bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carbonaceous schists of the Main Central Thrust zone as a source of graphite: a case study from the Kali Gandaki valley, west Nepal
Authors: Paudel Lalu Prasad
Published: October 2011

Petrological study and X-ray diffraction analysis were carried out to identify the content and quality of graphitic material inthe carbonaceous schist from the Main Central Thrust zone in the Kali Gandaki valley, west Nepal. The study shows that thecarbonaceous schists contain more than 15-30% graphite. They contain both amorphous and flake graphite with variable grainsize. As graphite is being mined commercially in rocks containing even <5% graphite worldwide, carbonaceous rocks of the MainCentral Thrust zone can be a potential sources of commercial graphite in Nepal.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/bdg.v14i0.5431Bulletin of the Department of Geology Vol.14 2011, pp. 9-14
Feasibility of Converting Two-Way Left-Turn Lane into Bus Rapid Transit Lane
Authors: Dawson Eugene H. , Liu Hongchao , Xu Hao , Cheu Ruey Long , Machemehl Randy B.
Published: October 2011

Although past research and experience have demonstrated the benefits of bus rapid transit (BRT) to the transportation system, implementation of BRT on congested local arterials having minimal or no rights-of-way remains a challenge. A feasible solution is to use the two-way left-turn lane (TWLTL) in the center of local streets for the purpose of BRT during peak hours. However, a TWLTL can be used in two ways for this purpose: directly as a median BRT lane and as a reversible general traffic lane (so that the curb lane is reserved for BRT). Without a clear understanding of the impacts of traffic characteristics, intersection layouts, and traffic signal control types on each of the alternatives, transit agencies usually have difficulty in determining the option that best serves transit vehicles and simultaneously minimizes impacts to the general traffic. This study evaluates the performance of a median BRT lane and a curb BRT lane and considers varying traffic conditions and physical configurations of the street and the intersections. The pros and cons of each alternative are also specified, in accordance with the simulation analysis.
Model and Algorithm considering Time-Varying Travel Times to Solve Static Multidepot Dial-a-Ride Problem
Authors: Kim Taehyeong , Haghani Ali
Published: October 2011

This paper studies a static dial-a-ride problem (DARP) with time-varying travel times, soft time windows, and multiple depots. A static DARP model is formulated as a mixed-integer programming problem. To validate the model, several random small network problems are solved by using the commercial optimization package CPLEX. Three heuristic algorithms based on sequential insertion, parallel insertion, and clustering first-routing second are proposed to solve this problem within a reasonable time for implementation in a real-world situation. The results of the three heuristic methods are compared with the results obtained from exact solution by CPLEX to validate and evaluate the three heuristic algorithms. Computational results show that the three heuristic algorithms are superior to the exact algorithm in relation to the calculation time as the problem size (in number of demands) increases. Of the three heuristic algorithms, the one based on sequential insertion is more efficient than the other heuristic algorithms based on parallel insertion and clustering first-routing second.
Accessible Transportation and the Built Environment on College Campuses
Authors: Larkins Kelly E. , Dunning Anne E. , Ridout John S.
Published: October 2011

University transportation facilities might still not be accessible for people with impairments even 20 years after enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), although everyone benefits, regardless of abilities, from a safe and equitable learning environment. This paper examines modern conceptions of disabilities and transportation provisions to accommodate them. To test the accessibility of transportation facilities as defined by ADA guidelines, the bus stops situated around the campus of Clemson University in South Carolina were evaluated in the context of ADA and the more modern concept of universal design. The results showed accessible accommodation of transit riders is still a concept that falls short of implementation.
Optimal Hedging of Commodity Price Risks in Highway Contracts
Authors: Zhou Xue , Damnjanovic Ivan D.
Published: October 2011

Macroeconomic conditions, such as commodity prices, labor wages, and inflation rates, affect the cost of construction projects. In a volatile market environment, highway agencies often pass such risks to contractors by using fixed-price contracts. In turn, contractors respond by adding premiums in bid prices. How much of this risk highway agencies should pass to contractors is the topic of this paper. More specifically, the objective of this paper is to develop a model that can help highway agencies manage cost risks associated with commodity prices. The weighted least squares regression model is used to estimate the risk premium; the solution to a multiobjective optimization formulation considers a genetic algorithm approach to nonconvex optimization. Crude oil prices are used as an example of volatile commodities. The results of this study suggest that the optimal risk mitigation actions are conditional on owners' risk preferences.
Value Analysis Using Performance Attributes Matrix for Highway Rehabilitation Projects
Authors: Lee Eul-Bum (E.-B.) , Kim Changmo , Ghafari Naghi , Brink Gregory
Published: October 2011

Since 1997, when FHWA made value analysis (VA) a federal policy, the VA procedure has become necessary for improving pavement quality and reducing life-cycle and road user costs for highway projects, especially large-scale ones. The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has moved beyond simple compliance with the policy and implemented a new VA procedure in the planning and design stage of the Interstate 80 (I-80) Sacramento rehabilitation (planned to begin in 2011). This I-80 case study demonstrates an efficient new VA procedure and presents its results for three alternatives by using a performance attributes matrix (PAM) approach and Construction Analysis for Pavement Rehabilitation Strategies (CA4PRS) software. The PAM was used to quantify performance attributes, and CA4PRS was used to calculate the construction schedule and to estimate agency and user costs for each of the construction activities for a 60-year life cycle. The VA results show quantitative changes in performance and life-cycle costs for each alternative. On the basis of the VA team's recommendation, Caltrans adopted two of the three alternatives even though they required an increase of $6.99 million in initial construction costs; however, the chosen combination of alternatives will provide a total savings of $7.66 million in agency and user costs over the life-cycle period (60 years) and improve highway performance by 8%. The combined VA effect allows for improvement of the overall maintainability, enhancement of ride quality, and better phase-ability with the high-occupancy vehicle lanes project planned for this stretch of highway in the future.
Harmonized Spaces, Dissonant Objects, Inventing Europe? Mobilizing Digital Heritage
Authors: Badenoch Alexander
Published: October 2011

Technology, particularly digitization and the online availability of cultural heritage collections, provides new possibilities for creating new forms of ’European cultural heritage’. This essay analyzes the emerging sphere of European digital heritage as a project of technological harmonization. Drawing on Andrew Barry’s concepts of technological zones, it examines the various ways in which agency and European citizenship are being reconfigured around cultural heritage. It explores the “Europeanization” of digital heritage in three areas. In the first section, it analyzes the recent agenda for digital heritage of the European Union as a harmonizing project to create a smooth space of cultural heritage. In the next sections, the development of a harmonized virtual exhibit on the history of technology in Europe forms a case study to explore processes of harmonization at the level of the web platform, and in the aesthetics of digitized objects. It argues that rather than seeking to elide the points of unevenness and ’dissonance’ that emerge in harmonization processes, we should instead look for ways to embrace them as points of dialogue and discovery.
The Digital Dimension of European Cultural Politics: Index, Intellectual Property and Internet Governance
Authors: Thylstrup Nanna
Published: October 2011

The Internet and the World Wide Web (WWW) have become dominant fields for European Union (EU) politics. What used to be at the outer fringes of the EU policies has now taken centre stage. The transnational and dialogical structure of the Internet has hardwired it for international cultural politics, yet the very same structure also works to erode the very territorial foundation of traditional cultural politics. Given the delicate and complex terrain cultural politics traverse in international politics, and the trailblazing progression of the Internet, it seems on-line cultural politics is not just the application of existing cultural politics to cyberspace but a new field to be explored, analyzed and taught. The present article maps a constituent European cultural boundary on the WWW as the EU has circumscribed it and places this cultural node within a wider array of Europeanization and globalization processes.
Croatia – Exhibiting Memory and History at the "Shores of Europe"
Authors: Radonic Ljiljana
Published: October 2011

Even though the self-critical dealing with the past has not been an official criteria for joining the European union, the founding of the Task Force for International Cooperation on Holocaust Education, Remembrance, and Research and the Holocaust-conference in Stockholm at the beginning of 2000 seem to have generatedinformal standards of confronting and exhibiting the Holocaust during the process called “Europeanization of the Holocaust”. This is indicated by the fact that the Holocaust Memorial Center in Budapest opened almost empty only weeks before Hungary joined the European Union although the permanent exhibition had not been ready yet. The Croatian case, especially the new exhibition that opened at the KZ-memorial Jasenovac in 2006, will serve in order to examine how the “Europeanization of the Holocaust” impacts on a candidate state. The memorial museum resembles Holocaust Memorial Museums in Washington, Budapest etc., but, although it is in situ, at the site of the former KZ, the focus clearly lies on individual victim stories and their belongings, while the perpetrators and the daily “routine” at the KZ are hardly mentioned. Another problem influenced by the international trend to focus on (Jewish) individuals and moral lessons rather than on the historical circumstances is that the focus on the Shoa blanks the fact that Serbs had been the foremost largest victim group. The third field, where the influence of “European standards” on the Croatian politics of the past will be examined, is the equalization of “red and black totalitarianism” at the annual commemorations in Jasenovac. While this was already done during the revisions era of President Franjo Tudman during the 1990, today it perfectly matches EU-politics, as the introduction of the 23rd of August, the anniversary of the Hitler-Stalin-pact, as a Memorial day for both victims of Nazism and Stalinism shows.
Thingifying Neda: The Construction of Commemorative and Affective Thingifications of Neda Agda Soltan
Authors: Stage Carsten
Published: October 2011

The article investigates how the participatory creation of global interest in the shooting of Neda Agda Soltan was not only influenced by the online dissemination of texts and images, but also by the construction of things or “image-objects”. By analyzing three specific cases that turn images of Neda into material objects I argue that the cultural role of these “thingifications” is to enable 1) the opening of the present towards a specific historic event, 2) the sharing of affect and 3) the articulation of specific political interpretations of Neda and the Iranian regime. The objects are thus oriented both towards the past by pointing at the importance of the shooting, but also aim to facilitate relationships in the present and future that may use the event to build more just and politically righteous communities.
Peptide Based Vaccine Approaches for Cancer—A Novel Approach Using a WT-1 Synthetic Long Peptide and the IRX-2 Immunomodulatory Regimen
Authors: Naylor Paul H. , Egan James E. , Berinstein Neil L.
Published: October 2011

Therapeutic cancer vaccines have the potential to generate a long lasting immune response that will destroy tumor cells with specificity and safety, in contrast to many other current cancer therapies. Clinical success to date has been limited by a number of factors including choice of immunogenic cancer rejection antigens, optimization of vaccine platforms and immune adjuvants to effectively polarize the immune response, and incorporation of strategies to reverse cancer mediated immune suppression by utilization of effective adjuvant/immune modulators. WT-1 (Wilms’ tumor gene 1) is a cancer antigen that is required for tumorigenesis, expressed in a high percentage of tumor cells and rarely expressed in adult normal cells. Moreover spontaneous immunity to WT-1 is seen in cancer patients and can be augmented with various therapeutic vaccine approaches. IRX-2 is an immune modulator with demonstrated preclinical and clinical pleiotropic immune activities including enhancement of the immune response to potential tumor antigens. This paper presents the rationale and preclinical data for utilizing the WT-1 tumor antigen in a novel vaccine platform consisting of a synthetic long peptide containing multiple class I and class II epitopes in combination with the IRX-2 immunomodulatory regimen to overcome immuno-suppressive pathways and enhance the anti-tumor response.
Preparation of Novel Hydrolyzing Urethane Modified Thiol-Ene Networks
Authors: Mackey Nicole M. , Confait Bridget S. , Wynne James H. , Buchanan J. Paige
Published: October 2011

Novel tetra-functional hydrolyzing monomers were prepared from the reaction of TEOS and select alkene-containing alcohols, ethylene glycol vinyl ether or 2-allyloxy ethanol, and combined with trimethylolpropane tris(3-mercaptopropionate) (tri-thiol) in a thiol-ene “click” polymerization reaction to produce clear, colorless thiol-ene networks using both radiation and thermal-cure techniques. These networks were characterized for various mechanical characteristics, and found to posses Tg’s (DSC), hardness, tack, and thermal stability (TGA) consistent with their molecular structures. A new ene-modified urethane oligomer was prepared based on the aliphatic polyisocyanate Desmodur® N 3600 and added to the thiol-ene hydrolyzable network series in increasing amounts, creating a phase-segregated material having two Tg’s. An increase in water absorption in the ene-modified urethane formulations leading to a simultaneous increase in the rate of hydrolysis was supported by TGA data, film hardness measurements, and an NMR study of closely related networks. This phenomenon was attributed to the additional hydrogen bonding elements and polar functionality brought to the film with the addition of the urethane segment. SEM was utilized for visual analysis of topographical changes in the film’s surface upon hydrolysis and provides support for surface-driven erosion. Coatings prepared in this study are intended for use as hydrolyzing networks for marine coatings to protect against ship fouling.
Improving Prediction Accuracy for WSN Data Reduction by Applying Multivariate Spatio-Temporal Correlation
Authors: Carvalho Carlos , Gomes Danielo G. , Agoulmine Nazim , De Souza José Neuman
Published: October 2011

This paper proposes a method based on multivariate spatial and temporal correlation to improve prediction accuracy in data reduction for Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN). Prediction of data not sent to the sink node is a technique used to save energy in WSNs by reducing the amount of data traffic. However, it may not be very accurate. Simulations were made involving simple linear regression and multiple linear regression functions to assess the performance of the proposed method. The results show a higher correlation between gathered inputs when compared to time, which is an independent variable widely used for prediction and forecasting. Prediction accuracy is lower when simple linear regression is used, whereas multiple linear regression is the most accurate one. In addition to that, our proposal outperforms some current solutions by about 50% in humidity prediction and 21% in light prediction. To the best of our knowledge, we believe that we are probably the first to address prediction based on multivariate correlation for WSN data reduction.
Solid Phase Biosensors for Arsenic or Cadmium Composed of A trans Factor and cis Element Complex
Authors: Siddiki Mohammad Shohel Rana , Kawakami Yasunari , Ueda Shunsaku , Maeda Isamu
Published: October 2011

The presence of toxic metals in drinking water has hazardous effects on human health. This study was conducted to develop GFP-based-metal-binding biosensors for on-site assay of toxic metal ions. GFP-tagged ArsR and CadC proteins bound to a cis element, and lost the capability of binding to it in their As- and Cd-binding conformational states, respectively. Water samples containing toxic metals were incubated on a complex of GFP-tagged ArsR or CadC and cis element which was immobilized on a solid surface. Metal concentrations were quantified with fluorescence intensity of the metal-binding states released from the cis element. Fluorescence intensity obtained with the assay significantly increased with increasing concentrations of toxic metals. Detection limits of 1 μg/L for Cd(II) and 5 μg/L for As(III) in purified water and 10 µg/L for Cd(II) and As(III) in tap water and bottled mineral water were achieved by measurement with a battery-powered portable fluorometer after 15-min and 30-min incubation, respectively. A complex of freeze dried GFP-tagged ArsR or CadC binding to cis element was stable at 4 °C and responded to 5 μg/L As(III) or Cd(II). The solid phase biosensors are sensitive, less time-consuming, portable, and could offer a protocol for on-site evaluation of the toxic metals in drinking water.
Development of nuclear SSRs for the insular shrub Clerodendrum izuinsulare (Verbenaceae) and the widespread C. trichotomum
Authors: Mizusawa Leiko , Kaneko Shingo , Hasegawa Masami , Isagi Yuji
Published: October 2011

• Premise of the study: Nuclear microsatellite primers were developed in the insular shrub Clerodendrum izuinsulare and the closely related widespread C. trichotomum to provide molecular tools to undertake a comparative study of the reproductive systems and genetic structures of the two Clerodendrum species.

• Methods and Results: Using an improved protocol for isolating codominant compound microsatellite markers, 19 primer sets were developed in C. izuinsulare and C. trichotomum. The primers amplified dinucleotide repeats with one to nine alleles per locus in C. izuinsulare and one to 15 alleles per locus in C. trichotomum. Tests of cross‐amplification showed that four to 16 loci could be amplified using these markers in five other species of Clerodendrum that were studied.

• Conclusions: The microsatellite markers described here will be useful for comparative study of the reproductive systems and genetic structures of the narrow endemic C. izuinsulare and the widespread C. trichotomum.
The hidden life of love: The function of the Bible in Kierkegaard’s ‘Works of love’
Authors: Huls Jos
Published: October 2011

This article discussed the use of the Bible in ‘Love’s hidden life and its recognizability by its fruits’, which is the first reflection of Søren Kierkegaard’s book, Works of love. The article noted that in the first part of the reflection, Kierkegaard points out how easily love is ignored because of its hidden character and because it belongs to the realm of the heart. Consequently, it seems sagacious to trust only those things that we can observe with our senses. But this attitude speaks of self-deception and fear that will bring eternal loss, because it locks us out of love which connects us with the essence of God himself. The article then explained Kierkegaard’s argument that love produces fruit which has to be distinguished from other kinds of fruit. This distinction raises the question of discernment between forms that claim to be love and Christian love, which is rooted in eternity. The second part of this reflection focuses on love as the main feature of Kierkegaard’s anthropology that springs from the heart, has its origin in God and therefore cannot be penetrated by the tools of logic. This does not imply that we cannot live this love. On the contrary, we need to live it in order to become familiar with it and to understand it from within. However, this familiarity will, in the first place, confront us with love’s unfathomableness and its unfathomable connectedness with all existence. The more we become acquainted with the love of our heart, the more this love will lead us into the mystery of God’s eternity. A second feature of Kierkegaard’s anthropology, which is immediately linked to the first, is the acknowledgement that this love manifests itself as a need with roots in the hunger of the heart. For the purposes of this article, Kierkegaard’s use of the Bible in all these parts was analysed and a general perspective on his reception of the Bible was offered.
Leading Change and Advancing Health by Enhancing Nurses' and Midwives' Knowledge, Ability and Confidence to Conduct Research through a Clinical Scholar Program in Western Australia
Authors: Chapman Rose , Duggan Ravani , Combs Shane
Published: October 2011

This paper reports on an evaluation of a Clinical Scholar Program initiated at a hospital in Western Australia. The aim of the program was to build the capacity of nurses and midwives to conduct research and evidence-based practice within the hospital. The program was based on a previous program and consisted of six teaching days and four hours per month release for proposal preparation. At the end of the program participants were asked to complete a short anonymous questionnaire. The answers were analysed using standard processes of qualitative analysis. Themes emerging from the data included program strengths, individual gains, ability to conduct research, and areas for improvement. The findings highlighted that, while the participants considered that they were more knowledgeable and confident to conduct research, they still required support. The Clinical Scholar Program has provided a way to increase the capacity of clinicians to participate in research activities.
Efficacy of New Antiepileptic Drugs
Authors: Schmidt Dieter
Published: October 2011

Regarding efficacy of new antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) for seizure control, there are three important clinical questions. How effective are new AEDs when corrected for the efficacy of placebo? And even more important: How do new AEDs fare in terms of seizure remission compared with established agents? And finally: Have patients seizure-free on new AEDs a better chance for lasting remission after withdrawal versus those withdrawing from older agents? The answers raise concerns. Although add-on therapy with marketed new AEDs is more effective than placebo, as expected, the treatment difference for becoming seizure-free is disappointingly small (6%; 95% CI: 4–8%; z = 6.47; p < 0.001). Although many, but not all, new AEDs have comparable efficacy to old standard drugs in well-controlled trials, none of the new AEDs is superior to old drugs in terms of seizure remission. So far, we have no antiepileptogenic treatments that prevent the development of epilepsy or modify its detrimental course. The sobering results suggest the need for novel experimental and clinical strategies for the development of more effective new AEDs that interrupt ictogenesis more effectively and prevent or abort epileptogenesis. Ideally, we need new drugs that block both ictogenesis and epileptogenesis, resulting in complete cure of epilepsy.
Classification and Epilepsy: The Future Awaits
Authors: Berg Anne T.
Published: October 2011

By now, most are aware that changes are afoot in the concepts and terminology used for discussing and “classifying” epilepsy ( 1 ). The changes have been met with scorn and derision by some ( 2 , 3 ). In balance, they seem to be appreciated, not for being a final product but for finally moving the field from out of an archaic past in which it was stuck and into the present and, may we hope, the future. As it stands, the report, and its recommendations likely elicit feelings of dissatisfaction for not being complete, final, and carved in stone. The report did not even presume to present a new classification. The authors of the report share that frustration, with the caveat that little should ever be carved in stone in a field that is moving as rapidly as the life sciences.
Effects of phase inversion and composition of casting solution on morphology and gas permeance of polyethersulfone/polyimide blend membranes
Authors: Madaeni S. S. , Farhadian A. , Vatanpour V.
Published: October 2011

In this study, the preparation of high flux gas separation flat sheet membranes based on polyethersulfone (PES) and polyimide (PI) Matrimid 5218 blends was investigated. The process of dry/wet phase inversion with three different compositions of PES/PI (80/20, 50/50 and 20/80 wt%) in N, N‐dimethylacetamide (DMAc) or tetrahydrofuran (THF) were employed. The utilization of these solvents has not been reported. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to investigate the morphological characteristics and the structure of asymmetric membranes. The results indicate that the blend ratio of the polymers plays a vital role in membrane structure and capability. The prepared membranes possessed a typical asymmetric structure with a dense skin layer and a porous substructure. Macrovoids were observed in the membrane substructure with high PES concentration (80 wt%). The effect of PES/PI membrane surface coating with polydimethylsiloxane rubber solution on gas permeance and selectivity was investigated. After coating, the modified membranes exhibited O2 permeances from 3 to 36 gas particulate unit (GPU). However, the membrane selectivity for O2/N2 was decreased from 18 to 5 at room temperature. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 31: 298–309, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/adv.20253
Aromatic amine‐epoxidized sunflower free‐fatty‐acid adducts as corrosion inhibitors in epoxy‐curable varnishes
Authors: Mohamed Heba A. , Ibrahim Mervat S. , Kandil Nadia G. , Said Hossam M. , Mohamed Issa M.
Published: October 2011

With strict regulation of environmental pollution, sunflower fatty acids were used to prepare high‐molecular‐weight aromatic amine adducts by reaction of their epoxidized form [epoxidized sunflower free fatty acid (ESFA)] with five aromatic amines [o‐toluidine (o‐T), m‐toluidine (m‐T), p‐toluidine (p‐T), p‐anizidine (p‐A), and p‐chloroaniline (p‐ClA)] under severe conditions of an inert atmosphere and high temperature. The produced adducts were characterized physically, chemically, and by IR spectroscopy. The acid values and oxirane contents of the prepared adducts were determined to confirm the participation of carboxylic groups and epoxy groups, respectively, in the reaction of ESFA with aromatic amines. Also, to avoid volatile organic compounds, the prepared adducts of ESFA (o‐T–ESFA, m‐T–ESFA, p‐T–ESFA, p‐A–ESFA, and p‐ClA–ESFA) were evaluated as corrosion inhibitors of mild steel in electron‐beam‐curable epoxy acrylate oligomer formulations. Physical and mechanical measurements were carried out, in addition to corrosion‐resistance tests and weight loss measurements of the coated steel panels. The optimum concentration of each adduct was determined for the prepared formulations. The corrosion‐inhibition efficiency of the adducts in varnish formulations were determined. It was found that varnish formulations containing the prepared aromatic amine adducts could protect steel from corrosion. The corrosion‐inhibition efficiencies of the prepared aromatic amines in epoxy acrylate oligomer varnishes were arranged as follows: p‐A–ESFA > p‐T–ESFA > m‐T–ESFA > o‐T–ESFA > p‐ClA–ESFA. Superior corrosion‐inhibition efficiency was obtained in the varnish formula containing 0.6% p‐A–ESFA adduct. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Facile Synthesis of N‐Sulfonylcyclothioureas in Water
Authors: Wan Guoxiang , Xu Liang , Ma Xiaosi , Zhang Yong , Wang Jian , Zhang Jian , Ma Ning
Published: October 2011

A sequential one‐pot synthesis of N‐sulfonylcyclothioureas from N‐monosulfonyl diamines, CS2 and chloroacetic acid at room temperature in water is described. In the absence of highly toxic thiophosgene and organic solvents, this method is environmentally benign. Simple reaction conditions, easy purification of the products, good yields and thioglycolic acid as the useful byproduct are also important attributes of this methodology. The plausible mechanism including tandem reactions is proposed.
Synthesis, Structures, and Adsorption Properties of Two New LaIII–MgII Heterometallic Polymers
Authors: Xu Yun , Che Yun‐Xia , Cheng Fang‐Yi , Zheng Ji‐Min
Published: October 2011

Two new LaIII–MgII heterometallic polymers, {[La2(oda)6Mg2][Mg(H2O)6]·6H2O}n (1) and {[La2(pda)6Mg3(H2O)6]·11H2O}n (2) (H2oda = oxydiacetic acid, H2pda = pyridine‐2,6‐dicarboxylic acid), have been synthesized under solvothermal conditions. Structural analysis reveals that 1 contains two types of 3D cavities, one of which is occupied by [Mg(H2O)6]2+ units, and the other is occupied by free water molecules. The metal‐only structure of 2 is a hexagonal network, in which the cavities are occupied by free water molecules. The adsorption properties of 1 and 2 have been investigated. The hydrogen adsorption and desorption curves of the two polymers show an unusual, pronounced hysteresis behavior.
A One‐Pot Synthesis of 1‐Hydroxy‐1,1‐bis(phosphonic acid)s Starting from the Corresponding Carboxylic Acids
Authors: Egorov Maxim , Aoun Sameh , Padrines Marc , Redini Françoise , Heymann Dominique , Lebreton Jacques , Mathé‐Allainmat Monique
Published: October 2011

By starting with various carboxylic acids, a one‐pot procedure for the synthesis of the corresponding 1‐hydroxy‐1,1‐bis(phosphonic acid)s is reported. The efficiency of this simple methodology is illustrated by synthesizing well‐known marketable amino hydroxy bis(phosphonate)s such as alendronate or N‐methyl pamidronate without additional steps for the protection/deprotection of the amine function.
Electrochemical Synthesis of Organophosphorus Compounds through Nucleophilic Aromatic Substitution: Mechanistic Investigations and Synthetic Scope
Authors: Cruz Hugo , Gallardo Iluminada , Guirado Gonzalo
Published: October 2011

Advantages of the electrochemical approach in the nucleophilic aromatic substitution reaction, such as (a) low cost and ready availability of reagents, (b) atom economy, and (c) high yields (approaching 100 %), are applied to rationalize the (polar or radical) mechanism and to develop new greener synthetic routes for the synthesis of substituted nitroaromatic organophosphorus compounds. The nucleophiles used to study the feasibility and viability of the reaction are the classical tervalent phosphorus nucleophiles: trimethylphosphane, triethylphosphane, triphenylphosphane, diphenylphosphane, trimethyl phosphite, triethyl phosphite, dimethyl phosphonate, diethyl phosphonate, oxo(diphenyl)phosphorane, with two nitroaromatic compounds 1,3,5‐trinitrobenzene and 1‐chloro‐2,4,6‐trinitrobenzene in a DMF solution containing 0.1 M tetrabutylammonium tetrafluoroborate. In all cases, in order to establish the feasibility or benefits of the electrochemical approach relative to the chemical approach, blank reactions were also performed.
α2‐Agonisten im Entzug
Authors: Tonner Peter H. , Paris Andrea
Published: October 2011

Patienten mit Suchterkrankungen sind im perioperativen Bereich nicht selten. Derzeit geht man davon aus, dass mindestens jeder 10. Patient, der sich einer chirurgischen Behandlung unterzieht, einen chronischen Alkoholmissbrauch betreibt, in der deutschen Allgemeinbevölkerung beträgt die Prävalenz eines chronisch erhöhten Alkoholkonsums 4, 6 %. Zu einem Alkoholentzugsdelir kommt es perioperativ in 8 bis 31 % der Fälle.
α2‐Agonisten in der Tiermedizin
Authors: Alef Michaele
Published: October 2011

40 Jahre Erfahrung mit α2‐Agonisten in der Veterinäranästhesie haben gezeigt, dass die unerwünschten Wirkungen dieser Stoffklasse umfangreich und klinisch relevant sind. Trotz allem sind ihre positiven Eigenschaften unumstritten und haben dazu geführt, dass α2‐Agonisten bei vielen Tierarten und für viele Veterinäranästhesisten integraler Bestandteil der Anästhesie sind. Unterstützt wird diese positive Einschätzung durch neuere Untersuchungen, die zeigen, dass eine Prämedikation mit α2‐Agonisten offensichtlich das Risiko für einen Anästhesietodesfall senken kann.

Die großen Unterschiede in Potenz und Wirkungen der α2‐Agonisten bei den einzelnen Tierarten scheinen vor dem Hintergrund der unterschiedlichen Rezeptorsubtypen, der Rezeptorverteilung und der Substanzklassen noch ein breites Feld für die Forschung zu sein. Die Kombination von α2‐Agonist und primär peripher wirkendem α2‐Antagonisten ist ein viel versprechender Ansatz zur Reduzierung der unerwünschten Nebenwirkungen, dessen von Veterinär‐ (und möglicherweise auch von Human‐) anästhesisten mit Spannung erwartete endgültige wissenschaftliche Bewertung sich aufgrund der nur beschränkt zur Verfügung stehenden Menge von MK 467 leider ein wenig hinzieht.
Literacy Engagement
Authors: Cummins Jim
Published: October 2011

Educational policies designed to promote literacy achievement in U.S. schools over the past decade have failed to deliver the anticipated outcomes. These disappointing outcomes can be attributed to the implementation of evidence‐free policies. In particular, policymakers have ignored the fact that underachievement is concentrated in schools serving low‐income and racially/culturally marginalized students, many of whom are also English learners (EL). The research evidence implies that policies designed to ensure that low‐income and EL students have access to a rich print environment and become actively engaged with literacy are more likely to close the achievement gap than current policies which fail to address these issues.
Water waves over a rough bottom in the shallow water regime
Authors: Craig Walter , Lannes David , Sulem Catherine
Published: October 2011

This is a study of the Euler equations for free surface water waves in the case of varying bathymetry, considering the problem in the shallow water scaling regime. In the case of rapidly varying periodic bottom boundaries this is a problem of homogenization theory. In this setting we derive a new model system of equations, consisting of the classical shallow water equations coupled with nonlocal evolution equations for a periodic corrector term. We also exhibit a new resonance phenomenon between surface waves and a periodic bottom. This resonance, which gives rise to secular growth of surface wave patterns, can be viewed as a nonlinear generalization of the classical Bragg resonance. We justify the derivation of our model with a rigorous mathematical analysis of the scaling limit and the resulting error terms. The principal issue is that the shallow water limit and the homogenization process must be performed simultaneously. Our model equations and the error analysis are valid for both the two- and the three-dimensional physical problems.
Auswirkungen eines Aufmerksamkeitstrainings auf die aphasische Symptomatik bei Schlaganfallpatienten
Authors: Graf Julia , Kulke Hartwig , Sous-Kulke Christa , Schupp Wilfried , Lautenbacher Stefan
Published: October 2011

Aufmerksamkeit kann als Kontrollsystem neuronaler Aktivität verstanden werden, welches Neuroplastizität top-down modulieren hilft. Bisher wurde selten versucht, durch deren gezielte Förderung Funktionswiederherstellungen nach Hirnschädigung zu begünstigen. In vorliegender Studie wurde dies am Beispiel der Aphasie erprobt. 15 Schlaganfallpatienten erhielten ein dreiwöchiges Training der selektiven Aufmerksamkeit mit den PC-Programmen CogniPlus und „Konzentration“ bei fünf Sitzungen pro Woche zusätzlich zur Standardtherapie, 13 weitere bildeten eine Kontrollgruppe ohne Aufmerksamkeitstraining. Zur Effektivitätskontrolle dienten zwei Versionen des Untertests Go/Nogo (Testbatterie zur Aufmerksamkeitsprüfung) und die Kurze Aphasieprüfung. Nach dem Training manifestierte sich zwischen den Untersuchungsgruppen kein Unterschied in Aufmerksamkeits- und Sprachfunktionen; das zusätzliche Aufmerksamkeitstraining war also wirkungslos. Allerdings zeigten Patienten mit deutlichen Aufmerksamkeitsverbesserungen tendenziell weniger Aphasie-Symptome, was die Hypothese aufmerksamkeitsvermittelter Plastizitätsmodulation nach Hirnschädigung partiell stützt.
Entwicklung und Evaluation eines Instruments zur Qualitätsbewertung von Studien zur universellen, selektiven und indizierten Depressionsprävention
Authors: Drider Sandra , Hannöver Wolfgang , Hannich Hans-Joachim
Published: October 2011

Zusammenfassung. Hintergrund: Projektionen der WHO bis zum Jahr 2020 sehen Depressionen in den Industrieländern nach kardiovaskulären Erkrankungen als führende Krankheitsursache. Die Lebenszeitprävalenz zwischen 14% und 20% lässt wirksame Präventionsmaßnahmen notwendig erscheinen. Fragestellung: Ziel dieser Arbeit war die Entwicklung und Evaluation eines Instruments zur Qualitätsbewertung von Studien zur Depressionsprävention. Material und Methoden: Entwickelt wurde eine Skala bestehend aus 20 Kriterien mit Standards zur Bewertung der methodischen Qualität. Der Kriterienkatalog wurde von zwei unabhängigen Ratern an 81 Studien evaluiert. Ergebnisse: Die gemittelte Konkordanz der beiden Rater bezüglich des gesamten Kriterienkatalogs ist mit k = .61 als moderat einzuschätzen. Schlussfolgerung: Aus den gewonnenen Reliabilitäten lässt sich ableiten, dass der verwendete Kriterienkatalog für die gezielte Qualitätsbewertung präventiver Depressionsprogramme geeignet ist.
Probing ribosomal protein–RNA interactions with an external force
Authors: Mangeol Pierre , Bizebard Thierry , Chiaruttini Claude , Dreyfus Marc , Springer Mathias , Bockelmann Ulrich
Published: October 2011

Ribosomal (r-) RNA adopts a well-defined structure within the ribosome, but the role of r-proteins in stabilizing this structure is poorly understood. To address this issue, we use optical tweezers to unfold RNA fragments in the presence or absence of r-proteins. Here, we focus on
Escherichia coli
r-protein L20, whose globular C-terminal domain (L20C) recognizes an irregular stem in domain II of 23S rRNA. L20C also binds its own mRNA and represses its translation; binding occurs at two different sites—i.e., a pseudoknot and an irregular stem. We find that L20C makes rRNA and mRNA fragments encompassing its binding sites more resistant to mechanical unfolding. The regions of increased resistance correspond within two base pairs to the binding sites identified by conventional methods. While stabilizing specific RNA structures, L20C does not accelerate their formation from alternate conformations—i.e., it acts as a clamp but not as a chaperone. In the ribosome, L20C contacts only one side of its target stem but interacts with both strands, explaining its clamping effect. Other r-proteins bind rRNA similarly, suggesting that several rRNA structures are stabilized by “one-side” clamping.
National Burden of Pediatric Hospitalizations for Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Heaton Pamela C. , Tundia Namita L. , Schmidt Nicole , Wigle Patricia R. , Kelton Christina M.L.
Published: October 2011

Objectives:

The objective of the present study was to quantify the national pediatric inpatient inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) burden in terms of the number of IBD‐related hospitalizations, the number of days spent in the hospital, and hospitalization costs.

Methods:

Hospitalizations for children and adolescents 20 years and younger with a primary diagnosis of either Crohn disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC) were selected from the 2006 Kids' Inpatient Database (KID). Length of the hospital stay in days (LOS) and charges for the hospitalization were found directly in the Kids' Inpatient Database, and cost was calculated using the hospital's cost‐to‐charge ratio. Predictor variables included patient characteristics, such as age and severity of illness, and hospital characteristics. Ordinary‐least‐squares regressions were developed and estimated to explain hospitalization costs.

Results:

In 2006, there were 10,777 IBD‐related hospitalizations. The total and mean costs for CD were $66.3 million and $10,176 (95% confidence interval [CI] $9647–$10,705), and for UC were $48.6 million and $11,836 (95% CI $10,760‐$12,912). For CD, 0‐ to 5‐year‐old patients had the highest mean LOS (8.10, 95% CI 5.53–10.67, days) and mean cost ($13,894, 95% CI $9053–$18,735), whereas, for UC, 11‐ to 15‐year‐old patients had the highest mean LOS (7.49, 95% CI 6.88–8.10, 95% CI 5.53–10.67, days) and mean cost ($13,407, 95% CI $11,704–$15,110).

Conclusions:

For a pediatric disease with a rather low prevalence rate, the estimated annual inpatient pediatric burden of IBD is a sizeable $152.4 million (2010 US$) and 64,985 days spent in the hospital. As medications and outpatient treatments improve for the treatment of IBD, there is an opportunity for significant reduction in inpatient burden.
Investigation of the urge‐to‐cough sensation in healthy volunteers
Authors: DICPINIGAITIS PETER V. , RHOTON WILLIAM A. , BHAT RAJANI , NEGASSA ABDISSA
Published: October 2011

Background and objective:  Recently, there has been interest in the sensation of irritation that precedes the motor act of coughing, which has been termed the urge‐to‐cough (UTC). The aim of this study was to perform the largest evaluation to date of the UTC threshold (Cu) in a healthy population. The specific aims were to investigate the relationship between Cu and cough reflex sensitivity, to evaluate gender differences in the UTC and to assess the reproducibility of measurements of Cu.

Methods:  Standard capsaicin cough challenge methodology was employed to measure cough reflex sensitivity in 100 healthy adult non‐smokers (50 females) with the additional measurement of Cu. A subgroup of 40 subjects (20 males) underwent repeat cough challenges after 1 week to examine the reproducibility of the measurements.

Results:  All 100 subjects demonstrated motor cough in response to capsaicin. Twenty‐one subjects (10 females) did not show a discernible Cu, as the motor cough event preceded a UTC sensation unaccompanied by cough. Although cough reflex sensitivity, as measured by the concentration of capsaicin inducing five or more coughs (C5), was enhanced in women, there was no gender difference in Cu. Similar to standard cough reflex sensitivity measurements, the measurement of Cu was highly reproducible.

Conclusions:  These results demonstrate that the UTC threshold can be effectively and reproducibly measured using a modification of standard cough challenge methodology. Given its clinical significance as a prevalent symptom, UTC, as measured by Cu, represents an additional relevant end point for studies investigating the effects of pharmacological and other interventions in cough and cough reflex sensitivity.
State‐of‐the‐Art Report on Temporal Coherence for Stylized Animations
Authors: Bénard Pierre , Bousseau Adrien , Thollot Joëlle
Published: October 2011

Non‐photorealistic rendering (NPR) algorithms allow the creation of images in a variety of styles, ranging from line drawing and pen‐and‐ink to oil painting and watercolour. These algorithms provide greater flexibility, control and automation over traditional drawing and painting. Despite significant progress over the past 15 years, the application of NPR to the generation of stylized animations remains an active area of research. The main challenge of computer‐generated stylized animations is to reproduce the look of traditional drawings and paintings while minimizing distracting flickering and sliding artefacts present in hand‐drawn animations. These goals are inherently conflicting and any attempt to address the temporal coherence of stylized animations is a trade‐off. This state‐of‐the‐art report is motivated by the growing number of methods proposed in recent years and the need for a comprehensive analysis of the trade‐offs they propose. We formalize the problem of temporal coherence in terms of goals and compare existing methods accordingly. We propose an analysis for both line and region stylization methods and discuss initial steps towards their perceptual evaluation. The goal of our report is to help uninformed readers to choose the method that best suits their needs, as well as motivate further research to address the limitations of existing methods.
The role of intermediaries in cross‐industry innovation processes
Authors: Gassmann Oliver , Daiber Michael , Enkel Ellen
Published: October 2011

In this article, we investigate the role intermediaries play in the cross‐industry innovation process. Intermediaries are external institutions that support companies in their innovative activities. They are frequently used to bridge gaps between different industries. Our research focuses on the question of which capabilities an intermediary should have in order to achieve success in initiating a cross‐industry innovation. Our empirical base consists of a survey of 107European manufacturing companies and an analysis of six collaborative cross‐industry innovation projects. The company survey is used to identify the capabilities an intermediary should have during each of the three phases of the innovation process. The cross‐industry projects, each of which involves aSwiss or aGerman industrial company and an intermediary, provide us with analyzable data. We conclude our study by identifying three types of intermediary: the innovation broadener, the innovation leverager, and the innovation multiplier.