bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High efficiency CIGS based solar cells with electrodeposited ZnO:Cl as transparent conducting oxide front contact
Authors: Rousset Jean , Saucedo Edgardo , Herz Konrad , Lincot Daniel
Published: November 2010

In this paper high efficiency (up to 15.8%) Mo/Cu(In,Ga)Se2/CdS/i‐ZnO solar cells terminated with an electrodeposited ZnO:Cl window layer are reported. The optoelectronic properties of these cells are comparable to reference cells terminated with standard sputtered ZnO:Al. The use of an electrochemical step, a low cost and easily up‐scalable method, in the fabrication process of this type of solar cell, opens the possibility to lower their production price and make them more competitive. The optimization involves a soft annealing treatment (T ≤ 150°C) under atmospheric conditions after the electrodeposition which improves the transparency of the ZnO:Cl layers in the infrared region, the short circuit current and the fill factor of the I–V curve. These changes are related to the increase of one order of magnitude (up to 5 × 102 Ω−1·cm−1) of the lateral conductivity of the electrochemical layer due to an improvement of the free carrier mobility. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Novel organotin‐containing shell‐cross‐linked knedel and core‐cross‐linked knedel: Synthesis and application in catalysis
Authors: Feng Gang , Jia Yongguang , Liu Lingyan , Chang Weixing , Li Jing
Published: November 2010

A series of novel organotin‐containing core‐cross‐linked knedels and shell‐cross‐linked knedels were first synthesized facilely from poly(styrene)‐b‐poly(acrylate acid) nanoparticles in different selective solvents [Tetrahydrofuran (THF)/H2O or THF/n‐octane] by using organotin compound 1,3‐dichloro‐tetra‐n‐butyl‐distannoxane as a new cross‐linker. The formation of the 1‐chloro‐3‐carboxylato‐tetra‐n‐butyl‐distannoxane layer in our cross‐linking reaction was supported by Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) and inductive coupled plasma emission spectrometer (ICP) analysis of the resulting shell‐cross‐linked knedels and core‐cross‐linked knedels. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) study showed the spherical morphology and the size of the core‐cross‐linked knedels and shell‐cross‐linked knedel. Especially, the layer structure of the core‐cross‐linked knedels was clearly displayed in TEM image. The increase of extent of cross‐linking lead to the increasing of diameter for the shell‐cross‐linked knedels, whereas there was no significant effect on the core‐cross‐linked knedels. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements gave hydrodynamic diameters of the core‐cross‐linked knedels that were in agreement with the TEM diameters. Moreover, the wall thickness of the shell layer of the core‐cross‐linked knedels could be easily modified by varying the block copolymer composition. Notably, the organotin‐containing core‐cross‐linked knedel exhibited highly efficient catalytic activity for the aqueous esterification reaction under nearly neutral conditions. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2010
The mechanism of papain inhibition by peptidyl aldehydes
Authors: Shokhen Michael , Khazanov Netaly , Albeck Amnon
Published: November 2010

Various mechanisms for the reversible formation of a covalent tetrahedral complex (TC) between papain and peptidyl aldehyde inhibitors were simulated by DFT calculations, applying the quantum mechanical/self consistent reaction field (virtual solvent) [QM/SCRF(VS)] approach. Only one mechanism correlates with the experimental kinetic data. The His–Cys catalytic diad is in an N/SH protonation state in the noncovalent papain–aldehyde Michaelis complex. His159 functions as a general base catalyst, abstracting a proton from the Cys25, whereas the activated thiolate synchronously attacks the inhibitor's carbonyl group. The final product of papain inhibition is the protonated neutral form of the hemithioacetal TC(OH), in agreement with experimental data. The predicted activation barrier g = 5.2 kcal mol−1 is close to the experimental value of 6.9 kcal mol−1. An interpretation of the experimentally observed slow binding effect for peptidyl aldehyde inhibitors is presented. The calculated g is much lower than the rate determining activation barrier of hemithioacetal formation in water, g, in agreement with the concept that the preorganized electrostatic environment in the enzyme active site is the driving force of enzyme catalysis. We have rationalized the origin of the acidic and basic pKa's on the k2/KS versus pH bell‐shaped profile of papain inhibition by peptidyl aldehydes. Proteins 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fingerprint‐based structure retrieval using electron density
Authors: Yin Shuangye , Dokholyan Nikolay V.
Published: November 2010

We present a computational approach that can quickly search a large protein structural database to identify structures that fit a given electron density, such as determined by cryo‐electron microscopy. We use geometric invariants (fingerprints) constructed using 3D Zernike moments to describe the electron density, and reduce the problem of fitting of the structure to the electron density to simple fingerprint comparison. Using this approach, we are able to screen the entire Protein Data Bank and identify structures that fit two experimental electron densities determined by cryo‐electron microscopy. Proteins 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Flexible Replication Technique for High‐Aspect‐Ratio Nanostructures
Authors: Szeghalmi Adriana , Sklarek Kornelia , Helgert Michael , Brunner Robert , Erfurth Wilfried , Gosele Ulrich , Knez Mato
Published: November 2010

A flexible, nondestructive, and cost‐effective replication technique for nanostructures is presented. The advantages of the process are: 1) it allows for tailoring structural parameters of the replica (e.g., line width) nearly independent of the structural geometry of the master; 2) it allows for replication of high‐aspect‐ratio structures also in polymer materials from solution (especially noncurable polymers) such as polystyrene and polymethylmethacrylate; 3) it includes an easy separation process, thus preserving the master for repeated use. Linear grating replicas with line widths ranging from 88 to 300 nm are obtained using a single nanostructured master. Nanofibers and complex nanopatterned replicas are achievable. The presented technique and its flexibility show that atomic layer deposition is a unique tool for the preparation of high‐efficiency polarizer diffractive optics, photonics, electronics, and catalysts.
A Biodegradable and Biocompatible Regular Nanopattern for Large‐Scale Selective Cell Growth
Authors: Csaderova Lucia , Martines Elena , Seunarine Krishna , Gadegaard Nikolaj , Wilkinson Chris D. W. , Riehle Mathis O.
Published: November 2010

A biodegradable substrate with a regular array of nanopillars fabricated by electron‐beam lithography and hot embossing is used to address the mechanisms of nanotopographical control of cell behavior. Two different cell lines cultured on the nanopillars show striking differences in cell coverage. These changes are topography‐ and cell‐dependent, and are not mediated by air bubbles trapped on the nanopattern. For the first time, a strong cell‐selective effect of the same nanotopography has been clearly demonstrated on a large area; while fibroblast proliferation is inhibited, endothelial cell spreading is visibly enhanced. The reduced fibroblast proliferation indicates that a reduction of available surface area induced by nanotopography might be the main factor affecting cell growth on nanopatterns. The results presented herein pave the way towards the development of permanent vascular replacements, where non‐adhesive, inert, surfaces will induce rapid in situ endothelialization to reduce thrombosis and occlusion.
Microfluidic Devices for Bioapplications
Authors: Yeo Leslie Y. , Chang Hsueh‐Chia , Chan Peggy P. Y. , Friend James R.
Published: November 2010

Harnessing the ability to precisely and reproducibly actuate fluids and manipulate bioparticles such as DNA, cells, and molecules at the microscale, microfluidics is a powerful tool that is currently revolutionizing chemical and biological analysis by replicating laboratory bench‐top technology on a miniature chip‐scale device, thus allowing assays to be carried out at a fraction of the time and cost while affording portability and field‐use capability. Emerging from a decade of research and development in microfluidic technology are a wide range of promising laboratory and consumer biotechnological applications from microscale genetic and proteomic analysis kits, cell culture and manipulation platforms, biosensors, and pathogen detection systems to point‐of‐care diagnostic devices, high‐throughput combinatorial drug screening platforms, schemes for targeted drug delivery and advanced therapeutics, and novel biomaterials synthesis for tissue engineering. The developments associated with these technological advances along with their respective applications to date are reviewed from a broad perspective and possible future directions that could arise from the current state of the art are discussed.
Nanogeometry Matters: Unexpected Decrease of Capillary Adhesion Forces with Increasing Relative Humidity
Authors: Köber Mariana , Sahagún Enrique , García‐Mochales Pedro , Briones Fernando , Luna Monica , Sáenz Juan José
Published: November 2010

The sticking effect between hydrophilic surfaces occurring at increasing relative humidity (RH) is an everyday phenomenon with uncountable implications. Here experimental evidence is presented for a counterintuitive monotonous decrease of the capillary adhesion forces between hydrophilic surfaces with increasing RH for the whole humidity range. It is shown that this unexpected result is related to the actual shape of the asperity at the nanometer scale: a model based on macroscopic thermodynamics predicts this decrease in the adhesion force for a sharp object ending in an almost flat nanometer‐sized apex, in full agreement with experiments. This anomalous decrease is due to the fact that a significant growth of the liquid meniscus formed at the contact region with increasing humidity is hindered for this geometry. These results are relevant in the analysis of the dynamical behavior of nanomenisci. They could also have an outstanding value in technological applications, since the undesirable sticking effect between surfaces occurring at increasing RH could be avoided by controlling the shape of the surface asperities at the nanometric scale.
Contingent reward leader behaviour: Where does it come from?
Authors: Camps Joaquín , Torres Federico
Published: November 2010

As many academics have pointed out, while researchers have learned a great deal about the effects of contingent reward (CR) leader behaviour, relatively little is known about its genesis. CR transactional leadership is traditionally viewed as an independent variable which exerts influence downstream. However, if we are to understand how to influence, improve or modify these downstream effects, we need to shift our focus upstream towards the study of transactional leadership as a dependent variable. In line with this reasoning, we put forward the hypothesis that a contextual variable (organizational learning capability) and a subordinate's characteristic (employability) are antecedents of CR transactional leader behaviour. These original relationships will be empirically assessed, alongside the well documented relationship between CR leader behaviour and a worker's individual performance. Our hypothesis was tested on a sample of 795 professors from 70 university departments, using structural equation methodology. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mono‐ and Binuclear Dimethylthallium(III) Complexes with o‐Benzoquinone‐TTF‐o‐Benzoquinone Ligand; Synthesis, Spectroscopy and X‐ray Study
Authors: Klementieva Svetlana V. , Kuropatov Vyacheslav A. , Fukin Georgii K. , Romanenko Galina V. , Bogomyakov Artem S. , Cherkasov Vladimir K. , Abakumov Gleb A.
Published: November 2010

The new mono‐ and binuclear semiquinonato dimethylthallium complexes (Q‐TTF‐SQ)TlMe2 (1) and Me2Tl(SQ‐TTF‐SQ)TlMe2 (2) based on di‐o‐quinone with tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) bridge, 4,4′,7,7′‐tetra‐tert‐butyl‐2,2′‐bis‐1,3‐benzodithiol‐5,5′,6,6′‐tetraone Q‐TTF‐Q, were synthesized by the reaction between corresponding mono‐ and di‐sodium semiquinonates (Q‐TTF‐SQ)Na and Na(SQ‐TTF‐SQ)Na and one or two equivalents of Me2TlCl, respectively. The same products could be obtained by the interaction of Q‐TTF‐Q with one or two equivalents of Me3Tl. Complexes 1 and 2 were characterized by IR and electronic absorption spectroscopy, EPR, and magnetic measurements. The molecular structures of 1 and 2 were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. It was found that mono‐semiquinonato derivative 1 partially disproportionates into Q‐TTF‐Q and binuclear complex 2 in THF solution. According to variable temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements and EPR data, compound 1 reveals paramagnetic behavior with an S = 1/2 state in the range 50–300 K, whereas compound 2 has an S = 0 ground state as the consequence of antiferromagnetic coupling between semiquinonato moieties realized through the TTF‐bridge.
Using AOP to bring a project back in shape: The OurGrid case
Authors: Dantas Ayla , Cirne Walfredo , Saikoski Katia
Published: November 2010

The design and development of distributed software is a complex task. This was not different in OurGrid, a project whose objective was to develop a free-to-join grid. After two years of development, it was necessary to redesign OurGrid in order to cope with the integration problems that emerged. This paper reports our experience in using Aspect-Oriented Programming (AOP) in the process of redesigning the OurGrid middleware. The essential direction of our approach was to get the project (and the software) back in shape. We discuss how the lack of separation of concerns created difficulties in the project design and development and how AOP has been introduced to overcome these problems. In particular, we present the event-based pattern designed to better isolate the middleware concerns and the threads. Besides, we also present the aspects designed for managing the threads and for aiding the testing of multithreaded code. We also highlight the lessons learned in the process of regaining control of the software.
Computational aspects of the Helly property: a survey
Authors: Dourado Mitre C. , Protti Fábio , Szwarcfiter Jayme L.
Published: November 2010

In 1923, Eduard Helly published his celebrated theorem, which originated the well known Helly property. Say that a family of subsets has the Helly property when every subfamily of it, formed by pairwise intersecting subsets, contains a common element. There are many generalizations of this property which are relevant to some parts of mathematics and several applications in computer science. In this work, we survey computational aspects of the Helly property. The main focus is algorithmic. That is, we describe algorithms for solving different problems arising from the basic Helly property. We also discuss the complexity of these problems, some of them leading to NP-hardness results.
Ginga-J: The procedural middleware for the Brazilian digital TV system
Authors: Filho Guido Lemos de Souza , Leite Luiz Eduardo Cunha , Batista Carlos Eduardo Coelho Freire
Published: November 2010

The recent development of the research on digital terrestrial television in Brazil has led the country.s government to state a series of premises in which the government shows to care not only for technology improvement, but also to use this development as a tool for ameliorating the Brazilian social context, in what concerns digital inclusion. These premises and necessities have generated some peculiarities in the development process, which directly influenced in the functionalities granted by the Brazilian.s middleware choice. This paper, thus, seeks to explain all the architecture of the Java part — called Ginga-J — of the Ginga middleware, highlighting the new features, especially when confronting the Brazilian middleware with the other middlewares worldwide defined.
Return channel for the Brazilian digital television system-terrestrial
Authors: Meloni Luís Geraldo P.
Published: November 2010

Recently, it has been proposed the use of WiMAX for the return channel in digital television systems using a new frequency profile bellow 1 GHz, which has been calledWiMAX-700. The profile operates from 400 MHz to 960 MHz as primary band, which includes the UHF band, and optionally from 54 MHz to 400 MHz as secondary band. This work presents some aspects of the WiMAX-700 technology and some simulation results of models designed to determine the system capacity concerning the number of actives subscriber stations, according to specific proposed scenarios, traffic sources profiles, specifics propagation, and coverage conditions. The results presented in this work provide elements to determine the suitability of WiMAX-700 technology as the return channel for the interactive digital television applications.
Empirical research in CSCW — a review of the ACM/CSCW conferences from 1998 to 2004
Authors: Wainer Jacques , Barsottini Claudia
Published: November 2010

This paper reviews all the 169 full papers published in the ACM/CSCW conferences from 1998 to 2004. We classify the papers according to the type of empirical research they report. The classes are evaluation of groupware, description of work situations, hypothesis testing, bibliographic research, and papers with no empirical research. We show that the field is in constant change, that the proportions of papers in these different categories have been changing in these 6 years, and that for the evaluation papers, the results by Pinelle and Gutwin do not carry for the 1998–2004 period
Communication and leadership differences in virtual design teams: Why some teams do better than others
Authors: Fjermestad Jerry , Ocker Rosalie J.
Published: November 2010

Organizations in today’s global economy face continual pressures to remain responsive to changes in the competitive marketplace. One way that firms have adapted to these pressures is to use web-based communication technologies to support virtual project teams. To better understand the effectiveness of these dispersed teams, we have analyzed the transcripts of eight virtual design teams composed of graduate students in information systems. Using a coding scheme based on design rationale concepts, we compare and contrast the communication activities of high and low performing virtual teams working on the early stages of software design.

Our results suggest that the high performing virtual teams significantly out-communicated the low performing virtual teams. High performing teams communicated more regarding design alternatives. They also spent considerably more effort summarizing their work and discussing the write-up of the final design deliverable. The leaders of high performance teams had more communication content than leaders of low performing teams.
A contextualised Learning Interaction Memory
Authors: Siebra Sandra A. , Salgado Ana Carolina , Tedesco Patrícia A.
Published: November 2010

The interaction is the key element used in Collaborative Learning Environments to understand the process of knowledge building and the role played by each student in it. Interaction analysis can provide support for the students’ reflection and self-regulation processes as well as for the teachers’ activities. But to perform the analysis process, it is important to discover and register the context where each interaction has occurred, in order to understand the meaning of user interactions. However, although there are several approaches for Interaction Analysis in Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning, there is a lack of methods and tools that consider: (1) the context where the interactions have occurred; (2) the different needs of feedback from the point of view of teacher and students; and (3) the necessity of contextualized historical information to produce more complete and semantically rich reports for students and teachers. In this light, this paper presents a Learning Interaction Memory (LIM), used to store the learning interactions occurred in Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning Environments, taking into account the context where they have occurred. The LIM was modelled in a multidimensional structure so that interactions can be viewed from different perspectives and can be presented selectively, according to users’ needs. This paper also presents the process of construction and exploration of the LIM and a Context-Based Analytical Environment called SmartChat+: an environment for collaborative discussions of specific subjects that uses the LIM. In order to show the feasibility of the LIM, a series of exploratory studies was carried out, yielding good initial results, especially in what concerns feedback from the users.
Attack induced cascading breakdown in complex networks
Authors: Zhao Liang , Park Kwangho , Lai Ying-Cheng , Cupertino Thiago Henrique
Published: November 2010

The possibility that a complex network can be brought down by attack on a single or very few nodes through the process of cascading failures is of significant concern. In this paper, we investigate cascading failures in complex networks and uncover a phase-transition phenomenon in terms of the key parameter characterizing the node capacity. For parameter value below the phase-transition point, cascading failures can cause the network to disintegrate almost entirely. Then we show how to design networks of finite capacity that are safe against cascading breakdown. Our theory yields estimates for the maximally achievable network integrity via controlled removal of a small set of low-degree nodes.
Fast two-step segmentation of natural color scenes using hierarchical region-growing and a Color-Gradient Network
Authors: von Wangenheim Aldo , Bertoldi Rafael F. , Abdala Daniel D. , Richter Michael M. , Priese Lutz , Schmitt Frank
Published: November 2010

We present evaluation results with focus on combined image and efficiency performance of the Gradient Network Method to segment color images, especially images showing outdoor scenes. A brief review of the techniques, Gradient Network Method and Color Structure Code, is also presented. Different region-growing segmentation results are compared against ground truth images using segmentation evaluation indices Rand and Bipartite Graph Matching. These results are also confronted with other well established segmentation methods (EDISON and JSEG). Our preliminary results show reasonable performance in comparison to several state-of-art segmentation techniques, while also showing very promising results comparatively in the terms of efficiency, indicating the applicability of our solution to real time problems.
A standards-based framework to foster geospatial data and process interoperability
Authors: Pastorello Gilberto Zonta , Senra Rodrigo Dias Arruda , Medeiros Claudia Bauzer
Published: November 2010

The quest for interoperability is one of the main driving forces behind international organizations such as OGC and W3C. In parallel, a trend in systems design and development is to break down GIS functionalities into modules that can be composed in an ad hoc manner. This component-driven approach increases flexibility and extensibility. For scientists whose research involves geospatial analysis, however, such initiatives mean more than interoperability and flexibility. These efforts are progressively shielding these users from having to deal with problems such as data representation formats, communication protocols or pre-processing algorithms. Once scientists are allowed to abstract from lower level concerns, they can shift their focus to the design and implementation of the computational models they are interested in. This paper analyzes how interoperability and componentization efforts have this underestimated impact on the design and development perspective. This discussion is illustrated by the description of the design and implementation of WebMAPS, a geospatial information system to support agricultural planning and monitoring. By taking advantage of new results in the above areas, the experience with WebMAPS presents a road map to leverage system design and development by the seamless composition of distributed data sources and processing solutions.
Priapisme aigu drépanocytaire: analyse de 20 cas traités au CHU de Brazzaville
Authors: Bouya P.A. , Odzébé A.W.S , Koumou Moritoua R.D. , Elira Dokékias A.
Published: November 2010

Objectif

Évaluer les résultats des traitements médicaux et chirurgicaux du priapisme drépanocytaire.

Malades et méthodes

Vingt malades ont été traités pour priapisme drépanocytaire dans les services d’urologie—andrologie et d’hématologie du CHU de Brazzaville, du 1er janvier 1995 au 31 décembre 2005. Les méthodes thérapeutiques ont été les injections intracaverneuses d’étiléfrine et les fistules cavernospongieuses.

Résultats

1) Cinq patients traités sans succès par transfusion et étiléfrine orale ont été secondairement traités avec succès par la technique deWinter; 2) sur cinq patients traités par injection intracaverneuse d’étiléfrine en première intention, on note trois succès et deux échecs, traités avec succès par la technique de Winter; 3) sur dix patients traités par fistules cavernospongieuses selon Winter en première intention, trois ont récidivé et ont été secondairement traités avec succès par la méthode d’Al-Ghorab. Les résultats fonctionnels à long terme sont: 25 % d’absence d’érection, 25 % d’insuffisance d’érection et 50 % d’érection normale.

Conclusion

Le traitement par injection intracaverneuse d’étiléfrine est efficace avant la 24e heure. Au-delà, les fistules cavernospongieuses donnent les meilleurs résultats.
Validation of the Peritraumatic Dissociative Experiences Questionnaire and Peritraumatic Distress Inventory in school-aged Victims of Road Traffic Accidents
Authors: Bui E. , Brunet A. , Olliac B. , Very E. , Allenou C. , Raynaud J.-P. , Claudet I. , Bourdet-Loubère S. , Grandjean H. , Schmitt L. , Birmes P.
Published: November 2010

Background

Although the reliable and valid Peritraumatic Distress Inventory (PDI–C) and Peritraumatic Dissociative Experiences Questionnaire (PDEQ) are useful for identifying adults at risk of developing acute and chronic posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), they have not been validated in school-aged children and their predictive values remain unknown in this population. This study aims to assess the psychometric properties of the children versions of these two measures (PDI-C and PDEQ-C) in a sample of French-speaking school-children.

Methods

One-hundred and thirty-three consecutive victims of road traffic accidents, aged 8–15 years, were recruited into this longitudinal study via the emergency room. The peritraumatic reactions were assessed at baseline and PTSD symptoms were assessed 1 month later.

Results

Cronbach's alpha coefficients were 0.8 and 0.77 for the PDI-C and PDEQ-C, respectively. The 1-month test-retest correlation coefficient (n= 33) was 0.77 for both measures. The PDI-C demonstrated a two-factor structure while the PDEQ-C displayed a one-factor structure. As with adults, the two measures were intercorrelated (r= 0.52) and correlated with subsequent PTSD symptoms and diagnosis (r= 0.21–0.56;P< 0.05).

Conclusions

The children versions of the PDI and PDEQ are reliable and valid in children.
Prevalence of Bartonella species DNA and antibodies in cats (Felis catus) submitted to a spay/neuter program in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: Crissiuma Ana , Favacho Alexsandra , Gershony Liza , Mendes-de-Almeida Flavya , Gomes Raphael , Mares-Guia Angélica , Rozental Tatiana , Barreira Jairo , Lemos Elba , Labarthe Norma
Published: November 2010

The prevalence of Bartonella species DNA and antibodies for Bartonella henselae were studied in 40 clinically healthy cats ( Felis catus, Linnaeus 1758) submitted to a spay/neuter program in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Additionally, the prevalence of Bartonella species DNA was investigated in the fleas found parasitizing the subject cats. For this purpose, blood samples were obtained from all cats, and DNA extraction was performed on the blood, and blood clotted samples, as well as on pools of fleas obtained from them. Antibodies for B henselae were detected on serum samples. Bartonella species DNA was detected in 17 cats, whereas serum reactivity for B henselae was found in 19. A total of 20 cats were flea-infested and nine of these 20 had Bartonella species DNA in their blood. In four of the 20 flea-infested cats, Bartonella species DNA was detected in the fleas obtained from those cats, but only one of these four cats had Bartonella species DNA in its blood.
AVOIDANCE FOR FUNDAMENTAL BREACH OF CONTRACT UNDER THE UN CONVENTION ON THE INTERNATIONAL SALE OF GOODS
Authors: Bridge Michael
Published: November 2010

This article deals with the avoidance of contracts for non-performance under the United Nations Convention on the International Sale of Goods 1980, which has been adopted by more than 70 States, though not yet by the United Kingdom. It critically analyzes the text of the Convention, and measures the contributions of national courts for fidelity to the text of the Convention and compatibility with the purposes served by that text.
THE INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Authors: Keith KJ
Published: November 2010

Despite appearances to the contrary, the International Court of Justice can and does have much to say on matters of criminal justice. This article considers four areas in which such matters arise before the Court: jurisdiction over criminal offences allegedly committed abroad and immunity from that jurisdiction; principles of individual criminal liability and the potential for concurrent State responsibility; issues of evidence and proof; and the Court's review of the exercise of those domestic criminal powers which are subject to international regulation. In the process of addressing these issues, the ICJ has contributed to the development of fundamental principles of criminal law, while drawing on the experience of domestic courts.
Sponge biodiversity of the Jason Islands and Stanley, Falkland Islands with descriptions of twelve new species
Authors: Goodwin Claire , Jones Jennifer , Neely Karen , Brickle Paul
Published: November 2010

Sponge samples were taken by SCUBA diving from four sites around Stanley and nine sites at the Jason Islands in the Falkland Islands. Twelve new species are described:Iophon pictonisp. nov.,Lissodendoryx (Ectyodoryx) jasonensissp. nov.,Phorbas ferrugineussp. nov.,Phorbas shackletonisp. nov.,Myxilla (Styloptilon) acanthotornotasp. nov.,Amphilectus fleeceisp. nov.,Amphilectus dactylussp. nov.,Mycale (Aegogropila) nodulosasp. nov.,Scopalina erubescenssp. nov.,Scopalina bunkerisp. nov.,Amphimedon calyxsp. nov. andPachychalina erinaceasp. nov. Information is also provided on the distribution and external appearance of other sponge species:Iophon proximumRidley, 1881,Clathria (Dendrocia) tuberculataBurton, 1934,Tedania (Tedania) mucosaThiele, 1905,Tedania (Tedania) murdochiTopsent, 1915,Halichondria (Eumastia) attenuataTopsent, 1915,Siphonochalina fortisRidley, 1881 andHaliclona (Soestella) chilensisThiele, 1905. The biogeography of the Falklands' sponge fauna is discussed.
Day-time sleep and active ageing in later life
Authors: VENN SUSAN , ARBER SARA
Published: November 2010

The concept of ‘active ageing’ has received much attention through strategic policy frameworks such as that initiated by the World Health Organisation, and through government and non-governmental organisation initiatives. The primary goal of these initiatives is to encourage older people to be active and productive, and to enhance quality of life, health and wellbeing. It is well known that with increasing age, night-time sleep deteriorates, which has implications for how older people maintain activity levels, and leads to an increased propensity for day-time sleep. Using data from 62 interviews with people aged 65–95 years living in their own homes who reported poor sleep, this paper explores the meanings of day-time sleep, and how the attitudes and practices of ‘active ageing’ are intricately linked to the management of day-time sleep and bodily changes that arise from the ageing process. The desire to be active in later life led to primarily dichotomous attitudes to day-time sleep; older people either chose to accept sleeping in the day, or resisted it. Those who accepted day-time sleep did so because of recognition of decreasing energy in later life, and an acknowledgement that napping is beneficial in helping to maintain active lives. Those who resisted day-time sleep did so because time spent napping was regarded as being both unproductive and as a negative marker of the ageing process.
Head and neck cancer metastasis to the percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube site: a report of two cases
Authors: Johnson Matthew , Turaka Aruna , Feigenberg Steven J.
Published: November 2010

Objective: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube insertion is used as an alternative to surgical gastrostomy in patients with head and neck cancers for nutritional support.

Methods: We report two cases of head and neck cancer with metastasis to the surgical PEG tube site. The clinical and treatment-related details are discussed.

Conclusions: Metastasis to PEG tube site is a rare occurrence.
Estimation of magnetosphere‐ionosphere mapping accuracy using isotropy boundary and THEMIS observations
Authors: Shevchenko I. G. , Sergeev V. , Kubyshkina M. , Angelopoulos V. , Glassmeier K. H. , Singer H. J.
Published: November 2010

It is difficult to establish the degree to which global magnetospheric mapping models are accurate, because there exists no definitive, independent method of validating such models. Toward that end we use the isotropy boundary (IB) of precipitation of energetic particles, as determined by low‐altitude spacecraft. These particles are observed at ionospheric altitudes but their precipitation is governed by the magnetic field near the equator. Precipitating and trapped fluxes measured at the ionosphere can thus be used to determine the equatorial field strength, which can in turn be compared with predictions of magnetospheric models. By using hundreds of IB observations at the ionosphere during THEMIS major tail conjunctions in 2008 we report on the mapping accuracy obtained using three models: T96, AM‐01, and AM‐02. The first model is driven by the simultaneous solar wind and Dst measurements, whereas the latter two are obtained by fitting model data to THEMIS observations. The AM‐02 and T96 models show comparable agreement with proton IB locations, with error estimates of about 1° in latitude. However, the AM‐02 outperforms T96 in predicting electron IB locations. Mapping errors increase with magnetic activity and have significant magnetic local time dependence. We conclude that event‐based magnetospheric models can be as good as or better than solar wind‐based models, provided that a number of distributed magnetotail spacecraft are used to constrain model parameters.
Ionosphere variations at 700 km altitude observed by the DEMETER satellite during the 29 March 2006 solar eclipse
Authors: Wang X. , Berthelier J. J. , Lebreton J. P.
Published: November 2010

We present an experimental and modeling study of the effects of the 29 March 2006 solar eclipse in the topside ionosphere. Measurements of the densities and temperatures of the thermal electrons and ions were provided by instruments aboard the Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales microsatellite DEMETER, which flew over Europe and Africa near the time of maximum solar obscuration. Data from several orbits, either on the same day or on days encompassing the eclipse day, were available to determine a reference state of the ionosphere along the orbit in absence of eclipse. The comparison between this latter and the actual observations along the eclipse orbit reveal a clear thermal effect with a fast drop of about 200 K of the electron and ion temperatures that follows the variations of the solar UV flux in the F region of the ionosphere conjugate to the satellite position. The plasma density decreases by about 30% but with a significant delay and is better correlated with the solar UV flux averaged over the previous 1 to 2 h in the conjugate F region. This delayed and prolonged decrease of density induces an increase of the electron temperature to be higher than the reference ionosphere. We have also performed a modeling of the ionosphere using the SAMI2 code, after having introduced adequate modifications to reproduce fairly realistic eclipse conditions. Applied to the DEMETER conditions of observation, the model reproduces the observations very well. This work shows that the plasma temperature responds very quickly along the magnetic field lines to the variations of the energy available from the photoelectrons while the plasma density variations are controlled by more complex and slower transport processes.
Role of nonlinear scale interactions in limiting dynamical prediction of lower tropospheric boreal summer intraseasonal oscillations
Authors: De S.
Published: November 2010

Dominant scale of tropical boreal summer intraseasonal oscillations (BSISOs) being in the range of wave numbers 1–4, dynamical extended range prediction of BSISO is limited by rapid buildup of errors in ultra‐long/planetary waves in almost all prediction models. While the initial errors are largely on the small scales, within 3–5 days of forecasts maximum errors appear in the ultra‐long waves such as the tropical convergence zone. Spectral decomposition of errors with forecast lead time indicate that the initial error in the small scales is already close to its saturation value at these scales, whereas that in ultra‐long waves is about two orders of magnitude smaller than their saturation values. Such an increase of errors in ultra‐long waves cannot be explained as growth of initial errors. It is proposed that the fast growth of errors in the planetary waves is due to continuous generation of errors in the small scales (due to inadequacy of the physical parameterizations such as formulation of cumulus clouds) and upscale propagation of these errors through the process of scale interactions. Basic systematic error kinetic energy and the scale interactions in terms of the wave‐wave exchanges among nonlinear triads are formulated and the above hypothesis is tested through a diagnostic analysis of the error energetics in two different model predictions at the lower troposphere. It has been revealed that nonlinear triad interactions lead to advection of errors from short and synoptic waves (wave number > 10) to long waves (wave numbers 5–10) and from long waves to ultra‐long waves (wave numbers 1–4) and are responsible for the rapid growth of errors in the planetary waves. Unraveling the exact mechanism through which upscale transfer of errors take place may help us in devising a method to inhibit the mingling of small‐scale error with the error in prediction of tropical intraseasonal oscillations and improve extended range prediction of the lower tropospheric BSISOs.
Monthly precipitation isoscapes (δ18O) of the United States: Connections with surface temperatures, moisture source conditions, and air mass trajectories
Authors: Vachon R. W. , Welker J. M. , White J. W. C. , Vaughn B. H.
Published: November 2010

This research presents the most spatially complete data set depicting average monthly δ18O precipitation values across the United States (isoscapes). Average monthly isoscapes were calculated by analyzing 5 consecutive years of precipitation samples collected at 73 collection sites from the United States Network for Isotopes in Precipitation. Three patterns across the United States emerged from the analysis: (1) the most 18O‐depleted precipitation was not confined to the higher elevations of the Rocky Mountain region but were also found in the upper Great Lakes; (2) clear latitudinal gradients were observed in the Mississippi River valley: steeper during cold months than during warm months; and (3) coastal latitudinal gradients were significantly shallower than continental gradients. The average monthly isoscapes were significantly correlated with surface temperatures, particularly in winter but less so in summer. The Rayleigh distillation model, however, produced uniformly steeper monthly isotope temperature coefficients (δ18O‰/°C) than those calculated from empirical δ18O values. Our analysis suggests that differences in model/observation isotope temperature coefficients result from the contiguous United States having two primary moisture sources: the Gulf of Mexico and the northeast Pacific Ocean regions. A significant proportion of precipitation sourced from the Gulf of Mexico (northeast Pacific Ocean) occurs in warm (cool) regions resulting in more (less) isotopic depletion than if all moisture had originated from one source for the entire United States. These two primary precipitation source scenarios result in a smaller variation in oxygen isotopic variation for the distribution of temperatures in a given month, yielding lower than predicted isotope temperature coefficients. The results of this study highlight the importance of understanding environmental factors affecting regional precipitation isotope values, particularly if one wishes to use isotopic analysis for paleoclimate interpretation or as a measure of a modern day hydrologic process.
Hepatic stellate cell (vitamin A‐storing cell) and its relative – past, present and future
Authors: Senoo Haruki , Yoshikawa Kiwamu , Morii Mayako , Miura Mitsutaka , Imai Katsuyuki , Mezaki Yoshihiro
Published: November 2010

HSCs (hepatic stellate cells) (also called vitamin A‐storing cells, lipocytes, interstitial cells, fat‐storing cells or Ito cells) exist in the space between parenchymal cells and liver sinusoidal endothelial cells of the hepatic lobule and store 50–80% of vitamin A in the whole body as retinyl palmitate in lipid droplets in the cytoplasm. In physiological conditions, these cells play pivotal roles in the regulation of vitamin A homoeostasis. In pathological conditions, such as hepatic fibrosis or liver cirrhosis, HSCs lose vitamin A and synthesize a large amount of extracellular matrix components including collagen, proteoglycan, glycosaminoglycan and adhesive glycoproteins. Morphology of these cells also changes from the star‐shaped SCs (stellate cells) to that of fibroblasts or myofibroblasts. The hepatic SCs are now considered to be targets of therapy of hepatic fibrosis or liver cirrhosis. HSCs are activated by adhering to the parenchymal cells and lose stored vitamin A during hepatic regeneration. Vitamin A‐storing cells exist in extrahepatic organs such as the pancreas, lungs, kidneys and intestines. Vitamin A‐storing cells in the liver and extrahepatic organs form a cellular system. The research of the vitamin A‐storing cells has developed and expanded vigorously. The past, present and future of the research of the vitamin A‐storing cells (SCs) will be summarized and discussed in this review.
Centriole duplication: analogue control in a digital age
Authors: Sluder Greenfield , Khodjakov Alexey
Published: November 2010

In preparation for mitosis, the centrosome doubles once and only once to provide the two poles of the mitotic spindle. The presence of more than two centrosomes increases the chances that mitosis will be multipolar, and chromosomes will be distributed unequally. Since the number of mother—daughter centriole pairs determines the number of centrosomes, it is important that only one daughter centriole is assembled at, but slightly separated from, the proximal end of each mother centriole. This numerical and spatial specificity has led to the belief that a ‘template’ on the mother centriole provides a unique site for procentriole assembly. We review observations that are leading to the demise of this intuitively attractive idea. In its place, we are left with the notion that pericentriolar material at the wall of the mother centriole provides a local environment that promotes the assembly of a macromolecular complex that seeds the daughter centriole. Even though the system normally behaves in a digital fashion to go from zero to just one daughter centriole per mother, this behaviour appears to be based in the precise analogue control of multiple proteins, their activities, and the structure provided by the mother centriole.
Ethics Compliance: Enforcing ASHA’s Code of Ethics
Authors: Davidson Stephanie A. , Denton David R.
Published: November 2010

ASHA’s Code of Ethics sets forth principles and rules essential to preserving the highest standards of integrity among audiologists, speech-language pathologists and speech, language and hearing scientists. ASHA members and certificate holders must abide by these principles and rules. This article summarizes ASHA’s ethics enforcement program by describing the program’s key components, including the special responsibility of ASHA’s members and certificate holders in the enforcement of the Code. The purpose of this article is to promote a fuller understanding of this important aspect of ASHA’s overall ethics program, which may not be familiar to readers.
Das persönliche Pflanzenporträt – die Karde
Authors: Nadig Alexandra
Published: November 2010

Die Karde ist eine alte, traditionelle Heilpflanze, die ein breites Indikationsfeld aufweist. Die Traditionelle Chinesische Medizin verwendet sie schon lange, und auch in der abendländischen Volksheilkunde ist sie bekannt. Lange fand sie in der Literatur keine Erwähnung mehr und wurde erst in neuerer Zeit wiederentdeckt. Heute wird sie v. a. in der Erfahrungsmedizin zur Behandlung der Borreliose angewendet.
Isolated Bilateral Zygomatic Complex and Arch Fracture: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Ramanathan Manikandhan , Cherian Mathew Pynumootil
Published: November 2010

This is an unusual case of isolated bilateral zygomatic complex and arch fracture, which is extremely rare. The literature has no such report of a case.
Repair of Orbital Floor Fractures: Our Experience and New Technical Findings
Authors: Piombino Pasquale , Iaconetta Giorgio , Ciccarelli Roberto , Romeo Antonio , Spinzia Alessia , Califano Luigi
Published: November 2010

We report our experience with the repair of the orbital floor fractures and present new technical findings. We evaluated 30 subjects with pure blowout fractures treated at the Department of Maxillofacial Surgery of the Federico II University of Naples, Italy, between 2005 and 2007. A preoperative examination by computed tomography scans provided classification of the orbital floor fractures into small and large fractures by measurement of the bone defect to choose the appropriate reconstructive implant materials, resorbable or nonresorbable. The clinical follow-up has been performed at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months. We observed a resolution of preoperative symptoms. The scar was not evident, and there was an absence of postoperative complications. We concluded that the use of resorbable materials for small orbital floor fractures and nonresorbable materials for large orbital floor fractures offers satisfactory results in both functional and aesthetic considerations. Furthermore, the new technical findings allow standardization of the surgical technique to be more accurate, also reducing the economic costs.
Nitric Oxide Inhibitory Activity of Xanthones from the Green Fruits of Cratoxylum formosum ssp. pruniflorum
Authors: Boonnak Nawong , Khamthip Achjana , Karalai Chatchanok , Chantrapromma Suchada , Ponglimanont Chanita , Kanjana-Opas Akkharawit , Tewtrakul Supinya , Chantrapromma Kan , Fun Hoong-Kun , Kato Shigeru
Published: November 2010

Three new xanthones, pruniflorone M-O (1–3), and a new xanthonolignoid, 3-methoxy-5′-demethoxycadensin G (4), were isolated from the green fruits of Cratoxylum formosum ssp. pruniflorum along with three known xanthones (5–7) and a known flavonoid (8). Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods and the structure of 1 was also determined by X-ray crystallography. Compounds 2 and 7 showed potent nitric oxide inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 4.4 and 4.3 μM, respectively. Moreover, 7 also showed strong antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria with an MIC value of 4.67 μg mL–1.