bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Povrede jetre - nasa iskustva u tretmanu
Authors: Vukovic G. , Stefanovic B. , Kaljevic G. , Vukojevic V. , Resanovic V. , Lausevic Z.
Published: June 2010

Background: Trauma is one of today's most serious and expensive health care problems, and it is the most common cause of mortality in young population. Non-operative treatment is standard strategy for management of blunt liver injuries in hemodynamically stable patients in last decade. Methods: Retrospective study included patients with liver trauma, admitted in the period december 1995-december 2005, in total 476. Results: 392 of 476 patients presenting with liver trauma had blunt and only 84 had penetrating injury. Isolated liver injury was identified in 27,5% and 72,5% had associated injuries. Average ISS value was 24.06 (SD=14.26). During the operation liver injury in patients was classified according to Moor. In 2% critical patients, due to hemodynamic unstability we performed 'damage control surgery'. Out of 476 patients 87,% were successfully managet, 6,1% died as 'mors in tabula' or during first 24 hours and 6,9% died during hospitalization. Conclusion: Higher proportion of nonoopertively treated is among patients with ISS less than and those with injuries grade I end II.
Povrede vratne kicme kod korisnika dvotockasa povredjenih u saobracajnim nezgodama
Authors: Jecmenica D.S. , Alempijevic Dj.M. , Aleksandric B.V. , Pavlekic S.B. , Baralic I. , Antic B.Z.
Published: June 2010

Due to the vehicle characteristics neck injuries are common in motorcycle and moped users involved in traffic accidents. We are reporting on neck injuries amongst 502 fatalities of drivers and passengers of motorcycles and mopeds, and cyclists. Cervical spine injuries were found in 124 cases (24.7%). Cervical spine injury was statistically significantly more frequently in passengers (61.9%) compared to the drivers (20.7%) of motorcycle and moped (?2=13.384; p <0.01), the lesions are usually localized in the upper cervical spine (52.4%), the most frequently at atlantoocciptal region (F=25.835; p); these injuries were most frequently caused by frontal (31.45%) or rear (50.81%) axial collisions. Almost all cases of cervical spine injuries were present without apparent external injuries; they were associated with lesions of neck muscles, blood vessels and/or neck organs, and in 79 cases (63.7%) there was a lesion of the cervical spinal cord. The research results indicate a large incidence of neck injuries in traffic accidents especially in motorcycle, moped and bicycle axial collision with the possible absence of external injuries, which may represent a clinical and forensic problem.
Comparing general-purpose and domain-specific languages: An empirical study
Authors: Kosar Tomaz , Oliveira Nuno , Mernik Marjan , Pereira Varanda , Crepinsek Matej , Da Cruz , Henriques Rangel
Published: June 2010

Many domain-specific languages, that try to bring feasible alternatives for existing solutions while simplifying programming work, have come up in recent years. Although, these little languages seem to be easy to use, there is an open issue whether they bring advantages in comparison to the application libraries, which are the most commonly used implementation approach. In this work, we present an experiment, which was carried out to compare such a domain-specific language with a comparable application library. The experiment was conducted with 36 programmers, who have answered a questionnaire on both implementation approaches. The questionnaire is more than 100 pages long. For a domain-specific language and the application library, the same problem domain has been used - construction of graphical user interfaces. In terms of a domain-specific language, XAML has been used and C# Forms for the application library. A cognitive dimension framework has been used for a comparison between XAML and C# Forms.
Annotation based parser generator
Authors: Porubän Jaroslav , Forgác Michal , Sabo Miroslav , Běhálek Marek
Published: June 2010

The paper presents innovative parser construction method and parser generator prototype which generates a computer language parser directly from a set of annotated classes in contrast to standard parser generators which specify concrete syntax of a computer language using BNF notation. A language with textual concrete syntax is defined upon the abstract syntax definition extended with annotations in the presented approach. Annotations define instances of concrete syntax patterns in a language. Abstract syntax of a language is inevitable input of the parser generator as well as language's concrete syntax pattern definitions. The process of parser implementation is presented on the concrete computer language - the Simple Arithmetic Language. The paper summarizes results of the studies of implemented parser generator and describes its role in the university courses.
On automata and language based grammar metrics
Authors: Crepinsek Matej , Kosar Tomaz , Mernik Marjan , Cervelle Julien , Forax Rémi , Roussel Gilles
Published: June 2010

Grammar metrics have been introduced to measure the quality and the complexity of the formal grammars. The aim of this paper is to explore the meaning of these notions and to experiment, on several grammars of domain specific languages and of general-purpose languages, existing grammar metrics together with the new metrics that are based on grammar LR automaton and on the language recognized. We discuss the results of this experiment and focus on the comparison between grammars of domain specific languages as well as of general-purpose languages and on the evolution of the metrics between several versions of the same language.
Naturally-occurring entomopathogenic fungi on three bark beetle species (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in Bulgaria
Authors: Draganova Slavimira , Takov Danail , Doychev Danail
Published: June 2010

Bark beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) belong to one of the most damaging groups of forest insects and the activity of their natural enemies - pathogens, parasitoids, parasites or predators suppressing their population density, is of great importance. Biodiversity of entomopathogenic fungi on bark beetles in Bulgaria has been investigated sporadically. The aim of this preliminary study was to find, identify and study morphological characteristics of fungal entomopathogens naturally-occurring in populations of three curculionid species - Ips sexdentatus Boern, Ips typographus (L.) and Dryocoetes autographus (Ratz.). Dead pest adults were found under the bark of Pinus sylvestris and Picea abies trees collected from forests in the Maleshevska and Vitosha Mountains. Fungal pathogens were isolated into pure cultures on SDAY (Sabouraud dextrose agar with yeast extract) and were identified based on morphological characteristics both on the host and in a culture. Morphological characteristics of the isolates were studied by phenotypic methods. The fungal isolates obtained from dead adults of Ips sexdentatus, Ips typographus and D. autographus were found to belong to the species Beauveria bassiana (Bals. - Criv.) Vuillemin, Beauveria brongniartii (Saccardo) Petch and Isaria farinosa (Holmsk.) Fries (anamorph Ascomycota, Sordariomycetes: Hypocreales, Cordycipitaceae). Morphological traits of the isolates are described.
Variability of acorn anatomical characteristics in Quercus robur L. genotypes
Authors: Nikolic Natasa , Merkulov Ljiljana , Krstic Borivoj , Pajevic Slobodanka , Borisev Milan , Orlovic Sasa
Published: June 2010

The aim of this study was to examine variability of acorn anatomical characteristics in seventeen Quercus robur L. genotypes. Acorns were collected in clonal seed orchard Banov Brod (Srem, Vojvodina, Serbia). Microscopic measurements were done for pericarp (total thickness, thickness of exocarp and mesocarp), seed coat (total thickness, thickness of outer epidermis, parenchyma, and inner epidermis), and embryo axis (diameter, thickness of cortical region, and diameter of stellar zone). Obtained results revealed certain divergence between genotypes. The thickness of pericarp varied from 418 to 559 mm (genotypes 20 and 22, respectively). On average, the participation of exocarp in the total thickness of pericarp was 36.3%, of mesocarp 61.0%, while of endocarp 2.6%. The thickness of seed coat for individual genotypes ranged from 71 mm (genotype 28) to 157 mm (genotype 38). In addition, anatomic parameters of embryo axis varied among studied genotypes. The lowest cortical zone thickness and stellar zone diameter were measured in genotype 40, while the highest values in genotype 33.
Antioxidant activity of wheat and buckwheat flours
Authors: Sedej Ivana , Sakac Marijana , Misan Aleksandra , Mandic Anamarija
Published: June 2010

Antioxidative activities of wheat flours (type 500 and wholegrain) and buckwheat flours (light and wholegrain) were tested using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH?)-scavenging activity, reducing power and chelating activity on Fe2+. Also, the content of the total phenolics of ethanolic extracts was estimated. Polyphenolics content (expressed as gallic acid equivalent, GAE) in wheat flours varied between 37.1 and 137.2 ?g GAE/g extract, while its content in buckwheat flour were at least four time higher and ranged between 476.3 and 618.9?g GAE/g extract. Ethanolic extracts of buckwheat flours exhibited higher antioxidant activities in all the assays, except for chelating activity. Regarding all the obtained results, it can be concluded that bakery products produced with buckwheat flour could be regarded as potential functional foods.
Rare earth elements: Yttrium and higher plants
Authors: Kastori Rudolf , Maksimovic Ivana , Zeremski-Skoric Tijana , Putnik-Delic Marina
Published: June 2010

Rare earth elements (REEs) form a chemically uniform group with very similar physical and chemical properties. The REEs include the elements scandium, yttrium, and the lanthanides from lanthanum to lutetium. They are widely distributed and present in all parts of the biosphere. REEs are required in industry, agriculture, medicine, biotechnology, environmental problems and many other fields. Lately, many experiments show their positive or negative, first of all nonspecific, effect on life processes of higher plants as well as growth and yield of cultivated species, but the physiological mechanisms are still not well understood. It has been determined that yttrium is widely distributed in plants, as well as that certain plant species uptake yttrium at different extent. Its highest accumulation is in the root and the leaf. Although yttrium was discovered more than two centuries ago, its effect on higher plants - their anatomical and morphological built, physiological and biochemical processes etc. - is very little known. One of the basic reasons is that yttrium, as well as other REEs elements, according to current knowledge, is not biogenic for higher plants and - wider - for live organisms. The objective of this paper is to concisely show previous knowledge about yttrium in the plant world.
‘Let's Dance!’ Theorising Alternative Mathematical Practices in Early Childhood Teacher Education
Authors: Palmer Anna
Published: June 2010

In light of the contemporary discussions on the biased relationship between gender and mathematical teaching and learning in the Western world, can we, by means of a reconceptualised early childhood education, influence how young children construct their gendered subjectivities in relation to mathematics? This project has been carried out with the aim of challenging the taken-for-granted mathematical teaching discourse and to produce more creative, in-depth and gender-sensitive mathematical learning situations for student teachers and their subsequent students in early childhood teacher education practices. To exemplify such work, from a data collection of 75 student reports, this article investigates and analyses documentation collected from a maths project undertaken by an early childhood education student teacher. The poststructural and material feminist analysis performed shows that the material-discursive intra-actions taking place are conceivable to have both expected and unexpected gendered impacts on children's ongoing subjectivity constructions. It also shows that it is difficult but possible to change taken-for-granted mathematical teaching practice as well as student teachers' understandings of maths teaching.
The Sound and the Sense: Exploring the Collaborative Construction of Free-Form Poetry in the Six-Year-Old Group
Authors: Pramling Niklas
Published: June 2010

An exploratory study into the collaborative activity of creating a poem in early years education is reported. A group of 6-year-old children and their teacher making free-form poetry are followed for three consecutive lessons. The analytical interest is wide in scope, from looking at the process in terms of the verbal actions of the children and the teacher, which reveal what difficulties they face and struggle with, to what poetic aspects they cover and try to master. A number of issues and tensions fundamental to learning to make poetry are reported. Finally, some more specific questions for further research are proposed.
‘And Hairdressers are Quite Seedy…’: The Moral Worth of Childcare Training
Authors: Vincent Carol , Braun Annette
Published: June 2010

This article draws on initial interviews with students on childcare courses at levels 2 and 3 in two Further Education colleges in Greater London. The authors argue that the morally worthy nature of childcare makes it an excellent site in which students who had often operated at the margins of their schools, sought to reinvent themselves as mature and responsible students both in their placements and at college. In this they appear to embody the claims of those theorists that argue for the opportunities available for individuals, freed from traditional ties, to create their own biographies. The authors draw attention to the amount of labour on themselves that this reinvention involved for the students, and consider the extent to which students can be understood as having chosen childcare.
Videotaping Children and Staff in Natural Environments: Gathering Footage for Research and Teaching
Authors: Fletcher Janice W. , Price Beth A. , Branen Laurel J.
Published: June 2010

With increasing accessibility to quality video recording technology, researchers and trainers can create data sets that are rich in content and application. Practical and ethical aspects of videotaping children and staff for research and teaching purposes are critical to successful use of videotaping. Taping and equipment strategies for achieving high-quality footage of children and teachers are shared, and ethical practices are described. Videotape data of child behaviors and child-staff interactions provide comprehensive observations for researchers, and real-life vignettes for developing instructional materials for human services professionals. Collection of video data is successful when equipment, videographers, and the environment are well organized and prepared for data collection. Selecting quality equipment, ensuring that videographers understand the target, and partnering with staff in the videotaping setting, all work together to assure success.
Induction of Chimerism Permits Low-Dose Islet Grafts in the Liver or Pancreas to Reverse Refractory Autoimmune Diabetes
Authors: Zhang Chunyan , Wang Miao , Racine Jeremy J. , Liu Hongjun , Lin Chia-Lei , Nair Indu , Lau Joyce , Cao Yu-An , Todorov Ivan , Atkinson Mark , Zeng Defu
Published: June 2010

OBJECTIVE

To test whether induction of chimerism lowers the amount of donor islets required for reversal of diabetes and renders the pancreas a suitable site for islet grafts in autoimmune diabetic mice.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The required donor islet dose for reversal of diabetes in late-stage diabetic NOD mice after transplantation into the liver or pancreas was compared under immunosuppression or after induction of chimerism. Recipient mice were monitored for blood glucose levels and measured for insulin-secretion capacity. Islet grafts were evaluated for β-cell proliferation, β-cell functional gene expression, and revascularization.

RESULTS

With immunosuppression, transplantation of 1,000, but not 600, donor islets was able to reverse diabetes when transplanted into the liver, but transplantation of 1,000 islets was not able to reverse diabetes when transplanted into the pancreas. In contrast, after induction of chimerism, transplantation of as few as 100 donor islets was able to reverse diabetes when transplanted into either the liver or pancreas. Interestingly, when lower doses (50 or 25) of islets were transplanted, donor islets in the pancreas were much more effective in reversal of diabetes than in the liver, which was associated with higher β-cell replication rate, better β-cell functional gene expression, and higher vascular density of graft islets in the pancreas.

CONCLUSIONS

Induction of chimerism not only provides immune tolerance to donor islets, but also markedly reduces the required amount of donor islets for reversal of diabetes. In addition, this process renders the pancreas a more superior site than the liver for donor islets in autoimmune mice.
Early Signs of Atherosclerosis in Diabetic Children on Intensive Insulin Treatment
Authors: Margeirsdottir Hanna Dis , Stensaeth Knut Haakon , Larsen Jakob Roald , Brunborg Cathrine , Dahl-Jørgensen Knut
Published: June 2010

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate early stages of atherosclerosis and predisposing factors in type 1 diabetic children and adolescents compared with age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

All children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes, aged 8–18 years in Health Region South-East in Norway were invited to participate in the study (n = 800). A total of 40% (n = 314) agreed to participate and were compared with 118 age-matched healthy control subjects. Carotid artery intima-media thickness (cIMT) and elasticity were measured using standardized methods.

RESULTS

Mean age of the diabetic patients was 13.7 years, mean diabetes duration was 5.5 years, and mean A1C was 8.4%; 97% were using intensive insulin treatment, and 60% were using insulin pumps. Diabetic patients had more frequently elevated cIMT than healthy control subjects: 19.5% were above the 90th centile of healthy control subjects, and 13.1% were above the 95th centile (P < 0.001). Mean cIMT was higher in diabetic boys than in healthy control subjects (0.46 ± 0.06 vs. 0.44 ± 0.05 mm, P = 0.04) but not significantly so in girls. There was no significant difference between the groups regarding carotid distensibility, compliance, or wall stress. None of the subjects had atherosclerotic plaque formation. Although within the normal range, the mean values of systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and apolipoprotein B were significantly higher in the diabetic patients than in the healthy control subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite short disease duration, intensive insulin treatment, fair glycemic control, and no signs of microvascular complications, children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes had slightly increased cIMT compared with healthy control subjects, and the differences were more prominent in boys.
Reversible Loss of Neuronal Marker Protein Expression in a Transgenic Mouse Model for Sinusitis-Associated Olfactory Dysfunction
Authors: Turner Justin H. , May Lindsey , Reed Randall R. , Lane Andrew P.
Published: June 2010

Background

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is among the most common causes of olfactory loss. The loss of the sense of smell is thought to result from structural and functional changes occurring in the olfactory epithelium caused by inflammation. However, the cellular mechanisms underlying CRS-associated olfactory loss remain incompletely understood.

Methods

Transgenic mice expressing TNF-alpha specifically within the olfactory epithelium were used as a model for CRS-associated olfactory loss. TNF-alpha expression was induced over different time intervals, and olfactory epithelial tissue was assessed for the expression of neuronal markers by laser scanning confocal microscopy and Western blot.

Results

TNF-alpha expression results in an inflammatory infiltrate in the olfactory epithelium, thinning of the olfactory neuron layer, and a progressive loss of olfactory function. Reduced expression of markers for neurons and mature olfactory neurons (neural cell adhesion molecule [NCAM] and olfactory marker protein [OMP], respectively) was observed in the neuroepithelium and in the subepithelial axon bundles. Expression of growth-associated protein (GAP) 43, a marker for immature neurons, was also reduced. These alterations were reversed when TNF-alpha expression was discontinued.

Conclusion

TNF-alpha expression in a transgenic model of CRS-associated olfactory loss results in progressive loss of olfactory neurons. Decreased GAP-43 expression suggests that TNF-alpha–associated inflammation inhibits differentiation of progenitor cells into immature olfactory neurons. Therefore, reduced regeneration of olfactory neurons may be an important mechanism underlying olfactory loss in CRS, in addition to neuronal loss or apoptosis. This mouse model represents a potential tool in the development of novel therapeutic strategies for the prevention of olfactory neuron loss in CRS.
Endonasal Laser Tissue Welding: First Human Experience
Authors: Bleier Benjamin S. , Cohen Noam A. , Chiu Alexander G. , O'Malley Bert W. , Doghramji Laurel , Palmer James N.
Published: June 2010

Background

Adequate repair of cerebrospinal fluid leak remains a significant challenge in endoscopic skull base surgery. Laser tissue welding (LTW) is a method of creating an instant watertight wound closure using a chromophore doped biological solder, which may be used for cranial base reconstruction. The objective of this study is to assess the safety and technical feasibility of endoscopic LTW in human sinonasal mucosa.

Methods

A prospective, Institutional Review Board–approved study was performed of 10 patients undergoing endoscopic LTW using an albumin and hyaluronic acid-based solder for repair of mucosal injuries. Data were collected on patient demographics, total lasing time, and volume of solder used. Wounds were prospectively followed by endoscopic exam and scored on a scale of zero to two by three blinded observers (B.S.B., J.N.P., and A.G.C.) for inflammation, thermal injury, and edema. Results were compared with control wounds using the Mann-Whitney U test.

Results

Ten patients (seven men and three women; average age 50 years; range, 33–71 years) underwent endoscopic LTW. Total lasing time was 11 ± 11 minutes requiring 0.96 ± 0.83 mL of solder per patient. Patients were followed for an average of 72 days (range, 12–138 days) and no complications were noted. Solder persisted for up to 26 days and there was no significant difference between the lased and control wounds with regard to inflammation (0.87 ± 0.72 versus 1.31 ± 0.87), thermal injury (0.06 ± 0.25 versus 0.12 ± 0.34), or edema scores (1.13 ± 0.81 versus 1.44 ± 0.73).

Conclusion

Endoscopic LTW is a technically feasible and rapid method of wound closure in sinonasal mucosa that does not result in any significant thermal or inflammatory sequelae.
Identification of Suitable Internal Control Genes for Quantitative Real-Time PCR Expression Analyses in Peanut (Arachis hypogaea)
Authors: Brand Yael , Hovav Ran
Published: June 2010

Real-time qPCR is currently the most sensitive technique available for the detection of low-level mRNA expression. For more reliable and precise gene expression analyses, real-time PCR data for a sequence of interest must be normalized against that of a control gene, which is uniformly expressed in various tissues and during different phases of development. So far, suitable internal controls for gene expression studies in peanut have not been identified. We assessed the expression of 10 frequently used housekeeping genes, specifically ubq10, gapdh, hel1, yls8, 14-3-3, 60s, ubc, ef-1α, act7, and adh3. Using the algorithms available through the GeNorm and NormFinder programs, the stability of their expression was estimated in a set of five diverse peanut tissue samples derived from a Virginia-type peanut cultivar (Shulamit). Collectively, the gene with the most stable expression across all of the examined tissues and both programs was adh3, followed by 60s and yls8, which had minimal estimated intra- and inter-tissue variation. The stability of two stable reference genes (adh3 and yls8) compared with two less stable (14-3-3 and ubq10) reference genes was validated in unpooled tissue samples from five peanut kernel developmental stages. Finally, the effect of the use of one or more reference genes on the observed relative expression levels of an important seed oil metabolism gene, diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 (Dgat1), during kernel development was demonstrated. Based on findings, the suggestion is that adh3, or a combination of this gene with 60s and yls8 should be considered for use in quantitative mRNA expression analyses in Arachis, particularly in studies involving seed development; whereas ubq10 and gapdh should be avoided.
Visualisation in archaeology: An assessment of modelling archaeological landscapes using scientific and gaming software
Authors: Teichmann Michael
Published: June 2010

The paper assesses the role and potential of Cultural Virtual Reality (CVR) for the modelling of archaeological landscapes. As digital visualisations are spreading rapidly as a tool for research and as a medium of communication in landscape research and archaeology, benefits and limitations are discussed. Published case studies are reviewed and the question whether or to which extent computer game engines may assist in the modelling of past landscapes is evaluated. Therefore a virtual model of Laxton castle (England) is introduced, which was created using SEGA gaming software.
Digitising the Middle Ages: The experience of the ‘Lands of the Normans’ project
Authors: Mackenzie E. S. , McLaughlin J. , Moore T. K. , Rogers K. M.
Published: June 2010

A year-long project to investigate the use of digital technologies in prosopographical research resulted in the creation of intermediary objects (called ‘factoids’) within the database to model the multiple relationships possible among elite medieval landholders. These factoids facilitated a modular approach to database development, whereas a Virtual Research Environment (VRE) allowed flexible and speedy data entry. GIS provided a mapping function via Web Map Services.
Exploring informed virtual sites through Michel Foucault's heterotopias
Authors: Rousseaux Francis , Thouvenin Indira
Published: June 2010

This papers starts with some mysterious contribution by Michel Foucault (1967) about heterotopias as special epistemological sites. With a recent case-study – an immersive virtual reality art project dealing with some ancient abbey reconstruction and managed by a French engineering school – we analyse the successive attempts to satisfy the system users by extending Foucault's heterotopology, which appears to be useful and creative for the Virtual Reality research communities.
A Network Model of Interpersonal Alignment in Dialog
Authors: Mehler Alexander , Lücking Andy , Weiß Petra
Published: June 2010

In dyadic communication, both interlocutors adapt to each other linguistically, that is, they align interpersonally. In this article, we develop a framework for modeling interpersonal alignment in terms of the structural similarity of the interlocutors’ dialog lexica. This is done by means of so-called two-layer time-aligned network series, that is, a time-adjusted graph model. The graph model is partitioned into two layers, so that the interlocutors’ lexica are captured as subgraphs of an encompassing dialog graph. Each constituent network of the series is updated utterance-wise. Thus, both the inherent bipartition of dyadic conversations and their gradual development are modeled. The notion of alignment is then operationalized within a quantitative model of structure formation based on the mutual information of the subgraphs that represent the interlocutor’s dialog lexica. By adapting and further developing several models of complex network theory, we show that dialog lexica evolve as a novel class of graphs that have not been considered before in the area of complex (linguistic) networks. Additionally, we show that our framework allows for classifying dialogs according to their alignment status. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first approach to measuring alignment in communication that explores the similarities of graph-like cognitive representations.
Ti-doped ZnO Thin Films Prepared at Different Ambient Conditions: Electronic Structures and Magnetic Properties
Authors: Yong Zhihua , Liu Tao , Uruga Tomoya , Tanida Hajime , Qi Dongchen , Rusydi Andrivo , Wee Andrew T. S.
Published: June 2010

We present a comprehensive study on Ti-doped ZnO thin films using X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (XAFS) spectroscopy. Ti K edge XAFS spectra were measured to study the electronic and chemical properties of Ti ions in the thin films grown under different ambient atmospheres. A strong dependence of Ti speciation, composition, and local structures upon the ambient conditions was observed. The XAFS results suggest a major tetrahedral coordination and a 4+ valence state. The sample grown in a mixture of 80% Ar and 20% O2 shows a portion of precipitates with higher coordination. A large distortion was observed by the Ti substitution in the ZnO lattice. Interestingly, the film prepared in 80% Ar, 20% O2 shows the largest saturation magnetic moment of 0.827 ± 0.013 µB/Ti.
An Effective Microwave-Induced Iodine-Catalyzed Method for the Synthesis of Quinoxalines via Condensation of 1,2-Diamines with 1,2-Dicarbonyl Compounds
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Debasish , Mukherjee Sanghamitra , Rodriguez Robert R. , Banik Bimal K.
Published: June 2010

A microwave-induced iodine-catalyzed simple, rapid and convenient synthesis of different types of quinoxalines via condensation of 1,2-diamines with 1,2-dicarbonyl compounds has been accomplished with an excellent yield.
An RFID-Based Intelligent Vehicle Speed Controller Using Active Traffic Signals
Authors: Pérez Joshué , Seco Fernando , Milanés Vicente , Jiménez Antonio , Díaz Julio C. , De Pedro Teresa
Published: June 2010

These days, mass-produced vehicles benefit from research on Intelligent Transportation System (ITS). One prime example of ITS is vehicle Cruise Control (CC), which allows it to maintain a pre-defined reference speed, to economize on fuel or energy consumption, to avoid speeding fines, or to focus all of the driver’s attention on the steering of the vehicle. However, achieving efficient Cruise Control is not easy in roads or urban streets where sudden changes of the speed limit can happen, due to the presence of unexpected obstacles or maintenance work, causing, in inattentive drivers, traffic accidents. In this communication we present a new Infrastructure to Vehicles (I2V) communication and control system for intelligent speed control, which is based upon Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology for identification of traffic signals on the road, and high accuracy vehicle speed measurement with a Hall effect-based sensor. A fuzzy logic controller, based on sensor fusion of the information provided by the I2V infrastructure, allows the efficient adaptation of the speed of the vehicle to the circumstances of the road. The performance of the system is checked empirically, with promising results.
La colección de meteoritos del Museo de Ciencias Naturales de Tenerife: catalogación internacional y resultados preliminares
Authors: Hernández-Fernández S. , Rodríguez-Losada J. A. , García Talavera F. , Lunar-Hernández R. , Martínez-Frías J.
Published: June 2010

El Museo de Ciencias Naturales de Tenerife (MCNT), cuenta con una importante colección de meteoritos, recolectados desde el año 1985 en diversas expediciones a la zona Sur de Marruecos, Sahara, Mauritania y Senegal. Se han seleccionado siete ejemplares (lititos), con objeto de estudiarlos y catalogarlos, siguiendo la estructura de las bases de datos internacionales sobre meteoritos (por ej., Museo de Historia Natural, Londres). Se aportan datos descriptivos tales como nomenclatura provisional, localización, tipo de encuentro, número de fragmentos, dimensiones, peso, densidad, mineralogía y geoquímica de las principales fases minerales. Se ha realizado una clasificación preliminar de acuerdo a las normas de «The Meteoritical Society».
Ontology-Based Software Component Aggregation
Authors: Paquette Gilbert , Masmoudi Anis
Published: June 2010

The topic of Component-Based Software Development (CBSD) has become very important in industry and research in the last 10 years (Allen & Frost 1998; Object Management Group, 2003). In e-learning, an increasing number of organizations have recognized the importance of building learning technologies by aggregating existent pedagogical software components. To support training processes, Web portals and digitized resources need to be provided to actors in each process. This can be done by aggregating, in a process workflow, different kinds of resources accessible on the Web: documents, simulations, videos, software tools, as well as persons interacting through communication tools and services. These resources are all represented by digital components that need to be aggregated in a proper manner.
From Semi-Formal Models to Formal Models
Authors: Héon Michel , Paquette Gilbert
Published: June 2010

Ontological engineering is a methodology that proposes various processes for constructing ontologies (Corcho, Fernández-López, & Gómez- Pérez, 2006; Davies, Fensel, & Harmelen, 2003; Dietz, 2006; Gaševic, Djuric, & Devedžic, 2006; Gómez-Pérez, Fernández-López, & Corcho, 2003; T. Gruber, 1993; Guarino, 1997; Horridge, Knub lauch, Rector, Stevens, & Wroe, 2004; Uschold & Gruninger, 1996). Such a process begins with a knowledge elicitation step for the target domain based on the services that the ontology is expected to provide. This step allows for the identification and structuring of the domain’s knowledge through documentation and consultation with experts. The next step involves the formalization of knowledge into an ontology. Ontologies can afterwards be processed by software agents using inference engines to deduce facts that were not provided by constructor of the model. The final step, validation, ensures that the ontology is effective in accounting for all useful knowledge needed to satisfy the original objectives.
An Ontology-Driven System for E-Learning and Knowledge Management
Authors: Paquette Gilbert
Published: June 2010

Between 2003 and 2008, within the LORNET research network (www.lornet.org), our team has been designing and developing TELOS, an innovative operation system for eLearning and knowledge management environments that is driven by a technical ontology. After presenting the underlying principles of this system, we will develop a graphic model of the resulting ontology that captures the conceptual architecture of the system. Next, we will present the main aggregation modeling tool and the way it is related to the TELOS Ontology. Finally, we will illustrate how the ontology is used to drive the system at run-time. The conclusion will discuss the contri- bution of this research to the field of ontological engineering of software systems.
Modeling for Learning
Authors: Basque Josianne , Pudelko Béatrice
Published: June 2010

Some years ago, we have introduced in the pedagogical scenario of a distance university course a learning activity consisting at having students create their own knowledge models with the knowledge modeling software MOT developed by Paquette (2002). At the same time, was initiated a series of studies1 aiming at evaluating the learning benefits and exploring the meditating effect of the use of this tool in the learning process, both in individual or collaborative conditions, as well as in face-to-face or distance educational settings. In our research, MOT is mainly used as a mean to support students’ text comprehension, but we also proposed this tool to professionals engaged in a vocational university program to help them reflect on how the curriculum knowledge domain is instantiated in their own professional practice. In addition, we provided training sessions to faculties and produced some documentation (available on the web) on the educational uses of knowledge model- ing software in higher education (Pudelko & Basque, 2005).
Modeling for Knowledge Management in Organizations
Authors: Paquette Gilbert , Léonard Michel , Basque Josianne , Pudelko Béatrice
Published: June 2010

Knowledge Management has become in recent years a concern of most major organizations. Already, in 2002, a survey by the US Conference Board and the American Management Association had shown that 80% of the thousand largest American companies where implementing some form of knowledge management in their organizations. Knowledge management embed concepts like “Intellectual Capital”, “Learning Organization”, “Business Intelligence”, “Process re-engineering and decision support” and “Competency Management”. It is a cross-disciplinary field using methods and technologies from cognitive science, expert systems and knowledge engineering, data and text mining, library and information sciences, document management, computer supported collaborative work (CSCW), communities of practice and organizational science. It is clear that knowledge modeling has a central role to play in such a context.
Estimating drizzle drop size and precipitation rate using two-colour lidar measurements
Authors: Westbrook C. D. , Hogan R. J. , O'Connor E. J. , Illingworth A. J.
Published: June 2010

Abstract. A method to estimate the size and liquid water content of drizzle drops using lidar measurements at two wavelengths is described. The method exploits the differential absorption of infrared light by liquid water at 905 nm and 1.5 μm, which leads to a different backscatter cross section for water drops larger than ≈50 μm. The ratio of backscatter measured from drizzle samples below cloud base at these two wavelengths (the colour ratio) provides a measure of the median volume drop diameter D0. This is a strong effect: for D0=200 μm, a colour ratio of ≈6 dB is predicted. Once D0 is known, the measured backscatter at 905 nm can be used to calculate the liquid water content (LWC) and other moments of the drizzle drop distribution. The method is applied to observations of drizzle falling from stratocumulus and stratus clouds. High resolution (32 s, 36 m) profiles of D0, LWC and precipitation rate R are derived. The main sources of error in the technique are the need to assume a value for the dispersion parameter μ in the drop size spectrum (leading to at most a 35% error in R) and the influence of aerosol returns on the retrieval (≈10% error in R for the cases considered here). Radar reflectivities are also computed from the lidar data, and compared to independent measurements from a colocated cloud radar, offering independent validation of the derived drop size distributions.
On the correlation between Broad-Band ELF wave power and ion fluxes in the cusp
Authors: Jacobsen K. S. , Moen J. I.
Published: June 2010

Abstract. We present a study of Broad-Band Extremely Low Frequency (BB-ELF) electric fields in the mid-altitude (4–6 Earth radii) cusp during periods of southward interplanetary magnetic field, using data from the Cluster spacecraft. Magnetospheric boundary layers are identified and classified according to particle precipitation characteristics. We find that the BB-ELF is contained within the cusp ion precipitation region, and its onset is closely co-located with the equatorward edge of the cusp ion dispersion signature. Previous studies have shown a positive correlation between BB-ELF and downward ion number flux. In this study, we compare the correlation coefficients of BB-ELF wave power versus the ion number and energy fluxes for upward, downward and total field-aligned fluxes. There is a greater degree of correlation between the total field-aligned flux and wave power than between the downward flux and wave power, which indicates that the BB-ELF wave generation is independent of ion beam direction. Our results support the idea of a local ion – BB-ELF wave interaction.
ChemInform Abstract: Isomerization of Allyl Ethers of Diols and Triols Catalyzed by Ruthenium Complexes.
Authors: Krompiec S. , Antoszczyszyn M. , Urbala M. , Bieg T.
Published: June 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
Corporate environmentalism in a small emerging economy: stakeholder perceptions and the influence of firm characteristics
Authors: Shah Kalim U.
Published: June 2010

This study presents a neo‐institutional perspective of the perceptions of corporate environmentalism held by stakeholder groups relative to each other and the influence that specific firm‐level characteristics, such as size, ownership, compliance record, and location, have on these perceptions. Empirical evidence is gathered from the emerging economy context of Trinidad and Tobago and its pollution‐intensive oil, gas, and petrochemical sectors. Results indicate that non‐governmental and community‐based organizations (NGOs/CBOs) are most critical and business chains least critical of corporate environmentalism. All stakeholders perceive larger firms and those with strong compliance records as having stronger corporate environmentalism, while government stakeholders perceive foreign‐owned firms, business chain perceives urban‐based firms, and NGOs/CBOs perceive state‐owned firms as having stronger corporate environmentalism. These preliminary findings can guide corporate managers in handling stakeholder relations and can guide policy‐makers seeking to circumvent industry‐stakeholder friction in emerging economies. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
MOCVD and Physicochemical Characterization of (HfO2)x(Al2O3)1‐xThin Films
Authors: Smirnova Tamara P. , Lebedev Mikhail S. , Morozova Natalia B. , Semyannikov Peter P. , Zherikova Ksenia V. , Kaichev Vasily V. , Dubinin Yurii V.
Published: June 2010

Investigation of the thermal behavior of Hf(dpm)4vapor in vacuum is carried out. An approach for obtaining films of (HfO)x(Al2O3)1‐xalloys is developed. The use of a source containing a mixture of two precursors differing from each other in volatility, notably Hf(dpm)4(dpm = dipivaloylmethanate, 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylheptane‐3,5‐dionate) and Al(acac)3(acac = pentane‐2,4‐dionate), allows us to employ the possibilities of combinatorial chemistry, and to obtain and analyze a number of different compositions of alloys. Film characterization is performed using a set of analytical methods. The character of Al and Hf distributions across the film thickness, depending on their content in the source, is investigated. The use of laser null ellipsometry allows us to determine the distribution of the refractive index across the thickness of the (HfO)x(Al2O3)1‐xfilm. A comparison of the ellipsometric data with the X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) data shows that the character of the refractive index variation reproduces the variation of the chemical composition across the film thickness. A uniform distribution of the elements across the film thickness is observed in the cases when separated sources are used. The structure of the film depends on the molar fraction of Al2O3in alloys. For Al ≥ 30 at.‐% amorphization of the structure occurs.
Synthesis of a C3‐Symmetric Furyl‐Cyclopeptide Platform with Anion Recognition Properties
Authors: Molina Lidia , Moreno‐Clavijo Elena , Moreno‐Vargas Antonio J. , Carmona Ana T. , Robina Inmaculada
Published: June 2010

A new furyl amino acid derivative was trimerized to give a linear peptide and finally was cyclized. The newly generated cyclopeptide was subjected to a conformational study in order to be considered as a C3‐symmetric platform for the rational design of complex receptors. Moreover, the recognition properties towards cyanide, acetate and chloride anions were studied.
Heteroditopic Chiral Uranyl–Salen Receptor for Molecular Recognition of Amino Acid Ammonium Salts
Authors: Ballistreri Francesco P. , Pappalardo Andrea , Tomaselli Gaetano A. , Toscano Rosa M. , Sfrazzetto Giuseppe Trusso
Published: June 2010

A new heteroditopic chiral uranyl–salen complex incorporating two pyrenyl groups was designed and synthesized for the recognition of ammonium salts, tetrabutylammonium (TBA) and tetramethylammonium (TMA) amino acids. UV/Vis measurements indicate the formation of 1:1 host–guest complexes with high association constants and an excellent enantiomeric discrimination between the two enantiomers of phenylalanine–TMA. T‐ROESY NMR experiments confirm cation–π and CH–π interactions between the TBA and TMA cations and the two pyrenyl arms, leading to the strong stability of the complexes. This is the first report of a uranyl receptor able to recognize chiral carboxylate guests.
Concise Total Synthesis of (±)‐Lycodine
Authors: Tsukano Chihiro , Zhao Le , Takemoto Yoshiji , Hirama Masahiro
Published: June 2010

Lycodine is a representative Lycopodium alkaloid, which features a bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane core and pyridine and piperidine rings. Stereoselective total synthesis of lycodine was achieved using Diels–Alder and intramolecular Mizoroki–Heck reactions.
Neuroarchitecture of verbal and tonal working memory in nonmusicians and musicians
Authors: Schulze Katrin , Zysset Stefan , Mueller Karsten , Friederici Angela D. , Koelsch Stefan
Published: June 2010

Working memory (WM) for auditory information has been thought of as a unitary system, but whether WM for verbal and tonal information relies on the same or different functional neuroarchitectures has remained unknown. This fMRI study examines verbal and tonal WM in both nonmusicians (who are trained in speech, but not in music) and highly trained musicians (who are trained in both domains). The data show that core structures of WM are involved in both tonal and verbal WM (Broca's area, premotor cortex, pre‐SMA/SMA, left insular cortex, inferior parietal lobe), although with significantly different structural weightings, in both nonmusicians and musicians. Additionally, musicians activated specific subcomponents only during verbal (right insular cortex) or only during tonal WM (right globus pallidus, right caudate nucleus, and left cerebellum). These results reveal the existence of two WM systems in musicians: A phonological loop supporting rehearsal of phonological information, and a tonal loop supporting rehearsal of tonal information. Differences between groups for tonal WM, and between verbal and tonal WM within musicians, were mainly related to structures involved in controlling, programming and planning of actions, thus presumably reflecting differences in action‐related sensorimotor coding of verbal and tonal information. Hum Brain Mapp 32:771–783, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Stereoselective synthesis of pyrano[3,2‐c]‐ and furano[3,2‐c]quinolines: Gadolinium chloride catalyzed one‐pot aza–Diels–Alder reactions
Authors: Yu Yong , Zhou Jun , Yao Zhigang , Xu Fan , Shen Qi
Published: June 2010

A simple and efficient method for the cis‐selective synthesis of pyrano‐ and furano[3,2‐c]quinolines via gadolinium chloride catalyzed one‐pot aza–Diels–Alder reaction is described. Solvent conditions played a major role in affecting the diastereoselectivity of the products. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 21:351–354, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/hc.20612