bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Superhydrophobic Graphene‐Based Materials: Surface Construction and Functional Applications
Authors: Chen Zhongxin , Dong Lei , Yang Dong , Lu Hongbin
Published: September 2013

Many naturally occurring surfaces have superhydrophobicity that fulfils their functional demands, which has inspired considerable interest to develop similar artificial superhydrophobic surfaces with a variety of functionalities. Graphene is an ideal candidate for functional superhydrophobic surfaces due to its exceptional physicochemical properties. The recent advances in this emerging field are summarized, including the wetting behavior of water on graphene and the formation of crumpling/nanoparticle/foam‐induced hierarchical structures, with emphasis on fundamental understanding for related processes. The potential applications in energy, environmental remediation, and thermal management are also discussed.
Zur Erddruckabschirmung in Kaikonstruktionen: Experimentelle Untersuchungen und ein analytischer Ansatz
Authors: Qiu Gang , Reimann Katja , Grabe Jürgen
Published: September 2013

Bei der Bemessung einer Kaikonstruktion ist die Berechnung des aktiven Erddrucks hinter einer Spundwand eine häufige Fragestellung. Messungen und FE‐Analysen haben gezeigt, dass der Erddruck auf die vordere Spundwand durch die Verdübelung des Bodenkörpers von den hinter der Spundwand stehenden Pfahlreihen abgeschirmt wird. Bei den konventionellen Berechnungen wird die Verdübelungswirkung der Pfahlreihen rechnerisch durch eine Erhöhung des Reibungswinkels berücksichtigt. Mittels eines kleinmaßstäblichen Versuchsstandes, der am Institut für Geotechnik und Baubetrieb der TU Hamburg‐Harburg steht, werden Erkenntnisse über den Mechanismus der Erddruckabschirmung gewonnen. Abschließend wird ein Ansatz zur Evaluation der Erddruckabschirmung vorgestellt.

Active earth pressure shielding in quay wall constructions: physical modeling and an analytical approach

Designing a quay wall construction the calculation of the active earth pressure behind the sheet pile wall is often a problem. Measurements and FE‐analyses have shown that the earth pressure is shielded from the sheet pile wall due to the dowel effect of the pile rows behind the sheet piling. In conventional calculations a higher friction angle is used to take the dowel effect into account. Small‐scaled model tests have been carried out to investigate the failure mechanisms of the earth pressure shielding. Based on the results an analytical approach is developed to estimate the shielding effect of the pile rows.
Biegeknickwiderstand von Mikropfählen gemäß den Eurocodes
Authors: Vogt Norbert , Vogt Stefan
Published: September 2013

Für schlanke Pfähle, die teilweise frei bzw. im Wasser stehen oder nur durch weiche Bodenschichten seitlich gestützt werden, ist der Nachweis der Tragfähigkeit gegen Biegeknicken zu führen. Ausgehend von den Werkstoffen gelten z.B. für Pfähle, welche die Einwirkungen überwiegend durch Querschnitte aus Stahl in den Untergrund abtragen, die Regeln der DIN EN 1993 für die Nachweise der inneren Tragfähigkeit. In diesem Beitrag wird die Ermittlung des Biegeknickwiderstandes stabilitätsgefährdeter Pfähle unter Verwendung des Nachweisformates gemäß DIN EN 1993 erläutert. Dabei ergibt sich das Problem, dass besonders Vorgaben zur anzusetzenden Imperfektion den Biegeknickwiderstand deutlich reduzieren. Die resultierenden Ergebnisse führen im Vergleich zum Erfahrungsschatz von Geotechnik‐Ingenieuren zu deutlich geringeren Pfahlwiderständen, was einen höheren Aufwand bei dieser Bauwerksgründung nach sich zieht. Es wird daher empfohlen, im Zweifelsfall die Möglichkeit der versuchsgestützten Bemessung mit Pfahlprobebelastungen heranzuziehen, um den Bemessungswert des Biegeknickwiderstandes zu ermitteln.

Flexural Buckling Resistance of Micropiles according to the Eurocodes

The analysis of sufficient resistance against flexural buckling is required for slender piles with only partial lateral support due to their embedment in water or layers of soft soil. The design code used for checking the inner load carrying capacity is dependent on the materials making up the pile cross section. For example the rules of DIN EN 1993 apply for the design of piles mainly consisting of a steel section. This paper illustrates the calculation of the resistance against flexural buckling using the specifications according to DIN EN 1993. Thereby the problem arises that requirements regarding imperfections reduce the buckling resistance strongly. The resulting design value of the pile resistance is therefore well below the established experience of geotechnical engineers, resulting in higher construction costs. When in doubt, it is thus recommended to conduct pile load tests in order to obtain an experimental, statistically evaluated design value of flexural buckling resistance.
Zum veränderlichen Tragverhalten von Stahlrammpfählen unter zyklisch‐axialer Belastung
Authors: Hu Yifeng , Hoch Albert
Published: September 2013

Im vorliegenden Beitrag wird einleitend der wissenschaftliche Kenntnisstand zum Tragverhalten in der Stahl‐Sand‐Kontaktfläche sowie zum plastischen Spannungs‐Dehnungsverhalten von sandigen Böden unter zyklischer Belastung beschrieben. Darauf aufbauend wird ein nichtlinearer Berechnungsansatz zur Erfassung des veränderlichen Tragverhaltens von Stahlrammpfählen unter zyklisch‐axialer Belastung formuliert und numerisch realisiert. Darin werden die drei maßgeblichen Einflussfaktoren, das Tangentialgleiten in der Kontaktfläche, die Akkumulation der plastischen Schubverzerrungen und die Verringerung der Normalspannung des sandigen Bodens im Pfahlnahbereich, berücksichtigt. Die erste Validierung wird mithilfe eines Modellversuches aus der Literatur durchgeführt.

Bearing capacity degradation of driven steel piles under cyclic‐axial loading

In this contribution, the scientific background of the bearing capacity of the sand‐steel interface and of the plastic stress‐strain‐behaviour of sand soils under cyclic loading is firstly described. Upon this, a nonlinear calculation approach is formulated and implemented by using numerical method for predicting the bearing capacity degradation of driven steel piles in sandy subsoil under cyclic‐axial loading condition. In this procedure, three controlling factors namely slip on pile‐sand‐interface, accumulation of plastic shear strain and the decrease in lateral effective stress of surrounding sand soils are taken into consideration. With the help of a model test reported in literature, the applicability of the developed calculation approach is checked.
Erhalt und Instandsetzung mit einfachen Mitteln: Der südliche Rundturm der Roten Halle in Pergamon
Authors: Bachmann Martin , Steiner Josef
Published: September 2013

Pergamon, die ehemalige Hauptstadt des pergamenischen Reichs nahe der Westküste Anatoliens ist seit mehr als 100 Jahren eine der Hauptgrabungsstätten des Deutschen Archäologischen Instituts (DAI) in der Türkei. Neben der großflächigen ehemaligen Stadtanlage und den Prachtbauten auf dem Burgberg existiert mit dem im 2. Jh. nach Chr. von Kaiser Hadrian errichteten Komplex der Roten Halle am Fuße des Burgbergs ein 2. Forschungsschwerpunkt inmitten der heutigen Stadt Bergama.

Im Jahr 2006 hat das DAI mit der Instandsetzung des zur Roten Halle gehörenden südlichen Rundturms einen weiteren Aktivitätsschwerpunkt in Angriff genommen. Die Autoren berichten über das Projekt der Sicherung und der Instandsetzung des Turms und der Umwidmung des Innenraums zu einer Ausstellungsfläche für große und kleinere Fundstücke. Dabei galt es besonders, unter Beachtung weitestgehenden Substanzerhalts konstruktiv einfache und durchschaubare Lösungen mit landesüblichen Baustoffen und einheimischen Handwerkern zu finden. Im Sept. 2009 konnte mit dem restaurierten Rundturm ein konstruktionsgeschichtlich bedeutendes Zeugnis des römischen Ostens der Öffentlichkeit wieder zugänglich gemacht werden. Die Arbeiten zur Sanierung eines Kreuzgewölbes über einem südlich anschließenden Substruktionskeller werden in der Sommer‐Grabungskampagne 2013 abgeschlossen.

Maintenance and restoration using simple assistive technology: The Southern round tower of the Red Hall in Pergamon

Pergamon, the ancient capital of the Pergamenean Empire near the western coast of Anatolia, has been one of the main archeological sites of the German Archeological Institute (DAI) in Turkey. In addition to the large ancient city layout and magnificent buildings on the castle hill, the Red Hall, a big complex built at the foot of the hill by Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century, represents another focus of research in the center of today's town of Bergama.

In 2006 the DAI implemented the restoration of the Red Hall's Southern round tower. The authors report about the project of securing and rebuilding the tower, as well as the rededication of its interior into an exhibition area of bigger and smaller archeological samples. Simple constructional and clear solutions were employed with the aim of maintaining the substance, including the use of customary materials and local workers. In Sept. 2009 the restorated round tower was opened to the public, representing a historically important evidence of the Eastern Roman empire. Restauration of a cross vault above a substructed cellar located in the Southern part of the site will be completed in the summer excavation campaign in 2013.
Proposed design of distributed macroalgal biorefineries: thermodynamics, bioconversion technology, and sustainability implications for developing economies
Authors: Golberg Alexander , Vitkin Edward , Linshiz Gregory , Khan Sabaa Ahmad , Hillson Nathan J. , Yakhini Zohar , Yarmush Martin L.
Published: September 2013

Biomass to fuel programs are under research and development worldwide. The largest biomass programs are underway in industrialized countries. In the coming decades, however, developing countries will be responsible for the major increase in transportation fuel demand. Although the lack of existing large‐scale infrastructure and primary resources preclude oil refining in developing countries, this provides an opportunity for the rapid implementation of small‐scale distributed biorefineries to serve multiple communities locally. The principles for biorefinery design, however, are still in their infancy. This review sets a precedent in combining thermodynamic, metabolic, and sustainability analyses for biorefinery design. We exemplify this approach through the design and optimization of a marine biorefinery for an average town in rural India. In this combined model, we include sustainability and legislation factors, intensive macro algae Ulva farming, and metabolic modeling of the biological two‐step conversion of Ulva feedstock by a yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), and then by a bacterium (Escherichia coli), into bioethanol. We hope that the model presented here will be useful in considering practical aspects of biorefinery design. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
2012 Update on global prevention of folic acid–preventable spina bifida and anencephaly
Authors: Youngblood Monica E. , Williamson Rebecca , Bell Karen N. , Johnson Quentin , Kancherla Vijaya , Oakley Godfrey P.
Published: September 2013

BACKGROUND

Folic acid was proven in 1991 to prevent most cases of spina bifida and anencephaly. In 2008, less than 10% of folic acid–preventable spina bifida and anencephaly (FAPSBA) was prevented through folic acid fortification programs. This study updates the global estimates of the proportion of FAPSBA prevented with various types of folic acid fortification as of 2012.

METHODS

For each country, we estimated the annual birth prevalence of FAPSBA and the daily amount of folic acid consumed from mandatory folic acid fortification programs. Assuming in Model I (our original Bell and Oakley model) that it required 400 μg, and in Model II (a new model), 200 μg of folic acid daily for total prevention of FAPSBA, we estimated the percentage of FAPSBA being prevented in each country by fortification.

RESULTS

Using the original model, we estimate that 15% of FAPSBA is being prevented in 2012, compared with 2006 (6.8%) and 2008 (9.1%). We estimate in our new model that 25% of FAPSBA is being prevented.

CONCLUSION

We estimate an increasing prevention of FAPSBA in the world through folic acid fortification, yet the pace is slow. Our new model estimates that only 25% prevention and reminds us that there remains a lot of work to do in countries that do not implement mandatory fortification, which is key to achieving global and total prevention. If we are to prevent all FAPSBA, there is an urgent need to build the global political will to find sufficient resources to aid in this effort. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 97:658–663, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Poisson versus logistic regression in a descriptive epidemiologic analysis of data from a Birth Defects Registry
Authors: Langlois Peter H. , Canfield Mark A. , Swartz Michael D.
Published: September 2013

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to compare results from four statistical approaches to describe the epidemiology of a birth defect.

METHODS

Cases of tracheoesophageal fistula and/or esophageal atresia were selected from the Texas Birth Defects Registry, and live births from Texas birth certificate data. All were delivered in 1999 through 2009. Data on infant and maternal characteristics were taken from the vital record. Four approaches were compared: a cohort design using Poisson regression (PR) and three case–control analyses using logistic regression (LR) with 10 controls per case (LR10), four controls per case (LR4), or affected controls having other birth defects. Analyses were conducted for all 11 years and for just 1 year (2009).

RESULTS

Using all 11 years, there were 869 cases of tracheoesophageal fistula and/or esophageal atresia, and results for PR, LR10, and LR4 were similar. Results using only 2009 were more divergent: PR yielded more statistically significant global tests (type III analyses) and narrower 95% confidence intervals, followed closely by LR10. For both time periods, results using affected controls were different from those using PR and LR.

CONCLUSION

For these descriptive epidemiologic analyses, PR yielded the most precise estimates. However, LR provided similar estimates, and using 10 controls per case yielded precision almost as good as PR. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 97:702–707, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Schubbruchgefahr von hochbautypischen Stahlbetonplattentragwerken
Authors: Schacht Gregor , Müller Lukas , Curbach Manfred , Marx Steffen
Published: September 2013

Der Beitrag beschreibt die Entwicklung der Schubbemessung von Stahlbetonplattentragwerken und vergleicht die zulässigen Schubspannungswerte der vergangenen Normengenerationen in Deutschland, sodass für die Bewertung bestehender Konstruktionen ohne Schubbewehrung eine Abschätzung der Querkrafttragfähigkeit möglich ist. Auch wird gezeigt, wie der Mindestwert der Querkrafttragfähigkeit schubunbewehrter Bauteile in DIN EN 1992‐1‐1/NA entstanden ist. Die in der Literatur vorhandenen Schubversuche an Plattentragwerken werden hinsichtlich ihrer Schubtragfähigkeit ausgewertet und mithilfe eines normativen Schubtales wird eine Empfehlung für den Ausschluss einer Schubbruchgefahr für Stahlbetonplatten formuliert.

Shear bearing behaviour of reinforced concrete slabs for building constructions

The paper describes the development of the shear design and the construction of reinforced concrete plates and compares the allowable shear stresses of the different previous code generations in Germany, with which the evaluation of the shear bearing capacity of existing concrete structures without shear reinforcement is possible. It is also shown on which basis the minimum value of the shear bearing capacitiy of elements without shear reinforcement according to DIN EN 1992‐1‐1/NA has been developed. Experimental investigations of the shear bearing behaviour of concrete slabs are evaluated. With the help of a code based shear valley a recommendation is given with which the danger of shear failure of reinforced concrete plates is excluded.
Ulrich Finsterwalder 1897–1988
Authors: Dicleli Cengiz
Published: September 2013

Ulrich Finsterwalder zählt neben Franz Dischinger und Fritz Leonhardt zu den größten Ingenieuren des Stahl‐ und Spannbetonbaus. Von der Entwicklung der Tonnenschalen und des Spannbetonbrückenbaus bis hin zum Bau von Schiffen aus Stahlbeton sind viele bedeutende Meilensteine dieser Bauweise auf ihn zurückzuführen. Der 1897 in München geborene Ausnahmeingenieur formte rund 50 Jahre lang die Firma Dyckerhoff & Widmann als Chefingenieur und Mitglied der Geschäftsleitung. Wie kaum von einem anderen Ingenieur bekannt ist, gelang es ihm, zahlreiche Erfindungen zu machen, die den Stahlbetonbau weiterentwickelten, und Bauwerke jeder Art in einer Qualität und Quantität selber zu bauen oder mittelbar zu beeinflussen. Durch seine Schule gingen zahlreiche spätere Professoren für Stahlbetonbau und Statik sowie Inhaber weltweit bedeutender Ingenieurbüros hervor. Am 5. Dezember 2013 jährt sich der Todestag von Ulrich Finsterwalder zum 25. Mal. Zu seinem Gedenken findet im Deutschen Museum in München am 1. Oktober 2013 die Tagung “Ulrich Finsterwalder – Ein Leben für den Betonbau” statt.

A life for concrete construction

Dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the dead of Ulrich Finsterwalder

Ulrich Finsterwalder belongs alongside Franz Dischinger and Fritz Leonhardt to the greatest engineers in the fields of reinforced and prestressed concrete construction. There are many notable milestones in the way he built; from the development of barrel‐vaults and prestressed concrete bridge construction, to building of ships with reinforced concrete. Born in 1897 in Munich, this exceptional engineer significantly shaped for about 50 years the Dyckerhoff & Widmann Company as its chief engineer and board member. As hardly any other engineer of his generation, he succeeded in realising numerous inventions, which led to an energetic development of reinforced concrete structures. Amongst them were a wide range of buildings, which he oversaw for their quality and quantity. Through his school passed many engineers who later in their careers became professors for reinforced concrete construction or founders of worldwide acknowledged engineering offices. December the 5th 2013 will be the 25th anniversary of Ulrich Finsterwalder's death. On October 1st 2013 a commemorative meeting will be held in the German Museum in Munich titled “Ulrich Finsterwalder – A life for concrete construction”.
Simultaneous determination of metolazone and losartan potassium in their binary mixtures using high‐performance liquid chromatography with fluorimetric detection: application to combined tablets and spiked human plasma
Authors: Walash Mohammed I. , El‐Enany Nahed M. , Eid Manal I. , Fathy Mona E.
Published: September 2013

A new, specific and sensitive reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography method was developed for the simultaneous determination of metolazone (MET) and losartan potassium (LOS). Good chromatographic separation was achieved within 6.0 min on a 150 × 4.6 mm i.d., 5 µm Waters, Ireland and ProDIGY 5 ODS 3 100 A column. A mobile phase containing a mixture of methanol and 0.02 M phosphate buffer (65:35, v/v) at pH 3.0 was used. The analysis was performed at a flow rate of 1 mL/min with fluorescence detection at 410 nm after excitation at 230 nm. Aspirin (ASP) was used as an internal standard. The proposed method was rectilinear over 2.0–40.0 (MET) and 40.0–800.0 ng/mL (LOS), with limits of detection of 0.22 and 4.52 ng/mL and limits of quantification of 0.68 and 13.70 ng/mL for MET and LOS, respectively. The method was successfully applied for the simultaneous analysis of the studied drugs in their laboratory‐prepared mixtures, single tablets and co‐formulated tablets. Moreover, the method was applied to an in vitro drug release (dissolution) test. The method was further extended to the determination of LOS in spiked human plasma. Statistical evaluation and comparison of data obtained using the proposed and comparison methods revealed no significant difference between the two methods in addition to good accuracy and precision for the proposed method. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antitumor effect of novel berberine derivatives in breast cancer cells
Authors: Pierpaoli Elisa , Arcamone Andrea G. , Buzzetti Franco , Lombardi Paolo , Salvatore Carmela , Provinciali Mauro
Published: September 2013

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy and the most common cause of cancer death in elderly women. Chemoprevention with dietary compounds and their synthetic analogs has emerged as an attractive strategy to prevent carcinogenic progression to invasive cancer. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of some new synthetic derivatives of berberine, a phytochemical isolated from Barberry and other plants, to induce growth arrest of HER‐2/neu overexpressing SK‐BR‐3 breast cancer cells. Supplementation with berberine or with the synthetic derivatives NAX012, NAX013, NAX014, and NAX035 exerted a dose‐ and time‐dependent inhibition of SK‐BR‐3 cell viability, with a greater effectiveness of NAX012 and NAX014 compounds with respect to berberine. This cytotoxic effect was related to an increased number of apoptotic cells that reached 71.6% and 68.4% after 72 h treatment with 50 µM of NAX012 and NAX014, respectively, compared with 44.2% of berberine. Real‐time PCR analyses showed that berberine, NAX012 and NAX014 compounds increased the expression of some cell‐cycle checkpoint molecules involved in cell senescence such as p53, p21WAF1, p16INK4a, and PAI‐1, already after 24 h of 50 µM treatments. Furthermore, berberine, NAX012 and NAX014, all reduced both HER‐2/neu expression and phosphorylation on tumor cells, the NAX014 compound showing the higher effectiveness. These results provide novel information on the mechanisms involved in the anticancer effects of berberine and demonstrate the greater effectiveness of NAX012 and NAX014 analogs in inducing apoptosis and cellular senescence in HER‐2/neu overexpressing tumor cell lines. © 2013 BioFactors, 39(6):672–679, 2013
Investigating the effects of double mutation C30A/C75A on onconase structure: Studies at atomic resolution
Authors: Kurpiewska Katarzyna , Torrent Gerard , Ribó Marc , Loch Joanna I. , Vilanova Maria , Lewiński Krzysztof
Published: September 2013

The structure of onconase C30A/C75A double mutant has been determined at 1.12Å resolution. The structure has high structural homology to other onconase structures. The changes being results of mutation are relatively small, distributed asymmetrically around the two mutated positions, and they are observed not only in the mutation region but expanded to entire molecule. Different conformation of Lys31 side chain that influences the hydrogen bonding network around catalytic triad is probably responsible for lower catalytic efficiency of double mutant. The decrease in thermal stability observed for the onconase variant might be explained by a less dense packing as manifested by the increase of the molecular volume and the solvent accessible surface area. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 101: 454–460, 2014.
Investigation on interaction of tannic acid with type I collagen and its effect on thermal, enzymatic, and conformational stability for tissue engineering applications
Authors: Velmurugan Punitha , Singam Ettayapuram Ramaprasad Azhagiya , Jonnalagadda Raghava Rao , Subramanian Venkatesan
Published: September 2013

Collagen is an essential component of tissues, which is the most abundant component in extracellular matrix and highly conserved across the animal kingdom. It can assemble into fiber and play an essential role in cell adhesion and growth and could be extremely useful in tissue engineering. In this study, the effect of tannic acid (TA) on the thermal, enzymatic and conformational stability of type I collagen has been investigated for the development of collagen‐based biomaterials. Interaction of TA with collagen demonstrates the role of hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interaction in providing the thermal and enzymatic stability. Thermal analysis studies reveal that, hydrothermal stability of collagen increases as well as inhibits the breakdown of collagenase by formation of hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions. TA binds to the collagen with high affinity because the structural flexibility of the collagen compensates for the structural rigidity of the phenolics. Increase in concentration of TA induces significant change in the conformation of triple helix. The free binding energy of TA with collagen‐like peptide was determined to be in the range of −9.4 to −11.2 kcal mol−1, which was calculated by using Autodock Vina software and showed numerous hydrophobic and hydrogen bond interactions. We anticipate that these collagen‐based biomaterials hold great potential for biomedical applications. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 101: 471–483, 2014.
An LC‐MS/MS method for determination of curculigoside with anti‐osteoporotic activity in rat plasma and application to a pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Zhao Guang , Yuan Fusheng , Zhu Jiajun
Published: September 2013

A rapid, simple, selective and sensitive LC‐MS/MS method was developed for the determination of curculigoside in rat plasma. The analytical procedure involves extraction of curculigoside and syringin (internal standard, IS) from rat plasma with a one‐step extraction method by protein precipitation. The chromatographic resolution was performed on an Agilent XDB‐C18 column (4.6 × 50 mm, 5 µm) using an isocratic mobile phase of methanol with 0.1% formic acid and H2O with 0.1% formic acid (45:55, v/v) at a flow rate of 0.35 mL/min with a total run time of 2.0 min. The assay was achieved under the multiple‐reaction monitoring mode using positive electrospray ionization. Method validation was performed according to US Food and Drug Administration guidelines and the results met the acceptance criteria. The calibration curve was linear over 4.00–4000 ng/mL (R = 0.9984) for curculigoside with a lower limit of quantification of 4.00 ng/mL in rat plasma. The intra‐ and inter‐day precisions and accuracies were 3.5–4.6 and 0.7–9.1%, in rat plasma, respectively. The validated LC‐MS/MS method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study of curculigoside in rats after a single intravenous and oral administration of 3.2 and 32 mg/kg. The absolute bioavailability of curculigoside after oral administration was 1.27%. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Single‐Molecule Unzipping Force Analysis of HU–DNA Complexes
Authors: Dame Remus T. , Hall Michael A. , Wang Michelle D.
Published: September 2013

The genome of bacteria is organized and compacted by the action of nucleoid‐associated proteins. These proteins are often present in tens of thousands of copies and bind with low specificity along the genome. DNA‐bound proteins thus potentially act as roadblocks to the progression of machinery that moves along the DNA. In this study, we have investigated the effect of histone‐like protein from strain U93 (HU), one of the key proteins involved in shaping the bacterial nucleoid, on DNA helix stability by mechanically unzipping single dsDNA molecules. Our study demonstrates that individually bound HU proteins have no observable effect on DNA helix stability, whereas HU proteins bound side‐by‐side within filaments increase DNA helix stability. As the stabilizing effect is small compared to the power of DNA‐based motor enzymes, our results suggest that HU alone does not provide substantial hindrance to the motor's progression in vivo.
The impact of main branch restenosis on long term mortality following drug‐eluting stent implantation in patients with de novo unprotected distal left main bifurcation coronary lesions: The Milan and New‐Tokyo (MITO) registry
Authors: Takagi Kensuke , Ielasi Alfonso , Basavarajaiah Sandeep , Chieffo Alaide , Shannon Joanne , Godino Cosmo , Hasegawa Tasuku , Naganuma Toru , Fujino Yusuke , Latib Azeem , Carlino Mauro , Montorfano Matteo , Nakamura Sunao , Colombo Antonio
Published: September 2013

Background

In‐stent restenosis (ISR) remains one of the main limitations for percutaneous coronary intervention of unprotected distal left main (UDLM). This study aims to demonstrate the impact of main‐branch ISR (MB‐ISR) on mortality and to clarify the optimal strategy.

Methods

Between 2002 and 2008, 482 consecutive UDLM patients treated with drug eluting stent (sirolimus and paclitaxel) were evaluated.

Results

During follow‐up period (median 52.6 months), MB‐ISR occurred in 29, SB‐ISR in 65, and MB/SB‐ISR in 24. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that the independent predictors of MB‐ISR were calcification (HR 2.284, p = 0.016), true‐bifurcation (HR 2.331, p = 0.024), insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus (insulin‐DM) (HR 2.259, p = 0.048). Furthermore, final proximal postdilatation (FPPD) (HR 0.548, p = 0.077), full LM cover approach (FCA) (HR 0.605, p = 0.093) and greater MLD (HR 0.611, p = 0.062) had a tendency to reduce MB‐ISR. Furthermore, the occurrence of MB‐ISR within 1‐year was associated with cardiac‐death (HR 2.734, p = 0.017).

Conclusions

The patients with MB‐ISR had more comorbidities and complex lesions, resulting in higher risk of cardiac mortality as compared to the patients without MB‐ISR. Presence of calcification, true‐bifurcation and insulin‐DM were associated with MB‐ISR following UDLM intervention, while FCA, FPPD, and greater MLD seemed to be associated with the low occurrence of MB‐ISR. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Safety and efficacy metrics for primary nitinol stenting in femoropopliteal occlusive disease: A meta‐analysis and critical examination of current methodologies
Authors: Vardi Moshe , Novack Victor , Pencina Michael J. , Doros Gheorghe , Burke David A. , Elmariah Sammy , Cutlip Donald E. , Mauri Laura , Yeh Robert W.
Published: September 2013

Background

The efficacy and safety of primary stenting for superficial femoral artery (SFA) disease have been benchmarked against historically derived performance goals. However, contemporary evidence evaluating SFA stenting is accumulating. The objective of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to quantitatively assess outcomes after primary SFA stenting with nitinol stents in contemporary practice, to compare these rates with commonly used efficacy and safety goals, and to discuss the clinical and regulatory implications of these findings.

Methods and Results

We searched MEDLINE, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website, reference lists of qualifying articles, and conference proceedings until October 2012. Studies prospectively assessing primary nitinol stenting for diseased SFA were sought. Data from 11 prospective clinical trials were included. The twelve‐month primary patency (PP) rate was reported in five trials. The meta‐analytic 12‐month PP rate was 71.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 66.4–76.7%). The meta‐analytic rate of 30‐day freedom from a composite of death, target limb amputation, and reintervention was 99.9% (95% CI 100.0–90.0%).

Conclusion

Contemporary nitinol‐based bare‐metal stents performed well in controlled settings. Occurrence of the 1‐month composite safety endpoint was extremely uncommon. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Percutaneous PFO closure for paradoxical stroke in 8‐kg twins
Authors: Hill James , Preminger Tamar
Published: September 2013

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a known risk factor for paradoxical embolus, especially in the presence of other risk factors such as hypercoagulable states or central lines. A PFO is a common incidental finding in infants and children. However, paradoxical emboli are not common in infants, and so PFO closure is rarely indicated in this age group. We present two cases of PFO closures in identical 8 kg twin boys with Hurler's syndrome who had central lines for planned bone marrow transplants, with embolic stroke in one. We discuss the treatment options as well as the specific challenges based on the patients' age, size, and diagnoses. We also discuss the technical aspects and safety of percutaneous PFO closure. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Midterm follow‐up results of transcatheter treatment in patients with unroofed coronary sinus
Authors: Wang Jou‐Kou , Chen Shy‐Jye , Hsu Jui‐Yu , Lin Su‐Man , Lin Ming‐Tai , Chiu Shuenn‐Nan , Chen Chun‐An , Wu Mei‐Hwan
Published: September 2013

Objective: We present the midterm results of transcatheter treatment of unroofed coronary sinus (CS) using the Amplatzer septal occluder.

Background: The unroofed CS is a rare atrial septal defect communicating the left atrium and CS. Surgery has been the mainstay of treatment.

Methods: In a 4.5‐year period, nine patients (five males) with ages ranging from 26 to 69 years (median 39 years) diagnosed with an unroofed CS but without a persistent left superior vena cava (LSVC) underwent transcatheter treatment. Computerized tomography (CT) was performed in eight patients. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) was used to monitor the procedure.

Results: The mean Qp/Qs ratio was 2.4 ± 1 and mean systolic pulmonary artery pressure was 35 ± 19 mm Hg. An Amplatzer septal occluder was deployed in all nine patients. The device was implanted in the defect in one patient and at the CS ostium in the other eight patients. The median device size used was 22 mm (16–28 mm). The left disc herniated into the CS in the single patient in whom the device was implanted within the defect. All patients were available for the 3‐month follow‐up. None had a residual shunt on the 3‐month follow‐up echocardiography. One patient died of a stroke 4.5 months after the procedure. At mean follow‐up of 42.6 ± 18.3 months, symptomatic improvement was documented in the remaining eight patients. All eight patients had an O2 saturation above 96%.

Conclusion: Transcatheter treatment for unroofed CS without persistent LSVC using Amplatzer septal occluder is safe and feasible. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis and Characterization of Luminescent Cyclometalated Platinum(II) Complexes of 1,3‐Bis‐Hetero‐Azolylbenzenes with Tunable Color for Applications in Organic Light‐Emitting Devices through Extension of π Conjugation by Variation of the Heteroatom
Authors: Chan Alan Kwun‐Wa , Lam Elizabeth Suk‐Hang , Tam Anthony Yiu‐Yan , Tsang Daniel Ping‐Kuen , Lam Wai Han , Chan Mei‐Yee , Wong Wing‐Tak , Yam Vivian Wing‐Wah
Published: September 2013

A series of luminescent cyclometalated platinum(II) complexes of N^C^N ligands [N^C^N=2,6‐bis(benzoxazol‐2′‐yl)benzene (bzoxb), 2,6‐bis(benzothiazol‐2′‐yl)benzene (bzthb), and 2,6‐bis(N‐alkylnaphthoimidazol‐2′‐yl)benzene (naphimb)] has been synthesized and characterized. Two of the platinum(II) complexes have been structurally characterized by X‐ray crystallography. Their electrochemical, electronic absorption, and luminescence properties have been investigated. In dichloromethane solution at room temperature, the cyclometalated N^C^N platinum(II) complexes exhibited rich luminescence with well‐resolved vibronic‐structured emission bands. The emission energies of the complexes are found to be closely related to the electronic properties of the N^C^N ligands. By varying the electronic properties of the cyclometalated ligands, a fine‐tuning of the emission energies can be achieved, as supported by computational studies. Multilayer organic light‐emitting devices have been prepared by utilizing two of these platinum(II) complexes as phosphorescent dopants, in which a saturated yellow emission with Commission International de I′Eclairage coordinates of (0.50, 0.49) was achieved.
Supramolecular Assembly of Interfacial Nanoporous Networks with Simultaneous Expression of Metal–Organic and Organic‐Bonding Motifs
Authors: Vijayaraghavan Saranyan , Ecija David , Auwärter Willi , Joshi Sushobhan , Seufert Knud , Drach Mateusz , Nieckarz Damian , Szabelski Paweł , Aurisicchio Claudia , Bonifazi Davide , Barth Johannes V.
Published: September 2013

The formation of 2D surface‐confined supramolecular porous networks is scientifically and technologically appealing, notably for hosting guest species and confinement phenomena. In this study, we report a scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) study of the self‐assembly of a tripod molecule specifically equipped with pyridyl functional groups to steer a simultaneous expression of lateral pyridyl–pyridyl interactions and Cu–pyridyl coordination bonds. The assembly protocols yield a new class of porous open assemblies, the formation of which is driven by multiple interactions. The tripod forms a purely porous organic network on Ag(111), phase α, in which the presence of the pyridyl groups is crucial for porosity, as confirmed by molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo simulations. Additional deposition of Cu dramatically alters this scenario. For submonolayer coverage, three different porous phases coexist (i.e., β, γ, and δ). Phases β and γ are chiral and exhibit a simultaneous expression of lateral pyridyl–pyridyl interactions and twofold Cu–pyridyl linkages, whereas phase δ is just stabilized by twofold Cu–pyridyl bonds. An increase in the lateral molecular coverage results in a rise in molecular pressure, which leads to the formation of a new porous phase (ε), only coexisting with phase α and stabilized by a simultaneous expression of lateral pyridyl–pyridyl interactions and threefold Cu–pyridyl bonds. Our results will open new avenues to create complex porous networks on surfaces by exploiting components specifically designed for molecular recognition through multiple interactions.
Strong Reactivity Enhancement through Molecular Traffic Control in Zeolites
Authors: Chatterjee Sakuntala , Harish Ramanna , Schütz Gunter M.
Published: September 2013

In the past, the investigation of catalytic reactivity enhancement through molecular traffic control (MTC) by means of dynamical Monte Carlo simulations of catalysis was initiated in simple, idealized zeolite channel networks. These results are reviewed here and, emphasizing more recent work, the conditions of reactivity enhancement through MTC are examined for a realistic channel topology based on the pore structure of the zeolite TNU‐9. For a wide range of reaction rates a very strong MTC effect can be found that increases with grain size. This effect is argued to be a generic feature of a certain class of zeolite pore topologies.
Preparation of PbS nano‐microcrystals with different morphologies and their optical properties
Authors: Sun Qi , Wang Yongqian , Yuan Ximing , Han Jun , Ma Qun , Li Fei , Jin Hongyun , Liu Zhanhong
Published: September 2013

PbS nano‐microcrystals were prepared from Pb(OAc)2·3H2O and sulfur in a solution without any surfactant using the solvothermal process. Different morphologies, mainly including polyhedron microcrystals and sphere‐like assemblies, were characterized using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and a transmission electron microscope (TEM). PbS nano‐microcrystals with cubic crystal structure were detected using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), electron diffraction (ED) and high resolution transmission electron micrograph (HRTEM) techniques. The optical properties were investigated by ultraviolet‐visible (UV‐vis) spectroscopy, and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL). The UV‐vis absorption peaks of PbS exhibited a large blue‐shift and the PL spectra had a strong and broad emission bands centered at 408 nm. The crystal growth mechanism of PbS was also discussed.
Screening for people with glucose metabolism disorders within the framework of the DEMOJUAN project (DEMOnstration area for primary prevention of type 2 diabetes, JUAN Mina and Barranquilla, Colombia)
Authors: Barengo Noël C. , Acosta Tania , Arrieta Astrid , Ricaurte Carlos , Mayor Diana , Tuomilehto Jaakko O. ,   the DEMOJUAN study group
Published: September 2013

Background

Until now, no systematic screening for T2D or prevention activities targeting T2D has been implemented in Colombia. The aims of this study were i) describe the feasibility of implementing the Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISC) as a screening tool for glucose metabolism disorders (GMD) in the primary health care system in Barranquilla in Colombia during 2011 and 2012, and ii) to describe the risk factors for T2D in the population screened.

Methods

This screening was opportunistic among people aged 34‐60 years living in five primary health care catchment areas in Barranquilla, Colombia. People with 13 or more FINDRISC points were invited to an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).

Results

Out of 14193 participants with the FINDRISC completed, 35% (n=4915) had a score of 13 points or higher (men 23%, women 40%). Among those with FINDRISC completed, the percentage of people with BMI<25 kg/m2 was 46% in men and 35% in women. The prevalence of screen‐detected T2D was 18% in men and 12% in women, respectively, among those with FINDRISC >12 attending an OGTT. In both sexes the prevalence of isolated IGT, isolated IFG, and IFG and IGT combined were 8%, 11%, and 8%, respectively.

Conclusions

In total, 2% of all 14 193 screened participants had undetected T2D and 7% GMD. This figure would potentially be 4.6% (T2D), respectively 15% (GMD) if all with a FINDRISC>12 attend the OGTT. Thus, we found the FINDRISC to be a useful tool to identify people with GMD. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Neck circumference is a valuable tool for identifying metabolic syndrome and obesity in Chinese elder subjects: a community‐based study
Authors: Yan Qun , Sun Dongmei , Li Xu , Zheng Qinghu , Li Lun , Gu Chenhong , Feng Bo
Published: September 2013

Objective

We aim to explore the relationship of neck circumference to metabolic syndrome (MetS) and obesity in Chinese elders and to establish cut‐off points of the neck circumference for MetS and obesity.

Methods

Cross‐sectional analysis for a population sample of 2092 individuals aged over 65 years, representative of East China elders. MetS was identified according to the 2004 Chinese Diabetes Society criteria.

Results

Neck circumference was correlated with body mass index (r = 0.70, p = 0.000 in men, and r = 0.73, p = 0.000 in women) and waist circumference (waist circumference; r = 0.70, p = 0.000 in men, and r = 0.72, p = 0.000 in women). According to neck circumference quartile, the prevalence of MetS and its components were increased significantly from Q1 to Q4 (p for trend <0.001) in both genders. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that both waist circumference and neck circumference were independent predictors of Mets, with odds ratios (95% confidence interval) 1.11 (1.08–1.15; p = 0.044) and 1.17 (1.07–1.28; p = 0.000), respectively, in men and 1.08 (1.05–1.10; p = 0.000) and 1.31 (1.21–1.42; p = 0.000), respectively, in women. As for obesity, the significant independent indicators in both genders were also waist circumference and neck circumference (all p < 0.01). In the receiver operating characteristic curves, both the optimal cut‐off points of neck circumference for MetS and obesity were 38 cm in men and 35 cm in women.

Conclusions

The neck circumference, as waist circumference, is also a valuable tool for identifying MetS and obesity, with established cut‐off points for the prediction of MetS and obesity in Chinese elders. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simultaneous quantification of acetaminophen and structurally related compounds in human serum and plasma
Authors: Bylda Caroline , Thiele Roland , Kobold Uwe , Volmer Dietrich A.
Published: September 2013

The method described in this study allows the simultaneous quantification of acetaminophen (APAP) and nine structurally related compounds, namely acetaminophen metabolites and structurally similar analogs (acetaminophen‐glucuronide [APG], ‐sulfate [APS], mercapturate [APM], ‐cysteine [APC], p‐phenetidine, phenacetin), antidote (N‐acetylcysteine, NAC), and two tricyclic antidepressants (imipramine and amitryptiline). Due to the relatively high serum concentration levels in the µg/ml range, matrix effects were simply minimized by dilution. The samples were diluted with water and disulfide bonds between serum proteins and analytes reduced using tris(2‐carboxyethyl)phosphine. Chromatographic separation of the analytes was achieved by gradient elution using a pentafluorphenyl (PFP) column with subsequent detection by electrospray ionization (ESI) triple quadrupole mass spectrometry in positive and negative ionization multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) modes. Quantification was performed by means of deuterated analogues of the analytes as internal standards. Total run time of the assay was 19 min. The method was fully validated and allowed quantification of the analytes with lower limits of quantification between 50 and 0.5 ng/ml. The calibration curves were linear over the range 0.1–100 µg/ml for APAP, APG, NAC, p‐phenetidine and phenacetin, 0.03‐50 µg/ml for APS, and 0.01‐10 µg/ml for APM, APC, imipramine and amitriptyline with correlation coefficients r2 > 0.99. The intra‐assay precision was ≤5% for all analytes except NAC (CV < 10%). The inter‐day precision was ≤10% for all analytes except NAC (inter‐assay precision <11%). This method was used to analyze 77 patient and spiked samples and results were consistent with expected values from a round robin test. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Testin interacts with vangl2 genetically to regulate inner ear sensory cell orientation and the normal development of the female reproductive tract in mice
Authors: Ren Dong‐Dong , Kelly Michael , Kim Sun Myoung , Grimsley‐Myers Cynthia Mary , Chi Fang‐Lu , Chen Ping
Published: September 2013

Background: Planar cell polarity (PCP) signaling regulates the coordinated polarization of cells and is required for the normal development and function of many tissues. Previous studies have identified conserved PCP genes, such as Van Gogh‐like 2 (Vangl2) and Prickle (Pk), in the regulation of coordinated orientation of inner ear hair cells and female reproductive tract development. Testin shares a PET‐LIM homology with Pk. It is not clear whether Testin acts in PCP processes in mammals. Results: We identified Testin as a Vangl2‐interacting protein through a 2‐hybrid screen with a cochlea cDNA library. Testin is enriched to cell–cell boundaries in the presence of Vangl2 in cultured cells. Genetic inactivation of Testin leads to abnormal hair cell orientation in the vestibule and cellular patterning defects in the cochlea. In addition, Testin genetically interacts with Vangl2 to regulate hair cell orientation in the cochlea and the opening of the vaginal tract. Conclusions: Our findings suggested Testin as a gene involved in coordinated hair cell orientation in the inner ear and in female reproductive tract development. Furthermore, its genetic interaction with Vangl2 implicated it as a potential molecular link, responsible for mediating the role of Vangl2‐containing membranous PCP complexes in directing morphologic polarization. Developmental Dynamics 242:1454–1465, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.