bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal Course of Physical Function in People With Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis: Data From the Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study and the Osteoarthritis Initiative
Authors: Øiestad Britt Elin , White Daniel K. , Booton Ross , Niu Jingbo , Zhang Yuqing , Torner Jim , Lewis Cora E. , Nevitt Michael , Lavalley Michael , Felson David T.
Published: August 2015

Objective

Pain and functional decline are hallmarks of knee osteoarthritis (OA). Nevertheless, longitudinal studies unexpectedly reveal stable or improved physical function. The aim of this study was to impute missing and pre–total knee replacement (TKR) values to describe physical function over time among people with symptomatic knee OA.

Methods

We included participants from the Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study (MOST) and the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) with incident symptomatic knee OA, observed during the first 30 months in MOST and 36 months in OAI. Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) physical function (WOMAC‐PF), the 5‐times sit‐to‐stand test, and the 20‐meter‐walk test were assessed at 4 and 5 years in MOST and at 6 years in OAI. We used a multiple imputation method for missing visits, and estimated pre‐TKR values close to the time of TKR, using a fitted local regression smoothing curve. In mixed‐effect models, we investigated the physical function change over time, using data before and after imputation and calculation of pre‐TKR values.

Results

In MOST, 225 (8%) had incident knee OA, with corresponding 577 (12.7%) in OAI. After adjusting for pre‐TKR values and imputing missing values, we found that WOMAC‐PF values remained stable or slightly declined over time, and the 20‐meter‐walk test results changed from stable in nonimputed analyses to worsening using imputed data.

Conclusion

Data from MOST and OAI showed stable to worsening physical function over time in people with incident symptomatic knee OA after imputing missing values and adjusting pre‐TKR values.
Certolizumab Pegol Efficacy Across Methotrexate Regimens: A Pre‐Specified Analysis of Two Phase III Trials
Authors: Combe Bernard , Furst Daniel E. , Keystone Edward C. , van der Heijde Désirée , Luijtens Kristel , Ionescu Lucian , Goel Niti , Emery Paul
Published: August 2015

Objective

Anti–tumor necrosis factor (anti‐TNF) agents are frequently used in combination with methotrexate (MTX) to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We investigated the effect of a background MTX dose, in combination with anti‐TNF certolizumab pegol (CZP), on treatment efficacy and safety in RA patients.

Methods

A pre‐specified subgroup analysis comparing 2 MTX dosage categories (<15 mg/week and ≥15 mg/week) was carried out using data pooled from phase III clinical trials, Rheumatoid Arthritis Prevention of Structural Damage 1 (RAPID 1) and RAPID 2, according to treatment group: CZP 200 mg, CZP 400 mg, or placebo, every 2 weeks. Inclusion criteria required MTX dosage ≥10 mg/week. Efficacy end points included week 24 American College of Rheumatology criteria for 20%, 50%, and 70% improvement (ACR20/50/70) responses analyzed by logistic regression, and changes from baseline in the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints using the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28‐ESR) and the modified Sharp/van der Heijde score (SHS) were analyzed by analysis of covariance. Incidence rates of treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were categorized by baseline MTX dose. Post hoc sensitivity analysis investigated 3 MTX dose categories: ≤10 mg/week, >10 and ≤15 mg/week, and >15 mg/week.

Results

A total of 638, 635, and 325 patients received CZP 200 mg, CZP 400 mg, and placebo, respectively. At week 24, treatment responses in both CZP groups were uninfluenced by baseline MTX dose category, and were superior to the placebo group for all investigated end points: ACR20/50/70, DAS28‐ESR, and SHS. TEAE incidence rates were higher in patients receiving MTX ≥15 mg/week for most TEAE types across treatment groups.

Conclusion

CZP efficacy was not affected by background MTX dose category. It can be hypothesized that to minimize TEAEs, background MTX doses could be tailored to individual patient tolerance without affecting CZP efficacy.
Post‐Traumatic Stress Disorder and Risk for Incident Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Lee Yvonne C. , Agnew‐Blais Jessica , Malspeis Susan , Keyes Katherine , Costenbader Karen , Kubzansky Laura D. , Roberts Andrea L. , Koenen Karestan C. , Karlson Elizabeth W.
Published: August 2015

Objective

To examine the association between symptoms of post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) risk in a prospective cohort and to characterize the role of smoking in this relationship.

Methods

A subset (n = 54,224) of the Nurses’ Health Study II, a prospective cohort of female nurses, completed the Brief Trauma Questionnaire and a screen for PTSD symptoms. Participants were categorized based on trauma exposure and number of PTSD symptoms. Incident RA cases (n = 239) from 1989 to 2011 were identified. Cox proportional hazards models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) between PTSD symptoms and incident RA. To identify the impact of smoking, secondary and subgroup analyses were performed. In all analyses, PTSD and smoking were lagged 2 years before the development of RA.

Results

Compared to no history of trauma/PTSD symptoms, the HR for ≥4 PTSD symptoms and incident RA was 1.76 (95% CI 1.16–2.67) in models adjusted for age, race, and socioeconomic status. The risk for RA increased with an increasing number of PTSD symptoms (P = 0.01). When smoking was added to the model, the HR for RA remained elevated (HR 1.60 [95% CI 1.05–2.43]). In a subgroup analysis, excluding women who smoked before PTSD onset, results were unchanged (HR 1.68 [95% CI 1.04–2.70]).

Conclusion

This study suggests that women with high PTSD symptomatology have an elevated risk for RA, independent of smoking, adding to emerging evidence that stress is an important determinant of physical health.
Design of robust fault isolation observers for linear systems with bounded uncertain parameters
Authors: Wahrburg Arne
Published: August 2015

In this article, a design procedure for robust fault isolation observers for linear systems is proposed. It allows to detect and isolate faults by means of a single, specifically parametrized observer, yielding a small implementation effort compared with standard bank‐of‐observers approaches. A design based on parametric eigenstructure assignment for nominal system dynamics is presented. The main contribution is to show how the remaining degrees of freedom can be utilized to optimize robustness of the fault isolation observer with respect to uncertain system parameters. Therein, the uncertainties are assumed to belong to a polyhedral domain. The application of the design to two examples verifies the results for systems defined by nominal dynamics and known bounds on the uncertain parameters. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sintering Behavior of Lanthana‐Bearing Nanostructured Ferritic Steel Consolidated via Spark Plasma Sintering
Authors: Pasebani Somayeh , Charit Indrajit , Butt Darryl P. , Cole James I. , Wu Yaqiao , Burns Jatuporn
Published: August 2015

Elemental powder mixture of Fe–14Cr–1Ti–0.3Mo–0.5La2O3 (wt%) composition is mechanically alloyed for different milling durations (5, 10 and 20 h) and subsequently consolidated via spark plasma sintering under vacuum at 950 °C for 7 min. The effects of milling time on the densification behavior and density/microhardness are studied. The sintering activation energy is found to be close to that of grain boundary diffusion. The bimodal grain structure created in the milled and sintered material is found to be a result of milling and not of sintering alone. The oxide particle diameter varies between 2 and 70 nm. Faceted precipitates smaller than 10 nm in diameter are found to be mostly La–Ti–Cr‐enriched complex oxides that restrict further recrystallization and related phenomena.
Large‐Area, Periodic, Hexagonal Wrinkles on Nanocrystalline Graphitic Film
Authors: Liu Yanpeng , Kenry  , Guo Yufeng , Sonam Surabhi , Hong Seul Ki , Nai Mui Hoon , Nai Chang Tai , Gao Libo , Chen Jianyi , Cho Byung Jin , Lim Chwee Teck , Guo Wanlin , Loh Kian Ping
Published: August 2015

Sinusoidal wrinkles develop in compressively stressed film as a means to release stored elastic energy. Here, a simple way to fabricate large‐area, periodic, hexagonal wrinkled pattern on nanocrystalline graphitic films grown on c‐plane sapphire (<50 nm thick) by the spontaneous delamination–buckling of the as‐grown film during cooling is reported. According to the continuum mechanics calculation, strain‐relief pattern adopting the hexagonal wrinkled pattern has a lower elastic energy than that of the telephone cord wrinkle at thickness regime below 50 nm. A high‐fidelity transfer method is developed to transfer the hexagonal wrinkled films onto arbitrary substrates. Nanoindentation studies show that hexagonal wrinkle film engineered this way may act as shock absorber. The hexagonal wrinkled carbon film is able to selectively promote the differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cell toward the osteogenic lineage in the absence of osteogenic inducing medium.
Oxidative Coupling between Methylarenes and Ammonia: A Direct Approach to Aromatic Primary Amides
Authors: Zhao Zhenguang , Wang Tao , Yuan Lin , Hu Xu , Xiong Fei , Zhao Junfeng
Published: August 2015

A direct oxidative amidation between methylarenes and aqueous ammonia using a tert‐butyl hydroperoxide and tetrabutylammonium iodide (TBHP/TBAI) oxidation system with co‐catalysis of iron(III) chloride has been developed. Both coupling partners were used in their native form to render prior functionalization unnecessary and afford a facile approach to aromatic primary amides.

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High‐Performance Flexible Nanostructured Silicon Solar Modules with Plasmonically Engineered Upconversion Medium
Authors: Lee Sung‐Min , Li Weigu , Dhar Purnim , Malyk Sergey , Wang Yu , Lee Wonmok , Benderskii Alexander , Yoon Jongseung
Published: August 2015

A type of composite photovoltaic system that can improve the absorption of longer wavelength photons for ultrathin silicon solar cells is presented by synergistically exploiting spectral upconversion and plasmonic light manipulation under a reconfigurable platform where individual module components can be independently optimized and strategically combined by printing‐based deterministic materials assemblies. The ultrathin (≈8 μm) nanostructured silicon solar cells are embedded in a thin polymeric medium containing NaYF4:Yb3+,Er3+ nanocrystals, coated on a plasmonically engineered substrate that incorporates hybrid nanostructures of cylindrical nanoholes and truncated‐cone‐shaped nanoposts. Both excitation and emission processes of upconversion luminophores are significantly enhanced by combined effects of surface plasmon resonance to amplify the light intensity at the excitation wavelength as well as to facilitate the far‐field outcoupling at the emission wavelengths, respectively. The performance of the integrated solar module is improved by ≈13% compared to devices on a nanostructured plasmonic substrate without luminophores due to collective contributions from plasmonically enhanced spectral upconversion, together with effects of waveguiding and fluorescence of NaYF4:Yb3+,Er3+. Detailed studies on optical properties of engineered plasmonic nanostructures and device performance in both experiments and numerical modeling provide quantitative descriptions of the underlying physics and materials science, as well as optimal design rules for integrated photovoltaic systems.
Rapid and Efficient Acylative Active Transport on a Rotaxane
Authors: Nishiyama Junya , Makita Yoshimasa , Kihara Nobuhiro
Published: August 2015

Biased Brownian movement, a key process of biological molecular motors, was achieved by the neutralization of a rotaxane consisting of a secondary ammonium salt, in which the ammonium group is located next to the terminal group, and crown ether. Active transport occurred kinetically upon fixation of the transient pseudorotaxane by the rapid acylation of the amino group. The bulky terminal group enhanced the biased Brownian movement, although it suppressed the formation of the pseudorotaxane. Efficient active transport was possible when a large excess of acylation agent and triethylamine were used at 0 °C with 1.5 equivalents of crown ether. The efficiency of active transport increased as the electrophilicity of the acylation agent increased. The highest efficiency of active transport was observed with the cyclopentyl terminal group with one methylene spacer. A simple, two‐step, unidirectional transport was carried out using the active transport system based on the cyclopentyl terminal group.
Successful conservative management of a case of caustic esophagitis based on computed tomography assessment
Authors: Yonemaru Hiroki , Karimata Hiroyuki , Shimoji Hideaki , Yamamoto Kei , Hanashiro Kazuhiko , Fukami Masataka , Ouchi Gen , Tamaki Yuichiro , Kondo Yutaka , Kukita Ichiro
Published: August 2015

Case

We describe the case of a female patient who ingested approximately 100 mL of toilet bowl cleaner containing 9.5% hydrochloric acid in a suicide attempt. Upon admission for hematemesis and epigastric pain, she was alert and oriented with stable vital signs. Initial contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (CT) demonstrated edematous changes with no evidence of upper gastrointestinal tract perforation. Endoscopy was not performed owing to the high risk of perforation. We managed this patient conservatively. Repeat contrast‐enhanced CT revealed mediastinal emphysema on day 2, which resolved by day 6. The patient was subsequently discharged with no apparent strictures of the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Outcome

Surgical interventions are frequently required following the ingestion of large amounts of highly concentrated hydrochloric acid; however, this patient was successfully managed conservatively.

Conclusion

Contrast‐enhanced CT is useful in the assessment of the respiratory and digestive systems and the prediction of potential complications.
Clinical and pathological insights into the dynamic nature of the white matter multiple sclerosis plaque
Authors: Frischer Josa M. , Weigand Stephen D. , Guo Yong , Kale Nilufer , Parisi Joseph E. , Pirko Istvan , Mandrekar Jay , Bramow Stephan , Metz Imke , Brück Wolfgang , Lassmann Hans , Lucchinetti Claudia F.
Published: August 2015

Objective

An extensive analysis of white matter plaques in a large sample of multiple sclerosis (MS) autopsies provides insights into the dynamic nature of MS pathology.

Methods

One hundred twenty MS cases (1,220 tissue blocks) were included. Plaque types were classified according to demyelinating activity based on stringent criteria. Early active, late active, smoldering, inactive, and shadow plaques were distinguished. A total of 2,476 MS white matter plaques were identified. Plaque type distribution was analyzed in relation to clinical data.

Results

Active plaques were most often found in early disease, whereas at later stages, smoldering, inactive, and shadow plaques predominated. The presence of early active plaques rapidly declined with disease duration. Plaque type distribution differed significantly by clinical course. The majority of plaques in acute monophasic and relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS) were active. Among secondary progressive MS (SPMS) cases with attacks, all plaque types could be distinguished including active plaques, in contrast to SPMS without attacks, in which inactive plaques predominated. Smoldering plaques were frequently and almost exclusively found in progressive MS. At 47 years of age, an equilibrium was observed between active and inactive plaques, whereas smoldering plaques began to peak. Men displayed a higher proportion of smoldering plaques.

Interpretation

Disease duration, clinical course, age, and gender contribute to the dynamic nature of white matter MS pathology. Active MS plaques predominate in acute and early RRMS and are the likely substrate of clinical attacks. Progressive MS transitions to an accumulation of smoldering plaques characterized by microglial activation and slow expansion of pre‐existing plaques. Whether current MS therapeutics impact this pathological driver of disease progression remains uncertain. Ann Neurol 2015;78:Ann Neurol 2015;78:679–696
Mechanical detection of ultraslow, Debye‐like Li‐ion motions in LiAlO single crystals
Authors: Langer Julia , Wohlmuth Dominik , Kovalcik Adriana , Epp Viktor , Stelzer Franz , Wilkening Martin
Published: August 2015

Single crystalline LiAlO is known as a very poor ion conductor. Thus, in its crystalline form it unequivocally disqualifies itself from being a powerful solid electrolyte in modern energy storage systems. On the other hand, its interesting crystal structure proves beneficial to sharpen our understanding of Li ion dynamics in solids which in return might influence application‐oriented research. LiAlO allows us to apply and test techniques that are sensitive to extremely slow Li ion dynamics. This helps us clarifying their diffusion behaviour from a fundamental point of view. Here, we combined two techniques to follow Li ion translational hopping in LiAlO that can be described by the same physical formalism: dynamic mechanical relaxation and electrical relaxation, i.e., ionic conductivity measurements. Via both methods we were able to track the same transport mechanism in LiAlO. Moreover, this enabled us to directly probe extremely slow Li exchange rates at temperatures slightly above 430 K. The results were compared with recent insights from nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Altogether, an Arrhenius‐type Li diffusion process with an activation energy of ca. 1.12 eV was revealed over a large dynamic range covering 10 orders of magnitude, i.e., spanning a dynamic range from the nano‐second time scale down to the second time scale.

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(Meth)acrylate liquid crystalline polymers for membrane applications
Authors: Rabie Feras , Sedlakova Zdenka , Sheth Swapnil , Marand Eva , Martin Stephen M. , Poláková Lenka
Published: August 2015

Synthesis and characterization of a series of linear copolymers with liquid crystalline side chains is reported. Methacrylate monomers containing cyanobiphenyl as a mesogenic group were prepared. These monomers were then copolymerized with 2‐ethylhexyl acrylate in varying molar ratios. The structure and composition of the monomers and corresponding polymers were determined by 1H‐NMR, elemental analysis and size‐exclusion chromatography. Thermal properties of the polymers were studied using differential scanning calorimetry, polarized optical microscopy, and X‐ray scattering techniques. Increasing mesogen content resulted in an increase of the glass transition temperature of the copolymers. In addition, above a threshold mesogen content the copolymers exhibited smectic mesophases. Using a solution casting technique, a membrane was fabricated to study single gas transport behaviors. Permeabilities, were in the order of CO2 > propylene > O2 > N2 > CH4 > propane. Diffusion coefficients correlated well to Lenard–Jones Diameter. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42694.
The Roman City of Altinum, Venice Lagoon, from Remote Sensing and Geophysical Prospection
Authors: Mozzi Paolo , Fontana Alessandro , Ferrarese Francesco , Ninfo Andrea , Campana Stefano , Francese Roberto
Published: August 2015

Geophysical prospection on 14 ha integrates the processing and interpretation of vertical multispectral and oblique aerial images for uncovering the archaeology of the Roman city of Altinum. This Iron Age and Roman harbour city was completely abandoned in the early Middle Ages, when people moved to nearby lagoon islands, and so the site is particularly fit for the application of non‐invasive techniques. Primary aims of the research were to test the interpretation of archaeological structures in the city centre, estimate their degree of preservation in the subsoil, and update previous knowledge on the urban landscape. Target areas were identified first through remote sensing with later magnetic gradiometer mapping of the consular road (via Annia) and its adjoining streets, foundations of large buildings, theatres, temple and forum, a main canal with possible boatyard/storing place and workshops. Multi‐electrode automatic resistivity profile produced a very detailed survey of the little theatre (odeon) and basilica. The ground‐penetrating radar traced the city walls, while frequency‐domain electromagnetics mapped the street pattern.

Buried archaeological structures were located with an estimated error < 0.5 m. Floors and foundations of Roman buildings and infrastructures appear to be preserved between 0.5 and 2 m depth. They probably relate to a re‐organization of the city, which occurred between the second half of the second century and the end of the first century BC, having via Annia and the forum as the main city axis, and incorporating few elements of the Iron Age settlement, such as the canal and city boundary. Eight city districts could be recognized, each one showing prevalent public, residential and other productive functions. In the ancient past the monumental buildings of the city were potentially visible from ships in the Adriatic Sea, and could act as nautical signals of the entrance to the lagoon along this low and otherwise monotonous coast. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Longitudinal Biomarker for the Extent of Skin Disease in Patients With Diffuse Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Rice Lisa M. , Ziemek Jessica , Stratton Eric A. , McLaughlin Sarah R. , Padilla Cristina M. , Mathes Allison L. , Christmann Romy B. , Stifano Giuseppina , Browning Jeffrey L. , Whitfield Michael L. , Spiera Robert F. , Gordon Jessica K. , Simms Robert W. , Zhang Yuqing , Lafyatis Robert
Published: August 2015

Objective

To define a pharmacodynamic biomarker based on gene expression in skin that would provide a biologic measure of the extent of disease in patients with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc) and could be used to monitor skin disease longitudinally.

Methods

Skin biopsy specimens obtained from a cohort of patients with dcSSc (including longitudinal specimens) were analyzed by microarray. Expression of genes correlating with the modified Rodnan skin thickness score (MRSS) were examined for change over time using a NanoString platform, and a generalized estimating equation (GEE) was used to define and validate longitudinally measured pharmacodynamic biomarkers composed of multiple genes.

Results

Microarray analysis of genes parsed to include only those correlating with the MRSS revealed prominent clusters of profibrotic/transforming growth factor β–regulated, interferon‐regulated/proteasome, macrophage, and vascular marker genes. Using genes changing longitudinally with the MRSS, we defined 2 multigene pharmacodynamic biomarkers. The first was defined mathematically by applying a GEE to longitudinal samples. This modeling method selected cross‐sectional THBS1 and longitudinal THBS1 and MS4A4A. The second model was based on a weighted selection of genes, including additional genes that changed statistically significantly over time: CTGF, CD163, CCL2, and WIF1. In an independent validation data set, biomarker levels calculated using both models correlated highly with the MRSS.

Conclusion

Skin gene expression can be used effectively to monitor changes in SSc skin disease over time. We implemented 2 relatively simple models on a NanoString platform permitting highly reproducible assays that can be applied directly to samples from patients or collected as part of clinical trials.
Dissecting the Heterogeneity of Skin Gene Expression Patterns in Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Assassi Shervin , Swindell William R. , Wu Minghua , Tan Filemon D. , Khanna Dinesh , Furst Daniel E. , Tashkin Donald P. , Jahan‐Tigh Richard R. , Mayes Maureen D. , Gudjonsson Johann E. , Chang Jeffrey T.
Published: August 2015

Objective

To examine the heterogeneity of global transcriptome patterns in systemic sclerosis (SSc) skin in a large sample of patients with SSc and control subjects.

Methods

Skin biopsy specimens obtained from 61 patients enrolled in the Genetics versus Environment in Scleroderma Outcome Study (GENISOS) cohort and 36 unaffected control subjects with a similar demographic background were examined by Illumina HumanHT‐12 bead arrays. Followup experiments using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical analysis were also performed.

Results

We identified 2,754 differentially expressed transcripts in SSc patients compared with controls. Clustering analysis revealed 2 prominent transcriptomes in SSc patients: the keratin and fibroinflammatory signatures. Higher keratin transcript scores were associated with shorter disease duration and interstitial lung disease, while higher fibroinflammatory scores were associated with diffuse cutaneous involvement, a higher skin score at the biopsy site, and a higher modified Rodnan skin thickness score. A subgroup of patients with significantly longer disease duration had a normal‐like transcript pattern. Analysis of cell type–specific signature scores revealed remarkable heterogeneity across patients. Significantly higher scores were calculated for fibroblasts (72% of patients), microvascular cells (61%), macrophages (54%), and dendritic cells (DCs) (49%). The majority of samples with significantly higher fibroblast scores (35 of 44 [80%]) had significantly increased macrophage and/or DC scores. Further analysis and immunohistochemical staining indicated that the keratin signature was not a general marker of keratinocyte activation but was in fact associated with an activation pattern in hair and adnexal structures.

Conclusion

Prominent fibroinflammatory and keratin signatures are present in SSc skin. Expression profiles of SSc skin show significant heterogeneity, and this finding might be useful for stratifying patients for targeted therapies or predicting the response to immunosuppression.
Tridentate Complexes of Palladium(II) and Platinum(II) Bearing bis‐Aryloxide Triazole Ligands: A Joint Experimental and Theoretical Investigation
Authors: Dahm Georges , Borré Etienne , Fu Changkan , Bellemin‐Laponnaz Stéphane , Mauro Matteo
Published: August 2015

A novel class of palladium(II) and platinum(II) complexes bearing tridentate bis‐aryloxide triazole ligands was prepared by using straightforward and high‐yielding synthetic routes. The complexes were fully characterized and the molecular structures of four derivatives were unambigously determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffractometric analyses. For the most promising luminescent PtII derivatives, further experimental investigations were carried out to characterize their photophysical features and to ascertain the nature of the emitting excited state by means of electronic absorption, steady‐state, and time‐resolved emission techniques in different conditions. In degassed fluid solution the complexes displayed broad and featureless photoluminescence with λem=522–585 nm, excited‐state lifetime up to few microseconds and quantum yield (PLQY) up to 17 %, depending on the nature of both ancillary ligand and substituent on the tridentate ligand. Computational investigation using density functional theory and time‐dependent DFT were performed to gain insight into the electronic processes responsible for optical transitions and structure–photoluminescence relationship. Jointly, experimental and theoretical characterization indicated that the radiative transition arises from an excited state with admixed triplet‐manifold metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer and ligand‐centered (3MLCT/3LC) character. We elucidated the modulation of the photophysical properties upon variation of substituents for this new family of complexes.
Overexpression of methionine adenosyltransferase in Corynebacterium glutamicum for production of S‐adenosyl‐l‐methionine
Authors: Han Guoqiang , Hu Xiaoqing , Wang Xiaoyuan
Published: August 2015

Two genes encoding methionine adenosyltransferase, SAM2 from Saccharomyces cerevisiae and metK from Corynebacterium glutamicum, were individually cloned into pDXW‐8, the shuttle vector between Escherichia coli and C. glutamicum, and overexpressed in E. coli DH5α and C. glutamicum ATCC13032. In DH5α, both genes were overexpressed and their protein products showed the activity of methionine adenosyltransferase. In ATCC13032, metK was overexpressed, its product MetK showed the enzyme activity and could convert l‐methionine to S‐adenosyl‐l‐methionine (SAM). However, when SAM2 was overexpressed in ATCC13032, neither the enzyme activity nor the conversion of SAM from l‐methionine was observed. Reverse transcription PCR analysis and SDS‐PAGE showed that SAM2 was transcribed but not translated in C. glutamicum. Therefore, SAM2‐C, a mutant SAM2, was constructed by codon optimization, and overexpressed in ATCC13032; it was well transcribed and translated, and could convert l‐methionine to SAM. Finally, SAM2‐C and metK were individually overexpressed in E. coli BL21(DE3), and their products SAM2‐C and MetK were purified and characterized. The optimum activity for both enzymes was found at pH 8.5 and 35 °C; SAM2‐C and MetK have similar Km for ATP, but quite different Km for l‐methionine. These results suggest that SAM2‐C and MetK can be useful for developing C. glutamicum to produce SAM.
Hydroabrasionsbeanspruchung von Verkehrswasserbauwerken
Authors: Spörel Frank , Helbig Ulf , Westendarp Andreas , Stamm Jürgen
Published: August 2015

Im Bereich des Verkehrswasserbaus werden Betonoberflächen durch Hydroabrasion in unterschiedlicher Intensität beansprucht (z. B. Tosbecken, Wehrrücken). Eine Beschreibung der Einwirkung bei und des Betonwiderstandes gegenüber Hydroabrasion ist im derzeitigen Regelwerk der EN 206‐1 bzw. EN 206 nicht und im nationalen Anwendungsdokument zur EN 206‐1, der DIN 1045‐2, nur ansatzweise enthalten. Das wasserbauspezifische Regelwerk der ZTV‐W LB 215 für den Neubau bzw. LB 219 für die Instandsetzung greift derzeit im Wesentlichen auf die Regelungen der DIN 1045‐2 zu den XM‐Klassen zurück. Bei der Bundesanstalt für Wasserbau (BAW) in Karlsruhe wird im Rahmen eines Forschungsvorhabens in Zusammenarbeit mit Forschungseinrichtungen das Ziel verfolgt, diese Regelungen für Betonausgangsstoffe, Betonzusammensetzungen und Betoneigenschaften zur Sicherstellung eines hinreichenden Widerstandes gegenüber Hydroabrasion zu verifizieren. Bestandteil dessen ist die Erarbeitung einer Klassifizierung analog zur Expositionsklassensystematik der DIN 1045‐2 für die Hydroabrasionsbeanspruchung. Der vorliegende Beitrag stellt die aktuellen Aktivitäten zur Beschreibung der Einwirkung durch Hydroabrasion dar.

Hydroabrasive exposure of hydraulic structures

In the field of waterways engineering concrete surfaces are exposed to hydroabrasion in different intensity (e. g. stilling basin, weir body). A description of the exposure to and the concrete's resistance against hydroabrasion is not included in the current European standard EN 206‐1 respectively EN 206. In the German National Application Document (DIN 1045‐2) used with EN 206‐1 it is only considered rudimentarily. The specific regulations for hydraulic engineering regarding construction (ZTV‐W LB 215) and repair (ZTV‐W LB 219) refer to the regulations of DIN 1045‐2 for exposure of concrete to wear (XM). A research project of the Federal Waterways Engineering and Research Institute in Karlsruhe, in collaboration with different research institutes, pursuits to verify these regulations for concrete constituent materials, concrete mix design and concrete properties to assure a sufficient resistance of the concrete against hydroabrasion. The formulation of a classification in line with the system of exposure classes for concrete exposed to wear according to DIN 1045‐2 is an integral part of this project. The following contribution presents the current activities to characterise the exposure to hydroabrasion.
Neubau der Rugenberger Schleuse
Authors: Schmidt Gerhard , Kling Caroline , Feindt Frank
Published: August 2015

Die Rugenberger Schleuse stellt für die Kleinschifffahrt eine wichtige Verbindung zwischen den Hafengebieten östlich und westlich des Köhlbrands dar. Mit rund 22000 Schiffspassagen jährlich erfolgen 24 % aller Schiffsbewegungen an diesem Wasserstraßenknoten. Durch ihre Lage entlastet die Schleuse die Großschifffahrt in den Hauptfahrwassern.

Der Rugenberger Damm, welcher über die Schleuse hinweg verläuft, stellt die zweite Verbindung zum Containerterminal Buchardkai dar. In Zukunft soll dessen Kapazität erhöht werden, sodass diese Verbindung an Bedeutung zunimmt.

Die ehemalige Rugenberger Schleuse war knapp 100 Jahre alt und eine Sanierung unwirtschaftlich. Im Juli 2012 begann die Hamburg Port Authority daher mit dem Neubau der Schleuse. Die Inbetriebnahme wird im Herbst 2015 erfolgen.

Die Nordkammer wird einschließlich sämtlicher betrieblicher Einrichtungen neu hergestellt. Die Straßenbrücke über die neue Schleuse wird ebenfalls neu errichtet. Die Südkammer wird außer Betrieb genommen, teilweise abgebrochen und verfüllt. Das ehemalige Hochwasserschutztor entfällt und der bestehende Hochwasserschutz wird barrierefrei in das nördliche Brückenwiderlager integriert.

Die neue nutzbare Schleusenkammerlänge beträgt 110 m und deren Breite 18 m. Die Sohle liegt bei NN –4,50 m.

Die neue Rugenberger Schleuse stellt durch die Erhaltung des Wasserwegs und der Straßenbrücke im Zuge des Rugenberger Damms eine leistungsfähige Verkehrsanbindung für die Hafenbetriebe dar.

Reconstruction of the Rugenberg Lock

The Rugenberg Lock is an important shipping connection between the eastern and western harbor parts of the Köhlbrand. With 22000 locking events p. a. approx. 24 % of all ship movements take place in this lock. It regulates the currents and reduces the traffic within the main shipping channels.

The Rugenberg Damm, which runs across the lock, represents the second connection to the Container Terminal Burchardkai. The accessibility will be improved as well as the capacity of the terminal increased.

The previous Rugenberg Lock was almost 100 years old and a refurbishment inefficient. The reconstruction of the lock began in 2012 and it will be completed by the end of 2015.

The northern chamber is being reconstructed including all operational facilities. The bridge crossing the lock will also be newly erected. The southern chamber will be partially demolished and filled‐up. The flood protection will be integrated barrier‐free into the northern abutment.

The usable length of the lock chamber will be 110 m, and the width 18 m.

By maintaining the shipping connection the new Rugenberg Lock is indispensable in terms of traffic flow throughout the adjoining harbor areas.
Rheinkraftwerk Iffezheim – Neubau Maschine 5
Authors: Molck Michael , Göhl Christian
Published: August 2015

Das Rheinkraftwerk Iffezheim wurde im Anschluss an das bestehende Kraftwerk um die Maschine 5 erweitert. Als Besonderheit erfolgte die Errichtung des Bauwerks in einer steifenfreien Baugrube mit ovalem Grundriss unter den sehr beengten Platzverhältnissen zwischen dem bestehenden Kraftwerk und der bestehenden Fischaufstiegsanlage mit Dotierturbine. Hindernisse aus der Bauzeit der Bestandsanlage führten bei der Herstellung der Baugrube zu Störungen im Bauablauf und einer Verlängerung der geplanten Ausführungstermine. Zur Beschleunigung des Bauablaufs wurden die Abläufe zur Herstellung des Kraftwerkstiefbaus und der Beginn der Hauptmontage des Maschinenbaus nochmals optimiert. Die entwickelten Maßnahmen erforderten Änderungen am statischen Konzept zur Herstellung des Massivbauwerks und Interaktion mit der Baugrubenumschließung, wodurch sich wesentliche Auswirkungen auf die Tragwerksplanung ergaben. Die Erstellung und Prüfung der erforderlichen Berechnungen und Planungen erfolgte deshalb ausführungsbegleitend während der Bauherstellung der ersten Bauabschnitte und war damit äußerst terminkritisch. Durch den optimierten Bauablauf bei der Errichtung des Massivbauwerks konnte die entstandene Bauzeitverlängerung bei der Herstellung der Baugrubenumschließung schließlich zum Teil kompensiert werden.

Rheinkraftwerk Iffezheim hydropower plant – Construction of a 5th turbine – Special challenges of structural engineering in the design phase

The hydropower plant Iffezheim at the Rhine was extended by a 5th turbine adjacent to the existing structure. As a special feature the construction was build within an oval construction pit devoid of braces underneath the constricted space conditions between the existing power plant and fish pass with a weir turbine. Barriers from the building period of the existing plant led to disruptions when making the construction pit and caused delays in the scheduled construction time. In order to speed up the planned construction process the procedures of building the power plant underground construction and the start of the main installation of the machine construction were optimized again. The developed measures required changes on the static concept in making the solid construction and interaction with the construction pit, which had major effects on the structural planning. The preparation and inspection of the necessary calculations and planning took place during the project implementation of the first construction phases and was thus extremely critical to scheduling. Through the optimized construction process during the construction of the solid building it was possible to compensate partly for the occurred extensions of construction‐completion time eventually.
Festigkeits‐ und Verformungseigenschaften von Beton als Bewertungskriterien von AKR‐Performance‐Prüfungen
Authors: Mielich Oliver , Reinhardt Hans‐Wolf , Garrecht Harald , Giebson Colin , Seyfarth Katrin , Ludwig Horst‐Michael
Published: August 2015

Im Rahmen des Bewerbungsverfahrens der Materialprüfungsanstalt Universität Stuttgart (MPA Universität Stuttgart) als zugelassener AKR‐Gutachter nach ARS 04/2013 [1] wurde ein breit angelegtes Untersuchungsprogramm an der MPA in Stuttgart und am Finger‐Institut (FIB) in Weimar durchgeführt. Im ersten Teil war es zunächst anhand von Vergleichsversuchen zu beurteilen, ob bei dem an der MPA Universität Stuttgart vorgesehenen Einsatz der FIB‐Klimawechsellagerung als AKR‐Performance‐Prüfung gleichlautende Aussagen bei der Beurteilung des AKR‐Schädigungspotenzials von Betonzusammensetzungen erreicht werden wie bei einer analogen Prüfung der Betonzusammensetzungen am FIB in Weimar. Dazu wurden Vergleichsversuche an insgesamt vier Betonzusammensetzungen sowohl unter Einwirkung von NaCl‐Lösung als auch unter Einwirkung von Wasser durchgeführt. Im zweiten Teil sollte an allen vier Betonzusammensetzungen die zeitliche Entwicklung der Festigkeits‐ und Verformungseigenschaften charakterisiert werden, um daraus Bewertungskriterien für AKR‐Performance‐Prüfungen ableiten zu können.

Strength and deformation properties of concrete as evaluation criteria for ASR performance tests

Within the scope of the application procedure of the Materials Testing Institute University of Stuttgart (MPA University Stuttgart) as approved ASR consultant according to ARS 04/2013 [1] a comprehensive program of examinations was conducted at the MPA in Stuttgart and the Finger‐Institute (FIB) in Weimar. The first part of the examinations was about to evaluate whether the ASR potential of concrete compositions is evaluated consistently at the MPA University Stuttgart and the FIB in Weimar by using the FIB cyclic climate storage test method as ASR performance test. For that purpose, a round‐robin test with four different concrete compositions tested under exposure of water and NaCl solution respectively was done. The second part of the examinations was about to characterize the temporal development of the strength and deformation properties of the tested concretes to derive additional evaluation criteria for ASR performance tests.
Die Ermittlung der charakteristischen Betondruckfestigkeit von Bauwerken im Bestand
Authors: Knab Franz , Sodeikat Christian
Published: August 2015

Die Ermittlung der charakteristischen Betondruckfestigkeit ist eine häufige Aufgabenstellung bei Baumaßnahmen im Bestand und bei Schadensanalysen. Hierfür stehen verschiedene Ansätze zur Verfügung. Der übliche Ansatz nach der gültigen DIN EN 13791 ist für Bestandsbauwerke nicht unumstritten, da er auf der unsicheren Seite liegende Ergebnisse liefern kann [1, 2]. Alternativen bieten DIN EN 1990 und die klassische Statistik. Zur Überprüfung, welcher Ansatz unter welchen Randbedingungen die ingenieurtechnisch und wirtschaftlich sinnvollsten Ergebnisse liefert, wurde in Hause der Autoren eine Simulationsrechnung für Bewertungen nach DIN EN 13791, DIN EN 1990 und mittels einer klassischen statistischen Schätzung des 5%‐Quantils mit 75 % Konfidenzniveau durchgeführt. Ergebnis war, dass DIN EN 13791 erwartungsgemäß erhebliche Schwächen für Bestandsbauwerke zeigt, aber auch, dass alle statistischen Ansätze fehleranfällig sind und den Ingenieurverstand und Erfahrung nicht ersetzen können.

Als Hilfestellung für den beurteilenden Ingenieur wird ein sinnvolles Vorgehen bei der Beurteilung der Betondruckfestigkeit vorgeschlagen, das sowohl die Ergebnisse der Simulationsrechnungen berücksichtigt als auch Tipps aus der langjährigen Erfahrung der Verfasser zur Vermeidung typischer Fehler enthält.

Assessment of the in‐situ concrete compressive strength in existing structures – First‐hand hints from expert engineers:

The assessment of the in‐situ concrete compressive strength is a common task during projects concerning existing structures and during damage analysis. The standard approach given in DIN EN 13791 is quite disputed, since it might give unsafe results for existing structures [1, 2]. Alternatives are provided by DIN EN 1990 and classical statistics. To find out which approach gives the best results by means of safety and economic efficiency, engineers from our team conducted numeric simulations for different circumstances and evaluated the results according to DIN EN 13791, DIN EN 1990 and by classical statistic methods for the estimation of the 5 %‐fractile with a confidence level of 75 %. Result was on the one hand, that the approach given in DIN EN 13791 has, as expected, considerable weaknesses, but beyond, that each of the approaches may be susceptible to errors. Hence they are generally not suitable for replacing the wits and the experience of an engineer.

As a support for the engineer at work a reasonable procedure for the estimation of the in‐situ concrete compressive strength is suggested, taking into account the results of the numeric simulation and containing hints from the longstanding experience of the authors to avoid typical mistakes.
Monitoringbasierter Nachweis der Spannstahlermüdung an den Koppelfugen der Köhlbrandbrücke
Authors: Weiher Hermann , Runtemund Katrin , Ullerich Christof
Published: August 2015

Mithilfe einer mehrmonatigen zerstörungsfreien Monitoringmaßnahme an zwei Rampenbauwerken der Köhlbrandbrücke, Hamburg, wurde die Ermüdungsbruchgefahr des Spannstahls an den Spannstahlkopplungen infolge Verkehr‐ und Temperaturbelastung bauwerksbezogen beurteilt und bewertet.

Hierzu wurden im Zeitraum August 2013 bis August 2014 dynamische Rissbreitenmessungen am Überbauquerschnitt im Bereich der Koppelfugen sowie Temperaturmessungen zur Bestimmung der Temperaturverteilung über den Querschnitt durchgeführt.

Ziel des Monitorings war es, den tatsächlichen Bauwerkszustand orts‐ und objektspezifisch zu erfassen. Im theoretischen Nachweiskonzept konservativ anzunehmende Parameter (z. B. örtliche Spannkraftverluste, Temperaturgradient) können so durch realistische Ansätze präzisiert werden.

Im Rahmen dieses Beitrags werden das entwickelte Monitoringkonzept, die Messergebnisse und deren Implementierung in den rechnerischen Nachweis vorgestellt.

Monitoring based proof of fatigue resistance of prestressing steel at coupling joints of the Köhlbrandbrücke

With the help of a non‐destructive monitoring of two structures of the eastern ramp of the Köhlbrandbrücke, Hamburg, the danger of fatigue fracture of prestressing steel of coupling joints due to traffic and temperature loading has been assessed and evaluated.

To this aim, dynamic measurements of the crack movements and of the temperature distribution over the cross section were carried out in the period August 2013 to August 2014.

The aim of the monitoring was to detect the actual state of the structure and to specify in the theoretical verification concept conservatively assumed parameters (e.g. local stress losses, temperature gradient) by site and object specific approaches.

Within the framework of this paper the developed monitoring concept, the measurement results and their implementation in the theoretic verification are introduced and discussed.
Retracted: Detection of volatile organic compounds released by wood furniture based on a cataluminescence test system
Authors: Miao Yanfeng , Deng Fangming , Chen Yulong , Guan Huiyuan
Published: August 2015

Wood furniture is an important source of indoor air pollution. To date, the detection of harmful substances in wood furniture has relied on the control of a single formaldehyde component, therefore the detection and evaluation of pollutants released by wood furniture are necessary. A novel method based on a cataluminescence (CTL) sensor system generated on the surface of nano‐3TiO2–2BiVO4 was proposed for the simultaneous detection of pollutants released by wood furniture. Formaldehyde and benzene were selected as a model to investigate the CTL‐sensing properties of the sensor system. Field emission scanning electronic microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) were employed to characterize the as‐prepared samples. The results showed that the as‐prepared test system exhibited outstanding CTL properties such as stable intensity, a high signal‐to‐noise ratio, and short response and recovery times. In addition, the limit of detection for formaldehyde and benzene was below the standard permitted concentrations. Moreover, the sensor system showed outstanding selectivity for formaldehyde and benzene compared with eight other common volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The performance of the sensor system will enable furniture VOC limit emissions standards to be promulgated as soon as possible. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Should I plan? Planning effects on perceived effort and motivation in goal pursuit
Authors: Bayuk Julia
Published: August 2015

This research investigates how forming a plan can have both beneficial and detrimental effects on people's motivation to pursue a goal. We propose that forming a plan makes the necessary steps to pursue a goal salient, directing attention to the effort involved in executing these steps, which ultimately affects perceptions of required effort and motivation. We theorize that the impact of forming plans on motivation in goal pursuit depends on the level of difficulty to achieve a goal. When a goal is relatively easy to achieve, planning should make goal pursuit seem less effortful, thereby decreasing motivation to pursue the goal. When a goal is more difficult to achieve, planning should make goal pursuit seem more effortful, which ironically should increase motivation to pursue it. Three studies demonstrate how plans influence motivation in the domains of losing weight and saving money. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.