bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decifra-me ou te devoro: desafios no uso de tecnologias para preservação e acesso em arquivos
Authors: Silva Sérgio Conde de Albite
Published: July 2011

Analisa o uso da microfilmagem e da digitalização para a preservação e acesso de documentos em arquivos. Apresenta como algumas instituições internacionais na área estão lidando com a questão. A opção por uma ou outra tecnologia para a preservação e acesso deve se basear em dados estatísticos e estudos retrospectivos obtidos nas experiências desenvolvidas. Conhecer e medir, quantitativa e qualitativamente, os recursos humanos, tecnológicos e financeiros que foram aplicados em microfilmagem e digitalização de acervos para a preservação e acesso nas instituições arquivísticas, principalmente as públicas, oferece uma base para projetos futuros.
Estudo bibliométrico sobre preservação digital: library and information science abstracts – LISA
Authors: Bahia Eliana Maria dos Santos , Santos Raimundo Nonato Macedo dos , Blattmann Ursula
Published: July 2011

Análise bibliométrica da produção científica no campo da preservação digital, utilizando dados da base Library and Information Science Abstracts – LISA. O corpus do estudo, é constituído das referências bibliográficas dos 1750 artigos, publicados entre 1975 -2009, e oriundo de 153 títulos de periódicos. As análises bibliométricas enfocaram os descritores e títulos dos artigos sobre Preservação Digital. A análise bibliométrica da produção científica, veiculada no período do estudo, demonstrou consolidação da área da Preservação Digital.
Microwave Limb Sounder observations of biomass-burning products from the Australian bush fires of February 2009
Authors: Pumphrey H. C. , Santee M. L. , Livesey N. J. , Schwartz M. J. , Read W. G.
Published: July 2011

Abstract. The large bush fires which occurred in southeast Australia in February 2009 were unusually destructive. However, they were also unusual in the amounts of various combustion products which were injected directly into the stratosphere. We report the observations by the Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) instrument on the Aura satellite of some of these combustion products. The highest quality observations are of CO; these clearly show a large region of enhanced mixing ratios to the north of New Zealand which remains in that region for about ten days before drifting westwards and finally dissipating over the Atlantic about a month after the fire. The region of enhanced CO ascends from the tropopause to 46 hPa during this period. Back trajectories run from the points where MLS observes enhanced CO pass close to the site of the fire. The MLS observations of CH3CN and HCN resemble those of CO except for their poorer vertical resolution and more limited vertical range. An apparent enhancement in ClO is also observed by MLS, but detailed analysis of the measured radiances reveals this feature to be a signature of CH3OH, which is not currently retrieved by the MLS data processing system. The fires of February 2009 are the only event of this type and magnitude in the 7-yr MLS record.
Tropospheric ozone production related to West African city emissions during the 2006 wet season AMMA campaign
Authors: Ancellet G. , Orlandi E. , Real E. , Law K. S. , Schlager H. , Fierli F. , Nielsen J. K. , Thouret V. , Mari C.
Published: July 2011

Abstract. During African Monsoon Multidisciplinary Analyses (AMMA) airborne measurements of ozone, CO and nitrogen oxides (NOx) were collected by French and German Falcon aircraft near three cities in West Africa (Cotonou, Niamey and Ouagadougou). They have been analysed to identify the good conditions to observe ozone plumes related to city emissions during the monsoon season. Results show that an O3 increase of 40–50 ppbv above the summer average concentration took place during two specific events: one near Cotonou on the coast of the Gulf of Guinea, and the other near Niamey in the Sahel region. In both cases a high level of NOx (3–5 ppbv) is related to the ozone production. Air mass transport simulations with FLEXPART and a tracer simulation with the BOLAM mesoscale model shows that Southern Hemisphere biomass burning emissions are always at higher altitude (>3 km) compared to the city emissions. In Niamey and Ouagadougou, the daily variability of ozone and CO correlates with the FLEXPART analysis showing the role of air mass stagnation near the city for 1–2 days and advection of emissions from the vegetated areas. Absence of ozone enhancements for high CO values can be explained by the occurrence of deep convection near the city. In the Sahel region, convection must be accounted for to understand the small number of observed ozone plumes but also to explain the high level of NOx in the 3–5 ppbv range, due to increasing soil emissions after rainfall. To verify that daily ozone production can reach 20 ppbv day−1 for the NOx and CO conditions encountered near West African cities, a simulation of the CiTTyCAT Lagrangian model was conducted using the observed average chemical composition reported by other aircraft during AMMA. Such ozone production is possible for NOx levels up to 5 ppb showing that West African cities are potentially significant sources of tropospheric ozone.
Meteor radar measurements of MLT winds near the equatorial electro jet region over Thumba (8.5° N, 77° E): comparison with TIDI observations
Authors: John S. R. ,   Karanam Kishore Kumar, Subrahmanyam K. V. , Manju G. , Wu Q.
Published: July 2011

Abstract. The All-Sky interferometric meteor (SKYiMET) radar (MR) derived winds in the vicinity of the equatorial electrojet (EEJ) are discussed. As Thumba (8.5° N, 77° E; dip lat. 0.5° N) is under the EEJ belt, there has been some debate on the reliability of the meteor radar derived winds near the EEJ height region. In this regard, the composite diurnal variations of zonal wind profiles in the mesosphere-lower thermosphere (MLT) region derived from TIMED Doppler Interferometer (TIDI) and ground based meteor radar at Thumba are compared. In this study, emphasis is given to verify the meteor radar observations at 98 km height region, especially during the EEJ peaking time (11:00 to 14:00 LT). The composite diurnal cycles of zonal winds over Thumba are constructed during four seasons of the year 2006 using TIDI and meteor radar observations, which showed good agreement especially during the peak EEJ hours, thus assuring the reliability of meteor radar measurements of neutral winds close to the EEJ height region. It is evident from the present study that on seasonal scales, the radar measurements are not biased by the EEJ. The day-time variations of HF radar measured E-region drifts at the EEJ region are also compared with MR measurements to show there are large differences between ionospheric drifts and MR measurements. The significance of the present study lies in validating the meteor radar technique over Thumba located at magnetic equator by comparing with other than the radio technique for the first time.
Economic optimal nitrogen application rates for rice cropping in the Taihu Lake region of China: taking account of negative externalities
Authors: Xia Y. , Yan X.
Published: July 2011

Abstract. Nitrogen application rates (NARs) is often overestimated over the rice (Oryza sativa L.) growing season in the Taihu Lake region of China. This is largely because only individual nitrogen (N) losses are taken into account, or the inventory flows of reactive N have been limited solely to the farming process when evaluating environmental and economic effects of N fertilizer. Since N can permeate the ecosystem in numerous forms commencing from the acquisition of raw material, through manufacturing and use, to final losses in the farming process (e.g., N2O, NH3, NO3− leaching, etc.), the costs incurred also accumulate and should be taken into account if economically-optimal N rates (EONRs) are to be established. This study integrates important material and energy flows resulting from N use into a rice agricultural inventory that constitutes the hub of the life-cycle assessment (LCA) method. An economic evaluation is used to determine an environmental and economic NAR for the Taihu Lake region. The analysis reveals that production and exploitation processes consume the largest proportion of resources, accounting for 77.2 % and 22.3 % of total resources, respectively. Regarding environmental impact, global warming creates the highest cost with contributions stemming mostly from fertilizer production and raw material exploitation processes. Farming process incurs the biggest environmental impact of the three environmental impact categories considered, whereas transportation has a much smaller effect. When taking account of resource consumption and environmental cost, the marginal benefit of 1 kg rice would decrease from 2.4 to only 1.01 yuan. Accordingly, our current EONR has been evaluated at 185 kg N ha−1 for a single rice-growing season. This could enhance profitability, as well as reduce the N losses associated with rice growing.
Design and principles of an innovative compliant fast tool servo for precision engineering
Authors: Li H. , Ibrahim R. , Cheng K.
Published: July 2011

Abstract. The paper presents an innovative design of fast tool servo (FTS) by combining compliant mechanism (CM) and precision engineering (PE) so as to meet the stringent requirements of a one degree of freedom (1DOF) compact FTS. The design requirements of the FTS include: (a) 1 nm resolution, (b) 10–20 μm of range, (c) first natural frequency of over 1400 Hz, (d) compatibility with holding different diamond cutting tools, and (e) without fatigue of the compliant mechanism. Then FEA is used to evaluate the static and dynamic performance of the FTS. The preliminary results show that both the static and dynamic performances are matched to the design objectives.
Standardised Radon Index (SRI): a normalisation of radon data-sets in terms of standard normal variables
Authors: Crockett R. G. M. , Holt C. P.
Published: July 2011

Abstract. During the second half of 2002, from late June to mid December, the University of Northampton Radon Research Group operated two continuous hourly-sampling radon detectors 2.25 km apart in the English East Midlands. This period included the Dudley earthquake (ML = 5, 22 September 2002) and also a smaller earthquake in the English Channel (ML = 3, 26 August 2002). Rolling/sliding windowed cross-correlation of the paired radon time-series revealed periods of simultaneous similar radon anomalies which occurred at the time of these earthquakes but at no other times during the overall radon monitoring period. Standardising the radon data in terms of probability of magnitude, analogous to the Standardised Precipitation Indices (SPIs) used in drought modelling, which effectively equalises different non-linear responses, reveals that the dissimilar relative magnitudes of the anomalies are in fact closely equiprobabilistic. Such methods could help in identifying anomalous signals in radon – and other – time-series and in evaluating their statistical significance in terms of earthquake precursory behaviour.
Clear Visualization of Anterior Vitreous Incarceration into Cannulae during 25-Gauge Vitrectomy in Eyes with Asteroid Hyalosis
Authors: Shimada Hiroyuki , Nakashizuka Hiroyuki , Hattori Takayuki , Mori Ryusaburo , Mizutani Yoshihiro , Yuzawa Mitsuko
Published: July 2011

Purpose

To demonstrate anterior vitreous incarceration in the cannulae at 3 ports during 25-gauge vitrectomy in eyes with asteroid hyalosis.

Methods

In 6 eyes with asteroid hyalosis, 3-port 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy was conducted using conventional 25-gauge cannula (4 eyes) or 25-gauge EdgePlus™ trocar/cannula system (2 eyes). The relationship between the cannulae and anterior vitreous was observed during surgery.

Results

The 3 ports were observed at the beginning of vitrectomy. At the infusion port, incarceration of anterior vitreous containing asteroid bodies between the cannula and the infusion tip was clearly observed in all 6 eyes, irrespective of the cannula used. When the incarcerated vitreous fibers were excised using a vitreous cutter, the infusion fluid flowed toward the center of the vitreous. At both the left and right ports, anterior vitreous containing asteroid bodies was incarcerated into the cannulae in all 6 eyes irrespective of the cannula used. The incarcerated vitreous fibers were excised. At the end of surgery, no vitreous prolapse was found at the 3 ports in all eyes.

Conclusions

When using the 25-gauge cannula system, incarceration of anterior vitreous fibers into the cannulae of 3 ports from the beginning of surgery was clearly depicted in eyes with asteroid hyalosis. Excising the incarcerated anterior vitreous fibers is useful to ensure good perfusion and prevent vitreous prolapse.
Comparación de las propiedades del concreto utilizando escoria de alto horno como reemplazo parcial y total del cemento Pórtland ordinario
Authors: Espinoza Léster , Escalante Iván
Published: July 2011

Se realizó una investigación con dos tipos de concreto siguiendo la norma ACI 211.1: a) concretos sustituidos al 30, 50 y 70 % con escoria de alto horno (EAH) y b) concretos 100 % EAH activada con 4, 6 y 8 % de óxido de sodio(Na2O) en forma de silicato de sodio de módulo 2.0. Todos los sistemas se caracterizaron mecánicamente de 1 a 28días. Se utilizó microscopía electrónica de barrido y espectroscopía por dispersión de energía para analizar lamicroestructura, grado de avance de la reacción y productos formados. La sustitución parcial del cemento Pórtland(CPO) por EAH no fue benéfica para las propiedades mecánicas, contrario a la sustitución total por EAH activada,la cuál resultó en propiedades mecánicas superiores que las de concretos de puro CPO. La activación de la escoriacon 8 % de Na2O resultó más efectiva, seguido de 6 y 4 % de Na2O.Palabras claves: activación con silicato de sodio; concreto; escoria activada; escoria de alto horno; propiedadesmecánicas del concreto
Una metodología, con niveles de jerarquía, propuesta para el diseño de la distribución en plantas industriales
Authors: Pérez Gustavo , Medina José , Romero Roberto
Published: July 2011

El ingeniero que participa en la definición de la distribución en una planta piensa principalmente en aspectos de seguridad y económicos. En este trabajo se desarrolla un marco conceptual para descomponer y resolver los pasos de la distribución. El primer paso en un primer nivel de descomposición, se relaciona con los códigos, leyes y normas que regulan la construcción, porque son obligatorias en aspectos básicos y requerimientos de medio ambiente, seguridad y salud de los operarios. Seguidamente se refiere al tipo de construcción industrial, que define el conjunto. El segundo nivel, plantea el diseño de la planta de procesos, dónde las consideraciones de diseño actúan como restricciones a la función objetivo, representada por el costo total anual de operación, que debe minimizarse. Subsecuentemente, se vuelve a iterar para minimizar las distancias entre los sectores de planta involucrados. El procedimiento resultó adecuado para todo tipo de plantas industriales.Palabras claves: analísis en dos niveles; distribución; optimización de costos; planta de procesos
Editorial
Authors: Martínez Sergio
Published: July 2011

Nuestra universidad actualmente se encuentra inmersa en sendos procesos de transformación académica, los que incorporan los últimos ajustes de su nuevo modelo educativo institucional (MEI), donde el mismo, a través sus distintas componentes, expresa con claridad meridiana, el rol de la Investigación en el desarrollo de sus nuevos planes; esto, por supuesto representa un desafíoimportante; por un lado de carácter organizativo y por otro una ruptura total de cómo enfrentar la docencia, desde una perspectiva sustentada en una práctica Investigativa y en la aplicación de los resultados de la Investigación, todo ello deberá establecerse en los distintos niveles de la formación profesional;
Iron Depletion: An Ameliorating Factor for Sickle Cell Disease?
Authors: Giordano P. C. , Huisman W. , Harteveld C. L.
Published: July 2011

We report some observations from our laboratory practice that might be important for the treatment of sickle cell disease (SCD). We describe data from two cases indicating that iron depletion might have a beneficial effect diminishing the formation of HbS in
favor of HbF, possibly reducing the severity of the disease. We believe that it would be worthwhile to monitor the course of the disease comparing cases with identical genotypes with and without iron depletion, and we advise to consider chelation therapy to reduce iron overload in patients with SCD.
Performance Benefits of Spatially Distributed Versus Stacked Information on Integration Tasks
Authors: Jang Jooyoung , Schunn Christian D.
Published: July 2011

Understanding the best way to present information has been an issue of interest to many researchers. Regardless of the content of the information, purely physical elements such as spatial organization may also influence performance. Across two studies with 111 undergraduates (78 in Study 1 and 33 in Study 2), we compared spatially distributed (i.e. when information sources are presented side‐by‐side) against stacked displays (i.e. when information sources are sitting on top of one another with only the top source fully visible). A distributed display time advantage was consistently observed. As potential explanations, a memory strategy selection hypothesis was examined along with other procedural alternative explanations. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Morphological Characterization of a Low‐Bandgap Crystalline Polymer:PCBM Bulk Heterojunction Solar Cells
Authors: Lu Haiyun , Akgun Bulent , Russell Thomas P.
Published: July 2011

Understanding the morphology of polymer‐based bulk heterojunction (BHJ) solar cells is necessary to improve device efficiencies. Blends of a low‐bandgap silole‐containing conjugated polymer, poly[(4,4′‐bis(2‐ethylhexyl)dithieno[3,2‐b;2′,3′‐d]silole)‐2,6‐diyl‐alt‐(4,7‐bis(2‐thienyl)‐2,1,3‐benzothiadiazole)‐5,5′‐diyl] (PSBTBT) with [6,6]phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) were investigated under different processing conditions. The surface morphologies and vertical segregation of the “As‐Spun”, “Pre‐Annealed”, and “Post‐Annealed” films were studied by scanning force microscopy, contact angle measurements, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, near‐edge X‐ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy, dynamic secondary ion mass spectrometry, and neutron reflectivity. The results showed that PSBTBT was enriched at the cathode interface in the “As‐Spun” films and thermal annealing increased the segregation of PSBTBT to the free surface, while thermal annealing after deposition of the cathode increased the PCBM concentration at the cathode interface. Grazing‐incidence X‐ray diffraction and small‐angle neutron scattering showed that the crystallization of PSBTBT and segregation of PCBM occurred during spin coating, and thermal annealing increased the ordering of PSBTBT and enhanced the segregation of the PCBM, forming domains ∼10 nm in size, leading to an improvement in photovoltaic performance.
SOCIAL‐LEARNING PROGRAMS FACILITATE AN INCREASE IN ADAPTIVE BEHAVIOR IN A FORENSIC MENTAL HOSPITAL
Authors: Newbill William A. , Paul Gordon L. , Menditto Anthony A. , Springer Justin R. , Mehta Paras
Published: July 2011

Deficits in adaptive behavior are a major reason why individuals remain hospitalized or return to inpatient settings. During recovery from a serious mental illness, development of adaptive behavior is as important as reduction of ‘symptoms’. Social learning programs (SLPs) have been identified as a best practice in inpatient settings. This study examined whether SLPs facilitated significant growth in adaptive behavior from baseline through one, two, three, and four years of intervention. Direct observational coding of adaptive behavior was conducted before and during intervention and subjected to pre‐post analysis. In addition, individual change modeling was used to characterize the rate and extent of change. Finally, initial response to intervention was examined for utility in predicting total response at distal time points. The SLPs facilitated significant improvements in total adaptive behavior from baseline to each of the distal time points (with effect sizes from 1.18 to 1.53). Change during the first five weeks failed to consistently predict total change, likely because of adaptive intervention procedures. SLPs facilitated significant improvements in the kind of adaptive behavior that helps people get out and stay out of inpatient settings. If replicated, estimated rates of change established in this study could be used as benchmarks for future implementations. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
THE EFFECT OF THE AVAILABILITY OF A SIMILAR TOY ON COMPLIANCE WITH INSTRUCTIONS TO SURRENDER A TOY AMONG PRESCHOOL CHILDREN
Authors: Allison Janelle , Wilder David A. , Teo Hwee Lan , Flynn Ashley , Myers Kristin
Published: July 2011

We evaluated the effect of the availability of a similar toy on compliance with an instruction to surrender a toy among three preschool children. First, high‐preference and medium‐preference toys were identified for each participant. During the treatment evaluation, reversal designs were used to examine compliance with an instruction to surrender these toys when a toy similar to the target toy was added to the environment. The results indicated that, for two participants, the similar toy intervention increased compliance to moderate levels; a consequence‐based intervention was then added to the similar toy intervention and resulted in high levels of compliance. For the third participant, the similar toy intervention did not increase compliance. A separate consequence‐based intervention was necessary to increase compliance and to demonstrate experimental control. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stem cell culture engineering – process scale up and beyond
Authors: Sharma Shikha , Raju Ravali , Sui Siguang , Hu Wei‐Shou
Published: July 2011

Advances in stem cell research and recent work on clinical trials employing stem cells have heightened the prospect of stem cell applications in regenerative medicine. The eventual clinical application of stem cells will require transforming cell production from laboratory practices to robust processes. Most stem cell applications will require extensive ex vivo handling of cells, from isolation, cultivation, and directed differentiation to product cell separation, cell derivation, and final formulation. Some applications require large quantities of cells in each defined batch for clinical use in multiple patients; others may be for autologous use and require only small‐scale operations. All share a common requirement: the production must be robust and generate cell products of consistent quality. Unlike the established manufacturing process of recombinant protein biologics, stem cell applications will likely see greater variability in their cell source and more fluctuations in product quality. Nevertheless, in devising stem cell‐based bioprocesses, much insight could be gained from the manufacturing of biological materials, including recombinant proteins and anti‐viral vaccines. The key to process robustness is thus not only the control of traditional process chemical and physical variables, but also the sustenance of cells in the desired potency or differentiation state through controlling non‐traditional variables, such as signaling pathway modulators.
A simple LC‐MS/MS method to determine plasma and cerebrospinal fluid levels of albendazole metabolites (albendazole sulfoxide and albendazole sulfone) in patients with neurocysticercosis
Authors: González‐Hernández Iliana , Ruiz‐Olmedo María Isabel , Cárdenas Graciela , Jung‐Cook Helgi
Published: July 2011

The development and validation of an LC‐MS/MS method for the simultaneous determination of albendazole metabolites (albendazole sulfoxide and albendazole sulfone) in human plasma are described. Samples of 200 μL were extracted with ether–dichloromethane–chloroform (60:30:10, v/v/v). The chromatographic separation was performed using a C18 column with methanol–formic acid 20 mmol/L (70:30) as the mobile phase. The method was linear in a range of 20–5000 ng/mL for albendazole sulfoxide and 10–1500 ng/mL for albendazole sulfone. For both analytes the method was precise (RSD < 12%) and accurate (RE <7%) with high recovery (>90%). The method was successfully applied to determine the plasma and cerebrospinal fluid levels of albendazole sulfoxide and albendazole sulfone in patients with subarachnoidal neurocysticercosis who received albendazole at 30 mg/kg per day for 7 days. This LC‐MS/MS method yielded a quick, simple and reliable protocol for determining albendazole sulfoxide and albendazole sulfone concentrations in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid samples and is applicable to therapeutic monitoring. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
‘Often They Fall Through the Cracks’: Separated Children in Ireland and the Role of Guardians
Authors: Martin Shirley , Christie Alastair , Horgan Deirdre , O'Riordan Jacqui
Published: July 2011

The Separated Children in Europe Programme's Statement of Good Practice (Save the Children and UNHCR, 2004) advises that every separated child should be allocated an independent guardian or adviser.  However, there is wide variation in how this advice has been interpreted across Europe, with some guardians being professional and others volunteers, with some focusing primarily on the legal status of separated children and others on the children's general care and wellbeing. In Ireland, there is no guardianship system designed specifically for separated children.  This paper analyses the legal and policy context of guardianship for separated children in Ireland and draws on research undertaken with 16 professionals who provide services for separated children.  The research findings highlight a number of key themes including: ‘cracks’ in the asylum process through which separated children and young people fall; conflicts between legalistic and holistic interpretations of guardianship; variations of informal and formal advocacy for separated children in practice; and the potential of guardians to facilitate children's ‘voices’ and ‘best interests’.  The article points to the fundamental tension between migration and child care policy that potentially undermines the development of a guardianship service for separated children. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

This paper analyses the legal and policy context of guardianship for separated children in Ireland
Plant‐originated glycoprotein (24 kDa) has an inhibitory effect on proliferation of BNL CL.2 cells in response to di(2‐ethylhexyl)phthalate
Authors: Lee Jin , Lim Kye‐Taek
Published: July 2011

Di(2‐ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) is one of the many environmental chemicals that are widely used in polyvinyl chloride products, vinyl flooring, food packaging and infant toys. They cause cell proliferation or dysfunction of human liver. The purpose of this study is to investigate the inhibitory effect of a glycoprotein (24 kDa) isolated from Zanthoxylum piperitum DC (ZPDC) on proliferation of liver cell in the DEHP‐induced BNL CL. 2 cells. [3H]‐thymidine incorporation, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), intracellular Ca2+ mobilization and activity of protein kinase C (PKC) were measured using radioactivity and fluorescence method respectively. The expression of mitogen‐activated protein kinases [extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK)], activator protein (AP)‐1 (c‐Jun and c‐Fos), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and cell cycle‐related factors (cyclin D1/cyclin‐dependent kinase [CDK] 4) were evaluated using Western blotting or electrophoretic mobility shift assay. The results in this study showed that the levels of [3H]‐thymidine incorporation, intracellular ROS, intracellular Ca2+ mobilization and activity of PKCα were inhibited by ZPDC glycoprotein (100 µg/ml) in the DEHP‐induced BNL CL. 2 cells. Also, activities of ERK, JNK and AP‐1 were reduced by ZPDC glycoprotein (100 µg/ml). With regard to cell proliferation, activities of PCNA and cyclin D1/CDK4 were significantly suppressed at treatment with ZPDC glycoprotein (100 µg/ml) in the presence of DEHP. Taken together, these findings suggest that ZPDC glycoprotein significantly normalized activities of PCNA and cyclin D1/CDK4, which relate to cell proliferation factors. Thus, ZPDC glycoprotein appears to be one of the compounds derived from natural products that are able to inhibit cell proliferation in the phthalate‐induced BNL CL. 2 cells. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
17O NMR and Computational Study of a Tetrasiliconiobate Ion, [H2+xSi4Nb16O56](14−x)−
Authors: Johnson Rene L. , Villa Eric M. , Ohlin C. A. , Rustad James R. , Casey William H.
Published: July 2011

Rates of oxygen‐isotope exchange were measured in the tetrasiliconiobate ion [H2+xSi4Nb16O56](14−x)− to better understand how large oxide ions interact with water. The molecule has 19 nonequivalent oxygen sites and is sufficiently complex to evaluate hypotheses derived from our previous work on smaller clusters. We want to examine the extent to which individual oxygen atoms react independently with particular attention given to the order of protonation of the various oxygen sites as the pH decreases from 13 to 6. As in our previous work, we find that the set of oxygen sites reacts at rates that vary over approximately 104 across the molecule at 6<pH<13 but with similar pH dependencies. There is NMR evidence of an intra‐ or intermolecular reaction at pH∼7, where new peaks began to slowly form without losing the 17O isotopic tag, and at pH ≤ 6 these new peaks formed rapidly. The oxygen atoms bonded to silicon atoms began to isotopically exchange at pH 9 and below. The 17O NMR peak positions also vary considerably with pH for some, but not all, nonequivalent oxygen sites. This variation could be only partly accounted by electronic calculations, which indicate that oxygen atoms should shift similarly upon protonation. Instead, we see that some sites change enormously with pH, whereas other, similarly coordinated oxygen atoms are less affected, suggesting that either some protons are exchanging so rapidly that the oxygen sites are seeing an averaged charge, or that counterions are modulating the effect of the coordinated protons.
Towards Libraries of Luminescent Lanthanide Complexes and Labels from Generic Synthons
Authors: Starck Matthieu , Kadjane Pascal , Bois Emmanuel , Darbouret Bruno , Incamps Anne , Ziessel Raymond , Charbonnière Loïc J.
Published: July 2011

A synthetic approach is developed to obtain families of luminescent lanthanide complexes and markers from a generic family of precursors built from nonadentate coordination sites. The syntheses of the precursors, based on a directed regioselective nucleophilic aromatic substitution on polyfluoropyridines, are described. Functionalisation of the synthons on the aromatic moieties allowed the introduction of labelling functions and/or the extension of the electronic delocalisation, with concomitant changes in the spectroscopic properties. The synthesis of two such families of ligands and of some of their complexes of EuIII and TbIII are described, and the photo‐physical properties of the complexes were measured, revealing excellent luminescence quantum yields reaching unity in some cases. For some of these complexes, the emphasis was further put on the preparation of an N‐hydroxylsuccinimide (NHS) ester as activated function for labelling. The Tb and La complexes in the NHS activated form were synthesized and fully characterized. The labelling was first demonstrated on amino functionalized polymer beads and characterized by time‐resolved luminescence microscopy. In a second step, the activated Tb complex was used for the labelling of GFR44 monoclonal antibody, and was applied to the detection of carcinoembryonic antigene (CEA) within the frame of a time‐resolved fluoroimmunoassay. Comparison with a commercially available kit based on a europium cryptate as energy donor confirms the efficiency of Tb to act as an energy donor with an unoptimised 35 % increase of the detection efficiency.
Amplified Surface Plasmon Resonance Based DNA Biosensors, Aptasensors, and Hg2+ Sensors Using Hemin/G‐Quadruplexes and Au Nanoparticles
Authors: Pelossof Gilad , Tel‐Vered Ran , Liu Xiao‐Qing , Willner Itamar
Published: July 2011

Thiolated nucleic acid hairpin nanostructures that include in their stem region a “caged” G‐quadruplex sequence, and in their single‐stranded loop region oligonucleotide recognition sequences for DNA, adenosine monophosphate (AMP), or Hg2+ ions were linked to bare Au surfaces or to Au nanoparticles (NPs) linked to Au surfaces. The opening of the hairpin nanostructures associated with the bare Au surface by the complementary target DNA, AMP substrate, or Hg2+ ions, in the presence of hemin, led to the self‐assembly of hemin/G‐quadruplexes on the surface. The resulting dielectric changes on the surface exhibited shifts in the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectra, thus providing a readout signal for the recognition events. A similar opening of the hairpin nanostructures, immobilized on the Au NPs associated with the Au surface, by the DNA, AMP, or Hg2+ led to an ultrasensitive SPR‐amplified detection of the respective analytes. The amplification originated from the coupling between the localized surface plasmon associated with the NPs and the surface plasmon wave, an effect that cooperatively amplifies the SPR shifts that result from the formation of the hemin/G‐quadruplexes. The different sensing platforms reveal impressive sensitivities and selectivities toward the target analytes.
Simultaneous End‐On/Side‐On Coordination Modes of a Diphosphorus Tetrahedral Complex Imposed by Pre‐organization of Oligometallic CuI Acceptors
Authors: Welsch Stefan , Lescop Christophe , Balazs Gabor , Réau Régis , Scheer Manfred
Published: July 2011

The reaction of the [{CpMo(CO)2}2(μ,η2:η2‐P2)] (Cp=cyclopentadienyl) metallo‐ligand 2 with pre‐organized CuI bi‐ and trimetallic precursors afforded new coordination complexes with unprecedented coordination modes for a Mo2P2 complex. Variable‐temperature solution and solid‐state 31P NMR spectroscopy measurements were performed and X‐ray diffraction studies revealed an η2:η1 coordination mode for the Mo2P2 unit of 2 in the CuI bimetallic complexes 3 and 4. DFT calculations were carried out to highlight the bonding situation of this unprecedented coordination mode in the CuI bimetallic compound 3. It is built up from a side‐on coordination of the PP σ bond to one copper ion and from the interaction of the lone pair of one phosphorus atom with the second copper ion. The remaining available lone pair of the second phosphorus atom can be involved as well to interact with an additional metal centre, as evidenced in the CuI trimetallic compound 5 in which an η2:η1:η1 coordination mode of the ligand 2 is observed. Derivative 3 can be used as a molecular clip to obtain discrete π‐stacked dimers through a ligand exchange reaction between acetonitrile ligands and cyano‐capped π‐conjugated systems, indicating the stability of the new η2:η1 coordination mode.
Disclosure of Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management: Evidence from China
Authors: Kuo Lopin , Yeh Chin‐Chen , Yu Hui‐Cheng
Published: July 2011

This paper first evaluates the quality of corporate social responsibility (CSR) information disclosed in each report using content analysis. Results suggest that 41% of the sample firms fail to provide any information of the 42 CSR activities that allow outside stakeholders to understand their CSR actions; 42% offer text descriptions of their general CSR activities, but only 17% provide statistics about their achievements or other quantitative figures. Further, this paper also compares firms' environmental disclosure from the aspect of environmentally sensitive or ownership patterns. Results indicate that environmentally sensitive industries (ESIs) and state‐owned enterprises (SOEs) are significantly more committed to environmental information disclosure, particularly in ‘paying attention to energy saving/carbon reduction and development of circular economy’ and ‘promotion of research, new techniques, and methods of energy saving/carbon reduction’, both of which are under the energy saving/carbon reduction dimension. This paper attempts to provide some evidence related to Chinese firms coping with global warming. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
The Relationship Between Weight Loss and Health‐related Quality of Life in a Serbian Population
Authors: Vasiljevic Nadja , Ralevic Sonja , Kolotkin Ronette L. , Marinkovic Jelena , Jorga Jagoda
Published: July 2011

We examined changes in weight‐specific health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) and the relation to weight loss in a Serbian population undergoing diet‐induced weight loss treatment. HRQOL was assessed at intake and after 1 year using the Impact of Weight on Quality of Life‐Lite (IWQOL‐Lite) questionnaire. Study sample consists of 135 obese patients. After 1 year of diet therapy, patients experienced an average weight loss of ~12%, and significant improvements were noted in all IWQOL‐Lite domains (Physical Function, Self‐esteem, Sexual Life, Public Distress and Work). Amount of weight loss was closely linked to all domains (F = 27.49; p < 0.001), except Sexual Life (F = 2.08; p = 0.108). In patients with weight reductions of 5%–9.99%, there was a great improvement in physical function and self‐esteem. In those with ≥10% weight loss, there was improvement in all dimensions of IWQOL‐Lite. With the prevalence of obesity rising worldwide, including in Serbia, the positive effects of weight loss on weight‐specific HRQOL are encouraging. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
A comparison of GPS and lidar salt marsh DEMs
Authors: Chassereau Jessica E. , Bell Joseph M. , Torres Raymond
Published: July 2011

Digital elevation models (DEMs) were compared to characterize how well airborne lidar (light detection and ranging) data depict the microtopography of a salt marsh. 72,000 GPS points and 700,000 lidar points from a 1 km2 salt marsh island were linearly interpolated using identical DEM configurations. Overall, 78% of lidar elevations were within ±0.15 m of the high precision GPS elevations. Spatial arrangement of difference values reveal that lidar performed best on the marsh platform, and poorly along tidal creeks and creek heads. Also, the overall shape of the salt marsh was poorly defined, even where lidar data were within the reported range of accuracy. These observations indicate that lidar appears to be a robust tool for mapping intertidal landscapes. However, lidar DEMs may not adequately resolve the microtopographic variations of a salt marsh, and for research questions that require accurate depiction of small‐scale tidal creek networks and subtle terrain features lidar data should be augmented with other information. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A fluid solver based on vorticity–helical density equations with application to a natural convection in a cubic cavity
Authors: Olshanskii Maxim A.
Published: July 2011

We study numerically a recently introduced formulation of incompressible Newtonian fluid equations in vorticity–helical density and velocity–Bernoulli pressure variables. Unlike most numerical methods based on vorticity equations, the current approach provides discrete solutions with mass conservation, divergence‐free vorticity, and accurate kinetic energy balance in a simple and natural way. The method is applied to compute buoyancy‐driven flows in a differentially heated cubic enclosure in the Boussinesq approximation forRa ∈ {104,105,106}. The numerical solutions on a finer grid are of benchmark quality. The computed helical density allows quantification of the three‐dimensional nature of the flow. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Fear of Alzheimer's Disease Scale: a new measure designed to assess anticipatory dementia in older adults
Authors: French Samantha L. , Floyd Mark , Wilkins Stacy , Osato Sheryl
Published: July 2011

Background

As the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is rapidly increasing, apprehension about developing the degenerative disease (anticipatory dementia or fear of developing AD) has become a topic of interest. However, most studies of anticipatory dementia have utilized brief, nonvalidated measures to explore older adults' apprehension. As such, there is a significant need for a psychometrically sound instrument to measure this fear.

Methods

The current study utilized 101 older adults ages 65 to 91 to develop and validate an important new scale, the Fear of Alzheimer's Disease Scale (FADS). Construct validity of the FADS was assessed with the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory‐Form Y (STAI‐Y).

Results

Analyses revealed a three‐factor model for the FADS (i.e., General Fear, Physical Symptoms, and Catastrophic Attitude) and an α of 0.94 for the entire measure, indicating good internal consistency. The FADS demonstrated good construct validity, as it was significantly correlated with both the state and trait subscales of the STAI‐Y, with the trait subscale yielding the highest correlation.

Conclusion

The FADS is a reliable and valid instrument and is the first of its kind available to directly address anticipatory dementia among a general population of older adults. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and characterization of cannabimimetic aminoalkylindole based 5‐(4‐alkyl‐1‐naphthoylamino)‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole‐2‐sulfonamides
Authors: Zengin Gulay , Nalbantbasi Zehra , Zengin Huseyin , Turkmen Hasan
Published: July 2011

A novel series of cannabimimetic aminoalkylindole‐based sulfonamide derivatives was synthesized. These new compounds were synthesized by reacting acyl chlorides of naphthoic acids with deacetylated acetazolamide in the presence of N‐ethyl‐morpholine to give structures incorporating 1‐naphthoyl groups of cannabimimetic aminoalkylindoles and a five‐membered heteroring typical of antiglaucoma sulfa drugs. The synthesized compounds were characterized using standard techniques. Photoluminescence of these derivatives was also studied, where more electron‐donating groups on the aromatic ring at the para‐position caused an increase in the intensity of the main peaks and shifts to higher emission wavelengths. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 22:707–714, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/hc.20738
Genetic variation in the interleukin - 28B gene is not associated with fibrosis progression in patients with chronic hepatitis C and known date of infection
Authors: Marabita Francesco , Aghemo Alessio , De Nicola Stella , Rumi Maria G. , Cheroni Cristina , Scavelli Rossana , Crimi Marco , Soffredini Roberta , Abrignani Sergio , De Francesco Raffaele , Colombo Massimo
Published: July 2011

Polymorphisms in the interleukin-28B (

IL28

B) region are associated with spontaneous and treatment-induced viral clearance in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Nevertheless, it is unknown whether genetic variation at the

IL28B

locus influences the natural history of chronic HCV infection. Thus, we asked whether an association between

IL28B

polymorphisms and liver fibrosis progression existed. We studied 247 consecutive patients with chronic HCV, an accurate estimate of the date of infection, and a liver biopsy performed before any treatment. No patient had a history of alcohol abuse or coinfection with other viruses. We assessed the role of rs8099917 and rs12979860 polymorphisms and the effect of host and environmental factors on fibrosis progression. Blood transfusion (75%) was the main modality of infection. Median age at infection was 21 years, and median interval between infection and liver biopsy was 25 years. One hundred twenty-nine patients (52%) were infected by HCV-1, 74 (30%) by HCV-2, 34 (14%) by HCV-3, and 10 (4%) by HCV-4. Bridging fibrosis/cirrhosis (Ishak ≥4) was detected in 24% of patients. Age at infection had a marked effect on fibrosis progression by both a linear model and Cox proportional-hazard regression (

P

< 2E-16). A 12.1% increase in the hazard of advanced fibrosis was estimated for each additional year at infection, suggesting that this was the major explanatory variable in this cohort. Male gender (

P

< 0.05), HCV genotype 3 (

P

< 0.001) and steatosis (

P

< 0.05) were also associated with faster fibrosis progression. Conversely, the two

IL28B

polymorphisms had no impact on fibrosis progression.

Conclusion

: In HCV patients with a known date of infection,

IL28B

genotype was not associated with fibrosis progression rate or with the risk of developing advanced liver fibrosis. (Hepatology 2011;)
Cross-presentation of antigen by diverse subsets of murine liver cells
Authors: Ebrahimkhani Mohammad R. , Mohar Isaac , Crispe Ian N.
Published: July 2011

Antigen cross-presentation is a principal function of specialized antigen-presenting cells of bone marrow origin such as dendritic cells. Although these cells are sometimes known as “professional” antigen-presenting cells, nonbone marrow-derived cells may also act as antigen-presenting cells. Here, using four-way liver cell isolation and parallel comparison of candidate antigen-presenting cells, we show that, depending on the abundance of antigen-donor cells, different subsets of liver cells could cross-present a hepatocyte-associated antigen. This function was observed in both liver sinusoidal endothelial cells and Kupffer cells even at very low antigen concentration, as well as when using soluble protein. Antigen cross-presentation by liver cells induced efficient CD8+ T-cell proliferation in a similar manner to classical dendritic cells from spleen. However, proliferated cells expressed a lower level of T-cell activation markers and intracellular interferon-gamma levels. In contrast to classical spleen dendritic cells, cross-presentation by liver antigen-presenting cells was predominantly dependent on intercellular adhesion molecule-1.

Conclusion:

Hepatic sinusoids are an environment rich in antigen cross-presenting activity. However, the liver's resident antigen-presenting cells cause partial T-cell activation. These results clarify how the liver can act as a primary site of CD8+ T-cell activation, and why immunity against hepatocyte pathogens is sometimes ineffective. (Hepatology 2011;54:1379–1387)