bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two‐Year Changes in Bone Mineral Density and T Scores in Patients Treated at a Pharmacist‐Run Teriparatide Clinic
Authors: Stroup Jeffrey S. , Rivers Shannon M. , Abu‐Baker Asim M. , Kane Michael P.
Published: June 2007

Study Objectives. To determine changes in bone mineral density (BMD) and T scores of patients after 2 years of teriparatide therapy, and to determine the number of fractures that occurred during therapy.

Design. Prospective, observational study.

Setting. Pharmacist‐run teriparatide clinic in a private‐practice endocrinology group.

Patients. Sixty patients with osteoporosis who experienced fractures or adverse events while receiving antiresorptive therapy and were referred by the endocrinologists to the clinic between January 1, 2002, and January 1, 2004.

Intervention. After a 1‐hour counseling and training session with a clinical pharmacist, patients self‐administered subcutaneous teriparatide 20 μg/day for the next 2 years.

Measurements and Main Results. Primary outcome measures were dual x‐ray absorptiometry–determined BMDs and T scores for the total hip, spine, and wrist at baseline and at 1 and 2 years. Patients' BMDs for the hip significantly increased by 3.5% at 1 year and by 3.9% at 2 years. In addition, BMD for the spine significantly increased by 7.2% at 1 year and 10.9% at 2 years. In 56 (93%) patients, BMD for the spine increased after 2 years of treatment. For the wrist, BMD decreased by 0.75% at 1 year and by 2.4% at 2 years, but the change was only significant at 2 years (p=0.011). At both 1 and 2 years, T scores for the total hip and spine significantly improved from baseline (p≤0.019), whereas T scores for the wrist significantly declined after 2 years of therapy (p<0.003). No new fractures were documented in any of the patients.

Conclusion. In patients with osteoporosis, the use of teriparatide in a pharmacist‐run clinic significantly increased BMD at the total hip and spinal sites and significantly decreased BMD in the wrist.
Effect of Oral Posaconazole on the Pharmacokinetics of Cyclosporine and Tacrolimus
Authors: Sansone‐Parsons Angela , Krishna Gopal , Martinho Monika , Kantesaria Bhavna , Gelone Steven , Mant Tim G.
Published: June 2007

Study Objective. To analyze the pharmacokinetic properties of the immuno‐suppressants cyclosporine and tacrolimus when either is coadministered with oral posaconazole.

Design. Two single‐center, open‐label pharmacokinetic studies of cyclosporine in a multiple‐dose design and of tacrolimus in a one‐sequence, crossover, single‐ and multiple‐dose design.

Setting. One clinical investigative center in the United States and one in the United Kingdom.

Subjects. Four adult heart transplant recipients in the cyclosporine study and 36 healthy adult volunteers in the tacrolimus study.

Interventions. In the cyclosporine study, patients who took an established cyclosporine dose 3 times/day for 6 weeks or longer were given posaconazole 200 mg/day for 10 days. In the tacrolimus study, subjects received tacrolimus 0.05 mg/kg/day on days 1 and 14 and posaconazole 400 mg twice/day on days 7–14.

Measurements and Main Results. In the cyclosporine study, blood samples were collected on day 1 to determine cyclosporine pharmacokinetics and on day 10 to measure the pharmacokinetics of cyclosporine and posaconazole. Coadministration of posaconazole increased cyclosporine exposure and necessitated dosage reductions of 14–29% for cyclosporine in three subjects. In the tacrolimus study, blood samples were collected on days 12–14 to assess posaconazole pharmacokinetics and on days 1 and 14 for as long 72 hours after dosing to evaluate tacrolimus pharmacokinetics. Posaconazole increased the maximum blood concentration and the area under the concentration‐time curve for tacrolimus by 121% and 358%, respectively, on day 14 compared with day 1 (both p=0.001). In both studies, posaconazole pharmacokinetics were unaffected.

Conclusion. These findings suggest that the dosage of cyclosporine or tacrolimus should be reduced when posaconazole therapy is started and that plasma levels of the immunosuppressant should be monitored during and at the discontinuation of posaconazole therapy so that dosages are adjusted accordingly. This recommendation is consistent with current standard of care for patients receiving cyclosporine or tacrolimus with concomitant azole antifungal therapy.
Meta‐Analysis of Azelastine Nasal Spray for the Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Lee Todd A. , Pickard A. Simon
Published: June 2007

Study Objective. To systematically review the efficacy of azelastine nasal spray for the treatment of allergic rhinitis.

Design. Meta‐analysis of published randomized controlled trials reported in English.

Data Source. Published literature from the PubMed‐MEDLINE database.

Patients. Patients aged at least 12 (United States) or 16 years (Europe) with allergic rhinitis or nonallergic vasomotor rhinitis.

Measurements and Main Results. A global assessment of efficacy was used to estimate the number needed to treat for azelastine nasal spray compared with placebo or active comparators. The total symptom score was used to compare the effect size between azelastine and placebo. In five comparisons of azelastine and placebo, azelastine was most efficacious, with a summary number needed to treat of 5.0 (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.3–10.0). In reviewing 11 studies of azelastine versus active comparators, we found no significant difference between azelastine and active comparators (number needed to treat 66.7, 95% CI 14.3 to ∞ to 25]). Azelastine was more efficacious than placebo in terms of total symptom score (effect size of 0.36, 95% CI 0.26–0.46).

Conclusion. Azelastine nasal spray was more efficacious than placebo in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. No significant differences were observed between azelastine and active comparators for the treatment of allergic rhinitis; however, when azelastine was compared with oral antihistamines as monotherapy, the trend favored azelastine. Because azelastine appears to be as efficacious as oral antihistamines, the choice of treatment for seasonal allergic rhinitis should depend on the patient's preference regarding the route of administration, adverse effects, and the cost of the drug.
Emerging Role of Anticoagulants and Fibrinolytics in the Treatment of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: MacLaren Robert , Stringer Kathleen A.
Published: June 2007

Acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are associated with high mortality rates despite therapeutic advances. The pathogenesis of ALI and ARDS is similar to that of sepsis, as these disease states involve uncontrolled host defense responses that lead to inflammation, endothelial damage, enhanced coagulation, diminished fibrinolysis, and fibroproliferation. Recent studies of anticoagulants have shown positive outcomes in patients with severe sepsis. In addition, emerging evidence suggests that the use of anticoagulants, such as tissue factor pathway inhibitor, antithrombin, thrombomodulin, heparin, activated protein C, and fibrinolytics (plasminogen activators and particularly tissue plasminogen activator), may be useful in the treatment of ALI and ARDS. Data from experimental models of sepsis, ALI, and ARDS indicate that some of these agents improve lung function and oxygenation. Although clinical data are less convincing than these findings, results from clinical trials may influence the design of future studies.
Mechanisms of Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Drug Interactions Associated with Ritonavir‐Enhanced Tipranavir
Authors: Vourvahis Manoli , Kashuba Angela D. M.
Published: June 2007

Tipranavir is a nonpeptidic protease inhibitor that has activity against human immunodeficiency virus strains resistant to multiple protease inhibitors. Tipranavir 500 mg is coadministered with ritonavir 200 mg. Tipranavir is metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A and, when combined with ritonavir in vitro, causes inhibition of CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A in addition to induction of glucuronidase and the drug transporter P‐glycoprotein. As a result, drug‐drug interactions between tipranavir‐ritonavir and other coadministered drugs are a concern. In addition to interactions with other antiretrovirals, tipranavir‐ritonavir interactions with antifungals, antimycobacterials, oral contraceptives, statins, and antidiarrheals have been specifically evaluated. For other drugs such as antiarrhythmics, antihistamines, ergot derivatives, selective serotonin receptor agonists (or triptans), gastrointestinal motility agents, erectile dysfunction agents, and calcium channel blockers, interactions can be predicted based on studies with other ritonavir‐boosted protease inhibitors and what is known about tipranavir‐ritonavir CYP and P‐glycoprotein utilization. The highly complex nature of drug interactions dictates that cautious prescribing should occur with narrow–therapeutic‐index drugs that have not been specifically studied. Thus, the known interaction potential of tipranavir‐ritonavir is reported, and in vitro and in vivo data are provided to assist clinicians in predicting interactions not yet studied. As more clinical interaction data are generated, better insight will be gained into the specific mechanisms of interactions with tipranavir‐ritonavir.
Kidney Tissue Reconstruction by Fetal Kidney Cell Transplantation: Effect of Gestation Stage of Fetal Kidney Cells
Authors: Kim Sang-Soo , Gwak So-Jung , Han Joungho , Jae Park Heung , Hyang Park Moon , Won Song Kang , Woo Cho Seung , Rhee Yun Hee , Chung Hyung Min , Kim Byung-Soo
Published: June 2007

Dialysis and kidney transplantation, current therapies for kidney failure, have limitations such as severe complications, donor shortage, and immune-related problems. The development of an alternative treatment for kidney failure is demanded. The present study shows that the transplantation of fetal kidney cells reconstitutes functional kidney tissue, and that the gestation stage of kidney cells influences the kidney reconstitution. Fetal kidney cells were isolated from metanephroi of rat fetuses at various gestation stages and transplanted into the omentum or kidney of immunodeficient mice. Immunophenotype analysis of fetal kidney cells showed apparent expression of stem cell markers. Three weeks after transplantation, histological analyses of retrieved grafts revealed the formation of kidney structures, including fluorescently labeled transplanted cells, suggesting the potential of fetal kidney cells to reconstitute kidney tissues. The grafts retrieved from omentum contained cystic fluids with concentrated solutes. However, transplanted early fetal kidney cells had also differentiated into nonrenal tissues such as bone and cartilage. In addition, transplantation of fetal kidney cells from a later gestation stage resulted in poor kidney structure formation. Kidney-specific genes were strongly expressed in the earlier cell transplants. The cells at an earlier gestation stage had higher colony forming ability than the cells at a later stage. This study demonstrates the reconstitution of kidney tissue by transplanting fetal kidney cells and the presence of an optimal time window in which fetal kidney cells regenerate kidney tissues.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Atrial-Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation Mediated Targeting of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells
Authors: Schweizer Patrick A. , Krause Ulf , Becker Ruediger , Seckinger Anja , Bauer Alexander , Hardt Cornelia , Eckstein Volker , Ho Anthony D. , Koenen Michael , Katus Hugo A. , Zehelein Joerg
Published: June 2007

Sinus node dysfunction and high-degree heart block are the major causes for electronic pacemaker implantation. Recently, genetically modified mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs, also known as “mesenchymal stem cells”) were demonstrated to generate pacemaker function in vivo. However, experimental approaches typically use open thoracotomy for direct cell injection into the myocardium. Future clinical implementation, however, essentially requires development of more gentle methods to precisely and efficiently apply specified stem cells at specific cardiac locations. In a “proof of concept” study, we performed selective power-controlled radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) with eight ablation pulses (30 W, 60 seconds each) to induce heat-mediated lesions at the auricles of the cardiac right atrium of four healthy foxhounds. The next day, allogeneic MSCs (4.3 × 105 cells per kilogram of body weight) labeled with superparamagnetic iron oxide particles (SPIOs) were infused intravenously. Hearts were explanted 8 days later. High numbers of SPIO-labeled cells were identified in areas surrounding the RFCA-induced lesions by Prussian blue staining. Antibody staining revealed SPIO-labeled cells being positive for the typical MSC surface antigen CD44. In contrast, low levels of calprotectin, an antigen found on monocytes and macrophages, indicated negligible infiltration of monocytes in MSC-positive areas. Thus, RFCA allows targeting of MSCs to the cardiac right atrium, adjacent to the sinoatrial node, providing an opportunity to rescue or generate pacemaker function without open thoracotomy and direct injection of MSCs. This method presents a new strategy for cardiac stem cell application leading to an efficient guidance of MSCs into the myocardium.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Soil compaction by vibro-replacement: a case study
Authors: Ausilio E. , Conte E.
Published: June 2007

During the earthquake of 23 November 1980, the historic centre of the village of San Michele di Serino in Southern Italy was almost completely destroyed. The site investigations carried out after the earthquake revealed the subsoil to consist fundamentally of compressible silty soils with interbedded gravelly layers. To improve the poor ground conditions prior to reconstruction, it was decided to use the vibro-compaction method with the installation of stone columns (vibro-replacement technique). In this study, the degree of soil improvement achieved at the site is assessed by comparing both the profiles of numerous penetration tests performed before and after the treatment, and the respective values of the foundation settlement calculated using the practical method developed by Van Impe and De Beer, which allows the reinforcing and soil compaction effects due to the installation of stone columns to be accounted for in a simple manner. The obtained results prove that remarkable soil compaction was achieved by the treatment, especially in the deep soil layers characterised initially by low penetration resistance. Moreover, it is shown that, if the soil compaction effect is ignored, the settlement of the composite system consisting of stone columns and soil subject to loading could be significantly overestimated.

À la suite du tremblement de terre du 23 novembre 1980, le centre historique du village de San Michele di Serino, dans le sud de l'Italie, a été presque complètement détruit. Par la suite, les études menées sur le terrain ont révélé que le sous-sol consistait essentiellement de sol limoneux compressible avec des couches graveleuses intercalées. Pour améliorer les conditions de terrain peu favorables avant la reconstruction, il a été décidé d'utiliser la méthode de vibrocompaction avec l'installation de colonnes de pierre (technique de vibro-remplacement). Dans cette étude, le degré d'amélioration du sol atteint sur le site est é valué en comparant à la fois les profils de nombreux tests de pénétration réalisés avant et après traitement et les valeurs respectives de tassement de la fondation calculées par la méthode pratique développée par Van Impe et De Beer, qui permet de prendre en compte de manière simple les effets de renfort et de compaction du sol dus à l'installation de colonnes de pierre. Les résultats obtenus montrent que le traitement conduit à une excellente compaction du sol, en particulier au niveau des couches profondes caractérisées initialement par une faible résistance à la pénétration. Il est également démontré que, si l'on ignore l'effet de compaction du sol, le tassement du système composite constitué de colonnes de pierre et de sol soumis à la charge pourrait ê tre significativement surestimé.
Densification effect of granular piles on settlement response of treated ground
Authors: Krishna A. Murali , Madhav M. R. , Latha G. Madhavi
Published: June 2007

The settlement response of ground treated with granular piles (GP) is studied considering the densification effect for uniform monotonic loading. The densification effect is incorporated in the analysis by considering the variation of deformation modulus with distance from the centre of the GP. Two types of variations are considered: linear and exponential. A finite-difference-based numerical method is employed to obtain the settlements of the treated ground with deformation modulus varying with distance around the ambient soil by solving the governing equations developed using an integro-differentiation technique. The influences of various parameters, such as the degree of densification at the near and far ends, the area ratio and the relative stiffness of the granular pile, on the settlement of the ground are quantified. The effect of densification is greater for relatively smaller values of area ratio and relative stiffness of granular pile compared with their respective higher values.

On é tudie ici la réponse de tassement pour un terrain traité avec des pieux granulaires (PG), en considérant l'effet de densification pour une charge uniforme monotone. Celui-ci est intégré dans l'analyse en évaluant la variation du module de déformation avec la distance relative au centre du PG. Deux types de variations sont considérées: linéaires et exponentielles. Une méthode numérique basée sur les différences finies est appliquée pour obtenir les tassements du terrain traité, avec un module variant avec la distance autour du sol ambiant, en résolvant les équations régissant le système développées par une technique d'intégro-différenciation. Les influences sur le tassement du terrain de divers paramètres, tels que le degré de densification ´l'extrémité la plus éloignée et la plus proche, le rapport surfacique et la rigidité relative du pieu granulaire, sont également quantifiées. L'effet de la densification est plus important pour les valeurs relativement plus faibles du rapport surfacique et de la rigidité relative du pieu granulaire comparées ´ leurs valeurs respectives plus élevées.
Stabilisation of vertical cut supporting a retaining wall using soil nailing: a case study
Authors: Babu G. L. Sivakumar , Rao R. S. , Dasaka S. M.
Published: June 2007

The soil nailing technique has been used in many applications to improve the stability of excavated vertical cuts and existing natural slopes under precarious conditions. In India the method has been adopted in the field using simple technology, which is very cost-effective, and the resulting structures have satisfied stability and serviceability requirements in many situations. This paper reports a case study of stabilising a vertical cut supporting a masonry retaining wall in hilly terrain, which is being developed with considerable investment and infrastructure. The soil in the area is a residual soil, and drained test results show that, although the soil has adequate frictional capacity, the long-term stability of such cuts cannot be ensured. Calculations showed that the vertical cut is marginally safe in the existing condition: therefore soil nailing was used for improvement of stability. The existing stability and design were examined by detailed finite element analysis using the strength reduction method, and remedial measures are validated. The paper reports details of the case study, design considerations, and the methodology used in stabilising the vertical cut.

La technique de consolidation par clouage du sol a éeté utilisée dans de nombreuses applications pour améliorer la stabilité de parois d'excavation verticales et de versants naturels existants dans des conditions précaires. En Inde, cette méthode a été adoptée sur le terrain avec unetechnologie simple, ce qui est particuliérement économique, et les structures résultantes ont satisfait aux critéres de stabilité et de praticabilité dans de nombreuses situations. Cet article rapporte une étude de cas sur la stabilisation d'une paroi verticale supportant un mur desouténement de maçonnerie sur un terrain vallonné, quiest développé selon des moyens d'investissement et d'infrastructure importants. Le sol dans cette zone est de type résiduel, et les résultats d'essais drainés montrent que, bien que sol ait une capacité de frottement adéquat, la stabilité à long-terme de telles parois ne peut ^etre garantie. Des calculs ont indiqué que la paroi verticale est peu fiable dans les conditions actuelles, et le clouage du sol a donc été utilisé pour améliorer la stabilité. On a examiné la stabilité et le design existants par une analyse des éléments finis détaillée utilisant la méthode de réduction de résistance, et les mesures correctives sont validées. Cet article donne également une description détaillée de l'étude de cas, des considérations de conception et de la méthodologie appliquée pour stabiliser la paroi verticale.
Experimental investigations on the properties of controlled low-strength material
Authors: Puppala A. J. , Balasubramanyam P. , Madhyannapu R. S.
Published: June 2007

Controlled low-strength materials (CLSMs) are self-compacting and cementitious fluid-like materials that flow freely under their own weight. They are often used in backfill, pavement bases, structural bases, utility embedment, void-fill, trenching and repair-fill applications. Pavement infrastructure built on CLSM fills often experience distress owing to high settlements and related CLSM cracking as well as CLSM failure during the service life. A research study was initiated to address quality control and assessments of certain proprietary type CLSMs produced in the field. This research showed that both strength and flowability properties of CLSMs supplied by the vendors did not meet the targeted property requirements, although they were advertised to have high design properties. Production of CLSMs by various operators also resulted in the variability of the CLSMs produced in the field. Density, flow and excavatability characteristics of CLSMs are analysed to address the performance-related behaviours of these materials. Statistical variations of CLSMs with respect to vendor, operator and application area were addressed through statistical t-test analysis. Recommendations for better quality assessment practices to evaluate CLSMs are also provided.

Les matériaux à faible résistance contrôlée (CLSM) sont des matériaux autocompactants de type fluide cimentaire qui s'écoulent librement sous l'action de leur propre poids. Ils sont souvent utilisés pour des applications de remblayage, de bases de chaussées, de bases structurales, d'encastrement utilitaire, de remplissage interstitiel, de creusement de tranchées et de réparation-remplissage. Les infrastructures de chaussées construites sur des remplissages au CLSM présentent souvent des dommages en raison de forts tassements et du fissurage du CLSM associé de mê me que des défaillances du CLSM pendant la durée de service. L'étude réalisée avait pour objectif d'examiner la question du contrôle de la qualité et de l'évaluation de certains types de CLSM propriétaires produits sur le terrain. Elle a montré que la résistance et l'aptitude à l'écoulement des CLSM fournis par les vendeurs ne remplissaient pas les critères de propriété requis, bien que ces matériaux aient é té annoncés comme ayant des caractéristiques de conception avancée. La production de CLSM par différents opérateurs entra înait é galement une variabilité des CLSM produits sur le terrain. Les propriétés de densité, d'écoulement et d'excavabilité des CLSM sont ici analysées pour examiner les comportements de ces matériaux en rapport avec leurs performances. Les variations statistiques des CLSM en fonction du fournisseur, de l'opérateur et du domaine d'application sont é galement analysées au moyen du test t. L'étude apporte des recommandations en termes d'amélioration des pratiques d'évaluation de la qualité des CLSM.
Optimal Retention for a Stop-loss Reinsurance Under the VaR and CTE Risk Measures
Authors: Cai Jun , Tan Ken Seng
Published: June 2007

We propose practical solutions for the determination of optimal retentions in a stop-loss reinsurance. We develop two new optimization criteria for deriving the optimal retentions by, respectively, minimizing the value-at-risk (VaR) and the conditional tail expectation (CTE) of the total risks of an insurer. We establish necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of the optimal retentions for two risk models: individual risk model and collective risk model. The resulting optimal solution of our optimization criterion has several important characteristics: (i) the optimal retention has a very simple analytic form; (ii) the optimal retention depends only on the assumed loss distribution and the reinsurer’s safety loading factor; (iii) the CTE criterion is more applicable than the VaR criterion in the sense that the optimal condition for the former is less restrictive than the latter; (iv) if optimal solutions exist, then both VaR- and CTE-based optimization criteria yield the same optimal retentions. In terms of applications, we extend the results to the individual risk models with dependent risks and use multivariate phase type distribution, multivariate Pareto distribution and multivariate Bernoulli distribution to illustrate the effect of dependence on optimal retentions. We also use the compound Poisson distribution and the compound negative binomial distribution to illustrate the optimal retentions in a collective risk model.
Some Notes on the Average Duration of an Income Protection Claim
Authors: Cordeiro Isabel Maria Ferraz
Published: June 2007

Cordeiro (2002a) has presented a multiple state model for Income Protection (formerly known as Permanent Health Insurance) which enables us to analyse claims by cause of disability. In that paper average claim durations conditioned on recovery have been calculated.

Since, when an Income Protection claim is reported, the insurance company never knows whether it will end in recovery, in death or in expiry, to analyse only average claim durations conditioned on recovery could be misleading, specially for the people responsible for the claims control process.

The main purpose of this paper is to calculate average claim durations conditioned on death and average claim durations not conditioned on any particular mode of claim termination. We calculate these claim durations for different deferred periods, causes of disability and ages at the beginning of sickness and we analyse the results obtained.
A Commented Synopsis of the Report of the Committee for the National Tire Efficiency Study
Authors: Pottinger Marion G. , Walter Joseph D. , Eagleburger John D.
Published: June 2007

The Congress of the United States petitioned the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences to study replacement passenger car tire rolling resistance in 2005 with funding from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The study was initiated to assess the potential for reduction in replacement tire rolling resistance to yield fuel savings. The time required to realize these savings is less than the time required for automotive and light truck fleet replacement. Congress recognized that other factors besides fuel savings had to be considered if the committee’s advice was to be a reasonable guide for public policy. Therefore, the study simultaneously considered the effect of potential rolling resistance reductions in replacement tires on fuel consumption, wear life, scrap tire generation, traffic safety, and consumer spending for tires and fuel. This paper summarizes the committee’s report issued in 2006. The authors, who were members of the multidisciplinary committee, also provide comments regarding technical difficulties encountered in the committee’s work and ideas for alleviating these difficulties in further studies of this kind. The authors’ comments are clearly differentiated so that these comments will not be confused with findings, conclusions, and recommendations developed by the committee and contained in its final report.
Modeling Transient Rolling Resistance of Tires
Authors: Luchini John R. , Popio James A.
Published: June 2007

The transient rolling resistance of several tires is predicted from the behavior of each tire on an equilibrium test. The objective of the study was to determine if model predictions would fall within the lab-to-lab experimental error described in the J-2452 test standard. The model used for this study, to predict the results of J-2452 from J-1269 data, was presented in Ref. [1]. The study used data from one tire to establish the model parameters. Then those parameters were used with tire and rolling resistance measurements from 12 other tires of another size. These tires were from four samples of each of three different tire constructions (tread patterns) and manufacturer. The reasons for the differences between the predictions and the test results were investigated and two significant sources of error were identified. First, the simplistic assumption that one set of heat-transfer parameters would apply to all tires was found to be inadequate. Second, the matrix of test conditions and regression model in J-1269, which must be used to extrapolate to the test conditions of J-2452, is inadequate. The modeling work in this article also found some of the details of the test protocols that may have significant effects on reported rolling resistance.
Landschaftsbildbewertung, Ästhetik und Wahrnehmungspsychologie – eine konfliktträchtige Dreiecksbeziehung | Evaluation of landscape scenery, aesthetics, and awareness psychology – a conflict-charged three-way relationship
Authors: Coch Thomas
Published: June 2007

When evaluating the changes that have affected landscape scenery, methods and procedures are used which either quantify the characteristics of the specific landscape sector in question,and the particular changes it has undergone, or, based on a specific point of view, attempt to carry out a criteria based evaluation of the subjective impression. Both scenarios reveal inconsistencies between the methods employed and the aesthetic conceptual considerations. Such inconsistencies have given rise to epistemological discussions since the days of Plato. Research into the psychology of awareness and brain-physiological research point to the fact that a reduction in the aesthetic esteem of both objective or subjective indicators cannot live up to the requirements of the aesthetic experience. Against this background, this text seeks to make a case for changing the mechanisms used to evaluate landscape aesthetics.
Die Holzrollbahn vom Pilatus und ihre landschaftlichen Auswirkungen | The timber railroad at Pilatus and its impact on the landscape
Authors: Lindegger Didier , Bürgi Matthias
Published: June 2007

Industrialisation triggered an increase in demand for wood and timber. Consequently, the forested area of the Schlierentäler, located close to Alpnach (Canton Obwalden), caught the eye of international timber merchants. In the 19th century, the municipality of Alpnach sold about 700 hectares of forest to these merchants. Only by applying new infrastructural technologies was it possible to transport the timber to the valley bottom. In 1870, Christian König from Berne constructed a timber railroad, stretching over several kilometres to the Schwandschlierental (Valley of the Kleinen Schliere), to facilitate the last major clear-cut. Within the context of a diploma project conducted by the Department of Environmental Sciences, ETH Zurich, the course of the timber railroad was reconstructed based on information taken from written and cartographical sources, and the discovery of some of its traces found in the area. In addition, the impact of this railroad on the landscape,i. e. forest cover, was analysed by means of map comparisons.
A structural comparison between state and trait self‐regulation models
Authors: Hong Eunsook
Published: June 2007

State and trait‐regulation models were compared in 315 eleventh‐graders using simultaneous confirmatory factor analysis. Each of the first‐, second‐, and third‐order factor models was found to describe the data from both state and trait measures well. In both state and trait self‐regulation models, the third‐order factor, self‐regulation, is composed of metacognition and effort, and the second‐order factor, metacognition, is composed of awareness, cognitive strategy, planning, and self‐checking. Findings of invariant factor loadings and factor correlations across state and trait measures indicate that the state and trait self‐regulatory factor structures are similar. Unlike the state‐trait distinctions found in affective personality domain, clear state‐trait distinction was not found in this cognitive domain. In both measures, students who engaged more frequently in metacognitive activities and effort use in their mathematical problem solving performed better than those who did not.
Interaction control of robotic manipulators via second‐order sliding modes
Authors: Ferrara Antonella , Lombardi Cesare
Published: June 2007

This paper deals with the interaction control of robot manipulators. The ideal goal is to control the manipulator so that its end‐effector reaches a desired position in the operative space. The attainment of this goal can be prevented by the fact that during its motion the end‐effector can interact with the environment. So, a realistic goal is regarded as control objective in the paper, that of asymptotically reaching an equilibrium position jointly determined by the choice of the ideal desired position, and by the presence of the environment. The model of the manipulator is supposed to be affected by uncertainties, so that a classical impedance control scheme cannot be adopted. The approach proposed in this paper relies on the theory of sliding mode control. In general, this methodology is deemed nonappropriate to control mechanical systems like robot manipulators, since it introduces the so‐called chattering phenomenon, which produces undesired wear and vibrations. Yet, the final control solution proposed in this paper is based on the generation of sliding modes of the second order, which practically reduces the degradation of performances, and the mechanical stress due to the chattering effect. Indeed, the proposed second‐order sliding mode control scheme relies on the use of a continuous control law, in contrast to conventional sliding mode control schemes. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydroxynitrile Lyase in Organic Solvent‐Free Systems to Overcome Thermodynamic Limitations
Authors: von Langermann Jan , Mell Annett , Paetzold Eckhard , Daußmann Thomas , Kragl Udo
Published: June 2007

The overcoming of thermodynamic limitations in the synthesis of optically active ketone cyanohydrins by using organic solvent‐free systems has been investigated. Therefore, substrates with known unfavorable results within hydroxynitrile lyase‐catalyzed reactions were selected for the determination of limitations and bottlenecks in ketone cyanohydrin synthesis. The highly (S)‐selective hydroxynitrile lyase from Manihot esculenta (MeHNL) has been chosen for the conversion of acetophenone and the corresponding derivatives, which are substrates that exhibit only low grades of conversion also with several other hydroxynitrile lyases. With organic solvent‐free systems under optimized reaction conditions conversions up to 78 % with>99.0 ee (S) were obtained. Finally, 5 mL of (S)‐acetophenone cyanohydrin with an enantiomeric excess of 98.5 % ee (S) were synthesized.
Optimization of the Kinetic Resolution of the dl‐Phosphomonoesters of Threonine and Serine by Random Mutagenesis of the Acid Phosphatase from Salmonella enterica
Authors: van Herk Teunie , Hartog Aloysius F. , Ruijssenaars Harald J. , Kerkman Richard , Schoemaker Hans E. , Wever Ron
Published: June 2007

Acid phosphatases are enzymes with a broad substrate specificity showing hydrolytic activity towards several different organic phosphate monoesters, such as nucleotides and sugar phosphates. The acid phosphatase from Salmonella enterica ser. typhimurium LT2 (PhoN‐Se) is able to hydrolyze O‐phospho‐dl‐threonine to yield L‐threonine with a very high enantioselectivity (E>200). When O‐phospho‐dl‐serine was hydrolyzed by PhoN‐Se, D‐serine was formed, however, the ee values rapidly dropped to 50 %. Random mutagenesis by error‐prone PCR was performed on the phosphatase in order to increase its enantioselectivity in the formation of D‐serine. Two variants with increased selectivity from a library of 9600 mutants have been found, N151D and V78L showing E values of 18.1 and 4.1, respectively, compared to 3.4 for the wild‐type (WT) enzyme.
Real‐Time Imaging of Protease Action on Substrates Covalently Immobilised to Polymer Supports
Authors: Deere Joseph , McConnell Gail , Lalaouni Antonia , Maltman Beatrice A. , Flitsch Sabine L. , Halling Peter J.
Published: June 2007

We report for the first time single bead spatially resolved activity measurements of solid‐phase biocatalytic systems followed in real‐time. Trypsin cleavage of Bz‐Arg‐OH and subtilisin cleavage of Z‐Gly‐Gly‐Leu‐OH each liberate a free amino group on aminocoumarin covalently immobilised to PEGA1900 beads [a co‐polymer of poly(ethylene glycol) with molecular mass of 1900 cross‐linked with acrylamide]. This restores fluorescence which is imaged in optical sections by two‐photon microscopy. For trypsin cleavage, fluorescence is restricted initially to surface regions, with more than 1 hour needed before reaction is fully underway in the bead centre, presumably reflecting slow enzyme diffusion. In contrast, for subtilisin cleavage fluorescence develops throughout the bead more quickly.
Hydrolase‐Catalysed Preparation of Chiral α,α‐Disubstituted Cyanohydrin Acetates
Authors: Holt Jarle , Arends Isabel W. C. E. , Minnaard Adriaan J. , Hanefeld Ulf
Published: June 2007

The enzymatic hydrolysis of esters of tertiary alcohols has long been a challenge. In particular their kinetic resolutions have virtually not been addressed. Here we describe the successful kinetic resolution of α,α‐disubstituted cyanohydrin acetates, a type of protected tertiary alcohols that form particularly interesting building blocks in organic synthesis. Utilising Subtilisin A the hydrolysis reaction was (S)‐selective, while Candida rugosa lipase was (R)‐selective. With these commercially available enzymes both enantiomers of the α,α‐disubstituted cyanohydrin acetates are now accessible.
Chemoenzymatic Synthesis of Glycolic Acid
Authors: Panova Anna , Mersinger Lawrence J. , Liu Qiang , Foo Thomas , Roe D. Christopher , Spillan William L. , Sigmund Amy E. , Ben‐Bassat Arie , Wagner L. Winona , O'Keefe Daniel P. , Wu Shijun , Petrillo Kelly L. , Payne Mark S. , Breske Stephen T. , Gallagher F. Glenn , DiCosimo Robert
Published: June 2007

A chemoenzymatic process for the production of high‐purity glycolic acid has been demonstrated, starting with the reaction of formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide to produce glycolonitrile in >99 % yield and purity. The resulting aqueous glycolonitrile was used without further purification in a subsequent biocatalytic conversion of glycolonitrile to ammonium glycolate. A high‐activity biocatalyst based on an Acidovorax facilis 72W nitrilase was developed, where protein engineering and optimized protein expression in an E. coli transformant host were used to improve microbial nitrilase specific activity by 33‐fold compared to the wild‐type strain. A biocatalyst productivity of >1000 g glycolic acid/g dry cell weight was achieved using a glutaraldehyde/polyethylenimine cross‐linked carrageenan‐immobilized E. coli MG1655 transformant expressing the A. facilis 72W nitrilase mutant, where 3.2 M ammonium glycolate was produced in consecutive batch reactions with biocatalyst recycle, or in a continuous stirred‐tank reactor. Direct conversion of the unpurified ammonium glycolate product solution to high‐purity aqueous glycolic acid was accomplished by fixed‐bed ion exchange over a strong acid cation resin.
Comparing the Stereoselective Biooxidation of Cyclobutanones by Recombinant Strains Expressing Bacterial Baeyer–Villiger Monooxygenases
Authors: Rudroff Florian , Rydz Joanna , Ogink Freek H. , Fink Michael , Mihovilovic Marko D.
Published: June 2007

Microbial Baeyer–Villiger oxidation of representative prochiral ketones with a cyclobutanone structural motif was investigated using a collection of eight monooxygenases of different bacterial origin. This platform of enzymes is able to perform stereoselective biotransformations on an array of structurally diverse substrates. With several ketone precursors, biooxidations yielded enantiocomplementary butyrolactones as key intermediates for the synthesis of natural products and bioactive compounds. The microbial Baeyer–Villiger oxidation allows a facile and rapid entry to several compound classes in a desymmetrization reaction upon de novo generation of chirality.
Enzyme Immobilization: The Quest for Optimum Performance
Authors: Sheldon Roger A.
Published: June 2007

Immobilization is often the key to optimizing the operational performance of an enzyme in industrial processes, particularly for use in non‐aqueous media. Different methods for the immobilization of enzymes are critically reviewed. The methods are divided into three main categories, viz. (i) binding to a prefabricated support (carrier), (ii) entrapment in organic or inorganic polymer matrices, and (iii) cross‐linking of enzyme molecules. Emphasis is placed on relatively recent developments, such as the use of novel supports, e.g., mesoporous silicas, hydrogels, and smart polymers, novel entrapment methods and cross‐linked enzyme aggregates (CLEAs).
Efficient Synthesis of Either Enantiomer of Ethyl 5‐Hydroxyhept‐6‐enoate
Authors: Fischer Thomas , Pietruszka Jörg
Published: June 2007

The application of alcohol dehydrogenases as a key‐step for the synthesis of the title compound is reported. 5‐Hydroxyhept‐6‐enoates are versatile intermediates, e.g., for the synthesis of a variety of arachidonic acid metabolites.
A periodical replacement model based on cumulative repair‐cost limit
Authors: Lai Min‐Tsai
Published: June 2007

This paper considers a periodical replacement model based on a cumulative repair‐cost limit, whose concept uses the information of all repair costs to decide whether the system is repaired or replaced. The failures of the system can be divided into two types. One is minor failure that is assumed to be corrected by minimal repair, while the other is serious failure where the system is damaged completely. When a minor failure occurs, the corresponding repair cost is evaluated and minimal repair is then executed if this accumulated repair cost is less than a pre‐determined limit L, otherwise, the system is replaced by a new one. The system is also replaced at scheduled time T or at serious failure. Long‐run expected cost per unit time is formulated and the optimal period T* minimizing that cost is also verified to be finite and unique under some specific conditions. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A simple Markov chain structure for the evolution of credit ratings
Authors: Baíllo Amparo , Fernández José Luis
Published: June 2007

We focus on continuous Markov chains as a model to describe the evolution of credit ratings. In this work it is checked whether a simple, tridiagonal type of generator provides a good approximation to a general one. Three different tridiagonal approximations are proposed and their performance is checked against two generators, corresponding to a volatile and a stable period, respectively. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nachweis der erforderlichen Ankerlänge mit der Finite‐Elemente‐Methode
Authors: Perau Eugen
Published: June 2007

In diesem Beitrag wird zunächst die statische Wirkungsweise von Verankerungen für Baugrubenwände und die damit verbundene Notwendigkeit zur Einhaltung von Mindestlängen der Anker analysiert. Der zugehörige Nachweis der erforderlichen Ankerlänge soll nach DIN 1054:2005‐01 mit einem Verfahren der klassischen Erdstatik, dem “Nachweis der Standsicherheit in der tiefen Gleitfuge”, geführt werden.

Obwohl die Finite‐Elemente‐Methode (FEM) für Standsicherheitsnachweise nur in Ausnahmefällen eingesetzt wird und die einschlägigen Empfehlungen, EAU und EAB das Führen dieses Nachweises mit der FEM nicht vorsehen, erscheint ein solches Vorgehen durchaus denkbar.

Es wird in dem vorliegenden Beitrag anhand eines Beispiels gezeigt, welcher Bedeutung der Nachweis der ausreichenden Ankerlänge und somit auch der “Standsicherheit in der tiefen Gleitfuge” bei Nachweisen auf Basis der FEM zukommt und wie ein Nachweis der ausreichenden Ankerlänge dann aussehen könnte. Den Abschluss des Beitrags bildet die Variation der Biegesteifigkeit und der Biegefestigkeit der Verbauwand. Es lässt sich daraus ableiten, dass bei einem FEM‐basierten Nachweis auch das Verformungsverhalten der Wand einen erheblichen Einfluss auf die berechnete Standsicherheit einer verankerten Baugrubenwand besitzt.
Rissmonitoring von Betonoberflächen unter Verwendung digitaler Bildanalyseverfahren
Authors: Avak Ralf , Schwuchow Ronald , Franz Marcel
Published: June 2007

Gegenwärtig werden Risse und Rissbreiten in Beton‐ und Putzoberflächen visuell mit Hilfe von Risslinealen und Risslupen bestimmt. Diese subjektiven Messmethoden weisen eine geringe Genauigkeit auf und sind auf Grund fehlender Dokumentation und Nachvollziehbarkeit nur in wenigen Fällen zweckmäßig. Durch den Einsatz digitaler Methoden in der in‐situ‐Rissanalyse können die Messgenauigkeit deutlich erhöht und das Beobachtungsergebnis objektiv dokumentiert werden. In diesem Beitrag werden experimentelle und theoretische Untersuchungen der digitalen Rissanalyse von Betonoberflächen vorgestellt, die aber auch auf andere Baustoffe und Oberflächen angewendet werden können. Da bereits mit handelsüblichen Digitalkameras qualitativ hochwertige Ergebnisse erzielt werden, sind die hier vorgestellten Verfahren für baupraktische Fälle einsetzbar. Der folgende Beitrag zeigt die grundsätzliche Anwendungsmöglichkeit, hinsichtlich mathematischer Details wird auf Sekundärliteratur verwiesen.
Social interaction patterns of geriatric home and community residents
Authors: Boczkowski Judith A. , Adams Henry E. , Golden Cheryl
Published: June 2007

Thirty elderly nursing home residents and ten community residing older adults were observed in group settings. Their behavior was assessed for dependent personal maintenance, independent personal maintenance, and appropriate and inappropriate behaviors. Responses by staff and peers to these behaviors were classified as positive, negative, or ignore. The frequency of occurrence of these behaviors as well as the relationship of resident to peer or staff behaviors were analyzed. Results indicate that community‐residing elders' behaviors differ from nursing home residents' in quantity rather than quality of interactions. There was a lower frequency of behaviors in the nursing home residents. Though older adults respond differentially to various behaviors of other nursing home residents, staff responses were consistent regardless of residents' behavior. These results suggest that geriatric home residents' behavior can be characterized as withdrawn rather than dependent.