bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Porous Metal Bond Matrix with High Porosity and Large Pore Size Fabricated Using Pore-Forming Agent
Authors: Su Hong Hua , Fu Yu Can , Xu Jiu Hua , Ding Wen Feng , Xu Hong Jun
Published: September 2009

In order to improve the machining performance of the new type porous metal bond wheel, a new attempt were carried out for fabricating porous metal bond matrix with adjustable and high porosity as well as large pore size by use of pore-forming agent ammonium bicarbonate (NH4HCO3) and a vacuum loose powder sintering process. The porosity, bending strength and microstructure of the as-sintered porous metal bond matrix have been studied. The results show that the pore-forming agent NH4HCO3 with a certain amount can effectively increase porosity and pore size. The porosity of the fabricated porous metal bond matrix increases linearly with addition of ammonium bicarbonate and reaches as high as 67.7%, while the size of pores is larger than 300 μm. Meanwhile, the use of the raw materials were given and the sintering mechanism was discussed.
Theoretic Analysis and Simulation on Horizontal Spindle Barrel Finishing
Authors: Li Wen Hui , Yang Sheng Qiang , Yang Shi Chun , Chen Hong Ling
Published: September 2009

At present, crankshafts are finished mostly by abrasive cloth and manual steel brush, which is not ideal on finishing quality, efficiency, cost and cleanness degree. So a new process, horizontal spindle barrel finishing, is developed. By theoretic research and simulation, main factors for finishing effect and uniformity are analyzed. The research indicates that this process is very effective for crankshafts, and has also positive influence on efficiency and auto product line.
Grinding of Nanostructured WC Coatings with Single Fibrous-Abrasive Wheel
Authors: Zhang Gao Feng , Zhang Bi , Deng Zhao Hui , Tan Yuan Qiang
Published: September 2009

The random nature of the abrasive geometries and their distribution in a grinding wheel results in high specific grinding energy and temperature rise, large grinding forces and large deflection in the grinding system. To overcome the shortcomings encountered in grinding, it is necessary to design a new grinding wheel that is structured in controlled abrasive geometries with preferred spatial positioning and orientation. This paper deals with an experimental research of single fibrous-abrasive grinding of a nanostructured WC/12Co Coating. Prepared by the laser cutting of polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC), the single fibrous-abrasive has the dimensions of 0.3×0.6×10mm. The paper reports the research findings on normal and tangential grinding forces in terms of depth of cut and feed rate and discusses the material removal mechanism of nanostructured WC/12Co Coating ground by fibrous abrasive.
Study on Ultrasonic Grinding Method and Mechanism of the Engineering Ceramic Material
Authors: Su Hua Li , Liu Jun , Gai Quan Fang
Published: September 2009

It is one of the feasible methods to resolve the complex cavity processing by carrying on rotary ultrasonic grinding machining with the simple tools. On the basis of the theory processing engineering Ceramics, this paper designed the rotary ultrasonic grinding tools and analyzed the material removal mechanism by using rotary ultrasonic grinding NC engineering ceramics processing technology; and carried on a preliminary study to the rotary ultrasonic grinding processing mechanism.
Grinding Forces and Grinding Energy in High Speed Grinding for Quenched Steel
Authors: Feng Bao Fu , Su Hua Li , Zhang Quan Zhong , Zheng Lei , Gai Quan Fang , Cai Guang Qi
Published: September 2009

Grinding experiments for quenched high-speed tool steel by resin bonded CBN (cubic boron nitride) wheel were conducted with a surface grinder. The grinding forces were measured under different grinding parameters. The effects of grinding parameters on grinding forces and grinding force ratio are discussed. Specific grinding energy and heat flux over the grinding zone are computed according to grinding parameters and grinding forces. The effects of grinding parameters on specific grinding energy and heat flux are investigated.
Study on Subsurface Damage Model of the Ground Monocrystallinge Silicon Wafers
Authors: Zhang Yin Xia , Su Jian Xiu , Gao Wei , Kang Ren Ke
Published: September 2009

In order to better understand the grinding mechanism, the rough, semi-fine and fine ground silicon wafer subsurface damage models are experimentally investigated with the aid of advanced measurement methods. The results show that the rough ground wafer subsurface damage model is composed of large quantity of microcracks with complicated configurations, high density dislocations, stalk faults and elastic deformation layer. Among them microcracks, dislocations and stalk faults are dominant. Apart from the above damage, the amorphous layer and polycrystalline layer (Si-I, Si-III, Si-IV and Si-XII) exist in the semi-fine ground and fine ground wafer subsurface damage models. The amorphous layer depth firstly increases from rough grinding to semi-fine grinding and then decreases from semi-fine grinding to fine grinding. The damage model can be divided in severe damage part and elastic deformation part with high stress. When the material is removed by ductile mode two parts are all small and the ratio of second part is relatively great.
Belt Grinding of TC4 Based on the Technology of Cryogenic Mist Jet Combined MQL
Authors: Wang Yu Fu , Huang Yun , Huang Zhi , Yi Liang
Published: September 2009

To solve the problems of the reduces in belt life、low in metal removal rate and environmental pollution by using conventional grinding fluid, a new high efficiency and green cooling technology—— The Technology Of Liquid Nitrogen Cryogenic Wind Jet Combined MQL(LNCWJCM), It was used in belt grinding of TC4. The effect of LNCWJCM on grinding performance of TC4 was analyzed to compare with cold air 、liquid nitrogen and conventional flood cooling method. The experimental results indicate that LNCWJCM can improve metal removal rate and the life of belt, in addition , impacting on abrasive belt grinding from which the flow of liquid nitrogen, grinding temperature, the flow of oil droplets and other key parameters is studied.
Metabolic engineering of the anaerobic central metabolic pathway in Escherichia coli for the simultaneous anaerobic production of isoamyl acetate and succinic acid
Authors: Dittrich Cheryl R. , Bennett George N. , San Ka‐Yiu
Published: September 2009

An in vivo method of producing isoamyl acetate and succinate simultaneously has been developed in Escherichia coli to maximize yields of both high value compounds as well as maintain the proper redox balance between NADH and NAD+. Previous attempts at producing the ester isoamyl acetate anaerobically did not produce the compound in high concentrations because of competing pathways and the need for NAD+ regeneration. The objective of this study is to produce succinate as an example of a reduced coproduct to balance the ratio of NADH/NAD+ as a way of maximizing isoamyl acetate production. Because the volatility of the two compounds differs greatly, the two could be easily separated in an industrial setting. An ldhA, adhE double mutant strain (SBS110MG) served as the control strain to test the effect of an additional ackA‐pta mutation as found in SBS990MG. Both strains overexpressed the two heterologous genes pyruvate carboxylase and alcohol acetyltransferase (for ester production). The triple mutant SBS990MG was found to produce higher levels of both isoamyl acetate and succinate. At the optimal condition of 25°C, the culture produced 9.4 mM isoamyl acetate and 45.5 mM succinate. SBS990MG produced 36% more ester and over 700% more succinate than SBS110MG. In addition, this study demonstrated that a significantly higher isoamyl acetate concentration can be attained by simultaneously balancing the carbon and cofactor flow; the isoamyl acetate concentration of 9.4 mM is more than seven times higher than an earlier report of about 1.2 mM. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2009
A novel route for immobilization of proteins to silica particles incorporating silaffin domains
Authors: Nam Dong Hyun , Won Keehoon , Kim Yong Hwan , Sang Byung In
Published: September 2009

In the diatom Cylindrotheca fusiformis, modified peptides called silaffin polypeptides are responsible for silica deposition in vivo at ambient conditions. Recently, it was discovered that the synthetic R5 peptide, the repeat unit of silaffin polypeptide without post‐translational modification, was capable of precipitating silica in vitro and at ambient conditions. Herein, chimeric proteins were generated by incorporating synthetic silaffin R5 peptides and related unmodified silaffin domains (R1–R7) from Cylindrotheca fusiformis onto green fluorescent protein (GFP) by recombinant DNA technology and their ability to cause silicification was also examined. GFP chimeric proteins showed silicification at very low concentrations (600–700 μg/mL) when compared with adding excess amounts of R5 peptides (10 mg/mL) as previously reported. Sensitive to pH conditions, only the GFP‐R1 chimera showed silicification activity at pH 8.0. The protein immobilization efficiencies of these chimeras were unexpectedly high ranging from 75 to 85%, with the R1 silaffin‐protein construct showing excellent immobilization efficiency and a constant molar ratio of silica to protein ranging from 250 to 350 over a wide pH range. The average silica particle sizes had a tendency to decrease as pH increased to basic conditions. This study demonstrated the production of nanoscale immobilized protein, fabricated via silaffin‐fused proteins. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2009
Fluorene‐Based π‐Conjugated Oligomers for Efficient Three‐Photon Excited Photoluminescence and Lasing
Authors: Feng Xin Jiang , Wu Po Lam , Tam Hoi Lam , Li King Fai , Wong Man Shing , Cheah Kok Wai
Published: September 2009

A novel series of diphenylamino‐ and 1,2,4‐triazole‐end‐capped, fluorene‐based, π‐conjugated oligomers that includes extended oligofluorenes and oligothienylfluorenes has been synthesized by means of the palladium‐catalyzed Suzuki cross‐coupling of 9,9‐dibutyl‐7‐(diphenylamino)‐2‐fluorenylboronic acid and the corresponding 1,2,4,‐triazole‐based aryl halide as a key step. It was demonstrated that efficient two‐ and three‐photon excited photoluminescence and lasing in the blue region are obtained by pumping near‐infrared femtosecond lasers on these materials. Although the absorption and emission maxima of the highly fluorescent and extended oligofluorenes reach a saturation limit, there exists an effective conjugation length for an optimum three‐photon absorption cross section in the homologous oligofluorene series. On the other hand, the multiphoton excited emission spectrum and lasing wavelength can easily be modified or tuned by an incorporation of thienyl unit(s) into the fluorene‐based π‐conjugated core with which exceptionally large three‐photon absorption cross sections up to 3.59×10−77 cm6 s2 in the femtosecond regime have been obtained, thereby highlighting the potential of this series of photonic materials. The optimized full width at half‐maximum of the cavityless three‐photon upconverted blue lasing spectra are sharply narrowed to approximately 6 nm with an efficiency of up to 0.013 %.
Using a new diffusivity model to accelerate the drying of biopolymer films
Authors: Brennan William , Briens Lauren , Briens Cedric , Zanin John
Published: September 2009

A model was developed to study the drying rate of biopolymer films. The diffusivity of water in this biopolymer film is an exponential function of the water concentration. This creates a situation where simply increasing gas velocity can decrease the actual drying rate.

The model revealed that the main factor limiting the drying of the biopolymer film was a significant and rapid decrease in the diffusivity of water through the film as the film dried. To avoid this a pulsing scheme was proposed where the velocity of the drying gas would be varied during the experiment; this variation allowed for a compromise between a high overall drying rate and maintaining a high diffusivity within the film. It was found that the optimum combination of gas velocities was 0.8 and 0.6 m/s with a duration of 10 min at the high and low gas velocities.
Liquid‐particle surface properties on spouted bed coating and drying performance
Authors: Rocha S. C. S. , Donida M. W. , Marques A. M. M.
Published: September 2009

Polymeric coating has been applied to particles for several reasons, which goes from enhancing product esthetics to control the release of chemicals. Spouted beds are among the equipments widely used to coat particles. Its choice is justified by the cyclic movement of the particles in stable spouting resulting in product homogeneity and good solid–fluid contact with high heat and mass transfer rates. Also, the spouted bed with inert particles is an alternative to drying pastes due to its low cost and applicability to low scale production. This work presents results of coating and drying efficiencies for different systems that combine 04 different solids and 03 formulations of suspensions. Materials having different surface tension were chosen and suspensions with varying surface tensions were formulated, resulting in different wettabilities (quantified by contact angles measurements). The results show the direct influence of these properties on the coating and drying performances.
Evaluating resistance coefficients of straight‐through diaphragm control valves
Authors: Mbiya B. M. , Fester V. G. , Slatter P. T.
Published: September 2009

Despite the extensive use of straight‐through diaphragm valves in many diverse industrial applications, very few studies of frictional pressure loss for straight‐through diaphragm valves have been reported in the open literature. The few that are available are for fully opened valves based on the tacit assumption that different sized diaphragm valves are geometrically similar. In this study, the pressure drops across five straight‐through diaphragm valves were measured in four aperture positions. Resistance coefficients were determined by experimentally establishing pressure gradients upstream and downstream of the valves. The experiments were carried out using Newtonian and non‐Newtonian fluids over a wide range of Reynolds numbers with the emphasis on obtaining laminar flow data. The Hooper 2‐k correlation was corroborated and found to be valid at Reynolds numbers <10 for straight‐through diaphragm valves. At higher Reynolds numbers the resistance coefficient is shown to be dependent on the size and the opening of the valve. Three different approaches (domain separation, simple summation, and selective combination) using a two‐constant model to predict the experimental resistance coefficients were explored. Comparison of the correlations with experimental data and existing models has shown that the simple summation two‐constant model approach has substantial merit. Considering the complexities of accounting for the valve size, the valve opening position, the type of fluid over a Reynolds number range of 0.1–100 000, this model gives pipeline design engineers a simple, semi‐empirical correlation for the estimation of resistance coefficients of straight‐through diaphragm control valves.
Granular filtration for airborne particles: Correlation between experiments and models
Authors: Golshahi Laleh , Abedi Jalal , Tan Zhongchao
Published: September 2009

Granular filtration has been widely used for liquid filtration and hot gas filtration, but less is known for the filtration of airborne particles, especially the ultrafine ones, at the room conditions. A cylindrical packed bed was designed and tested for the filtration of particles in the range of about 10 nm to 15 µm in diameter at different configurations and kinetic conditions. Three sizes of uniform glass beads (2, 4, and 6 mm in diameter) were tested as the filtration media each at three media thicknesses (H = 2.5, 7.6, and 12.7 cm), and at two airflow rates (50 and 65 liters per minute). The filtration efficiencies were the lowest for particles between 0.1 and 1 µm in diameter. The particle filtration efficiency decreased with the increase in the granule size and the airflow rate, but a thicker bed corresponded to higher filtration efficiency. The experimental results showed much higher efficiency than existing models can predict, therefore, an empirical model using least square method is reported.
Bisubstrate Inhibitors of Protein Kinases: from Principle to Practical Applications
Authors: Lavogina Darja , Enkvist Erki , Uri Asko
Published: September 2009

Bisubstrate inhibitors consist of two conjugated fragments, each targeted to a different binding site of a bisubstrate enzyme. The design of bisubstrate inhibitors presupposes the formation of the ternary complex in the course of the catalyzed reaction. The principle advantage of bisubstrate inhibitors is their ability to generate more interactions with the target enzyme that could result in improved affinity and selectivity of the conjugates, when compared with single‐site inhibitors. Among phosphotransferases, the approach was first successfully used for adenylate kinase in 1973. Since then, several types of bisubstrate inhibitors have been developed for protein kinases, including conjugates of peptides with nucleotides, adenosine derivatives and potent ATP‐competitive inhibitors. Earlier bisubstrate inhibitors had pharmacokinetic qualities that were unsuitable for cellular experiments and hence were mostly used for in vitro studies. The recently constructed conjugates of adenosine derivatives and D‐arginine‐rich peptides (ARCs) possess high kinase affinity, high biological and chemical stability and good cell plasma membrane penetrative properties that enable their application in the regulation of cellular protein phosphorylation balances in cell and tissue experiments.
Host–Guest Chemistry in the Hexanuclear (Arene)ruthenium Metalla‐Prismatic Cage [Ru6(p‐cymene)6(tpt)2(dhnq)3]6+
Authors: Barry Nicolas P. E. , Therrien Bruno
Published: September 2009

A large cationic triangular metalla‐prism, [Ru6(p‐cymene)6(tpt)2(dhnq)3]6+ ([1]6+), incorporating (p‐cymene)ruthenium building blocks, bridged by 5,8‐dihydroxy‐1,4‐naphthoquinonato (dhnq) ligands, and connected by two 2,4,6‐tri(pyridin‐4‐yl)‐1,3,5‐triazine (tpt) subunits, allows encapsulation of various guest molecules. This cationic cage, isolated as its triflate salt, possesses a portal size smaller than its cavity, thus allowing both, permanent and temporary encapsulation of guest molecules. The host–guest properties of [1]6+ have been studied in solution in the presence of planar molecules [phenanthrene, pyrene, (pyren‐1‐ylmethyl)amine, Pt(acac)2, triphenylene]. The stability constant of association (Ka) was estimated by NMR spectroscopy for the following host–guest systems: [pyrene1]6+, [phenanthrene1]6+ and [(pyren‐1‐ylmethyl)amine1]6+. All Ka values were found to be larger than 2.4 × 104 M–1 for these host–guest systems ([D3]acetonitrile, 21 °C). The other two synthesised complexes, [Pt(acac)21]6+ and [triphenylene1]6+, were shown to act as carceplexes only.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Aromatic and Benzylic C–H Bond Functionalization Upon Reaction between Nitriles and Perfluoroalkyl Sulfoxides
Authors: Macé Yohan , Urban Céline , Pradet Charlotte , Blazejewski Jean‐Claude , Magnier Emmanuel
Published: September 2009

We studied the thermal behavior of some intermediates formed by reaction of nitriles with perfluoroalkyl sulfoxides upon trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride activation. Bistriflate ketal 3, precursor of sulfilimine 1, may undergo a rearrangement to sulfanyl nitrile 5 after triflic acid elimination under thermal conditions. With p‐tolyl trifluoromethyl sulfoxide, remote triflic acid elimination from intermediate 4 leads to benzamide 8 formation. These reactions involve, respectively, selective functionalization of the aromatic ortho C–H bond or the benzylic C–H bond para to the sulfoxide group. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Three New Pregnane Glycosides from Marsdenia tinctoria
Authors: Gao Zhu‐Lin , He Hong‐Ping , Di Ying‐Tong , Fang Xin , Li Chun‐Shun , Zhang Qiang , Zhao Pei‐Ji , Li Shun‐Lin , Hao Xiao‐Jiang
Published: September 2009

Three new pregnane glycosides, tinctorosides A–C (1–3, resp.), together with one known pregnane glycoside, stephanoside B (4), were isolated from the stems of Marsdenia tinctoria R. Br. (Asclepiadaceae). Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectral methods, especially 2D‐NMR experiments (1H,1H‐COSY, HSQC, HMBC, TOCSY, HSQC‐TOCSY, and ROESY), and chemical evidence.
Development of temperature‐change sensor by thermoelectric elements and its response evaluation on dropping into water
Authors: Tanaka Katsuyuki , Yasuno Takuya , Higashi Yukihiro , Okuzaki Shunichi , Katakura Tatsuo
Published: September 2009

A temperature‐change sensor by thermoelectric elements that is directly connected to a p‐type element and an n‐type element was developed. A β‐FeSi2 thermoelectric semiconductor made by a spark plasma sintering method was used as a prototype sensor. Evaluation of this thermoelectric temperature‐change sensor was carried out by measuring its electromotive force when it was dropped into a thermostated water bath. It was confirmed that there existed a correlation between the temperature difference and the electromotive force of the sensor, i.e., approximately 5 mV of electromotive force was generated at a temperature difference of 30 K. In addition, the dependence of electromotive force on the size and properties of the thermoelectric elements was evaluated by carrying out FEM analysis. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.20268
Comparison of the influence of thyroglobulin antibodies on serum thyroglobulin values from two different immunoassays in post surgical differentiated thyroid carcinoma patients
Authors: Stanojevic Marijana , Savin Svetlana , Cvejic Dubravka , Djukic Aleksandar , Jeremic Marija , Zivancević Simonovic Snezana
Published: September 2009

Measurement of serum thyroglobulin (Tg) is a highly specific test in the management of patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) after surgical treatment. The aim of our study was to evaluate and compare Tg levels in these patients found by radioimmunoassay (RIA) and immunoradiometric assay (IRMA) and to assess the influence of Tg antibodies (TgAbs) on the values obtained for Tg concentration. Both Tg and TgAb were determined postoperatively in the serum of 71 DTC patients using RIA Tg‐PEG (INEP) and Tg IRMA (CIS) for Tg, together with TgAb (CIS) for circulating endogenous anti‐TgAbs. The obtained concentrations were evaluated statistically. We found a significant difference of Tg concentrations between paired samples from the IRMA and RIA, although the intermethod comparison yielded satisfactory concordance of the twoassays (Spearman correlation coefficient −0.792). Positive TgAb was found in 28.2% of the serum samples analyzed. Spearman rank correlation analysis revealed a significant negative relationship between serum TgAb and Tg level measured by IRMA (P=0.02), but not by RIA (P=0.417). On the other hand, our clinical data revealed that 1/18 and 3/18 patients with proven lymph node metastasis had Tg values below the detection limit by RIA and IRMA assay, respectively. Their sera were TgAb positive. We concluded that RIA was less prone to influence of TgAb than IRMA. As the presence of TgAbs may interfere in Tg measurement irrespective of the method selected for determination, this should be considered during the clinical management of these patients. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 23:341–346, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluation of twenty rapid antigen tests for the detection of human influenza A H5N1, H3N2, H1N1, and B viruses
Authors: Taylor Janette , McPhie Kenneth , Druce Julian , Birch Chris , Dwyer Dominic E.
Published: September 2009

Twenty rapid antigen assays were compared for their ability to detect influenza using dilutions of virus culture supernatants from human isolates of influenza A H5N1 (clade 1 and 2 strains), H3N2 and H1N1 viruses, and influenza B. There was variation amongst the rapid antigen assays in their ability to detect different influenza viruses. Six of the 12 assays labeled as distinguishing between influenza A and B had comparable analytical sensitivities for detecting both influenza A H5N1 strains, although their ability to detect influenza A H3N2 and H1N1 strains varied. The two assays claiming H5 specificity did not detect either influenza A H5N1 strains, and the two avian influenza‐specific assays detected influenza A H5N1, but missed some influenza A H3N2 virus supernatants. Clinical trials of rapid antigen tests for influenza A H5N1 are limited. For use in a pandemic where novel influenza strains are circulating (such as the current novel influenza A H1N1 09 virus), rapid antigen tests should ideally have comparable sensitivity and specificity for the new strains as for co‐circulating seasonal influenza strains. J. Med. Virol. 81:1918–1922, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bacteremia in febrile nonneutropenic pediatric oncology patients
Authors: Kelly Michael J. , Vivier Patrick M. , Panken Tali M. , Schwartz Cindy L.
Published: September 2009

Background

We sought to determine the risk of bacteremia in a cohort of outpatient febrile nonneutropenic pediatric oncology patients and to assess clinical characteristics that may influence decisions regarding empiric antibiotic therapy.

Procedure

A single institution retrospective cohort study was performed of outpatient pediatric oncology patients presenting with fever, a central venous catheter, and an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) of ≥500/µl over a 6‐year period. We also collected data regarding the presence of clinically evident infections, antibiotics prescribed, and the sensitivity of bacteria to specific antibiotics.

Results

There were 29 cases of bacteremia in 459 (6.3%) febrile outpatient visits by 167 patients. Bacteremia was documented in 4.4% of patients with ports and in 16.2% of patients with external catheters. Patients with external catheters had a relative risk of bacteremia of 3.7 (95% CI: 1.8–7.4) times the risk of those with internal catheters (P < 0.0001). A documented source for fever on exam was noted in 21% of patients but in none of the patients with bacteremia (P = 0.004). Empiric treatment with ceftriaxone was administered to 92% of the patients. Of the high‐risk bacteremic infections (Gram‐negative organisms, Streptococcus pneumoniae, viridans group streptococcus, and Staphylococcus aureus) 94% had at least an intermediate sensitivity to ceftriaxone.

Conclusions

Bacteremia is an important issue in febrile nonneutropenic pediatric oncology patients occurring in 6% of the patient visits in this study. The overall sensitivity of high‐risk bacteremia to ceftriaxone provides justification for its empiric use in outpatient febrile nonneutropenic pediatric oncology patients. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010; 54:83–87. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pharmacogenomic variations in treatment protocols for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Yang Yung‐Li , Lin Dong‐Tsamn , Chang Sheng‐Kai , Lin Shu‐Rung , Lin Shu‐Wha , Chiou Rong‐Jing , Yen Ching‐Tzu , Lin Kai‐Hsin , Jou Shiann‐Tarng , Lu Meng‐Yao , Chang Hsiu‐Hao , Chang Wan‐Hui , Lin Kuo‐Sin , Hu Chung‐Yi
Published: September 2009

Objectives

This retrospective study evaluates the role of pharmacogenomic determinants in the treatment of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in the Taiwanese population.

Methods

A total of 105 childhood ALL patients received combined chemotherapy of different intensities based on risk‐directed Taiwan Pediatric Oncology Group (TPOG)‐ALL‐93 protocols. Seventeen genetic polymorphisms in 13 pharmacogenomic targets were analyzed by PCR‐based restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and sequence‐specific oligonucleotide (SSO) probe hybridization. Pharmacogenomic polymorphisms were correlated with event‐free survival (EFS) of patients, with confounding effects adjusted by multivariate regression.

Results

Three polymorphic alleles in the multi‐drug resistance 1 (MDR1) ABCB1 gene, and homozygotic MDR1 2677GG, 3435CC, and 2677G‐3435C genotypes were highly associated with a significant reduction in EFS in those patients treated by the standard risk (SR) protocol (TPOG‐ALL‐93‐SR). The hazard ratios were 6.8 (p = 0.01), 21.7 (p = 0.009), and 6.8 (p = 0.01), respectively.

Conclusions

Independent pharmacogenomic determinants associated with treatment outcome were identified in subsets of Taiwanese ALL patients. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010;54:206–211. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prion‐associated proteins in yeast: comparative analysis of isogenic [PSI+] and [psi−] strains
Authors: Nevzglyadova Olga V. , Artemov Alexey V. , Mittenberg Alexey G. , Solovyov Kirill V. , Kostyleva Elena I. , Mikhailova Ekaterina V. , Kuznetsova Irina M. , Turoverov Konstantin K. , Soidla Tonu R.
Published: September 2009

A large group of prion‐associated proteins was identified in yeast cells using a new approach, comparative analysis of pellet proteins of crude cell lysates in isogenic strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae differing by their prion composition. Two‐dimensional (2D) electrophoresis followed by MALDI analysis of the pellet proteins of [PSI+] and [psi−] strains after prion elimination by GuHCl and prion transmission by cytoduction permitted identification of ca. 40 proteins whose aggregation state correlated with the change of prion(s) content. Approximately half of these proteins belonged to chaperones and to enzymes of glucose metabolism. Chaperones are known to be involved in prion metabolism and are expected to be present in prion‐containing aggregates, but glucose metabolism enzymes are not predicted to be present. Nevertheless, several recent data suggest that their presence is not incidental. We detected six proteins involved in oxidative stress response and eight in translation. Also notable is a protease. Most of the identified proteins seem to be prion‐associated, but we cannot exclude the possibility that several proteins may propagate as prions. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Elastic Properties of 4–6 nm-thick Glassy Carbon Thin Films
Authors: Manoharan MP , Lee H , Rajagopalan R , Foley HC , Haque MA
Published: September 2009

Glassy carbon is a disordered, nanoporous form of carbon with superior thermal and chemical stability in extreme environments. Freestanding glassy carbon specimens with 4–6 nm thickness and 0.5 nm average pore size were synthesized and fabricated from polyfurfuryl alcohol precursors. Elastic properties of the specimens were measured in situ inside a scanning electron microscope using a custom-built micro-electro-mechanical system. The Young’s modulus, fracture stress and strain values were measured to be about 62 GPa, 870 MPa and 1.3%, respectively; showing strong size effects compared to a modulus value of 30 GPa at the bulk scale. This size effect is explained on the basis of the increased significance of surface elastic properties at the nanometer length-scale.
The prion or the related Shadoo protein is required for early mouse embryogenesis
Authors: Young Rachel , Passet Bruno , Vilotte Marthe , Cribiu Edmond P. , Béringue Vincent , Le Provost Fabienne , Laude Hubert , Vilotte Jean-Luc
Published: September 2009

The prion protein PrP has a key role in transmissible spongiform encephalopathies but its biological function remains largely unknown. Recently, a related protein, Shadoo, was discovered. Its biological properties and brain distribution partially overlap that of PrP. We report that the Shadoo‐encoding gene knockdown in PrP‐knockout mouse embryos results in a lethal phenotype, occurring between E8 and E11, not observed on the wild‐type genetic background. It reveals that these two proteins play a shared, crucial role in mammalian embryogenesis, explaining the lack of severe phenotype in PrP‐knockout mammals, an appreciable step towards deciphering the biological role of this protein family.
System‐level design of bacterial cell cycle control
Authors: McAdams Harley H. , Shapiro Lucy
Published: September 2009

Understanding of the cell cycle control logic in Caulobacter has progressed to the point where we now have an integrated view of the operation of an entire bacterial cell cycle system functioning as a state machine. Oscillating levels of a few temporally‐controlled master regulator proteins in a cyclical circuit drive cell cycle progression. To a striking degree, the cell cycle regulation is a whole cell phenomenon. Phospho‐signaling proteins and proteases dynamically deployed to specific locations on the cell wall are vital. An essential phospho‐signaling system integral to the cell cycle circuitry is central to accomplishing asymmetric cell division.
Pregnancy and perinatal outcome in women with hyperthyroidism
Authors: Pillar Nir , Levy Amalia , Holcberg Gershon , Sheiner Eyal
Published: September 2009

Objective

To investigate pregnancy outcome for patients with treated hyperthyroidism.

Methods

A population‐based study was performed comparing all singleton pregnancies of women with and women without hyperthyroidism at the Soroka University Medical Center, Be'er‐Sheva, Israel, between January 1988 and January 2007. Stratified analysis, using a multiple logistic regression model, was performed to control for confounders.

Results

During the study period, there were 185 636 singleton deliveries in the medical center. Of these, 189 (0.1%) were from women with hyperthyroidism. Using multivariate analysis with backward elimination, the following risk factors were significantly associated with hyperthyroidism: placental abruption; cesarean delivery; and advanced maternal age. No significant differences regarding perinatal outcome were noted between the groups. Women with hyperthyroidism had significantly higher rates of cesarean delivery than did women without hyperthyroidism (20.1% vs 13.1%; P < 0.004), even after controlling for confounders.

Conclusions

Treated hyperthyroidism was not associated with adverse perinatal outcome. However, hyperthyroidism was found to be an independent risk factor for cesarean delivery.
How Does Decentralisation Affect the Welfare State? Territorial Politics and the Welfare State in the UK and US
Authors: GREER SCOTT L.
Published: September 2009

The relationship between political decentralisation and the welfare state is much studied, and large-scale studies have repeatedly found that decentralised states have less generous welfare states. How do we fit that with other studies that emphasise the potential of decentralisation to raise welfare standards? This article argues that decentralisation, as a variable, is too broad and it is more efficient to focus on the structure of veto players in the central state, intergovernmental relations and intergovernmental finance. Those are the actual mechanisms that connect decentralisation to the welfare states, and they can all vary independently of decentralisation. It uses recent changes in the United States and United Kingdom as examples. The fragmentation and average weakness of the US welfare state is mostly due to a federal government riddled with internal veto points that permits considerable interstate variation and low overall average provision, while tight central control on finances in the UK means that most variation is in the organisation, rather than levels, of social services.
The Catholic Church and the Socialist Government in Spain: Irreconciliable Differences?
Authors: Oliva Javier García
Published: September 2009

The last general elections in Spain took place on 14 March 2004. The Socialist Party took over power after eight years of José María Aznar's rightwing conservative government. According to some commentators, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero became the new Prime Minister unexpectedly. We should bear in mind that only three days earlier, on 11 March, horrendous terrorist attacks in Madrid had shocked the international community.
The Perspectives of Young Adults on Recovery from Repeated Suicide-Related Behavior
Authors: Bergmans Yvonne , Langley John , Links Paul , Lavery James V.
Published: September 2009

Background: This qualitative study sought to develop an understanding of how young adults between the ages of 18–25 years, who have a history of two or more suicide attempts, transition away from high-risk suicide-related behaviors. Aims: To understand the transition to safer behaviors and to provide clinical suggestions for those who provide care to this population. Methods: Sixteen young adults under the age of 25 years, who had completed at least one cycle of intervention for people with repeated suicide attempts, participated in this qualitative, grounded theory study. Results: The young adults described a pathway that included three major elements: (a) “living to die”, (b) ambivalence and tipping/turning points, and (c) a process of recovery that included small steps or phases (pockets of recovery) toward life. The journey was not always experienced as steady movement forward, and the potential for relapse either in the young people’s behavior or their wish to engage in their relationship with death could ebb and flow. Conclusions: Clinicians need to be aware that the struggle to live is a process involving a fluid pathway moving between three key elements.
Severity of Attempted Suicide as Measured by the Pierce Suicidal Intent Scale
Authors: Sisask Merike , Kõlves Kairi , Värnik Airi
Published: September 2009

Background: Suicidal intent is an essential feature of suicidal behavior. Previous research has been controversial and the need for further evidence has been pointed out. Aims: The aim of the present study was to characterize the severity of attempted suicide by extracting components of suicidal intent and analyzing levels of suicidal intent by gender, age, and variables indicating the severity of attempted suicide. Methods: Data on suicide attempters (N = 469) were collected in Estonia using WHO SUPRE-MISS methodology. To measure suicidal intent, a revised version of the Pierce Suicidal Intent Scale (PSIS) was used. Results: The level of suicidal intent was not gender-dependent, but rose with age. Males and females were also similar in terms of discrete components. Classified in age groups, their unequivocally expressed “wish to die” was similar, but equivocal communication (components termed “arrangements” and “circumstances”) increased with age. Middle-aged groups scored higher for the “alcohol/drugs” component. Psychiatric diagnosis, method of attempting suicide, and duration of hospitalization were linked to suicidal intent, but danger to life as assessed by interviewers was not. Conclusions: In suicide-risk assessment, results from a Suicidal Intent Scale contribute to clinical observation and add valuable information about a suicidal person’s real intention.
The Attitudes of Emergency Staff Toward Attempted Suicide Patients
Authors: Suokas Jaana , Suominen Kirsi , Lönnqvist Jouko
Published: September 2009

Background: The staff in the emergency room of general hospitals are under heavy work pressure and seem to reveal negative attitudes toward suicide attempters. From earlier studies there is indirect evidence that the attitudes of staff who have the opportunity to consult a psychiatrist are less negative. Aims: The study compare the attitudes of emergency room staff in a general hospital toward patients who had attempted suicide before and after establishment of a psychiatric consultation service. Methods: Attitudes were measured on the Understanding Suicidal Patients (USP) Scale. A total of 100 participants returned the questionnaire. Results: General understanding and willingness to nurse patients who attempted suicide did not increase. Conclusion: The results suggest that providing a psychiatric consultation service did not significantly affect attitudes among general hospital emergency room staff toward attempted suicide patients during its first year of operation, but in general, the emergency room staff was content with the opportunity for psychiatric consultation.
Influence of particle chemical composition on the phase of cold clouds at a high‐alpine site in Switzerland
Authors: Targino Admir Créso , Coe Hugh , Cozic Julie , Crosier Jonathan , Crawford Ian , Bower Keith , Flynn Michael , Gallagher Martin , Allan James , Verheggen Bart , Weingartner Ernest , Baltensperger Urs , Choularton Tom
Published: September 2009

This paper studies the influence of particle chemical composition on the phase of cold clouds observed during two intensive measurement periods of the Cloud and Aerosol Characterization Experiments conducted at the Jungfraujoch site (Switzerland). Cloud droplets and particles were sampled simultaneously using a suite of optical, chemical, and microphysical instruments connected downstream of a total inlet and an interstitial inlet. Sulphate and organic matter were the most abundant semivolatile species observed in the particulate phase during both campaigns. Periods of relatively large loadings of organic and inorganic species were also accompanied by enhancement of light‐absorbing aerosol concentrations. The cloud phase exhibited sharp transitions, alternating between highly glaciated and liquid phases over a few seconds within the same cloud event. It was also observed that conditions of elevated pollution were accompanied by an increase in occurrence of glaciated periods. The 24‐hour cloud event investigated on the 8 March 2004 was in the mixed phase for approximately 260 minutes, in the glaciated phase for approximately 64 minutes and in the liquid phase for the remainder of the time. On the 23 March 2004, another 24‐hour cloud event was captured in which the number of minutes as mixed‐phase and glaciated cloud were 196 and 31, respectively. The loadings of BC as well as organic and inorganic species were larger during the first period. The investigation was extended for the whole data set, and a statistical analysis was performed across the chemical data measured off the total inlet. The amount of organic and inorganic material found in liquid and glaciated clouds was statistically different, with organic and inorganic material as well as BC being enriched in glaciated conditions. The case studies and the statistical analysis together suggest an influence of the particle chemical composition on the cloud phase, which may be important in perturbing cloud microphysics in polluted regions.
Column‐averaged volume mixing ratio of CO2 measured with ground‐based Fourier transform spectrometer at Tsukuba
Authors: Ohyama Hirofumi , Morino Isamu , Nagahama Tomoo , Machida Toshinobu , Suto Hiroshi , Oguma Hiroyuki , Sawa Yousuke , Matsueda Hidekazu , Sugimoto Nobuo , Nakane Hideaki , Nakagawa Kazumichi
Published: September 2009

We retrieved CO2 volume mixing ratios (VMRs) from solar absorption spectra in the 1.6‐μm CO2 (30012‐00001) band measured with a ground‐based high‐resolution Fourier transform spectrometer (FTS) at Tsukuba, Japan, using profile retrieval and scaling retrieval algorithms. We derived the time series of the column‐averaged CO2 VMRs (XCO2) from December 2001 to December 2007. The average difference between the XCO2 values obtained with the two algorithms was approximately 0.8 ppm. This difference was attributed to differences between the column averaging kernels of the algorithms. We corrected the distortion effect of an instrumental line shape (ILS) on XCO2 retrieval by determining information about the ILS simultaneously with XCO2. Aircraft in situ measurements were made simultaneously with the FTS measurements over the FTS site on 10 August 2004 and 30 March 2005. The differences between the XCO2 values derived from the FTS measurements and from the aircraft in situ measurements complemented by model data were less than 1%. The diurnal variations of XCO2 derived from the FTS measurements demonstrated that XCO2 could be retrieved with a precision of ∼0.2%. The retrieved XCO2 values were compared with CO2 VMRs obtained from aircraft sampling measurements up to 7 km altitude over Sagami Bay, Japan. The seasonal amplitude of the retrieved XCO2 agreed within 1 ppm with those of the CO2 VMRs obtained from the aircraft sampling measurements above 3 km. The average seasonal amplitude of XCO2 over Tsukuba was ∼8 ppm. In addition, XCO2 showed an increasing trend, with a growth rate of ∼2 ppm/a.
Estimating stream metabolism from oxygen concentrations: Effect of spatial heterogeneity
Authors: Reichert Peter , Uehlinger Urs , Acuña Vicenç
Published: September 2009

Rivers are heterogeneous at various scales. River metabolism estimators based on oxygen time series provide average estimates of net oxygen production at the scale of a river reach. These estimators are derived for homogeneous river reaches. For this reason, they cannot be used to analyze how exactly they average over longitudinal variations in net production, reaeration, oxygen saturation concentration and flow velocity. We try to fill this gap by using a general analytical solution of the transport‐reaction equation to (1) demonstrate how downstream oxygen concentration is affected by upstream concentration and (possible) longitudinally varying values of net production, reaeration, oxygen saturation concentration and flow velocity within a reach, and (2) derive how the net production estimate depends on varying upstream river parameters. In addition, we derive a new net production estimator that extends previously suggested estimators. The equations derived in this paper provide a general framework for understanding the assumptions underlying net production estimators. They are used to derive recommendations on the use of single station or two stations measurement layouts to get accurate river metabolism estimates. The estimator is implemented in the freely available statistics and graphics software package R (www.r‐project.org). This makes it easily applicable to observed oxygen time series. Empirical evidence of the significance of heterogeneity in rivers is demonstrated by applying the estimator to four subsequent reaches of a river using oxygen measurements from the ends of all reaches.
Effect of natural dissolved organic carbon on phosphate removal by ferric chloride and aluminum sulfate treatment of wetland waters
Authors: Qualls Robert G. , Sherwood Lindsay J. , Richardson Curtis J.
Published: September 2009

The use of wetlands for the removal of excess N and P has become widespread. Some sensitive P‐limited ecosystems, however, may require additional reductions in the concentration of P entering the system. It has been proposed that the treatment of wetlands through addition of ferric chloride or aluminum sulfate can augment the natural P removal mechanisms. However, high concentrations of natural dissolved organic matter may interfere with the removal of P by metal addition. We evaluated the doses of ferric chloride and aluminum sulfate necessary to reduce total P concentrations below 0.32 μM (10 μg/L) in water from the Northern Everglades, and we determined the effect of various concentrations (21, 38, and 60 mg/L) of natural dissolved organic carbon (DOC) on the removal of PO4 and total P. High concentrations of natural DOC inhibited both the short‐term removal of PO4 and the longer‐term removal of total P from the water column. Similar results were observed using 15 μM citric acid in an experiment to determine whether citric acid could effectively mimic the inhibition of phosphorus removal associated with natural DOC. Stoichiometry of these experiments indicates that the mechanism of natural DOC interference was not complexation of the metal ions by the DOC; we hypothesize that it could be adsorption to the terminal hydroxyl groups on a polynuclear Fe or Al colloid, effectively blocking the adsorption sites from a phosphate molecule. Also, the ability of citric acid to mimic the inhibitory effects also suggests that the results of the study are broadly applicable to wetland and other waters with high natural organic acid concentrations.