bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combining Ketamine with Astrocytic Inhibitor as a Potential Analgesic Strategy for Neuropathic Pain. Ketamine, Astrocytic Inhibitor and Pain
Authors: Mei Xiao-Peng , Wang Wei , Wang Wen , Zhu Chao , Chen Lei , Zhang Ting , Xu Li-Xian , Wu Sheng-Xi , Li Yun-Qing
Published: September 2010

Background:

Neuropathic pain is an intractable clinical problem. Intrathecal ketamine, a noncompetitive N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonist, is reported to be useful for treating neuropathic pain in clinic by inhibiting the activity of spinal neurons. Nevertheless, emerging studies have disclosed that spinal astrocytes played a critical role in the initiation and maintenance of neuropathic pain. However, the present clinical therapeutics is still just concerning about neuronal participation. Therefore, the present study is to validate the coadministration effects of a neuronal noncompetitive N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonist ketamine and astrocytic cytotoxin L-α-aminoadipate (LAA) on spinal nerve ligation (SNL)-induced neuropathic pain.

Results:

Intrathecal ketamine (10, 100, 1000 μg/kg) or LAA (10, 50, 100 nmol) alleviated SNL-induced mechanical allodynia in a dose-dependent manner respectively. Phosphorylated NR1 (pNR1) or glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression was down-regulated by intrathecal ketamine (100, 1000 μg/kg) or LAA (50, 100 nmol) respectively. The combination of ketamine (100 μg/kg) with LAA (50 nmol) showed superadditive effects on neuropathic pain compared with that of intrathecal administration of either ketamine or LAA alone. Combined administration obviously relieved mechanical allodynia in a quick and stable manner. Moreover, down-regulation of pNR1 and GFAP expression were also enhanced by drugs coadministration.

Conclusions:

These results suggest that combining NMDAR antagonist ketamine with an astrocytic inhibitor or cytotoxin, which is suitable for clinical use once synthesized, might be a potential strategy for clinical management of neuropathic pain.
The use of 3D surface scanning for the measurement and assessment of the human foot
Authors: Telfer Scott , Woodburn James
Published: September 2010

Background

A number of surface scanning systems with the ability to quickly and easily obtain 3D digital representations of the foot are now commercially available. This review aims to present a summary of the reported use of these technologies in footwear development, the design of customised orthotics, and investigations for other ergonomic purposes related to the foot.

Methods

The PubMed and ScienceDirect databases were searched. Reference lists and experts in the field were also consulted to identify additional articles. Studies in English which had 3D surface scanning of the foot as an integral element of their protocol were included in the review.

Results

Thirty‐eight articles meeting the search criteria were included. Advantages and disadvantages of using 3D surface scanning systems are highlighted. A meta‐analysis of studies using scanners to investigate the changes in foot dimensions during varying levels of weight bearing was carried out.

Conclusions

Modern 3D surface scanning systems can obtain accurate and repeatable digital representations of the foot shape and have been successfully used in medical, ergonomic and footwear development applications. The increasing affordability of these systems presents opportunities for researchers investigating the foot and for manufacturers of foot related apparel and devices, particularly those interested in producing items that are customised to the individual. Suggestions are made for future areas of research and for the standardization of the protocols used to produce foot scans.
Regulation of breast cancer cell motility by T-cell lymphoma invasion and metastasis-inducing protein
Authors: Adams Homer C , Chen Ru , Liu Zhuoming , Whitehead Ian P
Published: September 2010

Introduction

T-cell lymphoma invasion and metastasis-inducing protein (Tiam1) is an Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate (Rac)-specific guanine nucleotide exchange factor that was isolated based on its ability to induce a metastatic phenotype. In polarized migrating keratinocytes, Tiam1 is found at the leading edge, where it cooperates with the protease-activated receptor 1 (Par1) complex to establish front-to-rear polarity. Although a positive correlation has been observed between Tiam1 expression and tumor grade in a variety of human malignancies, including breast, its role in breast cancer cells has not yet been examined.

Methods

Tiam1 expression and Rac activity were examined in a panel of human breast cancer cell lines that exhibit different degrees of cell motility. The contribution of Tiam1 to cell motility was directly examined by using transwell motility and wound-healing assays.

Results

Although we observed a striking, positive correlation between Tiam1 expression and cell motility in the panel of breast cancer cell lines, we did not observe a correlation between Tiam1 expression and overall levels of Rac activity. Consistent with this, small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA)-mediated suppression of Tiam1 expression limits the motility of cell lines in which Tiam1 expression is high (MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-453) but does not substantially alter the overall levels of activated Rac. Tiam1 overexpression is also not sufficient to increase the motility of more poorly motile cells (T-47D) or to increase Rac activity. Immunofluorescence and cellular fractionations indicate that Tiam1 is found predominantly in the Golgi of breast cancer cells, and in the latter case, Tiam1 was shown to co-fractionate with a limited pool of Rac1. Consistent with this Golgi localization, Tiam1 supports cell motility and Golgi reorientation in response to serum in a wound-healing assay using MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-435S cells.

Conclusions

Tiam1 expression correlates with cell motility in human breast cancer cells and is required to support the motile phenotype. Localization of endogenous Tiam1 to the Golgi, and its demonstrated role in Golgi reorientation, suggest that it may support motility through a mechanism that is discrete from its known function in leading-edge dynamics.
Stratal slicing: Benefits and challenges
Authors: Zeng Hongliu
Published: September 2010

In the petroleum industry, seismic interpretation meth-odology varies according to a subject's scale. In basinal-to-field scale (hundreds of meters), the goal is to map gross stratigraphic and structural features that are associated with petroleum systems, including stratigraphy and depositional history, hydrocarbon generation, migration, and entrapment. Seismic stratigraphy and sequence stratigraphy are common tools for this purpose. At the reservoir scale (meters to tens of meters), the goal becomes characterizing distribution and physical properties related to volumetrics and production in a reservoir system. In this task, details are crucial. Seismic lithology and inversion, seismic geomorphology and sedimentology, and attribute analysis are some of the tools developed for this purpose.
Anterior neural development requires Del1, a matrix-associated protein that attenuates canonical Wnt signaling via the Ror2 pathway
Authors: Takai Akira , Inomata Hidehiko , Arakawa Akiko , Yakura Rieko , Matsuo-Takasaki Mami , Sasai Yoshiki
Published: September 2010

During early embryogenesis, the neural plate is specified along the anterior-posterior (AP) axis by the action of graded patterning signals. In particular, the attenuation of canonical Wnt signals plays a central role in the determination of the anterior brain region. Here, we show that the extracellular matrix (ECM) protein Del1, expressed in the anterior neural plate, is essential for forebrain development in the Xenopus embryo. Overexpression of Del1 expands the forebrain domain and promotes the formation of head structures, such as the eye, in a Chordin-induced secondary axis. Conversely, the inhibition of Del1 function by a morpholino oligonucleotide (MO) represses forebrain development. Del1 also augments the expression of forebrain markers in neuralized animal cap cells, whereas Del1-MO suppresses them. We previously reported that Del1 interferes with BMP signaling in the dorsal-ventral patterning of the gastrula marginal zone. By contrast, we demonstrate here that Del1 function in AP neural patterning is mediated mainly by the inhibition of canonical Wnt signaling. Wnt-induced posteriorization of the neural plate is counteracted by Del1, and the Del1-MO phenotype (posteriorization) is reversed by Dkk1. Topflash reporter assays show that Del1 suppresses luciferase activities induced by Wnt1 and β-catenin. This inhibitory effect of Del1 on canonical Wnt signaling, but not on BMP signaling, requires the Ror2 pathway, which is implicated in non-canonical Wnt signaling. These findings indicate that the ECM protein Del1 promotes forebrain development by creating a local environment that attenuates the cellular response to posteriorizing Wnt signals via a unique pathway.
A genome-wide screen in EpiSCs identifies Nr5a nuclear receptors as potent inducers of ground state pluripotency
Authors: Guo Ge , Smith Austin
Published: September 2010

In rodents, the naïve early epiblast undergoes profound morphogenetic, transcriptional and epigenetic changes after implantation. These differences are maintained between blastocyst-derived embryonic stem (ES) cells and egg cylinder-derived epiblast stem cells (EpiSCs). Notably, ES cells robustly colonise chimaeras, whereas EpiSCs show little or no contribution. ES cells self-renew independently of mitogenic growth factors, whereas EpiSCs require fibroblast growth factor. However, EpiSCs retain the core pluripotency factors Oct4 and Sox2 and the developmental barrier dividing them from unrestricted pluripotency can be surmounted by a single reprogramming factor. This provides an opportunity to identify molecules that can reset the naïve state. We undertook a forward genetic screen for effectors of EpiSC reprogramming, employing piggyBac transposition to activate endogenous gene expression at random and selecting for undifferentiated colonies in the absence of growth factor signalling. Three recovered clones harboured integrations that activate the closely related orphan nuclear receptor genes Nr5a1 and Nr5a2. Activity of Nr5a1 and Nr5a2 was confirmed by direct transfection. Reprogrammed colonies were obtained without transgene integration and at 10-fold higher frequency than with other single factors. Converted cells exhibited the diagnostic self-renewal characteristics, gene expression profile and X chromosome activation signature of ground state pluripotency. They efficiently produced adult chimaeras and gave germline transmission. Nr5a receptors regulate Oct4 transcription but this is insufficient for reprogramming. Intriguingly, unlike previously identified reprogramming molecules, Nr5a receptors play no evident role in ES cell self-renewal. This implies a different foundation for their capacity to reset pluripotency and suggests that further factors remain to be identified.
SPAT-1/Bora acts with Polo-like kinase 1 to regulate PAR polarity and cell cycle progression
Authors: Noatynska Anna , Panbianco Costanza , Gotta Monica
Published: September 2010

During asymmetric cell division, cell polarity and cell cycle progression are tightly coordinated, yet mechanisms controlling both these events are poorly understood. Here we show that the Bora homologue SPAT-1 regulates both PAR polarity and cell cycle progression in C. elegans embryos. We find that, similarly to mammalian cells, SPAT-1 acts with PLK-1 and not with the mitotic kinase Aurora A (AIR-1), as shown in Drosophila. SPAT-1 binds to PLK-1, and depletion of SPAT-1 or PLK-1 leads to similar cell division defects in early embryos, which differ from the defects caused by depletion of AIR-1. Additionally, SPAT-1 and PLK-1 depletion causes impaired polarity with abnormal length of the anterior and posterior PAR domains, and partial plk-1(RNAi) or spat-1(RNAi), but not air-1(RNAi), can rescue the lethality of a par-2 mutant. SPAT-1 is enriched in posterior cells, and this enrichment depends on PAR polarity and PLK-1. Taken together, our data suggest a model in which SPAT-1 promotes the activity of PLK-1 to regulate both cell polarity and cell cycle timing during asymmetric cell division, providing a link between these two processes.
The Milan Principles of Hypothesising, Circularity and Neutrality in Dialogical Family Therapy: Extinction, Evolution, Eviction… or Emergence?
Authors: Brown Judith M.
Published: September 2010

The primary aim of the three Milan principles of hypothesising, circularity and neutrality was to proffer an effective methodology for interviewing families, with a secondary aim of casting off the stereotypical personal therapist qualities such as intuition, charisma and concern. The progression of the principles from the original Milan model through to contemporary approaches is intriguing. The following article consists of two sections. First it tracks the progression of the three principles through the Milan, post‐Milan and postmodern approaches to family therapy. Given their recursive nature, they are revealed as responsive to developments in theory and practice, as well as the influence of the wider societal context. The second section of the article explores hypothesising, circularity and neutrality in the contemporary approach of dialogical family therapy. The relevance of the three principles to the therapeutic process, the therapeutic role and the therapeutic relationship is considered. Such an exploration does not seek definitive answers or ‘truths’, but seeks to conceptualise a vague ‘knowing’ that there is continual learning and growth in grappling with the tensions in this field, in remaining ever curious, in asking the questions …
Buchbesprechung
Authors: Moser Michael
Published: September 2010

Мовна політика та мовна ситуація в Україні. Аналіз і рекомендації. Проект INTAS Language Policy in Ukraine: Anthropological, Linguistic and Further Perspective (20062008). За редакцією Юліане БЕСТЕРС-ДІЛЬҐЕР. Київ (Видавничий дім Києво-Могилянська академія) 2008, 363 ст. // Language Policy and Language Situation in Ukraine. Analysis and Recommendations. INTAS Project Language Policy in Ukraine: Anthropological, Linguistic and Further Perspectives. Juliane BESTERS-DILGER (ed.). Frankfurt am Main u.a.: Peter Lang 2009. 396 S. ISBN 978-3-631-58389-0
Buchbesprechung
Authors: Schneider Natalie
Published: September 2010

Russko-evropejskie literaturnye svjazi: XVIII vek. Ėnciklopedičeskij slovar′. Stat′i. Hrsg. von Petr BUCHARKIN. SPb: Fakul′tet filologii i iskusstv SPbGU, 2008. 432 S. ISBN 978-5-8465-0766-1.
Bisphenol A and Related Compounds in Dental Materials
Authors: Fleisch Abby F. , Sheffield Perry E. , Chinn Courtney , Edelstein Burton L. , Landrigan Philip J.
Published: September 2010

CONTEXT:

Dental sealants and composite filling materials containing bisphenol A (BPA) derivatives are increasingly used in childhood dentistry. Evidence is accumulating that BPA and some BPA derivatives can pose health risks attributable to their endocrine-disrupting, estrogenic properties.

OBJECTIVES:

To systematically compile and critically evaluate the literature characterizing BPA content of dental materials; to assess BPA exposures from dental materials and potential health risks; and to develop evidence-based guidance for reducing BPA exposures while promoting oral health.

METHODS:

The extant toxicological literature and material safety data sheets were used as data sources.

RESULTS:

BPA is released from dental resins through salivary enzymatic hydrolysis of BPA derivatives, and BPA is detectable in saliva for up to 3 hours after resin placement. The quantity and duration of systemic BPA absorption is not clear from the available data. Dental products containing the bisphenol A derivative glycidyl dimethacrylate (bis-GMA) are less likely to be hydrolyzed to BPA and have less estrogenicity than those containing bisphenol A dimethacrylate (bis-DMA). Most other BPA derivatives used in dental materials have not been evaluated for estrogenicity. BPA exposure can be reduced by cleaning and rinsing surfaces of sealants and composites immediately after placement.

CONCLUSIONS:

On the basis of the proven benefits of resin-based dental materials and the brevity of BPA exposure, we recommend continued use with strict adherence to precautionary application techniques. Use of these materials should be minimized during pregnancy whenever possible. Manufacturers should be required to report complete information on the chemical composition of dental products and encouraged to develop materials with less estrogenic potential.
Alterations in End-of-Life Support in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Lee K. Jane , Tieves Kelly , Scanlon Matthew C.
Published: September 2010

OBJECTIVE:

Our purpose was to examine alterations in end-of-life support in a multiinstitutional sample of PICUs.

METHODS:

This was a retrospective, descriptive study. Variables collected included end-of-life support category, race, length of stay, operative status, reason for admission, and Pediatric Index of Mortality 2 score, as well as the number of ICU beds and the presence of trainees.

RESULTS:

There were 1745 deaths at 35 institutions between January 1, 2004, and September 30, 2005. Of those, 1263 had complete data and were analyzed. The end-of-life support category distribution was as follows: brain death, 296 (23%); do not resuscitate, 205 (16%); limitation of support, 36 (3%); withdrawal of support, 579 (46%); no limitation, 124 (10%); no advance directives, 23 (2%). For further analyses, end-of-life support categories were grouped as limitation (ie, do not resuscitate, limitation of support, or withdrawal of support) versus no limitation (ie, no limitation or no advance directive). Brain death was not included in further analyses. The majority of deaths were in the limitation group (n = 820 [85%]), and 12 (40%) of 30 institutions had 100% of deaths in this group. There were significant differences between institutions (P < .001). Decisions for limitation were seen less frequently in the black race (112 [76%] of 147 deaths; P = .037) and in institutions with no trainees (56 [69%] of 81 deaths; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS:

Decisions to limit support are common. Black race and an absence of trainees are associated with decreased frequency of limitation decisions.
South West wave energy hub: coastal impact and wave energy
Authors: Li B. , Phillips M.
Published: September 2010

The South West Regional Development Agency (SWRDA) is developing the South West wave hub off the north coast of Cornwall to provide an offshore power connection for pre-commercial testing of wave energy converter (WEC) devices. Halcrow Group Ltd (Halcrow) was commissioned to undertake the technical development of the wave hub and to produce an environmental impact assessment. As part of the coastal processes study mathematical modelling was undertaken in 2006 to assess the impact of the wave hub development (subsea facilities, interconnecting cables, offshore and onshore 24 kV cable and two alternative wave energy converter device layouts) on coastal processes (wave climate, tidal currents and sediment regime) and geomorphological processes. To identify the maximum potential environmental impact of the wave hub a conservative approach was adopted. The study demonstrated that the impact of the wave hub and WEC devices on coastal processes will be minimal. This paper presents the modelling results and preliminary conclusions.
Briefing: 10 MW Triton – a breakthrough in tidal stream power
Authors: Armstrong John
Published: September 2010

This article sets the new Triton platform concept in the context of the tidal stream resource, the Cinderella of renewable energy. Triton makes possible new levels of generating capacity, ease of installation and simplicity of maintenance. The article is written from the perspective of an engineer who pioneered UK wind power technology in the 1980s and 1990s with the Wind Energy Group, and now sees some of these principles applicable to tidal flows.
Coal gasification and IGCC technology: a brief primer
Authors: Weil K. S.
Published: September 2010

Gasification is a means of converting a carbonaceous feedstock material such as fossil fuel (notably coal, oil refinery residue and stranded natural gas assets), biomass and wastes into an energy-rich gas that can be employed in chemical production or energy conversion. More specifically, the coupling of a coal gasifier with a combined gas turbine/steam turbine plant offers the potential to generate electricity with a much smaller environmental footprint than a typical coal combustion plant, including an order of magnitude lower pollutant emissions, substantially lower cost carbon dioxide capture and higher power generation efficiency. However, to date only a handful of these plants has been built at commercial scale. This is because they are more costly to construct and more complicated to operate and maintain than conventional coal-powered plants. In the USA, an additional problem is the lack of a national carbon dioxide mitigation strategy and corresponding regulation policy. This paper will briefly review the historical development of gasification technology and the status of its current usage, discuss the use and advantages of coal gasification for electric power generation and outline the factors that currently limit its acceptance in the utility industry.
The Experience of Participation in Everyday Occupations for Adults with Obesity
Authors: Forhan Mary A. , Law Mary C. , Vrkljan Brenda H. , Taylor Valerie H.
Published: September 2010

Background. Participation in occupations of everyday life, such as self-care, work, and leisure, contribute to health and well-being. Obesity has been shown to influence health-related quality of life, but it is unclear how obesity influences participation in specific occupations.Purpose. To describe the lived experience of adults with class III obesity and the associated impact on participation in occupations of daily living.Methods. Ten adults enrolled in an obesity treatment program were interviewed. Data were interpreted using descriptive phenomenological methods.Findings. Participants underscored the tensions, barriers, and coping strategies across and within specific occupations. Although participation across occupations of daily living was described, the quality and diversity of occupations was influenced by real and perceived barriers within the environment.Implications. Participation in daily occupations is limited for persons with class III obesity. Intervention approaches should address health-related concerns and consider environmental adaptations that facilitate meaningful engagement in everyday life.
Holding on to Normalcy and Overshadowed Needs: Family Caregiving at End of Life
Authors: Pickens Noralyn D. , O'Reilly Kyndra R. , Sharp Karen C.
Published: September 2010

Background. Caregivers in end-of-life care are at risk for health deterioration and decreased quality of life because of the many stressing factors involved in the caregiving role.Purpose. The purpose of this analysis is to come to understand the nature of occupation as experienced by family caregivers of dying patients at a residential hospice.Methods. Data from hospice residents, their family members, and the hospice staff was collected over a period of six months via participant observation, interviews, and document review.Findings. The themes “holding on to normalcy” and “overshadowed needs of caregivers” describe the complex and uncertain nature of family caregivers' occupation.Implications. Occupations of family caregivers reflected experiences of doing, being, belonging, and becoming. By looking through the lens of the caregiver, the findings of this study will help occupational therapists address the unique needs of the caregiver in end-of-life care.
Sage-called plant species sold in Turkey and their antioxidant activities
Authors: Erdogan-Orhan Ilkay , Baki Elif , Şenol Sezer , Yilmaz Gülderen
Published: September 2010

Sage is commonly consumed as a herbal tea in Anatolia, where not only Salvia
species, but also Sideritis species are called "sage" by the local people.
Therefore, it was decided to investigate the most common species of
sage-called plants sold in aktars. Eighty-seven samples randomly purchased
from 21 provinces throughout Turkey were identified, which finally led to the
identification of 7 species; Salvia tomentosa, Salvia fruticosa, Sideritis
congesta, Sideritis pisidica var. termessi, Sideritis arguta, Sideritis
perfoliata and Sideritis libanotica subsp. linearis. Infusions prepared from
all samples were preliminarily tested for their antioxidant activity and 7
representative species were further evaluated by the
2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging, ferrous
ion-chelating and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) tests at 0.25,
0.50, and 1.0 mg ml-1 and for their antiacetylcholinesterase activity. The
infusions were subjected to the DPPH bioautographic revelatory test, which
led to the conclusion that a flavonoid derivative seemed to be responsible
for the antioxidant activity in Sideritis congesta and S. pisidica var.
termessi.
Facile Access to Optically Active Ring C Aromatic Diterpenes from (+)-manool. Synthesis of (+)-13-Hydroxypodocarpa-8,11,13-Triene, (+)-7-Deoxynimbidiol and (+)-Nimbidiol
Authors: Villamizar José E. , Montiel Crisbel , Gamez Carlos , Alcalá Antonio , Herrera Yurimar , Salazar Franklin , Tropper Eleonora , Canudas Nieves
Published: September 2010

A practical method for the synthesis of naturally occurring ring C aromatic diterpenes from (+)-manool via key intermediate β-enone is described. The natural (+)-13-hydroxypodocarpa-8,11,13-triene, the antitumour (+)-7-deoxynimbidiol, and (+)-nimbidiol were prepared in good overall yields.
Synthesis and Special Structure of a Novel Low-Generation Amide Dendrimer with Pseudo-Symmetric Branch Distribution
Authors: Meng Qi , Chen Juan-Juan , Li Zheng-Yi , Li Dan-Feng , Wu Gui-Yong , Sun Xiao-Qiang
Published: September 2010

A novel low-generation amide dendrimer bearing four ester groups as terminal branches was conveniently synthesised by three-step reactions including acylation, hydrolysis and condensation from benzoyl chloride. Crystal X-ray diffraction and NMR analysis confirmed that one ester group of the four branches with pseudosymmetry was shielded by a benzene ring while the others were much further away. This was a difference from conventional dendrimers with symmetric branch distribution.
A General and a Simple Synthesis of {4-[(Z)-4-(Arylimino)-3,4-Dihydroquinazolin-2(1H)-Ylidene]Cyclohexa-2,5-Dien-1-Ylidene} Malononitrile from the Reaction of 2-Amino-N′-Arylbenzimidamides with 7,7,8,8-Tetracyanoquinodimethane
Authors: Abd-Elatif Fathy F. , El-Shaieb Kamal M. , El-Deen Ahmed G.
Published: September 2010

A short and facile synthesis of a series of {4-[( Z)-4-(arylimino)-3,4-dihydroquinazolin-2(1 H)-ylidene]cyclohexa-2,5-dien-1-ylidene}malononitrile was accomplished in moderate to good yields via Charge-transfer complexes between 2-amino-N′-aryl-benzimidamide derivatives and 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane. The structure of the products were established on the basis of their elemental analysis, IR, NMR (1H and 13C) and mass spectrometry data.
Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of New Steroidal Thiosemicarbazones Derived from methyl 3-Oxocholanate under Solvent-Free Conditions
Authors: Zhao Zhigang , Liu Xingli , Liu Lingling , Li Guohua
Published: September 2010

A series of novel steroidal thiosemicarbazones derived from methyl 3-oxocholanate were synthesised in good yields via microwave irradiation under solvent-free conditions. The structures of the compounds were confirmed by spectroscopic data. Compared to the conventional method, microwave irradiation was a fast and simple method. These compounds were tested for antibacterial activity against S. aureus, S. pyogenes, and E. coli bacteria.
One-Step Synthesis of Chromene-3-Carboxamide, Bischromene, Chromeno[3,4-c]Pyridine and Bischromeno[3,4-c]Pyridine Derivatives for Antimicrobial Evaluation
Authors: Helal Mohamed H. , Ali Gameel A. M. El-Hag , Ali Ahmed A. , Ammar Yousry A.
Published: September 2010

Cyanoacetamide derivatives were reacted with salicylaldehyde under different conditions afforded chromenes and coumarin derivatives respectively. A number of chromeno[3,4- c]pyridine derivatives were prepared from the reaction of N-cyclohexyl-2-imino-2H-chromene-3-carboxamide with malononitrile and/or cynaothiocatemaide. Bischromeno[3,4- c]pyridine derivatives were prepared from the reaction of N,N’-(ethane-1,2-diyl)bis(2-imino-2H-chromene-3-carboxamide) with malononitrile and/or N-alkyl-2-cyanoacetamide derivative with 2-iminochroemen derivative, respectively. Some of these compounds were screened for their antimicrobial activities.
Darwin's historical sketch – an American predecessor: C. S. Rafinesque
Authors: Ambrose C. T.
Published: September 2010

When early reviewers of Darwin's On the origin of species chided him for neglecting to mention predecessors to his theory of evolution, he added an “historical sketch” in later editions. Among the predecessors he cited was a French émigré to America named Constantine Samuel Rafinesque, who in the mid-1830s had written about the emergence of new species at a time when most naturalists (including Darwin initially) accepted the biblical story of creation and assumed the immutability of species. Rafinesque discovered and named thousands of new plants and animals in his American travels and flooded the taxonomic literature with reports, which seemed incomplete, confusing, and excessive to other naturalists. He alienated many who later dismissed his findings and excluded them from the biological literature. Soon after Rafinesque's death in 1840, Asa Gray, the young American botanist, wrote a damning critique of his work and suggested it be ignored. How Darwin learned of Rafinesque and his views on species is the focus of this essay, which also mentions briefly the two other American naturalists cited by Darwin in his sketch. Gray seems the likely informant through his correspondence with Darwin or his close associates.
An unpublished manuscript of Alfredo Dugès related to the classification of lizards according to tongue morphology,c.1898
Authors: Flores-Villela Oscar , Ríos-Muñoz César A. , Schwenk Kurt , Zamudio-Varela Graciela , Magaña-Cota Gloria
Published: September 2010

An unpublished manuscript of Alfredo Dugès was found in Guanajuato, Mexico. This manuscript is interesting in depicting some of the ideas Dugès held about the phylogenetic position of many lizard groups in the nineteenth century, in particular, his conclusion on the phylogenetic position of Heloderma, the only known venomous lizard at that time. Dugès's discussion is important in the context of a science dominated by Europeans and North Americans, putting this lizard in a modern phylogenetic context.
Illustrations and the genesis of Barrett and Yonge'sCollins pocket guide to the sea shore(1958)
Authors: Moore P. G.
Published: September 2010

Twenty nine items of correspondence from the mid-1950s discovered recently in the archives of the University Marine Biological Station Millport, and others made available by one of the illustrators and a referee, shed unique light on the publishing history of Collins pocket guide to the sea shore. This handbook, generally regarded as a classic of its genre, marked a huge step forwards in 1958; providing generations of students with an authoritative, concise, affordable, well illustrated text with which to identify common organisms found between the tidemarks from around the coasts of the British Isles. The crucial role played by a select band of illustrators in making this publication the success it eventually became, is highlighted herein. The difficulties of accomplishing this production within commercial strictures, and generally as a sideline to the main employment of the participants, are revealed. Such stresses were not helped by changing demands on the illustrators made by the authors and by the publishers.
Edward Forbes (1815–1854) and the exhibition of natural order in Edinburgh
Authors: Swinney Geoffrey N.
Published: September 2010

The roles, affordances and social agency of natural history museums are discussed in relation to the writings of Edward Forbes. These signal a motivation, in the mid-nineteenth-century, to naturalize the established social order through the systematic arrangement and display of natural history specimens. The perceived importance of the embodied messages of social order, as an antidote to radicalism and revolution, overrode concerns about temperance and abstinence and immediate fears for the physical safety of collections. The tensions between temperance, and the broader concerns about social order, were played out over the matter of the museums themselves being licensed premises.
Zoological material for John Lawson's “Compleat History” of Carolina (1710–1711): specimens recorded in Hans Sloane's catalogues
Authors: Simpson Marcus B. , Simpson Sallie W. , Johnston David W.
Published: September 2010

As part of his plan for a “Compleat History” of the region, John Lawson, Surveyor-General of North Carolina, collected plants and animals in 1710 and 1711 from Virginia and North Carolina and shipped them to James Petiver in London. After Petiver's death in 1718, his collection was acquired by Hans Sloane and subsequently incorporated into the natural history collections in the British Museum. The Sloane herbarium, now at the Natural History Museum, London, contains more than 300 previously reported botanical specimens attributed to Lawson, but details of his zoological collecting have not heretofore been documented. Two of Sloane's manuscript catalogues of “Fossils” include at least 34 specimens that appear to have been among those sent by Lawson to Petiver. These Lawson specimens were probably discarded or destroyed by British Museum staff in the 1700s or early 1800s. The Sloane catalogues nevertheless provide evidence that Lawson had begun work on his ambitious plan for a natural history of Carolina. Lawson's untimely death in September 1711 brought an abrupt end to the project, and Petiver apparently never used the zoological material he received from Lawson.
Novel 2-(ω-phosphonooxy-2-oxaalkyl)acrylate monomers for self-etching self-priming one part adhesive
Authors: Klee Joachim E , Lehmann Uwe
Published: September 2010

Novel hydrolysis stable 2-(ω-phosphonooxy-2-oxaalkyl)acrylate monomers 3 with phosphoric acid moieties were synthesized by a three step synthesis via Baylis–Hillman reaction of ethyl acrylate and formaldehyde, and subsequent etherification of the obtained product with diols and phosphorylation using POCl3. The polymerization enthalpy of 2-(ω-phosphonooxy-2-oxaalkyl)acrylates 3 as measured by DSC ranges from −29 to −53 kJ·mol−1. The shear bond strength of adhesive compositions 4, comprising of polymerizable acids 3, ranges from 5.8 to 19.3 MPa on enamel and from 8.7 to 16.9 MPa on dentin.
Là où était le surmoi… ?
Authors: Baldacci Jean-Louis
Published: September 2010

Résumé À partir de la proximité ça/surmoi, il s’agit d’interroger les effets de la situation analytique sur la différenciation topique. Un exemple clinique montre comment les trois types d’acte analytique, d’intervention subjectivante, de construction et d’interprétation participent à la transformation des rapports du moi et du surmoi et permettent au moi de reprendre son devenir. Les interventions en engageant la réflexivité nécessaire au processus analytique, les constructions en permettant la désidéalisation de l’objet primaire, les interprétations en desexualisant l’objet œdipien. Le moi ainsi advenu serait un « moi sublimé », c’est?à?dire accordé avec le « je » du discours selon la formule de certains patients : « Enfin, je me sens moi?même. »
Location-dependent and Context-Aware Computing
Authors: Kurkovsky Stan
Published: September 2010

Systems with context-aware features are typically able to adapt their behavior to the changes of the environment surrounding the system and/or its users without any explicit intervention of the user. Therefore, context-aware systems tend to increase the usability and effectiveness by taking into account the context of their environment. Location-based and context-aware systems are typically associated with mobile devices; they react to reflect their current physical location, time, other surrounding systems, their user(s), as well as other features of their environment, and adapt their operation to the changes of the environment. This information about the many aspects of the system‘s environment is referred to as context, which can be obtained from a variety of sources, such as RFID and other sensors, wireless network information, physical device status, maintaining information about the user(s) and many other sources.
Vehicular Communications Networks
Authors: Jerbi Moez , Senouci Sidi-Mohammed , Ghamri-Doudane Yacine , Cherif Mohamed
Published: September 2010

Vehicular communications networks (VCNs) are created by vehicles equipped with short and medium range wireless communication technology. They include vehicular ad-hoc networks (VANETs), vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communications. VCNs enable a plethora of important applications and services, ranging from active safety or safety of life applications to traffic information, music/maps download and multi-hop internet connection. Recently, the promises of wireless communications to support vehicular safety applications have led to several national/international projects around the world. These include the consortia like Vehicle Safety Consortium (US), Car-2-Car Communication Consortium (Europe) and Advanced Safety Vehicle Program (Japan), standardization efforts like IEEE 802.11p (WAVE), and field trials like the large-scale Vehicle Infrastructure Integration Program (VII) in the US. All these efforts have as a main goal to improve safety in vehicular environments by the use of wireless communications, but also consider transport efficiency, comfort and environment. In comparison to other communication networks, VCNs come with unique attractive features: unlimited transmission power, predictable mobility and plethora of potential applications. However, to bring its potency to fruition, VCNs have to cope with formidable challenges that include: rapidly changing topology subject to frequent fragmentations and congestions, lack of connectivity redundancy, and the stringent application requirement on real-time and robust message delivery. In this chapter, we present a detailed description of the state of the art of this fast-moving research area pointing to research, projects and standardization efforts that have been done. We explore the unique features and challenges that characterise these highly dynamic networks as well as their requirements with respect to applications, types of communication, self-organization and security. We discuss various forwarding and routing strategies focussing on position-based techniques including ‘anchor-based routing‘. We survey various ‘intelligent flooding’ and information dissemination approaches. Scenarios for highways and cities are taken as example. We conclude by exploring future research directions in this field.
Impact of Classroom Technologies on Individual Learner Attitude
Authors: Salaheldin Salaheldin Ismail , Sharif Khurram
Published: September 2010

The study aims to uncover the influence of classroom technologies (i.e. a variety of audio-visual and online equipment) on an individual’s (i.e. student’s) learning attitude. The antecedents that were considered relevant in the early post implementation phase were: (1) experience with Information and Communication Technologies, (2) enhanced communications, (3) learner independence and (4) ease of technology use. The original concept for the research was derived from Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) which has been a source of numerous studies exploring user attitude towards technology. The outcome indicated a positive and significant relationship between learner independence and individual learner attitude; enhanced communications and individual learner attitude and ease of technology use and individual learner attitude. However the relationship between ICTs experience and individual learner attitude was non-significant. The study outcome implicated that use of classroom technologies, in the introduction stage, does increase with the degree of perceived and encountered ease of use and extended capacity for self-directed learning.
Global E-Banking Trends
Authors: Adapa Sujana
Published: September 2010

The traditional mode of delivering products and services by banks to the consumers’ is through a single distribution channel and that is physical bank branches. Financial services industry is metamorphosing due to the advent of internet, rapid technological evolutions, deregulation, globalization as well as the impact of changing competitive and regulatory forces. In order to cope with the quick changes in the business scenario, banks started to rely on distribution channels as an alternative strategy for differentiation and gaining further competitive advantage. The abovementioned paved way for the development of the ebanking phenomena. This chapter attempts to provide a comprehensive explanation of what ebanking is, the evolution of ebanking, existing trends of ebanking in developed, developing and newly industrialized nations, future directions for further possible research and concluding remarks. The content provided in this chapter would be useful for existing and potential banks to better understand the global ebanking trends and thus aid in the effective formulation of channel management strategies and reap the benefits out of it.
Factors Influencing KM Strategic Alignment in the Banking Sector
Authors: Al-Ammary Jafleh Hassan
Published: September 2010

In today’s business environment, knowledge is increasingly recognized as the most important and valuable asset in organizations and a key differentiating factor in business. Therefore, many organizations are positioning themselves strategically based on their tangible and intangible internal resources, and their capabilities rather than on their products and services. However, in order for an organization to be successful in the exploitation of knowledge assets to drive competitive advantages, a holistic approach that spans Knowledge Management (KM), business strategy, and organizational and human factors should be used. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of some factor on KM Strategic Alignment between KM and business strategy in the banking sector at Persian Gulf Countries. The results have indicated factors such as knowledge sharing, trust, openness to change, IT infrastructure and skills, and existence of CKO are strongly correlated to the strategic alignment between KM and business strategy. Thus, managers in the Persian Gulf banking sectors should adopt new rules using flexible organizational culture, reforming and redesigning their organizational structure, and incorporating an advanced information technology in their operations for competitive advantage.
Toward a Conceptual Framework for Verification and Analysis of Effective Factors in Successful Implementation of Electronic Banking
Authors: Hosseini Mirza Hassan , Ghorbani Ali
Published: September 2010

Nowadays, e-banking plays an important role in e-society and human life. Imagine an e-society without e-banking is not possible. The e-banking is considered as an enabler factor to e-business, e-commerce, e-government and other e-initiatives. Despite the pivotal role of e-banking in our lives, yet a comprehensive conceptual model of electronic banking success factors has not been provided by the researchers. The present chapter is trying to provide a comprehensive conceptual model by categorizing factors affecting implementation of electronic banking. In this regards, the factors affecting implementation of electronic banking was classified based on Co-structural factors, Content factors and Context factors. We called this conceptual model as the Tri-Category (3C) Model. The questionnaire used for gathering data. The results showed that there is a positive relationship between successful implementation of e- Banking and attention to Co-structural, Content and Contextual factors. At the end of chapter, several recommendations have been offered to implementing successful E-banking.
Introduction to Modern Banking Technology and Management
Authors: Ravi Vadlamani
Published: September 2010

This chapter introduces Banking Technology as a confluence of several disparate disciplines such as Finance (including risk management), Information technology, Computer Science, Communication technology and marketing science. It presents the evolution of banking, the tremendous influence of information and communication technologies on banking and its products, the quintessential role played by computer science in fulfilling banks’ marketing objective of servicing customers better at a less cost and thereby reap more profits. It also highlights the use of advanced statistics and computer science to measure, mitigate and manage various risks associated with banks’ business with its customers and other banks. The growing influence of customer relationship management and data mining in tackling various marketing related problems and fraud detection problems in banking industry is well documented. Of particular significance is the set of latest trends this chapter presents in terms of biometric ATMs, RFID enabled bank notes, Antiphishing techniques that make Internet banking secure and the applications of Web 2.0 in banking. The chapter concludes by predicting that the Banking Technology discipline is all set for rapid growth in future.