bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RESULTS OF AN EVALUATION OF THE ORCHESTRATION CAPABILITIES OF THE ZOO PROJECT AND THE 52° NORTH FRAMEWORK FOR AN INTELLIGENT GEOPORTAL
Authors: Rautenbach V. , Coetzee S. , Strzelecki M. , Iwaniak A.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. The aim of a spatial data infrastructure (SDI) is to make data available for the economical and societal benefit to a wide audience. A geoportal typically provides access to spatial data and associated web services in an SDI, facilitating the discovery, display, editing and analysis of data. In contrast, a spatial information infrastructure (SII) should provide access to information, i.e. data that has been processed, organized and presented so as to be useful. Thematic maps are an example of the representation of spatial information. An SII geoportal requires intelligence to orchestrate (automatically coordinate) web services that prepare, discover and present information, instead of data, to the user. We call this an intelligent geoportal. The Open Geospatial Consortium's Web Processing Service (WPS) standard provides the rules for describing the input and output of any type of spatial process. In this paper we present the results of an evaluation of two orchestration platforms: the 52° North framework and ZOO project. We evaluated the frameworks' orchestration capabilities for producing thematic maps. Results of the evaluation show that both frameworks have potential to facilitate orchestration in an intelligent geoportal, but that some functionality is still lacking; lack of semantic information and usability of the framework; these limitations creates barriers for the wide spread use of the frameworks. Before, the frameworks can be used for advance orchestration these limitations need to be addressed. The results of our evaluation of these frameworks, both with their respective strengths and weaknesses, can guide developers to choose the framework best suitable for their specific needs.
DATA ACQUISITION STRATEGIES FOR ASTER GLOBAL DEM GENERATION
Authors: Urai M. , Tachikawa T. , Fujisada H.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. The ASTER Global DEM (GDEM) version 1, is a global digital elevation model with one arc-second grid, generated using the ASTER stereo image archive 2000 to August 2008, and was released on June 29, 2009. The GDEM-1 had some bad elevation data. The most simple and effective way to reduce bad elevation data in the GDEM-1 is to add new ASTER observation data and re-generate the GDEM. An ASTER Data Acquisition Request was defined, based on the number of good pixels and the number of observations at each observation area, for the GDEM version 2 that was released on October 17, 2011. Using more input data and an improved algorithm, GDEM version 2 reduced the amount of the bad pixel by 4.5% to 7.5% and increased the amount of good tiles by 10.7% to 54.3% over the GDEM-1, except for Antarctica. Another ASTER data set is being collected for GDEM version 3, scheduled for 2013. The ASTER data collection scheme, however, has some constraints. This study sought for techniques to optimize the GDEM data collection balancing the overall ASTER operations and reduction of bad pixels in the GDEM data.
AN INTEGRATED WEB-BASED 3D MODELING AND VISUALIZATION PLATFORM TO SUPPORT SUSTAINABLE CITIES
Authors: Amirebrahimi S. , Rajabifard A.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. Sustainable Development is found as the key solution to preserve the sustainability of cities in oppose to ongoing population growth and its negative impacts. This is complex and requires a holistic and multidisciplinary decision making. Variety of stakeholders with different backgrounds also needs to be considered and involved. Numerous web-based modeling and visualization tools have been designed and developed to support this process. There have been some success stories; however, majority failed to bring a comprehensive platform to support different aspects of sustainable development. In this work, in the context of SDI and Land Administration, CSDILA Platform – a 3D visualization and modeling platform –was proposed which can be used to model and visualize different dimensions to facilitate the achievement of sustainability, in particular, in urban context. The methodology involved the design of a generic framework for development of an analytical and visualization tool over the web. CSDILA Platform was then implemented via number of technologies based on the guidelines provided by the framework. The platform has a modular structure and uses Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA). It is capable of managing spatial objects in a 4D data store and can flexibly incorporate a variety of developed models using the platform's API. Development scenarios can be modeled and tested using the analysis and modeling component in the platform and the results are visualized in seamless 3D environment. The platform was further tested using number of scenarios and showed promising results and potentials to serve a wider need. In this paper, the design process of the generic framework, the implementation of CSDILA Platform and technologies used, and also findings and future research directions will be presented and discussed.
THE MICROSOFT GLOBAL ORTHO PROGRAM
Authors: Walcher W. , Leberl F. , Gruber M.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. Wide area and thus continental mapping extending beyond national borders is a novel concept in civilian photogrammetry. The Microsoft Global Ortho Program was launched in the Spring of 2009 as a result of Microsoft's need for global geo-data at a high geometric resolution and radiometric excellence. By fall of 2012 more than 10 million km2 of the USA and 14 European countries will have been covered by seamless 30 cm GSD color-, 60 cm GSD false-color infrared ortho-mosaics and a 1 meter GSD digital surface model. The ortho-maps are being published to Microsoft's Bing Maps Internet mapping portal. The Global Ortho Program was designed for highly and unprecedented automated mapping of essentially entire continents. In 2011, exclusive of flight operations, the product output per person has been measured in excess of 275,000 square km per year. We describe research efforts that made this achievement possible. Those include a specially designed aerial sensor (Ultracam G), logistics simulation for fight planning and optimization, in-flight blur detection and subsequent automatic blur removal, modeling and removal of atmospheric and environmental conditions, automated shear detection and DTM refinement, an IT architecture to process >200,000 aerial images/day, and for creating over 1,000,000 km2 ortho-imagery and DSM data in 24 hours. While addressing these issues, we provide ideas how this might affect the future of spatial infrastructure initiatives.
DEVELOPMENT OF A METADATA MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR AN INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH PROJECT
Authors: Curdt C. , Hoffmeister D. , Waldhoff G. , Jekel C. , Bareth G.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. In every interdisciplinary, long-term research project it is essential to manage and archive all heterogeneous research data, produced by the project participants during the project funding. This has to include sustainable storage, description with metadata, easy and secure provision, back up, and visualisation of all data. To ensure the accurate description of all project data with corresponding metadata, the design and implementation of a metadata management system is a significant duty. Thus, the sustainable use and search of all research results during and after the end of the project is particularly dependent on the implementation of a metadata management system. Therefore, this paper will describe the practical experiences gained during the development of a scientific research data management system (called the TR32DB) including the corresponding metadata management system for the multidisciplinary research project Transregional Collaborative Research Centre 32 (CRC/TR32) 'Patterns in Soil-Vegetation-Atmosphere Systems'. The entire system was developed according to the requirements of the funding agency, the user and project requirements, as well as according to recent standards and principles. The TR32DB is basically a combination of data storage, database, and web-interface. The metadata management system was designed, realized, and implemented to describe and access all project data via accurate metadata. Since the quantity and sort of descriptive metadata depends on the kind of data, a user-friendly multi-level approach was chosen to cover these requirements. Thus, the self-developed CRC/TR32 metadata framework is designed. It is a combination of general, CRC/TR32 specific, as well as data type specific properties.
Unemployment in Greece: Econometric Evidence after the Athens 2004 Olympics and before the Global Financial Crisis of 2007–2009
Authors: Rodokanakis Stavros
Published: October 2012

This paper investigates the probability of employment in Greece and focuses on 2006, namely, well after the Athens 2004 Olympics and its fiscal stimulus and before the eruption of the global financial crisis of 2007–2009 that transformed into an economic and sovereign debt crisis with unprecedented consequences in the country's postwar economic history. Based on microdata from the Labour Force Survey, the analysis depicts the impact of gender, age, marital status, area of residence, level of education, and immigrant status on finding a job, in Greece as a whole and the two most populated Greek regions, Attica and Central Macedonia. The findings of the logit model show differences in the three areas under examination mainly among the educational variables and area of residence.
Stress Degradation Studies on Azithromycin and Development of a Validated Stability-Indicating TLC-Densitometric Method with HPLC/Electrospray Ionization-MS Analysis of Degradation Products
Authors: Kwiecień Anna , Krzek Jan , Walczak Maria
Published: October 2012

The purpose of this work was to develop a sensitive stability-indicating TLC-densitometric method for determination of azithromycin (AZ) in the presence of its impurities E, I, and L, and to study the stability of AZ under different stress conditions. The method was developed on TLC aluminum plates precoated with silica gel F254 using the mobile phase methanol–acetone–ammonia 25% (2 + 13 + 0.1, v/v/v), which gives compact zones for AZ (Rf = 0.39) and impurities E, I, and L (Rf = 0.54, 0.20, and 0.05, respectively). Densitometric analysis of AZ and its impurities was carried out at 483 nm after spraying with sulfuric acid–ethanol (1 + 4, v/v) and heating at 100 ° C for 5 min. The linear regression analysis data for the calibration plots showed good linear relationships with r = 0.9941 for AZ, 0.9987 for impurity E, 0.9989 for impurity I, and 0.9984 for impurity L. AZ was subjected to acidic and alkaline hydrolysis, oxidation, and reduction stress. The drug underwent degradation under these conditions. The degradation products were well-resolved from the pure drug, with significantly different Rf values. A plausible degradation pathway of AZ was established by HPLC/electrospray ionization-MS analysis of the products.
Marketing of Some Fruits in the Province of Ilocos Sur, Philippines
Authors: Ursulom Florida U.
Published: October 2012

Fruits which are seen scattered and become waste should rather be preserved. This study is premised on the objectives of identifying the location of the residence of the fruit growers; fruits abundant in the different municipalities of Ilocos Sur; preservation/processing preferred by the residents; and the effective means of marketing the processed fruits in terms of channels and methods of marketing. A survey questionnaire was used to gather data from 20 representative samples who were fruit growers from each municipality chosen through random sampling. The findings show that the fruit growers were mostly found in rural/interior barangays where wider areas are found; the “abundant and wasted” fruits during their peak seasons were identified per municipality; the fruit processing preferred by the fruit growers were candies, pickles, jam, chips, dried, juice, vinegar, and wine depending on the kind of fruit; the channels of marketing the would-be processed fruits are through livelihood organizations, cooperatives, entrepreneurship, and businessmen/ traders; and, the methods are wholesale to stores, retail in the market, house-to-house selling, and contract/agreement with businessmen/ traders.   Keywords - fruits, marketing, entrepreneurships, fruit processing’s
Ecological State of Coral Reefs for Conservation and Developmental Planning in Pandan Island, Puerto Princesa City, Philippines
Authors: Becira Joel G. , Gonzales Benjamin J. , Pagliawan Honorio B.
Published: October 2012

In Palawan, Philippines, Honda Bay is fast becoming a target recreational site for curious domestic and foreign visitors. The general objectives of this resource assessment are to gather information regarding status of the marine resources in Pandan Island, and to provide recommendations for their sustainable use. Assessment was done using line intercept transect (LIT), fish visual census (FVC) and an imaginary transect belt for coral cover, fish, and macro-invertebrates, respectively. Average live coral cover around Pandan Island can be categorized as good (57%), with stations 7 and 1 and 2 categorized as excellent (76-100%) and fair (26-50%) conditions, respectively. Some 178 fish species were recorded in Pandan Island waters of which seven (7) highly target and 29 common commercial fish species were found. The estimated total reef fish biomass around Pandan Island is 588 mt/ km2. A total of eight macro invertebrate (shells, etc.) species belonging to five families was found around Pandan Island. The study concluded that of these eight species, six are commercially important,Tridacnacro cea(taklobo), Tridacnasquamosa (taklobo), Hippopusporcellanus(taklobo), Trochusniloticus(topshell), Pinna nobilis (tarab), and Bohadschiamarmota (sea cucumber). Five of these species the T. crocea, T. squamosa, H. porcellanus, P. nobilis, and T. niloticus are listed as endangered species by International Union for Conservation of Nature.   Keywords - target species, macro-invertebrates, coral cover, coral reefs, reef fish, conservation
Synthesis of Organoselenium Compounds
Authors: Zade Sanjio S. , Singh Harkesh B.
Published: October 2012

In this chapter the major advances in the synthetic methodology and the syntheses of novel organoselenium compounds‐since 1987 are reviewed. These are presented in the order of oxidation states i.e. in the initial parts of the chapter developments in the area of the synthesis of low valent organoselenium compounds are discussed. These include: diselenides, selenides, selenols, selenolesters, selenones, selenocyanate, selenenyl halides and related derivatives. The latter part of the chapter deals with the syntheses of high valent i.e. selenium (IV) and selenium (VI) compounds.

Diselenides are generally prepared by the reaction of alkali metal chalcogenolates with appropriate organic halides. There has been a lot of activity in the area of the synthesis of selenides. The procedures include: epoxide ring opening, aziridine and other ring opening, addition to double and triple bonds, transition metal and Main Group Element catalyzed coupling reactions, nucleophilic substitution reactions, etc.

The novel compounds described include: selenocystine derivatives, chiral diselenides, triselenides, oranoselenenyl cations, selenium‐containing pincer ligands for catalysis, selenols and nitrososelenol derivatives, selenenyl azides. The chapter is based on over 350 original references.
Synthesis of Organotellurium Compounds
Authors: Zade Sanjio S. , Singh Harkesh B.
Published: October 2012

This chapter highlights recent progress in the synthetic approaches to organotellurium chemistry and syntheses of novel compounds since 1987. Each section deals with a class of organotellurium compounds having tellurium in the particular functional group such as ditellurides, tellurides, tellurols, tellurones, tellurenyl halides and related derivatives, telluronium salts, telluroxanes, etc. Each section has been further subdivided according to the reaction types used for the preparation of the compounds. The chapter is based on over 150 original references.
The Effects of Rejection Sensitivity on Reactive and Proactive Aggression
Authors: Jacobs Nicky , Harper Brit
Published: October 2012

The aim of this research was to use a pure measure of aggression to clarify whether rejection sensitive children exhibit higher levels of aggressive behavior than those who are not as rejection sensitive and to examine whether the components of rejection sensitivity (RS) vary according to the types of aggression. A total of 287 Australian primary school students aged between 9 and 12 completed self‐report measures of RS and aggression. As expected, RS and its components, angry and anxious expectations of rejection, were linked to generalized aggression (GA) in adolescents, with angry expectations being more strongly associated with GA and in particular, proactive aggression. As expected, RS predicted reactive aggression better than it did proactive aggression and a three‐way interaction was found whereby the relationship between the type of RS and aggression differed as a function of the type of aggression. The present study offers new evidence to support the theory that RS is predictive of aggressive behavior in children and clarifies some confusion about the attributional affect and processes behind this behavior. The findings both support and extend existing research in the areas of RS and aggression. Aggr. Behav. 39:3‐12, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fouling Characteristics and Electrochemical Recovery of Carbon Nanotube Membranes
Authors: Sun Xinghua , Wu Ji , Chen Zhiqiang , Su Xin , Hinds Bruce J.
Published: October 2012

The fouling behavior of carbon nanotube (CNT) membranes is investigated for large protein biomolecules and a wide variety of small molecules. The CNT membranes are largely fouling resistant, even to untreated river water, due to size exclusion and an inert graphitic core that supports fast fluid flow. However, it is found that bovine serum albumin (BSA) and naphthalene significantly foul membranes due to solution coagulation and π–π stacking, respectively. Small single‐walled (SW) CNTs (<1.5 nm i.d.) are difficult to foul with BSA when precipitation is prevented, showing that size exclusion at SWCNT tips can prevent fouling. Electrochemical oxidation, bubble generation and ionic pumping are shown to recover membrane performance. Electrochemical oxidation at greater than +1.4 V is seen to oxidize CNTs as well as biofoulants, but H2 bubble generation at –2 V lifts foulants without damage to the membrane allowing for repeated cycles. Ionic pumping using large cations is seen to remove small molecule foulants adsorbed to the CNT core. The relatively narrow class of foulants and three complementary methods of membrane defouling make the CNT membrane platform a potentially robust system for a wide variety of chemical separations and environmental water treatments.
Efficient Surface Neutralization and Enhanced Substrate Adhesion through Ketene Mediated Crosslinking and Functionalization
Authors: Jung Hyunjung , Leibfarth Frank A. , Woo Sanghoon , Lee Sumi , Kang Minhyuk , Moon Bongjin , Hawker Craig J. , Bang Joona
Published: October 2012

Balancing the interfacial interactions between a polymer and substrate is one of the most commonly employed methods to ensure the vertical orientation of nanodomains in block copolymer lithography. Although a number of technologies have been developed to meet this challenge, there remains a need for a universal solution for surface neutralization that combines simple synthesis, fast processing times, generality toward substrate, low density of film defects, and good surface adhesion. The chemistry of ketenes, which combines highly efficient polymer crosslinking through dimerization and surface adhesion through reaction with the substrate, is shown to be well suited to the challenge. The versatile chemistry of ketenes are accessed through the post‐polymerization of Meldrum's acid, which can be easily incorporated into copolymers through controlled radical polymerization processes. Further, the Meldrum's acid monomer is synthesized on a large scale in one step without the need for chromatography. Processing times of seconds, low defect density, simple synthetic procedures, and good substrate adhesion make these materials attractive as robust block copolymer neutralization layers.
Soft Nanotubes with a Hydrophobic Channel Hybridized with Au Nanoparticles: Photothermal Dispersion/Aggregation Control of C60 in Water
Authors: Ishikawa Kazuyuki , Kameta Naohiro , Aoyagi Masaru , Asakawa Masumi , Shimizu Toshimi
Published: October 2012

Simple glycolipid N‐alkaroyl‐β‐D‐glucopyranosylamine 1(n) selectively self‐assembles into sheets in water, nanotubes in alcohols, and helical nanocoils in toluene. All self‐assemblies consist of bilayer membranes in which 1(n) packed in an interdigitated fashion. The outer surface of the sheet is covered with the hydrophilic glucose headgroup of 1(n), whereas those of the nanotube and helical nanocoil are covered with the hydrophobic alkyl‐chain tail of 1(n). Heat treatment of the nanotube in the presence of water induces a rearrangement of the molecular packing of the outermost surface that allows the nanotube to become an effective nanocontainer for the dispersion of fullerene (C60) in water, a result of the ability of the hydrophilic outer surface of the nanotube and the hydrophobic nanochannel to encapsulate C60. The nanotube also exhibits photothermal characteristics after being hybridized with Au nanoparticles (AuNPs). The photothermal effect of the AuNPs allows the nanotube to unfold its tubular morphology and leads to compulsive release of the encapsulated C60 to the bulk water. Application of other nanotubes with similar photostimulated transformation ability should facilitate control of the dispersion/aggregation of other carbon nanomaterials, functional aromatic compounds, and drugs with low solubility in water.
Synthesis and Photovoltaic Properties of a Polythiophene Derivative with Triphenylamine–Vinylene Conjugated Side Chain Attaching Carbonyl end Group
Authors: Zhang Siyuan , Zhang Zhi‐Guo , Li Yongfang
Published: October 2012

A new two‐dimensional conjugated (2D conjugated) and side chain isolated polythiophene derivative with a dodecane carbonyl group terminated triphenylamine‐vinylene (CTPA) conjugated side chain and unsubstituted terthiophene spacer, PT4‐CTPA, was designed and synthesized. Compared to its polymer analogue of PT2‐TPA (with only one thiophene spacer and without the pendant electron‐deficient group), the 2D‐conjugated and side chain isolated PT4‐CTPA with the electron‐withdrawing carbonyl group on the conjugated side chain shows a lower lying HOMO (the highest occupied molecular orbital) energy level at –5.24 eV and enhanced absorption of the polymer backbone. A bulk heterojunction polymer solar cell with the polymer as a donor and (6,6)‐phenyl C71‐butyric acid methyl ester as an acceptor demonstrated a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 1.56% with an open circuit voltage of 0.7 V under AM1.5G, 100 mW/cm2. PCE is more than seven times higher than that of PT2‐TPA (0.21%, under same experimental conditions). © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 32: E822–E831, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/adv.21324
Effectiveness of a web‐based protocol for the screening and phenotyping of individuals with tourette syndrome for genetic studies
Authors: Egan Crystelle A. , Marakovitz Susan E. , O'Rourke Julia A. , Osiecki Lisa , Illmann Cornelia , Barton Lauren , McLaughlin Elizabeth , Proujansky Rachel , Royal Justin , Cowley Heather , Rangel‐Lugo Martha , Pauls David L. , Scharf Jeremiah M. , Mathews Carol A. ,   for the Tourette Syndrome Association International Consortium for Genetics
Published: October 2012

Genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) and other emerging technologies offer great promise for the identification of genetic risk factors for complex psychiatric disorders, yet such studies are constrained by the need for large sample sizes. Web‐based collection offers a relatively untapped resource for increasing participant recruitment. Therefore, we developed and implemented a novel web‐based screening and phenotyping protocol for genetic studies of Tourette syndrome (TS), a childhood‐onset neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by motor and vocal tics. Participants were recruited over a 13‐month period through the membership of the Tourette Syndrome Association (TSA; n = 28,878). Of the TSA members contacted, 4.3% (1,242) initiated the questionnaire, and 79.5% (987) of these were enrollment eligible. 63.9% (631) of enrolled participants completed the study by submitting phenotypic data and blood specimens. Age was the only variable that predicted study completion; children and young adults were significantly less likely to be study completers than adults 26 and older. Compared to a clinic‐based study conducted over the same time period, the web‐based method yielded a 60% larger sample. Web‐based participants were older and more often female; otherwise, the sample characteristics did not differ significantly. TS diagnoses based on the web‐screen demonstrated 100% accuracy compared to those derived from in‐depth clinical interviews. Our results suggest that a web‐based approach is effective for increasing the sample size for genetic studies of a relatively rare disorder and that our web‐based screen is valid for diagnosing TS. Findings from this study should aid in the development of web‐based protocols for other disorders. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Association of Intergroup Encounters, Dominance Status, and Fecal Androgen and Glucocorticoid Profiles in Wild Male White‐Faced Capuchins (Cebus capucinus)
Authors: SCHOOF VALÉRIE A. M. , JACK KATHARINE M.
Published: October 2012

Androgens play a role in male reproductive competition, frequently via aggression, while glucocorticoids are associated with the stress response. However, the relationships of these hormones with different sources of competition (intra‐ vs. intergroup) and dominance status are highly variable. Here, we consider the fecal androgen (fA) and glucocorticoid (fGC) profiles of alpha and subordinate male Cebus capucinus in the context of intergroup competition during a rare period of low intragroup competition (i.e. all females were either pregnant or lactating). Intergroup encounters (IGEs) are a long‐term reproductive strategy in male white‐faced capuchins, enabling them to assess the composition of neighboring groups. IGEs pose a threat to resident males as these can result in injury or death, loss of dominance rank, group eviction, and group takeovers that are frequently associated with infanticide. From February to July 2007, fecal samples were collected from eight males in three groups of white‐faced capuchins in the Santa Rosa Sector of the Área de Conservación Guanacaste, Costa Rica. IGE rate was positively associated with both fA and fGC levels, indicating that IGEs are perceived as reproductive challenges by resident males, and may be associated with elevated metabolic costs. Alpha males sire the majority of group offspring and, accordingly, the threat of IGEs to both future (via rank loss or eviction) and current (via infanticide) reproductive success is greater than for subordinate males. Consistent with this observation, alpha males had higher fA and fGC levels than subordinate males. Given that all females were either pregnant or lactating and pronounced overt intragroup competition was absent, we interpret the difference in hormone profiles of alpha and subordinate males as being primarily associated with variation in the perceived threats of IGEs according to dominance status. Future studies should focus on the interaction of intra‐ and intergroup competition by examining hormone levels in the presence of periovulatory females. Am. J. Primatol. 75:107‐115, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Crosslinking induced by irradiation raises selectivity of polymeric adsorbent
Authors: Ma Hongjuan , Hoshina Hiroyuki , Seko Noriaki
Published: October 2012

Amine‐type adsorbents were prepared by radiation‐induced graft polymerization. The sorption behaviors for an individual metal ion of Cu2+ and Pb2+ separately, as well as with mixed Cu2+/Pb2+, were studied in both column and batch mode. Ethylenediamine‐type adsorbent exhibited a high capacity for Cu2+ and Pb2+ at a high flow rate of 1000 h−1, but low selectivity in the mixed Cu2+/Pb2+ solutions. Radiation‐induced crosslinking of the amine‐type adsorbent was performed in water to improve selectivity. Crosslinking of the material was demonstrated by gel fraction, water content, and scanning electron microscopy image. Compared with the results from the noncrosslinked adsorbents, the breakthrough curve of Cu2+ right shifted, whereas the breakthrough curve of Pb2+ left shifted, indicating the higher adsorption capacity of Cu2+ and the lower adsorption capacity of Pb2+ from the crosslinked adsorbent. After 300 kGy irradiation, the crosslinked adsorbent was found to selectively adsorb Cu2+ from the mixed Cu2+/Pb2+ solution. The results revealed that crosslinking raised the selectivity of the adsorbents. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Microemulsion of erythromycine for transdermal drug delivery
Authors: Seo Hyo Won , Kim Gyeong Hae , Kim Da Yeon , Yoon So Mi , Kwon Jin Seon , Kang Won Seok , Lee Bong , Kim Jae Ho , Min Byoung Hyun , Kim Moon Suk
Published: October 2012

The aim of this work was to prepare an erythromycin (EM) microemulsion (EM‐ microemulsion) for transdermal EM delivery using isotropic mixtures of oil and aqueous phases. The prepared EM‐microemulsion is a white dispersion, with a suitable viscosity for transdermal delivery. In stability experiments, the EM‐microemulsion showed no marked change in appearance for up to 3 weeks at 25°C. In accelerated stability experiments at 37 and 60°C, however, precipitated crystalline EM particles were observed in the EM‐microemulsion. Diffusion of EM into the skin exhibited a first order release profile. Fluorescein (FL)‐microemulsion penetrated to the dermis layer of skin. In conclusion, we confirmed that EM‐microemulsion could serve as an excellent transdermal carrier of EM. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Historical Aspects of Inner Ear Anatomy and Biology That Underlie the Design of Hearing and Balance Prosthetic Devices
Authors: Van De Water Thomas R.
Published: October 2012

This review presents some of the major historical events that advanced the body of knowledge of the anatomy of the inner ear and its sensory receptors as well as the biology of these receptors that underlies the sensory functions of hearing and balance. This knowledge base of the inner ear's structure/function has been an essential factor for the design and construction of prosthetic devices to aid patients with deficits in their senses of hearing and balance. Prosthetic devices are now available for severely hearing impaired and deaf patients to restore hearing and are known as cochlear implants and auditory brain stem implants. A prosthetic device for patients with balance disorders is being perfected and is in an animal model testing phase with another prosthetic device for controlling intractable dizziness in Meniere's patients currently being evaluated in clinical testing. None of this would have been possible without the pioneering studies and discoveries of the investigators mentioned in this review and with the work of many other talented investigators to numerous to be covered in this review. Anat Rec, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Biorecognition on Graphene: Physical, Covalent, and Affinity Immobilization Methods Exhibiting Dramatic Differences
Authors: Loo Adeline Huiling , Bonanni Alessandra , Pumera Martin
Published: October 2012

The preparation of biorecognition layers on the surface of a sensing platform is a very crucial step for the development of sensitive and selective biosensors. Different protocols have been used thus far for the immobilization of biomolecules onto various electrode surfaces. In this work, we investigate how the protocol followed for the immobilization of a DNA aptamer affects the performance of the fabricated thrombin aptasensor. Specifically, the differences in selectivity and optimum amount of immobilized aptamer of the fabricated aptasensors adopting either physical, covalent, or affinity immobilization were compared. It was discovered that while all three methods of immobilization uniformly show a similar optimum amount of immobilized aptamer, physical, and covalent immobilization methods exhibit higher selectivity than affinity immobilization. Hence, it is believed that our findings are very important in order to optimize and improve the performance of graphene‐based aptasensors.
Synthesis and Photocatalytic Activity of Poly(triazine imide)
Authors: Ham Yeilin , Maeda Kazuhiko , Cha Dongkyu , Takanabe Kazuhiro , Domen Kazunari
Published: October 2012

Poly(triazine imide) was synthesized with incorporation of Li+ and Cl− ions (PTI/Li+Cl−) to form a carbon nitride derivative. The synthesis of this material by the temperature‐induced condensation of dicyandiamide was examined both in a eutectic mixture of LiCl–KCl and without KCl. On the basis of X‐ray diffraction measurements of the synthesized materials, we suggest that a stoichiometric amount of LiCl is necessary to obtain the PTI/Li+Cl− phase without requiring the presence of KCl at 873 K. PTI/Li+Cl− with modification by either Pt or CoOx as cocatalyst photocatalytically produced H2 or O2, respectively, from water. The production of H2 or O2 from water indicates that the valence and conduction bands of PTI/Li+Cl− were properly located to achieve overall water splitting. The treatment of PTI/Li+Cl− with [Pt(NH3)4]2+ cations enabled the deposition of Pt through ion exchange, demonstrating photocatalytic activity for H2 evolution, while treatment with [PtCl6]2− anions resulted in no Pt deposition. This was most likely because of the preferential exchange between Li+ ions and [Pt(NH3)4]2+ cations.
PKCδ knockdown inhibits free fatty acid induction of endothelial cell apoptosis
Authors: Yang Feiyan , Cai Wei , Yang Kai , Chen Manhua
Published: October 2012

The mechanisms whereby free fatty acids induce endothelial cell apoptosis are not yet understood. The present study aimed to investigate the role of PKCδ in free fatty acid–induced endothelial cell apoptosis. In addition, we looked for evidence of apoptosis‐related interactions between PKCδ and Fas signal pathway. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were treated with various concentrations of free fatty acids and transiently transfected with PKCδ siRNA or Fas siRNA to inhibit PKCδ or Fas expression. Cell proliferation was determined through colorimetric assays, and apoptosis was quantified using flow cytometry. Protein expression was determined from cell lysates using Western blots with antibodies against p‐PKCδTyr512, PKCδ, and Fas. Statistical analyses were performed. Free fatty acids had multiple effects on human umbilical vein endothelial cells, including concentration‐dependent inhibition of cell proliferation, induction of apoptosis, increased Fas expression, and increased PKCδ expression and phosphorylation. Inhibition of PKCδ mRNA expression by PKCδ siRNA led to a reduction in both free fatty acid–induced apoptosis and Fas expression. However, Fas siRNA treatment inhibited Fas, but not PKCδ, expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. The free fatty acid–induced apoptosis in endothelial cells are possibly mediated by PKCδ and may involve upregulation of its downstream Fas. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
E‐ADA activity in lymphocytes of an experimental model of pythiosis treated with immunotherapy
Authors: Bach Barbara Charlotte , Leal Daniela Bitencourt Rosa , Jaques Jeandre Augusto dos Santos , Souza Viviane do Carmo Gonçalves , Ruchel Jader Betsch , Schlemmer Karine Bizzi , Zanette Régis Adriel , Hecktheuer Pedro Abib , de Lima Pereira Patrique , Casali Emerson André , Alves Sydney Hartz , Santurio Janio Morais
Published: October 2012

Pythiosis is a life‐threatening disease caused by the oomycete Pythium insidiosum. Some authors have suggested the involvement of a Th2‐like immune response in the infected host, which leads to extensive tissue damage. The switch from a Th2 to a Th1 response pattern is one hypothesis to explain the curative properties of immunotherapy. Taking into account the importance of immunotherapy for pythiosis treatment and the contribution of adenine nucleotides in the immunoregulation of the host, we evaluated the ecto‐adenosine deaminase (E‐ADA; EC 3·5.4·4) activity in lymphocytes from rabbits inoculated with P. insidiosum. Rabbits were inoculated with 1 milliliter of zoospores subcutaneously injected into the lateral thorax; after developing lesions, the rabbits received eight doses of immunotherapy. E‐ADA activity was measured in lymphocytes and the adenine nucleotides and adenosine levels were quantitatively determined in serum. Rabbits with characteristic lesions of pythiosis showed a decreased E‐ADA activity (82·36%), a decreased adenosine triphosphate concentration (54·04%) and a higher adenosine concentration (2·51 fold), when compared with controls, after 28 days of inoculation. However, after the immunotherapy, the rabbits showed an increase in the E‐ADA activity when compared with control (78·62%), contributing for the change in the immune response. Our results reinforce the hypothesis that the change from a Th2 to a Th1 immune response with the participation of the purinergic system could be responsible for the curative properties of immunotherapy. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Germ‐like cell differentiation from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)
Authors: Niu Zhiwei , Hu Yue , Chu Zhili , Yu Meng , Bai Yaofu , Wang Long , Hua Jinlian
Published: October 2012

Historically, our understanding of molecular genetic aspects of germ cell development has been limited. Recently, results demonstrated that the derivation of pluripotent stem cells may provide the necessary genetic system to study germ cell development. Here, we characterized an induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) line, which can spontaneously differentiate into embryonic bodies (EBs) after 3 days of suspension culture, expressing specific markers of three germ layers. Then, we induced the iPSCs to differentiate into germ cells by culturing adherent EBs in retinoic acid (RA) and porcine follicular fluid (PFF) differentiation medium or seminiferous tubule transplantation. Our results indicated that RA and PFF were beneficial for the derivation of germ cells and oocyte‐like cells from iPSCs, and iPSCs transplantation could make a contribution to repairing the testis of infertile mice. Our study offers an approach for further study on the development and the differentiation of germ cells derived from iPSCs. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Can a Single Molecule of Water be Completely Isolated Within the Subnano‐Space Inside the Fullerene C60Cage? A Quantum Chemical Prospective
Authors: Varadwaj Arpita , Varadwaj Pradeep R.
Published: October 2012

Based on an experimental observation, it has been controversially suggested in a study (Kurotobi et al.,Science2011,33, 613) that a single molecule of water can completely be localized within the subnano‐space inside the fullerene C60cage and, that neither the H atoms nor the O lone‐pairs are linked, either via hydrogen bonding or through dative bonding, with the interior C‐framework of the C60cage. To resolve the controversy, electronic structure calculations were performed by using the density functional theory, together with the quantum theory of atoms in molecules, the natural population and bond orbital analyses, and the results were analyzed by using varieties of recommended diagnostics often used to interpret noncovalent interactions. The present results reveal that the mechanically entrapped H2O molecule is not electronically innocent of the presence of the cage; each H atom of H2O is weakly OH⋅⋅⋅C60bonded, whereas the O lone‐pairs are O⋅⋅⋅C60bonded regardless of the conformations investigated. Exploration of various featured properties suggests that H2O@C60may be regarded as a unique system composed of both inter‐ and intramolecular interactions.
A Fast‐Initiating Ionically Tagged Ruthenium Complex: A Robust Supported Pre‐catalyst for Batch‐Process and Continuous‐Flow Olefin Metathesis
Authors: Borré Etienne , Rouen Mathieu , Laurent Isabelle , Magrez Magaly , Caijo Fréderic , Crévisy Christophe , Solodenko Wladimir , Toupet Loic , Frankfurter René , Vogt Carla , Kirschning Andreas , Mauduit Marc
Published: October 2012

In this study, a new pyridinium‐tagged Ru complex was designed and anchored onto sulfonated silica, thereby forming a robust and highly active supported olefin‐metathesis pre‐catalyst for applications under batch and continuous‐flow conditions. The involvement of an oxazine–benzylidene ligand allowed the reactivity of the formed Ru pre‐catalyst to be efficiently controlled through both steric and electronic activation. The oxazine scaffold facilitated the introduction of the pyridinium tag, thereby affording the corresponding cationic pre‐catalyst in good yield. Excellent activities in ring‐closing (RCM), cross (CM), and enyne metathesis were observed with only 0.5 mol % loading of the pre‐catalyst. When this powerful pre‐catalyst was immobilized onto a silica‐based cationic‐exchange resin, a versatile catalytically active material for batch reactions was generated that also served as fixed‐bed material for flow reactors. This system could be reused at 1 mol % loading to afford metathesis products in high purity with very low ruthenium contamination under batch conditions (below 5 ppm). Scavenging procedures for both batch and flow processes were conducted, which led to a lowering of the ruthenium content to as little as one tenth of the original values.
Heat Flow on Alexandrov Spaces
Authors: Gigli Nicola , Kuwada Kazumasa , Ohta Shin‐ichi
Published: October 2012

We prove that on compact Alexandrov spaces with curvature bounded below the gradient flow of the Dirichlet energy in the \documentclass{article} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{amsmath, amssymb} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document} \begin{align*}L^2\end{align*} \end{document}‐space produces the same evolution as the gradient flow of the relative entropy in the \documentclass{article} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{amsmath, amssymb} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document} \begin{align*}L^2\end{align*} \end{document}‐Wasserstein space. This means that the heat flow is well‐defined by either one of the two gradient flows. Combining properties of these flows, we are able to deduce the Lipschitz continuity of the heat kernel as well as Bakry‐Émery gradient estimates and the \documentclass{article} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{amsmath, amssymb} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document} \begin{align*}\Gamma_2\end{align*} \end{document}‐condition. Our identification is established by purely metric means, unlike preceding results relying on PDE techniques. Our approach generalizes to the case of heat flow with drift. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Parallel Interactions at Large Horizontal Displacement in Pyridine–Pyridine and Benzene–Pyridine Dimers
Authors: Ninković Dragan B. , Andrić Jelena M. , Zarić Snežana D.
Published: October 2012

A study of crystal structures from the Cambridge Structural Database (CSD) and DFT calculations reveals that parallel pyridine–pyridine and benzene–pyridine interactions at large horizontal displacements (offsets) can be important, similar to parallel benzene–benzene interactions. In the crystal structures from the CSD preferred parallel pyridine–pyridine interactions were observed at a large horizontal displacement (4.0–6.0 Å) and not at an offset of 1.5 Å with the lowest calculated energy. The calculated interaction energies for pyridine–pyridine and benzene–pyridine dimers at a large offset (4.5 Å) are about 2.2 and 2.1 kcal mol−1, respectively. Substantial attraction at large offset values is a consequence of the balance between repulsion and dispersion. That is, dispersion at large offsets is reduced, however, repulsion is also reduced at large offsets, resulting in attractive interactions.
Acceleration of Disproportionation of Aromatic Alcohols through Self‐Emulsification of Reactants in Water
Authors: Zhang Binbin , Song Jinliang , Liu Huizhen , Han Buxing , Jiang Tao , Fan Honglei , Zhang Zhaofu , Wu Tianbin
Published: October 2012

Exploration of new and effective routes to conduct organic reactions in water using the special properties of water/organics is of great importance. In this work, we performed the disproportionation of various aromatic alcohols in water and in different organic solvents. It was demonstrated that the disproportionation reactions of the alcohols were accelerated more effectively in water than organic‐solvent‐based or solvent‐free reactions. A series of control experiments were conducted to study the mechanism of the accelerated reaction rate in water. It was shown that the reactants could emulsify the reactant/water systems at the reaction conditions owing to their amphiphilic nature. The regularly orientated reactant molecules at the water/reactant droplet interface improved the contact probability of the reactive groups and the Pd nanocatalysts, which is one of the main reasons for the enhanced reaction rate in water. Controlling the self‐emulsification of amphiphilic reactant/water systems has great application potential for optimizing the rate and/or selectivity of many organic reactions.
Differential expression of CD90 and CD14 stem cell markers in malignant breast cancer cell lines
Authors: Lobba A. R. M. , Forni M. F. , Carreira A. C. O , Sogayar M. C.
Published: October 2012

The recently emerged concept of cancer stem cell (CSC) has led to a new hypothesis on the basis for tumor progression. Basically, the CSC theory hypothesizes the presence of a hierarchically organized and relatively rare cell population, which is responsible for tumor initiation, self‐renewal, and maintenance, in addition to accumulation of mutation and resistance to chemotherapy. CSCs have recently been described in breast cancer. Different genetic markers have been used to isolate breast CSCs, none of which have been correlated with the tumorigenicity or metastatic potential of the cells, limiting their precise characterization and clinical application in the development of therapeutic protocols. Here, we sought for subpopulations of CSCs by analyzing 10 judiciously chosen stem cell markers in a normal breast cell line (MCF10‐A) and in four human breast cancer cell lines (MCF‐7, MDA‐MB‐231, MDA‐MB‐435, and Hs578‐T) displaying different degrees of metastatic and invasiveness potential. We were able to identify two markers, which are differentially expressed in nontumorigenic versus tumor cells. The CD90 marker was highly expressed in the malignant cell lines. Interestingly, the CD14 molecule displayed higher expression levels in the nontumorigenic cell line. Therefore, we demonstrated that these two markers, which are more commonly used to isolate and characterize stem cells, are differentially expressed in breast tumor cells, when compared with nontumorigenic breast cells. © 2012 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry