bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inégalités d’accès à l’enseignement au Québec : analyse critique de la voie réservée aux personnes qualifiées à l’extérieur du Canada
Authors: Larochelle-Audet Julie , Magnan Marie-Odile , Legrand Jerry
Published: February 2024

Alors que prévaut une situation de pénurie de personnel enseignant au Québec, les personnes enseignantes qualifiées à l’extérieur du Canada rencontrent de nombreux obstacles dans leur parcours de requalification, obstacles susceptibles de les empêcher d’obtenir un emploi à la hauteur de leurs compétences. À partir d’une ethnographie institutionnelle menée depuis le point de vue de personnes enseignantes en début de carrière, notre recherche a permis de documenter les inégalités structurelles d’accès à la profession enseignante au Québec. Une analyse critique des documents légaux et ministériels encadrant les voies pour accéder à cette profession révèle l’aspect préjudiciable de la voie unique imposée aux personnes enseignantes qualifiées à l’extérieur du Canada, en comparaison avec celles offertes aux personnes formées dans les universités québécoises. Les conditions systématiquement imposées aux personnes en processus de requalification, quelles que soient leurs formations, compétences et expériences, ainsi que les conditions dans lesquelles elles sont évaluées pour accéder au brevet lors du stage probatoire, permettent de voir dans ce processus une sorte de tuyau percé. Cette situation, et sa persistance au fil du temps, soulève des questions d’équité et appelle un changement substantiel du processus de requalification.
Salud democrática y participación
Authors: Garcia Alsina Montserrat
Published: February 2024

Se habla mucho de la decepción de los ciudadanos hacia la política y su desafección. El gobierno abierto y muy especialmente la participación activa –en la confección de presupuestos, o en consultas, o incluso en la toma de decisiones– es vista por los políticos como una vía para devolver a los ciudadanos a la esfera política, como mínimo, a la participación en las elecciones municipales, autonómicas, nacionales o europeas. Sin embargo, ¿cómo se está empleando esta vía?, ¿se está cuidando?, ¿se está potenciando eficientemente?, ¿es sincera?
Ao revés do ‘pós’: variações sobre temas de arte e educação
Authors: Bredariolli Rita Luciana Berti
Published: February 2024

Dentre o conjunto de edições do Festival de Inverno de Campos de Jordão, tradicionalmente dedicado à música erudita e à formação de jovens concertistas, a edição de 1983 destacou-se como “dissonância” e particularizou-se por ter sido dedicada a professores de Educação Artística da rede pública de ensino do estado de São Paulo. Em quarenta anos de vida dos festivais, sua décima quarta versão – organizada por Cláudia Toni, Ana Mae Barbosa e Gláucia Amaral – foi singular pela concepção, pela programação e pela relação com o entorno político e educacional de sua época. Por meio do programa do festival, dos discursos de professores nele proferidos, de textos de jornais, cartas e relatos e de imagens, Rita Bredariolli dedica-se à análise dessa edição do festival e faz uma avaliação da importância do programa pedagógico e da concepção de ensino de arte enunciados no XIV Festival de Inverno de Campos de Jordão.
Population clustering of structural brain aging and its association with brain development
Authors: Duan Haojing , Shi Runye , Kang Jujiao , Banaschewski Tobias , Bokde Arun L. W. , Büchel Christian , Desrivières Sylvane , Flor Herta , Grigis Antoine , Garavan Hugh , Gowland Penny A. , Heinz Andreas , Brühl Rüdiger , Martinot Jean-Luc , Martinot Marie-Laure Paillère , Artiges Eric , Nees Frauke , Papadopoulos Orfanos Dimitri , Paus Tomáš , Poustka Luise , Hohmann Sarah , Holz Nathalie , Fröhner Juliane H. , Smolka Michael N. , Vaidya Nilakshi , Walter Henrik , Whelan Robert , Schumann Gunter , Lin Xiaolei , Feng Jianfeng ,   IMAGEN consortium
Published: February 2024

Structural brain aging has demonstrated strong inter-individual heterogeneity and mirroring patterns with brain development. However, due to the lack of large-scale longitudinal neuroimaging studies, most of the existing research focused on the cross-sectional changes of brain aging. In this investigation, we present a data-driven approach that incorporate both cross-sectional changes and longitudinal trajectories of structural brain aging and identified two brain aging patterns among 37,013 healthy participants from UK Biobank. Participants with accelerated brain aging also demonstrated accelerated biological aging, cognitive decline and increased genetic susceptibilities to major neuropsychiatric disorders. Further, by integrating longitudinal neuroimaging studies from a multi-center adolescent cohort, we validated the “last in, first out” mirroring hypothesis and identified brain regions with manifested mirroring patterns between brain aging and brain development. Genomic analyses revealed risk loci and genes contributing to accelerated brain aging and delayed brain development, providing molecular basis for elucidating the biological mechanisms underlying brain aging and related disorders.
The spatial extent of anatomical connections within the thalamus varies across the cortical hierarchy in humans and macaques
Authors: Howell Amber M. , Warrington Shaun , Fonteneau Clara , Cho Youngsun T. , Sotiropoulos Stamatios N. , Murray John D. , Anticevic Alan
Published: February 2024

Each cortical area has a distinct pattern of anatomical connections within the thalamus, a central subcortical structure composed of functionally and structurally distinct nuclei. Previous studies have suggested that certain cortical areas may have more extensive anatomical connections that target multiple thalamic nuclei, which potentially allows them to modulate distributed information flow. However, there is a lack of quantitative investigations into anatomical connectivity patterns within the thalamus. Consequently, it remains unknown if cortical areas exhibit systematic differences in the extent of their anatomical connections within the thalamus. To address this knowledge gap, we used diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) to perform brain-wide probabilistic tractography for 828 healthy adults from the Human Connectome Project. We then developed a framework to quantify the spatial extent of each cortical area’s anatomical connections within the thalamus. Additionally, we leveraged resting-state functional MRI, cortical myelin, and human neural gene expression data to test if the extent of anatomical connections within the thalamus varied along the cortical hierarchy. Our results revealed two distinct cortico-thalamic tractography motifs: 1) a sensorimotor cortical motif characterized by focal thalamic connections targeting posterolateral thalamus, associated with fast, feed-forward information flow; and 2) an associative cortical motif characterized by diffuse thalamic connections targeting anteromedial thalamus, associated with slow, feed-back information flow. These findings were consistent across human subjects and were also observed in macaques, indicating cross-species generalizability. Overall, our study demonstrates that sensorimotor and association cortical areas exhibit differences in the spatial extent of their anatomical connections within the thalamus, which may support functionally-distinct cortico-thalamic information flow.
Exercise and adults with hemophilia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kim Doo Young , Jeon Mi Yang , Eun Young , Jeong Da In
Published: February 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of exercise in patients with hemophilia. Methods: We carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis guidelines. A literature search was conducted of published randomized controlled trials for exercise interventions from January 1, 2014 to March 15, 2023. To estimate the size of the effects of exercise, a meta-analysis was performed using the R package “meta.” Results: Five databases were searched to obtain articles published in Korean or English. Of 1,150 articles reviewed, 13 were included in the systematic review and 9 in the meta-analysis. The risk of bias was assessed using RoB 2.0. Results: The overall effect sizes of exercise interventions, calculated as the standardized mean difference, were -0.11 (95% confidence interval [CI] = -1.41 to –1.20) for pain, -2.13 (95% CI = -3.33 to -0.93) for joint health, 9.96 (95% CI = 7.51 to 12.28) for physical activity, and 0.59 (95% CI = -0.39 to -1.56) for quality of life. Conclusion: These findings suggest that exercise is useful for improving the joint health and physical activity of patients with hemophilia. Thus, it is necessary to develop and apply exercise interventions for patients with hemophilia to reduce their pain and improve their quality of life.
A multi-level classification based ensemble and feature extractor for credit risk assessment
Authors: Wang Yuanyuan , Wu Zhuang , Gao Jing , Liu Chenjun , Guo Fangfang
Published: February 2024

With the growth of people’s demand for loans, banks and other financial institutions put forward higher requirements for customer credit risk level classification, the purpose is to make better loan decisions and loan amount allocation and reduce the pre-loan risk. This article proposes a Multi-Level Classification based Ensemble and Feature Extractor (MLCEFE) that incorporates the strengths of sampling, feature extraction, and ensemble classification. MLCEFE uses SMOTE + Tomek links to solve the problem of data imbalance and then uses a deep neural network (DNN), auto-encoder (AE), and principal component analysis (PCA) to transform the original variables into higher-level abstract features for feature extraction. Finally, it combined multiple ensemble learners to improve the effect of personal credit risk multi-classification. During performance evaluation, MLCEFE has shown remarkable results in the multi-classification of personal credit risk compared with other classification methods.
Microbiota associated with urban forests
Authors: Wan Xin , Zhou Runyang , Yuan Yingdan , Xing Wei , Liu Sian
Published: February 2024

Urban forests are essential for maintaining urban ecological stability. As decomposers, soil microorganisms play an indispensable role in the stability of urban forest ecosystems, promoting the material cycle of the ecosystems. This study used high-throughput sequencing technology to explore the bacteria in six forest stands, including Phyllostachys edulis (ZL), Metasequoia glyptostroboides (SSL), Cornus officinalis (SZY), mixed broad-leaved shrub forest (ZKG), mixed pine and cypress forest (SBL), and mixed broad-leaved tree forest (ZKQ). Meanwhile, the differences in fungal communities were investigated. The results show that ZL has the highest alpha diversity of bacterial communities, while its fungal community is the lowest; Proteobacteria is the most abundant bacterial phylum in the six forest stands; ZKQ has the highest fungal diversity. In addition, soil microbial communities are affected by environmental factors. Soil pH, organic matter (SOM), and available phosphorus (AP) significantly influence the compositions of urban forest soil microbial communities. This study revealed the differences in bulk soil (BS) microbial community structures among six forest stands and the relationship between environmental factors and soil microbial communities, which has important guiding significance for creating healthy and stable urban forests with profound ecological benefits.
The application of two drainage angles in neurocritical care patients with complicated pneumonia: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zhao Anna , Zeng Huangrong , Yin Hui , Wang Jinlin , Yuan Wenming , Li Chao , Zhong Yan , Ma Lanlan , Liao Chongmao , Zeng Hong , Li Yan
Published: February 2024

Background

Although head elevation is an early first-line treatment for elevated intracranial pressure (ICP), the use of the head-down or prone position in managing neurocritical patients is controversial because a change in a position directly affects the intracranial and cerebral perfusion pressure, which may cause secondary brain injury and affect patient outcomes. This study compared the effects of two postural drainage positions (30° head-up tilt and 0° head flat) on the prognosis of neurocritical care patients with complicated pneumonia and a clinical pulmonary infection score (CPIS) ≥5 points to provide a reference for selecting appropriate postural drainage positions for patients with pneumonia in neurocritical care units.

Methods

A prospective randomized controlled study was conducted with 62 neurocritical care patients with complicated pneumonia. The patients were categorized into control (=31) and experimental (=31) groups in a 1:1 ratio using a simple randomized non-homologous pairing method. Emphasis was placed on matching the baseline characteristics of the two groups, including patient age, sex, height, weight, Glasgow Coma Scale score, heart rate, mean arterial pressure, cough reflex, and mechanical ventilation usage to ensure comparability. Both groups received bundled care for artificial airway management. The control group maintained a standard postural drainage position of 0° head-flat, whereas the experimental group maintained a 30° head-up tilt. The efficacy of the nursing intervention was evaluated by comparing the CPIS and other therapeutic indicators between the two groups after postural drainage.

Results

After the intervention, the within-group comparison showed a significant decrease in the CPIS (P < 0.001); procalcitonin levels showed a significant decreasing trend (P < 0.05); the arterial oxygen pressure significantly increased (P < 0.05); the oxygenation index significantly increased (P < 0.001); and the aspiration risk score showed a significant decreasing trend (P < 0.001). A between-group comparison showed no significant differences in any of the indicators before and after the intervention (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Postural drainage positions of 30° head-up tilt and 0° head-flat can improve the CPIS and oxygenation in patients without adverse effects. Therefore, we recommend that patients under neurological intensive care and having pneumonia be drained in a 30° head-up tilt position with good centralized care of the lung infection.

Trial registration

The study, “Study of Angles of Postural Drainage in Neurocritical Patients with Pneumonia,” was registered in the Protocol Registration Data Element Definitions for Interventional Study database (# ChiCTR2100042155); date of registration: 2021-01-14.
Infection Control Nurses’ Burnout Experiences in Hospitals during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Lee Su-Jin , Kim Seo-Hyeon , Park Ju-Young
Published: February 2024

Purpose: This study was conducted to gain a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of infection control nurses’ burnout experiences in hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: We recruited 11 infection control nurses (ICNs) who worked in hospitals in Korea through purposive sampling. Data collected through one-to-one, in-depth interviews were transcribed and analyzed using qualitative content analysis.Results: Infection control nurses’ burnout experiences were categorized into five themes and 11 sub-themes. The themes were as follows: “challenges faced while playing a pivotal role in infectious disease management,” “conflict of interest prevalent inside and outside,” “physical and mental collapse,” “a long road to achieving stability in the infection control unit,” and “source of strength to endure.”Conclusion: In light of the need to better prepare for future outbreaks of emerging infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, the findings of this study highlight the need for strategic approaches, such as developing programs to provide psychological and social support for infection control nurses, as well as establishing a well-designed system of nursing care for infectious diseases to alleviate their burnout.
Commitment to Organizational Change in Clinical Nurses: A Structural Model Applying Lewin's Change Theory
Authors: Hong Mihwa , Han Sujeong
Published: February 2024

Purpose: In clinical settings characterized by constant change, systematic and planned change management in terms of human resources is necessary for clinical nurses to commit to change. Accordingly, this study used a structural equation model, applying Lewin's theory of change, to investigate the factors influencing commitment to organizational change among clinical nurses. The aim was to gather evidence to inform the development of strategies to strengthen this commitment.Methods: Surveys were conducted online and offline with hospital nurses from November to December 2022, resulting in 220 valid samples for analysis. SPSS 28.0 and AMOS 28.0 were used for data analysis.Results: The research showed support for six out of 14 research hypotheses, revealing significant paths from transformational leadership to organizational support, positive psychological capital, job crafting, and commitment to organizational change. Job crafting was found to directly influence commitment to organizational change, and high recognition of transformational leadership increased commitment through perceived organizational support, positive psychological capital, and job crafting.Conclusion: This study offers insights for developing strategies to promote commitment to organizational change among clinical nurses by considering positive psychological capital, job crafting, transformational leadership, and perceived organizational support. Mediation programs should be implemented based on the pathways in this model.
Risco e idade da firma como determinantes da performance financeira de empresas de capital aberto: um exame do setor elétrico brasileiro
Authors: Lima Letícia Adriana da Silva , Fodra Marcelo
Published: February 2024

Estudos examinaram a correlação do risco e idade das empresas com sua performance financeira, mas são raros trabalhos abordando o tema no setor elétrico brasileiro. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o impacto do risco de negócio e da idade da firma sobre o desempenho financeiro de 42 empresas brasileiras, de capital aberto, listadas na B3, entre 2010 até 2021. Foram utilizadas regressões com dados em painel com efeitos fixos, para uma amostra contendo 462 observações anuais e os resultados encontrados mostraram que o risco apresentou correlação positiva com o ROA, ROE e com o ROIC, enquanto a idade apresentou correlação negativa o ROA e o ROE.
A Comparative Study of the Effects of Biofertilizers and Chemical Fertilizers on Soil Physical and Biological Properties under Chickpea Crop (Cicer arietinum L.)
Authors: Patel Krishna Kumar , Pandey Alok Kumar , Baheliya Ajay Kumar , Singh Veerendra , Yadav Rishikesh , Pandey Shubham , Adesh  , Yadav Vikash
Published: February 2024

This study investigated the impact of solid biofertilizers and organic ameliorants on soil biological properties and chickpea yield. The experiment was conducted at the Instructional Farm of ANDUA&T Ayodhya India during the Rabi season of 2020-2021. The experiment was comprised of eleven treatments, control (T1); (T2); chemical fertilizers 100% RDF; (T3)chemical fertilizers 50% RDF (T4); FYM +Jeevamrit (T5); Agro residue Mulch + FYM + Jeevamrit (T6); Rhizobium +PSB (T7); FYM + Jeevamrit + Rhizobium +PSB (T8); T3 + FYM + Jeevamrit T9; T3 + T5, T10; T3 + T6, T11; T3 + T4 + T6, were replicated thrice in RBD. Chickpea variety KPG-59 was taken as test crop. The results showed that the application of solid biofertilizers and organic ameliorants with chemical fertilizer significantly improved some soil biological properties. The treatments that included FYM and Rhizobium + PSB showed the greatest improvements in soil health as well as chickpea yield. Soil properties as EC, OC and OM were found to be significant while physical property were non-significant.
Influence of Different Planting Dates and Mulches on Growth, Yield and Economics of Potato
Authors: Pathak Gopal Swaroop , Singh Shrish Kumar , Singh C. P.
Published: February 2024

The present research work was conducted at Pili kothi farm, Department of Agronomy, Tilak Dhari Post Graduate College, Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh during winter season of 2018 and 2019. The experiment was laid out in Factorial Randomized Block Design. The treatments comprised of different planting dates viz. 20 days early planting on 17th October, 10 days early planting on 27th October, Optimum planting time on 7th November, 10 days late planting on 17th November and 20 days late planting on 27th November and different mulching practices viz. Organic mulch (Paddy straw at 5 t/ha), Plastic mulch (Black colour) and Control (Without mulch) of potato. There were 15 treatments and each were replicated to four folds. These treatments were randomly arranged in each replication and divided into sixty plots. The results revealed that the significantly maximum number of haulms/hill at 45 DAP (4.50, 4.70 and 4.60), plant height (52.30, 54.00 and 53.10 cm), dry weight/ (27.90, 28.20 and 28.00) plant at 60 DAP, weight of tubers/plant (496.40, 504.10 and 500.30), weight of tubers/plant (>75 g) (207.70, 209.00 and 208.30) and tuber yield (369.30, 370.70 and 370.00 q/ha) were recorded under 20 Days Early Planting On 17th October among different planting dates during first, second year and mean data also. Whereas among the mulching practices significant variation were recorded among the all parameter. However maximum number of haulms/hill (3.60, 3.70 and 3.70) at 45 DAP, plant height (50.20, 52.0 and 51.10 cm), dry weight/plant (25.5, 25.9 and 25.7) at 60 DAP, weight of tubers/plant (454.80, 460.70 and 457.70), weight of tubers/plant (>75 g) (191.90, 193.30 and 192.60) and tuber yield (333.80, 334.90 and 334.30 q/ha) under the organic mulch (paddy straw at 5 t/ha) respectively, during first, second year as well as in mean data also.
A Novel, Efficient and Generalised Approach to Boolean Satisfiability
Authors: Ufuoma Okoh
Published: February 2024

One question which has occupied mathematicians, engineers and scientists of this age is the problem of Boolean satisfiability (SAT) which asks whether a given CNF formula has at least a satisfying assignment. The goal of this work is to present a novel, efficient and general method of deciding SAT and finding all the satisfying assignments of CNF formulas. This method is powerful as it employs resolution identities in transforming clauses without a particular variable into clauses with that variable.
Mediterranean diet and risk for Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Scarmeas Nikolaos , Stern Yaakov , Tang Ming‐Xin , Mayeux Richard , Luchsinger Jose A.
Published: April 2006

Objective

Previous research in Alzheimer's disease (AD) has focused on individual dietary components. There is converging evidence that composite dietary patterns such as the Mediterranean diet (MeDi) is related to lower risk for cardiovascular disease, several forms of cancer, and overall mortality. We sought to investigate the association between MeDi and risk for AD.

Methods

A total of 2,258 community‐based nondemented individuals in New York were prospectively evaluated every 1.5 years. Adherence to the MeDi (zero‐ to nine‐point scale with higher scores indicating higher adherence) was the main predictor in models that were adjusted for cohort, age, sex, ethnicity, education, apolipoprotein E genotype, caloric intake, smoking, medical comorbidity index, and body mass index.

Results

There were 262 incident AD cases during the course of 4 (±3.0; range, 0.2–13.9) years of follow‐up. Higher adherence to the MeDi was associated with lower risk for AD (hazard ratio, 0.91; 95% confidence interval, 0.83–0.98; p = 0.015). Compared with subjects in the lowest MeDi tertile, subjects in the middle MeDi tertile had a hazard ratio of 0.85 (95% confidence interval, 0.63–1.16) and those at the highest tertile had a hazard ratio of 0.60 (95% confidence interval, 0.42–0.87) for AD (p for trend = 0.007).

Interpretation

We conclude that higher adherence to the MeDi is associated with a reduction in risk for AD. Ann Neurol 2006
The health of employed women and men: work, family, and community correlates
Authors: Muhajarine Nazeem , Janzen Bonnie
Published: April 2006

Research into clarifying the relationship between social roles and health has increasingly focused on studying the particular circumstances in which occupying multiple roles may enhance or diminish well‐being. This study examined the association between a general measure of well‐being—self‐rated health—and the perceived quality of work, family and community in a sample of employed urban‐dwelling Canadians in a mid‐size city, and whether the nature of the association differed for men and women. Few gender differences were found in the perceived quality of work, family and community. However, men and women differed significantly in the specific type of quality measures associated with general health. For women, satisfaction with one's partner/spouse and in the money available to meet basic family needs had a stronger association with self‐rated health. For men, the significant correlates were satisfaction with family relationships (other than one's partner) and the community physical environment. For both women and men, a more socially cohesive community was associated with better self‐rated health. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
IL‐22 regulates the expression of genes responsible for antimicrobial defense, cellular differentiation, and mobility in keratinocytes: a potential role in psoriasis
Authors: Wolk Kerstin , Witte Ellen , Wallace Elizabeth , Döcke Wolf‐Dietrich , Kunz Stefanie , Asadullah Khusru , Volk Hans‐Dieter , Sterry Wolfram , Sabat Robert
Published: April 2006

IL‐22 is an IFN–IL‐10 cytokine family member, which is produced by activated Th1 and NK cells and acts primarily on epithelial cells. Here we demonstrate that IL‐22, in contrast to its relative IFN‐γ, regulates the expression of only a few genes in keratinocytes. This is due to varied signal transduction. Gene expressions regulated by IL‐22 should enhance antimicrobial defense [psoriasin (S100A7), calgranulin A (S100A8), calgranulin B (S100A9)], inhibit cellular differentiation (e.g., profilaggrin, keratins 1 and 10, kallikrein 7), and increase cellular mobility [e.g., matrix metalloproteinease 1 (MMP1, collagenase 1), MMP3 (stromelysin 1), desmocollin 1]. In contrast, IFN‐γ favored the expression of MHC pathway molecules, adhesion molecules, cytokines, chemokines, and their receptors. The IL‐22 effects were transcriptional and either independent of protein synthesis and secretion, or mediated by a secreted protein. Inflammatory conditions, but not keratinocyte differentiation, amplified the IL‐22 effects. IL‐22 application in mice enhanced cutaneous S100A9 and MMP1 expression. High IL‐22 levels in psoriatic skin were associated with strongly up‐regulated cutaneous S100A7, S100A8, S100A9, and MMP1 expression. Psoriatic patients showed strongly elevated IL‐22 plasma levels, which correlated with the disease severity. Expression of IL‐22 and IL‐22‐regulated genes was reduced by anti‐psoriatic therapy. In summary, despite similarities, IFN‐γ primarily amplifies inflammation, while IL‐22 may be important in the innate immunity and reorganization of epithelia.
One‐Pot Synthesis of Oxo Acid Derivatives by RhI‐Catalyzed Chelation‐Assisted Hydroacylation
Authors: Jo Eun‐Ae , Jun Chul‐Ho
Published: April 2006

Various oxo acid derivatives were obtained directly from the reaction of aliphatic and aromatic aldehydes with ω‐alkenoic acid derivatives in the presence of rhodium(I) complexes and 2‐amino‐3‐picoline. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
Influence of Operating Conditions on the Direct Electrochemical Oxidation of Methane on Cermet Based Anodes
Authors: Sin A. , Kopnin E. , Dubitsky Y. , Zaopo A. , Aricò A. S. , Gullo L. R. , La Rosa D. , Antonucci V.
Published: April 2006

A fuel cell anode consisting of gadolinia doped ceria and Ni‐Cu alloy cermet was investigated in CH4 fuel. Continuous operational times are reported up to 2,000 h. Morphological and electrochemical analyses are presented. These correlate the initial anode porosity with cell performance. Finally, redox experiments showed the possibility of using CH4 only as a reducing agent.
Curvature of Planar Solid Oxide Fuel Cells during Sealing and Cooling of Stacks
Authors: Malzbender J. , Wakui T. , Steinbrech R. W.
Published: April 2006

Thin solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), with a planar multi‐layer structure, typically exhibit curvature behavior and develop residual stresses originating from the thermal mismatch of the materials involved. The curvature effects oppose successful stack operation, which also relies on the permanent physical contact of geometrically stable planar cells. Curvature studies have been carried out as part of the project “Component Reliability in Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Systems for Commercial Operation” (CORE‐SOFC). Various aspects of the curvature of unconstrained cells and cells fixed in stacks were considered. The experiments and theoretical analyses included the curvature changes due to anode reduction and the suppression of cell curvature, either by a compensation layer or by an additional surface load. The critical stresses in the layers are addressed and results are reported for different cell thicknesses and lengths. Cell flatness can be achieved with a compensation layer but the average residual tensile stress in the anode increases. On the other hand finite element analysis (FEA) indicates that relatively high loads are necessary to completely suppress cell curvature. Furthermore, analytical and FEA results on the curvature changes of sealed cells during cooling are presented and the impact of variations in sealing geometry is illustrated. The results are compared to in‐situ observations of model stacks, where curvature and strain are analyzed using image correlation.
Octacalcium phosphate combined with collagen orthotopically enhances bone regeneration
Authors: Kamakura Shinji , Sasaki Kazuo , Honda Yoshitomo , Anada Takahisa , Suzuki Osamu
Published: April 2006

Octacalcium phosphate (OCP) is resorbable bone regenerative material, but its brittleness makes it difficult to maintain its shape without restraint. We have engineered a scaffold constructed of synthetic OCP and porcine collagen sponge (OCP/Collagen) and investigated whether OCP/Collagen composite could improve bone regeneration. To examine this hypothesis, bone regeneration by the implantation of OCP/Collagen was compared with those by OCP and collagen. Radiographic and histological examination was performed and the percentage of newly formed bone (n‐Bone%) in the defect was determined by a histomorphometrical analysis. OCP/Collagen, OCP, or collagen was implanted into the critical‐sized defects in rat crania and fixed at 2, 4, or 8 weeks after implantation. OCP/Collagen improved the handling performance than the granules of OCP, and synergistically enhanced the bone regeneration beyond expectation, which were composed of bone nucleation by OCP and cell infiltration by collagen. Histomorphometrical analysis showed that n‐Bone% ± standard error treated with OCP/Collagen (48.4 ± 5.14) was significantly higher than those with OCP (27.6 ± 4.04) or collagen (27.4 ± 5.69) in week 8. The present study suggests that the combination OCP with collagen elicited the synergistic effect for bone regeneration. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2006
Kinetics and mechanism of formation of polymeric products during the hydroxyalkylation of parabanic acid with oxiranes
Authors: Zarzyka‐Niemiec Iwona , Lubczak Jacek
Published: April 2006

The kinetics of the reaction between N‐(2‐hydroxyalkyl) hydroparabanates (HAHP) and N,N′‐bis(2‐hydroxyalkyl) parabanates (HAP) with ethylene and propylene oxides were studied. The addition of oxiranes to imide function of HAHP led to the formation of HAP. Further reaction of HAP with oxiranes resulted in trioxoimidazolidine ring opening and polymeric products. The kinetics of the system was studied in detail. Based on the final kinetic equations, the mechanism of the reactions was postulated. The temperature dependences of kinetic parameters and analytical data provided experimental evidences supporting the mechanism. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 38: 399–406, 2006
Simulation of Phase Transitions of Single Polymer Chains: Recent Advances
Authors: Binder K. , Baschnagel J. , Müller M. , Paul W. , Rampf F.
Published: April 2006

Summary:The behaviour of a flexible polymer chain in solvents of variable quality in dilute solution is discussed both in the bulk and in the presence of an adsorbing wall. Monte Carlo simulations of coarse‐grained bead‐spring models and of the bond fluctuation model are presented and interpreted in terms of phenomenological theories and scaling concepts. Particular attention is paid to the behaviour of the polymer chain when the temperature of the polymer solution gets lower than the Theta temperature. It is argued that the adsorption transition line at the Theta temperature splits into lines of wetting and drying transitions of polymer globules attached to the wall. In addition, it is shown that the coil‐globule transition is followed by a second transition, which in the bond fluctuation model is a crystallization into a regular lattice structure. Performing a finite size scaling analysis on the two transitions it is shown that (for the chosen model) both transitions coincide in the thermodynamic limit, corresponding to a direct collapse of the random coil into the crystal without intermediate coil‐globule transition. The implications of this result for the standard mean field or tricritical theory of the coil‐globule transition based on a truncated virial expansion are discussed.
Polymorphism of nylon‐6 in multiwalled carbon nanotubes/nylon‐6 composites
Authors: Li Juan , Fang Zhengping , Tong Lifang , Gu Aijuan , Liu Fu
Published: April 2006

The effects of pristine and amino‐functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) on the crystallization behaviors of nylon‐6 were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry and X‐ray diffraction. The results indicate the presence of polymorphism in nylon‐6 and its composites, which is dependent on the MWNTs concentration and the cooling rate. More MWNTs and slow cooling from the melt favors the formation of α crystalline form. With the increase in cooling rates, the crystallinity of neat nylon‐6 decreases, and that of the composites decreases initially but increases afterward. Moreover, the degree of crystallinity of the composites is higher than neat nylon‐6 under high cooling rates, counter to what is observed under low cooling rates. The heterogeneous nucleation induced by MWNTs and the restricted mobility of polymer chains are considered as the main factors. Furthermore, addition of MWNTs increases the crystallization rate of α crystalline form but amino‐functionalization of MWNTs weakens this effect. The influence of thermal treatment on the crystalline structure of MWNTs/nylon‐6 composites is also discussed. A γ–α phase transition takes place at lower temperature for MWNTs/nylon‐6 composites than for nylon‐6. The annealing peaks of the composites annealed at 160 °C are higher than that of neat nylon‐6, and the highest annealing peak is obtained for amino‐functionalized MWNTs/nylon‐6 composites. This phenomenon is closely related to the different nucleation and recrystallization behaviors produced by various MWNTs in confined space. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 1499–1512, 2006
Transparent superhydrophobic surfaces by self‐assembly of hydrophobic monolayers on nanostructured surfaces
Authors: Kemell Marianna , Färm Elina , Leskelä Markku , Ritala Mikko
Published: April 2006

Transparent superhydrophobic surfaces were prepared by self‐assembly of hydrophobic n‐octa‐ decyltrimethoxysilane (H3C(CH2)17Si(OCH3)3, ODS) and (3,3,3‐trifluoropropyl)trimethoxysilane (F3C(CH2)2Si(OCH3)3, FAS3) monolayers from gas phase on transparent nanoporous alumina surfaces. Water contact angles on the silylated transparent porous alumina surfaces showed a strong dependence on the dimensions of the underlying porous structure. The highest contact angle (153°) was measured on an ODS monolayer on a porous alumina surface that had a pore diameter of about 50 nm. The superhydrophobic surfaces prepared in this work are transparent and stable which widens the range of their potential applications. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Magneto‐optical scanning near‐field microscope
Authors: Alvarez‐Prado L.‐M. , Schoenmaker J. , Santos A. D. , Fournier T. , Souche Y.
Published: April 2006

A set‐up able to achieve a magnetic characterization at a sub‐micron scale will be presented. Together with topographic and optical images, it is possible to plot local hysteresis loops (LHL) and magneto‐optical differential susceptibility (MODS) using a transverse MOKE‐like configuration. We will show how MODS allows to follow the evolution of the wall and domains on a micron sized object. A comparison between the images of domains and the micromagnetic simulations on several micron sized objects will be finally presented. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Potential anti‐inflammatory effects of Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil on human peripheral blood leukocytes
Authors: Caldefie‐Chézet F. , Fusillier C. , Jarde T. , Laroye H. , Damez M. , Vasson M‐P. , Guillot J.
Published: April 2006

The fungicidal and bactericidal actions of the essential oil (EO) of Melaleuca alternifolia seem well established, but their anti‐inflammatory and antioxidative effects remain unclear. This study investigated in vitro the possible role of whole Melaleuca alternifolia EO as a modulator of the inflammatory/non‐specific immune response by exploring the chemotaxis and kinetic radical oxygen species (ROS) production of leukocytes and cytokine secretion in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in humans.

The influence of Melaleuca alternifolia EO on the chemotaxis under agarose of isolated neutrophils (PMNs) was evaluated. The kinetics of ROS production by stimulated total circulating leukocytes was followed over 2 h by recording the fluorescence intensity of oxidized dihydrorhodamine 123. The effects of this EO on pro‐(interleukin IL‐2) and anti‐(IL‐4 and IL10) inflammatory cytokine secretions were determined by ELISA following incubation of PBMCs with the EO for 24 h.

Melaleuca alternifolia EO was inefficient on the chemotaxis of PMNs. It exerted an antioxidant effect, reducing ROS production throughout the kinetic study. Melaleuca alternifolia EO inhibited PBMC proliferation, as revealed by a reduction in IL‐2 secretion by stimulated lymphocytes. This EO at 0.1% directly increased the secretion of the anti‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐4 compared with IL‐4 secretion without EO (18.5 ± 10.0 vs 3.3 ± 1, p < 0.05), and also increased IL‐10 secretion at 0.01% (94.9 ± 38.7 vs 44.1 ± 18, ns). Melaleuca alternifolia EO may not only act as an anti‐inflammatory mediator through its antioxidant activity but may also efficiently protect the organism by reducing the proliferation of inflammatory cells without affecting their capacity to secrete anti‐inflammatory cytokines. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Corydalis yanhusuo rhizoma extract reduces infarct size and improves heart function during myocardial ischemia/reperfusion by inhibiting apoptosis in rats
Authors: Ling Haiyun , Wu Limao , Li Lianda
Published: April 2006

The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the effect of an extract from Corydalis yanhusuo W.T., a Chinese herbal medicine, on ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury and to determine the mechanism(s) involved. In rats, the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery was occluded for 30 min and then reperfused for 6 h. 0.5% carboxymethyl cellulose sodium was used as a vehicle (I/R control group) and Corydalis yanhusuo rhizoma extract (I/R + CY 200, 100 mg/kg groups) were given. Infarct size and hemodynamic parameters were measured. Apoptosis was detected quantitatively by the terminal transferase dUTP nick end‐labeling (TUNEL) method and confirmed by DNA laddering on agarose gel. The expression of anti‐apoptotic Bcl‐2 and pro‐apoptotic Bax proteins was visualized by western blot analysis. In contrast to the I/R control group, administration with CY 200 mg/kg resulted in a significant reduction in the infarct size and an improvement in heart function as evidenced by higher LVSP and ±dp/dtmax. TUNEL‐positive cells in the ischemic myocardium were also significantly reduced in the I/R + CY 200, 100 mg/kg groups, consistent with little DNA laddering in these two groups. Furthermore, greater Bcl‐2 and attenuated Bax expression was found in the CY treated rats. These results suggest that the protective effect of Corydalis yanhusuo on myocardial I/R injury is closely associated with the inhibition of myocardial apoptosis through modulation of the Bcl‐2 family. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MASCULINITY–FEMININITY PREDICTS SEXUAL ORIENTATION IN MEN BUT NOT IN WOMEN
Authors: RICHARD UDRY J. , CHANTALA KIM
Published: April 2006

Using the nationally representative sample of about 15,000 Add Health respondents in Wave III, the hypothesis is tested that masculinity–femininity in adolescence is correlated with sexual orientation 5 years later and 6 years later: that is, that for adolescent males in 1995 and again in 1996, more feminine males have a higher probability of self-identifying as homosexuals in 2001–02. It is predicted that for adolescent females in 1995 and 1996, more masculine females have a higher probability of self-identifying as homosexuals in 2001–02. Masculinity–femininity is measured by the classical method used by Terman & Miles. For both time periods, the hypothesis was strongly confirmed for males: the more feminine males had several times the probability of being attracted to same-sex partners, several times the probability of having same-sex partners, and several times the probability of self-identifying as homosexuals, compared with more masculine males. For females, no relationship was found at either time period between masculinity and sex of preference. The biological mechanism underlying homosexuality may be different for males and females.
A CONCEPT OF PROGRESS FOR NORMATIVE ECONOMICS
Authors: MONGIN PHILIPPE
Published: April 2006

The paper discusses the sense in which the changes undergone by normative economics in the twentieth century can be said to be progressive. A simple criterion is proposed to decide whether a sequence of normative theories is progressive. This criterion is put to use on the historical transition from the new welfare economics to social choice theory. The paper reconstructs this classic case, and eventually concludes that the latter theory was progressive compared with the former. It also briefly comments on the recent developments in normative economics and their connection with the previous two stages.
Applying a cognitive neuroscience perspective to the disorder of psychopathy
Authors: BLAIR R. J. R.
Published: April 2006

Four models of psychopathy (frontal lobe dysfunction, response set modulation, fear dysfunction, and violence inhibition mechanism hypotheses) are reviewed from the perspective of cognitive neuroscience. Each model is considered both with respect to the psychopathy data and, more importantly, for the present purposes, with respect to the broader cognitive neuroscience fields to which the model refers (e.g., models of attention with respect to the response set modulation account and models of emotion with respect to the fear dysfunction and violence inhibition mechanism models). The paper concludes with an articulation of the more recent integrated emotion systems model, an account inspired both by recent findings in affective cognitive neuroscience as well as in the study of psychopathy. Some directions for future work are considered.
Having time for life activities
Authors: Gröpel Peter , Kuhl Julius
Published: April 2006

Abstract. Balance in life is an important predictor of well-being and health. This pilot research investigates the relationship between self-regulation and life balance, that is, the appropriate proportion of time spent across major life domains. In Study 1, time management was investigated as a self-regulatory competence. In contrast to expectations, time management showed only an indirect relationship to life balance through the perceived control over time. In Study 2, self-motivation, self-relaxation, and self-determination were studied as additional components of self-regulation. As expected, self-determination predicted life balance. Self-motivation and self-relaxation were linked to self-determination and showed an indirect relationship to life balance. In line with theoretical expectations, persons skilled in self-motivation and self-relaxation scored higher on self-determination, which, in turn, facilitated balance among life domains.
Selbstregulation in der Gesundheitsverhaltensänderung
Authors: Ziegelmann Jochen P. , Lippke Sonia
Published: April 2006

Zusammenfassung. Die vorliegende Arbeit verfolgt zwei Ziele und untersucht drei Forschungsfragen: Es wird zunächst geprüft, wie wirksam zwei Arten einer Planungsintervention sind, die die körperliche Aktivität verbessern sollen. In diesem Zusammenhang wird ein Ratingsystem vorgestellt, mit dem die Pläne eingeschätzt werden, die im Rahmen der Intervention erzeugt wurden. Dieses Ratingsystem beruht auf der Theorie der Selektion, Optimierung und Kompensation (SOK). Das zweite Ziel liegt in der Entwicklung eines Fragebogenverfahrens, welches SOK-Strategien für den Bereich der körperlichen Aktivität erfasst. Dies erlaubt die Untersuchung des Zusammenspiels von selbstberichteter Bewältigungsplanung und SOK-Strategienutzung (Forschungsfrage 3). Interviewergestützte Planung erweist sich gegenüber der selbstständigen Planung als überlegen, wenn man als Kriterium die spätere tatsächliche Ausführung der Pläne zur körperlichen Aktivität wählt (Forschungsfrage 2). Altersgruppenspezifische Befunde zur Planung (Forschungsfrage 1) liefern Ansätze für altersspezifische Interventionen.
Prologue: Recent Advances in Phonological Theory and Treatment
Authors: Barlow Jessica A.
Published: April 2006

With the introduction, development, and application of new theoretical frameworks, both assessment and treatment methods for phonological disorders may continue to be evaluated and improved on. It is hoped that this clinical forum will be of practical use to researchers and professionals alike in shaping their understanding of how phonological systems work generally, and in guiding the development of treatment programs.
Prosodic Patterns in Children’s Multisyllabic Word Productions
Authors: Kehoe Margaret M.
Published: April 2006

This paper reviews results from a series of studies that examined the influence of metrical and segmental effects on English-speaking children’s multisyllabic word productions. Three different approaches (prosodic structure, trochaic template, and perceptual salience) that have been proposed in the literature to account for children’s prosodic patterns are presented and evaluated. An analysis of children’s truncation or syllable deletion patterns revealed the following robust findings: (a) Stressed and word-final unstressed syllables are preserved more frequently than nonfinal unstressed syllables, (b) word-internal unstressed syllables with obstruent onsets are preserved more frequently than word-internal syllables with sonorant onsets, (c) unstressed syllables with non-reduced vowels are preserved more frequently than unstressed syllables with reduced vowels, and (d) right-sided stressed syllables are preserved more frequently than left-sided stressed syllables. An analysis of children’s stress patterns revealed that children made greater numbers of stress errors in target words with irregular stress. Clinical implications of these findings are presented and additional studies that have applied a metrical approach to clinical populations are described.