bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations of knee extensor strength and standing balance with physical function in knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Pua Yong‐Hao , Liang Zhiqi , Ong Peck‐Hoon , Bryant Adam L. , Lo Ngai‐Nung , Clark Ross A.
Published: September 2011

Objective

Knee extensor strength is an important correlate of physical function in patients with knee osteoarthritis; however, it remains unclear whether standing balance is also a correlate. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cross‐sectional associations of knee extensor strength, standing balance, and their interaction with physical function.

Methods

One hundred four older adults with end‐stage knee osteoarthritis awaiting a total knee replacement (mean ± SD age 67 ± 8 years) participated. Isometric knee extensor strength was measured using an isokinetic dynamometer. Standing balance performance was measured by the center of pressure displacement during quiet standing on a balance board. Physical function was measured by the self‐report Short Form 36 (SF‐36) questionnaire and by the 10‐meter fast‐pace gait speed test.

Results

After adjustment for demographic and knee pain variables, we detected significant knee strength by standing balance interaction terms for both SF‐36 physical function and fast‐pace gait speed. Interrogation of the interaction revealed that standing balance in the anteroposterior plane was positively related to physical function among patients with lower knee extensor strength. Conversely, among patients with higher knee extensor strength, the standing balance–physical function associations were, or tended to be, negative.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that although standing balance was related to physical function in patients with knee osteoarthritis, this relationship was complex and dependent on knee extensor strength level. These results are of importance in developing intervention strategies and refining theoretical models, but they call for further study.
Relationship between beliefs, motivation, and worries about physical activity and physical activity participation in persons with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Ehrlich‐Jones Linda , Lee Jungwha , Semanik Pamela , Cox Cheryl , Dunlop Dorothy , Chang Rowland W.
Published: September 2011

Objective

To determine the relationship between beliefs, motivation, and worries about physical activity and physical activity participation in persons with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

A cross‐sectional study used baseline data from 185 adults with RA enrolled in a randomized clinical trial assessing the effectiveness of an intervention to promote physical activity. Data included patients' self‐reported beliefs that physical activity can be beneficial for their disease, motivation for physical activity participation, worries about physical activity participation, and average daily accelerometer counts of activity over a week's time. Body mass index (BMI), sex, age, race, and disease activity were measured as potential statistical moderators of physical activity.

Results

Physical activity participation was greater for those with higher scores on scales measuring beliefs that physical activity is beneficial for their disease (P for trend = 0.032) and motivation for physical activity participation (P for trend = 0.007) when adjusted for age, sex, BMI, race, and disease activity. There was a positive but nonsignificant trend in physical activity participation in relation to worries.

Conclusion

Stronger beliefs that physical activity can be helpful for managing disease and increased motivation to engage in physical activity are related to higher levels of physical activity participation. These data provide a preliminary empirical rationale for why interventions targeting these concepts should lead to improved physical activity participation in adults with RA.
Experimental knee joint pain during strength training and muscle strength gain in healthy subjects: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Sørensen T. J. , Langberg H. , Hodges P. W. , Bliddal H. , Henriksen M.
Published: September 2011

Objective

Knee joint pain and reduced quadriceps strength are cardinal symptoms in many knee pathologies. In people with painful knee pathologies, quadriceps exercise reduces pain, improves physical function, and increases muscle strength. A general assumption is that pain compromises muscle function and thus may prevent effective rehabilitation. This study evaluated the effects of experimental knee joint pain during quadriceps strength training on muscle strength gain in healthy individuals.

Methods

Twenty‐seven healthy untrained volunteers participated in a randomized controlled trial of quadriceps strengthening (3 times per week for 8 weeks). Participants were randomized to perform resistance training either during pain induced by injections of painful hypertonic saline (pain group, n = 13) or during a nonpainful control condition with injection of isotonic saline (control group, n = 14) into the infrapatellar fat pad. The primary outcome measure was change in maximal isokinetic muscle strength in knee extension/flexion (60, 120, and 180 degrees/second).

Results

The group who exercised with pain had a significantly larger improvement in isokinetic muscle strength at all angular velocities of knee extension compared to the control group. In knee flexion there were improvements in isokinetic muscle strength in both groups with no between‐group differences.

Conclusion

Experimental knee joint pain improved the training‐induced gain in muscle strength following 8 weeks of quadriceps training. It remains to be studied whether knee joint pain has a positive effect on strength gain in patients with knee pathology.
Vibratory perception threshold in young and middle‐aged patients at high risk of knee osteoarthritis compared to controls
Authors: Thorlund Jonas Bloch , Shakoor Najia , Ageberg Eva , Sandal Louise Fleng , Block Joel A. , Roos Ewa M.
Published: September 2011

Objective

Vibratory perception threshold (VPT) is impaired in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). It is, however, not known if sensory deficits precede or follow as a consequence of OA. The aim of this study was to investigate VPT in 2 independent groups of patients with high risk of future OA (young anterior cruciate ligament [ACL]‐injured patients and middle‐aged meniscectomized patients) and compare them to age‐matched controls.

Methods

VPT was assessed at the medial malleolus (MM) and medial femoral condyle (MFC) in 2 independent groups of patients and matched controls: ACL‐injured patients (n = 39, mean ± SD age 24.0 ± 5.2 years, mean ± SD BMI 24.0 ± 2.9 kg/m2, mean ± SD time since injury 21.9 ± 21.6 months) and controls (n = 28, mean ± SD age 25.6 ± 4.4 years, mean ± SD BMI 23.6 ± 2.2 kg/m2), and meniscectomized patients (n = 22, mean ± SD age 49.6 ± 4.8 years, mean ± SD BMI 24.7 ± 2.7 kg/m2, mean ± SD time since surgery 49.6 ± 5.0 months) and controls (n = 25, mean ± SD age 49.4 ± 5.2 years, mean ± SD BMI 25.2 ± 4.9 kg/m2).

Results

ACL‐injured patients had a better VPT than controls at the MM (P = 0.030), which persisted after adjusting for age and sex (P = 0.034). At the MFC, there was a similar trend in favor of ACL injured patients (unadjusted P = 0.093, adjusted P = 0.122). No differences were seen in VPT at the MM between meniscectomized patients and controls, whereas there was a tendency for better VPT in meniscectomized patients at the MFC (unadjusted P = 0.085, adjusted P = 0.092).

Conclusion

Impaired vibratory sensation could not be confirmed in 2 independent groups of patients compared to age‐matched controls, suggesting that impaired vibratory sense is not present in knee‐injured patients at high risk or in the very early phase of knee OA.
Cardiovascular and other comorbidities in patients with psoriatic arthritis: A comparison with patients with psoriasis
Authors: Husted Janice A. , Thavaneswaran Arane , Chandran Vinod , Eder Lihi , Rosen Cheryl F. , Cook Richard J. , Gladman Dafna D.
Published: September 2011

Objective

To determine whether the presence of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is associated with greater comorbidity, in particular cardiovascular morbidity, compared to psoriasis without arthritis.

Methods

Six hundred eleven patients with PsA were recruited from the University of Toronto Psoriatic Arthritis Clinic and 449 psoriasis without arthritis patients were recruited from the University of Toronto Psoriasis Cohort. The clinical database was used to identify the prevalence of cardiovascular and other comorbidities in both PsA and psoriasis without arthritis patients. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to estimate odds ratios (ORs), comparing the odds of ever having a given comorbid disease in PsA patients with those in psoriasis without arthritis patients. Covariates included age, sex, education, smoking status, severity and duration of psoriasis, medication status, and other comorbidities.

Results

The prevalence of hypertension, obesity, hyperlipidemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and at least 1 cardiovascular event in PsA patients was 37.1%, 30.0%, 20.7%, 12.0%, and 8.2%, respectively. This was significantly higher than in psoriasis without arthritis patients, with unadjusted ORs ranging from 1.54 to 2.59. In the multivariate analyses, hypertension remained significantly elevated (adjusted OR 2.17). PsA was also significantly associated with infections not treated with antibiotics (presumably viral), neurologic conditions, gastrointestinal disorders, and liver disease (adjusted ORs 2.83, 4.76, 21.53, and 7.74, respectively). Infections treated with antibiotics and depression/anxiety were relatively common in PsA, with a prevalence of 30.5% and 20.7%, respectively. However, this was not significantly different from psoriasis without arthritis after multivariate adjustments.

Conclusion

The results suggest that inflammatory joint disease may play a role in both cardiovascular and noncardiovascular morbidity in PsA.
Merging Veterans Affairs rheumatoid arthritis registry and pharmacy data to assess methotrexate adherence and disease activity in clinical practice
Authors: Cannon Grant W. , Mikuls Ted R. , Hayden Candace L. , Ying Jian , Curtis Jeffrey R. , Reimold Andreas M. , Caplan Liron , Kerr Gail S. , Richards J. Steuart , Johnson Dannette S. , Sauer Brian C.
Published: September 2011

Objective

The Veterans Affairs (VA) Rheumatoid Arthritis (VARA) registry and the VA Pharmacy Benefits Management database were linked to determine the association of methotrexate (MTX) adherence with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease activity.

Methods

For each patient, the medication possession ratio (MPR) was calculated for the first episode of MTX exposure of a duration of ≥12 weeks for both new and established MTX users. High MTX adherence was defined as an MPR ≥0.80 and low MTX adherence was defined as an MPR <0.80. For each patient, the mean Disease Activity Score with 28 joints (DAS28) score, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C‐reaction protein (CRP) level observed during registry followup were compared in high‐ versus low‐adherence groups.

Results

In 455 RA patients, the prescribed doses of MTX (mean ± SD 16 ± 4 mg versus 16 ± 4 mg; P = 0.6) were similar in high‐adherence patients (n = 370) in comparison to low‐adherence patients (n = 85). However, the actual observed MTX doses taken by patients were significantly higher in the high‐adherence group (mean ± SD 16 ± 5 mg versus 11 ± 3 mg; P < 0.001). DAS28 (mean ± SD 3.6 ± 1.2 versus 3.9 ± 1.5; P < 0.02), ESR (mean ± SD 24 ± 18 versus 29 ± 24 mm/hour; P = 0.05), and CRP level (mean ± SD 1.2 ± 1.3 versus 1.6 ± 1.5 mg/dl; P < 0.03) were lower in the high‐adherence group compared to those with low MTX adherence. These variances were not explained by differences in baseline demographic features, concurrent treatments, or whether MTX was initiated before or after VARA enrollment.

Conclusion

High MTX adherence was associated with improved clinical outcomes in RA patients treated with MTX. Adjustment for potential confounders did not alter the estimated effect of adherence. These results demonstrate the advantages of being able to merge clinical observations with pharmacy databases to evaluate antirheumatic drugs in clinical practice.
Unusual Photoluminescence of CaHfO3 and SrHfO3 Nanoparticles
Authors: Rauwel Erwan , Galeckas Augustinas , Rauwel Protima , Fjellvåg Helmer
Published: September 2011

This article reports on optical properties of SrHfO3 and CaHfO3 nanoparticles with sizes as small as 1.6 nm, synthesized via non aqueous sol–gel routs for the first time. An unexpectedly strong luminescence from the undoped nanoparticles was observed in the visible spectrum over a wide temperature range, also exhibiting sensitivity to temperature variation and surrounding ambient (vacuum/air) and exposure time to UV light. A tentative model is proposed to explain these phenomena in terms of luminescent centers located at the surface of the nanoparticles.
Mixed Magnetism for Refrigeration and Energy Conversion
Authors: Dung Nguyen H. , Ou Zhi Qiang , Caron Luana , Zhang Lian , Thanh Dinh T. Cam , de Wijs Gilles A. , de Groot Rob A. , Buschow K. H. Jürgen , Brück Ekkes
Published: September 2011

The efficient coupling between lattice degrees of freedom and spin degrees of freedom in magnetic materials can be used for refrigeration and energy conversion. This coupling is enhanced in materials exhibiting the giant magnetocaloric effect. First principle electronic structure calculations on hexagonal MnFe(P, Si) reveal a new form of magnetism: the coexistence of strong and weak magnetism in alternate atomic layers. The weak magnetism of Fe layers (disappearance of local magnetic moments at the Curie temperature) is responsible for a strong coupling with the crystal lattice while the strong magnetism in adjacent Mn‐layers ensures Curie temperatures high enough to enable operation at and above room temperature. Varying the composition on these magnetic sublattices gives a handle to tune the working temperature and to achieve a strong reduction of the undesired thermal hysteresis. In this way we design novel materials based on abundantly available elements with properties matched to the requirements of an efficient refrigeration or energy‐conversion cycle.
Farmgate Private Standards and Price Premium: Evidence From the GlobalGAP Scheme in Kenya's French Beans Marketing
Authors: Kariuki Isaac Maina , Loy Jens‐Peter , Herzfeld Thomas
Published: September 2011

The proliferation of private quality and assurance schemes in international trade is defining market access in high value chains. The prime concern for small‐scale producers is whether price premiums are realizable due to compliance. Using French beans marketing, the authors find that GlobalGAP certification, produce traceability, number of suppliers, competition for supplies, direct procurement, a good road network, and supply contracts have positive farmgate price effects for smallholders. Potential policy implications are drawn.
Sol–gel derived Si/C/O/N‐materials: molecular model compounds, xerogels and porous ceramics
Authors: Cheng Hui‐Jie , Lippe Katrin , Kroke Edwin , Wagler Jörg , Fester Gerrit W. , Li Ya‐Li , Schwarz Marcus R. , Saplinova Tatyana , Herkenhoff Stefanie , Ischenko Vladislav , Woltersdorf Jörg
Published: September 2011

Polymeric Si/C/O/N xerogels, with the idealized polymer network structure comprising [SiOSi(NCN)3]n moieties, were prepared by reactions of hexachlorodisiloxane (Cl3SiOSiCl3) with bis(trimethylsilyl)carbodiimide (Me3SiNCNSiMe3, BTSC). NMR and FTIR spectra indicate the existence of ‐NCN‐ andSiOSi‐ units in the xerogels and also in the ceramic materials obtained upon pyrolysis. The feasibility of this reaction protocol was confirmed on the molecular level by the deliberate synthesis of the macrocyclic compound [SiPh2OSiPh2(NCN)]2, the crystal structure and spectroscopic data of which are reported. The influence of pyridine as a catalyst for the cross‐linking reaction was studied. The degree of cross‐linking increased within the polymers with the addition of pyridine. It was shown by the reaction of hexachlorodisiloxane with excess pyridine that the latter appears to activate only one out of the two ‐SiCl3 moieties under formation of hexacoordinated silicon compounds. The crystal structure of Cl3SiOSiCl3(pyridine)2 is presented. Quantum chemical calculations are in support of this adduct being a potential intermediate in the pyridine catalyzed sol–gel process. The ceramic yield after pyrolysis of the Si/C/O/N‐xerogels at 1000 °C, which reaches values up to 50%, was found to depend on the aging protocol (time, temperature), whereas no correlation was found with the amount of pyridine added for xerogel synthesis. The Si/C/N/O‐ceramics obtained after pyrolysis at 1000 °C under NH3 are completely amorphous. Chemically they have to be considered as hybrids between an ideal [SiOSi(NCN)3]n network and glass‐like Si2N2O. The products are mesoporous with closed pores and a broad pore size distribution. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of novel bipyridyl ligands and application in preparation of polyketone
Authors: Guo Jintang , Gao Shan , Lv Zhenhui , Ye Yaqin
Published: September 2011

In this article, novel 2,2′‐bipyridyl derivatives were synthesized and the excellent bipyridyl ligands were chosen as catalyst to apply in the copolymerization of carbon monoxide (CO) and styrene (ST) to prepare polyketone. 4,4′‐Dicarboxyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine(4,4′‐dcpy) was synthesized by use of synthesized 4,4′‐dimethyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine(4,4′‐dmpy). The products (4,4′‐dmpy and 4,4′‐dcpy) were characterized by melting point, NMR, IR, GC‐MS, and elemental analysis. The effects of different ligands and various reaction conditions incuding the usage of ligand, p‐toluenesulfonic acid, solvent, p‐benzoquinone, the CO pressure, and reaction temperature on catalytic activity of the copolymerization were investigated. The catalytic activity of 4,4′‐dmpy, 4,4′‐dcpy and 2,2′‐bipyridine were compared. The results showed that the addition of the electron‐donating substituent can enhance catalytic activity, with the sequence as follows: 4,4′‐ dimethyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine > 2,2′‐bipyridine > 4, 4′‐carboxy 2,2′‐ bipyridine. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 000: 000–000, 2012
Deoxycholate‐chitosan nanospheres fabricated by γ‐irradiation and chemical modification: Nanoscale synthesis and controlled studies
Authors: Pasanphan Wanvimol , Choofong Surakarn , Rimdusit Pakjira
Published: September 2011

A systematic protocol to fabricate self‐assembly deoxycholate‐chitosan nanospheres (DC‐CsNS) by γ‐ray pre‐irradiation and chemical modification was studied. Hydrophobic deoxycholic acid moieties were chemically conjugated to pre‐irradiated chitosan. The influences of chitosan physical forms (i.e., colloid and flake) during irradiation, radiation doses, and the reaction system (heterogeneous or homogeneous) on the chemical modification and the particle shape and size were investigated. Pre‐irradiation of chitosan in colloidal form produced smaller DC‐CsNS particle size than that of flake form. In the heterogeneous reaction, the pre‐irradiated dose influenced the DC‐CsNS particle size, whereas in the homogeneous reaction all pre‐irradiation doses gave an identical average size range of 30–50 nm. By pre‐irradiation (10 kGy) of chitosan in colloidal form before heterogeneous chemical conjugation, it is possible to obtain DC‐CsNS with an average size of 46 nm. DC‐CsNS of about 50 nm in size could also be synthesized using homogeneous chemical conjugation onto non‐irradiated chitosan with the addition of N‐hydroxysuccinimide (NHS). © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
A functional monomer to synthesize sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) with sulfonic acid group in the pendant side chain
Authors: Krishnan Palanichamy , Advani Suresh G. , Prasad Ajay K.
Published: September 2011

A functional monomer which enables the synthesis of sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) polymer with the sulfonic acid group in the pendant side chain has been successfully developed. 1, 3‐propane sultone was used as the model compound to introduce the side chain moiety in the monomer. The above sulfonated monomer (0.50 mol) along with 4, 4′‐difluorobenzophenone (0.50 mol) were reacted with bisphenol‐A (1.0 mol) to obtain the SPEEK polymer with the sulfonic acid group in the pendant side chain. All the intermediates and the SPEEK polymer were characterized using 1H‐NMR. The SPEEK polymer is expected to have improved mechanical and electrical properties for PEM fuel cell application. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Effect of montmorillonite on orientation of drawn polypropylene films
Authors: Zhou Bing , Liu Yi‐Liao , Xu Jun‐Ting , Fan Zhi‐Qiang
Published: September 2011

Films of polypropylene/organically modified montmorillonite (PP/OMMT) nanocomposites were drawn at two different temperatures with various draw ratios. The effect of OMMT on the orientations of the crystalline and amorphous phases was studied using polarized infrared spectroscopy. It is found that OMMT layers always retard the orientation of the crystalline phase. The higher the OMMT loading, the stronger the retardance effect. In contrast, the effect of OMMT layers on the orientation of the amorphous phase depends on draw temperature and OMMT loading. A favorable effect on the orientation of the amorphous phase is observed at low OMMT loading and high draw temperature, but the retardance prevails at high OMMT loading and low draw temperature. The favorable effect on orientation at high draw temperature is attributed to the stabilization effect of OMMT layers on the conformation of amorphous PP chains. Such an effect was further verified by comparing the crystallization behavior and the morphologies of drawn PP and PP/OMMT films crystallized from 180°C. Memory effect is observed for crystallization of drawn PP/OMMT film, but it is not obvious for the drawn film of neat PP. Spherulites are formed for orientated neat PP films cooled from 180°C, but cylindrites are still formed after the drawn PP/OMMT films undergo melting at 180°C and recrystallization. The stabilization effect disappears at higher temperature (230°C). © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Implicit “Motion” in Non‐verbal Art: Transmission and Transformation of Affect
Authors: Rose Gilbert J.
Published: September 2011

This paper traces (1) the transformation of the subjective affective expressiveness that accompanies the making of non‐verbal art into (2) the aesthetic forms that embody implicit “motion” (3) that stimulates an immediate disparate affective response on the part of a person sensitive to art or music. Implicit “motion” reflects primary process forms interplaying with the slow discharge of secondary process, thus allowing entry into consciousness. Any cognitive meanings, conscious and unconscious, subsequently attributed to the non‐verbal art are personal, variable and subject to the flow oftime and the spirit of the times. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Balancing on the Borderline – a Low‐cost Approach to Visualize the Red‐edge Shift for the Benefit of Aerial Archaeology
Authors: Verhoeven Geert , Doneus Michael
Published: September 2011

Scientists from different research disciplines have provided essential information that relates the biophysical characteristics of plants to their spectral reflectance. This fundamental understanding has facilitated the development of various non‐destructive sensing methods for detecting vegetation stresses, monitoring plant growth and calculating crop yield. Aerial archaeologists flying in small aeroplanes have only partially exploited this knowledge. Instead of basing archaeological interpretation on only direct visual inspection of the conventionally acquired colour photographs, this contribution briefly reviews the reflectance properties of plants and uses them to present a new low‐cost imaging technique beneficial for the detection of (faint) archaeologically induced vegetation marks. The new approach consists of three simultaneously operated digital still cameras, each of them capturing information in a different spectral waveband: the visible, near‐infrared and red‐edge spectral region. The latter two bands are used in the calculation of a R700/R800 vegetation index. Besides a theoretical underpinning, real‐world examples will assess the potential of this new approach in detection of vegetation marks and prove that this low‐cost, multispectral method might be beneficial in identifying and enhancing weak crop stresses that are lost when taking only the broad visible spectrum into account. In the final discussion, some thoughts on future archaeological aerial research are given. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Verbal problem‐solving in autism spectrum disorders: A problem of plan construction?
Authors: Alderson‐Day Ben
Published: September 2011

Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) adopt less efficient strategies than typically developing controls (TD) on verbal problem‐solving tests such as the Twenty Questions Task. This study examined the hypotheses that this can be explained by differences in (i) planning processes or (ii) selective attention. Twenty‐two children with ASD and 21 TD controls matched for age (Mage = 13:7) and cognitive ability (MFSIQ = 96.42) were tested on an adapted version of Twenty Questions and two planning tasks. ASD participants could recognize effective questions as well as TD participants on a forced‐choice question discrimination task, but were observed to construct plans that were significantly less efficient. ASD performance was also specifically reduced when items could not be physically removed from the testing array, although this effect could be ameliorated by keeping a written record of participant questions during search. These findings indicate that ASD participants are sensitive to the within‐task executive demands of Twenty Questions, but that their inefficiency in strategy relates to planning processes and question selection pretask. The implications for understanding ASD problem‐solving skills and their impact on everyday functioning are discussed. Autism Res 2011,4:401–411. © 2011 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Superresolution imaging of biological nanostructures by spectral precision distance microscopy
Authors: Cremer Christoph , Kaufmann Rainer , Gunkel Manuel , Pres Sebastian , Weiland Yanina , Müller Patrick , Ruckelshausen Thomas , Lemmer Paul , Geiger Fania , Degenhard Sven , Wege Christina , Lemmermann Niels A. W. , Holtappels Rafaela , Strickfaden Hilmar , Hausmann Michael
Published: September 2011

For the improved understanding of biological systems on the nanoscale, it is necessary to enhance the resolution of light microscopy in the visible wavelength range beyond the limits of conventional epifluorescence microscopy (optical resolution of about 200 nm laterally, 600 nm axially). Recently, various far‐field methods have been developed allowing a substantial increase of resolution (“superresolution microscopy”, or “lightoptical nanoscopy”). This opens an avenue to ‘nano‐image’ intact and even living cells, as well as other biostructures like viruses, down to the molecular detail. Thus, it is possible to combine light optical spatial nanoscale information with ultrastructure analyses and the molecular interaction information provided by molecular cell biology. In this review, we describe the principles of spectrally assigned localization microscopy (SALM) of biological nanostructures, focusing on a special SALM approach, spectral precision distance/position determination microscopy (SPDM) with physically modified fluorochromes (SPDMPhymod. Generally, this SPDM method is based on high‐precision localization of fluorescent molecules, which can be discriminated using reversibly bleached states of the fluorophores for their optical isolation. A variety of application examples is presented, ranging from superresolution microscopy of membrane and cytoplasmic protein distribution to dual‐color SPDM of nuclear proteins. At present, we can achieve an optical resolution of cellular structures down to the 20‐nm range, with best values around 5 nm (∼1/100 of the exciting wavelength).
Enhancing the 3‐hydroxyvalerate component in bioplastic PHBV production by Cupriavidus necator
Authors: Berezina Nathalie
Published: September 2011

In the current context of global warming, the substitution of conventional plastics with bioplastics is a challenge. To take up this challenge, we must meet different technical and economic constraints. In the case of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV), the technical properties can be modulated by varying the 3‐hydroxyvalerate content. 3‐Hydroxyvalerate (3‐HV) enhancement is an issue; therefore, simultaneous evaluation of several 3‐hydroxyvalerate‐enhancing substrates through fractional factorial design of experiments is described. Eight substrates citric, valeric, propionic, and levulinic acids; propanol; pentanol; and sodium propionate were studied for 3‐HV enhancement, and sodium glutamate was studied for biomass and polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) enhancement. The most efficient 3‐hydroxyvalerate‐enhancing factors were levulinic acid, sodium propionate, and pentanol; however, pentanol, at a concentration of 1 g/L, had an extremely negative influence on biomass production and the PHA content of cells. The effect of the inoculum nutrient composition on the final 3‐HVcontent was also evaluated. These results showed that the most efficient combination for the production of high 3‐HVcontent in PHBV was primary inoculum growth on mineral medium followed by fermentation for 48 h with levulinic acid and sodium propionate (at 1 g/L) as the only carbon sources. This allowed us to produce PHBV with a 3‐HVcontent of 80 mol % and overall volumetric and specific productivities of 2 mg/L/h and 3.9 mg/gCDW/h, respectively, with the addition of only 2 g/L of inducing substances.
Correlation of second virial coefficient with solubility for proteins in salt solutions
Authors: Mehta Chirag M. , White Edward T. , Litster James D.
Published: September 2011

In this work, osmotic second virial coefficients (B22) were determined and correlated with the measured solubilities for the proteins, α‐amylase, ovalbumin, and lysozyme. The B22 values and solubilities were determined in similar solution conditions using two salts, sodium chloride and ammonium sulfate in an acidic pH range. An overall decrease in the solubility of the proteins (salting out) was observed at high concentrations of ammonium sulfate and sodium chloride solutions. However, for α‐amylase, salting‐in behavior was also observed in low concentration sodium chloride solutions. In ammonium sulfate solutions, the B22 are small and close to zero below 2.4 M. As the ammonium sulfate concentrations were further increased, B22 values decreased for all systems studied. The effect of sodium chloride on B22 varies with concentration, solution pH, and the type of protein studied. Theoretical models show a reasonable fit to the experimental derived data of B22 and solubility. B22 is also directly proportional to the logarithm of the solubility values for individual proteins in salt solutions, so the log‐linear empirical models developed in this work can also be used to rapidly predict solubility and B22 values for given protein–salt systems. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2012
Sterically Demanding Hetero‐Substituted [2]Borametallocenophanes of Group IV Metals: Synthesis, Structure and Reactivity
Authors: Braunschweig Holger , Dörfler Rainer , Mies Jan , Oechsner Andreas
Published: September 2011

We report the synthesis and characterisation of unprecedented unstrained [2]diborametallocenophanes of zirconium and hafnium that bear the bulky octamethylfluorenyl (η5‐C29H36) system, the proligands of which were pre‐constructed by a two‐step synthesis. The compounds were fully characterised by NMR spectroscopy, MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry and X‐ray diffraction analysis. Typical reactivities relevant to olefin polymerisation such as methylation and chloride abstraction were also investigated. Finally, a sterically demanding bis(octamethylfluorenyl) metallocene was prepared.
Oxidation State Changes and Electron Flow in Enzymatic Catalysis and Electrocatalysis through Wannier‐Function Analysis
Authors: Sit Patrick H.‐L. , Zipoli Federico , Chen Jia , Car Roberto , Cohen Morrel H. , Selloni Annabella
Published: September 2011

In catalysis by metalloenzymes and in electrocatalysis by clusters related in structure and composition to the active components of such enzymes transition‐metal atoms can play a central role in the catalyzed redox reactions. Changes to their oxidation states (OSs) are critical for understanding the reactions. The OS is a local property and we introduce a new, generally useful local method for determining OSs, their changes, and the associated bonding changes and electron flow. The method is based on computing optimally localized orbitals (OLOs). With this method, we analyze two cases, superoxide reductase (SOR) and a proposed hydrogen‐producing model electrocatalyst [FeS2]/[FeFe]P, a modification of the active site of the diiron hydrogenase enzymes. Both utilize an under‐coordinated Fe site where a one‐electron reduction (for SOR) or a two‐electron reduction (for [FeFe]P) of the substrate occurs. We obtain the oxidation states of the Fe atoms and of their critical ligands, the changes of the bonds to those ligands, and the electron flow during the catalytic cycle, thereby demonstrating that OLOs constitute a powerful interpretive tool for unraveling reaction mechanisms by first‐principles computations.
Highly Luminescent Octanuclear AuI–CuI Clusters Adopting Two Structural Motifs: The Effect of Aliphatic Alkynyl Ligands
Authors: Koshevoy Igor O. , Lin Chia‐Li , Karttunen Antti J. , Jänis Janne , Haukka Matti , Tunik Sergey P. , Chou Pi‐Tai , Pakkanen Tapani A.
Published: September 2011

Reactions of the homoleptic (AuC2R)n precursors with stoichiometric amount of diphosphine ligand PPh2C6H4PPh2 (P^P) and Cu+ ions lead to an assembly of a new family of bimetallic clusters [Au6Cu2(C2R)6(P^P)2]2+ (type I; R=9‐fluorenolyl (1), diphenylmethanolyl (2), 2,6‐dimethyl‐4‐heptanolyl (3), 1‐cyclohexanolyl (4), Cy (5), tBu (6)). In the case of R=1‐cyclohexanolyl, a structurally different complex [Au6Cu2(C2C6H11O)6(P^P)3]2+ (7, type II) could be obtained by treatment of 4 with one equivalent of the diphosphine, while for R=isopropanolyl only the latter type of cluster [Au6Cu2(C2C3H7O)6(P^P)3]2+ (8) was detected. Steric bulkiness of the alkynyl ligands and O⋅⋅⋅HO hydrogen bonding are suggested to play an important role in stabilizing the type I and type II cluster structural motif, respectively. All the complexes exhibit intense photoluminescence in solution with emission parameters that depending on the geometrical arrangement of the octanuclear metal core. The clusters 1–4 and 6 show single emission band in a blue region (469–488 nm) with maximum quantum yield of 94 % (4), while structurally different 7 and 8 emit yellow‐orange (590 nm) with unity quantum efficiency. The theoretical DFT calculations of the electronic structures have been carried out to demonstrate that the metal‐centered triplet emission within the heterometallic core plays a key role for the observed phosphorescence.
Molar heat capacities of solvents used in CO2 capture: A group additivity and molecular connectivity analysis
Authors: Rayer Aravind V. , Henni Amr , Tontiwachwuthikul Paitoon
Published: September 2011

The molar heat capacities of 38 pure solvents used for CO2 capture studies are reported in the temperature range of 303.15–393.15 K and atmospheric pressure. Existing structural similarities between these compounds were explored using a group additivity analysis (GAA) and molecular connectivity principles in terms of the reported heat capacity data. Group additivity yields the estimates of CH3, CH2, CH, C, CH, NH2, NH, N, N–, OH, O and O group contributions to the molar heat capacities at each investigated temperature. Molecular connectivity approach provides a single equation that models the molar heat capacities of amines over the investigated temperature range. Absolute average deviations for the GAA were found to be <2.5%, and <3% for the molecular connectivity analysis. The developed equations were tested by predicting the molar heat capacities of solvents newly proposed for CO2 capture.

Les capacités calorifiques molaires de trente huit (38) solvants purs utilisés pour les études de capture du CO2 sont rapportées dans la gamme de température de (303.15 à 393.15) K et à pression atmosphérique. Les similitudes structurelles existantes entre ces composés ont été explorées à l'aide d'une analyse additivité de groupe et les principes de connectivité moléculaire en termes de capacité thermique. L'analyse fournit les estimations de la contribution des groups CH3, CH2, CH, C, CH, NH2, NH, N, N–OH, O et S = aux capacités calorifiques molaires à chaque température étudiée. L'approche de connectivité moléculaire fournit une seule équation qui modélise les capacités calorifiques molaires des amines dans l'intervalle de température étudié. Les écarts absolus moyens pour l'analyse additivité des groupes ont été de moins de 2.5%, et de moins de 3% pour l'analyse de la connectivité moléculaire. Les équations développées ont été testées en prédisant les capacités calorifiques molaires des solvants nouvellement proposés pour la capture du CO2. © 2011 Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering
Synthesis of an Antitumoral Diarylheptanoid Containing 1,3‐Diol Functionality
Authors: Zhang Shaomin , Wu Yikang
Published: September 2011

A bioactive derivative of a natural diarylheptanoid containing a 1,3‐anti diol motif was synthesized with the oxygen‐carrying stereogenic centers taken from an enantiopure epoxy chiral building block derived from inexpensive and readily available D‐glucolactone.
Suboptimal particle filtering for MIMO flat fading channel estimation
Authors: Hoang Hai H. , Kwan Bing W.
Published: September 2011

Particle filters have been successfully employed to track MIMO flat fading channels for wireless communications. However, an optimal importance density cannot be always found to optimize the performance of a particle filter. A suboptimal importance density such as the prior distribution can be used to reduce the complexity of the particle filtering; however, it has a problem of ignoring the current observations. A class of suboptimal particle filters uses the prior distribution as the important density and moves the predicted particles to the low‐error region. In addition, particle filters require knowledge of noise processes to estimate the posterior distribution. This paper presents a suboptimal particle filter that overcomes the drawbacks of the prior importance density and the noise uncertainty by utilizing the swarm behavior in the particle propagation. The presented method will be applied to estimate the channel state information and detect the transmitted symbols of a MIMO wireless communication system under Rayleigh flat fading channel. Computer simulation of a 2 ×2 MIMO system is presented to illustrate the performance of the proposed suboptimal particle filter technique. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The habitat disruption induces immune‐suppression and oxidative stress in honey bees
Authors: Morimoto Tomomi , Kojima Yuriko , Toki Taku , Komeda Yayoi , Yoshiyama Mikio , Kimura Kiyoshi , Nirasawa Keijiro , Kadowaki Tatsuhiko
Published: September 2011

The honey bee is a major insect used for pollination of many commercial crops worldwide. Although the use of honey bees for pollination can disrupt the habitat, the effects on their physiology have never been determined. Recently, honey bee colonies have often collapsed when introduced in greenhouses for pollination in Japan. Thus, suppressing colony collapses and maintaining the number of worker bees in the colonies is essential for successful long‐term pollination in greenhouses and recycling of honey bee colonies. To understand the physiological states of honey bees used for long‐term pollination in greenhouses, we characterized their gene expression profiles by microarray. We found that the greenhouse environment changes the gene expression profiles and induces immune‐suppression and oxidative stress in honey bees. In fact, the increase of the number of Nosema microsporidia and protein carbonyl content was observed in honey bees during pollination in greenhouses. Thus, honey bee colonies are likely to collapse during pollination in greenhouses when heavily infested with pathogens. Degradation of honey bee habitat by changing the outside environment of the colony, during pollination services for example, imposes negative impacts on honey bees. Thus, worldwide use of honey bees for crop pollination in general could be one of reasons for the decline of managed honey bee colonies.
Synthesis of Biaryls by Pd‐Catalyzed Decarboxylative Homo‐ and Heterocoupling of Substituted Benzoic Acids
Authors: Xie Kai , Wang Sizhuo , Yang Zhiyong , Liu Jidan , Wang Anwei , Li Xiujian , Tan Ze , Guo Can‐Cheng , Deng Wei
Published: September 2011

By carefully choosing the right substrate ratio, catalyst combination, and base, symmetrical and unsymmetrical biaryls can be readily synthesized through the Pd‐catalyzed decarboxylative homo‐ and heterocoupling of substituted benzoic acids. The reaction gave the desired products in 40–90 % yield and is compatible with 2‐nitro‐, 2‐methoxy‐, 2‐fluoro‐, and 2‐chloro‐substituted benzoic acids.
Rapid evaluation and damage assessment of instrumented highway bridges
Authors: Mosquera Virginia , Smyth Andrew W. , Betti Raimondo
Published: September 2011

This study focuses on the use of strong motion data recorded during earthquakes and aftershocks to provide a preliminary assessment of the structural integrity and possible damage in bridges. A system identification technique is used to determine dynamical characteristics and high‐fidelity first‐order linear models of a bridge from low level earthquake excitations. A finite element model is developed and updated using a genetic algorithm optimization scheme to match the frequencies identified and to simulate data from a damaging earthquake for the bridge. Here, two criteria are used to determine the state of the structure. The first criteria uses the error between the data recorded or simulated by the calibrated nonlinear finite element model and the data predicted by the linear model. The second criteria compares relative displacements of the structure with displacement thresholds identified using a pushover analysis. The use of this technique can provide an almost immediate, yet reliable, assessment of the structural health of an instrumented bridge after a seismic event. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A cross‐layer joint optimization approach for multihop routing in TDD‐CDMA wireless mesh networks
Authors: Liao Deng , Elhakeem Ahmed K.
Published: September 2011

A cross‐layer joint optimization approach is proposed for multihop routing in time‐division duplex code‐division multiple‐access wireless mesh networks. Two timeslot scheduling schemes are investigated for time‐division duplex operations. The routing at the network layer, the packet delay at the medium access control layer, and the signal‐to‐interference‐plus‐noise ratio at the physical layer are jointly optimized in a cross‐layer manner. The results show that the proposed cross‐layer optimization algorithm significantly outperforms the shortest‐path routing algorithm with respect to overall network performance. The maximum throughput of the whole mesh network can be optimized by jointly taking into account the end‐to‐end delay and successful packet rate. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A three‐dimensional Cartesian cut cell method for incompressible viscous flow with irregular domains
Authors: Luo X.L. , Gu Z.L. , Lei K.B. , Wang S. , Kase K.
Published: September 2011

A three‐dimensional Cartesion cut cell method is presented for the simulations of incompressible viscous flows with irregular domains. A new model (referred to as ‘6+N’ model) is proposed to describe arbitrarily shaped cut cells and treat all the cells as polyhedrons with 6+N faces. The finite volume discretization of the Navier–Stokes equation is then implemented by using the ‘6+N’ model to separate the surface flux integrals into two parts, that is, the fluxes through the basic face of the hexahedron and those through the cutting surfaces. The previously proposed Kitta Cube algorithm and volume computer‐aided design platform (J. Comput. Aided. Des. 2005; 37(4): 1509–1520. Doi:10.1016/j.cad.2005.03.006) are adopted to generate cut cells and provide shape data and physical attributes for the numerical analysis. A modified SIMPLE‐based smoothing pressure correction scheme is applied to suppress checkerboard pressure oscillations caused by the collocated arrangement of velocities and pressure. The calculation accuracy of the numerical method expressed by L1 and L ∞  norm errors is first demonstrated by the simulation of a pipe flow. Then its feasibility, efficiency, and potential in engineering applications are verified by applying it to solve natural convections between concentric spheres and between eccentric spheres. The heat transfer patterns in eccentric spheres are also obtained by using the numerical method. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
THE ROLE OF PRIVATE MEDICAL INSURANCE IN SOCIO‐ECONOMIC INEQUALITIES IN CANCER SCREENING UPTAKE IN IRELAND
Authors: Walsh Brendan , Silles Mary , O'Neill Ciaran
Published: September 2011

Screening is seen by many as a key element in cancer control strategies. Differences in uptake of screening related to socio‐economic status exist and may contribute to differences in morbidity and mortality across socio‐economic groups. Although a number of factors are likely to underlie differential uptake, differential access to subsequent diagnostic tests and/or treatment may have a pivotal role. This study examines differences in the uptake of cancer screening in Ireland related to socio‐economic status. Data were extracted from SLÁN 2007 concerning uptake of breast, cervical, colorectal and prostate cancer screening in the preceding 12 months. Concentration indices were calculated and decomposed. Particular emphasis was placed in the decomposition upon the impact of private health insurance, evidenced in other work to impact on access to care within the mixed public–private Irish health system. This study found that significant differences related to socio‐economic status exist with respect to uptake of cancer screening and that the main determinant of difference for breast, colorectal and prostate cancer screening was possession of private insurance. This may have profound implications for the design of cancer control strategies in countries where private insurance has a significant role, even where screening services are publicly funded and population based. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.