Changes in energy balance following smoking cessation and resumption of smoking in women.

Caloric intake, resting metabolic rate (RMR), leisure-time physical activity, and sensitivity and preference for sweet taste were prospectively examined in 7 female smokers across 3 weeks during periods of normal smoking (Week 1), complete cessation (Week 2), and resumption of smoking (Week 3). Energy balance changed significantly across weeks, as caloric intake increased (largely as a result of alcohol consumption) and RMR decreased during cessation, followed by decreased caloric intake and increased RMR with resumption of smoking. Activity and taste sensitivity and preference remained unchanged. Smoking cessation may thus cause rapid change in energy balance, which is quickly reversed on resumption of smoking. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Influence of the Gas Atmosphere on the Composition and Phase Development of Polymer-Derived SiOC-Ceramics

Silicon oxycarbide (SiOC)-based ceramics were synthesized by pyrolysis of a commercial polysiloxane containing MoSi₂ and ceramic filler particles. The influence of different gas atmospheres on the chemical composition and on the phase formation of the filled Si–O–C ceramic during the pyrolysis process up to elevated temperatures of above 1200°C has been studied. The pyrolysis gas composition in the furnace during pyrolysis was measured with an in situ gas analyzer. Both the core and the surface of bulk samples were investigated with respect to composition in order to take the changes on the rim area of the specimens into account. The influence of hydrogen gas on the compositional gradient of the resulting ceramic material was derived from samples investigated by polarization microscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and micro-XRD (μ-XRD).     

Selbstbestimmung und Selbstverständnis – Themenschwerpunkte im Umgang mit der Patientenverfügung

Ohne Zusammenfassung     

Potent Inhibition of Acid Sphingomyelinase by Phosphoinositide Analogues

The different mammalian sphingomyelinases are involved in cell regulation, apoptosis and inflammatory events. Recent reports suggest pharmacological potential especially for inhibitors of the acid sphingomyelinase. Phosphatidyl inositol‐3,5bisphosphate (PtdIns3,5P₂) is the most potent selective acid sphingomyelinase inhibitor known to date. In the present study, we synthesized analogues of PtdIns3,5P₂ for initial structure–activity‐relationship (SAR) studies. We identified an inhibitor that is easy to synthesize, that has superior chemical and biophysical properties when compared to PtdIns3,5P₂ and that should be stable against virtually all phospholipases. Last but not least, the new inhibitor partially protected cells from dexamethasone‐induced cell death.     

Diffundierter Sauerstoff als dominierender flacher Akzeptor in p-Typ Kupferiodid-Dünnfilmen

The long-term stability of the optically transparent p-type semiconductor copper iodide is a current challenge. The electrical conductivity of CuI thin films depends critically on the environmental impact. Al₂O₃ cappings enhance the stability considerably. Systematic studies on Al₂O₃/CuI heterostructures in dependence of the N₂/O₂ growth pressure show the electrical conductivity of the CuI films being determined by the oxygen diffusion through Al₂O₃ und CuI. Oxygen seems to be a dominating acceptor in CuI. We traced the diffusion of atmospheric oxygen into CuI with ¹⁸O isotopes.     

Induction of apoptosis in human microvascular endothelial cells by divalent cobalt ions. Evidence for integrin-mediated signaling via the cytoskeleton

Wound healing following implantation is characterized by an acute inflammatory reaction and a subsequent reorganizing phase in which angiogenesis is involved. Endothelial cells (EC) participate in both inflammation and angiogenesis. Thus, the effects on functions of EC exerted by implanted materials could affect the progression of wound healing. The corrosion of metallic implants can cause high concentrations of heavy metal ions in the peri-implant tissues. The purpose of the present study was to test the effects of possible corrosion products on the function and viability of human EC in vitro. Long-term exposure of EC to CoCl2 and NiCl2 (3 days, 0.7 mM) leads to a decrease of cell number and changes in cellular morphology. However, the morphological changes between CoCl2- and NiCl2-treated cells differ significantly. The changed morphology of CoCl2-treated EC and the fragmented DNA pattern indicates apoptosis. Nickel-treated cells demonstrated necrosis. The activity of integrins was tested by an assay of cellular adhesion on collagen-coated surfaces. It was shown that the number of adherent cells significantly decreased upon exposure to CoCl2. Our studies suggest that induction of cell death in EC upon exposure to CoCl2 could be attributed to impaired integrin signaling, which leads to a damaged cytoskeleton and culminates in apoptosis.     

Beurteilung des Ermüdungsverhaltens von Krankonstruktionen bei Einsatz hoch‐ und ultrahochfester Stähle

Analysis of fatigue details typically used in crane structures. For joints and attachments in crane structures usually the verification of the fatigue strength governs the design. When using the nominal stress approach some details often used in crane structures, especially welded details, cannot be classified according to the tables of fatigue classes given in the standards. Together with representatives from the crane industry such details have been identified. In the frame of the FOSTA research project P 512 fatigue tests have been carried out, so that proposals for the classification according to Eurocode 3 could be made. In addition, fatigue tests on structural details already covered by the codes have been executed to check the influence of material strength. A general increase of the fatigue strength when using high strength steel could not be observed but details with low notch effects show a better behaviour compared with normal strength steel. This is attributed to higher fabrication qualities. The research project P 512 was funded by the Stiftung Stahlanwendungsforschung, Essen, and has been carried out in behalf of the Forschungsvereinigung Stahlanwendung e.V.