bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Humor From The Perspective Of Positive Psychology. Implications For Research On Development In Adulthood
Authors: Radomska Anna
Published: April 2012

Humor From The Perspective Of Positive Psychology. Implications For Research On Development In Adulthood

The purpose of the article is the presentation of the ways that humor was understood within the current of positive psychology; the state and advances of research on the significance of this property in achieving and safeguarding a "good life" as well as the legitimacy and possibility of applying the theoretical and research approach devised by the mentioned orientation approaches to issues connected with humor to the field of developmental psychology during the life course. A conceptualisation of humor was presented as a character strength comprising the virtue of transcendence in the approach of Peterson and Seligman, a composite of wisdom in the concept of Webster and of a thinking style, experiencing and action in the theory of Martin. A review of research was then undertaken: humor as a virtue imbuing property; humor correlates understood from the perspective of positive psychology; manifestations of its regulative role and individual differences in humor as a resource contributing to individual growth. In the closing paragraphs a suggestion was formulated regarding humor research as a resource that supports positive development, namely, the fulfilment of developmental tasks, overcoming developmental crises and coping with problems connected with ageing.
Belief in the causative power of words as a manifestation of magical thinking in late childhood
Authors: Bieńkowska Agnieszka
Published: April 2012

Belief in the causative power of words as a manifestation of magical thinking in late childhood

The purpose of the research was to present one of the manifestations of magical thinking in late childhood, i.e. belief in the causative power of words, and relations between this phenomenon and language. One hundred and three primary school students (43 girls and 60 boys), grades 4 to 6, aged 10 to 13 were studied. A significant relation was found between belief in the direct effect of words on reality, and correct comprehension and number of phraseological units concerning the causative power of words.
Use of Pareto optimisation for tuning power system stabilizers
Authors: Paszek S.
Published: April 2012

Use of Pareto optimisation for tuning power system stabilizers

The paper presents a method for determining sets of Pareto optimal solutions (compromise sets) - parameter values of PSS3B system stabilizers working in a multi-machine power system - when optimising different multidimensional criteria. These criteria are determined for concrete disturbances when taking into account transient waveforms of the instantaneous power, angular speed and terminal voltage of generators in one, chosen generating unit or in all units of the system analysed. The application of multi-criteria methods allows taking into account the optimisation process of power system stabilizer (PSS) parameters, many sometimes contradictory requirements (criteria) without losing ability to reach the optimal solution. A choice of the compromise solution can be made by assuming the values of the weighting coefficients associated with particular components of the vector criterion and determining the equivalent, global criterion. A change of the values of those weighting coefficients in the equivalent criterion does not require, in the case of the Pareto optimization, carrying out repeated calculations.
Investment Risk Management and Economic Aspects of Transport Infrastructure Development
Authors: Labanauskas Gintautas , Palšaitis Ramūnas
Published: April 2012

Investment Risk Management and Economic Aspects of Transport Infrastructure Development

The major causes of investment riskiness into transport infrastructure relate to international economy instability, lack of clearly defined and accurate information on the overall processes of international intermodal transportation, absence of objective information due to inconsequent market research as regards interpretation of economic, political and other aspects.

Assessment of objective integrated investments into public transport sector as a very specific branch of economy should necessarily be evaluated as multiple indicators affecting different spheres of community, and the final solution should be drawn when all multi-criteria indicators are well appraised. Economy based grounding of the optimal choice from all possible variants when solving specific tasks of the transport sector, depends on the economic expediency of the constructed subject. The main factors of effective usage of investments become apparent in the process of solving the task of road or railway network development optimisation.
Multiple-Criteria Analysis and Choice of Transportation Alternatives in Multimodal Freight Transport System
Authors: Kopytov Eugene , Abramov Dmitry
Published: April 2012

Multiple-Criteria Analysis and Choice of Transportation Alternatives in Multimodal Freight Transport System

In the paper the multimodal freight transportation system with a finite number of known alternatives, defined by the routes and modes, is considered. The objective of research is to suggest the approach for evaluation and choice the alternatives of cargo transportation. The following main tasks are considered: choice of indices characterizing efficiency of multimodal transportations, formation of optimization criteria of the multimodal freight transportation, construction of the model of the multimodal transportation system, calculation the performance criteria of cargo transportation. The study presents the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) as the most suitable approach for comparative evaluation of different routes and modes of cargo transportation.
Morphometrical structure evaluation of long-term manured Ukrainian chernozem
Authors: Bryk M. , Słowińska-Jurkiewicz A. , Medvedev V.
Published: April 2012

Morphometrical structure evaluation of long-term manured Ukrainian chernozem

There was performed an image analysis of the structure of Ukrainian chernozem, which (I) by standard crop rotation was fertilized for 78 years with farm yard manure and (II) by continuous cultivation of sugar beet was not organically fertilized. For the both soils the largest differences were stated in the values of morphometrical parameters related to the soil solid phase element cross-sections. The differences in the parameters for pore cross-sections were much smaller. The soil I was characterized on average with larger macroporosity, larger relative and absolute number of solid phase element cross-sections, and larger relative length of border line between pore and solid phase element cross-sections than the soil II. For the both pedons the pore and solid phase element cross-sections were in general randomly oriented in the soil body. Due to the kneading the pore cross-sections in the superficial layer of the soil after monoculture of sugar beet were oriented horizontally. The soil structure in the corresponding layers of both pedons was to a high degree dissimilar. The largest differences in the arrangement of the soil solid phase and void space occurred in the upper layers.
Evaluation of single-kernel density of scab-damaged winter wheat
Authors: Grabowski A. , Siuda R. , Lenc L. , Grundas S.
Published: April 2012

Evaluation of single-kernel density of scab-damaged winter wheat

Measurements of single-kernel mass and volume made on healthy (control) and scab-damaged samples of grain of three winter wheat varieties never resulted in lower values of mean single-kernel density for scab-damaged grain. This finding, contrary to common opinion, can be explained as being a result of the comparable magnitude of relative decrease (due to infestation) of two features (mass and volume) that define single-kernel density. The discrepancy between results presented in this paper (kernel volume was determined with an air pycnometer) and the results in some other reports (liquid pycnometers used) can result from the different methods applied for kernel volume measurements: when a liquid medium is used the surface tension effect tends to overestimate the volume, especially for scabby kernels that are known to be shrivellediepossessing voids and pores at the surface that the liquid cannot penetrate. As a consequence kernel density of scabby kernels can be significantly underestimated.
Rheological behaviour of enzyme clarified Indian gooseberry juice
Authors: Manjuantha S. , Raju P. , Bawa A.
Published: April 2012

Rheological behaviour of enzyme clarified Indian gooseberry juice

The rheological behaviour of enzyme clarified depectinated Indian gooseberry juice and its concentrate was studied as a function of total soluble solids concentration in the range of 8.2 to 35.9°Bx and temperatures from 20 to 80°C using coaxial controlled stress rheometer up to a shear rate of 600 s-1. The results indicated that the enzyme clarified gooseberry juice behaves like a Newtonian fluid with a viscosity ranging from 3.92 to 7.94 mPa s. The effect of temperature on viscosity of different concentration of juice was described by an Arrhenius type relationship (R >0.99). The activation energy for viscous flow was found to be in the range 4.34 to 5.37 KJ mol-1depending upon the concentration of the juice. The activation energy of viscous flow on concentration was modeled by exponential equation (R>0.99). The effect of concentration on viscosity followed an exponential type relationship (R>0.98) at the temperature used.
Dielectric spectroscopy in agrophysics
Authors: Skierucha W. , Wilczek A. , Szypłowska A.
Published: April 2012

Dielectric spectroscopy in agrophysics

The paper presents scientific foundation and some examples of agrophysical applications of dielectric spectroscopy techniques. The aim of agrophysics is to apply physical methods and techniques for studies of materials and processes which occur in agriculture. Dielectric spectroscopy, which describes the dielectric properties of a sample as a function of frequency, may be successfully used for examinations of properties of various materials. Possible test materials may include agrophysical objects such as soil, fruit, vegetables, intermediate and final products of the food industry, grain, oils,etc. Dielectric spectroscopy techniques enable non-destructive and non-invasive measurements of the agricultural materials, therefore providing tools for rapid evaluation of their water content and quality. There is a limited number of research in the field of dielectric spectroscopy of agricultural objects, which is caused by the relatively high cost of the respective measurement equipment. With the fast development of modern technology, especially in high frequency applications, dielectric spectroscopy has great potential of expansion in agrophysics, both in cognitive and utilitarian aspects.
Fourier transform infrared - attenuated total reflection for wheat grain
Authors: Suchowilska E. , Kandler W. , Wiwart M. , Krska R.
Published: April 2012

Fourier transform infrared - attenuated total reflection for wheat grain

Mid-infrared regions of the spectrum of grain of four Triticum species were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared - attenuated total reflection. Significant variations were noted in the absorbance of all studied taxa over four wavenumber ranges. The principal component analysis supported strong discrimination of the four examined species. The percentage of variation explained by the first two principal component analyses reached 95.04%, including principal components 1-72.16% and 2-22.88%. The applied method supports quick identification of the grains of various hulled species of wheat and it is a useful tool for evaluating the seeds and food products obtained from those cereal species.
Rupture rate for patients with untreated unruptured intracranial aneurysms in South Korea during 2006–2009
Authors: Lee Eun Ju , Lee Hyun Joo , Hyun Min Kyung , Choi Ji Eun , Kim Jong Hee , Lee Na Rae , Hwang Jin Seub , Kwon Jin-Won
Published: April 2012

Object

The authors investigated the rupture rate among patients with untreated unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) in South Korea during 2006–2009.

Methods

A longitudinal study using national representative health-claim data, including all hospital records for every Korean citizen, was used. Patients with a UIA who were 18–80 years old in 2006 were identified using the I67.1 ICD-10 code. To select eligible patients, a historical period of 1 year prior to the first diagnosis of a UIA in 2006 was utilized. Patients with a previous UIA diagnosis, subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), or treatments, such as clipping or coiling, during the historical period were excluded from analysis. Patients with head trauma or a brain tumor during the historical period were also excluded. Eligible patients were followed up for at least 3 years from the index date. Rupture was defined as SAH events with at least 14 days of hospitalization, using the I60 ICD-10 code and excluding the I60.8 code, or death within 14 days of hospitalization.

Results

Seven thousand four hundred four patients with UIAs were identified, including 1441 treated patients (20%) and 5963 untreated patients (80%), with a median follow-up of 3.3 years. Rupture events occurred in 163 (0.9 cases/100 person-years) of the 5963 untreated patients. The rupture rate was highest in the 1st year after UIA diagnosis. An older age was a risk factor for rupture among patients with UIAs.

Conclusions

The overview of the incidence of rupture indicates the need for a preventive strategy and future studies to prevent rupture in Asian patients with UIAs.
Long-term benefits in quality of life after unilateral thalamic deep brain stimulation for essential tremor
Authors: Nazzaro Jules M. , Pahwa Rajesh , Lyons Kelly E.
Published: April 2012

Object

The goal of this study was to evaluate short- and long-term benefits in quality of life (QOL) after unilateral deep brain stimulation (DBS) for essential tremor (ET).

Methods

Patients who received unilateral DBS of the ventral intermediate nucleus of the thalamus between 1997 and 2010 and who had at least 1 follow-up evaluation at least 1 year after surgery were included. Their QOL was assessed with the Parkinson Disease Questionnaire-39 (PDQ-39), and ET was measured with the Fahn-Tolosa-Marin tremor rating scale (TRS) prior to surgery and then postoperatively with the stimulation in the on mode.

Results

Ninety-one patients (78 at 1 year; 42 at 2–7 years [mean 4 years]; and 22 at > 7–12 years [mean 9 years]) were included in the analysis. The TRS total, targeted tremor, and activities of daily living (ADL) scores were significantly improved compared with presurgical scores up to 12 years. The PDQ-39 ADL, emotional well-being, stigma, and total scores were significantly improved up to 7 years after surgery compared with presurgical scores. At the longest follow-up, only the PDQ-39 stigma score was significantly improved, and the PDQ-39 mobility score was significantly worsened.

Conclusions

Unilateral thalamic stimulation significantly reduces ET and improves ADL scores for up to 12 years after surgery, as measured by the TRS. The PDQ-39 total score and the domains of ADL, emotional well-being, and stigma were significantly improved up to 7 years. Although scores were improved compared with presurgery, other than stigma, these benefits did not remain significant at the longest (up to 12 years) follow-up, probably related in part to changes due to aging and comorbidities.
Anatomical parameters of subaxial percutaneous transfacet screw fixation based on the analysis of 50 computed tomography scans
Authors: Milchteim Charles , Yu Warren D. , Ho Anthony , O'Brien Joseph R.
Published: April 2012

Object

Cervical transfacet screw placement has been described in the literature. Although the technique shows promise for percutaneous application, parameters for screw placement have not been well delineated. This study used reconstructed CT scans with imaging software to assess the feasibility of percutaneous transfacet screw placement, analyzing potential entry angles, transfacet lengths, and sex differences at each subaxial level.

Methods

Fifty consecutive cervical CT scans (obtained in 26 males and 24 females [mean age 41.5 years]) were reformatted using OsiriX software, and transfacet lengths, entry angles, and potential occipital clearance were analyzed at all subaxial levels. Statistical analyses were used to determine the differences, if any, between transfacet lengths, entry angle, and occipital clearance across individual cervical levels. Repeatability was quantified by calculating the intraclass correlation coefficient and Cohen kappa value.

Results

A total of 200 transfacet lengths and 200 entry angles in 50 patients were analyzed. The mean transfacet lengths were 17.9 ± 2.6, 17.6 ± 3.2, 16.3 ± 3.6, and 13.1 ± 2.2 mm at C3–4, C4–5, C5–6, and C6–7, respectively, with mean entry angles at 52.7° ± 7.8°, 56.5° ± 8.0°, 55.0° ± 8.8°, and 53.0° ± 8.7°, respectively. Analysis of variance revealed a significant difference between the mean transfacet lengths, while post hoc analysis revealed significantly larger transfacet lengths in the upper 2 cervical levels (C3–4 and C4–5) than in the lower 2 cervical levels (C5–6 and C6–7). Analysis of variance demonstrated no significant difference between the entry angles. Males had significantly larger transfacet lengths at C5–6 (17.4 vs 15.1 mm) and C6–7 (13.7 vs 12.4 mm) than females. The occiput would have blocked percutaneous screw placement in 86%, 78%, 54%, and 20% of the cases at C3–4, C4–5, C5–6, and C6–7, respectively. Transfacet lengths may accommodate longer screws in the upper cervical spine, but potential screw sizes decrease in the lower subaxial levels. A transfacet entry angle of approximately 50° or greater was associated with a higher incidence of occipital clearance. Additionally, the occiput may pose a significant obstruction to percutaneous transfacet fixation in upper subaxial levels. Interrater reliability was poor for screw angle and length measurements, but was satisfactory in intrarater analysis in 6 of 8 measurements. There was moderate to good agreement of occipital clearance in all but one measurement.

Conclusions

Cervical transfacet screw placement is possible from C-3 to C-7. Because occipital clearance can be difficult at C3–4 and C6–7, the use of curved or flexible instruments may be necessary to obtain the appropriate screw trajectory. Screw lengths varied with spinal level and the sex of the patient.
Biomechanical analysis in a human cadaveric model of spinous process fixation with an interlaminar allograft spacer for lumbar spinal stenosis
Authors: Pradhan Ben B. , Turner Alexander W. L. , Zatushevsky Michael A. , Cornwall G. Bryan , Rajaee Sean S. , Bae Hyun W.
Published: April 2012

Object

Traditional posterior pedicle screw fixation is well established as the standard for spinal stabilization following posterior or posterolateral lumbar fusion. In patients with lumbar spinal stenosis requiring segmental posterior instrumented fusion and decompression, interlaminar lumbar instrumented fusion (ILIF) is a potentially less invasive alternative with reduced morbidity and includes direct decompression assisted by an interlaminar allograft spacer stabilized by a spinous process plate. To date, there has been no biomechanical study on this technique. In the present study the biomechanical properties of the ILIF construct were evaluated using an in vitro cadaveric biomechanical analysis, and the results are presented in comparison with other posterior fixation techniques.

Methods

Eight L1–5 cadaveric specimens were subjected to nondestructive multidirectional testing. After testing the intact spine, the following conditions were evaluated at L3–4: bilateral pedicle screws, bilateral laminotomy, ILIF, partial laminectomy, partial laminectomy plus unilateral pedicle screws, and partial laminectomy plus bilateral screws. Intervertebral motions were measured at the index and adjacent levels.

Results

Bilateral pedicle screws without any destabilization provided the most rigid construct. In flexion and extension, ILIF resulted in significantly less motion than the intact spine (p < 0.05) and no significant difference from the laminectomy with bilateral pedicle screws (p = 0.76). In lateral bending, there was no statistical difference between ILIF and laminectomy with unilateral pedicle screws (p = 0.11); however, the bilateral screw constructs were more rigid (p < 0.05). Under axial rotation, ILIF was not statistically different from laminectomy with unilateral or bilateral pedicle screws or from the intact spine (p > 0.05). Intervertebral motions adjacent to ILIF were typically lower than those adjacent to laminectomy with bilateral pedicle screws.

Conclusions

Stability of the ILIF construct was not statistically different from bilateral pedicle screw fixation following laminectomy in the flexion and extension and axial rotation directions, while adjacent segment motions were decreased. The ILIF construct may allow surgeons to perform a minimally invasive, single-approach posterior decompression and instrumented fusion without the added morbidity of traditional pedicle screw fixation and posterolateral fusion.
Snow density along the route traversed by the Japanese-Swedish Antarctic Expedition 2007/08
Authors: Sugiyama Shin , Enomoto Hiroyuki , Fujita Shuji , Fukui Kotaro , Nakazawa Fumio , Holmlund Per , Surdyk Sylviane
Published: April 2012

During the Japanese-Swedish Antarctic traverse expedition of 2007/08, we measured the surface snow density at 46 locations along the 2800 km long route from Syowa station to Wasa station in East Antarctica. The mean snow density for the upper 1 (or 0.5) m layer varied from 333 to 439 kg m-3 over a region spanning an elevation range of 365-3800 ma.s.l. The density variations were associated with the elevation of the sampling sites; the density decreased as the elevation increased, moving from the coastal region inland. However, the density was relatively insensitive to the change in elevation along the ridge on the Antarctic plateau between Dome F and Kohnen stations. Because surface wind is weak in this region, irrespective of elevation, the wind speed was suggested to play a key role in the near-surface densification. The results of multiple regression performed on the density using meteorological variables were significantly improved by the inclusion of wind speed as a predictor. The regression analysis yielded a linear dependence between the density and the wind speed, with a coefficient of 13.5 kg m-3 (m s-1)-1. This relationship is nearly three times stronger than a value previously computed from a dataset available in Antarctica. Our data indicate that the wind speed is more important to estimates of the surface snow density in Antarctica than has been previously assumed.
Electrically Small Resonators for Planar Metamaterial, Microwave Circuit and Antenna Design: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Durán-Sindreu Miguel , Naqui Jordi , Paredes Ferran , Bonache Jordi , Martín Ferran
Published: April 2012

Planar metamaterials and many microwave circuits and antennas are designed by means of resonators with dimensions much smaller than the wavelength at their resonance frequency. There are many types of such electrically small resonators, and the main purpose of this paper is to compare them as building blocks for the implementation of microwave components. Aspects such as resonator size, bandwidth, their circuit models when they are coupled to transmission lines (as is usually required), as well as key applications, will be considered.
Comparison of ELISpot and FluoroSpot in the Analysis of Swine Flu-Specific IgG and IgA Secretion by in Vivo Activated Human B Cells
Authors: Kesa Gun , Larsson Per H. , Ahlborg Niklas , Axelsson Bernt
Published: April 2012

We have evaluated a novel B-cell FluoroSpot assay for the analysis of antibody responses in healthy individuals vaccinated intramuscularly with Influenza A (H1N1) antigen (Pandemrix®, GlaxoSmithKline). Using the FluoroSpot assay and an ELISpot assay run in parallel for comparison, we measured the frequency of cells secreting antigen-specific as well as total IgG or IgA antibodies seven days post vaccination. The assays were based on high affinity monoclonal antibodies for capture and detection of human IgG and IgA. Whereas conventional ELISpot analyzes IgG- and IgA-secreting B cells separately, fluorescent detection enabled simultaneous enumeration of B cells secreting IgG or IgA in the same well. The FluoroSpot protocol was also simpler as the assay could be performed without the need for an amplifying detection step. While having all the advantages of a conventional ELISpot assay, including high sensitivity, robustness and ease of performance, the FluoroSpot assay adds further value in reducing costs, time and material.
The Green Leap: A Primer for Conserving Biodiversity in Subdivision Development. By Mark E. Hostetler, University of California Press, 2012; 205 pages. Price: US26.95 / £ 18.95 ISBN 978–0–520–27111–1
Authors: Lin Shu-Kun
Published: April 2012

Written for anyone interested in green development—including policy makers, architects, developers, builders, and homeowners—this practical guide focuses on the central question of how to conserve biodiversity in neighborhoods and to minimize development impacts on surrounding habitats. The Green Leap specifically helps move green development beyond the design stage by thoroughly addressing construction and post-construction issues. [...]
A Survey of Patterns for Web Services Security and Reliability Standards
Authors: Fernandez Eduardo B. , Ajaj Ola , Buckley Ingrid , Delessy-Gassant Nelly , Hashizume Keiko , Larrondo-Petrie Maria M.
Published: April 2012

An important aspect for the acceptance of Service-Oriented Architectures is having convenient ways to help designers build secure applications. Numerous standards define ways to apply security in web services. However, these standards are rather complex and sometimes overlap, which makes them hard to use and may produce inconsistencies. Representing them as patterns makes them easier to understand, to compare to other patterns, to discover inconsistencies, and to use them to build secure web services applications. Security patterns abstract the key aspects of a security mechanism and can thus be applied by non-experts. We survey here our work on security patterns for web services and their standards and we put them in perspective with respect to each other and to more fundamental patterns. We also consider other patterns for web services security. All the patterns described here have been previously published, we only show here one of them in detail as an illustration of our style for writing patterns. Our main purpose here is to enumerate them, show their use, and show how they relate to each other.
Exploring Mass Transfer in Mesoporous Zeolites by NMR Diffusometry
Authors: Mehlhorn Dirk , Valiullin Rustem , Kärger Jörg , Cho Kanghee , Ryoo Ryong
Published: April 2012

With the advent of mesoporous zeolites, the exploration of their transport properties has become a task of primary importance for the auspicious application of such materials in separation technology and heterogeneous catalysis. After reviewing the potential of the pulsed field gradient method of NMR (PFG NMR) for this purpose in general, in a case study using a specially prepared mesoporous zeolite NaCaA as a host system and propane as a guest molecule, examples of the attainable information are provided.
Targeted Chiral Analysis of Bioactive Arachidonic Acid Metabolites Using Liquid-Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Mesaros Clementina , Blair Ian A.
Published: April 2012

A complex structurally diverse series of eicosanoids arises from the metabolism of arachidonic acid. The metabolic profile is further complicated by the enantioselectivity of eicosanoid formation and the variety of regioisomers that arise. In order to investigate the metabolism of arachidonic acid in vitro or in vivo, targeted methods are advantageous in order to distinguish between the complex isomeric mixtures that can arise by different metabolic pathways. Over the last several years this targeted approach has become more popular, although there are still relatively few examples where chiral targeted approaches have been employed to directly analyze complex enantiomeric mixtures. To efficiently conduct targeted eicosanoid analyses, LC separations are coupled with collision induced dissociation (CID) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). Product ion profiles are often diagnostic for particular regioisomers. The highest sensitivity that can be achieved involves the use of selected reaction monitoring/mass spectrometry (SRM/MS); whereas the highest specificity is obtained with an SRM transitions between an intense parent ion, which contains the intact molecule (M) and a structurally significant product ion. This review article provides an overview of arachidonic acid metabolism and targeted chiral methods that have been utilized for the analysis of the structurally diverse eicosanoids that arise.
An Improved Synthesis of Pentacene: Rapid Access to a Benchmark Organic Semiconductor
Authors: Pramanik Chandrani , Miller Glen P.
Published: April 2012

Pentacene is an organic semiconductor used in a variety of thin-film organic electronic devices. Although at least six separate syntheses of pentacene are known (two from dihydropentacenes, two from 6,13-pentacenedione and two from 6,13-dihydro-6,13-dihydroxypentacene), none is ideal and several utilize elevated temperatures that may facilitate the oxidation of pentacene as it is produced. Here, we present a fast (~2 min of reaction time), simple, high-yielding (≥90%), low temperature synthesis of pentacene from readily available 6,13-dihydro-6,13-dihydroxypentacene. Further, we discuss the mechanism of this highly efficient reaction. With this improved synthesis, researchers gain rapid, affordable access to high purity pentacene in excellent yield and without the need for a time consuming sublimation.
Synthesis and Antibacterial Evaluation of New N-acylhydrazone Derivatives from Dehydroabietic Acid
Authors: Gu Wen , Wu Rongrong , Qi Shilong , Gu Chenhai , Si Fanjunnan , Chen Zhuhui
Published: April 2012

A series of new N-acylhydrazone derivatives were synthesized in good yields through the reactions of dehydroabietic acid hydrazide with a variety of substituted arylaldehydes. The structures of the synthesized compounds were confirmed by IR, 1H- and 13C-NMR, ESI-MS, elemental analysis and single crystal X-ray diffraction. From the crystal structure of compound 4l, the C=N double bonds of these N-acylhydrazones showed (E)-configuration, while the NMR data of compounds 4a–q indicated the existence of two rotamers for each compound in solution. The target compounds were evaluated for their antibacterial activities against four microbial strains. The result suggested that several compounds exhibited pronounced antibacterial activities. Particularly, compound 4p exhibited good antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis comparable to positive control. The possible antibacterial metabolism and the strategy for further optimization of this compound were also discussed.
Effect of Paeonol on Antioxidant and Immune Regulatory Activity in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Rats
Authors: Chen Bendong , Ning Mingliang , Yang Guangshun
Published: April 2012

The study investigated the immunity and antioxidant potential of paeonol by employing a hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) rat model. Three doses of paeonol (20, 40, 60 mg/kg b.w. orally) were administrated to diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced HCC rats. Results showed that paeonol significantly reduced the serum AST, ALT, ALP, GGT, AFU and liver MDA levels, increased serum WBC, TP, ALB, A/G, TNF-α and IFN-γ and liver antioxidant enzymes activities (SOD, CAT, GSH-Px, GR) in HCC rats. Altogether, these results suggest that the paeonol could effectively decrease oxidative injury and improve immunity function in HCC rats.
HPV-Associated Head and Neck Cancer: Molecular and Nano-Scale Markers for Prognosis and Therapeutic Stratification
Authors: Kimple Adam J. , Torres Alexandra D. , Yang Robert Z. , Kimple Randall J.
Published: April 2012

Over the last 10 years, it has become clear that patients with head and neck cancer can be stratified into two distinct subgroups on the basis of the etiology of their disease. Patients with human papillomavirus-related cancers have significantly better survival rates and may necessitate different therapeutic approaches than those with tobacco and/or alcohol related cancers. This review discusses the various biomarkers currently in use for identification of patients with HPV-positive cancers with a focus on the advantages and limitations of molecular and nano-scale markers.
Exploitation of Unique Properties of Zeolites in the Development of Gas Sensors
Authors: Zheng Yangong , Li Xiaogan , Dutta Prabir K.
Published: April 2012

The unique properties of microporous zeolites, including ion-exchange properties, adsorption, molecular sieving, catalysis, conductivity have been exploited in improving the performance of gas sensors. Zeolites have been employed as physical and chemical filters to improve the sensitivity and selectivity of gas sensors. In addition, direct interaction of gas molecules with the extraframework cations in the nanoconfined space of zeolites has been explored as a basis for developing new impedance-type gas/vapor sensors. In this review, we summarize how these properties of zeolites have been used to develop new sensing paradigms. There is a considerable breadth of transduction processes that have been used for zeolite incorporated sensors, including frequency measurements, optical and the entire gamut of electrochemical measurements. It is clear from the published literature that zeolites provide a route to enhance sensor performance, and it is expected that commercial manifestation of some of the approaches discussed here will take place. The future of zeolite-based sensors will continue to exploit its unique properties and use of other microporous frameworks, including metal organic frameworks. Zeolite composites with electronic materials, including metals will lead to new paradigms in sensing. Use of nano-sized zeolite crystals and zeolite membranes will enhance sensor properties and make possible new routes of miniaturized sensors.
Approaches and Software for Multi-Objective Optimization of Nuclear Power Structures
Authors: Andrianov Andrei A.
Published: April 2012

The work presents the approaches and software developed for multi-objective optimization of nuclear power structures: the modules for energy planning package MESSAGE intended for modeling purposes of developing nuclear power systems and multi-objective evaluation of its effectiveness and an integrated approach based on the method of system dynamics and parameter space investigation, allowing the problem of optimizing a nuclear power system structure in multi-objective formulation to be solved. Some results of implementation of these tools for multi-objective optimization of nuclear power structures are shown.
Phytoalexins of the Pyrinae: Biphenyls and dibenzofurans
Authors: Chizzali Cornelia , Beerhues Ludger
Published: April 2012

Biphenyls and dibenzofurans are the phytoalexins of the Pyrinae, a subtribe of the plant family Rosaceae. The Pyrinae correspond to the long-recognized Maloideae. Economically valuable species of the Pyrinae are apples and pears. Biphenyls and dibenzofurans are formed de novo in response to infection by bacterial and fungal pathogens. The inducible defense compounds were also produced in cell suspension cultures after treatment with biotic and abiotic elicitors. The antimicrobial activity of the phytoalexins was demonstrated. To date, 10 biphenyls and 17 dibenzofurans were isolated from 14 of the 30 Pyrinae genera. The most widely distributed compounds are the biphenyl aucuparin and the dibenzofuran γ-cotonefuran. The biosynthesis of the two classes of defense compounds is not well understood, despite the importance of the fruit crops. More recent studies have revealed simultaneous accumulation of biphenyls and dibenzofurans, suggesting sequential, rather than the previously proposed parallel, biosynthetic pathways. Elicitor-treated cell cultures of Sorbus aucuparia served as a model system for studying phytoalexin metabolism. The key enzyme that forms the carbon skeleton is biphenyl synthase. The starter substrate for this type-III polyketide synthase is benzoyl-CoA. In apples, biphenyl synthase is encoded by a gene family, members of which are differentially regulated. Metabolism of the phytoalexins may provide new tools for designing disease control strategies for fruit trees of the Pyrinae subtribe.
Psychose et soins. Une lecture à partir de Winnicott
Authors: Boudarse Khalid
Published: April 2012

Résumé L’article développe ce qui semble former l’essentiel de la contribution de Winnicott à la compréhension de la pathologie limite, la psychose et le développement émotionnel. Le pédiatre psychanalyste a mis en perspective des intuitions, hypothèses, métaphores et modifications du cadre par rapport à la clinique de la névrose et sa théorisation. Sont par ailleurs envisagés quelques aspects relatifs au devenir des idées winnicottiennes en psychiatrie adulte, psychothérapie groupale et familiale et psychiatrie du nourrisson.
Paradoxalité et oscillation maniaco-dépressive pour la survie psychique en périnatalité
Authors: Darchis Élisabeth
Published: April 2012

Résumé Des organisations défensives familiales peuvent s’exprimer sur des pôles opposés ou dans des oscillations paradoxales entre le lien trop serré et le lien lâche. Cette défense vise à lutter de façon maniaque contre les retrouvailles avec un matériel transgénérationnel non élaboré. Pour ne pas sombrer dans une dépression massive ou risquer une décompensation psychique, les sujets immobilisent le changement et refusent l’autonomisation. La thérapie familiale psychanalytique, qui contient le groupe familial, va permettre l’assouplissement des liens paradoxaux en donnant du sens aux effrois et une compréhension de l’organisation défensive sous-jacente. L’article propose d’illustrer son propos avec le cas d’un couple suivi dès avant la naissance de son premier enfant.
« Composer avec les ombres »
Authors: Mosca Francesca , Sarfaty Jacques
Published: April 2012

Résumé Ce texte illustre un programme d’aide à la parentalité et de soutien au développement de l’enfant à travers le cas d’une famille dont la mère est psychotique. Le suivi, à la consultation parents-bébés du Petit Moulin de Créteil, a commencé avant même la conception de l’enfant et se poursuivra jusqu’à ses 3 ans. L’article reprend le questionnement des professionnels tout au long d’un cheminement difficile qui s’adresse aussi bien aux difficultés des parents qu’aux aléas du développement de l’enfant dans ce contexte.
Enfants de mère schizophrène : quel devenir ?
Authors: Bayle Benoît
Published: April 2012

Résumé Les enfants de mère schizophrène souffrent communément de stigmatisation, d’isolement, de carence affective. Entre discussions sur les forums Internet, études épidémiologiques et présentations de concepts spécifiques, par exemple la notion d’hypermaturation, l’article aborde quelques aspects des devenirs possibles de ces enfants et reprend une question qui depuis Winnicott n’a cessé d’interpeller les professionnels de la psychiatrie infantile : quels sont les risques psychologiques ou psychiatriques qu’encourent les enfants de parent(s) psychotique(s) ?
Famille et psychose
Authors: Dejardin Monique
Published: April 2012

Résumé Les difficultés scolaires sont révélatrices d’un mal-être souvent global. L’article s’appuie sur l’exemple d’un enfant qui, au cours d’une thérapie à médiation corporelle, parvient à se ré­approprier l’espace de ses affects pour aller vers l’imaginaire et la symbolisation, la mise en mots remise en mouvement, la rêverie enfin possible sans trop de danger. L’impasse à l’origine des difficultés tenait à l’impossibilité de la communication au sein de la famille. Elle a pu être repérée et explicitée à l’arrière-plan du symptôme scolaire et le développement a pu reprendre.
Justice et approche familiale psychanalytique
Authors: Mével Gérard
Published: April 2012

Résumé Après avoir évoqué les différents champs des missions d’expertise proposées par les magistrats, l’auteur explicite une expérience d’entretiens familiaux dans le registre des IOE ou Investigations d’Orientation éducative à la Protection Judiciaire de la Jeunesse.
Le divan institutionnel
Authors: Robion Jacques
Published: April 2012

Résumé Un psychanalyste en institution socio-éducative occupe soit une position d’expert, au sens large du terme, soit une position de consultant. Dans le premier cas, il travaille pour le compte de l’institution, son véritable client. L’oublier, c’est s’exposer au syndrome de Judas, c’est-à-dire à une trahison de l’usager. Dans le second cas, l’analyste a ouvert un espace de volontariat et de confidentialité. Du moins le croit-il, car le lien de subordination de cet analyste à l’institution qui l’emploie altère et pervertit en profondeur l’authenticité de la parole qui s’y dépose. Il ne lui reste plus qu’à exercer son art en consultation externe. Au-delà du cadre et des conditions de l’écoute thérapeutique, l’auteur questionne le modèle d’élaboration qui préside à cette écoute. Un modèle qui conduit à une double contrainte totalement opposée à l’esprit de la psychanalyse, dans la mesure où l’élaboration du sujet se réalise pour le compte d’un autre.
La médiation psychanalytique
Authors: Sefcick Roland
Published: April 2012

Résumé La médiation peut être psychanalytique si le thérapeute médiateur cadre de manière différenciée, le ou les Moi groupaux en jeu et le registre institutionnel. Ceci permet de conduire de manière différenciée et adaptée, en fonction des conflits groupaux en jeu, la fonction d’interprétation classique de l’analyste et la fonction d’institutionnalisation de la famille par un travail se servant du cadre.
L'adolescent consommateur de cannabis, sa famille et la justice
Authors: Hachet Pascal
Published: April 2012

Résumé Cette réflexion examine l’impact familial des situations où l’autorité judiciaire porte à la connaissance des parents l’existence d’une consommation de cannabis par leur enfant. De plus en plus fréquemment, l’adolescent et ses parents sont alors orientés par la justice vers une structure de prévention des toxicomanies : un « point-écoute ». On observe que d’une manière simultanée, l’intervention judiciaire désigne une transgression advenue et restaure les parents dans leurs capacités tant à entourer affectivement l’adolescent qu’à lui poser des limites. Au demeurant, des entretiens de « guidance » aident ces familles à « survivre » psychiquement aux irréductibles réalités devant lesquelles elles sont placées : l’adolescent n’est pas tout-puissant ; son acte transgressif montre à ses parents qu’il a commencé à leur échapper dans ses efforts pour grandir.
L'irreprésentable conjugalité des parents et la parentalité des amants
Authors: Hareng Tiphaine , Montheil Michel
Published: April 2012

Résumé Le Point de rencontre permet le déplacement sur le terrain psychosocial d’un conflit interne du groupe familial, manifestement centré sur l’enfant. Son existence est la condition d’accès au dispositif. Le passage au Point de rencontre relève d’une forme de théâtralisation de la séparation en Justice. Ordonné par le juge, il est la mise en scène du drame intime d’un couple, incapable de se détacher pour accéder à une position parentale distincte, à laquelle la conception de l’enfant le renvoie pourtant. Dans ce théâtre, la famille met « en scène » des représentations qui viennent traduire, dans l’agir souvent, la nature du conflit familial non résolu. Les parents donnent ainsi à voir quelque chose qui n’est pas simplement le « père » ou la « mère ». Ils performent sous et pour le regard des intervenants du lieu, peut-être inconsciemment reliés au magistrat. Déplacé là, le conflit tend à se répéter pour s’y résoudre, en élaborant ou dépassant la violence du couple. Au terme du « processus » d’élaboration, un dégagement s’opère pour chaque ex conjoint – parent. L’enfant peut se placer à distance des intrications conflictuelles et identitaires. Chacun reconstruit une représentation globale des origines familiales et accède à une temporalité tridimensionnelle : avant, après le conflit et maintenant.
Les modèles de fratries dans les contes des frères Grimm
Authors: Compoint Sabine
Published: April 2012

Résumé Il s’agit d’extraire à partir de l’analyse formelle des contes de Grimm, des modèles types de structuration du groupe fraternel et sororal. Quatre modèles possibles sont apparus. 1. Modèle de type (1) + (1), ou (1 + 1) + 1 ou ( xn ) + 1. La fratrie est formée de sous-ensembles rivaux. L’opposition dans la fratrie est fondée sur la lutte pour obtenir soit la reconnaissance du père (dans le cas de fratries de frères), soit l’amour de la mère (dans le cas des groupes sororaux), soit l’intégration dans le clan des frères (ou des sœurs) dans le cas du modèle de type ( xn ) + 1. 2. Modèle de type (1 + 1) ou (1 + 1 + 1) ou (1 + 1 + 1 + 1). La fratrie se présente comme solidaire, elle est fondée sur l’entraide. La solidarité du groupe repose sur le rejet et la méfiance envers un adulte estimé tout-puissant et ayant dérobé l’amour paternel ou maternel. 3. Modèle de type 1 = 1 qui concerne uniquement les jumeaux. La fratrie est fondée sur l’identité et la relation en miroir. Ici, c’est l’identité de forme qui prime ; la relation fraternelle n’est pas présentée comme une construction mais comme une donnée naturelle. 4. Modèle de type (1 n ) : celui de l’enfant unique, seul à assumer la déception parentale, résultat de l’écart entre l’enfant imaginaire et l’enfant réel. L’enfant unique est particulièrement exposé au désir incestueux ou symbiotique de l’un des parents, lorsque l’autre parent n’est pas en mesure de jouer son rôle de tiers.
Introduction
Authors: Tisseron Serge
Published: April 2012

Résumé Les images font normalement lien entre les formes sensori-motrices de la symbolisation et les formes verbales. Lorsque certains événements familiaux ne sont représentés que de manière sensori-motrice, les enfants sont poussés à s’en fabriquer leurs propres images, mais leur participation sensorielle et émotive à la vie familiale peut contribuer à créer chez eux une confusion autour du caractère vécu ou non d’un événement.
Alien, une initiation familiale bien particulière de mère en fille
Authors: Moïsseeff Marika
Published: April 2012

Résumé La sexualité des adolescents est devenue l’objet de toutes les attentions : il paraît essentiel, aujourd’hui, d’en prévenir les conséquences fâcheuses, au rang desquelles la grossesse occupe une place de choix. Or la métamorphose des adolescents en virtuels procréateurs et la maternité sont justement des sujets de prédilection dans les séries américaines qui leur sont destinées. La fonction procréatrice féminine y est présentée comme un phénomène parasitaire potentiellement mortel, force démoniaque qui menace l’humanité. Le héros rédempteur est féminin et sa trajectoire est comparable à un rite d’initiation.
Les faire-part de naissance à l'épreuve de l'adoption internationale
Authors: Duvert Anne-Claude
Published: April 2012

Résumé L’étude de 80 faire-part d’adoption internationale comparés à 80 faire-part de naissance, du point de vue des images et du texte, montre une mise en scène de ce que vivent les parents adoptifs avec l’arrivée de leur enfant. S’y reflète aussi la question des origines, des éléments de réalité étant soit apparents, soit celés. Différentes images de l’enfant sont communes aux deux sortes de faire-part, comme l’enfant « objet » ou l’enfant « frère », mais l’image de l’enfant « messianique » est propre à l’adoption. Les attentes des parents vis-à-vis de l’enfant adopté ne sont-elles pas excessives, ce qui risquerait de les empêcher de rêver à son sujet ?