bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
When All Could No Longer Be Equal in Death: A Local Community’s Struggle to Remember Its Fallen Soldiers in the Shadow of Serbia’s Civil War, 1955-1956
Authors: Bergholz Max
Published: December 2011

In the spring of 1956, a plaque was hung in the Orthodox Church in the village of Brezna, located in western Serbia. On it were carved the names of local men who had been killed fighting during the Second World War. However, contrary to Communist policy, the list included not only those who had fought with the Communist-led Partisan resistance movement, but also those they had fought against, the Chetniks. Based on archival documents, the contemporary press, and interviews with local residents, this essay reconstructs the experience of the war years in this region, the factors that led to the hanging of the plaque, and the consequences faced by the village priest for its creation. The purpose is to examine how a local community, composed of combatants and their families from both sides of the wartime and postwar ideological divide, dealt with the mandate to simultaneously remember and forget the war dead. The main argument is that the incident in Brezna was a clash between traditional local practices of inclusive commemoration of the war dead and new exclusionary forms that emerged after the Second World War, due to the fratricidal nature of wartime violence, which were supported by Communist political elites as well as many local villagers.
In situ synthesis and characterization of polypropylene/polyvinyl acetate‐organophilic montmorillonite nanocomposite
Authors: Liu Ling , Wei Shoulian , Lai Xuejun
Published: December 2011

A novel polymer‐nanoclay hybrid nanocomposite based on polyvinyl acetate (PVAc)‐organophilic montmorillonite (OMMT) has been reported via an in situ intercalated polymerization technique. The hybrid material was synthesized by one‐step emulsion polymerization of vinyl acetate in the presence of OMMT using polyvinyl alcohol as the stabilizing agent. The intercalated polymerization was characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The XRD patterns show that the interlayer spacing of OMMT after polymerization increased from 2.64 to 3.78 nm, indicating that the large macromolecular chain of PVAc was formed in the OMMT interlayer space. The Fourier transform infrared spectrum showed the characteristic absorption of PVAc in the OMMT particles separated from the nanocomposite, and the position of peaks shifted to high wave numbers. This showed that there was an interaction between PVAc and OMMT nanoparticles. A two‐fold blend composed of PVAc‐nano‐OMMT/PP was prepared by the melt‐blending technique. XRD and transmission electron microscopy images of the PVAc‐nano‐OMMT/PP composite further confirmed the formation of a partially delaminated nanocomposite structure. Thermogravimetry results showed that the thermal stability of PVAc‐nano‐OMMT/PP was greater than that of either polypropylene (PP) or Nano‐OMMT/PP blend. PVAc‐nano‐OMMT/PP had better toughness, as the mass fraction of OMMT was 5 wt %. The flame retardancy of PP, Nano‐OMMT/PP, and PVAc‐nano‐OMMT/PP composites was also studied. According to the limiting oxygen index (LOI) data and Cone calorimeter test, the addition of PVAc‐OMMT resulted in higher LOI and lower heat release rate, effective heat of combustion, smoke release course, and better flame retardancy and barrier properties. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Controlled release of aspirin from pH‐sensitive chitosan/poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogel
Authors: Islam Atif , Yasin Tariq , Bano Ijaz , Riaz Muhammad
Published: December 2011

The aim of this study was to develop a cheap, pH‐sensitive enteric coating of aspirin with biocompatible polymers. A novel approach was used to develop enteric coating from chitosan (CS) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA). Solutions of CS and PVA (5 : 1 mol ratio) were mixed and selectively crosslinked with tetraethoxysilane. IR analysis confirmed the presence of the incorporated components and the existence of siloxane linkages between CS and PVA. The crosslinking percentage and thermal stability increased with increasing amount of crosslinker. The response of the developed coating in different media, such as water, pH (nonbuffer and buffer), and ionic media showed hydrogel properties. All hydrogels showed low swelling in acidic and basic pH media, whereas maximum swelling was exhibited at neutral pH. This pH sensitivity of the hydrogel has been exploited as enteric coating for commercial aspirin tablets. The dissolution test of enteric‐coated aspirin tablet in simulated gastric fluid (pH 1.2) showed 7.11% aspirin release over a period of 2 h, whereas a sustained release of remaining aspirin (83.25%) was observed in simulated intestinal fluid (pH 6.8). © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
High‐throughput sequencing offers insight into mechanisms of resource partitioning in cryptic bat species
Authors: Razgour Orly , Clare Elizabeth L. , Zeale Matt R. K. , Hanmer Julia , Schnell Ida Bærholm , Rasmussen Morten , Gilbert Thomas P. , Jones Gareth
Published: December 2011

Sympatric cryptic species, characterized by low morphological differentiation, pose a challenge to understanding the role of interspecific competition in structuring ecological communities. We used traditional (morphological) and novel molecular methods of diet analysis to study the diet of two cryptic bat species that are sympatric in southern England (Plecotus austriacus and P. auritus) (Fig. 1). Using Roche FLX 454 (Roche, Basel, CH) high‐throughput sequencing (HTS) and uniquely tagged generic arthropod primers, we identified 142 prey Molecular Operational Taxonomic Units (MOTUs) in the diet of the cryptic bats, 60% of which were assigned to a likely species or genus. The findings from the molecular study supported the results of microscopic analyses in showing that the diets of both species were dominated by lepidopterans. However, HTS provided a sufficiently high resolution of prey identification to determine fine‐scale differences in resource use. Although both bat species appeared to have a generalist diet, eared‐moths from the family Noctuidae were the main prey consumed. Interspecific niche overlap was greater than expected by chance (Ojk= 0.72, P < 0.001) due to overlap in the consumption of the more common prey species. Yet, habitat associations of nongeneralist prey species found in the diets corresponded to those of their respective bat predator (grasslands for P. austriacus, and woodland for P. auritus). Overlap in common dietary resource use combined with differential specialist prey habitat associations suggests that habitat partitioning is the primary mechanism of coexistence. The performance of HTS is discussed in relation to previous methods of molecular and morphological diet analysis. By enabling species‐level identification of dietary components, the application of DNA sequencing to diet analysis allows a more comprehensive comparison of the diet of sympatric cryptic species, and therefore can be an important tool for determining fine‐scale mechanisms of coexistence.

(a) The grey long‐eared bat, Plecotus austriacus, and (b) the brown long‐eared bat, Plecotus auritus.

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Small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the prostate: Incidence and a report of four cases with an examination of KIT and PDGFRA
Authors: Terada Tadashi
Published: December 2011

Because there have been no reports on the incidence and expressions and mutations of KIT and PDGFRA in small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (SCNEC) of the prostate, the author surveyed archival specimens of 2,642 prostatic specimens (biopsy, 1,503 cases; transurethral resection, 1,009 cases; prostatectomy, 130 cases). Of these, 706 cases were malignant tumors. In equivocal cases (n = 16) of Gleason 5 adenocarcinoma resembling SCNEC, several neuroendocrine markers were immunohistochemically examined. As the results, four cases of SCNEC were identified; therefore the incidence of SCNEC was 0.5% of all prostatic malignancies. All the four cases were biopsies. The remaining 686 cases were adenocarcinomas. In case 1 (50 years of age), the SCNEC tumor cells were positive for cytokeratin, P504S, synaptophysin, KIT, and PDGFRA, but negative for PSA, neuron specific enolase, CD56, and TTF‐1. In case 2 (70 years of age), the tumor cells were positive for cytokeratin, PSA, P504S, chromogranin, and synaptophysin, but negative for neuron‐specific enolase, CD56, TTF‐1, KIT, and PDGFRA. In case 3 (72 years of age), the SCNEC tumor cells were positive for cytokeratin, PSA, P504S, synaptophysin, CD56, KIT, and PDGFRA, but negative for neuron‐specific enolase, chromogranin, and TTF‐1. In case 4 (81 years of age), the SCNEC tumor cell were positive for cytokeratin, PSA, P504S, chromogranin, synaptophysin, neuron‐specific enolase, KIT, and PDGFRA, but negative for CD56 and TTF‐1. A molecular genetic analysis using PCR‐direct sequencing showed no mutations of KIT (exons 9, 11, 13, and 17) and PDGFRA (exons 12 and 18) genes in three informative cases of SCNEC. The present cases were the first of prostatic SCNEC with an examination of KIT and PDGFRA expression and KIT and PDFGRA gene mutations. Prostate 72:1150–1156, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Genomic selection in relation to bovine milk composition and processability
Authors: Glantz Maria , Lindmark Månsson Helena , Paulsson Marie , Stålhammar Hans
Published: December 2011

Genomic selection is a new technology in which selection decisions are based on direct genomic values (DGVs) or genomic enhanced breeding values (GEBVs). The objective of this study was to evaluate the relations between DGVs and several milk traits important for both the nutritional value and processability of milk. This is a new approach and can be used to increase the knowledge on how genomic selection can be used in practice. Morning milk samples from Swedish Holstein cows were analyzed for milk composition and technological properties. DGVs were received for each cow for milk, protein and fat yield, milk index, udder health, Nordic total merit and a quota was calculated between fat and milk yield as well as protein and milk yield. The results show that linear correlations exist (P<0·10) between the studied DGVs and contents and yields of parameters in the protein (P=0·002–0·097), fat (P=0·024–0·055) and mineral profiles (P=0·001–0·099) as well as for cheese characteristics (P=0·004–0·065), thus making it possible to obtain detailed information on milk traits that are not registered in the milk recording scheme. Hence, genomic selection will be an efficient tool for breeding and dairy industry to select cows early in life for targeted milk production.
Observations of radiocarbon in CO2at La Jolla, California, USA 1992–2007: Analysis of the long‐term trend
Authors: Graven Heather D. , Guilderson Thomas P. , Keeling Ralph F.
Published: December 2011

High precision measurements of Δ14C were performed on CO2 sampled at La Jolla, California, USA over 1992–2007. A decreasing trend in Δ14C was observed, which averaged −5.5 ‰ yr−1 yet showed significant interannual variability. Contributions to the trend in global tropospheric Δ14C by exchanges with the ocean, terrestrial biosphere and stratosphere, by natural and anthropogenic 14C production and by 14C‐free fossil fuel CO2 emissions were estimated using simple models. Dilution by fossil fuel emissions made the strongest contribution to the Δ14C trend while oceanic 14C uptake showed the most significant change between 1992 and 2007, weakening by 70%. Relatively steady positive influences from the stratosphere, terrestrial biosphere and 14C production moderated the decreasing trend. The most prominent excursion from the average trend occurred when Δ14C decreased rapidly in 2000. The rapid decline in Δ14C was concurrent with a rapid decline in atmospheric O2, suggesting a possible cause may be the anomalous ventilation of deep 14C‐poor water in the North Pacific Ocean. We additionally find the presence of a 28‐month period of oscillation in the Δ14C record at La Jolla.
Structural and morphological characterization of molecular beam epitaxy grown Si/Ge multilayer using x-ray scattering techniques
Authors: Sharma M. , Sanyal M. K. , Mukhopadhyay M. K. , Bera M. K. , Saha B. , Chakraborty P.
Published: December 2011

Si/Ge multilayers are of great technological importance as is evident from the research studies of the past two decades. Here, we have presented a method for the morphological and structural characterization of such MBE grown epitaxial Si/Ge superlattice structures using simultaneous analysis of x-ray reflectivity and x-ray diffraction data, respectively. The consistent analysis of the data collected in the Indian Beamline at Photon Factory Synchrotron have allowed for the determination of electron density and strain profile as a function of depth.
Carrier mobility in organic field-effect transistors
Authors: Xu Yong , Benwadih Mohamed , Gwoziecki Romain , Coppard Romain , Minari Takeo , Liu Chuan , Tsukagoshi Kazuhito , Chroboczek Jan , Balestra Francis , Ghibaudo Gerard
Published: December 2011

A study of carrier transport in top-gate and bottom-contact TIPS-pentacene organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) based on mobility is presented. Among three mobilities extracted by different methods, the low-field mobility obtained by the Y function exhibits the best reliability and ease for use, whereas the widely applied field-effect mobility is not reliable, particularly in short-channel transistors and at low temperatures. A detailed study of contact transport reveals its strong impact on short-channel transistors, suggesting that a more intrinsic transport analysis is better implemented in relatively longer-channel devices. The observed temperature dependences of mobility are well explained by a transport model with Gaussian-like diffusivity band tails, different from diffusion in localized states band tails. This model explicitly interprets the non-zero constant mobility at low temperatures and clearly demonstrates the effects of disorder and hopping transport on temperature and carrier density dependences of mobility in organic transistors.
Nanoparticle-mediated nonclassical crystal growth of sodium fluorosilicate nanowires and nanoplates
Authors: Li Hongxia , Fan Jiyang , Cui Weina
Published: December 2011

We observed nonclassical crystal growth of the sodium fluorosilicate nanowires, nanoplates, and hierarchical structures through self-assembly and aggregation of primary intermediate nanoparticles. Unlike traditional ion-by-ion crystallization, the primary nanoparticles formed first and their subsequent self-assembly, fusion, and crystallization generated various final crystals. These findings offer direct evidences for the aggregation-based crystallization mechanism.
New even and odd parity levels of neutral praseodymium
Authors: Syed T I , Siddiqui I , Shamim K , Uddin Z , Guthöhrlein G H , Windholz L
Published: December 2011

The hyperfine (hf) structure of some spectral lines of the praseodymium atom has been investigated by the laser-induced fluorescence method in a hollow cathode discharge lamp. We report the discovery of 18 new energy levels of even parity and 22 new energy levels of odd parity and their magnetic dipole hf interaction constants A. Using these newly discovered levels, 268 lines were classified by means of laser spectroscopy, 97 of them by laser excitation and 171 via laser-induced fluorescence. In addition, 23 lines, observed in a Fourier transform spectrum, were classified by means of their wavenumbers and their hf patterns.
Expression, crystallization and preliminary crystallographic analysis of C-reactive protein from zebrafish
Authors: Chen Rong , Qi Jianxun , Yao Shugang , Pan Xiaocheng , Gao Feng , Xia Chun
Published: December 2011

C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute phase protein that is found in blood, the concentration of which in plasma rises rapidly in response to inflammation. It functions as a pattern-recognition molecule, recognizing dead cells and various pathogenic agents and eliminating them by utilizing the classical complement pathway and activating macrophages. CRP is phylogenetically highly conserved in invertebrates and mammals. To date, information on the CRP gene has been reported from numerous species of animals, but little is known about the structure of CRP from species other than humans. In order to solve the structure of CRP from bony fish, the CRP gene from zebrafiah (Danio rerio) was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. The zebrafish CRP (Dare-CRP) was then purified and crystallized. The crystal diffracted to 2.3 Å resolution and belonged to space group R3, with unit-cell parameters a = b = 114.7, c = 61.0 Å. The Matthews coefficient and solvent content were calculated to be 3.28 Å3 Da−1 and 62.55%, respectively. Determination of the zebrafish CRP structure should be helpful in investigating the evolution of CRPs in the innate immune system.
Expression, purification and preliminary crystallographic analysis of Rv2247, the β subunit of acyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCD6) from Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Niu Chunying , Yin Jiang , Cherney Maia M. , James Michael N. G.
Published: December 2011

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) acyl-CoA carboxylase is involved in the biosynthesis of mycolic acids, which are a key component of the bacillus cell wall. The Mtb genome encodes six acyl-CoA carboxylase β subunits (ACCD1–6), three of which (ACCD4–6) are essential for survival of the pathogen on minimal medium. Mtb ACCD6 has been expressed, purified and crystallized. The two forms of Mtb ACCD6 crystals belonged to space groups P41212 and P212121 and diffracted to 2.9 and 2.5 Å resolution, respectively, at a synchrotron-radiation source.
Crystallization and preliminary X-ray crystallographic analysis of a helicase-like domain from a tomato mosaic virus replication protein
Authors: Xiang Hongyu , Niiyama Mayumi , Sugiyama Shigeru , Adachi Hiroaki , Takano Kazufumi , Murakami Satoshi , Inoue Tsuyoshi , Mori Yusuke , Ishikawa Masayuki , Matsumura Hiroyoshi , Katoh Etsuko
Published: December 2011

Tomato mosaic virus belongs to the genus Tobamovirus in the alphavirus-like superfamily of positive-strand RNA viruses. The alphavirus-like superfamily includes many plant and animal viruses of agronomical and clinical importance. These viruses encode replication-associated proteins that contain a putative superfamily 1 helicase domain. No three-dimensional structures for this domain have been determined to date. Here, the crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction analysis of the 130K helicase domain are reported. Diffraction data were collected and processed to 2.05 and 1.75 Å resolution from native and selenomethionine-labelled crystals, respectively. The crystals belonged to the orthorhombic space group P212121, with unit-cell parameters a = 85.8, b = 128.3, c = 40.7 Å.
The structure of an N11A mutant of the G-protein domain of FeoB
Authors: Ash Miriam-Rose , Maher Megan J. , Guss J. Mitchell , Jormakka Mika
Published: December 2011

The uptake of ferrous iron in prokaryotes is mediated by the G-protein-coupled membrane protein FeoB. The protein contains two N-terminal soluble domains that are together called `NFeoB'. One of these is a G-protein domain, and GTP hydrolysis by this domain is essential for iron transport. The GTPase activity of NFeoB is accelerated in the presence of potassium ions, which bind at a site adjacent to the nucleotide. One of the ligands at the potassium-binding site is a conserved asparagine residue, which corresponds to Asn11 in Streptococcus thermophilus NFeoB. The structure of an N11A S. thermophilus NFeoB mutant has been determined and refined to a resolution of 1.85 Å; the crystals contained a mixture of mant-GDP-bound and mant-GMP-bound protein. The structure demonstrates how the use of a derivatized nucleotide in cocrystallization experiments can facilitate the growth of diffraction-quality crystals.
Structure of the fucose mutarotase fromStreptococcus pneumoniaein complex withL-fucose
Authors: Higgins Melanie A. , Boraston Alisdair B.
Published: December 2011

Streptococcus pneumoniaerelies on a variety of carbohydrate-utilization pathways for both colonization of its human host and full virulence during the development of invasive disease. One such pathway is the fucose-utilization pathway, a component of which is fucose mutarotase (SpFcsU), an enzyme that performs the interconversion between α-L-fucose and β-L-fucose. This protein was crystallized and its three-dimensional structure was solved in complex with L-fucose. The structure shows a complex decameric quaternary structure with a high overall degree of structural identity toEscherichia coliFcsU (EcFcsU). Furthermore, the active-site architecture ofSpFcsU is highly similar to that ofEcFcsU. When considered in the context of the fucose-utilization pathway found inS. pneumoniae,SpFcsU appears to link the two halves of the pathway by enhancing the rate of conversion of the product of the final glycoside hydrolysis step, β-fucose, into the substrate for the fucose isomerase, α-fucose.
Structure of d(CGGGTACCCG)4as a four-way Holliday junction
Authors: Mandal P. K. , Venkadesh S. , Gautham N.
Published: December 2011

The crystal structure of the decamer sequence d(CGGGTACCCG)4as a four-way Holliday junction has been determined at 2.35 Å resolution. The sequence was designed in order to understand the principles that govern the relationship between sequence and branching structure. It crystallized as a four-way junction structure with an overall geometry similar to those of previously determined Holliday junction structures.
Clinical aspects of paediatric mastocytosis: a review of 101 cases
Authors: Lange M. , Niedoszytko M. , Renke J. , Gleń J. , Nedoszytko B.
Published: December 2011

Background  Cutaneous mastocytosis (CM) is a typical presentation of mastocytosis in children. However, systemic mastocytosis may also occur in children.

Objective  We tried to characterize the clinical features of childhood‐onset mastocytosis and estimate the value of the SCORMA (SCORing Mastocytosis) Index and serum tryptase levels as disease severity parameters.

Methods  In a survey of 101 children mastocytosis was diagnosed and classified according to World Health Organization criteria. In all the cases serum tryptase levels and the SCORMA Index were done to assess the extent and intensity of the disease.

Results  Cutaneous mastocytosis was diagnosed in 100 children; 84% of them presented maculopapular CM, 10% mastocytoma and 6% diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis. Moreover, systemic mastocytosis with bone marrow infiltration and associated with maculopapular CM was found in one case. There was a positive correlation of serum tryptase level to the SCORMA Index. Both the mean tryptase level and the mean SCORMA Index were elevated in diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis children when compared with other forms CM. A significantly higher mean tryptase level was found in children with flushing, hypotension, diarrhoea, extensive bullous lesions and osteoporosis or osteopenia.

Conclusion  Mastocytosis in children usually has a benign course. Nevertheless, severe mediator‐related symptoms and systemic involvement may appear. Therefore, a multidisciplinary approach involving careful monitoring of the serum tryptase level, SCORMA Index and the organ function is recommended. Both tryptase levels and the SCORMA Index are of a great value as disease severity parameters and they should be assessed simultaneously in all mastocytosis patients.
Evaluation of the Benchmark Dose for Point of Departure Determination for a Variety of Chemical Classes in Applied Regulatory Settings
Authors: Izadi Hoda , Grundy Jean E. , Bose Ranjan
Published: December 2011

Repeated‐dose studies received by the New Substances Assessment and Control Bureau (NSACB) of Health Canada are used to provide hazard information toward risk calculation. These studies provide a point of departure (POD), traditionally the NOAEL or LOAEL, which is used to extrapolate the quantity of substance above which adverse effects can be expected in humans. This project explored the use of benchmark dose (BMD) modeling as an alternative to this approach for studies with few dose groups. Continuous data from oral repeated‐dose studies for chemicals previously assessed by NSACB were reanalyzed using U.S. EPA benchmark dose software (BMDS) to determine the BMD and BMD 95% lower confidence limit (BMDL05) for each endpoint critical to NOAEL or LOAEL determination for each chemical. Endpoint‐specific benchmark dose‐response levels , indicative of adversity, were consistently applied. An overall BMD and BMDL05 were calculated for each chemical using the geometric mean. The POD obtained from benchmark analysis was then compared with the traditional toxicity thresholds originally used for risk assessment. The BMD and BMDL05 generally were higher than the NOAEL, but lower than the LOAEL. BMDL05 was generally constant at 57% of the BMD. Benchmark provided a clear advantage in health risk assessment when a LOAEL was the only POD identified, or when dose groups were widely distributed. Although the benchmark method cannot always be applied, in the selected studies with few dose groups it provided a more accurate estimate of the real no‐adverse‐effect level of a substance.
Endothelial follicle stimulating hormone receptor in primary kidney cancer correlates with subsequent response to sunitinib
Authors: Siraj Muhammad A. , Pichon Christophe , Radu Aurelian , Ghinea Nicolae
Published: December 2011

Sunitinib is an anti‐angiogenic receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor used to treat advanced metastatic renal cell carcinoma and other types of cancer. Sutent is effective in only approximately 70% of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (CCRCC) patients, has significant adverse side effects and no method is available to predict which patients will not respond. Our purpose was to explore the possibility of introducing an effective prediction method based on a marker of the tumour vasculature, the follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR). Fifty patients diagnosed with advanced metastatic CCRCC have been subjected to surgery for removal of the primary tumour and were subsequently treated with sunitinib. After three months of therapy the patients were categorized as ‘responsive’, ‘stable’ or ‘non‐responsive’ based on the RECIST guidelines. The blood vessel density and the percentage of FSHR‐positive vessels were determined by immunofluorescence on sections from the primary tumours removed by surgery, prior to the sunitinib treatment. The percentage of FSHR‐stained vessels was on average fivefold higher for the patients who responded to the treatment in comparison with the stable group and almost eightfold higher than in the non‐responsive group. The percentage allowed the detection of responders with 87–100% sensitivity and specificity. No significant differences were detected in the total density of vessels among the three groups. The data suggest that FSHR expression levels in the blood vessels of CCRCC primary tumours can be used to predict, with high sensitivity and specificity, the patients who will respond to sunitinib therapy.
A novel surgical technique for treating bilateral nasal paralysis in a mare
Authors: Kol A. , Kelmer G.
Published: December 2011

Paralysis of a nostril is uncommon in horses and is reported to occur secondary to trauma to the facial nerve. This report of a mare who presented with bilateral nostril paralysis includes descriptions of the clinical presentation, surgical and post operative results and discusses the features unique to this case. The technique involves surgically elevating and stabilising the lateral alae dorsally to enlarge the nostril opening.
Distichiasis causing recurrent corneal ulceration in two Friesian horses
Authors: Utter M. E. , Wotman K. L.
Published: December 2011

Two cases of distichiasis with subsequent recurrent superficial corneal ulceration are described in Friesian horses. Case 1 was a 9‐year‐old Friesian stallion with distichiae on the superior and inferior eyelids of both eyes corresponding to areas of recurrent superficial corneal ulceration. Case 2 was a 5‐year‐old Friesian gelding with a single distichia on the inferior lid associated with recurrent superficial corneal ulceration in the right eye. Case 1 underwent cryotherapy and epilation twice under standing sedation without resolution of distichiasis. A partial tarsal plate excision was then performed on the inferior left lid, which was the most severely affected. Cryotherapy was repeated one and 4 months post operatively due to recurrence. Cryotherapy was associated with skin depigmentation and repigmentation several months following the procedure. No recurrence has been reported up to 3 years following the fourth cryotherapy procedure. Case 2 was treated with epilation. Distichiasis should be included as a differential diagnosis when presented with a horse experiencing recurrent superficial corneal ulcerations. There has been no established breed association for Friesian horses and distichiasis but, due to the inherited nature of this condition in some human patients and dogs, this possibility should be investigated.
Solar Selective Thin Films of Manganese Oxide
Authors: Barrera-Calva Enrique , Aguilar-Sánchez Miriam , González Federico , Rosas Ricardo , González Ignacio
Published: December 2011

The aim of the present work is to obtain inorganic coatings of manganese oxide on copper substrates, having good solar optical properties. The raw material to produce these coatings comes from residual commercial alkaline batteries. The thin films were grown by electrolytic metal reduction on metallic substrates from a solution containing the manganese compound of commercial wasted batteries. The voltammogram of a copper electrode cycled between -1.4 and 0.2 V vs SCE exhibits a cathodic and anodic peak at about -1.3 and -0.75 V, respectively resulting in the deposition of MnO2 on the electrode. Also when a galvanostatically direct current is applied, black manganese coating showing good solar optical properties, is obtained. It is important to mention that at the same time that these coatings are able to absorb the solar energy, they also have low emission of radiation.
Electrochemical Characteristics of Eutectoid AlZnAg Alloys
Authors: Hernández M.A. , Casolco S.R. , Valdez Socorro
Published: December 2011

Aluminium-zinc alloys were added with silver micro-constituent by vortex method and hot-rolled. The understanding of microstructure-chemistry relationship during the electrochemical oxidation and the effect of silver additions on the corrosion behavior have been investigated. The results of potentiodynamic polarization curves and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) revealed the importance of the silver addition in the microstructure. Ag content significantly influences the corrosion behavior of a-Al, h-Zn and e-AgZn3 phases. The electrochemical investigations showed that the corrosion rate increased with the additions of Ag micro-constituent. Furthermore, it was also evidenced the formation of a passive layer for the highest Ag content alloys. The passivity of this layer could be broken down due to the presence of the intermetallic compounds (IMCs) AgZn3. The AgZn3 particles are responsible for the localized corrosion because they act as local anodes. All this indicate that AgZn3 particles and microstructural features play an important role in the corrosion process for AlZnAg alloys
Hydrotalcites-Catalyzed and Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of 2-(Benzylthio)1H-Benzy[d]Imidazole (2-BZMBI) Kinetic Study by Means of Polarization Plots
Authors: Cruz-Gonzalez D.Y. , Negrón-Silva Guillermo , Angeles-Beltrán Deyanira , Palomar-Pardavé Manuel , Romero-Romo Mario , Uruchurtu Chavarín J.
Published: December 2011

The results are presented of the hydrotalcites-catalyzed, microwave-assisted synthesis of 2-BZMBI as a corrosion inhibitor candidate of API 5L X52 steel in 1M HCl. Using potentiodynamic polarization an analysis was made to establish the optimum concentration, from 5 to 200 ppm of 2-BZMBI, that gave the best result in terms of corrosion inhibiting efficiency, IE. Also, the kinetics of the inhibition process was studied through increasing the steel's exposure time to the 1M HCl medium with 30 and 200 ppm of the compound to evaluate its performance at prolonged times, which permitted to establish that the steel displayed good resistance with time.
Effect of Some Additives on the Zinc Electrodeposition Process
Authors: Garduño-Corvera Gerardo , Garfias-Ayala Francisco J. , Garfias-Vazquez Francisco J.
Published: December 2011

Industrial processes look for maximum production with deposits of high purity, good physical apearence AF and high profitability. Problems during the deposit as a low-quality, low current efficiency EC and high energy consumption CE are present. One solution has been the use of organic additives in small quantities. This work sought to optimize the process with the addition of additives to the electrolyte of ZnSO4 analyzing the effects caused on the basis of the EC, CE and AF. Furthermore, X-Ray diffraction was used and scanning electron microscopy to analyze the morphology of the crystals. Additives used were tetramethyl-ammonium chloride CTMA, tetrabutylammonium chloride CTBA, sodium dodecyl sulfate (DSS), decylamine (DA) and 1-decanol (DE). With additives of short-chain, we obtained good results in relation to the AF, EC, CE and orientation of the crystals deposited.
Application of Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy to Determine Electrochemical Activity of Intermetallics for an Al-Si-Mg Alloy in Chloride Solution
Authors: Kuri Alférez Aldo , Ugalde-Saldívar Víctor M. , Aguilar Cordero Julio C. , Pech Canul Máximo A. , Pech Canul Martín I.
Published: December 2011

In this work a scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) study of electrochemical activity for intermetallics in the Al-1.78%Si- 13.4%Mg alloy was carried out. For the experiments, a 0.1M NaCl solution with hidroxymethlyferrocene as a mediator and a Pt scanning probe 25 µm in diameter were used. SECM images obtained while the sample was held at open circuit conditions were compared to optical photomicrographs in the same area. The electrochemical activity of the intermetallics Mg2Si and Al3Fe is discussed.
Reduction of Cr(VI) from the Electroplating Industry Using an Iron-BDD Electrochemical System
Authors: Almazán-Sánchez Perla T. , Lugo-Lugo Violeta , Linares-Hernández Ivonne , Martínez-Miranda Verónica , Velazquez-Peña Sarai , Roa-Morales Gabriela
Published: December 2011

An electrochemical system was carried out for Cr(VI) reduction from a sample of electroplating wastewater using an iron-boron doped diamond and iron-iron systems and varying current intensity (0.1 and 0.2 A). Also the behavior of nitrates, sulfates and chlorides were monitored in the wastewater. Kinetic results showed a total reduction of Cr(VI) in approximately 25 minutes, however, in both systems (iron-boron doped diamond and iron-iron) the Cr(VI) reduction rate was slower than the theoretical Cr(VI) reduction curve obtained by Faraday's Law. Therefore the presence of nitrate, sulfate and chloride ions in wastewater, significantly affects Cr(VI) reduction. The results showed that iron-boron-doped diamond at 0.2 A is an optimal electrochemical system, with 99.9% efficiency of Cr(VI) reduction, which is attributed to Fe2+ ions generation by anodic electrodisolution and direct reduction of Cr(VI) at BDD surface cathode. Furthermore reduction of nitrate, sulfate and oxidation of chloride ions in the system was registered.
Electrochemical Aspects of Silver Sulfosalts Dissolution in Acid Thiourea Solution
Authors: Meléndez Angel M. , González Ignacio , Arroyo Rubén
Published: December 2011

Electro-oxidation of synthetic pyrargyrite (Ag3SbS3) and proustite (Ag3AsS3) powders in sulfate acid medium with thiourea has been studied. Two different types of electrodes were used for characterization of dissolution process. On one hand, thiourea oxidation was investigated on a paraffin-impregnated graphite electrode (PIGE) in order to determine the potential range to produce formamidine disulfide (protonated form, FDSH22+). On other hand, electro-oxidized thiourea (FDSH22+) was used to dissolve the sulfosalts particles at the PIGE and carbon paste electrodes (CPEs) surfaces. The chemical bond between sulfur and arsenic or antimony in the crystal structure of sulfosalts has an important role in the dissolution process of the solids. The results obtained herein agree with one previous study on the oxidation of sulfosalts in cyanide media [ChemPhysChem 11 (2010) 2879], and these demonstrate that structural, electronic, and bonding properties of sulfosalts mainly determine their reactivity regulating the extent of the reaction.
Endothelial Dysfunction of the Peripheral Vascular Bed in the Acute Phase after Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Scherbakov Nadja , Sandek Anja , Martens-Lobenhoffer Jens , Kung Thomas , Turhan Gulistan , Liman Thomas , Ebinger Martin , von Haehling Stephan , Bode-Böger Stefanie M. , Endres Matthias , Doehner Wolfram
Published: December 2011

Background: Endothelial dysfunction (ED) is relevant for the development of cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases. Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) competes with L-arginine and has been implicated in the development of ED. Increased levels of ADMA have been found in chronic heart failure (CHF). We hypothesized that peripheral ED in acute ischemic stroke is associated with increased ADMA levels. Methods: We evaluated 60 patients with acute stroke in the territory of the middle cerebral artery. Stroke patients were classified according to the Trial of ORG 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) classification. We compared these patients with patients of similar age without known cardiovascular disease (negative controls, n = 23) and patients with stable, ambulatorily treated CHF (n = 46, left ventricular ejection fraction = 33.8 ± 10.9) with known ED (positive controls). Peripheral endothelial function was assessed by EndoPAT2000 technology using the reactive hyperemia index (RHI). Results: RHI was significantly decreased in stroke and in CHF compared to controls (1.8 ± 0.3 vs. 1.8 ± 0.4 vs. 2.2 ± 0.4, respectively, ANOVA p = 0.01). A decreased RHI was observed in cardioembolic and lacunar infarcts and stroke of undetermined etiology (1.7 ± 0.4, 1.8 ± 0.5 and 1.7 ± 0.3, p < 0.0001). The L-arginine/ADMA ratio was significantly decreased in stroke and in CHF (147.6 ± 31.7 and 126.1 ± 37.9 vs. controls: 161.5 ± 26.1, p < 0.0001) and was lowest in stroke patients in the cardioembolic group (133.0 ± 29.4, p < 0.0001). A lower L-arginine/ADMA ratio was associated with ED in cardioembolic stroke and CHF (r = 0.324, p < 0.05 and r = 0.429, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Peripheral ED occurs to a similar degree in acute ischemic stroke and CHF. The impaired vasodilator capacity of peripheral arteries reflects the TOAST classification. ADMA may play a role in ED in both acute ischemic stroke and CHF.
Forgetting the Last Big War
Authors: Keith Susan
Published: December 2011

This article reports the results of a study of coverage of the 65th anniversary of the liberation of Paris published in French newspapers, newsmagazines, and online news media in 2009. Building on a previous study of images of the liberation in Parisian newspapers at the 60th anniversary in 2004, it provides empirical evidence for the conventional wisdom that less anniversary journalism is produced in non-decennial than decennial anniversaries. In addition, the article shows that visual coverage of the 65th anniversary of the liberation was even more reductive than coverage of the 60th, concentrating almost exclusively on images of French joy and authority and forgoing more problematic representations of German occupiers, French collaborationists, and U.S. troops. Finally, the article argues that this sparse and reductive view of the liberation of Paris has the potential to affect collective memories of the event as it recedes into the past and the number of living French citizens who remember it firsthand declines.
Teaching Psychological Report Writing
Authors: Wiener Judith , Costaris Laurie
Published: December 2011

The purpose of this article is to discuss the process of teaching graduate students in school psychology to write psychological reports that teachers and parents find readable and that guide intervention. The consensus from studies across four decades of research is that effective psychological reports connect to the client’s context; have clear links between the referral questions and the answers to these questions; have integrated interpretations; address client strengths and problem areas; have specific, concrete, and feasible recommendations; and are adapted to the language and literacy level of the reader. The Hayes and Flower model of the writing process is the conceptual framework used to describe the process of teaching report writing. This involves a constructivist approach to supervision and the use of specific strategies that may be effective in teaching graduate students to formulate the case, adapt their writing to the language and literacy level of the reader, set goals, and generate and organize the text.
Prebiotics and Probiotics
Authors: Quigley Eamonn M. M.
Published: December 2011

For decades, if not centuries, a variety of products with what would now be regarded as prebiotic and probiotic properties have been consumed by the general public and advocated for their benefits on health and, in particular, gastrointestinal well‐being. More recently, medical science has taken a great interest in the population of micro‐organisms, the gut microbiota that normally populates the human gut, and the range of important functions carried out by the microbiota in health is being progressively defined. As a corollary, the list of disorders and diseases that may result from disruption of the normal microbiota and/or its interaction with the host continues to grow. A scientific basis for the use of probiotics and prebiotics is, therefore, beginning to emerge. Unfortunately, although progress has been made, the clinical evidence to support the use of these preparations lags behind. Nevertheless, a number of human disease states may benefit from the use of probiotics, most notably, diarrheal illnesses, some inflammatory bowel diseases, certain infectious disorders, and irritable bowel syndrome. Prebiotics promote the growth of “good” bacteria, and although a variety of health benefits have been attributed to their use, prebiotics have been subjected to few large‐scale clinical trials.
Uncertainty in gas turbine thermo-fluid modelling and its impact on performance calculations and emissions predictions at aircraft system level
Authors: Kyprianidis K G , Sethi V , Ogaji S O T , Pilidis P , Singh R , Kalfas A I
Published: December 2011

In this article, various aspects of thermo-fluid modelling for gas turbines are described and the impact on performance calculations and emissions predictions at aircraft system level is assessed. Accurate and reliable fluid modelling is essential for any gas turbine performance simulation software as it provides a robust foundation for building advanced multi-disciplinary modelling capabilities. Caloric properties for generic and semi-generic gas turbine performance simulation codes can be calculated at various levels of fidelity; selection of the fidelity level is dependent upon the objectives of the simulation and execution time constraints. However, rigorous fluid modelling may not necessarily improve performance simulation accuracy unless all modelling assumptions and sources of uncertainty are aligned to the same level.

A comprehensive analysis of thermo-fluid modelling for gas turbines is presented, and the fluid models developed are discussed in detail. Common technical models, used for calculating caloric properties, are compared while typical assumptions made in fluid modelling, and the uncertainties induced, are examined. Several analyses, which demonstrate the effects of composition, temperature, and pressure on caloric properties of working media for gas turbines, are presented. The working media examined include dry air and combustion products for various fuels and H/C ratios. The uncertainty induced in calculations by (a) using common technical models for evaluating fluid caloric properties and (b) ignoring dissociation effects is examined at three different levels: (i) component level, (ii) engine level, and (iii) aircraft system level. An attempt is made to shed light on the trade-off between improving the accuracy of a fluid model and the accuracy of a multi-disciplinary simulation at aircraft system level, against computational time penalties. The validity of the ideal gas assumption for future turbofan engines and novel propulsion cycles is discussed. The results obtained demonstrate that accurate modelling of the working fluid is essential, especially for assessing novel and/or aggressive cycles at aircraft system level. Where radical design space exploration is concerned, improving the accuracy of the fluid model will need to be carefully balanced with the computational time penalties involved.
Investigations on supersonic combustion in a combustion-driven shock tunnel
Authors: Ratan J , Jagadeesh G
Published: December 2011

This article reports experimental results on supersonic combustion in a new facility. The facility is a combustion-driven shock tunnel, which is cheaper to build than the facilities in which such experiments are carried out conventionally. The observation region is a zone between two parallel flat plates with a 33° wedge attached to the upstream end of the bottom plate. Gaseous hydrogen is injected at an angle of 45° into an oncoming supersonic flow of Mach 2 (approximate) from a port on the bottom plate. The resulting flow field is visualized by a high speed camera in a dark background. Three different test gases, namely nitrogen, air, and oxygen-rich air are used, and the results are compared. A distinct luminosity due to combustion for oxygen-containing test gases is observed. Heat-transfer rates on a probe placed at the downstream end of the observation region and midway between the parallel plates are measured and compared for the three cases. Wall static pressure at 28 mm downstream of the injection port on the bottom plate is also presented.
A genetic algorithm for the integrated scheduling model of a container-handling system in a maritime terminal
Authors: Fereidoonian F , Mirzazadeh A
Published: December 2011

In this paper, a genetic algorithm (GA) is proposed for the integrated scheduling problem of loading and unloading operations on handling and transportation equipment in a container terminal. This problem is a class of hybrid flow shop scheduling with unrelated parallel machines, precedence relationships, sequence-dependent set-up times, blocking, and machine eligibility as additional constraints. Considering these constraints, the proposed GA assigns jobs to machines at every stage through the evaluation function of the chromosomes. In addition to assignment, sequencing, timing, and makespan, the blocking times between stages and the congestion rate of routes are calculated in this model. A full factorial experimental design, using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) technique, is developed to calibrate different parameters and operators of the algorithm. The results indicate that some levels of parameters and operators lead to considerably better solutions. The experiments are based on data collected from Shaheed Rajaee Port (a port in the south of Iran) in order to analyse the performance of the algorithm.