bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interactive Communication in the Cybermedia
Authors: Cebrián-Herreros Mariano
Published: September 2009

Internet embeds both conventional mass media and its own cybermedia with a social network that introduces a new communication process based on interactivity, new ways of relating users, different technical and communicative mediations, a new information outlook and changes in the narrative and expressive models together with an expansion of the possibilities of navigation and hypertextuality, creating synergies between the cyberpress, cyberradio, cybertelevision and the social network within a new space-time globality. This article –drawn from research work in these fields– analyses the changes that have affected the cybermedia in their different variations, and systematizes these phenomena in order to provide new dimensions for the theoretical construction of the emerging interactive model of communication.

Internet ha incorporado los medios de comunicación tradicionales y ha originado otros, así como unas redes sociales hasta crear otro ámbito informativo englobado bajo la denominación de cibermedios, los cuales introducen otras formas de comunicación basadas en los procesos de interactividad, el desarrollo de nuevas relaciones entre los usuarios, otras mediaciones técnicoco municativas, los cambios en la concepción de la información, las transformaciones en los modelos narrativos y expresivos con una expansión de las posibilidades de navegación e hipertextualidad, las sinergias entre la ciberprensa, la ciberradio la cibertelevisión y las redes sociales y un nuevo universo espacio-temporal. Este trabajo, resultado de una investigación sobre estos aspectos, analiza estas mutaciones de los cibermedios y de sus diversas variantes y las sistematiza para aportar nuevas dimensiones a la construcción teórica del emergente modelo de comunicación interactiva.
Fifteen Years of Online Journalism. Interaction and Hypertextuality
Authors: Navarro-Zamora Lizy
Published: September 2009

On-line journalism completes 15 years of existence in 2009. The characteristics of journalism have evolved with information technology. Interaction and hypertextuality are two elements that configure the essence of the relationship between journalism and new information and communication technologies. This research analyzes the profile and elements of on-line journalism, as well as the transmitter and receiver in this communication process. The research corpus is 10 international media and the following Mexican media: 100 newspapers, 30 television stations and 30 radio stations, all with more than 10 years’ on-line experience. Also, two hundred e-mails were sent out to journalists, leader writers and webmasters.

En el 2009 se cumplen 15 años del inicio del periodismo en Internet. Las características del periodismo han evolucionado con la convergencia digital. La interactividad e hipertextualidad son dos elementos que configuran la esencia de la relación entre periodismo y tecnologías de la información y comunicación. En esta investigación se realizó el análisis del perfil y elementos del periodismo digital, así como el emisor y receptor de este proceso comunicativo. El corpus de la investigación fueron diez medios internacionales y los siguientes medios nacionales: 100 periódicos, 30 cadenas de televisión y 30 emisoras de radio que desde hace más de 10 años están en Internet. También se realizó el envío de 2.000 correos electrónicos a un corpus de otros tantos periodistas: reporteros, editorialistas y webmaster.
Networks of Participation and Communicative Interchanges in Public Radio: Podcasting
Authors: González-Conde María Julia , Salgado-Santamaría Carmen
Published: September 2009

The development of podcasting as an additional system of cyberradio stimulates the appearance of networks of participation and communicative interchanges of social interest, and has numerous advantages over conventional radio practices. The spreading of podcasts through public radio situates it within the process of technological convergence and in an Information and Knowledge society which is able to offer different services within reach of all citizens. Only the introduction of new contents and services that contribute added value to the existing ones and satisfy the needs of users will make this system profitable.

El desarrollo de los podcasting, como sistema añadido de la ciberradio, impulsa a las redes de participación e intercambios comunicativos de interés social, que exhiben numerosas ventajas frente a las prácticas radiofónicas conocidas. La difusión que la radio pública realiza de los podcasts, la colocan en el actual proceso de convergencia tecnológica, y la sitúan en una sociedad de la información y del conocimiento, capaz de ofrecer diferentes servicios al alcance de todos los ciudadanos. Sólo la introducción de nuevos contenidos y servicios que aporten valor añadido a los existentes y satisfagan las necesidades de sus usuarios, procurarán la rentabilidad de este sistema.
Video in Cyberspace: Usage and Language
Authors: Díaz-Arias Rafael
Published: September 2009

Video is growing faster than any other content in cyberspace. Video clips jumping between screens represent a narrative return to the origins of cinema. In cyberspace, videos can be cybermovies, cybertelevision, television on demand and cybervideo. The social uses of video in cyberspace overlap with information in a process of horizontal communication of immense potential, but with the risk of fragmenting the public sphere. Video is a factor of globalization and a vector of infotainment that colonizes both the media and cyberspace. Hypermedia language fragments the expressive elements of classical audiovisual language. It is necessary to explore new ways of interactive audiovisual language and investigate how video links the media to cyberspace in a new audiovisual ecosystem.

El vídeo es el contenido de más rápido crecimiento en el ciberespacio. Los vídeoclips que saltan entre las pantallas suponen un regreso narrativo a los orígenes del cine. En el ciberespacio se dan modalidades audiovisuales características: cibercine, cibertelevisión, televisión a la carta y cibervídeo. Los usos sociales del vídeo en el ciberespacio se solapan con los informativos en un proceso de comunicación horizontal, de enorme potencial, pero que presenta riesgos de fragmentación de la esfera pública. El vídeo es factor de globalización y vector del info-entretenimiento que coloniza tanto el espacio mediático como el ciberespacio. En el lenguaje hipermedia los elementos expresivos del lenguaje audiovisual clásico se fragmentan. Es necesario explorar nuevos modos interactivos de lenguaje audiovisual e investigar cómo el vídeo vincula el espacio mediático y el ciberespacio en un nuevo ecosistema audiovisual.
Investigating the Reading Process by Means of Collaborative Environment
Authors: Neitzel Adair de Aguiar , Neitzel Luiz Carlos
Published: September 2009

Brazilian research on the determining factors for the success of programs to teach reading indicates a need to view literature as an aesthetic object that will encourage children to appreciate books. This study proposes investigating teachers' concepts of literature, from the point of view of the children. Chat was used as a data collection mechanism, proposed between two groups of elementary school children and interviews with the teachers. The analysis of the chats followed the methodology of Franco (1997). This study indicates three key areas for winning a reading public: a) qualified human resources, with a clear concept of literature as an aesthetic phenomenon; b) methodological procedures that are coherent with this concept; c) a bibliographical archive that is aligned with this concept.

Investigaciones brasileñas acerca de los factores determinantes para el éxito de programas de formación de lectores señalan la necesidad del empleo de la literatura como objeto estético para que el niño se aproxime al libro. Esta investigación se propuso estudiar las concepciones de los profesores acerca de la literatura a partir del punto de vista del lector infantil. Se utilizó el chat como mecanismo de recolección de datos, propuesto entre dos clases de la enseñanza fundamental, y entrevistas con las profesoras regentes. El análisis de los chats siguió la metodología de Franco (1997), evidenciando que los docentes no consideran al libro como un objeto estético que necesita ser disfrutado. Esta investigación señala tres ejes básicos para la conquista de un público lector: a) recursos humanos calificados con claridad acerca de la concepción de literatura como fenómeno estético; b) procedimientos metodológicos coherentes con esa concepción; c) acervo bibliográfico ajustado a esa concepción.
Learning with videogames: Ideas for a Renewal of the Theory of Knowledge and Education
Authors: Gramigna Anita , González-Faraco Juan Carlos
Published: September 2009

In this paper we reflect on the relationship of games, cognitive development and educational processes during a time of profound technological change. Specifically, we consider the role of videogames in knowledge construction and in children’s education. By studying both the logic of video games and how players understand them, we can develop interesting ideas for re-thinking theories on knowledge and education. Primarily, this text analyzes the role of video games in the world of play in order to delve into its unique narrative models. Finally, we evaluate their virtual features for learning and education in general, then focusing on the risks entailed. We conclude with a cognitive-pedagogical evaluation of the connective thought that videogames can develop.

En este artículo se reflexiona sobre la relación del juego con el desarrollo cognitivo y los procesos educativos en un tiempo de profundos cambios tecnológicos. En concreto, sobre el papel de los videojuegos en la construcción del conocimiento y la formación de los niños. Profundizando en la lógica de los videojuegos y en la relación compleja que los usuarios entablan con ellos, pueden extraerse interesantes ideas para repensar la teoría del conocimiento y la educación. El texto analiza primeramente el papel de los videojuegos en el mundo lúdico, para internarse posteriormente en sus modelos narrativos propios. Finalmente se valoran sus virtualidades para el aprendizaje y en general para la educación, sin olvidar sus riesgos. Se concluye en la valorización cognitiva y pedagógica del pensamiento conectivo que pueden desarrollar los videojuegos.
Multimedia and Reading Ways: a State of the Art
Authors: Díaz-Noci Javier
Published: September 2009

Multimedia is one of the less studied characteristics, probably because of the less-developed level of the digital language. Along with hypertext and interactivity, it is one of the characteristics that defines the digital edition. Those characteristics have been always studied from the point of view of production, although not so much from the point of view of reception. How do users read a digital text? The reader’s participation, reading depth, different trailblazing, the relation user-interface and the conception of multimedia text as a module of a database introduce major changes in the reception of the text, which can and must be studied.

La multimedialidad es una de las características menos estudiadas, tal vez por menos desarrolladas, del nuevo lenguaje digital. Junto con el hipertexto y la interactividad, constituye una de las características que definen el discurso digital. Estas características siempre se han estudiado desde el punto de vista de la producción, no tanto desde el punto de vista de la recepción. ¿Cómo leen los usuarios un texto digital? La participación del lector, la profundidad de la lectura, los distintos recorridos y propósitos por la superficie y los niveles más profundos del texto, la relación del usuario con la interfaz y la concepción del texto multimedia como módulo en una base de datos introducen cambios sustanciales en la recepción del texto que pueden y deben ser estudiados.
Characterization of Taylor vortex flow in a short liquid column
Authors: Deng Rensheng , Arifin Davis Yohanes , Mak Ye Chyn , Wang Chi‐Hwa
Published: September 2009

We present a study on Taylor vortex flow in the annulus between a rotating inner cylinder and a stationary outer cylinder, featured with a wide gap (radius ratio is 0.613) and a short column (aspect ratio is 5.17). A particle image velocimetry (PIV) system was used to determine the position, shape, and velocity distribution of the vortices, by which the flow was also confirmed to lie in the nonwavy Taylor vortex regime for all operating conditions explored in this study. Our results suggest that end boundary effects are important, in which the vortex number decreases with decreasing column length. For a system with an aspect ratio of 5.17, six vortices appear in the gap with their position, size, and shape varying at different Reynolds numbers. The fluid velocities show an asymmetric feature with respect to the vortex centers, while the maximum axial and radial velocities increase almost linearly with the increasing reduced Reynolds number (Re − Rec). In addition, computational fluid dynamics study was employed under the same conditions, and its results agree well with the PIV measurements. Overall, this study provides a quantitative understanding of the formation of Taylor vortices in a constrained space. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2009
Graphene: The New Two‐Dimensional Nanomaterial
Authors: Rao C. N. R. , Sood A. K. , Subrahmanyam K. S. , Govindaraj A.
Published: September 2009

Every few years, a new material with unique properties emerges and fascinates the scientific community, typical recent examples being high‐temperature superconductors and carbon nanotubes. Graphene is the latest sensation with unusual properties, such as half‐integer quantum Hall effect and ballistic electron transport. This two‐dimensional material which is the parent of all graphitic carbon forms is strictly expected to comprise a single layer, but there is considerable interest in investigating two‐layer and few‐layer graphenes as well. Synthesis and characterization of graphenes pose challenges, but there has been considerable progress in the last year or so. Herein, we present the status of graphene research which includes aspects related to synthesis, characterization, structure, and properties.
Nonlinear control of power converters: a new adaptive backstepping approach
Authors: Fu Jun , Jin Ying , Zhao Jun
Published: September 2009

This paper proposes a new backstepping approach to nonlinear control of power converters which is attracting considerable attention in both theoretical research and practical applications. The main difference between the proposed algorithm and the existing classical adaptive backstepping method in the literature is that the adaptation mechanism does not follow the certainty‐equivalence principle. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley and Sons Asia Pte Ltd and Chinese Automatic Control Society
Treatment of impulsive aggression in correctional settings
Authors: Shelton Deborah , Sampl Susan , Kesten Karen L. , Zhang Wanli , Trestman Robert L.
Published: September 2009

Purpose. This article reports the implementation of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy—Corrections Modified (DBT‐CM) for difficult to manage, impulsive and/or aggressive correctional populations. Methods. Participants were English‐speaking women (n = 18) and men (n = 45) of diverse cultural backgrounds between the ages of 16 and 59 years old retained in state‐run prisons in Connecticut. Following consent, and a psychological assessment battery, twice‐weekly DBT‐CM groups were held over 16 weeks followed by random assignment to DBT coaching or case management condition, with sessions taking place individually for eight weeks. Data analysis. A mixed effects regression model was used to test the hypotheses: participants will show decreased aggression, impulsivity, and psychopathology, as well as improved coping, after completing the DBT‐CM groups; and will show greater reduction in targeted behaviors than those receiving case management at the six month and 12 month follow‐up assessment periods. Results. Significant reduction in targeted behavior was found from baseline to following the16 week DBT‐CM skills treatment groups. Both case management and DBT coaching were significant at 12 month follow‐up. A significant difference was found for adult men and women. Conclusions. The study supports the value of DBT‐CM for management of aggressive behaviors in prison settings. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
“It's doom alone that counts”: can international human rights law be an effective source of rights in correctional conditions litigation?
Authors: Perlin Michael L. , Dlugacz Henry A.
Published: September 2009

Over the past three decades, the U.S. judiciary has grown increasingly less receptive to claims by convicted felons as to the conditions of their confinement while in prison. Although courts have not articulated a return to the “hands off” policy of the 1950s, it is clear that it has become significantly more difficult for prisoners to prevail in constitutional correctional litigation. The passage and aggressive implementation of the Prison Litigation Reform Act has been a powerful disincentive to such litigation in many areas of prisoners' rights law. From the perspective of the prisoner, the legal landscape is more hopeful in matters that relate to mental health care and treatment. Here, in spite of a general trend toward more stringent applications of standards of proof and a reluctance to order sweeping, intrusive remedies, some courts have aggressively protected prisoners' rights to be free from “deliberate indifference” to serious medical needs, and to be free from excessive force on the part of prison officials. A mostly hidden undercurrent in some prisoners' rights litigation has been the effort on the part of some plaintiffs' lawyers to look to international human rights doctrines as a potential source of rights, an effort that has met with some modest success. It receives support by the inclination of other courts to turn to international human rights conventions—even in nations where such conventions have not been ratified—as a kind of “best practice” in the area. The recent publication and subsequent ratification (though not, as of yet, by the United States) of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) may add new support to those using international human rights documents as a basis for litigating prisoners' rights claims. To the best of our knowledge, there has, as of yet, been no scholarly literature on the question of the implications of the CRPD on the state of prisoners' rights law in a U.S. domestic context. In this article, we raise this question, and offer some tentative conclusions. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Psychometric properties of the Coolidge Correctional Inventory in a sample of 3,962 prison inmates
Authors: Coolidge Frederick L. , Segal Daniel L. , Klebe Kelli J. , Cahill Brian S. , Whitcomb Jamie M.
Published: September 2009

The present study reports on the preliminary psychometric characteristics of a new personality and neuropsychological, 250‐item, self‐report measure, the Coolidge Correctional Inventory (CCI), in an archival de‐identified sample of 3,962 prison inmates. The median internal reliability for the 33 CCI scales and subscales was α = .79 (range: α = .49 to .93). A prevalence estimate, based on the polythetic criteria in DSM‐IV‐TR, of at least one personality disorder was 61% of the entire sample, and the prevalence of ADHD was estimated to be 16%. Drug and alcohol problems were also highly prevalent (60%). These results appear to support the preliminary reliability and validity of the CCI and also reveal a high rate of psychopathology and neuropsychological dysfunction among prison inmates. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Process intensification for the removal of poly‐histidine fusion tags from recombinant proteins by an exopeptidase
Authors: Kuo Wen‐Hui K. , Chase Howard A.
Published: September 2009

This study describes the use of a hexa‐histidine tagged exopeptidase for the cleavage of hexa‐histidine tags from recombinant maltose binding protein (MBP) when both tagged species are bound to an immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC) matrix. On‐column exopeptidase cleavage only occurred when the cleavage buffer contained an imidazole concentration of 50 mM or higher. Two strategies were tested for the on‐column tag cleavage by dipeptidylaminopeptidase (DAPase): (i) a post‐load wash was performed after sample loading using cleavage buffers containing varying imidazole concentrations and (ii) a post‐load wash was omitted following sample loading. In the presence of 50 mM imidazole, 46% of the originally adsorbed hexa‐histidine tagged MBP was cleaved, released from the column, and recovered in a sample containing 100% native (i.e., completely detagged) MBP. This strategy renders the subsequent purification steps unnecessary as any tagged contaminants remained bound to the column. At higher imidazole concentrations, binding of both hexa‐histidine tagged MBP and DAPase to the column was minimized, leading to characteristics of cleavage more closely resembling that of a batch cleavage. An on‐column cleavage yield of 93% was achieved in the presence of 300 mM imidazole, albeit with contamination of the detagged protein with tag fragments and partially tagged MBP. The success of the on‐column exopeptidase cleavage makes the integration of the poly‐histidine tag removal protocol within the IMAC protein capture step possible. The many benefits of using commercially available exopeptidases, such as DAPase, for poly‐histidine tag removal can now be combined with the on‐column tag cleavage operation. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2010
Extraction of Amino Acid Enantiomers with Microemulsions
Authors: Dimitrova P. , Bart H.‐J.
Published: September 2009

The enantioselective extractions of phenylalanine and tryptophane with oil‐in‐water microemulsion were investigated, where Igepal CO‐630 was used as a non‐ionic surfactant and cyclohexane was employed as the organic phase. N‐heptyl‐L‐hydroxyproline, N‐decyl‐L‐hydroxyproline and N‐hexadecyl‐L‐hydroxyproline were used as hydrophobic chiral selectors and immobilized in the microemulsion droplets. In order to investigate the complexation chemistry, experiments were performed at different conditions by varying the initial concentrations of the enantiomers, pH values and composition of the microemulsion. As a result, the enatioselectivity for tryptophane was seen to be higher than for phenylalanine with all three selectors.
Ein Beitrag zur UN‐Klassifizierung zum Transport selbstentzündlicher Stoffe nach Unterklasse 4.2
Authors: Krause G.
Published: September 2009

Die UN gibt eine Empfehlung über die Beförderung gefährlicher Güter heraus. In der Unterklasse 4.2 wird die Klassifizierung von selbstentzündlichen Materialien festgelegt. Es werden Prüfverfahren und Ergebnisbewertungen vereinbart. In dieser Arbeit wird dem Regelwerk, Unterklasse 4.2, eine virtuelle Kinetik parallel zur Seite gestellt, d. h. es wird ein theoretischer Unterbau geschaffen, damit die Festlegungen in der Empfehlung physikalisch interpretiert werden können. Dazu wird die exakte Theorie der Wärmeexplosion herangezogen. Diese liefert die kinetischen Parameter und die volumenabhängigen kritischen Umgebungstemperaturen. Reale Stoffe mit bekannter Kinetik und Stoffwerten werden nach dem Regelwerk klassifiziert. Es werden Lücken und Widersprüche offenbar, die zu einer Modifikation der Klassifizierungsvorschriften anregen sollen. Dazu wird ein Verbesserungsvorschlag unterbreitet.
Prozessintensivierung mit Pervaporation zur Herstellung von Acetalen – Pilotierung
Authors: Clavey T.
Published: September 2009

In der vorliegenden Arbeit wird über Pilotierungsversuche zur Gleichgewichtsverschiebung bei der Herstellung eines Acetals durch Pervaporation berichtet. Die Abtrennung des Reaktionswassers wurde mit zwei verschiedenen Membranen mit unterschiedlichem Vernetzungsgrad untersucht. Besonderes Interesse galt neben den spezifischen Flussdichten für Wasser auch dem Trennverhalten der jeweiligen Membranen hinsichtlich der Schlüsselkomponenten Acetal und Keton aus dem Zulaufgemisch sowie der Membranstabilität und möglichen Energieeinsparpotenzialen bei der Aufarbeitung des Reaktionsgemisches. Es wurde gefunden, dass eine spezifische Flussdichte J0 für Wasser von 4,7 kg/(h m2) bei einer Temperatur von 363 K erreicht werden kann. Im Gegensatz zu früheren Laboruntersuchungen [1] wurde bei den Pilotierungsversuchen sowohl Acetal als auch Keton im Permeat festgestellt. Für die höher vernetzte Membran vom Typ B konnte ein Trennfaktor bzw. eine Selektivität S bezüglich des Acetals von 110 und für diejenige des Ketons von 122 ermittelt werden. In der Pilotanlage, einer dreistufigen Reaktionskaskade bestehend aus jeweils einem Reaktor und einer Pervaporationseinheit, konnte der Umsatz um 47 % gesteigert werden. Eine Simulation mit den gemessenen Werten dieser Membran zeigte, dass eine Energieeinsparung von 25 % bei der Aufarbeitung des Reaktionsgemisches möglich ist.
A Review of effectiveness of vegetative buffers on sediment trapping in agricultural areas
Authors: Yuan Yongping , Bingner Ronald L. , Locke Martin A.
Published: September 2009

In recent years, there has been growing recognition of the importance of riparian buffers between agricultural fields and waterbodies. Riparian buffers play an important role in mitigating the impacts of land use activities on water quality and aquatic ecosystems. However, evaluating the effectiveness of riparian buffer systems on a watershed scale is complex, and watershed models have limited capabilities for simulating riparian buffer processes. Thus, the overall objective of this paper is to develop an understanding of riparian buffer processes towards water quality modelling/monitoring and nonpoint source pollution assessment. The paper provides a thorough review of relevant literature on the performance of vegetative buffers on sediment reduction. It was found that although sediment trapping capacities are site‐ and vegetation‐specific, and many factors influence the sediment trapping efficiency, the width of a buffer is important in filtering agricultural runoff and wider buffers tended to trap more sediment. Sediment trapping efficiency is also affected by slope, but the overall relationship is not consistent among studies. Overall, sediment trapping efficiency did not vary by vegetation type and grass buffers and forest buffers have roughly the same sediment trapping efficiency. This analysis can be used as the basis for planning future studies on watershed scale simulation of riparian buffer systems, design of effective riparian buffers for nonpoint source pollution control or water quality restoration and design of riparian buffer monitoring programs in watersheds. Published in 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The National Sedimentation Laboratory: 50 years of soil and water research in a changing agricultural environment
Authors: Langendoen Eddy J. , Douglas Shields F. , Römkens Mathias J.M.
Published: September 2009

The papers in this issue are based on selected presentations made at a symposium convened to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the National Sedimentation Laboratory (NSL) of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), located in Oxford, Mississippi. The mission of the NSL is to find solutions to problems associated with soil erosion and sediment delivery from upland areas, erosion and sedimentation in stream channels, the impact of sediment and other agricultural contaminants on the biological well‐being of receiving surface water bodies, and the loss of nutrients and agricultural chemicals from agricultural activities on the landscape. The papers in this issue present a broad overview of current research activities by NSL scientists and their colleagues. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proposal for a benchmark model of a laminated iron core and a large‐scale and highly accurate magnetic analysis
Authors: Takahashi Yasuhito , Wakao Shinji , Fujiwara Koji , Kaimori Hiroyuki , Kameari Akihisa
Published: September 2009

This paper describes a benchmark model proposed for the clarification of the characteristic of various methods for modeling the laminated iron core. In order to obtain a reference solution of the benchmark model, a large‐scale nonlinear magnetostatic field analysis with a mesh fine enough to represent the microscopic structure of the laminated iron core is carried out by using the hybrid finite element–boundary element (FE‐BE) method combined with the fast multipole method (FMM) based on diagonal forms for translation operators. The computational costs and accuracy of two kinds of homogenization methods are discussed, comparing them with the reference solution. As a consequence, it is verified that the homogenization methods can analyze magnetic fields in laminated iron core within acceptable computational costs. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 170(1): 26–35, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20809
High‐current lightning discharges in winter
Authors: Ishii Masaru , Saito Mikihisa , Fujii Fumiyuki , Matsui Michihiro , Itamoto Naoki
Published: September 2009

Lightning electric‐field waveforms related to power line faults in winter have been identified. Most of those waveforms appear to be associated with upward lightning discharges with absolute peak currents of over 100 kA. They are quite different from common return‐stroke waveforms, and the lightning discharges which produce these characteristic waveforms are called GC (Ground to Cloud) flashes. These high‐current lightning discharges are distributed around the coastline in different ways depending on their polarities. The spatial distributions of high‐current lightning discharges around Japan are also investigated. It is revealed that the region of Honshu Island along the coastline of the Sea of Japan belongs to the area in which the density of high‐current lightning flashes is the highest in Japan through the year. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 170(1): 8–15, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20874
Rational, Facile Synthesis and Characterization of the Neutral Mixed‐Metal Organometallic Oxides Cp*2MoxW6–xO17 (Cp* = C5Me5, x = 0, 2, 4, 6)
Authors: Taban‐Çalışkan Gülnur , Agustin Dominique , Demirhan Funda , Vendier Laure , Poli Rinaldo
Published: September 2009

The reaction of the bis(pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)pentaoxidodimetal complexes Cp*2M2O5 with four equivalents of Na2M′O4 (M, M′ = Mo, W) in acidic aqueous medium constitutes a soft and selective entry into neutral Lindqvist‐type organometallic mixed‐metal oxides Cp*2MoxW6–xO17 [x = 6 (1), 4 (2), 2 (3), 0 (4)]. The identity of the complexes is demonstrated by elemental analyses, thermogravimetric analyses and infrared spectroscopy. Thermal degradation of 1–4 up to above 500 °C leads to Mox/6W1–x/6O3. The molecular identity and geometry of compound 2 is further confirmed by a fit of the powder X‐ray diffraction pattern with a model obtained from previously reported single‐crystal X‐ray structures of 1 and 4, with which 2 is isomorphous. DFT calculations on models obtained by replacing Cp* with Cp (I–IV) validate the structural assignments and assist in the assignment of the M,M′–O vibrations. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
In situ Synchrotron X‐ray Radiography Investigations of Water Transport in PEM Fuel Cells
Authors: Manke I. , Hartnig C. , Kardjilov N. , Riesemeier H. , Goebbels J. , Kuhn R. , Krüger P. , Banhart J.
Published: September 2009

Water transport in an operating PEM fuel cell was investigated with synchrotron X‐ray radiography with a spatial resolution of 3 μm and a temporal resolution of 5 s. This method allows for the detection of water accumulations with less than 10 μm diameter. We demonstrate that synchrotron X‐ray imaging can dramatically expand the possibilities of imaging with high spatial and time resolution, especially as a complement to neutron radiography. Water transport processes from the first appearance of small water accumulations in the gas diffusion layer to their transport into the channel system were analysed in situ. Correlations between local effects such as water formation and operating conditions of the whole system, e.g. power variations, were found. A recently described eruptive water transport mechanism is analysed in detail.
Corticospinal tract regeneration after spinal cord injury in receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase sigma deficient mice
Authors: Fry Elizabeth J. , Chagnon Melanie J. , López‐Vales Rubèn , Tremblay Michel L. , David Samuel
Published: September 2009

Receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase sigma (RPTPσ) plays a role in inhibiting axon growth during development. It has also been shown to slow axon regeneration after peripheral nerve injury and inhibit axon regeneration in the optic nerve. Here, we assessed the ability of the corticospinal tract (CST) axons to regenerate after spinal hemisection and contusion injury in RPTPσ deficient (RPTPσ−/−) mice. We show that damaged CST fibers in RPTPσ−/− mice regenerate and appear to extend for long distances after a dorsal hemisection or contusion injury of the thoracic spinal cord. In contrast, no long distance axon regeneration of CST fibers is seen after similar lesions in wild‐type mice. In vitro experiments indicate that cerebellar granule neurons from RPTPσ−/− mice have reduced sensitivity to the inhibitory effects of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG) substrate, but not myelin, which may contribute to the growth of CST axons across the CSPG‐rich glial scar. Our data suggest that RPTPσ may function to prevent axonal growth after injury in the adult mammalian spinal cord and could be a target for promoting long distance regeneration after spinal cord injury. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization of relapsing–remitting and chronic forms of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in C57BL/6 mice
Authors: Berard Jennifer L. , Wolak Kevin , Fournier Sylvie , David Samuel
Published: September 2009

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune, demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Like MS, the animal model experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is characterized by CNS inflammation and demyelination and can follow a relapsing–remitting (RR) or chronic (CH) disease course. The molecular and pathological differences that underlie these different forms of EAE are not fully understood. We have compared the differences in RR‐ and CH‐EAE generated in the same mouse strain (C57BL/6) using the same antigen. At the peak of disease when mice in both groups have similar clinical scores, CH‐EAE is associated with increased lesion burden, myelin loss, axonal damage, and chemokine/cytokine expression when compared with RR‐EAE. We further showed that inflammation and myelin loss continue to worsen in later stages of CH‐EAE, whereas these features are largely resolved at the equivalent stage in RR‐EAE. Additionally, axonal loss at these later stages is more severe in CH‐EAE than in RR‐EAE. We also demonstrated that CH‐EAE is associated with a greater predominance of CD8+ T cells in the CNS that exhibit MOG35–55 antigen specificity. These studies therefore showed that, as early as the peak stage of disease, RR‐ and CH‐EAE differ remarkably in their immune cell profile, chemokine/cytokine responses, and histopathological features. These data also indicated that this model of CH‐EAE exhibits pathological features of a chronic‐progressive disease profile and suggested that the sustained chronic phenotype is due to a combination of axonal loss, myelin loss, and continuing inflammation. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Acetaminophen Dosing of Humans Results in Blood Transcriptome and Metabolome Changes Consistent With Impaired Oxidative Phosphorylation
Authors: Fannin Rick D. , Russo Mark , O'Connell Thomas M. , Gerrish Kevin , Winnike Jason H. , Macdonald Jeffrey , Newton Jack , Malik Shahid , Sieber Stella O. , Parker Joel , Shah Ruchir , Zhou Tong , Watkins Paul B. , Paules Richard S.
Published: September 2009

The diagnosis and management of drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is hindered by the limited utility of traditional clinical chemistries. It has recently been shown that hepatotoxicants can produce compound-specific changes in the peripheral blood (PB) transcriptome in rodents, suggesting that the blood transcriptome might provide new biomarkers of DILI. To investigate in humans, we used DNA microarrays as well as serum metabolomic methods to characterize changes in the transcriptome and metabolome in serial PB samples obtained from six healthy adults treated with a 4-g bolus dose of acetaminophen (APAP) and from three receiving placebo. Treatment did not cause liver injury as assessed by traditional liver chemistries. However, 48 hours after exposure, treated subjects showed marked down-regulation of genes involved in oxidative phosphorylation/mitochondrial function that was not observed in the placebos (

P

< 1.66E-19). The magnitude of down-regulation was positively correlated with the percent of APAP converted to the reactive metabolite

N

-acetyl-
p

-benzoquinone-imide (NAPQI) (

r

= 0.739;

P

= 0.058). In addition, unbiased analysis of the serum metabolome revealed an increase in serum lactate from 24 to 72 hours postdosing in the treated subjects alone (

P

< 0.005). Similar PB transcriptome changes were observed in human overdose patients and rats receiving toxic doses.

Conclusion:

The single 4-g APAP dose produced a transcriptome signature in PB cells characterized by down-regulation of oxidative phosphorylation genes accompanied by increased serum lactate. Similar gene expression changes were observed in rats and several patients after consuming hepatotoxic doses of APAP. The timing of the changes and the correlation with NAPQI production are consistent with mechanisms known to underlie APAP hepatoxicity. These studies support the further exploration of the blood transcriptome for biomarkers of DILI. (Hepatology 2010.)
Motivational interviewing with perpetrators of intimate partner abuse
Authors: Musser Peter H. , Murphy Christopher M.
Published: September 2009

Recent controlled trials have shown promising benefits of motivational interviewing (MI) as a pretreatment intervention for perpetrators of intimate partner violence (IPV). A 2‐session intake, containing motivational interviewing and structured assessment feedback, was developed for this predominantly court‐mandated clientele. The goals were to reduce initial hostility toward treatment, facilitate verbalization of motivation to change, resolve ambivalence, and increase receptivity to structured group therapy for IPV. An extended case report illustrates the value of MI spirit and techniques, including empathic reflection, evocative questions, affirmation, and rolling with resistance, in achieving these intervention goals. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol: In Session 65: 1–14, 2009.
Green fluorescent protein as indicator of nonviral transient transfection efficiency in endometrial and testicular biopsies
Authors: Zizzi Antonio , Minardi Daniele , Ciavattini Andrea , Giantomassi Federica , Montironi Rodolfo , Muzzonigro Giovanni , Di Primio Roberto , Lucarini Guendalina
Published: September 2009

In the last years, physical and chemical methods of plasmid delivery have revolutionized the efficiency of nonviral gene transfer, and the success of gene therapy is largely dependent upon the development of gene‐delivery methods. The nonviral techniques that lead to a direct transfer of DNA into tissue fragments, like electroporation (EP) and lipofection delivery systems are still insufficiently investigated. Our aim was to test the efficiency of EP and lipofection protocols in endometrial and testicular tissue fragments, using a naked plasmid DNA encoding green fluorescent protein (GFP). Because the transfection efficiency depends upon several factors, we tried to optimize the transfection conditions by testing different lipofectamine 2000 and plasmid ratios, electrical parameters, and culture after transfection. Our results show that these two nonviral methods of gene delivery are feasible and efficient in gene transfection of endometrial and testicular tissue biopsies. We found that the most performing ratio of plasmid:lipofectamine was 10:50 for transient lipofection, whereas two pulses for 10 s at 960 μF of capacitance, 200 V of voltage were the most favorable electrical parameters for EP efficiency in the presence of 5 μL of phMGFP plasmid. After lipofection and EP, the highest GFP intensity was observed respectively after 48 and 72 h of tissue fragment culturing. In conclusion, nonviral methods are attractive for an improvement of the gene therapy and our protocol could provide useful indications for in vivo gene therapy applications. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
MRT letter: In situ observation method for microstructural changes of steel during hot deformation
Authors: Yogo Yasuhiro , Takeuchi Hirohisa , Tanaka Kouji , Iwata Noritoshi , Nakanishi Koukichi , Ishikawa Takashi
Published: September 2009

We report on the result of an in situ method for observing microstructural changes during hot deformation. The observation of microstructural changes of steel at 1,473 K under tensile strain is demonstrated using the reported method. The development of deformed structures and the formation of a new grain boundary, which subsequently moved with increased strain, were clearly observed. The effectiveness of this method was confirmed by the results of several examples. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Relationship between body habitus and joint leptin levels in a knee osteoarthritis population
Authors: Gandhi Rajiv , Takahashi Mark , Syed Khalid , Davey J. Rod , Mahomed Nizar N.
Published: September 2009

Synovial fluid (SF) leptin has been shown to have an association with cartilage degeneration. Our objective was to examine the relationship between different measures of body habitus and SF leptin levels in an end‐stage knee osteoarthritis (OA) population. Sixty consecutive patients with knee OA were surveyed prior to surgery for demographic data. Body habitus was assessed with the body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and waist–hip ratio (WHR). SF and serum samples were analyzed for leptin and adiponectin using specific ELISA. Nonparametric correlations and linear regression modeling was used to identify the relationship between the measures of body habitus and SF leptin levels. Females had greater levels of leptin than males in both the serum and SF. Significant correlations were found between SF leptin levels and BMI and WC (R2 0.44 and 0.38, respectively; p < 0.05). Regression modeling showed that female gender and WC were independent predictors of a greater SF leptin level independent of age, BMI, and presence of diabetes (p < 0.05). WC may be a more accurate measure of body habitus than BMI in the relationship between the metabolic effects of adipose tissue and OA. © 2009 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 28:329–333, 2010
Novel Polysaccharide‐derived hydrogel prevents perineural adhesions in a rat model of sciatic nerve adhesion
Authors: Yamamoto Michiro , Endo Nobuyuki , Ito Masaya , Okui Nobuyuki , Koh Shukuki , Kaneko Hiroaki , Hirata Hitoshi
Published: September 2009

We investigated the effects of a novel carboxymethylcellulose (CMC)‐derived hydrogel, in which phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) was introduced into the carboxyl groups of CMC, for preventing perineural adhesion after extensive internal neurolysis of rat sciatic nerve. Sciatic nerves were randomly assigned to one of the following groups: the Control group, operated but no treatment; the HA group, operated and treated with 1% hyaluronan; the CMC–PE(L) group, operated and treated with low‐viscosity CMC–PE hydrogel; and the CMC–PE(H) group, operated and treated with high‐viscosity CMC–PE hydrogel. Perineural adhesions were evaluated at 6 weeks. Nerves were also subjected to biomechanical testing to assess ultimate breaking strength. Electrophysiological and wet muscle weight measurements were performed. Breaking strengths were significantly lower for the CMC–PE(L) group than for the Control and HA groups. Latency was significantly longer for the Control group than for the CMC–PE(L) group at 20 days. The mean percentage of wet muscle weight to body weight was significantly lower for the Control group than for the CMC–PE(L) group at 6 weeks. Low‐viscosity CMC–PE hydrogel appears to prevent perineural adhesions and allow early restoration of nerve function. © 2009 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 28:284–288, 2010
In situ Raman microscopy applied to large Central Asian paintings
Authors: Ernst Richard R.
Published: September 2009

Procedures and versatile Raman instruments are described for the non‐destructive in situ analysis of pigments in large paintings. A commercial Raman microscope is mounted on a gantry for scanning paintings with dimensions exceeding 1 m2. Design principles and the physical implementation of the set‐up are outlined. Advantages/disadvantages and performance of the gantry‐based instrument are compared with those of a mobile Raman probe, attached to the same Raman microscope. The two set‐ups are applied to Central Asian thangka paintings. The utility of the gantry‐mounted Raman microscope is demonstrated on a 19th century Buddhist painting from Buriatia, South Siberia. Surprisingly, three arsenic‐based pigments, i.e. orpiment, realgar, and pararealgar, are found all in the same painting. Pararealgar is used for painting the numerous yellow areas. Realgar is admixed with red lead for adjusting its orange tint. Finally, orpiment is blended with Prussian blue for producing green. Traditional malachite is used in addition as a non‐adulterated green pigment. The mobile Raman probe was employed for examining a Tibetan painting of the 18th century from Derge monastery in the Kham area of Sichuan. The highly unique painting could be dated well and its origin accurately located. In fact, the painter's workshop, where the thangka has been executed, is shown in great detail on the painting itself. The painter's palette of this thangka matches the canonical set of pigments used in Tibet for more than 10 centuries. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.