bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Review of Ultrahigh Efficiency III-V Semiconductor Compound Solar Cells: Multijunction Tandem, Lower Dimensional, Photonic Up/Down Conversion and Plasmonic Nanometallic Structures
Authors: Tanabe Katsuaki
Published: July 2009

Solar cells are a promising renewable, carbon-free electric energy resource to address the fossil fuel shortage and global warming. Energy conversion efficiencies around 40% have been recently achieved in laboratories using III-V semiconductor compounds as photovoltaic materials. This article reviews the efforts and accomplishments made for higher efficiency III-V semiconductor compound solar cells, specifically with multijunction tandem, lower-dimensional, photonic up/down conversion, and plasmonic metallic structures. Technological strategies for further performance improvement from the most efficient (Al)InGaP/(In)GaAs/Ge triple-junction cells including the search for 1.0 eV bandgap semiconductors are discussed. Lower-dimensional systems such as quantum well and dot structures are being intensively studied to realize multiple exciton generation and multiple photon absorption to break the conventional efficiency limit. Implementation of plasmonic metallic nanostructures manipulating photonic energy flow directions to enhance sunlight absorption in thin photovoltaic semiconductor materials is also emerging.
Receptor-Mediated Vascular Smooth Muscle Migration Induced by LPA Involves p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Pathway Activation
Authors: Zhou Zhi-Bin , Niu Jian-Ping , Zhang Zhi-Jun
Published: July 2009

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a naturally occurring glycerophospholipid, can evoke various biological responses, including cell migration, proliferation and survival, via activation of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). However, the role of LPA receptors and details of LPA signaling in migration are largely unexplored. In this study we detect the expression of LPA1 and LPA3 receptors in rat aortic smooth muscle cells (RASMCs). LPA stimulated RASMCs migration in a dose-dependent manner and induced the phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). LPA-induced cell migration was significantly inhibited by specific LPA1/LPA3-receptor antagonist Dioctylglycerol pyrophosphate (8:0) (DGPP8.0) at higher concentration. Migration of cells toward LPA was partially, but significantly, reduced in the presence of SB-203580, a p38 MAPK inhibitor, but not PD98059, an ERK inhibitor. In addition, pertussis toxin (PTX), a Gi protein inhibitor, induced an inhibitory effect on p38 MAPK,ERK phosphorylation and RASMCs migration. These data suggest that LPA-induced migration is mediated through the Gi-protein-coupled LPA1 receptor involving activation of a PTX-sensitive Gi / p38MAPK pathway.
Tyrosinase Inhibitor Activity of Coumarin-Resveratrol Hybrids
Authors: Fais Antonella , Corda Marcella , Era Benedetta , Fadda M. Benedetta , Matos Maria Joao , Quezada q Elias , Santana Lourdes , Picciau Carmen , Podda Gianni , Delogu Giovanna
Published: July 2009

In the present work we report on the contribution of the coumarin moiety to tyrosinase inhibition. Coumarin-resveratrol hybrids 1-8 have been resynthesized to investigate the structure-activity relationships and the IC50 values of these compounds were measured. The results showed that these compounds exhibited tyrosinase inhibitory activity. Compound 3-(3’,4’,5’-trihydroxyphenyl)-6,8-dihydroxycoumarin (8)is the most potentcompound (0.27 mM), more so than umbelliferone (0.42 mM), used as reference compound. The kinetic studies revealed that compound 8 caused non-competitive tyrosinase inhibition.
Diaroyl Tellurides: Synthesis, Structure and NBO Analysis of (2-MeOC6H4CO)2Te – Comparison with Its Sulfur and Selenium Isologues. The First Observation of [MgBr][R(C=Te)O] Salts
Authors: Niyomura Osamu , Nakaiida Shoho , Yamada Ryo , Kato Shinzi , Ishida Masaru , Ebihara Masahiro , Ando Fumio , Koketsu Jugo
Published: July 2009

A series of aromatic diacyl tellurides were prepared in moderate to good yields by the reactions of sodium orpotassium arenecarbotelluroates with acyl chlorides in acetonitrile. X-ray structure analyses and theoretical calculations of 2-methoxybenzoic anhydride and bis(2-methoxybenzoyl) sulfide, selenide and telluride were carried out. The two 2-MeOC6H4CO moieties of bis(2-methoxybenzoyl) telluride are nearly planar and the two methoxy oxygen atoms intramolecularly coordinate to the central tellurium atom from both side of C(11)-Te(11)-C(22) plane. In contrast, the oxygen and sulfur isologues (2-MeOC6H4CO)2E (E = O, S), show that one of the two methoxy oxygen atoms contacts with the oxygen atom of the carbonyl group connected to the same benzene ring. The structure of di(2-methoxybenzoyl) selenide which was obtained by MO calculation resembles that of tellurium isologues rather than the corresponding oxygen and sulfur isologues. The reactions of di(aroyl) tellurides with Grignard reagents lead to the formation of tellurocarboxylato magnesium complexes [MgBr][R(C=Te)O].
Deriving Ocean Surface Drift Using Multiple SAR Sensors
Authors: Liu Antony K. , Hsu Ming-Kuang
Published: July 2009

Tracking and monitoring ocean features which have short coherent time periods from sequential satellite images requires that the images have both very high spatial resolutions and short temporal sampling intervals (i.e., repeated cycles). Satellite images from a single sensor in a polar-orbiting satellite usually cannot meet these requirements since high spatial resolution of the sensor may result in relatively long temporal sampling interval and vice versa, such as the case of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR). This paper presents a new multi-sensor approach to overcome the long temporal sampling interval associated with a single SAR sensor while taking advantage of high spatial resolution of SAR images for the application of ocean feature tracking.Currently, there are two SAR sensors on different satellites, the European Remote Sensing Satellite-2 (ERS-2) and the ENVIronment SATellite (ENVISAT), having acquisition time offset around 28 minutes with almost exactly the same path.That is, ERS-2 is following ENVISAT with a 28-minutes delay, which is a good time-scale for ocean mesoscale feature tracking.A pair of SAR images from ERS-2 and ENVISAT collected on April 27, 2005 has been chosen to track ocean surface features by using wavelet analysis. As demonstrated in the case studies, this technique is robust and capable to derive ocean surface drift near an oil slick and around a big eddy in the South China Sea (SCS).
Radical carbonylations using a continuous microflow system
Authors: Fukuyama Takahide , Rahman Md Taifur , Kamata Naoya , Ryu Ilhyong
Published: July 2009

Radical-based carbonylation reactions of alkyl halides were conducted in a microflow reactor under pressurized carbon monoxide gas. Good to excellent yields of carbonylated products were obtained via radical formylation, carbonylative cyclization and three-component coupling reactions, using tributyltin hydride or TTMSS as a radical mediator.
L'affect et les identifications affectives dans les groupes
Authors: Kaës René
Published: July 2009

La question de l’affect et de sa transmission, généalogique et synchronique, n’a guère fait l’objet de recherches dans l’approche psychanalytique du lien intersubjectif. La clinique des groupes conduits selon un dispositif psychanalytique montre comment les identifications par l’affect ont une fonction organisatrice des liens intersubjectifs et des liaisons de pensée, à la condition que soit assuré par les analystes et par le processus associatif groupal un travail de contenance, de liaison et de transformation des affects. Au contraire, lorsque l’excès ou le défaut d’affects prévalent, la confusion et la violence s’installent là où le travail du préconscient est empêché, là où les identifications affectives amplifient l’incapacité de penser. Un autre exemple clinique montre comment le psychodrame psychanalytique de groupe mobilise l’affect dans la rencontre du fantasme et de la réalité dans la scène du jeu avec un autre. Lorsque l’affect est entendu comme appel de sens, comme liaison de pensée et comme expérience intersubjective, le psychodrame s’avère un dispositif adéquat pour travailler certaines expériences traumatiques.
Les analogies cosmiques du corps humain chez les grecs anciens
Authors: Wismann Heinz
Published: July 2009

Heinz Wismann présente l’onto-cosmologie des grecs anciens selon laquelle « Tout est Un ». La divinité est en même temps le réel de la nature, représenté comme une sphère toujours en mouvement et parfaitement équilibrée. Le Timée de Platon décrit le corps humain selon un modèle analogique. H. Wismann évoque les traces de l’héritage grec et de son alliance à la conception inverse, juive, d’un dieu transcendant, dans la pensée occidentale moderne.
On Killing by self-Killing : Suicide with a hostile intent
Authors: Preti Antonio
Published: July 2009

Résumé Selon Freud, tous les suicides comportent à la fois le désir de mourir, stimulé par une pression d’auto destruction irrésistible et l’intention de nuire à l’individu que le suicidé pense être responsable de l’insupportable souffrance qui l’a contraint à mettre fin à ses jours. Cependant, la littérature et les sources ethnographiques montrent à l’évidence trois catégories de suicides : avec des intentions manifestement hostiles et agressions suicide par vengeance, essentiellement dans la zone grecque mais également observé en Océanie – le suicide type Samson au Moyen Orient et en Afrique, et suicide par « dévouement » essentiellement rencontré chez les soldats Romains. La dynamique de ces formes de suicide peut rendre compte d’autres conduites menaçant la vie, telles les attaques par des « hommes bombes » et les comportements pathologiques d’extravagants tueurs qui se vengent en s’immolant pour provoquer le plus grand nombre de victimes possibles, comme dans l’événement de Colombine. De plus profondes investigations sur les dynamiques exerçant jusqu’ici dans la catégorie des suicides avec intention hostile pourraient aider à organiser des stratégies préventives contre la violence en général.
Le voyage à Moscou ou les impatients des jours du Messie
Authors: Scheigets Y.
Published: July 2009

On ne conteste pas généralement à François Furet le statut de grand historien du siècle dernier. Il adhéra au parti communiste après la seconde guerre mondiale, et le quitta, comme bien d’autres, en 1956. Mais c’est de la révolution française qu’il fit son principal objet de recherches. C’est pourquoi le seul grand livre qu’il consacra à l’histoire du XXe siècle, Le passé d’une illusion, a suscité curiosité et intérêt au-delà de nos frontières. Et pour lui, sans le moindre doute, le communisme est une illusion criminelle. Cet article ne prétend pas proposer une analyse approfondie des nombreux aspects d’un livre épais et riche en hypothèses éclairantes. On a plutôt cherché à mettre en regard l’histoire de l’idée communiste avec quelques enseignements de la tradition juive. L’illusion communiste n’a-t-elle pas à voir avec la tentation de « hâter les jours du Messie », en tentant de faire régner la justice universelle par les moyens de la politique ? N’est-elle pas liée au plus grave des péchés que le Judaïsme ait combattu : l’idolâtrie ?
Illusion dans le travail social
Authors: Montaclair Bernard
Published: July 2009

Est-il une activité humaine qui ne soit pas « sociale » ? Cette réalité incontournable se doit d’être mise en travail. Enseignement, éducation, formation, aide, psychothérapie, visent des niveaux différents d’intervention sociale, en vue du développement des êtres humains considérés comme des « clients », usagers de ces interventions. L’illusion, sous son acception ludique, est un moteur important de ce développement, au même titre que le jeu et le rêve. Mais la désillusion guette le travailleur social s’il n’a pas été formé à prendre en compte le transfert, et s’il n’est pas accompagné dans sa tâche.
Le bouddhisme et l'illusion
Authors: Schnetzler Jean-Pierre
Published: July 2009

L’enseignement du Bouddha est concentré en quatre vérités : le caractère universel de la souffrance dans le monde phénoménal, l’étude de ses causes, la possibilité de s’en libérer totalement, et les moyens pour le faire. Cela définit une méthode thérapeutique centrée sur le psychisme et les illusions qu’il fabrique, dont il faut se libérer. La prise en compte de l’influence causale des vies antérieures élargit et approfondit l’action transformatrice des méthodes méditatives. Dans cette optique, méditation et psychothérapie apparaissent comme complémentaires.
Bon sang ne peut faillir
Authors: Neuquelman-Denis Fabienne
Published: July 2009

Ce travail replace l’histoire d’Œdipe dans son contexte généalogique et propose une lecture générationnelle de l’histoire de la maison royale de Thèbes portant sur sept générations. La sélection des faits, parmi les nombreux mythes du cycle thébain, met en évidence la défaillance de la transmission père/fils, dans un contexte de succession à la tête de Thèbes. Les aspects se rapportant au féminin et au maternel feront l’objet d’un autre travail.
La puissance de l'imaginaire dans la construction des mythes.
Authors: Brunschwig Hélène
Published: July 2009

Pour faire apparaître l’importance de l’imaginaire dans la construction des mythes familiaux, l’auteur essaie de retrouver ceux de sa propre famille en montrant leur complexité, leurs contradictions, leurs complémentarités, leur caractère structurant ou castrateur.
Le « Struwwelpeter », ou les cachettes de la libido
Authors: Houssier Florian
Published: July 2009

Comment penser un conte qui se termine mal pour l’enfant ? C’est là tout l’intérêt de réfléchir sur le « Struwwelpeter », ouvrage peu connu en France mais traduit dans le monde entier. Ce livre est composé d’une série de neuf histoires pour enfants « de trois à six ans », rédigées par un pédiatre allemand, Heinrich Hoffmann, en 1844. A la différence de Freud, qui a salué dans ce conte le repérage des complexes infantiles, nous proposons une lecture centrée sur les représentations de l’adulte concernant l’enfant, en nous centrant sur les fantasmes propres à la relation père-fils. De façon comparable, les fantasmes primitifs de type infanticideparricide se déploient alors sur la toile du conte comme sur celle du rêve.
« Le frère de mon frère n'est pas mon frère ».
Authors: Ginsberg-Carré Christiane
Published: July 2009

En contournant l’obstacle d’une impossible standardisation, l’auteur s’efforce, par une approche horizontale des fratries dans les familles recomposées, d’en saisir la dynamique relationnelle au niveau de récits de vie recueillis auprès d’un échantillon restreint de jeunes adultes ayant vécu cette forme d’organisation du lien de la parenté. Sans avoir une prétention démonstrative, ces récits de vie centrés sur un thème, élaborés autour de la production de génogrammes, semblent d’ores et déjà être organisés par une logique interne identique et mettre en exergue l’exemplarité d’une relation fraternelle idéalisée.
Influence of trawl type on the composition and diversity of deep benthopelagic fish and decapod assemblages off the Catalan coasts (western Mediterranean)
Authors: Cartes Joan E. , Maynou Francesc , Lloris Domènec , Gil de Sola Luis , Garcia Mariano
Published: July 2009

A series of 57 (600-750 m) and 32 (1184-1320 m) hauls were compiled to compare data from four trawl types in analyses of the species composition and diversity of deep benthopelagic fish and decapods off the Catalonian coasts (western Mediterranean). Two 1-warp trawls (OTSB-14 and OTMS-25) and two 2-warp trawls (a commercial trawl [CT] and a GOC73) were used, from hauls performed between 1988 and 2007 were compiled. At 600-750 m the OTSB-14 hauls were separated in multi-dimensional scaling (MDS) from hauls performed with MTS-25, CT, and GOC73. Ordination of hauls along DIM1 of MDS was significantly correlated (Spearman’s r) with mesh size at codend, bridle length, and vertical opening of trawls. When CT and GOC73 were compared with MTS-25, the most dissimilar species were Aristeus antennatus, Galeus melastomus and Trachyrhynchus scabrus. A particular case was A. antennatus, with a significantly higher abundance in MTS-25 catches than the rest of the trawls. At 1200 m the OTSB-14 and MTS-25 hauls were segregated in MDS analysis. DIM2 was correlated with the sampling period (month), indicating a temporal effect on haul composition. At 1200 m the main dissimilarities between OTSB-14 and MTS-25 were marked by Alepocephalus rostratus and A. antennatus (caught with MTS-25), and by Cataetyx alleni, the Notacanthidae Notacanthus bonapartei and Polyacanthonotus rissoanus, and Plesionika acanthonotus (caught with OTSB-14). As a conclusion, OTSB-14 showed a significantly higher abundance in catches than MTS-25, CT and GOC73, and a higher S (number of species) and J (equitability) than MTS-25. On the lower slope seasonality influenced trawl comparisons; however, it is likely that MTS-25, with higher vertical height than OTSB-14, caught the benthopelagic fish A. rostratus more efficiently, explaining the higher biomass from MTS-25 there. MTS-25 positively selected A. antennatus, in parallel to a negative catchability for other species.
Student Participation in Ecological Research: Preliminary Insights from Students’ Experiences in the Smoky Mountains
Authors: Pacifici Lara B. , Miller Craig , Thomson Norman
Published: July 2009

Students participating in summer research internships at the Great Smoky Mountain National Park kept electronic journals to document their experiences. We used a combined content analysis to quantify the responses from the students in particular areas of interest and to understand the essence of experiences from the explanations provided in their journals. The major themes that emerged were adventures in nature, becoming a scientist, and application of science and math knowledge. Though the sample size was small, the students’ journals illustrate the value of research experiences for young people.
Regioselective C‐2 or C‐5 Direct Arylation of Pyrroles with Aryl Bromides using a Ligand‐Free Palladium Catalyst
Authors: Roger Julien , Doucet Henri
Published: July 2009

A simple and atom‐economical procedure for the regioselective C‐2 or C‐5 arylation of pyrroles via a CH bond activation is reported. Only 0.5–0.01 mol% of commercially available and air‐stable ligand‐free palladium(II) acetate [Pd(OAc)2] was employed as the catalyst. The presence of electron‐withdrawing substituents such as formyl, acetyl or ester at the C‐2 position of the pyrrole is tolerated. This environmentally attractive procedure has also been found to be tolerant to a very wide variety of functional groups on the aryl bromides such as formyl, acetyl, propionyl, ester, nitrile, nitro, fluoro, methoxy, amino or trifluoromethyl.
A Direct Intermolecular Cross‐Benzoin Type Reaction: N‐Heterocyclic Carbene‐Catalyzed Coupling of Aromatic Aldehydes with Trifluoromethyl Ketones
Authors: Enders Dieter , Henseler Alexander
Published: July 2009

A direct intermolecular cross‐benzoin‐type condensation catalyzed by an N‐heterocyclic carbene has been developed. The cross‐coupling of commercially available aromatic aldehydes and trifluoromethyl ketones results in α‐hydroxy‐α‐trifluoromethyl ketones bearing a quaternary stereocenter with excellent chemoselectivity and good to excellent yields.
Significant Self‐Acceleration Effects of Nitrile Additives in the Rhodium‐Catalyzed Conversion of Aldoximes to Amides: A New Mechanistic Aspect
Authors: Kim Min , Lee Jinwoo , Lee Hee‐Yoon , Chang Sukbok
Published: July 2009

It was found that the catalytic activity of rhodium complexes was highly sensitive to the type of N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands in the conversion of aldoximes to amides. Among those species examined, the (cyclooctadiene)rhodium chloride‐carbene complex Rh(cod)(IMes)Cl exhibited the highest reactivity when it was employed in combination with a Brønsted acid, thus allowing mild reaction conditions. A significant rate acceleration effect resulting from the addition of nitrile additives was also observed. With the new protocol, the substrate scope of aldoximes has been widely expanded to include sterically congested and electronically varied derivatives. On the basis of detailed mechanistic studies, it is proposed that the reaction proceeds mainly via intramolecular electrophilic addition of aldoxime to rhodium‐bound nitrile, which is different from the generally postulated two‐step route: dehydration of aldoxime to nitrile followed by hydration of the latter intermediate.
Organocatalytic Activity of N‐Heterocyclic Carbenes in the Michael Addition of 1,3‐Dicarbonyl Compounds: Application to a Stereoselective Spirocyclization Sequence
Authors: Boddaert Thomas , Coquerel Yoann , Rodriguez Jean
Published: July 2009

An eco‐compatible diversity‐oriented synthesis of α‐spirolactones and α‐spirolactams is described. The overall transformation involves an olefin cross‐metathesis followed by an intramolecular organocatalytic Michael‐induced spirocyclization. Under microwave irradiation, the Hoveyda–Grubbs precatalyst can be iteratively used as the source of both the metathesis ruthenium‐based catalyst, and the spirocyclization N‐heterocyclic carbene catalyst.
Efficient MILP formulations for the simultaneous optimal peptide tag design and downstream processing synthesis
Authors: Natali João M. , Pinto José M. , Papageorgiou Lazaros G.
Published: July 2009

Novel and efficient linear formulations are developed for the problem of simultaneously performing an optimal synthesis of chromatographic protein purification processes, and the concomitant selection of peptide purification tags, that result in a maximal process improvement. To this end, two formulations are developed for the solution of this problem: (1) a model that minimizes both the number of chromatographic steps in the final purification process flow sheet and the composition of the tag, by use of weighted objectives, while satisfying minimal purity requirements for the final product; and (2) a model that attempts to find the maximal attainable purity under constraints on the maximum number of separation techniques and tag size. Both models are linearized using a previously developed strategy for obtaining optimal piecewise linear approximations of nonlinear functions. Proposed are models to two case studies based on protein mixtures with different numbers of proteins. Results show that the models are capable of solving to optimality all the implemented cases with computational time requirements of under 1 s, on average. The results obtained are further compared with previous nonlinear and linear models attempting to solve the same problem, and, thus, show that the approach represents significant gains in robustness and efficiency. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2009
Occupational injury disparities in the US hotel industry
Authors: Buchanan Susan , Vossenas Pamela , Krause Niklas , Moriarty Joan , Frumin Eric , Shimek Jo Anna M. , Mirer Franklin , Orris Peter , Punnett Laura
Published: July 2009

Background

Hotel employees have higher rates of occupational injury and sustain more severe injuries than most other service workers.

Method

OSHA log incidents from five unionized hotel companies for a three‐year period were analyzed to estimate injury rates by job, company, and demographic characteristics. Room cleaning work, known to be physically hazardous, was of particular concern.

Results

A total of 2,865 injuries were reported during 55,327 worker‐years of observation. The overall injury rate was 5.2 injuries per 100 worker‐years. The rate was highest for housekeepers (7.9), Hispanic housekeepers (10.6), and about double in three companies versus two others. Acute trauma rates were highest in kitchen workers (4.0/100) and housekeepers (3.9/100); housekeepers also had the highest rate of musculoskeletal disorders (3.2/100). Age, being female or Hispanic, job title, and company were all independently associated with injury risk.

Conclusion

Sex‐ and ethnicity‐based disparities in injury rates were only partially due to the type of job held and the company in which the work was performed. Am. J. Ind. Med. 53:116–125 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mediation should not be considered the practice of law
Authors: Meyerson Bruce E.
Published: July 2009

This article was written in part as a response to “Balancing Mediation with Rules on Unauthorized Practice,” by Geetha Ravindra, 18 Alternatives 21 (February 2000). Ravindra's follow‐up comments appear at the end of the article on page 124.
Valuing relationships is the basis of ADR's future
Authors: Henry James F.
Published: July 2009

Last month, James F. Henry, who founded the CPR Institute for Dispute Resolution, was honored with the American Bar Association's D'Alemberte/Raven Award at the U.S. Supreme Court. The award ceremony was held April 27 during the ABA's Section of Dispute Resolution annual conference. His remarks are adapted below.

The award recognizes members of the dispute resolution community who have contributed significantly to the field by developing new or innovative programs, improvements in service and efficiency, research and writings in the area of dispute resolution or continuing education programs. The award is named for Talbot DAlemberte of Tallahassee, Fla., and Robert D. Raven of San Francisco, former ABA presidents and past leaders within the ABA on ADR.

The speech text picks up after Henry, who founded CPR in 1979 and served as its president as well as Alternatives' publisher until he retired at the end of last year, thanked the award sponsors.
How mediators can help with relationship repairs
Authors: Golann Dwight
Published: July 2009

In Part One last month, author Dwight Golann described the results of a survey he conducted of 32 mediators involving about 60 matters where there was a relationship between the parties. He found, among other things, that integrative settlement terms — though not necessarily those that repair or continue a relationship — appeared in nearly two‐thirds of the survey group's 44 settling cases. But comparatively few parties walked away from the negotiating table into a settlement in which the relationship could be considered repaired. This month, Golann explores the factors that affect the likelihood that a relationship will be revived.
Integrated conflict management programs emerge as an organization development strategy
Authors: Lynch Jennifer
Published: July 2009

Conflict management systems … [are] apparently an emerging phenomenon in American corporations. … In many companies with strong ADR policies, ADR isn't simply a set of techniques added to others the company uses but represents a change in the company's mindset about how it needs to manage conflict.”
Fulfilling your obligations on mediation capacity
Authors: Cohen Judith
Published: July 2009

The mediation is going smoothly … the attorneys are cooperating … but the mediator is starting to get the feeling that the plaintiff is not following the proceedings. The plaintiff looks confused, and the few comments that he has made indicate that he doesn't understand the mediator's role … although the plaintiff's attorney is fully engaged in the mediation, he is not being particularly responsive to his client.
Familial recurrence of urethral stenosis/atresia
Authors: Siebert Joseph R. , Walker Martin P. R.
Published: July 2009

BACKGROUND: We report the familial recurrence of urethral stenosis/atresia in two sibling fetuses with bladder outlet obstruction, severe oligohydramnios, and pulmonary hypoplasia. Urethral obstruction in the fetus, when severe, results in a dilated urinary bladder (megacystis) and associated urinary anomalies (hydroureter, hydronephrosis, renal dysplasia). Distention of the fetal abdomen, the result of megacystis or urinary ascites, leads to stretching and eventually hypoplasia or even absence of abdominal muscles. CASES: This constellation of findings, known by a variety of terms including “prune belly” syndrome, is associated with a variety of urethral changes, including posterior urethral valves and urethral stenosis/atresia. One fetus manifested unilateral postaxial polydactyly of the left hand. CONCLUSIONS: A microdeletion of 6p25.3, identified in mother and one fetus, is not associated with a gene known to be involved in urethral development and therefore of unknown significance. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neurobiological effects of pulsed magnetic field on diabetes‐induced neuropathy
Authors: Mert Tufan , Gunay Ismail , Ocal Isil
Published: July 2009

In the clinic, although several pharmacological agents or surgical procedures are used to treat diabetes and diabetes‐induced neuropathic pain, their success has been limited. Therefore, development of different alternatives in treatments is very important. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of pulsed magnetic field (PMF) in improving signs and symptoms of diabetic neuropathy. In this study, the effects of PMF treatment were investigated in Streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced acute and chronic diabetic rats by measuring the thermal latencies, mechanical thresholds, whole blood glucose levels and body weights. After STZ administration to rats, blood glucose level elevated and body weight decreased. Although PMF treatment did not affect changes in body weight, the blood glucose levels of PMF‐treated diabetic rats exhibited a decrease during the treatments. Diabetic animals displayed marked decrease in mechanical thresholds and thermal latencies. While treatment of PMF partially restored the mechanical thresholds and thermal latency in acute diabetic rats, PMF caused a corrective effect on only mechanical threshold of chronic diabetic rats. These results suggested that treatment of PMF can potentially ameliorate the painful symptoms of diabetes, such as hyperalgesia and allodynia, by partially preventing the hyperglycemia. Bioelectromagnetics 31:39–47, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cytoskeletal forces produced by extremely low‐frequency electric fields acting on extracellular glycoproteins
Authors: Hart Francis X.
Published: July 2009

The physical mechanism by which cells transduce an applied electric field is not well understood. This article establishes for the first time a direct, quantitative model that links the field to cytoskeletal forces. In a previous article, applied electric fields of physiological strength were shown to produce significant mechanical torques at the cellular level. In this article, the corresponding forces exerted on the cytoskeleton are computed and found to be comparable in magnitude to mechanical forces known to produce physiological effects. In addition to the electrical force, the viscous drag force exerted by the surrounding medium and the restoring force exerted by the neighboring structures are considered in the analysis. For an applied electric field of 10 V/m, the force transmitted to the CD44 receptor of a hyaluronan chain in cartilage is about 1 pN at 10 Hz and 7 pN at 1 Hz. For an applied electric field of 100 V/m, the force transmitted to the cytoskeleton at one focus of the glycocalyx is about 0.5 pN at 10 Hz and 1.3 pN at 1 Hz. Mechanical forces of similar magnitude have been observed to produce physiological effects. Hence, this electromechanical transduction process is a plausible mechanism for the production of physiological effects by such electric fields. Bioelectromagnetics 31:77–84, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Periodic Mesoporous Organosilica Materials: Self‐Assembly of Carbamothioic Acid‐Bridged Organosilane Precursors
Authors: Gao Ling , Wei Feng , Zhou Yu , Fan Xiao Xing , Wang Ying , Zhu Jian Hua
Published: July 2009

A new series of carbamothioic acid‐containing periodic mesoporous organosilica (PMO) materials has been synthesized by a direct cocondensation method, in which an organosilica precursor N,S‐bis[3‐(triethoxysilyl)propyl]carbamothioic acid (MI) is treated with tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), and the nonionic surfactant Pluronic 123 (P123) is used as a template under acidic conditions in the presence of inorganic additives. Moreover, the synthesis of the PMO material consisting of the MI precursor without TEOS has been realized. These novel PMO materials have large surface areas, well‐ordered mesoporous structures, hollow fiberlike morphologies, and thick walls. They are also structurally well‐ordered with a high organosilica precursor content, and the carbamothioic acid groups are thermally stable up to 250 °C. Furthermore, the organosilica materials exhibit hydrothermal stability in basic solution.
Rational Modification of the Hierarchy of Intermolecular Interactions in Molecular Crystal Structures by Using Tunable Halogen Bonds
Authors: Mínguez Espallargas Guillermo , Zordan Fiorenzo , Arroyo Marín Luis , Adams Harry , Shankland Kenneth , van de Streek Jacco , Brammer Lee
Published: July 2009

A family of 16 isomolecular salts (3‐XpyH)2[MX′4] (3‐XpyH=3‐halopyridinium; M=Co, Zn; X=(F), Cl, Br, (I); X′=Cl, Br, I) each containing rigid organic cations and tetrahedral halometallate anions has been prepared and characterized by X‐ray single crystal and/or powder diffraction. Their crystal structures reflect the competition and cooperation between non‐covalent interactions: NH⋅⋅⋅X′M hydrogen bonds, CX⋅⋅⋅X′M halogen bonds and π–π stacking. The latter are essentially unchanged in strength across the series, but both halogen bonds and hydrogen bonds are modified in strength upon changing the halogens involved. Changing the organic halogen (X) from F to I strengthens the CX⋅⋅⋅X′M halogen bonds, whereas an analogous change of the inorganic halogen (X′) weakens both halogen bonds and NH⋅⋅⋅X′M hydrogen bonds. By so tuning the strength of the putative halogen bonds from repulsive to weak to moderately strong attractive interactions, the hierarchy of the interactions has been modified rationally leading to systematic changes in crystal packing. Three classes of crystal structure are obtained. In type A (CF⋅⋅⋅X′M) halogen bonds are absent. The structure is directed by NH⋅⋅⋅X′M hydrogen bonds and π‐stacking interactions. In type B structures, involving small organic halogens (X) and large inorganic halogens (X′), long (weak) CX⋅⋅⋅X′M interactions are observed with type I halogen–halogen interaction geometries (CX⋅⋅⋅X′ ≈ X⋅⋅⋅X′M ≈155°), but hydrogen bonds still dominate. Thus, minor but quite significant perturbations from the type A structure arise. In type C, involving larger organic halogens (X) and smaller inorganic halogens (X′), stronger halogen bonds are formed with a type II halogen–halogen interaction geometry (CX⋅⋅⋅X′ ≈180°; X⋅⋅⋅X′M ≈110°) that is electrostatically attractive. The halogen bonds play a major role alongside hydrogen bonds in directing the type C structures, which as a result are quite different from type A and B.
Ionic Liquid Crystals Formed by Self‐Assembly around an Anionic Anthracene Core
Authors: Olivier Jean‐Hubert , Camerel Franck , Barberá Joaquín , Retailleau Pascal , Ziessel Raymond
Published: July 2009

We have designed and synthesised a series of modular, mesogenic complexes based on anthracene‐2,6‐disulfonate and trialkoxybenzyl‐functionalised imidazolium cations. Each complex contains a central, rigid, dianionic anthracene core and two flexible monocations bearing paraffin chains anchored on imidazolium rings. Anthracene‐2,6‐disulfonate can be crystallised with various simple alkylammonium ions and, in the case of +N(CH3)2(C16H33)2, a crystal structure determination has shown that the long paraffinic chains are intercalated between the anthracene moieties. The dianion forms columnar mesophases with trialkoxybenzylimidazolium cations, as identified by polarising optical microscopy and X‐ray scattering measurements. Differential scanning calorimetry studies confirmed mesomorphic behaviour from room temperature to about 200 °C for alkyl chains containing 8, 12 and 16 carbon atoms. The strong luminescence of anthracene is maintained in the mesophase and fluorescence measurements confirmed the presence of J aggregates in all cases. The new functional materials described herein provide an easy access to stable and luminescent mesomorphic materials engineered by an ionic self‐assembly process.
Profilin‐1 overexpression restores adherens junctions in MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer cells in R‐cadherin‐dependent manner
Authors: Zou Li , Hazan Rachel , Roy Partha
Published: July 2009

Profilin‐1 (Pfn1), a ubiquitously expressed actin‐binding protein, is downregulated in several different types of adenocarcinoma and elicits tumor‐suppressive effect on breast cancer cell lines. MDA‐MB‐231 (MDA‐231), a breast cancer cell line that displays all the characteristics of post‐epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition and does not form cell–cell adhesion, can be reverted to an epithelioid phenotype by Pfn1 overexpression. This morphological transition is caused by restoration of adherens junctions (AJ) requiring Pfn1's interaction with actin. Pfn1 overexpression increases the expression level of R‐cadherin (a type of cadherin that is endogenously expressed in the parental cell line) and restores AJ in MDA‐231 cells in R‐cadherin‐dependent manner. These findings highlight important role of Pfn1 in the regulation of epithelial cell–cell adhesion. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Efficacy and toxicity of 2 schedules of frontline rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone plus bortezomib in patients with B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Ribrag Vincent , Gisselbrecht Christian , Haioun Corinne , Salles Gilles , Golfier Jean‐Baptiste , Ertault Marjan , Ferme Christophe , Briere Josette , Brice Pauline , Mounier Nicolas
Published: July 2009

BACKGROUND:

Bortezomib demonstrated promising activity in lymphomas. The authors conducted a randomized phase 2 trial of frontline rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R‐CHOP) with the addition of bortezomib in patients with B‐cell lymphoma.

METHODS:

Patients were randomized between 2 schedules of bortezomib, Arm A (Days 1, 4, 8, and 11) and Arm B (Days 1 and 8), combined with 6 cycles of R‐CHOP. For the first patients (Step 1), bortezomib was given at a dose of 1 mg/m2 in Arm A and 1.3 mg/m2 in Arm B. For the next patients (Step 2), doses were increased to 1.3 mg/m2 and 1.6 mg/m2 in Arms A and B, respectively. The primary endpoint was the rate of complete response (CR) and unconfirmed CR (CR/CRu) after 6 cycles.

RESULTS:

Forty‐nine patients were included in the study, and 41 patients (84%) achieved a CR/CRu, ie, 18 of 20 patients (90%) in Arm A and 23 of 29 patients (79%) in Arm B. There were 6 partial responses and 2 patients with progressive disease. Neurologic toxicity occurred in 21 patients (43%) and was grade 2 in 11 patients (7 patients in Step 2) and grade 3 in 10 patients (9 patients in Step 2). Other grade 3 and 4 toxicities included constipation (n = 1), infections (n = 3), and cardiac events (n = 2). Grade 3 and 4 thrombocytopenia and leucopenia occurred in 14% and 41% of cycles, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS:

R‐CHOP + bortezomib was an effective regimen and produced an 84% CR rate. However, the dose‐limiting neurotoxicity should be kept in mind for further trials with vinca alkaloids or other potentially neurotoxic drugs combination therapies. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Genetically transforming human mesenchymal stem cells to sarcomas
Authors: Li Nan , Yang Rui , Zhang Wendong , Dorfman Howard , Rao Pulivarthi , Gorlick Richard
Published: July 2009

BACKGROUND:

The cell of origin of sarcoma is still unclear. High‐grade osteosarcomas frequently demonstrate the potential for multipotent differentiation and, along with several other lines of evidence, suggest that human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) might be the cell of origin.

METHODS:

The hMSCs were transformed with retrovirus containing human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), simian virus 40 large t antigen (SV40 TAg), and lentivirus containing oncogenic H‐Ras serially. The changes of cellular phenotypes and multilineage differentiation capacity were observed and compared with the standard osteosarcoma cell lines.

RESULTS:

Two distinct genotypic and phenotypic sarcoma cell lines resulted from the same genetic events. The gene expression profiles became more complicated and the karyotype became more chaotic during hMSCs' tumorigenesis. The motility of transformed hMSC was promoted. hMSC and its derivatives could be induced to osteogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic differentiation except that MSC‐TSR4 lost osteogenic differentiation capacity.

CONCLUSIONS:

Multilineage differentiation potential was retained during tumorigenesis of hMSCs and distinct sarcoma cell lines could arise with the same genetic events, providing good models in better understanding the concept of hMSC and in further investigation of the relationship of hMSCs and osteosarcomas. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Centrosome abnormalities during porcine oocyte aging
Authors: Miao Yi‐liang , Sun Qing‐Yuan , Zhang Xia , Zhao Jian‐Guo , Zhao Ming‐Tao , Spate Lee , Prather Randall S. , Schatten Heide
Published: July 2009

Centrosomes are critically important for maintaining meiotic spindle integrity in the meiosis II (MII) stage where oocytes are arrested in most mammalian species before fertilization takes place. In women of advanced ages or during in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures, aneuploidy is frequently seen as a result of oocyte aging, which is strongly related to centrosome instability. Abnormal distribution of centrosomes and microtubules has been reported in aging human and mouse oocytes. This study reports the dynamic changes of centrosomes and the microtubule cytoskeleton in porcine oocytes during aging and treatment by caffeine to restore spindle integrity in aging oocytes. We tested the effects of caffeine on the MII spindle with focus on microtubules and on the centrosome proteins γ‐tubulin and NuMA (nuclear mitotic apparatus protein). The results revealed that in porcine oocytes aged for 48 hr, centrosomes were absent and spindles became abnormal and disorganized; however, caffeine could prevent these changes or restore centrosome integrity in the meiotic spindle poles and displayed similar MII spindles as those seen in fresh oocytes. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Role of the CYP2D6, EPHX1, MPO, and NQO1 genes in the susceptibility to acute lymphoblastic leukemia in Brazilian children
Authors: Silveira Vanessa da Silva , Canalle Renata , Scrideli Carlos Alberto , Queiroz Rosane Gomes de Paula , Tone Luiz Gonzaga
Published: July 2009

Polymorphic variations of several genes associated with dietary effects and exposure to environmental carcinogens may influence susceptibility to leukemia development. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of the polymorphisms of debrisoquine hydroxylase (CYP2D6), epoxide hydrolase (EPHX1), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and quinone‐oxoreductase (NQO1), which have been implicated in xenobiotic metabolism, on the risk of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). We evaluated the frequency of polymorphisms in the CYP2D6 (*3 and *4), EPHX1 (*2 and *3), MPO (*2), and NQO1 (*2) genes in 206 patients with childhood ALL and in 364 healthy individuals matched for age and gender from a Brazilian population separated by ethnicity (European ancestry and African ancestry), using the PCR‐RFLP method. The CYP2D6 polymorphism variants were associated with an increased risk of ALL. The EPHX1, NQO1, and MPO variant genotypes were significantly associated with a reduced risk of childhood ALL. A significantly stronger protective effect is observed when the EPHX1, NQO1, and MPO variant genotypes are combined suggesting that, CYP2D6 polymorphisms may play a role in the susceptibility to pediatric ALL, whereas the EPHX1, NQO1, and MPO polymorphisms might have a protective function against leukemogenesis. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neutrophil oxidative metabolism in Down syndrome patients with congenital heart defects
Authors: Akinci Ozlem , Mihci Ercan , Tacoy Sukran , Kardelen Firat , Keser Ibrahim , Aslan Mutay
Published: July 2009

Down syndrome (DS) occurs when an individual has three, rather than two, copies of the 21st chromosome. Cytosolic superoxide dismutase (SOD‐1) is encoded by a gene on chromosome 21 and thus, SOD‐1 activity is elevated in patients with DS. Forty percent of all cases with DS are associated with congenital heart defects (CHD). Although the contribution of SOD1 to disease phenotype is unknown, it is considered to be a “molecular marker” of the disease. It was hypothesized herein that the presence of CHD may alter the expression of SOD1 and oxidative metabolism in patients with DS. This hypothesis was tested via four experimental groups as follows: patients with DS without CHD, DS patients with CHD, CHD patients without DS and controls. Expression and activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and catalase (CAT) were determined in neutrophils from all experimental groups. Intracellular hydrogen peroxide concentration and superoxide release were also evaluated in neutrophils. A significant increase was observed in SOD and GPx amount and activity in patients with DS with and without CHD. No significant difference was found in the amount and activity of MPO and CAT among the different experimental groups. Intracellular hydrogen peroxide concentration was similar in all groups, whereas a prominent decrease was seen in superoxide release in cases with DS. Patients with DS with and without CHD showed no significant differences in any of the measured parameters. The data suggest that CHD observed in patients with DS does not result from altered redox metabolism associated with the disease. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Maintenance of bivalve hemocytes for the purpose of delayed DNA strand break assessment using the comet assay
Authors: Hartl Mark G.J. , Grigson Steve J.W. , Sinet Emilie
Published: July 2009

The lack of appropriate methods for storing intact and viable cells for the purpose of delayed DNA strand break analysis has hitherto limited the application of the Comet assay to in vitro or in vivo laboratory studies and restricted ecologically more relevant field‐collected samples to sites in proximity to suitable laboratory facilities. In the present article, osmotically corrected cell culture media Hanks Balanced Salt Solution (HBSS) and Leibovitz Media (L‐15) were assessed for their suitability as temporary storage media of blue mussel (Mytilus edulis) hemocytes. It was found that hemocytes maintained in either HBSS or L‐15 could be stored for at least 7 days at 4°C without any significant deterioration in cell viability (Trypan blue) or increase in DNA strand breaks, expressed as % tail DNA. This approach allows the acquisition and examination of samples from organisms exposed in situ at previously unsuitable remote sites, thereby greatly increasing the potential ecological relevance of Comet assay‐derived genotoxicity data. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.