for FNA, 288 individuals completed the procedure, 85 individuals were referred to surgery, 82 individuals underwent surgery, and preoperative cytology was available for review in 78 individuals. Cytologic interpretation for the nodule that resulted in surgical referral was correlated with final pathomorphology; discrepancies were reviewed retrospectively; and the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of FNA cytology were calculated.

RESULTS:

All 24 cytologic interpretations that were definite for papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) were confirmed histopathologically (PPV, 100%); and, of 11 cytologic interpretations that were suspicious for PTC, 10 were confirmed (PPV, 90.9%). Ten of 41 FNAs that were interpreted as either definite or suspect for follicular neoplasm were confirmed as malignant (PPV, 24.4%), including 2 follicular thyroid cancers and 8 PTCs (all but 1 of the follicular or mixed subtypes). Depending on whether a cytologic interpretation of follicular neoplasm was considered “positive” or “negative,” the sensitivity was 100% and 77.3%, respectively; similarly, the respective specificity was 17.6% and 97.1%, the respective PPV was 61.1% and 97.1%, and the respective NPV was 100% and 76.7%.

CONCLUSIONS:

Among children and adolescents who were exposed to 131I after the Chernobyl accident and were evaluated 12 to 14 years later, thyroid cytology had a sensitivity and a predictive value similar to those reported in unexposed populations. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2009. Published 2009 by the American Cancer Society.
Cover Picture: Stable Hybrid Silica Nanosieve Membranes for the Dehydration of Lower Alcohols (ChemSusChem 2/2009)
Authors: Kreiter Robert , Rietkerk Mariëlle D. A. , Castricum Hessel L. , van Veen Henk M. , ten Elshof Johan E. , Vente Jaap F.
Published: February 2009

The cover picture shows the membrane separation of water (blue arrow) from crude ethanol (red arrows) as a key enabling technology in the production of ethanol from lignocellulosic biomass. This technology is generally considered to be one of the more viable options for the transition to a sustainable transportation fuel supply. In their Communication on page 158, J. F. Vente and co‐workers describe the preparation and performance of an amorphous bridged silsesquioxane‐based membrane characterized by Si–CH2–Si building units. This new organic–inorganic hybrid silica membrane allows the dehydration of ethanol and, to some extent, methanol. Even the presence of 1.5 wt % acetic acid does not affect the separation performance of these membranes.

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Schallschutz mit Leichtbeton
Authors: Lieblang Peter , Höfker Gerrit
Published: February 2009

Der bauliche Schallschutz hat eine große Bedeutung für das Wohlbefinden der Nutzer. Zugleich lassen sich Mängel beim baulichen Schallschutz nur mit großem Aufwand beseitigen. Um alle gestellten Anforderungen an den baulichen Schallschutz zielsicher einhalten zu können, ist ein Verständnis grundlegender akustischer Zusammenhänge und die Kenntnis der Eigenschaften aller verwendeten Baustoffe erforderlich. Im Folgenden soll ein kurzer Überblick über den baulichen Schallschutz unter besonderer Berücksichtigung des Baustoffs Leichtbeton gegeben werden (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Schalltechnische Entkopplung – Verbesserung der Flankenschalldämmung im Ziegel‐Massivbau
Authors: Gierga Michael
Published: February 2009

Die in der Vergangenheit aufgetretenen Probleme einer hohen Schall‐Längsleitung über leichte Flankenbauteile im Massivbau können durch geeignete Entkopplungsmaßnahmen vollständig beseitigt werden. Die erreichbaren Schall‐Längsdämmmaße bewirken eine deutlich geringere Schallübertragung als aus dem normativen, über die flächenbezogenen Massen zu berechnenden Prognoseverfahren für massive Bauteilanschlüsse. Die akustische Qualität derartiger Detailpunkte ist konstruktionsabhängig und zwischenzeitlich für viele Ziegel‐Anschlussdetails messtechnisch untersucht worden. Nach einer labortechnischen Erprobungsphase liegen nunmehr zahlreiche Prüfergebnisse von ausgeführten Praxisobjekten vor. Die Verwendung der Stoßstellendämm‐Maße von akustisch entkoppelten Bauteilanschlüssen im Rahmen der normativen Nachweisführung kann zukünftig auf einer soliden, durch Baumessungen abgesicherten Basis erfolgen (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Energetisch optimiertes Bauen nach der EnEV 2009 in deutschen Erdbebengebieten
Authors: Heße Markus , Schoch Torsten
Published: February 2009

Auswirkungen des Aufeinandertreffens neuer Nachweisverfahren im Bereich der Bemessung für Erdbeben und des Wärmeschutzes sind Diskussionsgegenstand, ob Mauerwerksbauten auch in Zukunft noch in gewohnter Form ausgeführt werden können. Dabei stehen heute Hilfsmittel zur Verfügung, Gebäudekonstruktionen für beide Beanspruchungen als Einzellösungen zu konstruieren. Die neuen bzw. bereits eingeführten Regelwerke verlangen nach Anpassungen im Rahmen der Planung und Ausführung von Mauerwerksbauten, diese werden in dem Beitrag anhand eines Beispiels erläutert. Es wird aufgezeigt, dass mit den jahrzehntelang bewährten Mauerwerkskonstruktionen auch in Zukunft Einfamilienhäuser ohne besondere Aufwendungen geplant und errichtet werden können. Es ergibt sich aber auch, dass für andere Gebäudearten und für einen integralen Planungsprozess noch weitere Maßnahmen notwendig sind, damit die wirtschaftliche Bauweise von monolithischem Mauerwerk auch in Zukunft erste Wahl für Wohnungsbauten in vielen Regionen Deutschlands ist. Hier gilt es, die Zukunft im Bereich der Normung, der Verordnungen und der Umsetzungsmaßnahmen gemeinsam so zu gestalten, dass alle Prozessbeteiligten ihrer Rolle im Bauprozess effizient gerecht werden und damit den vielfachen Wunsch nach eigenem Wohnraum zu vertretbaren Investitions‐ und Betriebskosten erfüllen können (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
QUADROTHERM – Die funktionale Wandtemperierung
Authors: Hobbie André
Published: February 2009

Schon die alten Römer wussten, dass im europäischen Norden eine offene Feuerstätte nur bedingt dem Lebenskomfort dienlich ist. Die von den Umfassungsflächen eines Gebäudes abgegebene Strahlung – ob als Wärme oder Kälte – wird von den Bewohnern als angenehm bzw. unangenehm empfunden. Die thermische Behaglichkeit spielt demnach eine dominierende Rolle für das menschliche Wohlbefinden in beheizten Räumen. Ein optimales Verhältnis zwischen der Abgabe der produzierten Körperwärme an die Umgebung und der Wärmewirkung durch die Umgebung bestimmt den Grad dieser thermischen Behaglichkeit. Ist die Temperaturdifferenz zwischen eigener Körpertemperatur und den umgebenden Bauteilen zu groß, findet eine zu schnelle Wärmeabgabe des Körpers statt, und dies führt unter Umständen zu unangenehmen Zugerscheinungen. Aus diesem Grund nutzten bereits die Römer zur Beheizung unter anderem ihrer Thermen die so genannte Hypokaustenheizung, bei der Rauch‐ bzw. Heizgase durch ein Kanalsystem in den Fußboden oder hinter die Wand geleitet wurden. Durch die stark erhitzte Luft heizte sich die “hypokausis” – die Wand oder der Fußboden – auf und gab anschließend einen Großteil der Wärme als Strahlungswärme an die jeweiligen Räume ab.

Bei QUADROTHERM handelt es sich nun um ein wassergeführtes Flächentemperierungssystem, bei dem vorgefertigte Leitungen im Abstand von 25 cm durch die senkrechten Installationskanäle einer KS‐QUADRO E ‐Wand geführt werden. Hierdurch wird sowohl die Möglichkeit der effektiven Wandflächenheizung als auch ‐kühlung geschaffen, welche Architekten und Bauherrn einen einzigartigen Zweifachnutzen garantiert: Heizsystem im Winter und Klimaanlage im Sommer. Der folgende Beitrag gibt Hinweise zu Planung, Bemessung und Einsatz des Systems (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Entwicklung eines Recycling‐Mauersteins – Verwendung von Abbruchmaterial und Baurestmassen und Anwendung der Kalksandstein‐Technologie
Authors: Eden Wolfgang , Middendorf Bernhard
Published: February 2009

Im Rahmen eines Forschungsprojektes wurde ein neuer Recycling‐Mauerstein entwickelt, dessen Herstellung unter Verwendung von Original‐Mauerwerk‐Abbruchmaterial und unter Einsatz der Kalksandstein‐Technologie erfolgt. Bei den auf diese Weise hergestellten Mauersteinen handelt es sich nicht um Kalksandsteine, sondern um Recycling‐Mauersteine. Die wichtigsten Ergebnisse des Forschungsprojektes sind im folgenden Beitrag zusammengestellt. Der komplette Bericht mit allen Untersuchungsergebnissen ist in [1] wiedergegeben (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
What Is the mechanism of SIDS? Clues from epidemiology
Authors: Mitchell Edwin A.
Published: February 2009

The cause of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is unknown. Many mechanisms have been postulated, although thermal stress, rebreathing of expired gases and infection/inflammation seem the most viable hypotheses for the causation of SIDS. Deaths from SIDS have reduced dramatically following the recommendation not to place infants to sleep prone. Epidemiological data have shown that prone sleeping position is more risky in winter, colder latitudes, higher altitudes, if the infant is unwell or has excessive bedding or clothing. This suggests prone sleeping position involves either directly or indirectly a thermal mechanism. SIDS caused by an infective/inflammatory mechanism might be associated with deaths occurring during the night. Rebreathing of expired gases, airway obstruction, long QT syndrome and other genetic conditions may explain a small number of sudden unexpected deaths in infancy. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 51: 215–222, 2009
Independent effects of song quality and experience with photostimulation on expression of the immediate, early gene ZENK (EGR‐1) in the auditory telencephalon of female European starlings
Authors: Sockman Keith W. , Ball Gregory F.
Published: February 2009

Age influences behavioral decisions such as reproductive timing and effort. In photoperiodic species, such age effects may be mediated, in part, by the individual's age‐accrued experience with photostimulation. In female European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) that do not differ in age, experimental manipulation of photostimulation experience (photoexperience) affects hypothalamic, pituitary, and gonadal activity associated with reproductive development. Does photoexperience also affect activity in forebrain regions involved in processing a social cue, the song of males, which can influence mate choice and reproductive timing in females? Female starlings prefer long songs over short songs in a mate‐choice context, and, like that in other songbird species, their auditory telencephalon plays a major role in processing these signals. We manipulated the photoexperience of female starlings, photostimulated them, briefly exposed them to either long or short songs, and quantified the expression of the immediate‐early gene ZENK (EGR‐1) in the caudomedial nidopallium as a measure of activity in the auditory telencephalon. Using an information theoretic approach, we found higher ZENK immunoreactivity in females with prior photostimulation experience than in females experiencing photostimulation for the first time. We also found that long songs elicited greater ZENK immunoreactivity than short songs did. We did not find an effect of the interaction between photoexperience and song length, suggesting that photoexperience does not affect forebrain ZENK‐responsiveness to song quality. Thus, photoexperience affects activity in an area of the forebrain that processes social signals, an effect that we hypothesize mediates, in part, the effects of age on reproductive decisions in photoperiodic songbirds. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 2009
Synergistic up‐regulation of MCP‐2/CCL8 activity is counteracted by chemokine cleavage, limiting its inflammatory and anti‐tumoral effects
Authors: Struyf Sofie , Proost Paul , Vandercappellen Jo , Dempe Sebastian , Noyens Becky , Nelissen Sofie , Gouwy Mieke , Locati Massimo , Opdenakker Ghislain , Dinsart Christiane , Van Damme Jo
Published: February 2009

Chemokines mediate the inflammatory response by attracting various leukocyte types. MCP‐2/CC chemokine ligand 8 (CCL8) was induced at only suboptimal levels in fibroblasts and endothelial cells by IL‐1β or IFN‐γ, unless these cytokines were combined. IFN‐γ also synergized with the TLR ligands peptidoglycan (TLR2), dsRNA (TLR3) or LPS (TLR4). Under these conditions, intact MCP‐2/CCL8(1–76) produced by fibroblasts was found to be processed into MCP‐2/CCL8(6–75), which lacked chemotactic activity for monocytic cells. Furthermore, the capacity of MCP‐2/CCL8(6–75) to increase intracellular calcium levels through CCR1, CCR2, CCR3 and CCR5 was severely reduced. However, the truncated isoform still blocked these receptors for other ligands. MCP‐2/CCL8(6–75) induced internalization of CCR2, inhibited MCP‐1/CCL2 and MCP‐2/CCL8 ERK signaling and antagonized the chemotactic activity of several CCR2 ligands (MCP‐1/CCL2, MCP‐2/CCL8, MCP‐3/CCL7). In contrast to MCP‐3/CCL7, parvoviral delivery of MCP‐2/CCL8 into B78/H1 melanoma failed to inhibit tumor growth, partially due to proteolytic cleavage into inactive MCP‐2/CCL8 missing five NH2‐terminal residues. However, in an alternative tumor model, using HeLa cells, MCP‐2/CCL8 retarded tumor development. These data indicate that optimal induction and delivery of MCP‐2/CCL8 is counteracted by converting this chemokine into a receptor antagonist, thereby losing its anti‐tumoral potential.
Pattern and diversity of cytokine production differentiates between Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection and disease
Authors: Sutherland Jayne S. , Adetifa Ifedayo M. , Hill Philip C. , Adegbola Richard A. , Ota Martin O. C.
Published: February 2009

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a global health problem. The solution involves development of an effective vaccine, but has been limited by incomplete understanding of what constitutes protective immunity during natural infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In this study, M. tuberculosis‐specific responses following an overnight whole‐blood assay were assessed by intracellular cytokine staining and luminex, and compared between TB cases and exposed household contacts. TB cases had significantly higher levels of IFN‐γ+TNF‐α+IL‐2+CD4+T cells compared with contacts. TB cases also had a significantly higher proportion of cells single‐positive for TNF‐α, but lower proportion of cells producing IL‐2 alone and these differences were seen for both CD4+and CD8+ T cells. Cytokine profiles from culture supernatants were significantly biased toward a Th1 phenotype (IFN‐γ and IL‐12(p40)) together with a complete abrogation of IL‐17 secretion in TB cases. Our data indicate that despite a robust response to TB antigens in active TB disease, changes in the pattern of cytokine production between TB infection and disease clearly contribute to disease progression.
Comparison of stable human Treg and Th clones by transcriptional profiling
Authors: Stockis Julie , Fink Wolfram , François Violaine , Connerotte Thierry , de Smet Charles , Knoops Laurent , van der Bruggen Pierre , Boon Thierry , Coulie Pierre G. , Lucas Sophie
Published: February 2009

From cancerous and non‐cancerous patients, we derived stable clones of CD4+ Treg, defined as clones that expressed high CD25 at rest, were anergic in vitro, and suppressed the proliferation of co‐cultured CD4+ cells. A conserved region of FOXP3 intron 1 was demethylated in all Treg clones, whereas it was methylated in non‐regulatory Th and CTL clones. In our panel of human clones, this stable epigenetic mark correlated better with suppressive activity than did FOXP3 mRNA or protein expression. We used expression microarrays to compare Treg and Th clones after activation, which is required for suppressive function. The transcriptional profile that is specific of activated Treg clones includes a TGF‐β signature. Both activated Treg and Th clones produced the latent form of TGF‐β. However, SMAD2 phosphorylation was observed after activation in the Treg but not in the Th clones, indicating that only activated Treg clones produced the bioactive form of TGF‐β. A TGF‐β signature was also displayed by a Th clone “suppressed” by a Treg clone. In conclusion, the hallmark of our panel of activated human Treg clones is to produce bioactive TGF‐β which has autocrine actions on Tregs and can have paracrine actions on other T cells.
A Simple Building‐Block Route to (Phosphanyl‐carbene)palladium Complexes via Intermolecular Addition of Functionalised Phosphanes to Isocyanides
Authors: Eberhard Michael R. , van Vliet Bart , Durán Páchon Laura , Rothenberg Gadi , Eastham Graham , Kooijman Huub , Spek Anthony L. , Elsevier Cornelis J.
Published: February 2009

We present a straightforward protocol for making (phosphanyl‐carbene)PdII complexes. These complexes have bidentate ligands containing an acyclic diamino‐ or aminooxy‐carbene and a phosphane. The synthesis gives good yields (typically 70–90 %) for a variety of complexes (22 compounds). Moreover, it does not require the synthesis of imidazolium salts nor the a priori generation of free carbenes. Three of the new complexes were tested as catalysts for Sonogashira and Hay coupling reactions, with good yields and selectivities. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Sulfur Dioxide and Water: Structures and Energies of the Hydrated Species SO2·nH2O, [HSO3]–·nH2O, [SO3H]–·nH2O, and H2SO3·nH2O (n = 0–8)
Authors: Steudel Ralf , Steudel Yana
Published: February 2009

The structures of a large number of hydrates of sulfur dioxide (SO2·nH2O), of the sulfonate ion ([HSO3]–·nH2O), of the tautomeric hydrogensulfite anion ([SO3H]–·nH2O), and of sulfurous acid (H2SO3·nH2O) with up to eight water molecules attached to these species have been optimized at the B3LYP/6‐31G(2df,p) level of theory (DFT). The calculated vibrational frequencies allow the definite assignment of certain characteristic modes, and in this way a convincing interpretation of published spectra of aqueous SO2 as well as of SO2 adsorbed on very cold ice crystals has been achieved for the first time. Single‐point calculations at the G3X(MP2) level of theory were used to calculate the binding energies of the water molecules in SO2·nH2O as well as the relative stabilities of the isomeric anionic species [HSO3]–·nH2O and [SO3H]–·nH2O. Generally, the water molecules tend to stick together forming clusters, whereas the particular sulfur‐containing molecule remains at the surface of the water cluster, but it is always strongly hydrogen‐bonded. Only when there are more than six water molecules are the anions more or less completely surrounded by water molecules. DFT calculations erroneously predict that the gaseous hydrated sulfonate ions are more stable than the isomeric hydrogensulfite ions, even when hydrated with six water molecules. However, if these hydrated species are calculated as being embedded in a polar continuum simulating the aqueous phase, the hydrogensulfite ions are more stable than the sulfonate ions, in agreement with various spectroscopic observations on aqueous sulfite solutions. On the other hand, at the higher G3X(MP2) level, the gaseous hydrated hydrogensulfite anions are more stable than the corresponding sulfonate ions only if the number of water molecules is larger than four, whereas for the weakly hydrated anions the order of relative energies is reversed. The possible implications of these results for the enzymatic oxidation of “sulfite ions” ([HSO3]– and [SO3H]–) by sulfite oxidase are discussed. The conversion of SO2·6H2O into its isomer H2SO3·5H2O is predicted to be exothermic (ΔH°298 = –56.1 kJ mol–1) and exergonic (ΔG°298 = –22.5 kJ mol–1). (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Synthesis and Characterization of Thiolate‐Oxo Ligated Zinc Alkyl Derivatives for Production of Zn‐Based Nanoparticles (Eur. J. Inorg. Chem. 7/2009)
Authors: Boyle Timothy J. , Pratt Harry D. , Alam Todd M. , Headley Thomas , Rodriguez Mark A.
Published: February 2009

The cover picture shows two novel single‐source precursors {(μ4‐3MPA)[Zn(Et)(py)]4}∞ (top left) and (2MPO)Zn(Et)py (bottom right) used for the production of Zn(OxSy) nanomoaterials. The processing conditions, such as solution precipitation or solvothermal, led to the first solution route that successfully yielded Zn0 nanowires or a mixed phase of ZnS and ZnO nanorods. Details are discussed in the article by T. J. Boyle et al. on p. 855 ff.
Familiarity and person construal: Individuating knowledge moderates the automaticity of category activation
Authors: Quinn Kimberly A. , Mason Malia F. , Macrae C. Neil
Published: February 2009

In this experiment, we examined how perceivers' familiarity with targets moderates person construal. Based on evidence from object categorization that level of construal varies with expertise in a manner that maximizes cue validity, we reasoned that although social (i.e., group‐level) categorization is functional for construing unfamiliar others (about whom little or no individuating information is available), it is less functional for familiar others (about whom a great deal of individuating information is available). Results from an automatic priming paradigm provided evidence for our reasoning: Participants categorized unfamiliar faces according to the most salient categorical dimension available in the visual information (in this case, sex), but did not do so for familiar faces. Implications for models of person perception are discussed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of mortality salience aroused by threats against human identity on intergroup bias
Authors: Agustin Echebarria‐Echabe
Published: February 2009

An experimental study on the effects of mortality salience aroused by threats against different components of the Self (personal, social and human identities) on intergroup bias is presented. It is hypothesised and found that the mortality salience per se does not inevitably led to increments of intergroup bias. This increment occurs when mortality salience is aroused by threats against personal or social identities. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Self‐esteem as a source of evaluative conditioning
Authors: Zhang Hong , Chan Darius K‐S.
Published: February 2009

This study was designed to examine whether self‐esteem can be used as a source of evaluative conditioning, and whether implicit or explicit self‐esteem was more predictive of the evaluative conditioning effect. Moreover, the role of contingency awareness in the acquisition of the evaluative conditioning effect was also examined. Words related to the self and a general other were served as unconditioned stimuli (USs) in the evaluative conditioning process in order to see whether the evaluation could be transferred to neutral, abstract paintings after 10 times of pairing. An evaluative conditioning effect was demonstrated in that the evaluation of the paintings became more positive after repeatedly paired with words about the self but not words about general others. Implicit self‐esteem predicted the magnitude of the evaluative conditioning effect, while the association between explicit self‐esteem and the evaluative conditioning effect was nonsignificant, both with and without the effect of contingency awareness being controlled for. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.