bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theoretical and Practical Issues in Designing a Blended e-Learning Course of English as a Foreign Language
Authors: Calabrese Rita , Faiella Filomena
Published: October 2010

The aim of this chapter is to provide an outline of the main theoretical issues in the field of Self-Regulated Learning which have inspired the design and implementation of a blended learning course of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) at the University of Salerno. In particular, the first part of the chapter focuses on some key concepts concerning meaningful learning, self-regulated learning, as well as e-learning in academic settings, as basic components to achieve cognitive academic language proficiency (CALP). The second part of the chapter is devoted to the description of the sequencing and progression of our syllabus design in line with the principles/guidelines for “good teaching practices for using Technology Mediated Instruction (TMI)”.
Evaluating Web Content for Self-Directed Language Learning
Authors: Hirata Yoko
Published: October 2010

Recently, information and communication technology (ICT) in Japanese tertiary institutions have begun to play an increasingly important role in teaching and learning of foreign languages. This technology helps students have access to various kinds of language learning materials and resources through the websites any time and anywhere. Online or web-based language courses provide Japanese students with the variety and flexibility to work at their own level and pace through this technology. However, a major issue to be considered when implementing these courses is the fact that traditionally Japanese students are not culturally self-directed or autonomous language learners. The purpose of this study was to examine how Japanese students perceived two different approaches of self-directed language learning projects through the evaluation of English language websites. The findings suggested that the students’ perceptions of the research-based project using websites were positive and they were able to regulate their own learning process.
Self-Regulation of Learning Supported by Web 2.0 Tools
Authors: Lizarraga Maria Luisa Sanz de Acedo , Villanueva Oscar Ardaiz , Baquedano Maria Teresa Sanz de Acedo
Published: October 2010

Our main purpose in this chapter is to examine the possibility of stimulating self-regulation of learning (SRL) by means of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), more specifically, Web 2.0 technologies. Web 2.0 is commonly associated with applications that facilitate interactive information sharing and collaboration on the World Wide Web. To that end, the authors first present a theoretical description of the topics that are relevant to this chapter: SRL and ICTs. Second, they compare SRL and ICTs characterizing features, establishing functional relation between both sets of variables. Third, they define the Web 2.0 and two tools, Wikideas, and Creativity Connector, which were designed by us according to Web 2.0 technology. Fourth, the authors briefly report a pilot intervention they carried out in order to support SRL, using these two applications to perform some tasks that required competence in “creativity and innovation”. Lastly, after summarizing these ideas, the authors suggest further study topics that may promote interesting lines of research.
Gender-Associated Differences of Perforin Polymorphisms in the Susceptibility to Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Camiña-Tato Montse , Morcillo-Suárez Carlos , Bustamante Marta F. , Ortega Israel , Navarro Arcadi , Muntasell Aura , López-Botet Miguel , Sánchez Alex , Carmona Paco , Julià Eva , Tortola María Teresa , Audí Laura , Oksenberg Jorge R. , Martin Roland , Montalban Xavier , Comabella Manuel
Published: October 2010

The granule-dependent exocytosis pathway is an important mechanism to induce apoptosis by CD8+ T cells and NK cells and involves lytic molecules such as perforin. In the current study, we investigated the perforin 1 gene (PRF1) as a candidate for multiple sclerosis (MS) susceptibility in the Spanish population. We genotyped three PRF1 single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs885822, rs10999426, and rs3758562) in 420 patients with MS and 512 controls. Associations of PRF1 polymorphisms with the disease were restricted to male patients with MS, and the finding was consistently observed at the allele, genotype, and haplotype levels. Gender-associated differences were validated in an additional replication cohort comprised of 292 MS cases and 300 controls. In addition, we identified minor risk haplotypes strongly associated with male patients having primary progressive MS (PPMS). Further characterization of male patients with PPMS carrying the risk haplotypes by means of gene expression microarrays revealed overrepresentation of the cell killing gene ontology category among downregulated genes in these patients compared with male patients with PPMS carrying protective haplotypes. Moreover, PRF1 mRNA expression levels were significantly lower in patients with risk haplotypes, and changes in perforin protein expression by CD8+ T cells mirrored those observed in gene expression. These findings suggest a gender dimorphism in the PRF1 association with MS and point to the presence of a generalized defect in the expression of genes that code for proteins involved in cell killing in a subgroup of male patients with PPMS.
Totally Implantable Hearing Devices
Authors: Kameswaran Mohan , Raghunandhan S
Published: October 2010

Hearing aids are the principal means of auditory rehabilitation for patients with moderate to severe sensori-neural hearing loss. Although technical improvements and modifications have improved the fidelity of conventional aids, hearing aids still have many limitations including the inherent self consciousness and social stigma attached to visible hearing aids. The recently introduced totally implantable hearing aids offer patients with hearing loss several potential advantages over conventional hearing aids. This article reviews the indications, surgical procedure, advantages and the current status of totally implantable hearing devices.
Auditory Brainstem Implants
Authors: Kameswaran Mohan , Raghunandhan S
Published: October 2010

Auditory brainstem implants (ABIs) are currently indicated for patients with neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF-2) tumors involving both vestibulocochlear nerves. The ABI helps bypass the damaged cochlear nerves and stimulates the cochlear nucleus in the brainstem directly thereby restoring auditory sensation. The implant is usually placed in the lateral recess of the fourth ventricle after tumor resection. The indications for ABI have recently expanded onto even nontumoral cases, such as congenital bilateral cochlear nerve aplasia. In such cases, the ABI helps bypass the nonfunctioning hypoplastic or absent cochlear nerves and stimulates the cochlear nucleus directly thereby restoring auditory sensation. This article reviews the nuances of this sophisticated implant, shares our experience with auditory brainstem implantation and its current status in world literature.
New particle formation and ultrafine charged aerosol climatology at a high altitude site in the Alps (Jungfraujoch, 3580 m a.s.l., Switzerland)
Authors: Boulon J. , Sellegri K. , Venzac H. , Picard D. , Weingartner E. , Wehrle G. , Collaud Coen M. , Bütikofer R. , Flückiger E. , Baltensperger U. , Laj P.
Published: October 2010

Abstract. We investigate the formation and growth of charged aerosols clusters at Jungfraujoch, in the Swiss Alps (3580 m a.s.l.), the highest altitude site of the European EUCAARI project intensive campaign. Charged particles and clusters (0.5–1.8 nm) were measured from April 2008 to April 2009 and allowed the detection of nucleation events in this very specific environment (presence of free tropospheric air and clouds). We found that the naturally charged aerosol concentrations, which are dominated by the cluster size class, shows a strong diurnal pattern likely linked to valley breezes transporting surface layer ion precursors, presumably radon. Cosmic rays were found not to be the major ion source at the measurement site. However, at night, when air masses are more representative of free tropospheric conditions, we found that the cluster concentrations are still high. The charged aerosol size distribution and concentration are strongly influenced by the presence of clouds at the station. Clouds should be taken into account when deriving high altitude nucleation statistics. New particle formation occurs on average 17.5% of the measurement period and shows a weak seasonality with a minimum of frequency during winter, but this seasonality is enhanced when the data set is screened for periods when the atmospheric station is out of clouds. The role of ions in the nucleation process was investigated and we found that the ion-mediated nucleation explains 22.3% of the particle formation. The NPF events frequency is correlated with UV radiation but not with calculated H2SO4 concentrations, suggesting that other compounds such as organic vapors are involved in the nucleation and subsequently growth process. In fact, NPF events frequency also surprisingly increases with the condensational sink (CS), suggesting that at Jungfraujoch, the presence of condensing vapours probably coupled with high CS are driving the occurrence of NPF events. A strong link to the air mass path was also pointed out and events were observed to be frequently occurring in Eastern European air masses, which present the highest condensational sink. In these air masses, pre-existing cluster concentrations are more than three time larger than in other air masses during event days, and no new clusters formation is observed, contrarily to what is happening in other air mass types.
Terpenylic acid and related compounds: precursors for dimers in secondary organic aerosol from the ozonolysis of α- and β-pinene
Authors: Yasmeen F. , Vermeylen R. , Szmigielski R. , Iinuma Y. , Böge O. , Herrmann H. , Maenhaut W. , Claeys M.
Published: October 2010

Abstract. In the present study, we have characterized the structure of a higher-molecular weight (MW) 358 α- and β-pinene dimeric secondary organic aerosol (SOA) product that received ample attention in previous molecular characterization studies and has been elusive. Based on mass spectrometric evidence for deprotonated molecules formed by electrospray ionization in the negative ion mode and chemical considerations, it is suggested that diaterpenylic acid is a key monomeric intermediate for dimers of the ester type. It is proposed that cis-pinic acid is esterified with the hydroxyl-containing diaterpenylic acid, which can be explained through acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of the recently elucidated lactone-containing terpenylic acid and/or diaterpenylic acid acetate, both first-generation oxidation products. To a minor extent, higher-MW 358 and 344 diester products are formed containing other terpenoic acids as monomeric units, i.e., diaterpenylic acid instead of cis-pinic acid, and diaterebic acid instead of diaterpenylic acid. It is shown that the MW 358 diester and related MW 344 compounds, which can be regarded as processed SOA products, also occur in ambient fine (PM2.5) rural aerosol collected at night during the warm period of the 2006 summer field campaign conducted at K-puszta, Hungary, a rural site with coniferous vegetation. This indicates that, under ambient conditions, the higher-MW diesters are formed in the particle phase over a longer time-scale than that required for gas-to-particle partitioning of their monomeric precursors in laboratory α-/β-pinene ozonolysis experiments.
The use of IASI data to identify systematic errors in the ECMWF temperature analysis in the upper stratosphere
Authors: Masiello G. , Matricardi M. , Serio C.
Published: October 2010

Abstract. Since data from the Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI) became available in 2007, a number of papers have appeared in the literature which have reported relatively large discrepancies between IASI spectra and forward calculations in the centre of the CO2 Q-branch at 667 cm−1. In this paper we argue that these discrepancies are primarily due to errors in the temperature profiles used in the forward calculations. In particular, we have used temperature profiles from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) analysis to demonstrate that for the case study considered in this paper, these profiles are affected by systematic errors of the order of 7–10 K at the level of the stratopause. To derive the magnitude and the spatial location of the systematic errors in the temperature profile, we have carried out forward/inverse calculations for a number of clear-sky, daytime, IASI tropical soundings over the sea. The forward calculations have been performed using atmospheric state vectors which have been obtained either from the direct inversion of the IASI radiances or from space-time co-located profiles derived from radiosonde observations and from the ECMWF analysis. To rule out any effect due to the accuracy of the forward model, we have performed the forward calculations using two independent models. The sensitivity of the temperature biases to the variability of the CO2 profile and to spectroscopy errors has also been studied.
Evaluation of satellite rainfall estimates over Ethiopian river basins
Authors: Romilly T. G. , Gebremichael M.
Published: October 2010

Abstract. The objective of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of high resolution satellite-based rainfall estimates (SREs) across six river basins within Ethiopia during the major (Kiremt) and minor (Belg) rainy seasons for the years 2003 to 2007. The six regions, the Awash, Baro Akobo, Blue Nile, Genale Dawa, Rift Valley and Wabi Shebele River Basins surround the Ethiopian Highlands, which produces different topographical features, as well as spatial and temporal rainfall patterns. Precipitation estimates for the six regions were taken from three widely used high resolution SREs: the Climate Prediction Center morphing method (CMORPH), Precipitation Estimation from Remotely Sensed Information Using Neural Networks (PERSIANN) and the real-time version of the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Multisatellite Precipitation Analysis (TMPA) 3B42RT. All three SREs show the natural northwest-southeast precipitation gradient, but exhibit different spatial (mean annual total and number of rainy days) and temporal (monthly) totals. When compared to ground based rain gauges throughout the six regions, and for the years of interest, the performance of the three SREs were found to be season independent. The results varied for lower elevations, with CMORPH and TMPA 3B42RT performing better than PERSIANN in the southeast, while PERSIANN provided more accurate results in the northwest. At higher elevations, PERSIANN consistently underestimated while the performance of CMORPH and TMPA 3B42RT varied.
Hydrologic predictions in a changing environment: behavioral modeling
Authors: Schaefli B. , Harman C. J. , Sivapalan M. , Schymanski S. J.
Published: October 2010

Abstract. Most hydrological models are valid at most only in a few places and cannot be reasonably transferred to other places or to far distant time periods. Transfer in space is difficult because the models are conditioned on past observations at particular places to define parameter values and unobservable processes that are needed to fully characterize the structure and functioning of the landscape. Transfer in time has to deal with the likely temporal changes to both parameters and processes under future changed conditions. This remains an important obstacle to addressing some of the most urgent prediction questions in hydrology, such as prediction in ungauged basins and prediction under global change. In this paper, we propose a new approach to catchment hydrological modeling, based on universal principles that do not change in time and that remain valid across many places. The key to this framework, which we call behavioral modeling, is to assume that these universal and time-invariant organizing principles can be used to identify the most appropriate model structure (including parameter values) and responses for a given ecosystem at a given moment in time. The organizing principles may be derived from fundamental physical or biological laws, or from empirical laws that have been demonstrated to be time-invariant and to hold at many places and scales. Much fundamental research remains to be undertaken to help discover these organizing principles on the basis of exploration of observed patterns of landscape structure and hydrological behavior and their interpretation as legacy effects of past co-evolution of climate, soils, topography, vegetation and humans. Our hope is that the new behavioral modeling framework will be a step forward towards a new vision for hydrology where models are capable of more confidently predicting the behavior of catchments beyond what has been observed or experienced before.
Temperature extremes in the Mediterranean area: trends in the past and assessments for the future
Authors: Hertig E. , Seubert S. , Jacobeit J.
Published: October 2010

Abstract. Trends of Mediterranean extreme temperatures are analysed for the period 1961–1990 based on daily station time series. Increases can be identified in the western Mediterranean area, whereas an opposite trend becomes apparent for the eastern Mediterranean region. Assessments of the 95th percentile of maximum temperatures in summer and of the 5th percentile of minimum temperatures in winter for the 21st century under enhanced greenhouse warming conditions are performed by means of statistical downscaling techniques. Mainly increases of both extreme indices result from these assessments, but considerable differences arise when using different predictors or predictor combinations, respectively. Furthermore, the results give strong indications that changes in temperature extremes do not follow a simple shift of the whole temperature distribution to higher values.
Primary Malignant Melanoma of the Uterine Cervix Treated with Ultraradical Surgery: A Case Report
Authors: Calderón-Salazar Luz , Cantú de Leon David , Perez Montiel Delia , Almogabar-Villagrán Erika , Villavicencio Verónica , Cetina Lucely
Published: October 2010

Primary melanomas of the uterine cervix are rare tumors with no more than 60 cases reported in the world literature. Poor prognosis is considered for the neoplasia itself as well as for diagnostic tardiness. There is no standard treatment; however, radical surgery is the treatment cornerstone. Our aim was to present the case of a 34-year-old woman with a primary malignant melanoma in the uterine cervix with affectation of the posterior face of the vagina without metastasis. Total infraelevator pelvic exenteration and adjuvant radiotherapy was performed. The patient was under surveillance for 8 years of followup without evidence of local or distant disease. The majority of case reports found suggests radical hysterectomy as the treatment indicated for these patients. Notwithstanding this, survival is very short when patients are treated in this manner. Based on our results and on those reported in the literature, we propose initial treatment with total pelvic exenteration as optimal management for this neoplasia in its initial form.
A new approach to the study of Romanization in Britain: A regional perspective of cultural change in late Iron Age and Roman Dorset using the Siler and Gompertz–Makeham models of mortality
Authors: Redfern Rebecca C. , DeWitte Sharon N.
Published: October 2010

This is the first study of health in the Roman Empire to use the Siler and Gompertz–Makeham models of mortality to investigate the health consequences of the 43 AD conquest of Britain. The study examined late Iron Age and Romano‐British populations (N= 518) from Dorset, England, which is the only region of Britain to display continuity in inhumation burial practice and cemetery use throughout the two periods. Skeletal evidence for frailty was assessed using cribra orbitalia, porotic hyperostosis, periosteal lesions, enamel hypoplasia, dental caries, tuberculosis, and rickets. These health variables were chosen for analysis because they are reliable indicators of general health for diachronic comparison (Steckel and Rose: The backbone of history: health and nutrition in the western hemisphere (2002)) and are associated with the introduction of urbanism in Britain during the Roman period (Redfern: J Rom Archaeol Supp Series 64 (2007) 171–194; Redfern: Britannia 39 (2008a) 161–191; Roberts and Cox: Health and disease in Britain: from prehistory to the present day (2003)). The results show that levels of frailty and mortality were lower in the late Iron Age period, and no sex differences in mortality was present. However, post‐conquest, mortality risk increased for children and the elderly, and particularly for men. The latter finding challenges received wisdom concerning the benefits of incorporation into the Empire and the higher status of the male body in the Roman world. Therefore, we conclude that the consequences of urbanism, changes in diet, and increased population heterogeneity negatively impacted health, to the extent that the enhanced cultural buffering of men did not outweigh underlying sex differences in biology that advantage women. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cation radicals of organogermatranes
Authors: Soualmi Saida , Ignatovich Luba , Jouikov Viatcheslav
Published: October 2010

Cation radicals (CRs) of 1‐substituted germatranes were generated by one‐electron electrochemical oxidation and studied by real‐time EPR spectroscopy for the first time. In contrast to CRs of trialkylamines, the CRs of germatranes are much more stable and can be observed in acetonitrile solution at 253 K. As follows from g‐factors and hfc constants, spin density in the CRs of aryl germatranes is localized mainly on the axially directed pz orbital of N atom, pointed inside the atrane cage. EPR spectroscopy and Fermi contact coupling from DFT B3LYP/LANL2DZ calculations reveal an interesting feature: no contribution from the Ge atom was found in the spin delocalization in these species. Contrary to the neutral germatranes and to what was expected from the qualitative estimations, the nitrogen atom in the CR does not adopt an exo‐configuration and is practically planar. Experimental hfc constants and DFT B3LYP/LANL2DZ calculations support the observed feature: the geometry around the N atom in CR is close to planar whereas the Ge atom undergoes remarkable reorganization, approaching a trigonal bipyramid in benzyl germatranes and tetrahedral configuration in aryl germatranes. 1‐Substitution of germatranes with the groups with low own ionization potential (R2NC6H4‐, where R = Me, Et) inverts the roles of the fragments—upon electrooxidation, these compounds behave as corresponding germatranyl‐substituted organic derivatives. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluating prioritization of ASEAN highway network development using a fuzzy multiple attribute decision making method
Authors: Lee Dongmin , Han Sang‐Jin , Kim Do‐Gyeong
Published: October 2010

The association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) has recently decided to develop a new highway network to connect countries in the association by roads to enhance cultural integration and economic growth of Asian countries. A total of 5400 km of roads are required to be newly constructed or upgraded to develop the ASEAN highway network. In this study, prioritization of investment for 32 road sections in the ASEAN highway network construction was evaluated using a two‐step hierarchical fuzzy multiple attribute decision‐making (MADM) process. The first step was to prioritize each corridor, and the second step was to prioritize individual roads within each corridor. In this prioritization, the importance of road sections was evaluated based on economic and political aspects. The economic aspect was assessed using traffic volume and construction cost while the political aspect was assessed using data related to balancing regional development, a country's willingness to invest, road network connectivity, and priority of each corridor. The road sections from Mawlamyine to Thanbyuzayat were identified as the highest priority road sections for construction. Also, it was found that the application of the Fuzzy MADM process for evaluating the prioritization of road construction is a useful and beneficial method in prioritizing highway development across various regions such as Southeast Asian countries. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Baugrubenverformungen in weichen Böden bei spannungspfadabhängigem Materialverhalten
Authors: Becker Patrick , Kempfert Hans‐Georg
Published: October 2010

Es werden die wesentlichen Ergebnisse zur Untersuchung der Baugrubenverformungen in weichen Böden bei spanungspfadabhängigem Materialverhalten anhand von 1g‐Modellversuchen, Elementversuchen, numerischen Berechnungen sowie Validierungen an drei Fallbeispielen vorgestellt. Wesentliche neue wissenschaftliche Erkenntnisse resultieren insbesondere aus spannungspfadabhängigen Triaxialversuchen. Die bodenmechanischen Kenngrößen sind danach eindeutig spannungspfadabhängig.

Darüber hinaus wird eine verbesserte, unmittelbar in der Ingenieurpraxis anwendbare Vorgehensweise zur Berücksichtigung der spannungspfadabhängigen Steifigkeit vorgestellt, die für zukünftige Projekte bei vergleichbaren Randbedingungen besser abgesicherte Prognosen der Beanspruchungen und besonders der zu erwartenden Verformungen ermöglichen.

Deformations of excavations in soft soils with stress‐path‐dependent material behavior. The substantial results of a research work on deformations of excavations in soft grounds with stress path dependent material behavior on the basis of 1g‐model tests, element tests, numerical analysis as well as validations of three practical case studies are presented. The investigations revealed a pronounced dependency of the stiffness on the stress paths.

Therefore, a new approach for numerical analyses is introduced which allows a consideration of the stress path dependent stiffness according to the characteristic stress path zones. Taking into account both temporal and spatial effects in the construction of the three case studies, a good agreement is reached further between the measurements and numeriod results. Thus, the new approach contributes to the optimization of the analysis of excavations in soft soils.
Das Magnitude 8.8 Maule (Chile)‐Erdbeben vom 27. Februar 2010 — Ingenieuranalyse der Tsunamischäden, Teil 2
Authors: Maiwald Holger , Schwarz Jochen , Abrahamczyk Lars , Lobos Danny
Published: October 2010

Das Maule (Chile)‐Erdbeben vom 27. Februar 2010 gehört zu den stärksten, weltweit jemals registrierten Erdbeben. Das seismische Ereignis löste einen Tsunami aus, der durch mehrere Wellenfronten verheerende Schäden an der Küste Chiles verursachte.

Ereignisspezifische Besonderheiten aus der überlagerung der Effekte aus Erdbeben und darauffolgenden Flutwellen (Tsunami) waren Motivation, im Rahmen einer Erkundungsmission der Ingenieurgruppe der Deutschen Task Force im betroffenen Gebiet die Bauwerksschäden aufzunehmen und ihre regionale Verteilung zu dokumentieren. Der Beitrag vermittelt einen Eindruck von den durch den Tsunami bedingten Schäden; es wird der Versuch unternommen, das Verhalten der typischen Bauweisen unter den zeitlich sequentiell auftretenden extremen Einwirkungen aufzuzeigen. Die Auswertungen schließen an die Ingenieuranalyse der Erdbebenschäden an, so dass auf die im vorangegangenen 1. Teil des Beitrags vom August 2010 [1] gegebene allgemeine übersicht zum Gebäudebestand in Chile und zur Typisierung der Bauweisen verwiesen werden kann. Die Schäden aus dem Tsunami konzentrieren sich auf die eher ländlichen und ohnehin weniger tauglichen traditionellen Bauweisen in den Küstenregionen. An den wesentlichen Wirkungsmechanismen eines Tsunami werden die Verletzbarkeit der Bauweisen und die Effizienz einfacher baulicher Schutzmaßnahmen herausgearbeitet. Wie gezeigt werden kann, tragen Schäden aus Treibgut erheblich zum Schadensbild bei.

The Magnitude 8.8 Maule (Chile) earthquake of February 27, 2010 — Engineering analysis of tsunami damages. The Maule (Chile) February 27, 2010 earthquake is regarded as one of the strongest earthquakes ever recorded world‐wide. The seismic event triggered a tsunami which caused by several wave fronts serious damage alongside the coastal border.

Event‐specific characteristics from the overlay of the effects from earthquakes and following flood wave (Tsunami) were motivation to examine building damage and to document their regional distribution, in the context of a reconnaissance mission of the engineering group of the German Task Force for earthquakes. The paper provides an impression from the tsunami induced damage to the different building types under the impact of time‐varying sequence of extreme natural events. First results of the studies in [1] are related to the engineering analysis of earthquake damage. Therefore it can be referred to the overview of the building stock and the predominant structural systems in Chile given there. Damage caused by the tsunami is concentrated on rural and often less resistant traditional buildings in coastal areas. The main loading and impact components induced by the tsunami are used to explain the vulnerability of building types and the efficiency of simple structural measures. As the damage cases demonstrate, debris in its general sense has contributed to the observed effects.
Transradial approach for percutaneous closure of patent ductus arteriosus with the Amplatzer duct occluder II: A case report
Authors: Cassese Salvatore , Losi Maria Angela , Rapacciuolo Antonio
Published: October 2010

Percutaneous patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure is a safe and feasible treatment, and it is recommended over surgical approach in the majority of cases. Amplatzer duct occluder (ADO—AGA Medical Corporation, Golden Valley, MN) is the preferred device for transcatheter treatment of PDA. Recently, the ADO II (AGA Medical Corporation, Golden Valley, MN), allowing PDA closure through a small delivery catheter from an antegrade or retrograde approach, received the European Community mark approval. Here, we report, for the first time, successful PDA closure in a 66‐year‐old female with the ADO II device, using a transradial approach. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A phase 2 trial of imatinib mesylate in patients with recurrent nonresectable chondrosarcomas expressing platelet‐derived growth factor receptor‐α or ‐β
Authors: Grignani Giovanni , Palmerini Emanuela , Stacchiotti Silvia , Boglione Antonella , Ferraresi Virginia , Frustaci Sergio , Comandone Alessandro , Casali Paolo G , Ferrari Stefano , Aglietta Massimo
Published: October 2010

BACKGROUND.

Chondrosarcoma (CS) is a rare and heterogeneous sarcoma in which, after failure of surgery and radiotherapy, chemotherapy plays only a marginal role. Different molecular pathways have been shown to be activated in CS; in particular, both isoforms of platelet‐derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) are expressed and phosphorylated. These observations prompted investigation of the activity of imatinib mesylate (IM) in patients with advanced CS in a phase 2 trial.

METHODS.

Between January 2007 and June 2009, patients with metastatic, nonresectable CS were treated with 400 mg of IM administered twice daily until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Two criteria determined patient trial eligibility: ≥1 prior line of chemotherapy and immunohistochemical expression of either PDGFR‐α or PDGFR‐β. The primary objective of the trial was objective response. As secondary objectives, the authors selected progression‐free survival (PFS) at 4 months, overall survival, and clinical benefit (EUDRACT number 2006‐006446‐33).

RESULTS.

Twenty‐six patients were enrolled and all demonstrated PDGFR positivity and phosphorylation. No objective response was demonstrated. The 4‐month PFS rate was 31% (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 16%‐53%). The median overall survival was 11 months (95% CI, 6 months‐15 months). Neither long‐lasting freedom from disease progression nor clinical benefit was observed. The IM dose was temporarily reduced in 60%15 of the patients because of toxicity.

CONCLUSIONS.

IM was found to be relatively well‐tolerated, but failed to demonstrate meaningful clinical activity in terms of both objective response and freedom from disease progression. Advanced CS remains an incurable disease, and effective targeted therapies are still awaited. Cancer 2011. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Micro‐Raman spectroscopic investigations of cobalt phthalocyanine thin films deposited on quartz and diamond substrates
Authors: Szybowicz M. , Bała W. , Fabisiak K. , Paprocki K. , Drozdowski M.
Published: October 2010

In this paper we present study of cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPc) thin films deposited on quartz and diamond substrates. The different diamond substrates were obtained using chemical vapour deposition method (CVD). The micro‐Raman scattering spectra of CoPc thin films deposited onto quartz and diamond substrates were investigated in the spectral range 200 – 1800 cm‐1 at room temperature for different wavelengths excitation (488 nm and 785 nm). The Raman modes A1g and B1g are connected with different polymorphic of metallophthalocyanine phase of CoPc thin films deposited on substrates (α and β form). Using confocal and surface Raman mapping we also obtained information on polymorphic phase of CoPc layers deposited on different diamond substrates. We observed both, change and distribution of polymorphic phase of CoPc thin films deposited on the surface. The observed feature can be probably caused by the change of crystalline form of CoPc thin layer and different size of crystallites of the diamond substrates. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Electrical properties of PbxSn1‐xS thin films prepared by hot wall deposition method
Authors: Unuchak D. M. , Bente K. , Ivanov V. A. , Gremenok V. F.
Published: October 2010

The PbxSn1‐xS (x = 0 – 0.25) thin films were prepared on glass substrates by hot wall vacuum deposition. The films were polycrystalline monophase in nature and had orthorhombic crystal structure. The thickness of the films was about 2‐3 μm. The temperature dependences of the conductivity were measured in the temperature range from 150 to 420 K. The films revealed p‐type of conductivity. The Seebeck coefficient and conductivity values of the films was in the range of α = 6 – 360 μV/K and σ = 4.8×10‐5 – 1.5×10‐2 Ω‐1·cm‐1, respectively, at room temperature depending on concentration of the lead in the films. The lead atoms created the substitution defects PbSn in the crystal lattice of the PbxSn1‐xS. These defects formed the donor energy levels in the band gap. The activation energy of the films increased in the range ΔEa = 0.121 – 0.283 eV with increasing of the lead concentration. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Sox17 and chordin are required for formation of Kupffer's vesicle and left‐right asymmetry determination in zebrafish
Authors: Aamar Emil , Dawid Igor B.
Published: October 2010

Kupffer's vesicle (KV), a ciliated fluid‐filled sphere in the zebrafish embryo with a critical role in laterality determination, is derived from a group of superficial cells in the organizer region of the gastrula named the dorsal forerunner cells (DFC). We have examined the role of the expression of sox17 and chordin (chd) in the DFC in KV formation and laterality determination. Whereas sox17 was known to be expressed in DFC, its function in these cells was not studied before. Further, expression of chd in these cells has not been reported previously. Targeted knockdown of Sox17 and Chd in DFC led to aberrant Left‐Right (L‐R) asymmetry establishment, as visualized by the expression of southpaw and lefty, and heart and pancreas placement in the embryo. These defects correlated with the formation of small KVs with apparently diminished cilia, consistent with the known requirement for ciliary function in the laterality organ for the establishment of L‐R asymmetry. Developmental Dynamics 239:2980–2988, 2010. Published 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Investigation of Steric and Electronic Factors of (Arylsulfonyl)phosphane‐Palladium Catalysts in Ethene Polymerization (Eur. J. Inorg. Chem. 29/2010)
Authors: Piche Laurence , Daigle Jean‐Christophe , Poli Rinaldo , Claverie Jerome P.
Published: October 2010

The cover picture shows the influence of the structure of a sulfonated phosphane on the performance of the Pd‐based catalysts employed in this study. These complexes catalyze ethene polymerization without the need of activation, yielding linear polyethene. The introduction of steric hindrance in the catalyst scaffold results in lower molecular weights and lower activities. Details are discussed in the article by J. M. Claverie et al. on p. 4595 ff.
Lachen mit viel Gefühl
Authors: Zimmermann Elke
Published: October 2010

Die Bedeutung von Emotionen für die Entwicklung der akustischen Kommunikation wurde lange kaum beachtet. Aktuelle Vergleichsstudien an Menschen und Säugetieren erlauben neue faszinierende Einblicke in die Evolution.
Trinational – mehrsprachig – epochenübergreifend
Authors: Unterstell Rembert
Published: October 2010

Gemeinsam erforschen deutsche, österreichische und italienische Nachwuchsforscher die „Politische Kommunikation von der Antike bis ins 20. Jahrhundert”︁ – ein Beispiel für die zunehmend internationale Ausrichtung der DFG‐Graduiertenkollegs.
„Ich hab' noch einen Koffer in Dresden …”︁
Authors: Unterstell Rembert
Published: October 2010

Landeskunde und wissenschaftliche Kontaktanbahnung: Nach der 60. Nobelpreisträger‐Tagung am Bodensee bereisten 20 indische Nachwuchsforscherinnen und ‐forscher die deutsche Universitäts‐ und Institutslandschaft. Impressionen von der Post‐Lindau‐Tour
DISSECTING THE STATE: TOWARDS A RELATIONAL CONCEPTUALIZATION OF STATES AND STATE FAILURE
Authors: Frödin Olle Jonas
Published: October 2010

This article departs from a critique of objectivist understandings of the state as a relatively coherent administrative and coercive apparatus. It argues that objectivist understandings of the state may prevent our ability of seeing politics as it is. On the basis of the fact that institutions only exist insofar as they are systematically activated in social relations, the article provides conceptual tools that seek to capture the context‐specific, relational characteristics of the state. The theoretical arguments are illustrated by examples from both developed and developing countries. In thinking beyond categorical and objectivist understandings of statehood encapsulated in concepts like state capacity and state failure, the article distinguishes kinds and degrees of state failures. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Kinetic and thermodynamic analysis of 9‐nitrocamptothecin hydrolysis at physiological pH in the presence and absence of human serum albumin
Authors: Saha Sohodeb C. , Kunadharaju Sasank , Sivakumar Balasubramanian , Savva Michalakis
Published: October 2010

Kinetic and thermodynamic analysis of the 9‐nitrocamptothecin (9NC) hydrolysis reaction in the presence and absence of human serum albumin (HSA) in phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) of pH 7.4 was carried out by first derivative absorption spectroscopy. The thermodynamic parameters determined in these studies provided a mechanistic explanation toward the endothermic but yet thermodynamically favorable hydrolysis of 9NC at physiological temperature and pH. In the presence of HSA, the apparent rate constant of 9NC hydrolysis was 3–3.5 times higher than in 9NC solutions alone, whereas the apparent equilibrium constant of 9NC hydrolysis was found to increase at a higher extent in the presence of HSA than in PBS with increasing temperature, reaching almost complete hydrolysis of the 9NC to the 9NC‐carboxylate at 315.15 K. Importantly, the Ea of the 9NC hydrolysis reaction in the presence of HSA was determined to be on average 17 kJ mol−1 lower than the Ea determined in plain PBS. Moreover, analysis of binding isotherms constructed for the HSA interaction with 9NC, using infinitely cooperative and independent binding models, demonstrated an incredibly higher binding constant for the 9NC‐carboxylate form as compared to the very weak and concentration‐dependent binding for the 9NC‐lactone species at 310.15 K. Taken together, the preferential association of the carboxylate form with HSA and the lower Ea of 9NC hydrolysis in the presence of HSA provide a mechanistic explanation for the shift of lactone–carboxylate equilibria toward the carboxylate product under physiological conditions of pH and ionic strength. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 42: 693–703, 2010
Haemoglobin level, proportion of haemoglobin Bart's and haemoglobin Portland in fetuses affected by homozygous α0‐thalassemia from 12 to 40 weeks' gestation
Authors: Li Thomas K. T. , Leung K. Y. , Lam Y. H. , Tang M. H. Y. , Chan Vivian
Published: October 2010

Objectives

To determine haematological parameters in fetuses affected by homozygous α0‐thalassemia.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional retrospective study reviewing 546 blood samples (268 fetal and 278 neonatal cord) being collected between 1993 and 2006, from 12 weeks' gestation onwards for any indication, including the prenatal diagnosis of homozygous α0‐thalassemia, other haematological disorders, hydrops or aneuploidy. The proportion of haemoglobin (Hb) fractions was determined by electrophoresis of haemolysate on cellulose acetate in all samples.

Results

There were significant differences in the haematological parameters between homozygous α0‐thalassemia (n = 183) and control (n = 363) which were either heterozygous α0‐thalassemia (alpha thalassemia trait) or normal. In homozygous α0‐thalassemia, the median Hb level, proportion of Hb Bart's (γ4) and Hb Portland 1(ζ2γ2) were 6.4 g/dL, 77.5% and 22.5%, respectively. While the Hb level and the proportion of Hb Bart's increased significantly with gestation, the proportion of Hb Portland 1 decreased. The Hb level contributed by Hb Portland 1 remained around 1.4 g/dL throughout gestation. The proportion of mild, moderate and severe anaemia in the affected fetuses was 27.5, 32.7 and 39.8%, respectively. There was no significant difference in these proportions across different gestation (P = 0.231). There were no differences in the haematological parameters between hydropic and non‐hydropic fetuses.

Conclusion

Although the degree of anaemia is mild in around one‐quarter of the affected fetuses, the contribution by Hb Portland 1 (ζ2γ2) to the Hb level was very low throughout gestation, and the affected fetuses may therefore be at risk for hypoxia. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of ortho substituents on 17O NMR chemical shifts in phenyl esters of substituted benzoic acids
Authors: Nummert Vilve , Mäemets Vahur , Piirsalu Mare , Koppel Ilmar A.
Published: October 2010

17O NMR spectra for 29 phenyl esters of ortho‐, para,‐ and meta‐substituted benzoic acids, X‐C6H4CO2C6H5, at natural abundance in acetonitrile were recorded. The δ(17O) values of carbonyl and the single‐bonded oxygens for para derivatives gave good correlation with the σ+ constants. The δ(17O) values for meta derivatives correlated well with the σm constants. The influence of ortho substituents on the δ(17O) values of carbonyl oxygen and the single‐bonded oxygens was analyzed using the Charton equation containing the inductive, σI, resonance, σ+R, and steric, E, substituent constants. For ortho derivatives, excellent correlations with the Charton equation were obtained when the data treatment was performed separately for derivatives containing electron‐donating +R and electron‐attracting −R substituents. The electron‐donating substituents in ortho‐, meta‐, and para‐substituted esters resulted in shielding of the 17O signal and the electron‐withdrawing groups caused deshielding. In phenyl ortho‐substituted benzoates, the substituent‐induced positive inductive (ρI > 0), resonance (ρR > 0), and steric (δorthoE > 0) effects were found. The steric interaction of ortho substituents with ester group was found to produce a deshielding effect on the carbonyl and single‐bonded oxygens. For ortho derivatives with −R substituents, the resonance term was insignificant and the steric term was ca. twice weaker as compared to that for derivatives with +R substituents. The δ(17O) values for ortho‐substituted nitrobenzenes, acetophenones, and benzoyl chlorides showed a good correlation with the Charton equation as well. In ortho‐substituted nitrobenzenes the inductive, resonance and steric effect were found to be ca. 1.7 times stronger as compared to that for phenyl ortho‐substituted benzoates. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Radical polymerization of styrene derivatives bearing N‐free amino acid side chains, synergic effect of chirality, and hydrogen bonding for stereoselective polymerization
Authors: Matsubara Kouki , Kurimaru Atsumi , Yamanaka Miyuki , Hirashima Tetsuya , Onishi Yoshie , Murakami Eiji , Kawachi Emi , Koga Yuji , Ando Setsuko
Published: October 2010

Radical polymerization of styrene derivatives having a series of amino acid, alanine, glycine, leucine, valine, Boc‐leucine, and Boc‐valine, in the side chain bound at the C‐terminal was conducted to regulate the stereoinduction system in the propagation step. Isotacticity increased in the polymer main chain, especially in the polymerization of monomers bearing N‐free L‐leucyl and L‐valyl esters in THF or DMF at 50 °C, by the synergic stereoregulation with chirality control and hydrogen bonding between the radical polymer terminal and the monomer. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2010
Synthesis of novel hyperbranched poly(ester‐amide)s based on neutral α‐amino acids via “AD + CBB′” couple‐monomer approach
Authors: Bao You‐Mei , Liu Xiao‐Hui , Tang Xiu‐Lan , Li Yue‐Sheng
Published: October 2010

A series of novel hyperbranched poly(ester‐amide)s (HBPEAs) based on neutral α‐amino acids have been synthesized via the “AD + CBB′” couple‐monomer approach. The ABB′ intermediates were stoichiometrically formed through thio‐Michael addition reaction because of reactivity differences between functional groups. Without any purification, in situ self‐polycondensations of the intermediates at elevated temperature in the presence of a catalyst afforded HBPEAs with multihydroxyl end groups. The degrees of branching (DBs) of the HBPEAs were estimated to be 0.40–0.58 and 0.24–0.54 by quantitative 13C NMR with two different calculation methods, respectively, depending on polymerization conditions and structure of monomers. The influences of catalyst, temperature, and intermediate structure on the polymerization process and molecular weights as well as properties of the resultant polymers were investigated. FTIR, NMR, and DEPT‐135 NMR analyses revealed the branched structure of the resultant polymers. The HBPEAs possess moderately high molecular weights with broad distributions, glass transition temperatures in the range of −25.5 to 36.5 °C, and decomposition temperatures at 10% weight loss under nitrogen and air in the regions of 243.4–289.1 °C and 231.4–265.6 °C, respectively. Among them, those derived from D,L‐phenylalanine display the lowest degree of branching, whereas the highest glass transition temperature and the best thermal stability. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2010