bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
El proceso de armonización contable en latinoamérica: camino hacia las normas internacionales
Authors: Palacios Manzano Mercedes , Martínez Conesa Isabel
Published: June 2011

Actualmente, tras el acuerdo firmado en 1995 entre el IASB y la IOSCO, junto con el plan de convergencia establecido entre el IASB y el FASB en 2002, el proceso de armonización contable se encuentra en un momento de enorme efervescencia. Durante las últimas décadas, numerosos organismos han participado activamente en el proceso de mejora de la comparabilidad de la información financiera de todas las empresas que actúan en un mismo mercado globalizado. Recientemente, la tendencia observada es hacia las Normas Internacionales de Contabilidad (que ahora han pasado a denominarse International Financial Reporting Standards) como único conjunto de normas de contabilidad aceptadas a escala internacional. En este contexto, el objetivo de este trabajo es analizar el proceso de armonización contable en América Latina, detallando los esfuerzos realizados para lograr la convergencia de las normas contables. Para ello, se cree conveniente centrar en las principales contribuciones llevadas a cabo por dos grupos que a fechas actuales han alcanzado resultados: el Grupo de Integración del MERCOSUR de Contabilidad, Economía y Administración - GIMCEA y el Comité para la Cooperación en Asuntos de Informes Financieros del Tratado de Libre Comercio de Norteamérica - AFTA, analizando el proceso en los países que han establecido mecanismos formales para lograr la convergencia: Argentina y Brasil (miembros del GIMCEA), Chile y México (miembros del AFTA). Una vez expuestos los modelos armonizadores de los diferentes países, se cree conveniente realizar un estudio comparativo de los tratamientos contables dispares existentes entre las normas internacionales del IASB, los principios contables americanos del FASB, y las normas contables Latinoamericanas (Argentinas, Brasileñas, Chilenas y Mexicanas), determinando las áreas en las que es preciso continuar avanzando para lograr la convergencia de normas contables.
Restoring Native Plant Communities in Smooth Brome (Bromus inermis)–Dominated Grasslands
Authors: Bahm Matt A. , Barnes Thomas G. , Jensen Kent C.
Published: June 2011

Smooth brome (Bromus inermis) is an introduced, cool-season perennial, sod-forming grass that has been shown to invade both native cool-and warm-season grasslands throughout North America. During the fall of 2005 through spring 2007, we implemented a smooth brome removal study at five sites in eastern South Dakota. Sites were selected to represent a range of soil and environmental conditions. Seven fall herbicide treatments, five spring herbicide treatments, an untreated plot that was planted with a native seed mix, and an untreated control that received no herbicide or seed addition were applied at each location in fall 2005/spring 2006 and fall 2006/spring 2007. Based upon first-year results, three fall herbicide treatments and two spring herbicide treatments were added in fall 2006/spring 2007. Sites were seeded with a native plant mix within 2 wk following spring herbicide treatment. Smooth brome cover in untreated plots ranged from 73 to 99% at the conclusion of the study. Smooth brome cover on herbicide-treated plots ranged from 0 to 84% on 2005/2006 plots and 0 to 98% on 2006/2007 plots after three growing seasons. Native plant response varied by site and treatment, possibly due to competition from exotic weeds. Although several herbicides show promise for control of smooth brome, future response of native plants will be important in determining the proper timing and herbicide combination.
A Meta-Analysis of Disparities in Childhood Sexual Abuse, Parental Physical Abuse, and Peer Victimization Among Sexual Minority and Sexual Nonminority Individuals
Authors: Friedman Mark S. , Marshal Michael P. , Guadamuz Thomas E. , Wei Chongyi , Wong Carolyn F. , Saewyc Elizabeth M. , Stall Ron
Published: June 2011

Objectives. We compared the likelihood of childhood sexual abuse (under age 18), parental physical abuse, and peer victimization based on sexual orientation.

Methods. We conducted a meta-analysis of adolescent school-based studies that compared the likelihood of childhood abuse among sexual minorities vs sexual nonminorities.

Results. Sexual minority individuals were on average 3.8, 1.2, 1.7, and 2.4 times more likely to experience sexual abuse, parental physical abuse, or assault at school or to miss school through fear, respectively. Moderation analysis showed that disparities between sexual minority and sexual nonminority individuals were larger for (1) males than females for sexual abuse, (2) females than males for assault at school, and (3) bisexual than gay and lesbian for both parental physical abuse and missing school through fear. Disparities did not change between the 1990s and the 2000s.

Conclusions. The higher rates of abuse experienced by sexual minority youths may be one of the driving mechanisms underlying higher rates of mental health problems, substance use, risky sexual behavior, and HIV reported by sexual minority adults.
Applying the Essential Medicines Concept to US Preferred Drug Lists
Authors: Millar Timothy P. , Wong Shirley , Odierna Donna H. , Bero Lisa A.
Published: June 2011

Objectives. We assessed whether state Medicaid preferred drug lists are concordant with the World Health Organization's 2009 16th Essential Medicines List and with each other. We also characterized listed medicines by generic availability and appearance on treatment guidelines.

Methods. We derived generic availability and first-line treatment status from the US Food and Drug Administration's Orange Book and the 2004–2009 National Health Service National Institute for Clinical Excellence guidelines. We report characteristics of Essential Medicines List and preferred drug list (PDL)-only medicines and describe differences between medicines that are frequently and infrequently listed on PDLs.

Results. Only 6 of 120 Essential Medicines List medicines appeared on fewer than 50% of PDLs. PDL-only medicines (n = 249) were less likely than were Essential Medicines List medicines (n = 120) to have generic versions available (56% vs 76%) and to be first-line treatments (21% vs 41%). The content of PDLs was variable: 33% of medicines appeared on 80% to 100% of PDLs.

Conclusions. Application of the essential medicines concept to Medicaid PDLs could reduce costs and provide more equitable and evidence-based health care to low-income patients in the United States.
Determinants of Hearing Aid Acquisition in Older Adults
Authors: Fischer Mary E. , Cruickshanks Karen J. , Wiley Terry L. , Klein Barbara E. K. , Klein Ronald , Tweed Ted S.
Published: June 2011

Objectives. We determined factors associated with hearing aid acquisition in older adults.

Methods. We conducted a population-based, prospective study that used information from 3 examinations performed on study participants as part of the Epidemiology of Hearing Loss Study (1993–2005). We included participants (n = 718; mean age = 70.5 years) who exhibited hearing loss at baseline or the first follow-up and had no prior history of hearing aid use. We defined hearing loss as a pure tone threshold average (PTA) at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kilohertz in the better ear of greater than 25 decibels Hearing Level.

Results. The 10-year cumulative incidence of hearing aid acquisition was 35.7%. Associated factors included education (college graduate vs all others: hazard ratio [HR] = 2.5; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.5, 4.1), self-perception of hearing (poor vs good or better: HR = 2.5; 95% CI = 1.3, 5.0), score on a perceived hearing handicap inventory (+ 1 difference: HR = 1.1; 95% CI = 1.0, 1.1), and PTA (+ 5 dB difference: HR = 1.4; 95% CI = 1.2, 1.6).

Conclusions. The low rate of hearing aid ownership among older adults is a problem that still needs to be addressed.
Negative Aspects of Close Relationships as a Predictor of Increased Body Mass Index and Waist Circumference: The Whitehall II Study
Authors: Kouvonen Anne , Stafford Mai , De Vogli Roberto , Shipley Martin J. , Marmot Michael G. , Cox Tom , Vahtera Jussi , Väänänen Ari , Heponiemi Tarja , Singh-Manoux Archana , Kivimäki Mika
Published: June 2011

Objectives. We investigated whether exposure to negative aspects of close relationships was associated with subsequent increase in body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference.

Methods. Data came from a prospective cohort study (Whitehall II) of 9425 civil servants aged 35 to 55 years at baseline (phase 1: 1985–1988). We assessed negative aspects of close relationships with the Close Persons Questionnaire (range 0–12) at phases 1 and 2 (1989–1990). We measured BMI and waist circumference at phases 3 (1991–1994) and 5 (1997–1999). Covariates at phase 1 included gender, age, marital status, ethnicity, BMI, employment grade, smoking, physical activity, fruit and vegetable consumption, and common mental disorder.

Results. After adjustment for sociodemographic characteristics and health behaviors, participants with higher exposure to negative aspects of close relationships had a higher likelihood of a 10% or greater increase in BMI and waist circumference (odds ratios per 1-unit increase 1.08 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.02, 1.14; P = .007] and 1.09 [CI = 1.04, 1.14; P ≤ .001], respectively) as well as a transition from the overweight (25 ≤ BMI < 30) to the obese (BMI ≥ 30) category.

Conclusions. Adverse social relationships may contribute to weight gain.
The Quiet Revolution: Breastfeeding Transformed With the Use of Breast Pumps
Authors: Rasmussen Kathleen M. , Geraghty Sheela R.
Published: June 2011

A quiet revolution has been taking place in the feeding of US infants in the form of women using electric breast pumps. This revolution in milk expression may be a boon for both mothers and infants if more infants are fed human milk or if they receive human milk for a longer period.

Milk expression may also be problematic for mothers, and it may be particularly problematic for infants if they are fed too much, fed milk of an inappropriate composition, or fed milk that is contaminated.

As a result, the time has come to determine the prevalence of exclusive and periodic breast milk expression and the consequences of these behaviors for the health of mothers and their infants.
Using the Tax System to Promote Physical Activity: Critical Analysis of Canadian Initiatives
Authors: von Tigerstrom Barbara , Larre Tamara , Sauder JoAnne
Published: June 2011

In Canada, tax incentives have been recently introduced to promote physical activity and reduce rates of obesity. The most prominent of these is the federal government's Children's Fitness Tax Credit, which came into effect in 2007. We critically assess the potential benefits and limitations of using tax measures to promote physical activity.

Careful design could make these measures more effective, but any tax-based measures have inherent limitations, and the costs of such programs are substantial.

Therefore, it is important to consider whether public funds are better spent on other strategies that could instead provide direct public funding to address environmental and systemic factors.
Prediction of gas holdup in a combined loop air lift fluidized bed reactor using Newtonian and non-Newtonian liquids
Authors: Venkatachalam Sivakumar , Palaniappan Akilamudhan , Kandasamy Senthilkumar , Kandasamy Kannan
Published: June 2011

Many experiments have been conducted to study the hydrodynamic
characteristics of column reactors and loop reactors. In this present work a
novel combined loop airlift fluidized bed reactor was developed to study, the
effect of superficial gas and liquid velocities, particle diameter, fluid
properties on gas holdup by using Newtonian and non-Newtonian liquids.
Compressed air was used as gas phase. Water, 5% n-butanol, various
concentrations of glycerol (60 % and 80 %) were used as Newtonian liquids,
different concentrations of Carboxy Methyl Cellulose (0.25 %, 0.6 % and 1.0
%) aqueous solutions were used as non-Newtonian liquids. Different sizes of
Spheres, Bearl saddles and Raschig rings were used as solid phases. From the
experimental results it was found that the increase in superficial gas
velocity increases the gas holdup, but it decreases with increase in
superficial liquid velocity and viscosity of liquids. Based on the
experimental results a correlation was developed to predict the gas holdup
for Newtonian and non-Newtonian liquids for a wide range of operating
conditions at a homogeneous flow regime where the superficial gas velocity is
approximately less than 5 cm/s.
Comparison of ceramic capillary membrane and ceramic tubular membrane with inserted static mixer
Authors: Gaspar Igor , Koris Andras , Bertalan Zsolt , Vatai Gyula
Published: June 2011

Oily wastewaters are produced in large amounts in many fields of food, mechanical, and other types of industry. In order to protect the environment, wastewaters must not be discharged directly into sewers. First, they must be cleaned at least down to 50 mg L−1 of oil content (according to Hungarian standard). In previous research, the authors found that oil-in-water emulsions can be separated with filtration using ceramic ultrafiltration tubular membranes. The relatively high price of ceramic membranes can be compensated by the fact that this separation process can be significantly intensified by static mixers inside the tubular membranes. New generations of ceramic membranes are the ceramic capillary membranes. These two different types of membranes and their effects on permeate flux, oil retention and specific energy consumption were compared in this work. The results, obtained with a stable oil-in-water emulsion as feed, showed that the use of novel ceramic capillary membranes at optimal operating cross-flow rate and transmembrane pressure is reasonable. The results have also shown the advantage of static mixing in the lumen side of the membrane tube providing a wider range of satisfactory separation level and increased permeate flux.
Armored Geomembrane Cover Engineering
Authors: Foye Kevin
Published: June 2011

Geomembranes are an important component of modern engineered barriers to prevent the infiltration of stormwater and runoff into contaminated soil and rock as well as waste containment facilities—a function generally described as a geomembrane cover. This paper presents a case history involving a novel implementation of a geomembrane cover system. Due to this novelty, the design engineers needed to assemble from disparate sources the design criteria for the engineering of the cover. This paper discusses the design methodologies assembled by the engineering team. This information will aid engineers designing similar cover systems as well as environmental and public health professionals selecting site improvements that involve infiltration barriers.
Systematic Approaches towards the Development of Host-Directed Antiviral Therapeutics
Authors: Prussia Andrew , Thepchatri Pahk , Snyder James P. , Plemper Richard  K.
Published: June 2011

Since the onset of antiviral therapy, viral resistance has compromised the clinical value of small-molecule drugs targeting pathogen components. As intracellular parasites, viruses complete their life cycle by hijacking a multitude of host-factors. Aiming at the latter rather than the pathogen directly, host-directed antiviral therapy has emerged as a concept to counteract evolution of viral resistance and develop broad-spectrum drug classes. This approach is propelled by bioinformatics analysis of genome-wide screens that greatly enhance insights into the complex network of host-pathogen interactions and generate a shortlist of potential gene targets from a multitude of candidates, thus setting the stage for a new era of rational identification of drug targets for host-directed antiviral therapies. With particular emphasis on human immunodeficiency virus and influenza virus, two major human pathogens, we review screens employed to elucidate host-pathogen interactions and discuss the state of database ontology approaches applicable to defining a therapeutic endpoint. The value of this strategy for drug discovery is evaluated, and perspectives for bioinformatics-driven hit identification are outlined.
Nitrogen Concentration Estimation in Tomato Leaves by VIS-NIR Non-Destructive Spectroscopy
Authors: Ulissi Valentina , Antonucci Francesca , Benincasa Paolo , Farneselli Michela , Tosti Giacomo , Guiducci Marcello , Tei Francesco , Costa Corrado , Pallottino Federico , Pari Luigi , Menesatti Paolo
Published: June 2011

Nitrogen concentration in plants is normally determined by expensive and time consuming chemical analyses. As an alternative, chlorophyll meter readings and N-NO3 concentration determination in petiole sap were proposed, but these assays are not always satisfactory. Spectral reflectance values of tomato leaves obtained by visible-near infrared spectrophotometry are reported to be a powerful tool for the diagnosis of plant nutritional status. The aim of the study was to evaluate the possibility and the accuracy of the estimation of tomato leaf nitrogen concentration performed through a rapid, portable and non-destructive system, in comparison with chemical standard analyses, chlorophyll meter readings and N-NO3 concentration in petiole sap. Mean reflectance leaf values were compared to each reference chemical value by partial least squares chemometric multivariate methods. The correlation between predicted values from spectral reflectance analysis and the observed chemical values showed in the independent test highly significant correlation coefficient (r = 0.94). The utilization of the proposed system, increasing efficiency, allows better knowledge of nutritional status of tomato plants, with more detailed and sharp information and on wider areas. More detailed information both in space and time is an essential tool to increase and stabilize crop quality levels and to optimize the nutrient use efficiency.
Homoallylic amines by reductive inter- and intramolecular coupling of allenes and nitriles
Authors: Wipf Peter , Manojlovic Marija D
Published: June 2011

The one-pot hydrozirconation of allenes and nitriles followed by an in situ transmetalation of the allylzirconocene with dimethylzinc or zinc chloride provides functionalized homoallylic amines. An intramolecular version of this process leads to 3-aminotetrahydrofurans and 3-aminotetrahydropyrans.
Diffusion et valorisation de l'art actuel en région
Authors: De Vrièse Muriel , Martin Bénédicte , Melin Corinne , Moureau Nathalie , Sagot-Duvauroux Dominique
Published: June 2011

R éSUMé À partir de l'examen des différents canaux de diffusion et de valorisation de la création contemporaine dans les agglomérations de Lyon, Montpellier, Nantes, Le Havre et Rouen, l'étude propose une topographie des mondes de l'art actuel qui s'organise autour de pôles principaux : le monde institutionnel et le monde marchand, qui ont chacun leurs mondes intermédiaires. Elle identifie différents modèles économiques de l'art fondés sur une double distinction : économie d'œuvres versus économie de projet d'une part, innovation versus tradition d'autre part. L'étude propose une typologie inédite des galeries et met en évidence des profils d'artistes (formation, carrière, lieux de diffusion, rémunération) différents selon le modèle économique au sein duquel ces artistes évoluent.
L'objet propre de la logique
Authors: Bonnay Denis
Published: June 2011

Résumé La logique est une théorie normative du raisonnement, qui vise à caractériser la classe des arguments déductifs valides en déterminant si la conclusion est conséquence logique des prémisses. Mais, selon la définition sémantique devenue classique, la caractérisation de la relation de conséquence logique dépend elle-même de la caractérisation de la classe des mots logiques, ces mots qui, comme « non », « et », « tous » ou « certains » servent à articuler nos raisonnements. J’examine dans cet article à quelles conditions une analyse conceptuelle des propriétés sémantiques des mots logiques permet d’éclairer et de compléter une analyse conceptuelle des propriétés distinctives de la relation de conséquence logique.
Social media, networks and governance: on the inadequacy of traditional reasoning
Authors: Camps Theo
Published: June 2011

Social media have brought about an enormous acceleration and increase in information flows. They have caused traditional ways of describing organisations and their environment to quickly lose their effect. Current views on the relationship between supply and demand in market situations are also losing their validity. The network concept offers possibilities for developing effective forms of description and analysis. The example of the position of Dutch tomato exports to Germany shows that it is impossible to arrive at a useful formulation of the problem without the concept of the network. The disappearance of traditional descriptions starts with the language used. The terminology that was suitable for describing organisations in the industrial era has only limited value in the information era, or is even counter-productive. In many cases, the essence of what occurs in reality is not captured in traditional descriptions.
Alimentation et cancers. Personnes atteintes et autorités alternatives
Authors: Cohen Patrice , Legrand Emilie
Published: June 2011

A partir d’un terrain effectué en Normandie conjointement auprès de personnes atteintes de cancer, au sein d’un centre officiel de cancérologie et dans des milieux non conventionnels, il est ici analysé l’influence des approches non conventionnelles dans le vécu alimentaire des personnes atteintes. A la recherche de solutions dans leur gestion du cancer et pour faire face aux effets secondaires de leurs traitements, ces personnes ne trouvant pas de réponses adaptées à leur situation et à leurs demandes dans le milieu de la cancérologie, mobilisent des représentations sociales et des  pratiques alimentaires dont la cohérence ne peut se comprendre qu’au travers d’une mise en perspective des approches non conventionnelles du cancer. En identifiant des « autorités » alternatives à la cancérologie officielle s’étant singularisées en France pour leur approche de l’alimentation et dont l’influence est attestée sur notre terrain, des logiques sociales sont ici analysées attestant de leur audience auprès des personnes atteintes et auprès d’un public plus large. Ces approches, inscrites dans une culture de réforme alimentaire ayant émergée avec l’industrialisation, sont en adéquation avec des mouvements sociaux actuels (défense de la liberté des soins, pensée écologique, contre-culture médicale, protestation anti-libérale, et anti-lobbies pharmaceutiques et agro-alimentaires). La marginalisation de ces « autorités » par les instances officielles de la science est contrebalancée par la reconnaissance des malades, l’adhésion d’un certain nombre de médecins, et par la convergence revendiquée de leurs approches avec les nouvelles preuves scientifiques.
Prevalence and Correlates of Physical Disability and Functional Limitation among Elderly Rural Population in Nigeria
Authors: Abdulraheem I. S. , Oladipo A. R. , Amodu M. O.
Published: June 2011

Background. The number of people surviving into old age is increasing, and it has now become a global phenomenon. Studies on the prevalence and correlates of physical disability and functional limitation among elderly Nigerians are scanty.Methodology. This is a community-based cross-sectional study conducted in 3 local government areas (LGAs) in Nigeria, using a multistage sampling technique. Functional limitations of 1824 elderly persons were tested using Tinetti performance-oriented mobility assessment tool (TPOMAT) and self-reported activities of daily living (ADL). ADL disability of ten, six, and five basic items were compared.Results. The prevalence ratios (PRs) of physical disability using the ten, six, and five basic ADL items were 28.3 (95% CI 25.2–31. 5), 15.7 (95% CI 13.4–19.8), and 12.1 (95% CI 9.8–15.3), respectively, while functional limitation was 22.5 (95% CI 18.1–24.4). Increased risk of disability was independently associated with female gender PR 3.6 (95% CI 1.5–7.4), advanced age ≥75 years; PR 22.2 (95% CI 14.5, 36.8), arthritis PR 3.7 (95% CI 2.6–4.6), stroke PR 4.8 (95% CI 3.7–7.9) and diabetes PR 6.1 (95% CI 4.3–7.1).Conclusions. The findings from this study are pointers to unmet needs of the elderly disabled Nigerians.
Spectrum Resolving Power of Hearing: Measurements, Baselines, and Influence of Maskers
Authors: Supin Alexander Ya.
Published: June 2011

Contemporary methods of measurement of frequency tuning in the auditory system are reviewed. Most of them are based on the frequency-selective masking paradigm and require multi-point measurements (a number of masked thresholds should be measured to obtain a single frequency-tuning estimate). Therefore, they are rarely used for practical needs. As an alternative approach, frequency-selective properties of the auditory system may be investigated using probes with complex frequency spectrum patterns, in particular, rippled noise that is characterized by a spectrum with periodically alternating maxima and minima. The maximal ripple density discriminated by the auditory system is a convenient measure of the spectrum resolving power (SRP). To find the highest resolvable ripple density, a phase-reversal test has been suggested. Using this technique, normal SRP, its dependence on probe center frequency, spectrum contrast, and probe level were measured. The results were not entirely predictable by frequency-tuning data obtained by masking methods. SRP is influenced by maskers, with on- and off-frequency maskers influencing SRP very differently. Dichotic separation of the probe and masker results in almost complete release of SRP from influence of maskers.
Primary splenic lymphoma presenting with ascites
Authors: Healy Nuala A. , Conneely John B , Mahon Sarah , O'Riardon Conor , McAnena Oliver J.
Published: June 2011

An 84 year-old gentleman presented with abdominal distension, anorexia and occasional epigastric pain over a four-week period. Blood parameters revealed a hypochromic microcytic anaemia. Both CT and US scan identified ascites and a mass in the left upper quadrant. An ascitic tap was performed identifying bloody ascites and the presence of reactive mesothelial cells on cytology. A subsequent laparotomy and splenectomy was performed. Histology of the resected spleen revealed a Grade 2 follicular lymphoma ( Figure 2 ). The patient had an uneventful postoperative recovery and was well at 6 months follow up. The spleen is an organ with an important immunological function. Primary splenic involvement occurs in less than 1% of non-hodgkin's lymphoma. Symptoms of primary splenic lymphoma (PSL) include pyrexia, weight-loss, night sweats, generalised weakness and left upper quadrant pain secondary to spleno - megaly. Ascites is a rare presenting feature of PSL. This report illustrates a case of primary splenic lymphoma which poses diagnostic challenges for the pathologist and clinician and ultimately requires definitive splenectomy to confirm a diagnosis.
Remote sensing of aerosols over snow using infrared AATSR observations
Authors: Istomina L. G. , von Hoyningen-Huene W. , Kokhanovsky A. A. , Schultz E. , Burrows J. P.
Published: June 2011

Abstract. Infrared (IR) retrievals of aerosol optical thickness (AOT) are challenging because of the low reflectance of aerosol layer at longer wavelengths. In this paper we present a closer analysis of this problem, performed with radiative transfer (RT) simulations for coarse and accumulation mode of four main aerosol components. It shows the strong angular dependence of aerosol IR reflectance at low solar elevations resulting from the significant asymmetry of aerosol phase function at these wavelengths. This results in detectable values of aerosol IR reflectance at certain non-nadir observation angles providing the advantage of multiangle remote sensing instruments for a retrieval of AOT at longer wavelengths. Such retrievals can be of importance e.g. in case of a very strong effect of the surface on the top of atmosphere (TOA) reflectance in the visible spectral range. In the current work, a new method to retrieve AOT of the coarse and accumulation mode particles over snow has been developed using the measurements of Advanced Along Track Scanning Radiometer (AATSR) on board the ENVISAT satellite. The algorithm uses AATSR channel at 3.7 μm and utilizes its dual-viewing observation technique, implying the forward view with an observation zenith angle of around 55 degrees and the nadir view. It includes cloud/snow discrimination, extraction of the atmospheric reflectance out of measured brightness temperature (BT) at 3.7 μm, and interpolation of look-up tables (LUTs) for a given aerosol reflectance. The algorithm uses LUTs, separately simulated with RT forward calculations. The resulting AOT at 500 nm is estimated from the value at 3.7 μm using a fixed Angström parameter. The presented method has been validated against ground-based Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) data for 4 high Arctic stations and shows good agreement. A case study has been performed at W-Greenland on 5 July 2008. The day before was characterized by a noticeable dust event. The retrieved AOT maps of the region show a clear increase of AOT in the Kangerlussuaq area. The area of increased AOT was detected on 5 July on the ice sheet east of Kangelussuaq, opposite to the observed north easterly wind at ground level. This position can be explained by a small scale atmospheric circulation transporting the mobilized mineral dust upslope, after its intrusion into the upper branch of the circulation. The performed study of atmospheric reflectance at 3.7 μm also shows possibilities for the detection and retrievals of cloud properties over snow surfaces.
MHD waves generated by high-frequency photospheric vortex motions
Authors: Fedun V. , Shelyag S. , Verth G. , Mathioudakis M. , Erdélyi R.
Published: June 2011

Abstract. In this paper, we discuss simulations of MHD wave generation and propagation through a three-dimensional open magnetic flux tube in the lower solar atmosphere. By using self-similar analytical solutions for modelling the magnetic field in Cartesian coordinate system, we have constructed a 3-D magnetohydrostatic configuration which is used as the initial condition for non-linear MHD wave simulations. For a driver we have implemented a high-frequency vortex-type motion at the footpoint region of the open magnetic flux tube. It is found that the implemented swirly source is able to excite different types of wave modes, i.e. sausage, kink and torsional Alfvén modes. Analysing these waves by magneto-seismology tools could provide insight into the magnetic structure of the lower solar atmosphere.
Synthesis of 4‐Aryl‐2(5H)‐furanones by Gold(I)‐Catalyzed Intramolecular Annulation
Authors: Sun Haifeng , Huang He , Zhang Dengyou , Feng Enguang , Qian Wangke , Zhang Lei , Chen Kaixian , Liu Hong
Published: June 2011

A novel method that involves intramolecular annulation and a new type of rearrangement has been developed for the synthesis of 4‐aryl‐2(5H)‐furanones. A variety of prop‐2‐ynyl 3‐oxo‐3‐phenylpropanoates undergo annulation cyclization in the presence of chloro(triphenylphosphine)gold and trifluoromethanesulfonic to afford the desired products in moderate to high yields.
Pyrrole‐Assisted and Easy Oxidation of Cyclic α‐Amino Acid‐ Derived Diketopiperazines under Mild Conditions
Authors: Tian Hua , Ermolenko Ludmila , Gabant Marion , Vergne Carine , Moriou Céline , Retailleau Pascal , Al‐Mourabit Ali
Published: June 2011

A new procedure for the aerobic oxidation of α‐amino acids acylated by pyrrole‐carboxylic acid with triplet dioxygen is introduced. The reaction is general for a variety of pyrrole‐amino acid derivatives and represents a very practical and controllable method for the selective preparation of α‐hydroperoxy‐ or α‐hydroxy‐α‐amino acid diketopiperazines with molecular dioxygen. Furthermore, the non‐catalyzed direct oxidation of amino acid derivatives at the α‐position with molecular dioxygen represents a fundamental question.
POEMS syndrome: 2011 update on diagnosis, risk‐stratification, and management
Authors: Dispenzieri Angela
Published: June 2011

Disease overview

POEMS syndrome is a paraneoplastic syndrome due to an underlying plasma cell neoplasm. The major criteria for the syndrome are polyradiculoneuropathy, clonal plasma cell disorder (PCD), sclerotic bone lesions, elevated vascular endothelial growth factor, and the presence of Castleman disease. Minor features include organomegaly, endocrinopathy, characteristic skin changes, papilledema, extravascular volume overload, and thrombocytosis. Diagnoses are often delayed because the syndrome is rare and can be mistaken for other neurologic disorders, most commonly chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy. POEMS syndrome should be distinguished from the Castleman disease variant of POEMS syndrome, which has no clonal PCD and typically little to no peripheral neuropathy but has several of the minor diagnostic criteria for POEMS syndrome.Diagnosis:The diagnosis of POEMS syndrome is made with three of the major criteria, two of which must include polyradiculoneuropathy and clonal plasma cell disorder, and at least one of the minor criteria.Risk stratification:Because the pathogenesis of the syndrome is not well understood, risk stratification is limited to clinical phenotype rather than specific molecular markers. The number of clinical criteria is not prognostic, but the extent of the plasma cell disorder is. Those patients with an iliac crest bone marrow biopsy that does not reveal a plasma cell clone are candidates for local radiation therapy; those with a more extensive or disseminated clone will be candidates for systemic therapy.Risk‐adapted therapy:For those patients with a dominant sclerotic plasmacytoma, first line therapy is irradiation. Patients with diffuse sclerotic lesions or disseminated bone marrow involvement and for those who have progression of their disease 3 to 6 months after completing radiation therapy should receive systemic therapy. Corticosteroids are temporizing, but alkylators are the mainstay of treatment, either in the form of low dose conventional therapy or high dose with stem cell transplantation. The benefit of anti‐VEGF antibodies is conflicting. Lenalidomide shows promise with manageable toxicity. Thalidomide and bortezomib also have activity, but their benefit needs to be weighed against their risk of exacerbating the peripheral neuropathy. Prompt recognition and institution of both supportive care measures and therapy directed against the plasma cell result in the best outcomes. Am. J. Hematol. 86:592–601, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nutritional vulnerability in Mbyá‐Guaraní adolescents and adults from Misiones, Argentina
Authors: Zonta María L. , Oyhenart Evelia E. , Navone Graciela T.
Published: June 2011

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional status and body composition in Mbyá‐Guaraní adolescents and adults from three communities in the Province of Misiones, in northern Argentina.

Methods:

Anthropometric parameters were analyzed in 45 individuals (aged 14–60). Data were transformed to z‐scores using NHANES I and II.

Results:

Ninety‐three percent of the sample showed some kind of malnutrition (undernutrition and/or excess of weight). Stunting and overweight reached the highest prevalences (85.0 and 10.0%, respectively). The most Mbyá people were found to have low arm muscle and fat areas. They also tended to have shorter than normal lower limbs. Centralized obesity was evident in both sexes and in all the age intervals.

Conclusions:

Extreme poverty, together with changes in life habits and diet composition, resulted in decrease of body size and changes in body proportions and composition. Although these changes could be considered as an adaptive response to the chronic exposure of these populations to adverse environmental conditions, they would favor the co‐occurrence of malnutrition and overweight in a single scenario, and consequently increase the risk of infectious and nontransmissible diseases. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Does sitting height ratio affect estimates of obesity prevalence among Canadian Inuit? results from the 2007–2008 Inuit health survey
Authors: Galloway Tracey , Chateau‐Degat Marie‐Ludivine , Egeland Grace M. , Young T. Kue
Published: June 2011

Objectives:

High sitting height ratio (SHR) is a characteristic commonly associated with Inuit morphology. Inuit are described as having short leg lengths and high trunk‐to‐stature proportions such that cutoffs for obesity derived from European populations may not adequately describe thresholds of disease risk. Further, high SHR may help explain the reduced impact of BMI on metabolic risk factors among Inuit relative to comparison populations. This study investigates the relationship between SHR and body mass index (BMI) in Inuit.

Methods:

Subjects are 2,168 individuals (837 males and 1,331 females) from 36 Inuit communities in the Canadian Arctic. Mean age is 42.63 ± 14.86 years in males and 41.71 ± 14.83 years in females. We use linear regression to examine the association between age, sex, height, sitting height, SHR, waist circumference (WC), and BMI. We then evaluate the efficacy of the relative sitting height adjustment as a method of correcting observed BMI to a population‐standardized SHR.

Results:

Mean BMI is significantly higher than among non‐Inuit Canadians. Obesity prevalence is high, particularly among Inuit women. In the regression, only age and WC are significant predictors of BMI. While SHR is significantly greater than that of the US population, there is substantial agreement between overweight and obesity prevalence using observed and corrected BMI.

Conclusions:

We find no consistent relationship between SHR and BMI and suggest the unique anthropometric and metabolic profile observed in Inuit arise from factors not yet delineated. More complex anthropometric and imaging studies in Inuit are needed. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Spray drying technique to produce controlled release formulations of zidovudine—an anti‐HIV drug
Authors: Mundargi Raghavendra C. , Rangaswamy Vidhya , Aminabhavi Tejraj M.
Published: June 2011

This article explores the application of spray drying technique to produce microparticles of poly(D,L‐lactide‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA), as well as di‐block copolymer of polylactic acid (PLA) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) (PLA‐PEG), containing zidovudine (AZT), an anti‐HIV drug, to achieve its controlled release over an extended period of time. Of the two polymers studied, PLGA is hydrophobic, whereas PLA‐PEG is hydrophilic and the drug, AZT is water‐soluble. Formulations were developed containing 10 and 25 wt % of AZT giving encapsulation efficiencies (EE) of 66 to 86% for PLGA and 90 to 94% for PLA‐PEG di‐block copolymer. All the formulations were characterized by Fourier transform spectroscopy (FTIR) to investigate the interaction of AZT with polymers and to characterize PLA‐PEG. NMR was also employed to confirm the formation of PLA‐PEG. X‐ray diffraction was used to understand the molecular level dispersion of AZT within the polymeric matrices, while differential scanning calorimetry was employed to assess thermal properties. Scanning electron microscopy was employed to understand the surface morphology of AZT‐loaded microparticles. In vitro release experiments performed in pH 7.4 buffer media extended the release of AZT up to 125 h with PLGA, whereas 30 h were required for releasing AZT through PLA‐PEG microparticles. Cumulative release data were fitted to an empirical equation to understand the nature of release characteristics. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 000: 000–000, 2011
A novel approach to prepare PA6/Fe3O4 microspheres for protein immobilization
Authors: Cai Xiaoxia , Zhang Yanglan , Wu Guozhang
Published: June 2011

A novel method for preparation of polymer‐based magnetic microspheres was proposed by utilizing melt reactive blending, which was based on selective location of Fe3O4 nanoparticles in PA6 domain of polystyrene (PS)/polyamide 6 (PA6) immiscible blends. The results showed that most of Fe3O4 was located in the PA6 microspheres. Magnetization data revealed the magnetite content of PA6/Fe3O4 microsphere could be up to 54 wt % with strong magnetic responsibility and high saturation magnetization. Carboxyl functional group, bonded with PA6/Fe3O4 microsphere by copolymerization of acrylic acid with PA6 chain in different concentration ethanoic acid (HAc) solution, was used as a ligand for protein adsorption. The amount of adsorbed bovine serum albumin (BSA) was optimized by changing the medium pH and the initial concentrations of BSA. The results denoted that the adsorption capacity of BSA reaches 215 mg/g microspheres, showing potentials to promising applications in bioseparation and biomedical fields. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011.
Improvement of interface interaction and conductive anodic filament resistance through amphiphilic oligomeric silane
Authors: Su Huihuang , Zhong Xinhui , Zhan Guozhu , Yu Yingfeng , Gan Wenjun
Published: June 2011

In this article, an amphiphilic oligomeric silane (OS) was synthesized as a coupling agent to improve the interface bonding between resin matrix and glass fiber. The effect of the OS coupling agent on the interface of glass fiber/epoxy resin was studied by contact angle measurement, gravimetric measurements of water sorption, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), and conductive anodic filament (CAF) resistance test. With the addition of the OS to the composites, the contact angle between epoxy resin and glass fiber decrease notably. Normalized water sorption by gravimetric measurements showed that the interfacial debonding time of composites with the OS can be prolonged significantly. CAF tests were also consistent with the water sorption results, which suggest that the gravimetric measurement of water sorption is a cost‐effective method to assess the CAF resistance of materials. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011.
Synthesis and Anticancer Activity of Isatin‐Based Pyrazolines and Thiazolidines Conjugates
Authors: Havrylyuk Dmytro , Kovach Natalya , Zimenkovsky Borys , Vasylenko Olexandr , Lesyk Roman
Published: June 2011

The synthesis and antitumor activity screening of novel isatin based conjugates with thiazolidine and pyrazoline moieties were performed. Reaction of 3,5‐diaryl‐4,5‐dihydropyrazoles with chloroacetyl chloride yielded starting 2‐chloro‐1‐(3,5‐diaryl‐4,5‐dihydropyrazol‐1‐yl)‐ethanones which were utilized in alkylation of isatin and 5‐bromoisatin. Thus, corresponding 1‐[2‐(3,5‐diaryl‐4,5‐dihydropyrazol‐1‐yl)‐2‐oxoethyl]‐1H‐indole‐2,3‐diones (1a–1d) have been obtained. The compounds 1a–1d have been used in Knoevenagel condensation with 4‐thiazolidinones for obtaining a series of 5‐ylidenederivatives 2a–2f and 3a–3d. The synthesized compounds were tested for their anticancer activity in NCI60 cell lines. Among the tested compounds, 5‐bromo‐1‐{2‐[5‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐3‐(4‐methoxyphenyl)‐4,5‐dihydropyrazol‐1‐yl]‐2‐oxoethyl}‐1H‐indole‐2,3‐dione (1d) was found to be the most active candidate with selective influence on leukemia subpanel tumor cell lines with GI50 values range of 0.69–3.35 µM.
Design, Synthesis, and Preliminary Activity Evaluation of Novel Peptidomimetics as Aminopeptidase N/CD13 Inhibitors
Authors: Li Xun , Wang Junli , Zhang Lei , Xu Wenfang
Published: June 2011

The synthesis of a series of novel N‐α‐galloylated isoglutamic acid γ‐amide peptidomimetics is described. Their enzymatic inhibition against aminopeptidase N (APN/CD13) and matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2) was tested. The preliminary activity assay revealed that most of the compounds displayed selective inhibition against APN as compared with MMP‐2, with IC50 values in a micromolar range. Within this series, compound 4 (IC50 = 10.2 ± 0.9 µM) demonstrated comparable APN inhibition as compared with the positive control bestatin (IC50 = 13.1 ± 0.7 µM), which might be a promising lead for further molecular optimizations.
β‐Cell evolution: How the pancreas borrowed from the brain
Authors: Arntfield Margot E. , van der Kooy Derek
Published: June 2011

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Synthetic biology methodology and model refinement based on microelectronic modeling tools and languages
Authors: Gendrault Yves , Madec Morgan , Lallement Christophe , Pecheux François , Haiech Jacques
Published: June 2011

In microelectronics, the design of new systems is based on a proven time‐tested design flow. The goal of this paper is to determine to what extend this design flow can be adapted to biosystem design. The presented methodology is based on a top‐down approach and consists of starting with a behavioral description of the system to progressively refine it to its final low‐level system representation, composed of DNA parts. To preserve accuracy and simplicity, the design flow relies on refined models of biological mechanisms, which can be expressed by the hardware description languages and simulation tools traditionally used in microelectronics. A case study, the complete modeling of a priority encoder, is presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the method.
Abscisic acid plays critical role in ozone‐induced taxol production of Taxus chinensis suspension cell cultures
Authors: Xu Maojun , Jin Haihong , Dong Jufang , Zhang Ming , Xu Xiangbin , Zhou Ting
Published: June 2011

Exposure to ozone induced a rapid increase in the levels of the phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) and sequentially followed by the enhancement of Taxol production in suspension cell cultures of Taxus chinensis. The observed increases in ABA and Taxol were dependent on the concentration of ozone applied to T. chinensis cell cultures. To examine the role of ABA in ozone‐induced Taxol production, we pretreated the cells with ABA biosynthesis inhibitor fluridone to abolish ozone‐triggered ABA generation and assayed the effect of fluridone on ozone‐induced Taxol production. The results showed that pretreatment of the cells with fluridone not only suppressed the ozone‐triggered ABA generation but also blocked the ozone‐induced Taxol production. Moreover, our data indicate that the effect of ABA on Taxol production of T. chinensis cell cultures is dose‐dependent. Interestingly, the suppression of fluridone on ozone‐induced Taxol production was reversed by exogenous application of low dose of ABA, although treatment of low dose ABA alone had no effect on Taxol production of the cells. Together, the data indicated that ozone was an efficient elicitor for improving Taxol production of plant cell cultures. Furthermore, we demonstrated that ABA played critical roles in ozone‐induced Taxol production of T. chinensis suspension cell cultures. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2011