bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards a scalable and accurate quantum approach for describing vibrations of molecule–metal interfaces
Authors: Benoit David M , Madebene Bruno , Ulusoy Inga , Mancera Luis , Scribano Yohann , Chulkov Sergey
Published: August 2011

We present a theoretical framework for the computation of anharmonic vibrational frequencies for large systems, with a particular focus on determining adsorbate frequencies from first principles. We give a detailed account of our local implementation of the vibrational self-consistent field approach and its correlation corrections. We show that our approach is both robust, accurate and can be easily deployed on computational grids in order to provide an efficient computational tool. We also present results on the vibrational spectrum of hydrogen fluoride on pyrene, on the thiophene molecule in the gas phase, and on small neutral gold clusters.
Bioequivalence of Dispersed Stavudine: Opened versus Closed Capsule Dosing
Authors: Innes Steve , Norman Jennifer , Smith Pete , Smuts Marlize , Capparelli Edmund , Rosenkranz Bernd , Cotton Mark
Published: August 2011

Background

Stavudine, a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, is used commonly to treat HIV-infected children in the developing world. The paediatric liquid formulation presents major logistical difficulties in rural and resource-limited areas, and prescribers are frequently forced to employ off-label ‘opened capsule’ dosing methods using the adult capsule. The South African Department of Health (DoH) has advised that caregivers should be instructed to disperse the contents of an adult capsule in 5 ml water and then withdraw the required dose using a syringe. The bioavailability of stavudine using the opened capsule dosing method has not previously been validated.

Methods

This was a randomized crossover pharmacokinetic study with each subject serving as his/her own control. A total of 28 healthy HIV-negative adult volunteers were randomized on a 1:1 basis to receive one of the two generic preparations typically available in state hospitals. They were then further randomized to receive either intact or opened 30 mg capsules. After 1 week, those who initially received intact capsules, were given opened capsules and vice versa. The capsule dispersion technique used was identical to that prescribed by the DoH. Serial blood samples were collected and plasma stavudine concentrations were assayed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Stavudine pharmacokinetics were analysed using non-compartmental methods and formulations were compared using ANOVA.

Results

Plasma drug exposure after stavudine administration as a solution using an opened capsule dosing method was found to be bioequivalent to intact capsule administration. This was true for both generics tested.

Conclusions

The opened capsule dosing technique is bio-equivalent to intact capsule dosing for stavudine in HIV-seronegative adults.
A Boy with Non-Herpes Simplex Acute Limbic Encephalitis and Antiglutamate Receptor Antibodies
Authors: Kawashima Hisashi , Ishii Chiako , Yamanaka Gaku , Ioi Hiroaki , Takekuma Kouji , Ogihara Masaaki , Hoshika Akinori , Takahashi Yukitoshi
Published: August 2011

This report concerns a 12-year-old male with intractable seizures over a long period. The case fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for nonherpetic acute limbic encephalitis. He had frequent convulsions starting with a partial seizure at the left angle of the mouth and progressing to secondary generalized seizures. He was treated with several anticonvulsants, combined with methylprednisolone and γ-globulin under mechanical ventilation. However, his convulsions reappeared after tapering of the barbiturate. His magnetic resonance imaging showed a high intensity area in the hippocampus by FLAIR and diffusion. After five months he recovered without serious sequelae. Virological studies, including for herpes simplex virus, were all negative. He was transiently positive for antiglutamate receptor antibodies in cerebrospinal fluid and serum.
Workers on the Margin: Who Drops Health Coverage When Prices Rise?
Authors: Okeke Edward N. , Hirth Richard A. , Grazier Kyle
Published: August 2011

We revisit the question of price elasticity of employer-sponsored insurance (ESI) take-up by directly examining changes in the take-up of ESI at a large firm in response to exogenous changes in employee premium contributions. We find that, on average, a 10% increase in the employee's out-of-pocket premium increases the probability of dropping coverage by approximately 1%. More importantly, we find heterogeneous impacts: married workers are much more price-sensitive than single employees, and lower-paid workers are disproportionately more likely to drop coverage than higher-paid workers. Elasticity estimates for employees below the 25th percentile of salary distribution in our sample are nearly twice the average.
Regulation of Executive Compensation at Nonprofit Health Care Organizations: Coming Changes?
Authors: Bjork David Albert
Published: August 2011

Executive compensation in health care organizations, particularly tax-exempt organizations, has come under increasing scrutiny in recent years. This paper identifies the implications for tax-exempt health care organizations of recent efforts to regulate executive pay, as well as some changes that the boards of nonprofit health care providers and insurers should consider to minimize the case for further scrutiny and regulation of their executive pay practices.
Medical Spending Differences in the United States and Canada: The Role of Prices, Procedures, and Administrative Expenses
Authors: Pozen Alexis , Cutler David M.
Published: August 2011

The United States far outspends Canada on health care, but the sources of additional spending are unclear. We evaluated the importance of incomes, administration, and medical interventions in this difference. Pooling various sources, we calculated medical personnel incomes, administrative expenses, and procedure volume and intensity for the United States and Canada. We found that Canada spent $1,589 per capita less on physicians and hospitals in 2002. Administration accounted for the largest share of this difference (39%), followed by incomes (31%), and more intensive provision of medical services (14%). Whether this additional spending is wasteful or warranted is unknown.
Not-for-Profit Hospital CEO Performance and Pay: Some Evidence from Connecticut
Authors: Kramer Jeffrey , Santerre Rexford E.
Published: August 2011

This paper uses observations from a panel data set of 35 chief executive officers (CEOs) from 29 not-for-profit hospitals in Connecticut over the period 1998 to 2006 to investigate the relationship between CEO performance and pay. Both economic and charity performance measures are specified in the empirical model. The multiple regression results reveal that not-for-profit hospital CEOs, at least in Connecticut, are driven at the margin to increase the occupancy rate of privately insured patients at the expense of uncompensated care and public-pay patients. This type of behavior on the part of not-for-profit hospital CEOs calls into question the desirability of allowing these hospitals a tax exemption on earned income, property, and purchases.
Anthropogenic radiative forcing time series from pre-industrial times until 2010
Authors: Skeie R. B. , Berntsen T. K. , Myhre G. , Tanaka K. , Kvalevåg M. M. , Hoyle C. R.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. In order to use knowledge of past climate change to improve our understanding of the sensitivity of the climate system, detailed knowledge about the time development of radiative forcing (RF) of the earth atmosphere system is crucial. In this study, time series of anthropogenic forcing of climate from pre-industrial times until 2010, for all well established forcing agents, are estimated. This includes presentation of RF histories of well mixed greenhouse gases, tropospheric ozone, direct- and indirect aerosol effects, surface albedo changes, stratospheric ozone and stratospheric water vapour. For long lived greenhouse gases, standard methods are used for calculating RF, based on global mean concentration changes. For short lived climate forcers, detailed chemical transport modelling and radiative transfer modelling using historical emission inventories is performed. For the direct aerosol effect, sulphate, black carbon, organic carbon, nitrate and secondary organic aerosols are considered. For aerosol indirect effects, time series of both the cloud lifetime effect and the cloud albedo effect are presented. Radiative forcing time series due to surface albedo changes are calculated based on prescribed changes in land use and radiative transfer modelling. For the stratospheric components, simple scaling methods are used. Long lived greenhouse gases (LLGHGs) are the most important radiative forcing agent with a RF of 2.83 ± 0.28 W m−2 in year 2010 relative to 1750. The two main aerosol components contributing to the direct aerosol effect are black carbon and sulphate, but their contributions are of opposite sign. The total direct aerosol effect was −0.48 ± 0.14 W m−2 in year 2010. Since pre-industrial times the RF of LLGHGs has been offset by the direct and indirect aerosol effects, especially in the second half of the 20th century, which possibly lead to a decrease in the total anthropogenic RF in the middle of the century. We find a total anthropogenic RF in year 2010 of 1.4 W m−2. However, the uncertainties in the negative RF from aerosols are large, especially for the cloud lifetime effect.
Ground-based water vapor Raman lidar measurements up to the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere – Part 2: Data analysis and calibration for long-term monitoring
Authors: Leblanc T. , McDermid I. S. , Walsh T. D.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. The well-recognized, key role of water vapor in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere (UT/LS) and the scarcity of high-quality, long-term measurements triggered the development by JPL of a powerful Raman lidar to try to meet these needs. This development started in 2005 and was endorsed by the Network for the Detection of Atmospheric Composition Change (NDACC) and the validation program for the EOS-Aura satellite. In this paper we review all the stages of the instrument data acquisition, data analysis, profile retrieval and calibration procedures, as well as selected results from the recent validation campaign MOHAVE-2009 (Measurements of Humidity in the Atmosphere and Validation Experiments). The stages in the instrumental development and the conclusions from three validation campaigns (including MOHAVE-2009) are presented in details in a companion paper (McDermid et al., 2011). In its current configuration, the lidar demonstrated capability to measure water vapor profiles from ~1 km above the ground to the lower stratosphere with an estimated accuracy of 5 %. Since 2005, nearly 1000 profiles have been routinely measured with a precision of 10 % or better near 13 km. Since 2009, the profiles have typically reached 14 km for 1 h integration times and 1.5 km vertical resolution, and can reach 21 km for 6-h integration times using degraded vertical resolutions.
Recommendations for Diagnosis and Management of Osteoporosis in COPD Men
Authors: Mazokopakis Elias E. , Starakis Ioannis K.
Published: August 2011

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are at increased risk for osteoporosis and fractures because of lifestyle factors, systemic effects of the disease, side effects of treatment, and comorbidities. The initial evaluation of COPD men for osteoporosis must include a detailed medical history and physical examination, assessment of COPD severity, and additional tests, as suggested by results of clinical evaluation. Osteoporosis is diagnosed on the basis of bone mineral density (BMD) measurement with DEXA of the lumbar spine and hip, but fracture risk assessments tools, as FRAX, could be used as useful supplements to BMD assessments for therapeutics interventions. The prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in COPD involves nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic measures, as lifestyle measures and nutritional recommendations, management of COPD treatment (based on the use of limited corticosteroids doses), and drug therapy (bisphosphonates, teriparatide). In this paper, the current recommendations for diagnosis and management of osteoporosis in COPD men, based on recent medical bibliography, are presented and discussed.
On‐Water Vinylogous Mukaiyama–Michael Addition of Heterocyclic 2‐Silyloxydienes to 1,2‐Diaza‐1,3‐dienes: One‐Pot Three‐Step Entry to Functionality‐Rich Pyrroles
Authors: Battistini Lucia , Dell'Amico Luca , Sartori Andrea , Curti Claudio , Pelosi Giorgio , Casiraghi Giovanni , Attanasi Orazio A. , Favi Gianfranco , Zanardi Franca
Published: August 2011

Densely substituted pyrrole‐carboxylates have been prepared in good yields in a highly practical one‐pot three‐step procedure. The key reaction of this process, which involves an uninterrupted sequence of reactions on‐water, is a diastereoselective vinylogous Mukaiyama–Michael addition reaction (VMMcR) of heterocyclic 2‐silyloxydienes to 1,2‐diaza‐1,3‐dienes mediated by water itself. Subsequent in situ addition of catalytic aqueous sodium carbonate promotes an intramolecular aza‐Michael addition with final ring‐opening and aromatization. The superior use of water in the VMMcR as both reaction medium and promoter vis‐à‐vis deployment of conventional Lewis acids in organic solvents is highlighted, which provides the best results in terms of reaction rate, efficiency, stereoselectivity, and overall practicality.
Pierpont syndrome: A collaborative study
Authors: Wright Emma M.M. Burkitt , Suri Mohnish , White Susan M. , de Leeuw Nicole , Silfhout Anneke T. Vulto‐van , Stewart Fiona , McKee Shane , Mansour Sahar , Connell Fiona C , Chopra Maya , Kirk Edwin P. , Devriendt Koen , Reardon Willie , Brunner Han , Donnai Dian
Published: August 2011

Pierpont syndrome is a multiple congenital anomaly syndrome with learning disability first described in 1998. There are only three patients with Pierpont syndrome who have previously been published in the literature. Details of a series of patients with features of this condition were therefore obtained retrospectively to better characterize its key features. These patients were noted to have distinctive shared facial characteristics, in addition to plantar fat pads and other limb abnormalities. Further individuals with equally striking hand and foot findings were identified whose facies were less characteristic, and hence we considered them unlikely to be affected with the same condition. Despite several patients with possible Pierpont syndrome having had high‐resolution array CGH or SNP array, the etiology of this phenotype remains unknown. Whilst it is as yet unclear whether it is a single entity, there appears to be a group of patients in whom Pierpont syndrome may be a recognizable condition, with typical facies, particularly when smiling, and characteristic hand and foot findings. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Direct patterning of polysilanes and polygermanes using interference lithography
Authors: Yang Yun , Lu Cheng , Dias Eva A. , Lipson Robert H. , Baines Kim M.
Published: August 2011

The direct patterning of poly(p‐methoxyphenylmethylsilane) (PMPMS) and poly(p‐methoxyphenylmethylgermane) (PMPMG) by interference lithography is reported. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polyacrylonitrile fiber mat‐supported palladium catalyst for Mizoroki–Heck reaction in aqueous solution
Authors: Shao Linjun , Liu Jie , Ye Yuhang , Zhang Xian‐Man , Qi Chenze
Published: August 2011

A novel palladium catalyst immobilized on polyacrylonitrile fiber mats (Pd/PAN) was prepared by electrospinning. The catalytic activity and recyclability of the microwave‐assisted Pd/PAN fiber mats were examined for the Mizoroki–Heck cross‐coupling of aryl iodides with three different acrylates in aqueous solution. The morphology of the prepared Pd/PAN fiber mats was characterized by scanning electron microscopy. The large size of the PAN fiber mat‐supported palladium catalyst enables much easier separation from the reaction mixture by simple filtration. Density functional theory calculation indicates that the chelation energy of palladium chloride (PdCl2) with propionitrile (model of PAN) is considerable smaller than that of PdCl2 with water, suggesting that the stability and reactivity of the Pd/PAN fiber mats catalyst could be improved through the surface derivatization with polar functional groups. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sensitivity to the physical and chemical structure of hard‐segment‐reinforced polyurethane elastomers with variable percentage of hydrogen bonding
Authors: Prisacariu C. , Scortanu E.
Published: August 2011

A series of segmented polyurethane elastomers was achieved with similar structures but with various percentages of hydrogen bonding. The effect of the hard segment (crystallizing or not) was followed by the inclusion of a conventional rigid diisocyanate, 4,4′‐diphenyl methane diisocyanate, and an isocyanate with a large conformational mobility, 4,4′‐dibenzyl diisocyanate. Hydrogen substitution was carried out with the following procedures: (1) the substitution of hydrogen bonding by direct exchange with deuterium of liquid D2O, (2) deuteration by synthesis with deuterated chain extenders (CEs) or deuterated macrodiols (MDs), and (3) hydrogen substitution with inert CH3 groups. The stress–strain data and hysteresis in uniaxial tension indicated a dramatic softening and weakening when the hydrogen of the urethane groups was replaced by inert CH3 groups, which were incapable of undergoing intermolecular interactions. This was in contrast with the observations made on the materials synthesized with deuterated CEs, where the elastomeric behavior of the materials was observed to improve. For the materials obtained with deuterated MDs, significant modifications in the mechanical response were not observed relative to the analogous normal materials. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Electrospinning of drug‐loaded polymer systems: Preparation and drug release
Authors: Russo G. , Lamberti G.
Published: August 2011

In this study, biomedical devices for tissue regeneration loaded with anti‐inflammatory drugs were formulated and characterized. We realized these systems by homogenously dispersing an interclay, a lamellar hydrotalcite loaded with diclofenac sodium (HTlc‐DIC), in a polymeric matrix made of poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) to produce a controlled release of the drug. These biomedical devices were obtained with the electrospinning technique, which has proven to be very efficient. In particular, in this study, microfibers loaded with HTlc‐DIC were obtained, and the drug delivery of diclofenac sodium from these systems was studied and compared with the release from biomedical devices loaded with the free drug. We analyzed these results by evaluating the diffusivity coefficient by means of the pure diffusive mathematical model. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
A basic approach toward the development of nanocomposite magnetic scaffolds for advanced bone tissue engineering
Authors: De Santis R. , Gloria A. , Russo T. , D'Amora U. , Zeppetelli S. , Dionigi C. , Sytcheva A. , Herrmannsdörfer T. , Dediu V. , Ambrosio L.
Published: August 2011

Magnetic scaffolds for bone tissue engineering based on a poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) matrix and iron oxide (Fe3O4) magnetic nanoparticles were designed and developed through a three‐dimensional (3D) fiber‐deposition technique. PCL/Fe3O4 scaffolds were characterized by a 90/10 w/w composition. Tensile and magnetic measurements were carried out, and nondestructive 3D imaging was performed through microcomputed tomography (Micro‐CT). Furthermore, confocal analysis was undertaken to investigate human mesenchymal stem cell adhesion and spreading on the PCL/Fe3O4 nanocomposite fibers. The results suggest that nanoparticles mechanically reinforced the PCL matrix; the elastic modulus and the maximum stress increased about 10 and 30%, respectively. However, the maximum strain decreased about 50%; this suggested an enhanced brittleness. Magnetic results evidenced a superparamagnetic behavior for these nanocomposite scaffolds. Micro‐CT suggested an almost uniform distribution of nanoparticles. Confocal analysis highlighted interesting results in terms of cell adhesion and spreading. All of these results show that a magnetic feature could be incorporated into a polymeric matrix that could be processed to manufacture scaffolds for advanced bone tissue engineering and, thus, provide new opportunity in terms of scaffold fixation and functionalization. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Tissue factor–thrombin signaling enhances the fibrotic activity of myofibroblasts in systemic sclerosis through up‐regulation of endothelin receptor A
Authors: Chrysanthopoulou Akrivi , Mitroulis Ioannis , Kambas Konstantinos , Skendros Panagiotis , Kourtzelis Ioannis , Vradelis Stergios , Kolios George , Aslanidis Spyros , Doumas Michael , Ritis Konstantinos
Published: August 2011

Objective

The extrinsic coagulation cascade is involved in the fibrotic process, via thrombin‐dependent induction of CCN2 (connective tissue growth factor) expression. Given the previously reported activation of the coagulation system in systemic sclerosis (SSc), we undertook the present study to investigate the involvement of cross‐talk between the tissue factor (TF)–thrombin axis and endothelin 1 (ET‐1) signaling in the fibrotic activity of SSc.

Methods

Human colonic myofibroblasts (HCMFs) from 6 patients with SSc and gastrointestinal symptoms and from 6 control subjects were isolated and cultured under various conditions. Messenger RNA and protein levels of TF, CCN2, and endothelin receptor A (ETA) were investigated. Collagen production and migratory activity of HCMFs were further assessed.

Results

HCMFs from SSc patients demonstrated increased basal CCN2 production, collagen deposition, and migration rate, in a thrombin‐dependent manner. Increased TF expression was also observed in SSc HCMFs. Subsequent activation of the extrinsic coagulation system resulted in thrombin‐dependent enhancement of ETA expression. ETA overexpression led to further increases in both TF expression and fibrotic activity in HCMFs. Moreover, inhibition of ET‐1 signaling by bosentan abolished the TF‐mediated fibrotic capacity of HCMFs.

Conclusion

Tissue factor–thrombin signaling is involved in the increased fibrotic activity of HCMFs from patients with SSc. Moreover, the up‐regulation of ETA expression by thrombin and the effect of ET‐1 in the induction of TF expression indicate an amplification loop for enhanced collagen deposition. Therapeutic interventions targeting the extrinsic coagulation system or ET‐1 signaling may provide clinical benefit by breaking this vicious circle.
Model‐based rational strategy for chromatographic resin selection
Authors: Nfor Beckley K. , Zuluaga Diego S. , Verheijen Peter J. T. , Verhaert Peter D. E. M. , van der Wielen Luuk A. M. , Ottens and Marcel
Published: August 2011

A model‐based rational strategy for the selection of chromatographic resins is presented. The main question being addressed is that of selecting the most optimal chromatographic resin from a few promising alternatives. The methodology starts with chromatographic modeling, parameters acquisition, and model validation, followed by model‐based optimization of the chromatographic separation for the resins of interest. Finally, the resins are rationally evaluated based on their optimized operating conditions and performance metrics such as product purity, yield, concentration, throughput, productivity, and cost. Resin evaluation proceeds by two main approaches. In the first approach, Pareto frontiers from multiobjective optimization of conflicting objectives are overlaid for different resins, enabling direct visualization and comparison of resin performances based on the feasible solution space. The second approach involves the transformation of the resin performances into weighted resin scores, enabling the simultaneous consideration of multiple performance metrics and the setting of priorities. The proposed model‐based resin selection strategy was illustrated by evaluating three mixed mode adsorbents (ADH, PPA, and HEA) for the separation of a ternary mixture of bovine serum albumin, ovalbumin, and amyloglucosidase. In order of decreasing weighted resin score or performance, the top three resins for this separation were ADH > PPA > HEA. The proposed model‐based approach could be a suitable alternative to column scouting during process development, the main strengths being that minimal experimentation is required and resins are evaluated under their ideal working conditions, enabling a fair comparison. This work also demonstrates the application of column modeling and optimization to mixed mode chromatography. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2011
CO2 Subsequent Chemistry: Direct Synthesis of Dimethyl Carbonate by Carboxylation of Methanol with Cerium‐based Mixed Oxides
Authors: Hofmann Heiko Jürgen , Brandner Armin , Claus Peter
Published: August 2011

In der vorliegenden Arbeit wird die Synthese von Cer‐basierten Mischoxiden über eine Oxalat‐Gel‐Methode und deren Eignung in der Katalyse der Carboxylierung von Methanol mit CO2 beschrieben. Die Beurteilung der Aktivität erfolgt in flüssiger Phase. Am Beispiel von Ceroxid wird der Einfluss des Drucks, der Temperatur und der Zusammensetzung des Eduktgemisches in der Gas‐ und Flüssigphase untersucht. Die Lage des Gleichgewichtes sowie die strukturellen Eigenschaften der Katalysatoren, charakterisiert durch Röntgenbeugung, FTIR‐ und UV/VIS‐Spektroskopie sowie Physisorption, werden diskutiert.
NK cells can generate from precursors in the adult human liver
Authors: Moroso Viviana , Famili Farbod , Papazian Natalie , Cupedo Tom , van der Laan Luc J. W. , Kazemier Geert , Metselaar Herold J. , Kwekkeboom Jaap
Published: August 2011

Hepatic NK cells constitute ∼40% of hepatic lymphocytes and are phenotypically and functionally distinct from blood NK cells. Whether hepatic NK cells derive from precursors in the BM or develop locally from hepatic progenitors is still unknown. Here, we identify all five known sequential stages of NK‐cell development in the adult human liver and demonstrate that CD34+ hepatic progenitors can generate functional NK cells. While early NK‐cell precursors (NKPs) were similar in liver and blood, hepatic stage 3 NKPs displayed immunophenotypical differences, suggesting the onset of a liver‐specific NK‐cell development. Hepatic stage 3 NKPs were RORCneg and did not produce IL‐17 or IL‐22, excluding them from the lymphoid tissue‐inducer (LTi) subset. In vitro culture of hepatic NKPs gave rise to functional NK cells exhibiting strong cytotoxicity against K562 targets. To determine whether hepatic NKPs are stably residing in the liver, we analyzed donor and recipient‐derived cells in transplanted livers. Shortly after liver transplantation all donor NKPs in liver grafts were replaced by recipient‐derived ones, indicating that hepatic NKPs are recruited from the bloodstream. Together, our results show that NKPs are continuously recruited from peripheral blood into the liver and can potentially differentiate into liver‐specific NK cells.
Syntheses, Structure, Physical Properties, and Electronic Structures of DyCuxAl12–x (4.0 ≤ x ≤ 6.0)
Authors: Lin Hua , Cai Wei‐Zhao , Shi Yong‐Fang , Chen Ling
Published: August 2011

The title phases are synthesized from an elemental mixture by high temperature solid‐state reactions and the single‐crystal structure refinement of DyCu5.51(4)Al6.49(4) reveals its ThMn12‐type structure. The structure can be viewed as a 3D condensed network of Dy‐centered, 20 vertex [Al4Cu8M8] polyhedra, in which Cu/Al disorder has been observed on the M site (8j). A homogeneous range of DyCuxAl12–x (4.0 ≤ x ≤ 6.0) has been observed. The metallic electrical conductivities of DyCuxAl12–x decrease as x increases following the decreasing trend of the densities of states at the Fermi level based on tight‐bonding linear muffin‐tin orbital (TB‐LMTO) calculations.
Positive fantasies predict low academic achievement in disadvantaged students
Authors: Kappes Heather Barry , Oettingen Gabriele , Mayer Doris
Published: August 2011

Unlike other forms of positive thinking (e.g., expectations), research finds that positive fantasies (experiencing one's thoughts and mental images about the future positively) predict low effort and little success in several domains. However, for vocational education students of low socioeconomic status and minority ethnicity, for whom the present environment is especially difficult, perhaps it would be appropriate to indulge in positive fantasies that depict the future as bright and easily attained. Three studies show that this is not the case. Positive future fantasies measured early in the program predicted more days absent (Studies 2–3) and lower grades at the end of the program (Studies 1–3), even when adjusting for initial academic competence, expectations of successful achievement, and self‐discipline. Expectations of successful achievement predicted fewer days absent and higher grades only when measured midway through the school year, once participants had experience with their own academic standing (Study 3). Results indicate that positive fantasies, which allow people to indulge in images of a bright future, predict poor achievement even in vocational students immersed in a particularly difficult environment. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tumor suppressor protein kinase Chk2 is a mediator of anoikis of intestinal epithelial cells
Authors: Yoo Byong Hoon , Berezkin Alexander , Wang Yanfei , Zagryazhskaya Anna , Rosen Kirill V.
Published: August 2011

Resistance of carcinoma cells to anoikis, apoptosis that is normally induced by detachment of nonmalignant epithelial cells from the extracellular matrix, is thought to be critical for carcinoma progression. Molecular mechanisms that control anoikis of nonmalignant and cancer cells are understood poorly. In an effort to understand them we found that detachment of nonmalignant intestinal epithelial cells triggers upregulation of Chk2, a pro‐apoptotic protein kinase that has never been implicated in anoikis and has been thought to kill cells mainly under the conditions compromising genome integrity. We found that enforced downregulation of Chk2 protects intestinal epithelial cells from anoikis. Chk2 can kill cells by stabilizing p53 tumor suppressor protein or via p53‐independent mechanisms, and we established that Chk2‐mediated anoikis of intestinal epithelial cells is p53‐independent. We further found that, unlike nonmalignant intestinal epithelial cells whose anoikis is triggered by detachment‐induced Chk2 upregulation, intestinal epithelial cells carrying oncogenic ras, a known inhibitor of anoikis, remain anoikis‐resistant in response to enforced Chk2 upregulation. By contrast, drugs, such as topoisomerase I inhibitors, that can kill cells via Chk2‐indpendent mechanisms, efficiently triggered anoikis of ras‐transformed cells. Thus, oncogenic ras can prevent Chk2 from triggering anoikis even when levels of this protein kinase are elevated in cancer cells, and the use of therapeutic agents that kill cells in a Chk‐2‐independent, rather than Chk‐2‐dependent, manner could represent an efficient strategy for overcoming ras‐induced anoikis resistance of these cells. We conclude that Chk‐2 is an important novel component of anoikis‐promoting machinery of intestinal epithelial cells.
Therapeutic apheresis in critically ill patients
Authors: Sanford Kimberly W. , Balogun Rasheed A.
Published: August 2011

Therapeutic apheresis procedures in critically ill patients comprises of therapeutic plasma exchange in most cases but also less commonly, erythrocytapheresis (red cell exchange), thrombocytapheresis, or leukocytapheresis. These procedures present a number of challenges to the apheresis healthcare team, and there are myriad beneficial and adverse effects for patients. In this patient population, one has to weigh the risks against the benefits and especially in those situations where apheresis is requested as a treatment when other alternative therapies have failed. Therapeutic plasma exchange is capable of removing toxins, pathologic auto‐ and allo‐antibodies but will also remove beneficial medications, clotting factors and cations which are chelated by citrate anticoagulant. Herein, we review clinically significant issues that are commonly encountered in patients that are in the intensive care unit and have conditions that require therapeutic apheresis. J. Clin. Apheresis 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Digestive flexibility during fasting in the characid fishHyphessobrycon luetkenii
Authors: Gaucher Lucia , Vidal Nicolás , D'Anatro, Alejandro , Naya Daniel E.
Published: August 2011

Digestive flexibility is a widespread phenomenon among animals, and the congruence between empirical data and optimal digestion models strongly supports the idea that it has evolved by natural selection. However, current understanding of the evolution of this amazing flexibility is far from being comprehensive. Evidence from vertebrate tetrapods suggests that there are two major mechanisms for intestinal down‐regulation during fasting periods: a decrease in the number of enterocytes in the mucosal epithelium in endothermic species, and a transitional epithelium in concert with a marked hypotrophy of enterocytes in ectothermic species. Here, we analyze the intestinal changes, at the morphological and histological levels, occurring after 9 and 16 days of fasting in a small characid fish species (Hyphessobrycon luetkenii). We found that short‐term fasting was correlated with a marked down‐regulation of gut size (i.e., caeca and intestine dry mass fall to a 42.3%, while intestinal length was reduced to a 73.9% of the feeding values) and that these changes were accompanied by a shift in intestinal epithelial organization from a simple columnar to pseudostratified one. This result, in conjunction with data on changes in enterocyte turnover rates during fasting in other fish species, suggests that gut regulation at both levels, cell renewal rate and epithelia configuration, is the basal condition to all tetrapods. More data, especially in some key taxonomic groups (e.g., fish that follow an endothermic strategy), will be needed in order to reach a clear understanding of digestive flexibility evolution. J. Morphol., 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Spectral characterization of squeaking in ceramic‐on‐ceramic total hip arthroplasty: Comparison of in vitro and in vivo values
Authors: Sariali Elhadi , Jin Zhongmin , Stewart Todd , Fisher John
Published: August 2011

Squeaking is a cause for concern in total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, the definition of this sound remains vague. Our goals were to characterize spectrally the squeaking in vitro under lubricated conditions and to compare the in vitro frequencies to in vivo frequencies. Four patients, who presented with a squeaking after ceramic‐on‐ceramic THA were investigated. In addition, 3 alumina ceramic 32 mm diameter components were tested in vitro under edge loading conditions using a friction simulator. Tests were conducted under lubricated conditions without and with the addition of a third body alumina particle. In vitro, no squeaking occurred under edge loading conditions. However, with the addition of a third body particle in the contact region, squeaking was obtained; the dominant frequency was 2.6 kHz. In vivo, the main recorded sound frequencies were: 2.3, 2.24, and 2.46 kHz for squeakers during walking and 1.45 kHz for a squeaker rising from a bent position. The in vivo recordings had a dominant frequency similar to, but slightly lower than, the in vitro values. Two types of squeaking were found in vivo and characterized spectrally. The rising squeaker had intermittent squeaking corresponding to a lower fundamental frequency compared to the walking squeakers. This finding suggests two different mechanism of squeaking. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:185–189, 2012
The interrelation of trabecular microstructural parameters of the greater tubercle measured for different species
Authors: Hölzer Andreas , Pietschmann Matthias F. , Rösl Christine , Hentschel Markus , Betz Oliver , Matsuura Maiko , Jansson Volkmar , Müller Peter E.
Published: August 2011

In the present study the trabecular microstructural parameters (bone volume fraction, trabecular thickness, trabecular separation, trabecular number, connectivity density, degree of anisotropy, and structure model index) of the greater tubercle of the humeral head were measured for human healthy, human osteopenic, ovine, bovine, and porcine bones using micro‐computed tomography. Except for trabecular thickness and degree of anisotropy the values of the trabecular microstructural parameters generally differed significantly between species. Thus, only the species for which the implant is designed should be used for in vitro mechanical tests on the stability of implants in trabecular bone. Multivariate regression analysis showed that the microstructural parameters have similar principal interrelations in all species. The most significant relations were found between trabecular thickness and bone volume fraction (median (over all species) p < 0.001), trabecular number and bone volume fraction (p = 0.001), the structural change from plates to rods and bone volume fraction (p < 0.001) as well as between connectivity density and trabecular number (p < 0.001). Trabecular thickness, trabecular number, and the structural change from plates to rods each contributed to the bone volume fraction approximately to the same extent. Based on the similar principal interrelations of the trabecular microstructural parameters found in all investigated species the design of trabecular microstructure in the greater tubercle follows similar phenomenological mechanisms in all species. Thus, in vivo experiments on trabecular bone healing and osteoporosis research for application in humans can be conducted in ovine, bovine, or porcine species. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:429–434, 2012
Proteome profile of the pipping muscle in broiler embryos
Authors: Sokale Adebayo , Peebles Edgar D. , Zhai Wei , Pendarvis Ken , Burgess Shane , Pechan Tibor
Published: August 2011

This study is the first proteomics analysis of the muscularis complexus (pipping muscle) in chicken (Gallus gallus) broiler embryos. We used differential detergent fractionation and nano‐HPLC‐MS/MS analysis to identify 676 proteins from all cellular components. The identified proteins were functionally classified in accordance with their involvement in various cellular activities.
Ranking support vector machine for multiple kernels output combination in protein–protein interaction extraction from biomedical literature
Authors: Yang Zhihao , Lin Yuan , Wu Jiajin , Tang Nan , Lin Hongfei , Li Yanpeng
Published: August 2011

Knowledge about protein–protein interactions (PPIs) unveils the molecular mechanisms of biological processes. However, the volume and content of published biomedical literature on protein interactions is expanding rapidly, making it increasingly difficult for interaction database curators to detect and curate protein interaction information manually. We present a multiple kernel learning‐based approach for automatic PPI extraction from biomedical literature. The approach combines the following kernels: feature‐based, tree, and graph and combines their output with Ranking support vector machine (SVM). Experimental evaluations show that the features in individual kernels are complementary and the kernel combined with Ranking SVM achieves better performance than those of the individual kernels, equal weight combination and optimal weight combination. Our approach can achieve state‐of‐the‐art performance with respect to the comparable evaluations, with 64.88%F‐score and 88.02% AUC on the AImed corpus.
Low‐voltage and high‐stability p‐type doped blue organic light‐emitting diodes with bilayer hole‐injection layers
Authors: Lu Lin , Yu Jianning , Long Li , Yu Fangfang , Zhang Jianhua , Zhang Hao , Wei Bin
Published: August 2011

We report low‐voltage and high‐stability blue organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) with a peak at 470 nm, which are composed of tetrafluorotetracyano‐quinodimethane (F4‐TCNQ) doped 4,4′4″‐Tris(N‐(2‐naphthyl)‐N‐phenyl‐amino)‐triphenylamine(2T‐NATA) and additional 2T‐NATA as a hole injection layer. Compared to undoped devices, the operating voltage of p‐type doped blue OLEDs can decrease by 1.5 V. Furthermore, the use of 2T‐NATA as a blocking layer to fluorine diffusion was found to improve device lifetime and chromatic stability greatly, the half‐luminance decay reached about 3800 h at the initial luminance of 3000 cd/m2. The role of the thickness of F4‐TCNQ doped 2T‐NATA has also been investigated.
Volatile fingerprints of artemisinin‐rich Artemisia annua cultivars by headspace solid‐phase microextraction gas chromatography/mass spectrometry
Authors: Reale Samantha , Fasciani Paolo , Pace Loretta , Angelis Francesco De , Marcozzi Giordana
Published: August 2011

The cultivar Anamed (A3) is a hybrid of Artemisia annua with a high content of the secondary metabolite artemisinin, a well‐known antimalarial drug. Here we report for the first time the volatile profile of fresh leaves of this hybrid in comparison with that of Artemisia annua L. wild‐type species. Evaluation and comparison of the volatile profiles of A. annua genotypes with different content in artemisinin were carried out by headspace solid‐phase microextraction (HS‐SPME) coupled with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) that was performed on fresh leaves of the plants under investigation using a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) fiber. The chromatograms obtained from hybrids with a high content of artemisinin (A. annua cv. Anamed A3 and A. annua cv. Artemis F2) reveal the total absence of artemisia ketone, one of the major and characteristic compounds of the wild‐type A. annua L., along with a significantly lower variety of volatile compounds. In conclusion, HS‐SPME coupled with GC/MS is a very useful, non‐destructive and efficient method to describe the volatile pattern of Artemisia annua cultivars. It represents a rapid screening method for the evaluation of volatile biomarkers like artemisia ketone, whose absence is typical of artemisinin‐rich A. annua cultivars. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Volkswirtschaftliche und raumordnungspolitische Aspekte der Widmungsabgabe nach dem Entwurf zur Novelle zum Tiroler Raumordnungsgesetz
Authors: Wieser Robert , Schönbäck Wilfried
Published: August 2011

a draft amendment of the tyrolean regional Planning Act set out in summer 2010 by the Tyrolean Gov- ernment, inter alia, scheduled a levy of 10% on land value uplifts as a consequence of rezoning. The revenues from the zoning levy should have gone to the tyrolean Land Fund, which essentially would have been encouraged to use the funds to buy additional land in order to support social house building in Tyrol. Actually, the draft was not adopted because of the strong resistance shown particularly by the municipalities. This paper deals with the econom- ic and regional planning policy aspects of the proposed schemes and measures. It examines land economic, hous- ing economic, institutional and distributional issues.
Nuclear Power Generation – Past, Present and Future
Authors: Walls John
Published: August 2011

In this paper we outline the origins of the nuclear power industry in the nuclear weapons programme of the Second World War, and chart the growth of the nuclear industry through the 1950s and 1960s, and its subsequent decline during the 1970s and 1980s as a result of increasing costs and economic crisis, coupled with high profile accidents at nuclear plants at Three Mile Island and Chernobyl. We then explore the claim that we are witnessing a “nuclear renaissance”, characterised by a growth in the construction of new nuclear plants in the West but particularly in Asia. Three main factors have led to arguments for nuclear energy gaining greater traction: concerns over climate change and the need to promote low carbon energy technologies; the need to enhance energy security; and the need to meet large increases in demand for electricity particularly in developing countries. We then outline six variables that have the potential to impose limits on any large scale expansion of nuclear energy. Finally we explore to what extent the March 2011 disaster at the Fukushima nuclear plant in Japan is likely to negatively impact the “nuclear renaissance”.
Nuclear Accidents
Authors: Smith J. T.
Published: August 2011

In the wake of the Fukushima accident, this chapter provides a summary and comparison of the four previous major accidents in the history of exploitation of nuclear power for military and civilian purposes: Windscale, Kyshtym, Three-Mile Island (TMI) and Chernobyl. The events leading to each accident, and their consequences to environmental and human health, are summarised. The earlier accidents at Windscale (UK) and Kyshtym (former Soviet Union) could be attributed in large part to the pressures to produce plutonium for atomic weapons programmes during the early years of the Cold War. This led to nuclear facilities being built with insufficient emphasis on design safety and, in some cases, lack of full understanding of the processes involved. The latter accidents at TMI (USA) and Chernobyl (former Soviet Union) were also in part caused by design and equipment failures, but operator errors (caused by poor training, insufficient or unclear information and a failure in safety culture) made a key contribution. In terms of environmental and human health impacts, the Kyshtym and Chernobyl accidents were of much greater significance than those at Windscale and TMI. Both Kyshtym and Chernobyl caused mass permanent evacuation and significant long-term environmental contamination. As demonstrated at TMI, even where radiation doses to the public are very low, psychological and social consequences of nuclear accidents can be serious. Concerning impacts of nuclear accidents on ecosystem health, there is no clear evidence that even the Kyshtym and Chernobyl accidents have caused significant damage in the long term. However, studies of the effects of radiation damage in these contaminated environments have been confounded by the largely positive impact evacuation of the human population has had on the ecosystem.
Modeling stress retarded self-limiting oxidation of suspended silicon nanowires for the development of silicon nanowire-based nanodevices
Authors: Fazzini Pier-Francesco , Bonafos Caroline , Claverie Alain , Hubert Alexandre , Ernst Thomas , Respaud Marc
Published: August 2011

In this paper, we present a model for the oxidation of silicon nanowires (NWs) based on a modification of the cylindrical Deal and Grove equation and taking into account stress effects associated with non-uniform deformation of the oxide by viscous flow. The validity of this model has been tested on a set of experimental results describing the thermal oxidation of suspended silicon NWs. The NWs oxidation is examined upon different atmospheres (pure O2 and H2O) and at different thermal budgets by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy measurements. The good agreement between the experimental results and the simulations confirm the validity of the key model assumptions: the SiO2 flow can be approximated as purely viscous and the non-linear effects of shear stress on oxide viscosity [S. M. Hu, J. Appl. Phys. 64, 323 (1988)] can be neglected. In addition, the model gives some interesting insight about the physics of the oxidation process. In particular, we demonstrate that the compressive stress at the Si/SiO2 interfaces is the main parameter controlling the experimentally observed self-limitation of the oxidation rate for long oxidation times. Finally, it will be shown that thermal oxidation can be used to not only to decrease the core diameter and round off the nanostructures but also to reduce the size dispersion of a nanowire assembly and that our predictive model can be employed to optimize this process.