bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
L’Éducation traditionnelle et la vie communautaire en Afrique : repères et leçons d’expériences pour l’éducation au vivre-ensemble aujourd’hui
Authors: Paré-Kaboré Afsata
Published: October 2013

L’objectif de cet article est d’identifier dans le mode de vie et d’éducation traditionnels en Afrique des pistes d’actions pour contribuer aux efforts d’organisation des systèmes scolaires afin de promouvoir l’éducation au vivre-ensemble aujourd’hui. La méthode employée est une approche comparative des contextes socio-éducatifs d’hier et de mutation d’aujourd’hui en se basant sur une analyse critique de la littérature y afférente. En conclusion, si l’on conçoit que l’éducation au vivre-ensemble peut être assumée par les systèmes éducatifs, ceux-ci doivent être conçus de manière holistique et être ouverts à une intervention des parents avec leurs outils davantage ancrés dans l’habitus communautaire. Autrement dit, un partage des responsabilités et une reconnaissance officielle du rôle des parents dans ce processus sont importants.
Vivre-ensemble et dialogue : du programme québécois d’éthique et culture religieuse à la délibération démocratique
Authors: Duhamel André , Estivalèzes Mireille
Published: October 2013

La notion de vivre-ensemble est très présente dans le récent programme d’éthique et culture religieuse québécois, où elle ne se réduit pas à la simple coexistence mais imprègne, par sa promotion du dialogue, l’ensemble du projet pédagogique et politique qu’il soutient. C’est pourquoi elle est encore pertinente hors du contexte scolaire, dans le monde politique de la délibération démocratique que le programme entend ultimement aider à construire. En éclairant la notion de vivre-ensemble à la double lumière des sciences de l’éducation et de la philosophie politique, nous espérons montrer tant la pertinence de cette notion que la portée du programme, l’une et l’autre oeuvrant selon un paradigme pédagogique dépassant le clivage allégué entre éthique et politique.
Réflexions d’enseignantes du primaire autour d’une oeuvre d’art contemporain comme moyen d’éco-sensibilisation des élèves
Authors: Morel Maia
Published: October 2013

Cette étude vise à analyser les représentations d’enseignantes du primaire sur l’éducation artistique et sur le rôle possible de l’art contemporain dans le processus de sensibilisation des élèves à l’écologie. Elle a été menée par le biais d’un entretien de groupe, suivi d’un atelier pratique puis d’un questionnaire. L’auteure rapporte comment les participantes ont découvert le potentiel éducatif que peut présenter une oeuvre d’art contemporain pour un travail d’éco-sensibilisation en classe. L’évolution de leurs réflexions au cours des différentes étapes de l’étude sur le rôle des arts plastiques à l’école est également présentée. Les résultats avancent la nécessité de valoriser l’enseignement artistique, particulièrement l’art contemporain, pour l’éducation relative à l’environnement.
Élèves difficiles : récompenser ou punir ? Une stratégie d’intervention pour les enseignants basée sur le dessin et le jeu
Authors: Morand Louise
Published: October 2013

Cet article relate une expérience menée par une enseignante en musique au primaire pour améliorer le comportement d’élèves qui perturbent la classe. Il s’agit d’une activité de dessin à la récréation présentée comme sanction pour les élèves ayant contrevenu aux règles du groupe dans le cours de musique. Cette expérience s’est avérée positive, car elle a permis à l’enseignante d’acquérir une meilleure compréhension des élèves difficiles et d’apaiser les tensions découlant des conflits vécus en classe. L’auteure démontre que le plaisir partagé de la création artistique et du jeu social ont permis d’établir une meilleure communication avec les élèves et d’éviter le recours à la violence et la coercition, tout en incitant les jeunes à coopérer davantage à l’école.
Réflexions sur la pertinence du personnage historique dans la médiation du patrimoine
Authors: Hardy Isabelle
Published: October 2013

Les moyens les plus divers sont aujourd’hui utilisés dans les musées et les sites historiques pour mettre en valeur le patrimoine. L’auteur de cet article a choisi de s’intéresser à la pratique de médiation du patrimoine employant des personnages historiques comme médiateurs lors de performances, de représentations théâtrales. Elle pose plus précisément son regard sur Dramamuse, l’ancienne troupe de théâtre du Musée canadien des civilisations à Gatineau, et sur le service d’animation du site historique des plaines d’Abraham à Québec. En examinant la dimension pratique de leurs différentes performances, l’auteur a pu s’attarder particulièrement à l’impact et à la pertinence du personnage dans l’instauration et le maintien d’une relation de médiation avec le visiteur. Étant à la fois représentation et incarnation du passé, le personnage suscite des émotions et permet aux visiteurs d’acquérir des connaissances. Il est une façon hors du commun d’accéder au patrimoine.
Jeanne Pomerleau. Profession : faire connaître les métiers d’autrefois
Authors: Lambert Serge
Published: October 2013

Jeanne Pomerleau est attirée par tous les métiers pratiqués par nos ancêtres depuis la Nouvelle-France. Elle s’attaque à des recherches exhaustives qui la mèneront au fil des ans à regrouper le fruit de ses recherches dans divers ouvrages. Déterminée, passionnée, organisée et surtout motivée au possible, elle ne dérogera jamais de son but. Sa bibliographie compte plus d’une douzaine de livres consacrés à son objet de prédilection et documentant les métiers sédentaires, les métiers d’aventures et les métiers ambulants. Bref, on peut dire de cette chercheuse indépendante qu’elle a inventé une profession : celle de nous faire connaître les métiers d’autrefois et de nous présenter la vie quotidienne de ces gens au cours de différentes époques.
Aortic Stenosis: New Thoughts on a Cardiac Disease of Older People
Authors: Rogers Felix J.
Published: October 2013

We have entered a new era in understanding degenerative aortic stenosis in elderly patients. With the aging of the US population and the progressive decrease in coronary heart disease prevalence in the past 50 years, aortic stenosis has become a major cardiac concern. New perspectives of the disease now lead us to see the condition in terms of the response of the left ventricle and of systemic features, rather than just in terms of the valve area itself. A new classification of aortic stenosis recognizes 4 categories based on flow state (normal or low) and valve gradient (high or low). “Paradoxical” low-flow, low-gradient stenosis has a dismal prognosis in spite of a normal left ventricular ejection fraction. New measures of aortic flow and the response of the left ventricle provide new insights into the treatment of patients with this condition.
Akebono observations of EMIC waves in the slot region of the radiation belts
Authors: Sakaguchi K. , Kasahara Y. , Shoji M. , Omura Y. , Miyoshi Y. , Nagatsuma T. , Kumamoto A. , Matsuoka A.
Published: October 2013

This paper describes a unique observation of electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves in the deep inner magnetosphere at L = 2.5 − 5 made by the Akebono satellite at altitudes of 3,300 − 8,700 km. The mode conversion, i.e., L mode (He+ band) → R mode (He+ band) → L mode (O+ band) was clearly identified from the equator to high latitudes. In addition, we found rising tone structures, recently identified as EMIC triggered emissions, which could lead to bursty precipitation of relativistic electrons. First, we estimated the ion composition ratio (H+, He+, O+) = (83%, 16%, 1%) from polarization analysis. Second, we estimated minimum resonant electron energies with the observed EMIC waves and triggered emissions to be ∼1–10 MeV. The satellite trajectory during the wave observation was primarily through the slot region of electron radiation belts. The collocation implies possible contribution of EMIC waves to formation of the slot region of radiation belts after a magnetic storm.
An observationally based constraint on the water‐vapor feedback
Authors: Gordon N. D. , Jonko A. K. , Forster P. M. , Shell K. M.
Published: October 2013

The increase in atmospheric concentrations of water vapor with global warming is a large positive feedback in the climate system. Thus, even relatively small errors in its magnitude can lead to large uncertainties in predicting climate response to anthropogenic forcing. This study incorporates observed variability of water vapor over 2002–2009 from the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder instrument into a radiative transfer scheme to provide constraints on this feedback. We derive a short‐term water vapor feedback of 2.2 ± 0.4 Wm−2K−1. Based on the relationship between feedback derived over short and long timescales in twentieth century simulations of 14 climate models, we estimate a range of likely values for the long‐term twentieth century water vapor feedback of 1.9 to 2.8 Wm−2K−1. We use the twentieth century simulations to determine the record length necessary for the short‐term feedback to approach the long‐term value. In most of the climate models we analyze, the short‐term feedback converges to within 15% of its long‐term value after 25 years, implying that a longer observational record is necessary to accurately estimate the water vapor feedback.
Hyperspectral aerosol optical depths from TCAP flights
Authors: Shinozuka Y. , Johnson R. R. , Flynn C. J. , Russell P. B. , Schmid B. , Redemann J. , Dunagan S. E. , Kluzek C. D. , Hubbe J. M. , Segal‐Rosenheimer M. , Livingston J. M. , Eck T. F. , Wagener R. , Gregory L. , Chand D. , Berg L. K. , Rogers R. R. , Ferrare R. A. , Hair J. W. , Hostetler C. A. , Burton S. P.
Published: October 2013

The 4STAR (Spectrometer for Sky‐Scanning, Sun‐Tracking Atmospheric Research), a hyperspectral airborne Sun photometer, acquired aerosol optical depths (AOD) at 1 Hz during all July 2012 flights of the Two‐Column Aerosol Project. Root‐mean‐square differences from Aerosol Robotic Network ground‐based observations were 0.01 at wavelengths between 500–1020 nm, 0.02 at 380 and 1640 nm, and 0.03 at 440 nm in four clear‐sky fly‐over events, and similar in ground side‐by‐side comparisons. Changes in the above‐aircraft AOD across 3 km deep spirals were typically consistent with integrals of coincident in situ (on Department of Energy Gulfstream 1 with 4STAR) and lidar (on NASA B200) extinction measurements within 0.01, 0.03, 0.01, 0.02, 0.02, and 0.02 at 355, 450, 532, 550, 700, and 1064 nm, respectively, despite atmospheric variations and combined measurement uncertainties. Finer vertical differentials of the 4STAR measurements matched the in situ ambient extinction profile within 14% for one homogeneous column. For the AOD observed between 350 and 1660 nm, excluding strong water vapor and oxygen absorption bands, estimated uncertainties were ~0.01 and dominated by (then) unpredictable throughput changes, up to ±0.8%, of the fiber optic rotary joint. The favorable intercomparisons herald 4STAR's spatially resolved high‐frequency hyperspectral products as a reliable tool for climate studies and satellite validation.
Self‐Assembly Mechanism of Spiky Magnetoplasmonic Supraparticles
Authors: Zhou Hongjian , Kim Jong‐Pil , Bahng Joong Hwan , Kotov Nicholas A. , Lee Jaebeom
Published: October 2013

Concave nanoparticles (NPs) with complex angled and non‐Platonic geometries have unique optical, magnetic, catalytic, and biological properties originating from the singularities of the electrical field in apexes and craters. Preparation of such particles with a uniform size/shape and core–shell morphology represents a significant challenge, largely because of the poor knowledge of their formation mechanism. Here, this challenge is addressed and a study of the mechanism of their formation is presented for a case of complex spiky morphologies that led us to the conclusion that NPs with concave geometries can be, in fact, supraparticles (SPs) produced via the self‐assembly of smaller convex integrants. This mechanism is exemplified by the vivid case of spiky SPs formed via the attachment of small and faceted Au NPs on smooth Au‐coated iron oxide (Fe3O4@Au) seeds. The theoretical calculations of energies of primary interactions—electrostatic repulsion and van‐der Waals repulsion, elaborated for this complex case—confirm experimental observation and the self‐limiting mechanism of SP formation. Besides demonstrating the mechanistic aspects of synthesis of NPs with complex geometries, this work also uncovers a facile approach for preparation of concave magnetoplasmonic particles. When combined with a spiky geometry, such bi‐functional magnetoplasmonic SPs can serve as a unique platform for optoelectronic devices and biomedical applications.
Autopsy of patients with yusho
Authors: Kikuchi Masahiro
Published: October 2013

Autopsy findings of 12 patients with Yusho including 2 stillborn babies are reported. Characteristic pathological changes were acne‐like eruptions and cutaneous pigmentation with histological features of follicular hyperkeratosis, dilated hair follicles, and an increase of melanin pigment of the epidermis. In addition to the skin lesions, multiplication of the duct epithelium of the esophageal gland was found in 6 patients. Unusual multiple small foci of myocardial necrosis and fibrosis with basophilic myofibrillar degeneration were found in one patient, suggesting a relation to PCB exposure. Five cases with carcinomas (two involving the liver, two the lung, and one the esophagus) were also found, but their causal relationship with PCB was not certain. Nine cases showed the characteristic gas chromatographic pattern of Yusho, but two cases had the same one as that of healthy controls.
Dermatological, medical, and laboratory findings of patients in Taiwan and their treatments
Authors: Lü Yau‐Chin , Wong Pin‐Nan
Published: October 2013

This paper describes in detail the dermatological, medical, and laboratory findings of patients poisoned with PCBs and related compounds in Taiwan. Together with their symptoms, their skin lesions as well as their hematological, immunological, and other clinical features are explained. A grading of their clinical severity was tried, and its possible association with PCB concentrations in their blood was examined but could not be demonstrated. Various treatments have been applied but without notable success. Even so, a follow‐up study of patients one year later showed that about 38% of patients were somewhat clinically improved, while 54% were not altered.
Occupation and squamous cell cancers of the pharynx and sinonasal cavity
Authors: Vaughan Thomas L.
Published: October 2013

Lifetime job histories from a population‐based case‐control study of squamous cell carcinomas of the oro‐ and hypopharynx (OHPC), nasopharynx (NPC), and sinonasal cavity (SNC) were systematically examined to generate new hypotheses as well as to test previously noted associations between occupation and the cancers under study. The effects of both duration of employment in a particular job and the timing of the employment in relation to cancer diagnosis were investigated in a stratified analysis that controlled for cigarette smoking, alcohol intake, and other major risk factors. Overall, data on 231 cases and 552 controls were analyzed.

Occupations at increased risk of OHPC included “food service” workers in the “retail trade” industry (odds ratio = 1.9; 95% confidence interval = 1.0–3.6), “vehicle mechanics” in the “repair services” industry (OR = 2.5; CI = 0.8–8.3), “industrial mechanics” (OR = 31.0; CI = 3.0–315.1), and “carpenters” in the “contruction” industry (OR = 1.5; CI = 0.7–3.4). For NPC, similar patterns of increased risk were found for “food service” workers and “vehicle mechanics.” For “carpenters” in the “construction” industry, the relative risk estimate was almost five (OR = 4.8; CI = 1.2–19.4). Increases in SNC risk were noted for “food service” workers, as well as a number of occupations in the “lumber and wood product manufacturing” industry, including “forestry and logging” (OR = 2.0; CI = 0.5–8.2), and “wood working machine operators” (OR = 7.9; CI = 1.6–39.2). In each of these instances, the relative risk estimates increased with increasing duration in the job and when a 15‐year induction/latency period was taken into account.
Outcome of pregnancy in women engaged in laboratory work at a petrochemical plant
Authors: Axelsson GÖSta , Rylander Ragnar
Published: October 2013

The aim of the investigation was to study whether laboratory work or other types of chemical work at one petrochemical plant were associated with an increased risk for miscarriage or reduced birthweight. The study was based on questionnaire data for 95% of the women working at the plant between 1973 and 1987. A statistically significant difference between observed and expected number of miscarriages (p < 0.05) was seen during the period 1970–1974 among women working in one of the laboratories during the first trimester. No suspicions could be raised against any specific chemical as a cause of the unsuccessful pregnancies. The results do not indicate the presence of an increased risk today.
Lymphatic and hematopoietic tissue cancer in a chemical manufacturing environment
Authors: Ott M. Gerald , Teta M. Jane , Greenberg Howard L.
Published: October 2013

Nested case‐control studies of non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (52 cases), multiple myeloma (20 cases), nonlymphocytic leukemia (39 cases), and lymphocytic leukemia (18 cases) were conducted within a cohort of employed men from two chemical manufacturing facilities and a research and development center. Exposure odds ratios were examined in relation to 111 work areas, 21 specific chemicals, and 52 chemical activity groups. Associations were observed for a maintenance and construction subgroup (non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma) and a chlorohydrin production unit (nonlymphocytic leukemia). The odds ratio for the association of “foremen and others” with non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma was 3.2 (CI95 = 1.47–7.2) based on 11 cases. A duration‐response trend was observed for the chlorohydrin unit with three of four cases assigned 5 + years to that unit. An association between non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma and assignment to strong acid alcohol production units (OR = 8.3; CI95 = 2.3–30.7) was not supported by a duration‐response trend. Two highly correlated chemical groups, antioxidants (five cases) and nitriles (four cases), were over‐represented among multiple myeloma cases. A duration effect was observed. However, examination of work histories did not reveal common jobs or departments among these cases.
Follow‐up of hearing thresholds among forge hammering workers
Authors: Kamal Abdel‐Aziz M. , Mikael Raouf A. , Faris Rifky
Published: October 2013

Hearing threshold was reexamined in a group of forge hammering workers investigated 8 years ago with consideration of the age effect and of auditory symptoms. Workers were exposed to impact noise that ranged from 112 to 139 dB(A)—at an irregular rate of 20 to 50 drop/minute—and a continuous background noise that ranged from 90 to 94 dB(A). Similar to what was observed 8 years ago, the present permanent threshold shift (PTS) showed a maximum notch at the frequency of 6 kHz and considerable elevations at the frequencies of 0.25–1 kHz. The age‐corrected PTS and the postexposure hearing threshold were significantly higher than the corresponding previous values at the frequencies 0.25, 0.5, 1, and 8 kHz only. The rise was more evident at the low than at the high frequencies. Temporary threshold shift (TTS) values were significantly less than those 8 years ago. Contrary to the previous TTS, the present TTS were higher at low than at high frequencies. Although progression of PTS at the frequencies 0.25 and 0.5 kHz was continuous throughout the observed durations of exposure, progression at higher frequencies occurred essentially in the first 10 to 15 years of exposure. Thereafter, it followed a much slower rate. Tinnitus was significantly associated with difficulty in hearing the human voice and with elevation of PTS at all the tested frequencies, while acoustic after‐image was significantly associated with increment of PTS at the frequencies 0.25–2 kHz. No relation between PTS and smoking was found. PTS at low frequencies may provide an indication of progression of hearing damage when the sensitivity at 6 and 4 kHz diminishes after prolonged years of exposure. Tinnitus and acoustic after‐image are related to the auditory effect of forge hammering noise.
Oculotoxins: Effects, implications, and importance in occupational health
Authors: Srivastava A.K. , Gupta B.N.
Published: October 2013

A large number of chemicals are being used in industries. The potential of many of these chemicals to cause ocular damage has been well documented. It is therefore important that proper attention be given to the prevention of visual handicap among the population exposed to industrial chemicals. The aim of the present article is to create awareness and provoke discussion among concerned health personnel and administrators.
Health effects of organic dust exposure in dairy farmers
Authors: Malmberg Per
Published: October 2013

Exposure to farm dust may cause asthma, rhinitis, allergic alveolitis, organic dust toxic syndrome, and chronic bronchitis. Febrile reactions to inhaled dusts are common and are usually of a toxic rather than an allergic type. Some evidence indicates that dairy farmers may have an increased prevalence of chronic bronchitis, allergic asthma, rhinitis, and chronic airflow limitation, but this has not been conclusively shown. Storage mites and cow dander are important allergens in dairy farming. Inflammation of airways may in part be caused by immediate or delayed hypersensitivity. Other mechanisms, such as activation of inflammatory cells from toxic agents or high exposure levels, may be of considerable importance in causing airway and lung disease.
Characterization of health effects of wood dust exposures
Authors: Enarson Donald A. , Chan‐Yeung Moira
Published: October 2013

Exposure to wood dust is a common occurrence in all countries and may cause various diseases. These include extrinsic allergic alveolitis, organic dust toxic syndrome, occupational asthma, non‐asthmatic chronic airflow obstruction, and simple chronic bronchitis (mucus hypersecretion). Of these conditions, the most common are simple chronic bronchitis and non‐asthmatic chronic airflow obstruction. The level and pattern of occurrence of these conditions varies with the type of wood dust, climatic conditions, and the manner in which it is handled, particularly the use of fungicides. The prevalence and characteristics of the conditions associated with wood dust exposure are very similar to those due to grain dust exposure.
Unifying concepts underlying the effects of organic dust exposures
Authors: Richerson Hal B.
Published: October 2013

Defense mechanisms protect the lung very well from inhaled organic dusts. With sufficient exposure to certain dusts, however, susceptible individuals develop hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP), the organic dust toxic syndrome (ODTS), or asthma. Mucous membrane irritation (MMI) bothers some individuals inhaling grain dust. Allergic asthma is caused by IgE‐meditated immunologic responses to allergenic dust contaminants. ODTS can be explained by a nonimmunologic release of interleukin 1 (IL‐1) and perhaps other endogenous pyrogens from alveolar macrophages by endotoxin or other ingredients of dusts. The pathogenesis of HP may involve IL‐1 release combined with a specific immunological response by effector T‐lymphocytes. MMI may be the result of an irritant effect not involving immune responses or mediators.
Investigation of reports of sexual dysfunction among male chemical workers manufacturing stilbene derivatives
Authors: Quinn Margaret M. , Wegman David H. , Greaves Ian A. , Katharine S. Hammond , Ellenbecker Michael J. , Spark Richard F. , Smith Emil R.
Published: October 2013

A Health Hazard Evaluation was conducted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health in an area of a large chemical plant that manufactured the stilbene derivative 4,4′‐diaminostilbene‐2,2′‐disulfonic acid, an intermediate used for the production of optical brightening agents. Men employed in the area reported problems with impotence. The study population consisted of 44 men aged 20–57 years (mean age 37) employed in the area at the time of the evaluation. An industrial hygiene investigation, health and work history questionnaire survey, physical examinations, and blood chemistry and serum hormone evaluation were conducted. Fourteen percent of the men reported symptoms of impotence over the preceding 6 or more months, 7% had potency problems of shorter duration, and 7% were not currently impotent but had experienced impotence for 6 or more months in the past; 36% experienced decreased libido, all since beginning work in the production area. Low levels of serum testosterone (<350 ng/dl) were observed in 37% of the men. The low serum testosterone concentrations were not accounted for fully by diurnal variation or an effect of rotating shift work. It is suggested that exposures to chemicals possessing estrogenic activity may be related to the observed health effects in these workers.
Annals of morphology. Atavisms: Phylogenetic lazarus?
Authors: Zanni Ginevra , Opitz John M.
Published: October 2013

Dedication: with highest respect and affection to Prof. Giovanni Neri on the eve of his official administrative retirement as Chair of the Institute of Medical Genetics of the Università Cattolica of Rome for leadership in medical genetics and medical science and friendship for decades. The concept “atavism,” reversion, throwback, Rückschlag remains an epistemological challenge in biology; unwise or implausible over‐interpretation of a given structure as such has led some to almost total skepticism as to its existence. Originating in botany in the 18th century it became applied to zoology (and humans) with increasing frequency over the last two centuries such that the very concept became widely discredited. Presently, atavisms have acquired a new life and reconsideration given certain reasonable criteria, including:

Homology of structure of the postulated atavism to that of ancestral fossils or collateral species with plausible soft tissue reconstructions taking into account relationships of parts, obvious sites of origin and insertion of muscles, vascular channels, etc.

Most parsimonious, plausible phylogenetic assumptions.

Evident rudimentary or vestigial anatomical state in prior generations or in morphogenesis of a given organism.

Developmental instability in prior generations, that is, some closely related species facultatively with or without the trait.

Genetic identity or phylogenomic similarity inferred in ancestors and corroborated in more or less closely related species.

Fluctuating asymmetry may be the basis for the striking evolutionary diversification and common atavisms in limbs; however, strong selection and developmental constraints would make atavisms in, for example, cardiac or CNS development less likely.

Thus, purported atavisms must be examined critically in light of the above criteria. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dextrin crosslinked with poly(lactic acid): A novel hydrogel for controlled drug release application
Authors: Das Dipankar , Das Raghunath , Mandal Jayanta , Ghosh Animesh , Pal Sagar
Published: October 2013

A new class of biodegradable crosslinked hydrogel, consisting of hydrophobic polylactic acid (PLA) and hydrophilic dextrin in presence of crosslinker N,N‐methylene bisacrylamide (MBA) has been synthesized by free‐radical polymerization technique using potassium persulfate (KPS) as initiator. By variation of crosslinker concentration, a series of hydrogels have been prepared and the optimized grade has been selected on the basis of higher crosslinking efficiency as well as lower equilibrium swelling characteristics, XRD analysis. The hydrogels have been characterized by FTIR spectra, 13C‐NMR spectra, CHN analysis, SEM analysis, swelling characteristics, and toxicity study. In vitro release study of model drugs (ciprofloxacin and ornidazole) from hydrogel matrix has been performed in various buffer solutions at 37°C. The drug release kinetics and mechanism have been studied using zero order, first‐order kinetic models, Korsemeyar–Peppas model, Higuchi model, Hixson–Crowell model, and nonlinear Kopcha model. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40039.
Rheology of concentrated sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) solutions
Authors: Gupta Manish , Deshpande Abhijit P. , Kumar P. B. Sunil
Published: October 2013

Sulfonated polyether ether ketone (SPEEK), an ionic polymer, has been shown to be a potential candidate for fuel cell electrolyte as a proton exchange membrane. Rheological behavior of SPEEK solutions is of great interest to understand the molecular associations as well as due to implications in membrane processing. In this work, SPEEK of various degrees of sulfonation (58–80) was prepared and rheology of concentrated solutions of SPEEK was studied. The rheological properties were evaluated using steady and oscillatory shear. It was found that steady shear viscosity and storage modulus at any given concentration, is the highest for the lowest degree of sulfonation SPEEK solutions in N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone. The low frequency plateau in storage modulus was observed at some combinations of degrees of sulfonation and concentrations, indicating gel‐like behavior in these SPEEK solutions. No significant change in rheological behavior was observed with different polar solvents. Increase of several orders of magnitude in viscosity, storage and loss moduli were observed with increasing concentrations. The role of hydrophobic aggregation and inter‐chain associations in determining rheology of SPEEK solutions is argued based on comparisons with other material systems. The rheological behavior of SPEEK solutions with 70 as the degree of sulfonation, suggests crossover from hydrophobic‐hydrophilic balance. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40044.
Phase 2, multicenter, open‐label study of tigatuzumab (CS‐1008), a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting death receptor 5, in combination with gemcitabine in chemotherapy‐naive patients with unresectable or metastatic pancreatic cancer
Authors: Forero‐Torres Andres , Infante Jeffrey R. , Waterhouse David , Wong Lucas , Vickers Selwyn , Arrowsmith Edward , He Aiwu Ruth , Hart Lowell , Trent David , Wade James , Jin Xiaoping , Wang Qiang , Austin TaShara , Rosen Michael , Beckman Robert , von Roemeling Reinhard , Greenberg Jonathan , Saleh Mansoor
Published: October 2013

Tigatuzumab is the humanized version of the agonistic murine monoclonal antibody TRA‐8 that binds to the death receptor 5 and induces apoptosis of human cancer cell lines via the caspase cascade. The combination of tigatuzumab and gemcitabine inhibits tumor growth in murine pancreatic xenografts. This phase 2 trial evaluated the efficacy of tigatuzumab combined with gemcitabine in 62 chemotherapy‐naive patients with histologically or cytologically confirmed unresectable or metastatic pancreatic cancer. Patients received intravenous tigatuzumab (8 mg/kg loading dose followed by 3 mg/kg weekly) and gemcitabine (1000 mg/m2 once weekly for 3 weeks followed by 1 week of rest) until progressive disease (PD) or unacceptable toxicity occurred. The primary end point was progression‐free survival (PFS) at 16 weeks. Secondary end points included objective response rate (ORR) (complete responses plus partial responses), duration of response, and overall survival (OS). Safety of the combination was also evaluated. Mean duration of treatment was 18.48 weeks for tigatuzumab and 17.73 weeks for gemcitabine. The PFS rate at 16 weeks was 52.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 39.3–64.1%). The ORR was 13.1%; 28 (45.9%) patients had stable disease and 14 (23%) patients had PD. Median PFS was 3.9 months (95% CI, 2.2–5.4 months). Median OS was 8.2 months (95% CI, 5.1–9.6 months). The most common adverse events related to tigatuzumab were nausea (35.5%), fatigue (32.3%), and peripheral edema (19.4%). Tigatuzumab combined with gemcitabine was well tolerated and may be clinically active for the treatment of chemotherapy‐naive patients with unresectable or metastatic pancreatic cancer.
Characterization and Photocatalytic Activities of Mesoporous Silica Containing BiVO4 or La‐BiVO4
Authors: Golmojdeh H. , Zanjanchi M. A.
Published: October 2013

Pure monoclinic BiVO4, La‐doped BiVO4 catalysts, and MCM‐41 samples containing BiVO4 and La‐doped BiVO4 were prepared via precipitation. An improved photocatalytic activity was observed in the degradation of 2,4,6‐trichlorophenol using La‐doped samples. With higher amounts of La, a partial tetragonal crystalline phase of bismuth vanadate was found. The pure and La‐doped BiVO4 sample were loaded onto the mesoporous silica MCM‐41. Enhanced catalytic activity was achieved in comparison with those not being loaded onto MCM‐41. The lowered band gap following the introduction of La ions and also formation of higher amounts of surface complexes with pollutant molecules are the main reasons of the improved catalytic activity. A comparison of the extent of different chlorophenols toward degradation over the prepared catalysts revealed that under current experimental conditions the samples with more chloride groups suffer higher degradation.
Blood Proteins Strongly Reduce the Mobility of Artificial Self‐Propelled Micromotors
Authors: Wang Hong , Zhao Guanjia , Pumera Martin
Published: October 2013

Autonomous self‐propelled catalytic microjets are envisaged as an important technology in biomedical applications, including drug delivery, micro/nanosurgery, and active dynamic bioassays. The direct in vivo application of these microjets, specifically in blood, is however impeded by insufficient knowledge on the in vivo viability of the technique. This study highlights the effect of blood proteins on the viability of the microjets. The presence of blood proteins, including serum albumin and γ‐globulins at physiological concentrations, has been found to dramatically reduce the viability of the microjets. The reduction of viability has been measured in terms of a lower number of active microjets and a decrease in the velocity of propulsion. It is clear from this study that in order for microjets to function in biomedical applications, different modes of propulsion besides platinum‐catalyzed oxygen bubble ejection must be employed. These findings have serious implications for the biomedical applications of catalytic microjets.
Ganglioside GD2 as a therapeutic target for antibody‐mediated therapy in patients with osteosarcoma
Authors: Roth Michael , Linkowski Marissa , Tarim John , Piperdi Sajida , Sowers Rebecca , Geller David , Gill Jonathan , Gorlick Richard
Published: October 2013

BACKGROUND

Survival outcomes for patients with osteosarcoma have remained stagnant over the past 30 years. Targeting of ganglioside GD2, a glycosphingolipid on the cell surface of some tumors, with immunotherapy has resulted in improved outcomes for patients with neuroblastoma. In the current study, the expression pattern of GD2 was examined in osteosarcoma.

METHODS

Immunohistochemistry was performed on osteosarcoma samples from patients at the time of initial biopsy, definitive surgery, and disease recurrence. The intensity and location of staining were scored. Cell‐based enzyme‐linked immunoadsorbent assay was performed on osteosarcoma cell lines to quantitate the level of GD2 expression.

RESULTS

Forty‐four osteosarcoma samples were evaluated by immunohistochemistry, including 8 samples from the initial biopsy, 28 samples from the definitive surgery, and 8 samples from the time of disease recurrence. GD2 was expressed on all 44 osteosarcoma samples. Osteosarcoma tissue obtained at the time of disease recurrence demonstrated a higher intensity of staining compared with samples obtained at initial biopsy and definitive surgery (P = .016). The majority of osteosarcoma cell lines expressed GD2 at higher levels than the neuroblastoma cell line BE(2)‐C.

CONCLUSIONS

Ganglioside GD2 is highly expressed on osteosarcomas. Clinical trials are needed to assess the efficacy of targeting GD2 in patients with osteosarcoma. Cancer 2014;120:548–554. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Gas‐Phase Spectroscopy of Ferric HemeNO Complexes
Authors: Wyer Jean A. , Jørgensen Anders V. , Møller Pedersen Bjarke , Brøndsted Nielsen Steen
Published: October 2013

Weakly bound complexes between ferric heme cations and NO were synthesised in the gas phase from ion–molecule reactions, and their absorption measured based on photodissociation yields. The Soret band, which serves as an important marker band for heme‐protein spectroscopy, is maximal at 357±5 nm and significantly blue‐shifted compared to ferric heme nitrosyl proteins (maxima between 408 and 422 nm). This is in stark contrast to the Q‐band absorption where the protein microenvironment is nearly innocent in perturbing the electronic structure of the porphyrin macrocycle. Photodissociation is primarily through loss of NO. In contrast to the Q‐band region, two‐photon absorption was seen in the Soret band despite NO loss only requiring ∼1 eV. A model based on intersystem crossing to a long‐lived triplet state where a barrier has to be surmounted is suggested. Finally, we summarise the measured absorption maxima of heme and its complexes with amino acids and NO.
A method for evaluating the use of fluorescent dyes to track proliferation in cell lines by dye dilution
Authors: Begum Julfa , Day William , Henderson Carl , Purewal Sukhveer , Cerveira Joana , Summers Huw , Rees Paul , Davies Derek , Filby Andrew
Published: October 2013

Labeling nonquiescent cells with carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester (CFSE)‐like dyes gives rise to a population width exceeding the threshold for resolving division peaks by flow cytometry. Width is a function of biological heterogeneity plus extrinsic and intrinsic error sources associated with the measurement process. Optimal cytometer performance minimizes extrinsic error, but reducing intrinsic error to the point of facilitating peak resolution requires careful fluorochrome selection and fluorescent cell sorting. In this study, we labeled the Jurkat and A549 cell lines with CFSE, CellTraceViolet (CTV), and eFluor 670 proliferation dye (EPD) to test if we could resolve division peaks in culture after reducing the labeled input widths by cell sorting. Reanalysis of the sorted populations to ascertain the level of reduction achieved always led to widths exceeding the gated limits due to the contribution of errors. Measuring detector‐specific extrinsic error by sorting uniform fluorescent particles with similar spectral properties to the tracking dyes allowed us to determine the intrinsic error for each dye and cell type using a simple mathematical approach. We found that cell intrinsic error ultimately dictated whether we could resolve division peaks, and that as this increased, the required sort gate width to resolve any division peaks decreased to the point whereby issues with yield made A549 unsuitable for this approach. Finally, attempts to improve yields by setting two concurrent sort gates on the fluorescence distribution enriched for cells in different stages of the cell cycle that had nonequivalent proliferative properties in culture and thus should be practiced with caution. © 2013 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Immunocytochemical detection of mycobacterial antigen in extrapulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Prapanna Pooja , Srivastava Ruchi , Arora Vinod Kumar , Singh Navjeevan , Bhatia Arati , Kaur Iqbal R.
Published: October 2013

The aim of the study is to determine whether immunostaining for mycobacterial antigen can contribute to the cytological diagnosis of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB). The study was carried out on aspirated material of lymph nodes, and other accessible sites, from 65 patients with clinical diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB). Twenty patients, diagnosed by fine‐needle aspiration, with non‐tuberculous granulomas served as controls. The diagnosis of TB was based on the demonstration of acid‐fast bacilli (AFB), culture positivity for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis), or response to treatment with standard anti‐tubercular therapy. Immunostaining was done using polyclonal antibody to mycobacteria. AFB positivity by Ziehl Neelsen (ZN) staining was 21%, 65.38%, and 68% respectively in Pattern 1 (granulomas alone), in Pattern 2 (granulomas with necrosis), and in Pattern 3 (necrosis alone). Overall AFB positivity was 56.92%. Twenty‐eight of 65 cases were negative for AFB on direct smear. Culture was positive in 46% (13/28). Sensitivity and specificity of immunostaining were 96.92% (63/65) and 95%, respectively. Immunoreactivity was seen in 26 (92.8%) of 28 cases which were negative by ZN staining. Except in the case of leprosy, in which cross reactivity was seen, there was no immunoreactivity in the control group. Immunocytochemistry (ICC) had high sensitivity (96.2%) and specificity (95%) in the diagnosis of EPTB. ICC may be a useful adjunct to evaluation of cytomorphology and ZN staining. Diagn. Cytopathol 2014;42:391–395. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Lipoxin A4 modulates adaptive immunity by decreasing memory B‐cell responses via an ALX/FPR2‐dependent mechanism
Authors: Ramon Sesquile , Bancos Simona , Serhan Charles N. , Phipps Richard P.
Published: October 2013

Specialized proresolving mediators are endogenous bioactive lipid molecules that play a fundamental role in the regulation of inflammation and its resolution. Lipoxins and other specialized proresolving mediators have been identified in important immunological tissues including bone marrow, spleen, and blood. Lipoxins regulate functions of the innate immune system including the promotion of monocyte recruitment and increase macrophage phagocytosis of apoptotic neutrophils. A major knowledge gap is whether lipoxins influence adaptive immune cells. Here, we analyzed the actions of lipoxin A4 (LXA4) and its receptor ALX/FPR2 on human and mouse B cells. LXA4 decreased IgM and IgG production on activated human B cells through ALX/FPR2‐dependent signaling, which downregulated NF‐κB p65 nuclear translocation. LXA4 also inhibited human memory B‐cell antibody production and proliferation, but not naïve B‐cell function. Lastly, LXA4 decreased antigen‐specific antibody production in an OVA immunization mouse model. To our knowledge, this is the first description of the actions of lipoxins on human B cells, demonstrating a link between resolution signals and adaptive immunity. Regulating antibody production is crucial to prevent unwanted inflammation. Harnessing the ability of lipoxins to decrease memory B‐cell antibody production can be beneficial to threat inflammatory and autoimmune disorders.
Polygonal finite elements for incompressible fluid flow
Authors: Talischi Cameron , Pereira Anderson , Paulino Glaucio H. , Menezes Ivan F.M. , Carvalho Márcio S.
Published: October 2013

We discuss the use of polygonal finite elements for analysis of incompressible flow problems. It is well‐known that the stability of mixed finite element discretizations is governed by the so‐called inf‐sup condition, which, in this case, depends on the choice of the discrete velocity and pressure spaces. We present a low‐order choice of these spaces defined over convex polygonal partitions of the domain that satisfies the inf‐sup condition and, as such, does not admit spurious pressure modes or exhibit locking. Within each element, the pressure field is constant while the velocity is represented by the usual isoparametric transformation of a linearly‐complete basis. Thus, from a practical point of view, the implementation of the method is classical and does not require any special treatment. We present numerical results for both incompressible Stokes and stationary Navier–Stokes problems to verify the theoretical results regarding stability and convergence of the method. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Convenient Method to Synthesize 1,3‐Selenazolidin‐2‐ones from 2‐Chloroethyl Amine Salts by Se/CO System under Atmospheric Pressure and Temperature
Authors: Tian Fengshou , Chen Yahong , Li Peng , Lu Shiwei
Published: October 2013

1,3‐Selenazolidin‐2‐ones were successfully synthesized by the reaction of 2‐chloroethyl amine salts with the Se/CO system via selenation and carbonylation in the presence of NaOH under atmospheric pressure and temperature, and were characterized by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance.
New developments in the evolution and application of the WHO/IPCS framework on mode of action/species concordance analysis
Authors: Meek M. E. , Boobis A. , Cote I. , Dellarco V. , Fotakis G. , Munn S. , Seed J. , Vickers C.
Published: October 2013

The World Health Organization/International Programme on Chemical Safety mode of action/human relevance framework has been updated to reflect the experience acquired in its application and extend its utility to emerging areas in toxicity testing and non‐testing methods. The underlying principles have not changed, but the framework's scope has been extended to enable integration of information at different levels of biological organization and reflect evolving experience in a much broader range of potential applications. Mode of action/species concordance analysis can also inform hypothesis‐based data generation and research priorities in support of risk assessment. The modified framework is incorporated within a roadmap, with feedback loops encouraging continuous refinement of fit‐for‐purpose testing strategies and risk assessment. Important in this construct is consideration of dose–response relationships and species concordance analysis in weight of evidence. The modified Bradford Hill considerations have been updated and additionally articulated to reflect increasing experience in application for cases where the toxicological outcome of chemical exposure is known. The modified framework can be used as originally intended, where the toxicological effects of chemical exposure are known, or in hypothesizing effects resulting from chemical exposure, using information on putative key events in established modes of action from appropriate in vitro or in silico systems and other lines of evidence. This modified mode of action framework and accompanying roadmap and case examples are expected to contribute to improving transparency in explicitly addressing weight of evidence considerations in mode of action/species concordance analysis based on both conventional data sources and evolving methods. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The World Health Organization retains copyright and all other rights in the manuscript of this article as submitted for publication.