bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficiency Analysis of Independent and Centralized Heating Systems for Residential Buildings in Northern Italy
Authors: Zago Matteo , Casalegno Andrea , Marchesi Renzo , Rinaldi Fabio
Published: November 2011

The primary energy consumption in residential buildings is determined by the envelope thermal characteristics, air change, outside climatic data, users’ behaviour and the adopted heating system and its control. The new Italian regulations strongly suggest the installation of centralized boilers in renovated buildings with more than four apartments. This work aims to investigate the differences in primary energy consumption and efficiency among several independent and centralized heating systems installed in Northern Italy. The analysis is carried out through the following approach: firstly building heating loads are evaluated using the software TRNSYS® and, then, heating system performances are estimated through a simplified model based on the European Standard EN 15316. Several heating systems have been analyzed, evaluating: independent and centralized configurations, condensing and traditional boilers, radiator and radiant floor emitters and solar plant integration. The heating systems are applied to four buildings dating back to 2010, 2006, 1960s and 1930s. All the combinations of heating systems and buildings are analyzed in detail, evaluating efficiency and primary energy consumption. In most of the cases the choice between centralized and independent heating systems has minor effects on primary energy consumption, less than 3%: the introduction of condensing technology and the integration with solar heating plant can reduce energy consumption by 11% and 29%, respectively.
Irrigation of Castor Bean (Ricinus communis L.) and Sunflower (Helianthus annus L.) Plant Species with Municipal Wastewater Effluent: Impacts on Soil Properties and Seed Yield
Authors: Chatzakis Michalis K. , Tzanakakis Vasileios A. , Mara Duncan D. , Angelakis Andreas N.
Published: November 2011

The effects of plant species (castor bean (Ricinus communis L.) versus sunflower (Helianthus annus L.)) and irrigation regime (freshwater versus secondary treated municipal wastewater) on soil properties and on seed and biodiesel yield were studied in a three year pot trial. Plant species were irrigated at rates according to their water requirements with either freshwater or wastewater effluent. Pots irrigated with freshwater received commercial fertilizer, containing N, P, and K, applied at the beginning of each irrigation period. The results obtained in this study showed that irrigation with effluent did not result in significant changes in soil pH, soil organic matter (SOM), total kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), and dehydrogenase activity, whereas soil available P was found to increase in the upper soil layer. Soil salinity varied slightly throughout the experiment in effluent irrigated pots but no change was detected at the end of the experiment compared to the initial value, suggesting sufficient salt leaching. Pots irrigated with effluent had higher soil salinity, P, and dehydrogenase activity but lower SOM and TKN than freshwater irrigated pots. Sunflower showed greater SOM and TKN values than castor bean suggesting differences between plant species in the microorganisms carrying out C and N mineralization in the soil. Plant species irrigated with freshwater achieved higher seed yield compared to those irrigated with effluent probably reflecting the lower level of soil salinity in freshwater irrigated pots. Castor bean achieved greater seed yield than sunflower. Biodiesel production followed the pattern of seed yield. The findings of this study suggest that wastewater effluent can constitute an important source of irrigation water and nutrients for bioenergy crop cultivations with minor adverse impacts on soil properties and seed yield. Plant species play an important role with regard to the changes in soil properties and to the related factors of seed and biodiesel yields.
Development of 29 microsatellite markers for Osmanthus fragrans (Oleaceae), a traditional fragrant flowering tree of China
Authors: Zhang Zhi‐Rong , Fan Deng‐Mei , Guo Shi‐Quan , Li De‐Zhu , Zhang Zhi‐Yong
Published: November 2011

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite markers were developed for a traditional fragrant flowering tree of China, Osmanthus fragrans, to investigate the genetic diversity of its wild populations and to facilitate the classification and identification of O. fragrans cultivars.

• Methods and Results: Using the fast isolation by AFLP of sequences containing repeats (FIASCO) protocol, 29 primer sets were identified in two wild populations. All primer pairs displayed polymorphism. The number of alleles per locus ranged from two to eight, with a mean of 3.9. The expected and observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.125 to 0.932 and from 0.083 to 0.917, respectively. The transferability of the 29 primer pairs was tested on O. serrulatus, O. delavayi, and O. yunnanensis (three individuals for each species). Eighteen (62.1%), 16 (55.2%), and 21 (72.4%) of them were successfully amplified in O. serrulatus, O. delavayi, and O. yunnanensis, respectively.

• Conclusions: These markers will facilitate further studies on the population genetics of O. fragrans and the classification and identification of O. fragrans cultivars.
Soins psychiatriques : le retour de la contrainte et de la stigmatisation
Authors: Durand Bernard
Published: November 2011

Résumé La loi du 5 juillet 2011, fortement contestée par les professionnels et les usagers de la psychiatrie, a modifié le paysage psychiatrique. Après une évolution quasiment continue qui a permis de remplacer la pratique asilaire de l’enfermement par des soins acceptés par le patient, on assiste à un retour des pratiques d’enfermement. Après des années d’engagement des professionnels et des familles pour redonner leur dignité aux personnes dont le psychisme est altéré, on constate que l’on a réactivé, à partir de quelques faits divers aussi exceptionnels que dramatiques, des représentations du fou et plus spécifiquement du schizophrène comme quelqu’un de potentiellement dangereux. La nouvelle loi, qui prétend garantir la continuité des soins, est en fait une loi de continuité de la contrainte. Elle est le résultat d’une volonté de reprise en main de la gestion de la folie par le ministère de l’intérieur depuis 2003, au détriment de celui de la santé. Pourtant, on y trouve des dispositions qui auraient pu faire l’objet d’un consensus dans une autre logique que l’obsession des troubles à l’ordre public.
L'assurance maladie dans la tourmente économique et politique (2007-2011)
Authors: Tabuteau Didier
Published: November 2011

Résumé Les années 2007-2011 ont été placées pour l’assurance maladie sous le signe des crises économiques et financières mais aussi de réformes menées le plus souvent dans la discrétion de législations techniques. Elles auront ainsi été marquées par l’absence de véritable débat public sur le financement de la protection sociale, malgré la succession de déficits historiques, mais aussi par la priorité donnée au thème de la « responsabilisation » des assurés sociaux et par l’affirmation d’une logique de concurrence dans le système de santé et d’assurance maladie.
Le dossier pharmaceutique ou la réussite d'un projet mené par une profession
Authors: Parrot Jean
Published: November 2011

Résumé Le dossier pharmaceutique, créé dans les officines après le recueil du consentement exprès des patients, rassemble en un lieu unique les informations de base des médicaments dispensés (code CIP et quantités), qu’ils aient été prescrits ou non. Le prix et le lieu de dispensation n’y figurent pas. Son accès est sécurisé, il n’est possible que si deux clefs sont connectées simultanément : la carte Vitale du patient et la carte CPS du pharmacien. Début septembre 2011, près de 16 millions de personnes disposent d’un dossier pharmaceutique en métropole comme outre-mer. Le réseau de partage des informations est opérationnel dans plus de 90 % des pharmacies (soit 205 000 sur 230 000). Deux ans après la généralisation du dispositif, nous proposons ici de revenir sur la genèse de ce succès.
Voir et ne pas voir le passé
Authors: Jouhaud Christian
Published: November 2011

Résumé Cet article évoque les rapports à l’histoire d’un roman de Georges Simenon sans passer par sa contextualisation dans la biographie ou les opinions de son auteur. Maigret et les témoins récalcitrants est ici scruté pour sa capacité à évoquer une emprise tantôt spectaculaire et tantôt vague, mais toujours violente, du passé sur les êtres et les lieux. En prenant au sérieux l’insertion de l’intrigue dans l’espace parisien et en saisissant les lieux traversés par le commissaire dans l’histoire qui les habite, le propos est de mettre au jour les rapports troublés au passé du roman et du romancier.
Au nom de la France
Authors: Vergnon Gilles
Published: November 2011

Résumé De 1958 à 2007, de Charles de Gaulle à Jacques Chirac, les présidents successifs se sont exprimés à de nombreuses reprises sur la Résistance intérieure, son sens et son héritage. La fréquence de leurs communications (où se distinguent Charles de Gaulle et François Mitterrand), le lieu et l’occasion de ces prises de parole, leur contenu, font apparaître des points communs, mais aussi d’importantes différences. L’étude de ce corpus de discours met au jour la puissance et la pérennité de la grammaire mémorielle gaullienne, qui survit à la « petite alternance » de 1974 et même à la « grande alternance » de 1981, les évolutions s’inscrivant dans la continuité d’une vision guerrière et patriotique de la Résistance, pilier de la pérennité de l’État et de la nation. À partir du deuxième septennat de François Mitterrand, les discours présidentiels évoluent progressivement vers une vision humanisée de la Résistance, garante des valeurs fondatrices de la société et dépourvue de références agonistiques.
Are Men Aging as Oaks and Women as Reeds? A Behavioral Hypothesis to Explain the Gender Paradox of French Centenarians
Authors: Balard Frédéric , Beluche Isabelle , Romieu Isabelle , Willcox Donald Craig , Robine Jean-Marie
Published: November 2011

Since the 1990s, several studies involving French centenarians have shown a gender paradox in old age. Even if women are more numerous in old age and live longer than men, men are in better physical and cognitive health, are higher functioning, and have superior vision. If better health should lead to a longer life, why are men not living longer than women? This paper proposes a hypothesis based on the differences in thegenerational habitusbetween men and women who were born at the beginning of the 20th century. The concept ofgenerational habituscombines the generation theory of Mannheim with thehabitusconcept of Bourdieu based on the observation that there exists a way of being, thinking, and doing for each generation. We hypothesized that thishabitusstill influences many gender-linked behaviours in old age. Men, as “oaks,” seem able to delay the afflictions of old age until a breaking point, while women, as “reeds,” seem able to survive despite an accumulation of health deficits.
Spatial Organization and Dynamics of Transcription Elongation and Pre-mRNA Processing in Live Cells
Authors: Sánchez-Álvarez Miguel , Sánchez-Hernández Noemí , Suñé Carlos
Published: November 2011

During the last 30 years, systematic biochemical and functional studies have significantly expanded our knowledge of the transcriptional molecular components and the pre-mRNA processing machinery of the cell. However, our current understanding of how these functions take place spatiotemporally within the highly compartmentalized eukaryotic nucleus remains limited. Moreover, it is increasingly clear that “the whole is more than the sum of its parts” and that an understanding of the dynamic coregulation of genes is essential for fully characterizing complex biological phenomena and underlying diseases. Recent technological advances in light microscopy in addition to novel cell and molecular biology approaches have led to the development of new tools, which are being used to address these questions and may contribute to achieving an integrated and global understanding of how the genome works at a cellular level. Here, we review major hallmarks and novel insights in RNA polymerase II activity and pre-mRNA processing in the context of nuclear organization, as well as new concepts and challenges arising from our ability to gather extensive dynamic information at the single-cell resolution.
Evidence for Elevated Cerebrospinal Fluid ERK1/2 Levels in Alzheimer Dementia
Authors: Spitzer Philipp , Schieb Heinke , Kamrowski-Kruck Heike , Otto Markus , Chiasserini Davide , Parnetti Lucilla , Herukka Sanna-Kaisa , Schuchhardt Johannes , Wiltfang Jens , Klafki Hans-Wolfgang
Published: November 2011

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from 33 patients with Alzheimer dementia (AD), 21 patients with mild cognitive impairment who converted to AD during followup (MCI‐AD), 25 patients with stable mild cognitive impairment (MCI‐stable), and 16 nondemented subjects (ND) were analyzed with a chemiluminescence immunoassay to assess the levels of the mitogen‐activated protein kinase ERK1/2 (extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2). The results were evaluated in relation to total Tau (tTau), phosphorylated Tau (pTau), and beta‐amyloid 42 peptide (Aβ42). CSF‐ERK1/2 was significantly increased in the AD group as compared to stable MCI patients and the ND group. Western blot analysis of a pooled cerebrospinal fluid sample revealed that both isoforms, ERK1 and ERK2, and low amounts of doubly phosphorylated ERK2 were detectable. As a predictive diagnostic AD biomarker, CSF‐ERK1/2 was inferior to tTau, pTau, and Aβ42.
Light microscopy - Methods and protocols
Authors: Redi CarloAlberto
Published: November 2011

The first part of the book (six chapters) is devoted to some selected applications of bright-field microscopy while the second part (eight chapters) to some fluorescence microscopy studies. Both animal and plant biology investigations are presented covering multiple fields like immunology, cell signaling, cancer biology and, surprisingly to me, ecology. This chapter is titled: Light microscopy in aquatic ecology: Methods for plankton communities studies and it is due to Maria Carolina S. Soares and colleagues from the Laboratory of Aquatic Ecology, Dept. of Biology, Federal University of Juiz de Fora (Brazil). Here they present methods to quantify the different component of planktonic communities in a step-by-step manner so that virus, bacteria, algae and animals pertaining to different taxa can be recognized and the contribution they made to the plankton composition evaluated. It descends that even how the plankton composition is changing due to environmental variations can be accurately determined....
Male germ line stem cells: Developmental and regenerative potential
Authors: Redi CarloAlberto
Published: November 2011

One of the most significant hot topic in biology in the last decades is constituted by the many intriguing and interesting aspects that the stem cells biology is offering to the scientific community: from the basic researches to understand the meaning of stemness and the conceptual paradigms able to explain it till the most advanced clinical applications in regenerative medicine. Just for this simple reason a warm wellcome to the last titles appeared in the series (Stem cell biology and regenerative medicine series) that the Humana Press is specifically devoting to the stem cell world.......
Signal transduction immunohistochemistry - Methods and protocols
Authors: Redi CarloAlberto
Published: November 2011

Alexander E. Kalyuzhny statement that immunohistochemical detection of labile, low abundance and short-lived signal transduction molecules appears to be a very challenging task actually captures the same readerâ€™s feeling. Each of us daily using immunohistochemical protocols to reveal targets either useful for research or diagnostic aims will surely wonder by which tricky techniques it is possible to overcome the preservation and unmasking of those labile antigens involved in signal transduction. Well, by seventheen chapters grouped in five parts Prof. Alexander E. Kalyuzhny is presenting an invaluable technical and methodological source of hints to satisfy our needs: to overcome troubleshottings if we are already in the field or to orientate those entering the field....
microRNAs in development - Methods and protocols
Authors: Monti Manuela
Published: November 2011

The fascinating process of organ formation and patterns of forms acquistion stick together in plant and animal development intriguing the observers, from the great greek philosopher to the great Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, from Dâ€™Arcy Wentworth Thompson and Conrad Hal Waddington to present day biologists, scientists and laypeople! Each of us is fascinated by these natural phenomena and wondering how the genome, the same genome (constantly the very same genome in each cell, from the fertilized egg, with the only exception of those organisms were gene expression is primarily controlled by pre-transcription coarse mechanisms like chromatin elimination, not infrequently occurring in Nematoda, Insects and Crustacea to name a few) reach such a fine tuning capacity to modulate and direct gene expressions patterns towards specific organ formation and form acquisition. Which are ultimately based on the production of specific sets of proteins characterizing the different cell types.....
Effects of Acute Caffeinated Coffee Consumption on Energy Utilization Related to Glucose and Lipid Oxidation from Short Submaximal Treadmill Exercise in Sedentary Men
Authors: Leelarungrayub Donrawee , Sallepan Maliwan , Charoenwattana Sukanya
Published: November 2011

Objective

Aim of this study was to evaluate the short term effect of coffee drinking on energy utilization in sedentary men.

Methods

This study was performed in healthy sedentary men, who were randomized into three groups, control (n = 6), decaffeinated (n = 10), and caffeine (n = 10). The caffeine dose in coffee was rechecked and calculated for individual volunteers at 5 mg/kg. Baseline before drinking, complete blood count (CBC), glucose, antioxidant capacity, lipid peroxide, and caffeine in blood was evaluated. After drinking coffee for 1 hr, the submaximal exercise test with a modified Bruce protocol was carried out, and the VO2 and RER were analyzed individually at 80% maximal heart rate, then the blood was repeat evaluated.

Results

Three groups showed a nonsignificant difference in CBC results and physical characteristics. The caffeine group showed significant changes in all parameters; higher VO2 levels, ( P = 0.037) and lower RER ( P = 0.047), when compared to the baseline. Furthermore, the glucose level after exercise test increased significantly ( P = 0.033) as well as lipid peroxide levels ( P = 0.005), whereas antioxidant capacity did not change significantly ( P = 0.759), when compared to the before exercise testing. In addition, the blood caffeine level also increased only in the caffeine group ( P = 0.008).

Conclusion

Short consumption of caffeinated coffee (5 mg/kg of caffeine), improves energy utilization and relates to glucose derivation and lipid oxidation.
Rethinking Security in the Age of Uncertain Globalisation: NEPAD and Human Security in Africa in the Twenty-First Century1
Authors: Charles Ukeje
Published: November 2011

Globalisation can hardly be said to have caused Africa’s contemporary predicaments. However, it is clear that it continues to exacerbate them by posing diverse challenges to local and global governance and security. This paper demonstrates how the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), launched in 2003 to promote security and development, may be another hoax in Africa’s search for appropriate development models, especially given the character and fall-outs of globalisation on the continent. It raises several critical questions regarding the relevance and practicality of the vision and mandate of NEPAD vis-à-vis Africa’s innumerable security challenges. What, for instance, are the ‘new’ security challenges facing Africa in this age of globalisation, and how well equipped is NEPAD to addressing them? What are the key human security issues in Africa’s developmental complexities, distinct from or similar to existent ones on regime and/or territorial security? What are the implications of globalisation in Africa’s capacity to implement NEPAD’s visions and priorities in the areas of security and development? In conclusion, the paper reveals that there is little hope that NEPAD would serve Africa’s security needs better, whether it is now or in the future.
Reconstructing Africa’s Development in the New Millennium Through NEPAD: Can African Leaders Deliver the Goods?
Authors: Cyril I. Obi
Published: November 2011

Abstract
Neo-liberalism, Human Security, and Pan-Africanist Ideals: Synergies and Contradictions
Authors: Kwame Boafo-Arthur
Published: November 2011

Abstract
The African Union and the Destiny of Africahood: The Southern Africa Development Community and Neo-colonial Challenges to Pan-Africanism
Authors: Godfrey Chikowore
Published: November 2011

Only a united Africa can redeem its past glory, renew and reinforce its strength for the realization of its destiny. We are today the richest and yet the poorest of continents, but in unity our continent could smile in a new era of prosperity and power”, Kwame Nkrumah, President of the first independent Sub-Saharan African State of Ghana 1957. Abraham Knife, Challenges and prospects of Pan-African Economic Integration. (http//:eiipd.org/publications/occasional%20papers/pan_african_eco_integration.htm). 23 October 2003.“To dominate a people is, above all, to take up arms to destroy, or at least to neutralize, to paralyze, its cultural life. For, with a strong indigenous cultural life, foreign domination cannot be sure of its perpetuation. The value of culture as an element of resistance to foreign domination lies in the fact that culture is the vigorous manifestation on the ideological or idealist plane of the physical and historical reality of the society that is dominated or to be dominated. Culture is simultaneously the fruit of a people`s history and a determinant of history, by the positive and negative influence which it exerts on the evolution of relationships between man and his environment, among men or groups of men within a society, as well as among different societies”, Amilcar Cabral, the late President of the Republic of Guinnea-Bissau.Centre of Pan African Culture. (http//:hierographics.org/cpacdefined.htm). 14 October 2003.
Global distribution and climate forcing of marine organic aerosol: 1. Model improvements and evaluation
Authors: Meskhidze N. , Xu J. , Gantt B. , Zhang Y. , Nenes A. , Ghan S. J. , Liu X. , Easter R. , Zaveri R.
Published: November 2011

Abstract. Marine organic aerosol emissions have been implemented and evaluated within the National Center of Atmospheric Research (NCAR)'s Community Atmosphere Model (CAM5) with the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory's 7-mode Modal Aerosol Module (MAM-7). Emissions of marine primary organic aerosols (POA), phytoplankton-produced isoprene- and monoterpenes-derived secondary organic aerosols (SOA) and methane sulfonate (MS−) are shown to affect surface concentrations of organic aerosols in remote marine regions. Global emissions of submicron marine POA is estimated to be 7.9 and 9.4 Tg yr−1, for the Gantt et al. (2011) and Vignati et al. (2010) emission parameterizations, respectively. Marine sources of SOA and particulate MS− (containing both sulfur and carbon atoms) contribute an additional 0.2 and 5.1 Tg yr−1, respectively. Widespread areas over productive waters of the Northern Atlantic, Northern Pacific, and the Southern Ocean show marine-source submicron organic aerosol surface concentrations of 100 ng m−3, with values up to 400 ng m−3 over biologically productive areas. Comparison of long-term surface observations of water insoluble organic matter (WIOM) with POA concentrations from the two emission parameterizations shows that despite revealed discrepancies (often more than a factor of 2), both Gantt et al. (2011) and Vignati et al. (2010) formulations are able to capture the magnitude of marine organic aerosol concentrations, with the Gantt et al. (2011) parameterization attaining better seasonality. Model simulations show that the mixing state of the marine POA can impact the surface number concentration of cloud condensation nuclei (CCN). The largest increases (up to 20%) in CCN (at a supersaturation (S) of 0.2%) number concentration are obtained over biologically productive ocean waters when marine organic aerosol is assumed to be externally mixed with sea-salt. Assuming marine organics are internally-mixed with sea-salt provides diverse results with increases and decreases in the concentration of CCN over different parts of the ocean. The sign of the CCN change due to the addition of marine organics to sea-salt aerosol is determined by the relative significance of the increase in mean modal diameter due to addition of mass, and the decrease in particle hygroscopicity due to compositional changes in marine aerosol. Based on emerging evidence for increased CCN concentration over biologically active surface ocean areas/periods, our study suggests that treatment of sea spray in global climate models (GCMs) as an internal mixture of marine organic aerosols and sea-salt will likely lead to an underestimation in CCN number concentration.
Velocity-space diffusion of solar wind protons in oblique waves and weak turbulence
Authors: Marsch E. , Bourouaine S.
Published: November 2011

Abstract. The fast solar wind is permeated by all kinds of plasma waves which have a broad range of wavelengths and occur on many different scales. Kinetically, a plasma wave induces ion-wave interactions which can within the quasi-linear theory be described as a diffusion process. The impact this diffusion may have on the shape of the proton velocity distribution function (VDF) is studied. We first analyse theoretically some of the possible kinetic effects of the waves on the ions. Then the model predictions are compared with the detailed in-situ plasma measurements made by the Helios spacecraft on 14 April 1976 at 0.3 AU and found to comply favourably with resonant diffusion of protons in obliquely propagating magnetohydrodynamic waves. In particular, the shape at the edges of the VDFs at positive proton velocities in the wind frame can be well explained by cyclotron-resonant diffusion of the protons in oblique fast magnetoacoustic and Alfvén waves propagating away from the Sun.
Integrative analysis of the interactions between Geobacter spp. and sulfate-reducing bacteria during uranium bioremediation
Authors: Barlett M. , Zhuang K. , Mahadevan R. , Lovley D. R.
Published: November 2011

Abstract. Enhancing microbial U(VI) reduction with the addition of organic electron donors is a promising strategy for immobilizing uranium in contaminated groundwaters, but has yet to be optimized because of a poor understanding of the factors controlling the growth of various microbial communities during bioremediation. In previous field trials in which acetate was added to the subsurface, there were two distinct phases: an initial phase in which acetate-oxidizing, U(VI)-reducing Geobacter predominated and U(VI) was effectively reduced and a second phase in which acetate-oxidizing sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) predominated and U(VI) reduction was poor. The interaction of Geobacter and SRB was investigated both in sediment incubations that mimicked in situ bioremediation and with in silico metabolic modeling. In sediment incubations, Geobacter grew quickly but then declined in numbers as the microbially reducible Fe(III) was depleted whereas the SRB grow more slowly and reached dominance after 30–40 days. Modeling predicted a similar outcome. Additional modeling in which the relative initial percentages of the Geobacter and SRB were varied indicated that there was little to no competitive interaction between Geobacter and SRB when acetate was abundant. Further simulations suggested that the addition of Fe(III) would revive the Geobacter, but have little to no effect on the SRB. This result was confirmed experimentally. The results demonstrate that it is possible to predict the impact of amendments on important components of the subsurface microbial community during groundwater bioremediation. The finding that Fe(III) availability, rather than competition with SRB, is the key factor limiting the activity of Geobacter during in situ uranium bioremediation will aid in the design of improved uranium bioremediation strategies.
Hydrological variability in the Northern Levant: a 250 ka multi-proxy record from the Yammoûneh (Lebanon) sedimentary sequence
Authors: Gasse F. , Vidal L. , Develle A.-L. , Van Campo E.
Published: November 2011

Abstract. The Levant is a key region in terms of both long-term hydroclimate dynamics and human cultural evolution. Our understanding of the regional response to glacial-interglacial boundary conditions is limited by uncertainties in proxy-data interpretation and the lack of long-term records from different geographical settings. The present paper provides a 250 ka paleoenvironmental reconstruction based on a multi-proxy approach from northern Levant, derived from a 36 m lacustrine-palustrine sequence cored in the small intra-mountainous karstic Yammoûneh basin from northern Lebanon. We combined time series of sediment properties, paleovegetation, and carbonate oxygen isotopes (δc), to yield a comprehensive view of paleohydrologic-paleoclimatic fluctuations in the basin over the two last glacial-interglacial cycles. Integration of all available proxies shows that Interglacial maxima (early-mid MIS 7, MIS 5.5 and early MIS 1) experienced relatively high effective moisture, evidenced by the dominance of forested landscapes (although with different forest types) associated with authigenic carbonate sedimentation in a productive waterbody. Synchronous and steep δc increases can be reconciled with enhanced mean annual moisture when changes in seasonality are taken into account. During Glacials periods (MIS 2 and MIS 6), open vegetation tends to replace the forests, favouring local erosion and detrital sedimentation. However, all proxy data reveal an overall wetting during MIS 6, while a drying trend took place during MIS4-2, leading to extremely harsh LGM conditions possibly linked to water storage as ice in the surrounding highlands. Over the past 250 ka, the Yammoûneh record shows an overall decrease in local effective water, coincident with a weakening of seasonal insolation contrasts linked to the decreasing amplitude of the eccentricity cycle. The Yammoûneh record is roughly consistent with long-term climatic fluctuations in the northeastern Mediterranean region (except during MIS 6). It suggests that the role of seasonality on effective moisture, already highlighted for MIS 1, also explains older interglacial climate. The Yammoûneh record shares some features with speleothem isotope records of western Israel, while the Dead Sea basin generally evolved in opposite directions. Changes in atmospheric circulation, regional topographic patterns and site-specific hydrological factors are invoked as potential causes of spatial heterogeneities. Further work is needed to refine the Yammoûneh chronology, better understand its functioning through hydrological and climate modelling, and acquire other long records from northern Levant to disentangle the relative effects of local versus regional factors.
Wavelet-based spatial comparison technique for analysing and evaluating two-dimensional geophysical model fields
Authors: Saux Picart S. , Butenschön M. , Shutler J. D.
Published: November 2011

Abstract. Complex numerical models of the Earth's environment, based around 3-D or 4-D time and space domains are routinely used for applications including climate predictions, weather forecasts, fishery management and environmental impact assessments. Quantitatively assessing the ability of these models to accurately reproduce geographical patterns at a range of spatial and temporal scales has always been a difficult problem to address. However, this is crucial if we are to rely on these models for decision making. Satellite data are potentially the only observational dataset able to cover the large spatial domains analysed by many types of geophysical models. Consequently optical wavelength satellite data is beginning to be used to evaluate model hindcast fields of terrestrial and marine environments. However, these satellite data invariably contain regions of occluded or missing data due to clouds, further complicating or impacting on any comparisons with the model. A methodology has recently been developed to evaluate precipitation forecasts using radar observations. It allows model skill to be evaluated at a range of spatial scales and rain intensities. Here we extend the original method to allow its generic application to a range of continuous and discontinuous geophysical data fields, and therefore allowing its use with optical satellite data. This is achieved through two major improvements to the original method: (i) all thresholds are determined based on the statistical distribution of the input data, so no a priori knowledge about the model fields being analysed is required and (ii) occluded data can be analysed without impacting on the metric results. The method can be used to assess a model's ability to simulate geographical patterns over a range of spatial scales. We illustrate how the method provides a compact and concise way of visualising the degree of agreement between spatial features in two datasets. The application of the new method, its handling of bias and occlusion and the advantages of the novel method are demonstrated through analyzing model fields from a marine ecosystem model.
Exhaled Breath Condensate pH as a Non-invasive Measure of Inflammation in Non-CF Bronchiectasis
Authors: Shoemark A. , Wilson R.
Published: November 2011

Bronchiectasis is characterised by neutrophilic bronchial inflammation. Direct measurement of lung inflammation would be useful to assess disease activity, guide need for treatment, and monitor response. The aim of this study was to test whether exhaled breath condensate (EBC) pH, a simple noninvasive test, provides a clinically useful measure of inflammation in the lungs of patients with bronchiectasis. 96 consecutively referred patients were studied when clinically stable, 20 followed up over two years, and a further 22 patients seen during an exacerbation. Subjects breathed tidally for 10 minutes into a condensing chamber (Ecoscreen, Erich Jaeger, Hoechberg, Germany). pH in EBC was measured immediately using a pH probe. In a representative group of 25 patients samples were deaerated with argon gas. This was to control for variations in pH ex vivo by removing CO2. EBC was acidic in bronchiectasis patients () compared to controls () and primary ciliary dyskinesia patients (). pH was related to lung volume but not disease severity. Repeated measures show EBC pH changes with symptoms. EBC is further acidified during an exacerbation of bronchiectasis (), this acidification persists following treatment (). EBC pH is not sufficiently sensitive or specific to monitor patients' health status or provide information to inform acute treatment decisions.
Enzyme Histochemical Assessment of Mitochondrial Functions in Patients with Myopathic form of Limb-Girdle Syndrome
Authors: Verma Ritu , Pal Lily , Pandey Rakesh , Paliwal Vimal Kumar
Published: November 2011

Isolated mitochondrial myopathy is characterized by slowly progressive limb-girdle muscle weakness and resembles other muscle disorders like muscular dystrophy or inflammatory myopathy on clinical grounds. Identification of abnormal mitochondria in the muscle tissue is required for the diagnosis of isolated mitochondrial myopathy. Therefore, this study was done with aim to identify patients with isolated mitochondrial myopathy among those with limb-girdle muscle syndromes of undefined cause. Forty-eight consecutive patients with limb-girdle muscle disease from 2008 to 2010 were screened for Duchenne/Becker muscular dystrophy gene deletion, metabolic myopathy, and drug-induced and endocrine causes. Twenty patients without an identifiable cause were subjected to muscle biopsy for hematoxylin and eosin staining and enzyme histochemistry. Clinical, biochemical, and electrophysiological features in all these patients with limb-girdle muscle disease were nonspecific, and no conclusion regarding the underlying cause could be drawn from these investigations. On hematoxylin and eosin staining, 12 patients were diagnosed as muscular dystrophy, inflammatory myopathy with characteristic appearance of polymyositis was diagnosed in 4 patients, and 3 patients had normal muscle histology. After enzyme histochemistry, one patient was identified having mitochondrial myopathy. A brief case summary of the only patient diagnosed as isolated mitochondrial myopathy in our study is presented.
Novel Al2O3‐C Refractories with Less Residual Carbon Due to Nanoscaled Additives for Continuous Steel Casting Applications
Authors: Roungos Vasileios , Aneziris Christos G. , Berek Harry
Published: November 2011

A new generation of thermal shock resistant Al2O3‐C refractories with approximately 30% less residual carbon and functionalized due to nanoscaled additives based on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and alumina nanosheets (α‐Al2O3) were developed and investigated after coking at 1000 and 1400 °C. With the aid of electron backscatter diffraction analyses (EBSD) on fracture surfaces of the carbon bonded samples, Al3CON was identified on the nanosheet shapes already at 1000 °C coking temperature. The Al3CON new phase based on the reaction between alumina nanosheets and CNTs offers a chemical interconnecting phase for the carbon as well as for the oxide alumina filler. The new refractory composite structure presents excellent thermo‐mechanical properties in spite the lower carbon content. In addition, due to EDS and EBSD analyses amorphous whiskers and platelets within the system of SiO were observed in samples coked at 1000 °C, that were transformed to crystalline β‐SiC‐whiskers in samples coked at 1400 °C.
Effect of postcrosslinking modification with glutaraldehyde on the properties of thermoplastic starch/poly(vinyl alcohol) blend films
Authors: Liu Ziqin , Jiang Man , Bai Xia , Dong Xiaogang , Tong Jin , Zhou Jiang
Published: November 2011

Thermoplastic starch (TPS)/poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) blend films were modified by crosslinking through soaking the films in glutaraldehyde aqueous solution and then heating in an oven. The effects of the concentration of the glutaraldehyde aqueous solution, soaking time, reaction temperature, and time on the crosslinking reaction were investigated. The moisture absorption and mechanical properties of the films were measured to characterize the influence of the crosslinking modification. It was found that the crosslinking modification significantly reduced the moisture sensitivity of the TPS/PVA blend films and increased the tensile strength and Young's modulus but decreased the elongation at break of the TPS/PVA blend films. The described method could be used for posttreating TPS/PVA‐based products to optimize their properties. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
ChemInform Abstract: Hole Transport in Sensitized CdS—NiO Nanoparticle Photocathodes.
Authors: Kang Soon Hyung , Zhu Kai , Neale Nathan R. , Frank Arthur J.
Published: November 2011

NiO nanostructured films are prepared by the spin‐casting method from slurries of NiO powder followed by sintering at 450 °C.
ChemInform Abstract: Hydrothermal Synthesis and Characterization of a Na+ Templated New 3‐D Lanthanum Sulfate Na[C6H14N2] [La3(SO4)6(H2O)3] Constructed from La—O—S Tubes and Cubic Cages.
Authors: Zheng Lei , Zhang Zhibin , Zhu Dunru , Xu Yan
Published: November 2011

Title compound (III) crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Cmca with Z = 8 (single crystal XRD).
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Optical Properties of a New Lead Fluoride Borate with Isolated [B9O21]15‐ Unit.
Authors: Zhao Wenwu , Pan Shilie , Han Jian , Zhou Zhongxiang , Tian Xuelin , Li Junjie
Published: November 2011

Pb8B9O21F is synthesized by solid state reaction of a stoichiometric mixture of PbO, PbF2, and H3BO3 in air (Pt crucible, 500 °C, 48 h) and characterized by single crystal XRD and UV/VIS/NIR diffuse reflectance spectroscopy.
ChemInform Abstract: A New 2D Network Polyoxometalate Constructed from Strandberg‐Type Phosphomolybdates Linked Through Binuclear Ca(II) Clusters.
Authors: Niu Jingyang , Ma Junchuang , Zhao Junwei , Ma Pengtao , Wang Jingping
Published: November 2011

The novel compound (IV) is characterized by single crystal XRD, IR and UV spectroscopy, and electrochemical measurements.
ChemInform Abstract: A Novel Inorganic—Organic Hybrid 1D Chain Built by Double Banana‐Shaped Tungstoarsenates {Co(Hen)[Co6As3W24O94 (H2O)2]}228‐.
Authors: Ma Pengtao , Chen Lijuan , Zhao Junwei , Wang Wei , Wang Jingping , Niu Jingyang
Published: November 2011

The new title compound (III) crystallizes in the triclinic space group P$\bar 1$ with Z = 2 (single crystal XRD).
ChemInform Abstract: A Green and Efficient Oxidation of Alcohols by Amphiphilic Resin‐Supported Gold Nanoparticles in Aqueous H2O2.
Authors: Xie Ting , Lu Min , Zhang Wenwen , Li Jun
Published: November 2011

Au‐nanoparticles supported on commercially available TentaGel S‐NH2 efficiently catalyze the selective oxidation of primary and secondary alcohols to corresponding carbonyl compounds (II).
ChemInform Abstract: N‐Formylsaccharin: A New Formylating Agent.
Authors: Cochet Thomas , Bellosta Veronique , Greiner Alfred , Roche Didier , Cossy Janine
Published: November 2011

Reagent (I) allows a simple N‐formylation of various primary and secondary amines and amino alcohols under mild conditions.
ChemInform Abstract: Highly Enantioselective Cyclopropenation Reaction of 1‐Alkynes with α‐Alkyl‐α‐diazoesters Catalyzed by Dirhodium(II) Carboxylates.
Authors: Goto Takayuki , Takeda Koji , Shimada Naoyuki , Nambu Hisanori , Anada Masahiro , Shiro Motoo , Ando Kaori , Hashimoto Shunichi
Published: November 2011

Tetrabromophthaloyl‐protected tert‐leucine represents an efficient ligand for the Rh‐catalyzed asymmetric cyclopropenation of α‐alkyl‐α‐diazoacetates with terminal alkynes.
ChemInform Abstract: Transition‐Metal‐Free Alkynylation of Aryl Chlorides.
Authors: Truong Thanh , Daugulis Olafs
Published: November 2011

In the case of conditions B), KOtBu can also be used instead of NaOtBu.
ChemInform Abstract: Clay‐Supported 2‐Phenyl‐1H‐imidazole Derivatives for Heterogeneous Catalysis of Henry Reaction.
Authors: Holesova Sylva , Parik Patrik , Ludwig Miroslav
Published: November 2011

The best result for the presented reaction is obtained with the catalyst IMA under heterogeneous conditions B).
ChemInform Abstract: Catalytic Enantioselective β‐Alkylation of α,β‐Unsaturated Aldehydes by Combination of Transition‐Metal‐ and Aminocatalysis: Total Synthesis of Bisabolane Sesquiterpenes.
Authors: Afewerki Samson , Breistein Palle , Pirttilae Kristian , Deiana Luca , Dziedzic Pawel , Ibrahem Ismail , Cordova Armando
Published: November 2011

The methodology is applied to the short total syntheses of bisabolane sesquiterpenes (S)‐(+)‐curcumene, (E)‐(S)‐(+)‐3‐dehydrocurcumene and (S)‐(+)‐tumerone from product (IIIa).
ChemInform Abstract: Enantioselective Synthesis of Chiral γ‐Aryl α‐Keto Ester by Copper‐Catalyzed 1,4‐Conjugate Addition Using D2‐Symmetric Biphenyl Phosphoramidite Ligand.
Authors: Yang Bo , Xie Fang , Yu Han , Shen Kaiji , Ma Zhenni , Zhang Wanbin
Published: November 2011

Enantioselective 1,4‐conjugate addition of diethylzinc towards β,γ‐unsaturated α‐keto esters is smoothly catalyzed by an axially chiral bis(phosphoramidite)—Cu complex to give the product γ‐substituted γ‐aryl α‐keto esters (III) in moderate enantioselectivities (up to 81% e.e.).
ChemInform Abstract: Rational Catalysis Design on the Basis of Mechanistic Understanding: Highly Efficient Pd‐Catalyzed Cyanation of Aryl Bromides with NaCN in Recyclable Solvents.
Authors: Ushkov Alexander V. , Grushin Vladimir V.
Published: November 2011

The efficient and general Pd‐catalyzed aromatic cyanation procedure employs, NaCN — the most preferred cyanide source — in recyclable and low‐boiling solvents with minimal quantities of inexpensive, nontoxic promoters.
ChemInform Abstract: Copper‐Catalyzed Direct Preparation of Diaryl Sulfides from Aryl Iodides Using Potassium Thiocyanate as a Sulfur Transfer Reagent.
Authors: Kelly Christopher B. , Lee Christopher , Leadbeater Nicholas E.
Published: November 2011

Advantages of the new procedure for the direct formation of symmetrical diaryl sulfides are short reaction times and no need for any base or ligand.
ChemInform Abstract: The Diastereoselective Alkylation of Arenesulfenate Anions Using Homochiral Electrophiles.
Authors: Soederman Stefan C. , Schwan Adrian L.
Published: November 2011

An aromatic substituent in the amino iodide reduces the diastereomeric excess [cf.(Vb)].
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of Conjugated Tri(hetero)aryl Derivatives Based on One‐Pot Double Suzuki—Miyaura Couplings Using Bifunctional Dipotassium Phenylene‐1,4‐Bis(trifluoroborate).
Authors: Salomone Antonio , Petrera Marilena , Coppi Donato Ivan , Perna Filippo Maria , Florio Saverio , Capriati Vito
Published: November 2011

Title compound (I) undergoes double Pd‐catalyzed cross‐coupling with aryl bromides to give symmetrical trisaryl derivatives.
ChemInform Abstract: A Palladium Chelating Complex of Ionic Water‐Soluble Nitrogen‐Containing Ligand: The Efficient Precatalyst for Suzuki—Miyaura Reaction in Water.
Authors: Zhou Chunshan , Wang Jinyun , Li Liuyi , Wang Ruihu , Hong Maochun
Published: November 2011

The used PYIM ligand is prepared in a three‐step synthesis.
ChemInform Abstract: Palladium‐Catalyzed Decarboxylative Coupling of Potassium Nitrophenyl Acetates with Aryl Halides.
Authors: Shang Rui , Huang Zheng , Chu Ling , Fu Yao , Liu Lei
Published: November 2011

A wide range of aryl and hetaryl halides is successfully converted to 1,1‐diarylmethane structures.
ChemInform Abstract: An Efficient and Simple Synthesis of Tetraketones Catalyzed by Yb(OTf)3—SiO2 under Solvent Free Conditions.
Authors: Rao V. Kameshwara , Kumar Muthyala Manoj , Kumar Anil
Published: November 2011

Optimum reaction conditions are examined for the condensation of aromatic aldehydes and 1,3‐cyclohexanone derivatives.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of Fluoroacylated 4,5‐Dihydrofurans and Fluoroalkylated Tetrahydrofurans by the Radical Cyclization Using Manganese(III) Acetate. Part 2.
Authors: Yilmaz Mehmet , Pekel A. Tarik
Published: November 2011

Manganese(III) acetate‐based radical cyclizations of various fluorinated 1,3‐dicarbonyl compounds with alkenes produce 3‐fluoroacylated 4,5‐dihydrofurans of type (III), (VI), or (IX) and 2‐acetyloxy‐2‐fluoroalkyl tetrahydrofurans of type (XI).
ChemInform Abstract: Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Coupling Reaction of 2,3,5‐Trisubstituted Furans with Aryl Halides Through C—H Bond Cleavages.
Authors: Cao Hua , Zhan Haiying , Shen Dongsheng , Zhao Hong , Liu Yi
Published: November 2011

Aryl iodides bearing electron‐rich or electron‐withdrawing groups at the aromatic ring give comparable yields of the tetrasubstituted furans.
ChemInform Abstract: 2,5‐cis‐2,3,5‐Trisubstituted Tetrahydrofurans from the Diastereomixture of 2,4‐Disubstituted 1,3‐Dioxepins via Stereomutation.
Authors: Kubo Ozora , Yahata Kenzo , Maegawa Tomohiro , Fujioka Hiromichi
Published: November 2011

A diastereoselective ring contraction of dioxepins (I) in form of a diastereomeric mixture gives cis‐tetrahydrofurans (II) with high stereoselectivity.
ChemInform Abstract: Phosphine‐Catalyzed [3 + 2] Annulation of Cyanoallenes.
Authors: Kinderman Sape S. , van Maarseveen Jan H. , Hiemstra Henk
Published: November 2011

The reactions with imines give cyano‐substituted dihydropyrroles.