bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatio-temporal analysis of the urban-rural gradient structure: an application in a Mediterranean mountainous landscape (Serra San Bruno, Italy)
Authors: Modica G. , Vizzari M. , Pollino M. , Fichera C. R. , Zoccali P. , Di Fazio S.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. The most recent and significant transformations of European landscapes have occurred as a consequence of a series of diffused, varied and often connected phenomena: urban growth and sprawl, agricultural intensification in the most suitable areas and agricultural abandonment in marginal areas. These phenomena can affect dramatically ecosystems' structure and functioning, since certain modifications cause landscape fragmentation while others tend to increase homogeneity. Thus, a thorough comprehension of the evolution trends of landscapes, in particular those linked to urban-rural relations, is crucial for a sustainable landscape planning. In this framework, the main objectives of the present paper are: (a) to investigate Land Use/Land Cover (LULC) transformations and dynamics occurred over the period 1955–2006 in the municipality of Serra San Bruno (Calabria, Italy), an area particularly representative of the Mediterranean mountainous landscape; (b) to compare the settlement growth with the urban planning tools in charge in the study area; (c) to examine the relationship between urban-rural gradient, landscape metrics, demographic and physical variables; (d) to investigate the evolution of urban-rural gradient composition and configuration along significant axes of landscape changes. Data with a high level of detail (minimum mapping unit 0.2 ha) were obtained through the digitisation of historical aerial photographs and digital orthophotos identifying LULC classes according to the Corine Land Cover legend. The investigated period was divided into four significant time intervals, which were specifically analysed to detect LULC changes. Differently from previous studies, in the present research the spatio-temporal analysis of urban-rural gradient was performed through three subsequent steps: (1) kernel density analysis of settlements; (2) analysis of landscape structure by means of metrics calculated using a moving window method; (3) analysis of composition and configuration of the urban-rural gradient within three landscape profiles located along significant axes of LULC change. The use of thematic overlays and transition matrices enabled a precise identification of the LULC changes that had taken place over the examined period. As a result, a detailed description and mapping of the landscape dynamics were obtained. Furthermore, landscape profiling technique, using continuous data, allowed an innovative and valuable approach for analysing and interpreting urban-rural gradient structure over space and time.
Heat-flow and subsurface temperature history at the site of Saraya (eastern Senegal)
Authors: Lucazeau F. , Rolandone F.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. New temperature measurements from eight boreholes in the West African Craton (WAC) reveal superficial perturbations down to 100 m below the alteration zone. These perturbations are both related to a recent increase in the surface air temperature (SAT) and to the site effects caused by fluid circulations and/or the lower conduction in the alterites. The ground surface temperature (GST), inverted from the boreholes temperatures, increased slowly in the past (~0.4 °C from 1700 to 1940) and then, more importantly, in recent years (~1.5 °C from 1940 to 2010). This recent trend is consistent with the increase of the SAT recorded at two nearby meteorological stations (Tambacounda and Kedougou), and more generally in the Sahel with a coeval rainfall decrease. Site effects are superimposed to the climatic effect and interpreted by advective (circulation of fluids) or conductive (lower conductivity of laterite and of high-porosity sand) perturbations. We used a 1-D finite differences thermal model and a Monte-Carlo procedure to find the best estimates of these site perturbations: all the eight borehole temperature logs can be interpreted with the same basal heat-flow and the same surface temperature history, but with some realistic changes of thermal conductivity and/or fluid velocity. The GST trend observed in Senegal can be confirmed by two previous borehole measurements made in 1983 in other locations of West Africa, the first one in an arid zone of northern Mali and the second one in a sub-humid zone in southern Mali. Finally, the background heat-flow is low (31±2 mW m−2), which makes this part of the WAC more similar with the observations in the southern part (33±8 mW m−2) rather than with those in the northern part and in the Pan-African domains where the surface heat-flow is 15–20 mW m−2 higher.
Estudio sobre el análisis de materia en la literatura infantil relacionada con la Educación Física y el Deporte publicada en España
Authors: Guimarães Botelho Rafael , Oliveira Cristina da Cruz de
Published: August 2012

Este artículo tuvo por objetivo investigar la materia de los libros infantiles con temática relacionada con la Educación Física y el Deporte publicados en España. Para el desarrollo del trabajo, se ha utilizado la técnica del análisis de materia. El corpus de análisis, que reunió 60 libros infantiles, se encuentra en la tesis doctoral Educación Física y literatura infantil: posibilidades de utilización en el ámbito escolar (Botelho, 2010). Los resultados obtenidos en este artículo señalaron que: (a) se identificó un total de 30 materias en los 60 libros infantiles analizados; (b) la materia fútbol presentó la mayor incidencia, con un 13,33% (ocho libros); (c) la segunda materia con mayor incidencia es la de juegos, con un 10,00% (seis obras infantiles); (d) las materias ballet y carrera tuvieron, cada una, un 8,33% (cinco libros); (e) las demás materias registraron una incidencia inferior al 8% (con 4 ó menos libros); (f) la mayoría de las materias presentó una incidencia de un 1,67% (solamente un libro infantil). Las conclusiones provenientes de este artículo señalan que: (1) del total de las 30 materias identificadas en las 60 obras infantiles, el asunto fútbol tuvo la mayor incidencia; (2) la mayoría de las materias presentó una única incidencia.
Intercalary Tricortical Iliac Bone Graft in the Surgical Treatment of Nonunion of Midshaft Clavicular Fractures
Authors: Cho Chul Hyun , Jang Hyung Gyu
Published: August 2012

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the radiologic and clinical outcomes after intercalary tricortical iliac bone graft with plate fixation for the nonunion of midshaft clavicular fractures.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between September 2007 and May 2011, 10 patients who were treated by the intercalary tricortical iliac bone graft, with plate fixation for clavicle nonunion, were studied. The mean follow-up period was 30.7 (12~57) months. After the sclerotic bone was excised to the bleeding cortical bone, we interposed the tricortical iliac bone to provide structural support and restore clavicle length, and then fixed the plate and screws. The radiologic outcomes on the serial plain radiographs and clinical outcomes, according to UCLA, ASES and Quick DASH scores, were analyzed.RESULTS: Bony union was obtained in all cases (100%) and the average union time was 18.4 (14~24) weeks. The average respective UCLA and ASES scores improved from 16.7 and 52.1 preoperatively to 27.4 and 83.6 postoperatively (p<0.05). The average Quick DASH score was 40.5, at the final follow-up. Complications were 2 shoulder stiffness, and one case had removal of device and arthroscopic surgery at 11 months, postoperatively. There were no implant failure or infection.CONCLUSION: Intercalary tricortical iliac bone graft, with plate fixation for the nonunion of midshaft clavicular fractures, is a good option that can provide structural support and restore clavicle length, as well as high union rate.
Toward a New Elitism
Authors: Skaggs Steven , Hausman Carl R.
Published: August 2012

Recent decades have seen a flattening of the playing field in terms of the arts. The rise of popular culture programs in universities is one of the by-products of this attitude, which rejects the traditional hierarchical status of arts by genre. However, something vital is lost in that little attention is paid to the experiential aspects of encountering a work of art. This paper argues for the reestablishment of a certain cultural verticality with respect to works of art. We suggest that this hierarchy should be relative to a work’s ability to engender what we call "elite experience." After putting forward an account of our conception of a work and a work of art, the paper outlines four levels of experience, the last two of which are aesthetic. The ultimate aesthetic experience is rare and universally appreciated–thereby deserving of the label "elite"–although the kinds of art works that engender it in a given person may be quite divergent. The resulting hierarchy is therefore one of experiential types rather than groups of people, social class, or historical tradition. The article concludes by making comparisons and drawing distinctions between our approach and several well-known lines of aesthetic argument that have come before.
Ethicism and Immoral Cognitivism: Gaut versus Kieran on Art and Morality
Authors: Sauchelli Andrea
Published: August 2012

Berys Gaut has recently defended a theory according to which a moral defect of a work of art represents an aesthetic defect of the work itself. This theory, called ethicism, has been criticized by Matthew Kieran, who argued that, on the contrary, in certain cases moral defects can increase the artistic value of artworks. In this essay I clarify the main points of the debate and claim that Gaut’s defense of his theory is not convincing.
Spin Hamilton Operators, Symmetry Breaking, Energy Level Crossing, and Entanglement
Authors: Steeb Willi-Hans , Hardy Yorick , Greef Jacqueline de
Published: August 2012

We study finite-dimensional product Hilbert spaces, coupled spin systems, entanglement, and energy level crossing. The Hamilton operators are based on the Pauli group.We show that swapping the interacting term can lead from unentangled eigenstates to entangled eigenstates and from an energy spectrum with energy level crossing to avoided energy level crossing.
Screening Test Results Associated With Cancer Diagnoses in 287 Women With Cervical Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Li Zaibo , Austin R. Marshall , Guo Ming , Zhao Chengquan
Published: August 2012

Context.—The limitations of newer cervical screening tests are still being studied.

Objective.—To investigate those limitations, we conducted a retrospective review of 287 cases of cervical squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Design.—A search through 5 years of records identified 287 women with cervical SCC diagnoses. Clinical history, histopathology, and liquid-based cytology (ThinPrep) and Hybrid Capture 2 (HC2) high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) results were documented. Polymerase chain reaction HPV tests were performed on SCC tissues with prior negative HC2 results.

Results.—Of 287 women, 156 (54.4%) had abnormal cytology results, and 75 (26.1%) had abnormal clinical findings triggering tissue diagnoses of SCC. Among 156 patients with abnormal Papanicolaou (Pap) test results, more-seriously abnormal Pap test results were reported in 142 women (91.1%). Among 31 women with Pap and HC2 HPV cotesting within 1 year of SCC diagnoses, 28 (90%) were Pap+/HPV+, 2 (15.5%) were Pap+/HPV−, and 1 (3%) was Pap−/HPV−. Two of 3 women with negative HC2 results before SCC diagnosis had abnormal Pap results; 1 had negative Pap reports with questionable lesional cells mimicking atrophy. In all 3 cases of SCC with negative HC2 results, HPV-18 was detected; in 2 cases (66%), HPV-16 was also detected.

Conclusions.—Although abnormal cytology preceded most SCC diagnoses, about one-third of patients were referred for diagnostic testing because of clinical suspicion alone. Among 31 SCC cases with liquid-based cytology and high-risk HPV cotest results less than 1 year before SCC diagnoses, 2 patients (6.5%) had Pap+/HPV− results, and 1 patient (3.2%) had Pap−/HPV− results. Polymerase chain reaction detected high-risk HPV DNA in tumor tissues of 3 SCC cases with recent HC2− results.
Fluorescence‐Tagged Gold Nanoparticles for Rapidly Characterizing the Size‐Dependent Biodistribution in Tumor Models
Authors: Chou Leo Y. T. , Chan Warren C. W.
Published: August 2012

Nanoparticle vehicles may improve the delivery of contrast agents and therapeutics to diseased tissues, but their rational design is currently impeded by a lack of robust technologies to characterize their in vivo behavior in real‐time. This study demonstrates that fluorescent‐labeled gold nanoparticles can be optimized for in vivo detection, perform pharmacokinetic analysis of nanoparticle designs, analyze tumor extravasation, and clearance kinetics in tumor‐bearing animals. This optical imaging approach is non‐invasive and high‐throughput. Interestingly, these fluorescent gold nanoparticles can be used for multispectral imaging to compare several nanoparticle designs simultaneously within the same animal and eliminates the host‐dependent variabilities across measured data. Together these results describe a novel platform for evaluating the performance of tumor‐targeting nanoparticles, and provide new insights for the design of future nanotherapeutics.
New Routes to Graphene, Graphene Oxide and Their Related Applications
Authors: Zhu Yu , James Dustin K. , Tour James M.
Published: August 2012

Recent research has focused upon the growth of the graphene, with a concentration on the synthesis of graphene and related materials using both solution processes and high temperature chemical vapor and solid growth methods. Protocols to prepare high aspect ratio graphene nanoribbons from multi‐walled carbon nanotubes have been developed as well as techniques to grow high quality graphene for electronics and other applications where high quality is needed. Graphene materials have been manipulated and modified for use in applications such as transparent electrodes, field effect transistors, thin film transistors and energy storage devices. This review summarizes the development of graphene and related materials.
Gas Flow Sputtering of Catalyst Layers for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Vasic Stanislav , Günther Bernd H.
Published: August 2012

Das Gasfluss‐Sputtern (GFS) bei erhöhten Prozessdrücken führt zur Bildung von nanoskaligen Partikeln des gesputterten Materials. Dieser Prozess wurde hinsichtlich der Anwendbarkeit zur Synthese von Katalysatorschichten aus Pt für Polymer‐Elektrolytmembran‐Brennstoffzellen (PEMFC) untersucht. Schichten verschiedener Pt‐Beladungen wurden zunächst direkt auf Kohlefaserpapieren (Gasdiffusionslagen, GDLs) abgeschieden. Unmittelbar danach wurde die katalytische Eignung der Pt‐Schichten mittels H2‐Oxidation bei vorgegebenen H2/O2‐Verhältnissen untersucht. Die beschichteten GDLs wurden anschließend unter typischen PEMFC‐Betriebsbedingungen getestet.
Synthesis, Photophysical and Electrochemical Properties of Amide‐Linked Phthalocyanine‐Fullerene Dyad
Authors: Zhao Haiying , Liu Zhibo , Zhang Xiaoliang , Tian Jianguo , Chen Chen , Zhu Yizhou , Zheng Jianyu
Published: August 2012

A new amide‐linked phthalocyanine‐fullerene dyad ZnPc‐C60 was synthesized and characterized. The photophysical and electrochemical properties of the ZnPc‐C60 dyad were investigated. The fluorescence spectrum and quantum yield in different solvents showed the occurrence of photoinduced electron transfer (PET) from the singlet excited ZnPc to C60, which was further confirmed by nanosecond transient absorption spectra and cyclic voltammetry data. The free energy change for charge separation (ΔGCS) was estimated to be exothermic with −0.51 eV, which favored the formation of charge‐separation state. The PET from ZnPc to C60 in ZnPc‐C60 made the dyad exhibit stronger reverse saturable absorption performance compared with C60 and the control sample in the Z‐scan experiments, which indicated the synergistic effect of two active moieties in the dyad.
Synthesis of a Benzenethiol‐derivatized Porphyrin for Self‐assembly
Authors: Wan Jicheng , Sun Huiqian , Huang Xuebin
Published: August 2012

The synthesis of a benzenethiol‐derivatized porphyrin for flat‐lying self‐assembly on gold substrates is described. Acetyl protected thiol is not stable enough in Pd‐catalyzed reactions. While acrylate derivatives protected thiol group shows good tolerance in Pd‐catalyzed borylations and Suzuki‐Miyaura coupling reactions and no catalyst poisoning was observed.
Efficient Synthesis of 3‐Phenylnaphtho[2,3‐b]furan‐4,9‐diones in Water and Their Fluorimetric Study in Solutions
Authors: Zhang Renzun , Xu Dongcheng , Xie Jianwu
Published: August 2012

A simple and efficient protocol has been developed for the synthesis of 3‐phenylnaphtho[2,3‐b]furan‐4,9‐diones by domino reaction of α‐bromonitroalkenes to 2‐hydroxynaphthalene‐1,4‐dione. With the optimal reaction conditions [NaOAc (120 mol%), water, 70°C, 7 h], the scope of the domino reaction was explored and the green approach provided the desired products in moderate to good yields at elevated temperature under aqueous‐mediated conditions. A mechanistic rationalization for this reaction is also provided. The absorption characteristics of the compounds were examined by UV‐Vis spectra and fluorescence spectroscopy. All compounds were fluorescent in solution emitting at blue light (432–433 nm), green light (512–536 nm), or yellow light (591 nm).
Beyond Heparinization: Design of Highly Potent Thrombin Inhibitors Suitable for Surface Coupling
Authors: Steinmetzer Torsten , Baum Bernhard , Biela Adam , Klebe Gerhard , Nowak Götz , Bucha Elke
Published: August 2012

During extracorporeal circulation, when blood comes in contact with artificial surfaces, patients receive a standard treatment with anticoagulants to avoid blood coagulation. Dialysis patients in particular are systemically treated with heparin up to four times a week, causing a high burden for the body. For potential anticoagulant modification of external materials, such as dialysis equipment, a series of highly potent thrombin inhibitors was developed. All inhibitors share the general formula arylsulfonyl‐P3‐Pro‐4‐amidinobenzylamide, where P3 is glycyl or a trifunctional amino acid residue in L‐configuration. Among this series, several derivatives inhibit thrombin with Ki values of less than 1 nM. Specificity measurements revealed that this inhibitor type is highly specific for thrombin with negligible activity against related trypsin‐like serine proteases. X‐ray analysis of the most potent analogue in complex with thrombin demonstrated that the N‐terminal arylsulfonyl group occupies the aryl binding site, whereas the P3 side chain is directed into the solvent and therefore is well suited for further coupling. Based on their in vitro profile, these inhibitors are suitable candidates for the development of hemocompatible materials with anticoagulant properties.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of ortho‐Aryl N‐Hydroxycinnamides as Potent Histone Deacetylase (HDAC) 8 Isoform‐Selective Inhibitors
Authors: Huang Wei‐Jan , Wang Yi‐Ching , Chao Shi‐Wei , Yang Chen‐Yui , Chen Liang‐Chieh , Lin Mei‐Hsiang , Hou Wen‐Chi , Chen Mei‐Yu , Lee Tai‐Lin , Yang Ping , Chang Chung‐I
Published: August 2012

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are a family of enzymes that play a crucial role in biological process and diseases. In contrast to other isozymes, HDAC8 is uniquely incapable of histone acetylation. In order to delineate its physiological function, we developed HDAC8‐selective inhibitors using knowledge‐based design combined with structural modeling techniques. Enzyme inhibitory analysis demonstrated that some of the resulting compounds (22 b, 22 d, 22 f, and 22 g) exhibited anti‐HDAC8 activity superior to PCI34051, a known HDAC8‐specific inhibitor, with IC50 values in the range of 5–50 nM. Among them, compound 22 d showed antiproliferative effects toward several human lung cancer cell lines (A549, H1299, and CL1‐5); it exhibited cytotoxicity against human lung CL1‐5 cells similar to that of SAHA yet without significant cytotoxicity for normal IMR‐90 cells. Expression profiling of HDAC isoforms in three cancer cell lines indicated that the HDAC8 level in CL1‐5 is higher than that in H1299 and CL1‐1 cells, a result consistent with the differential cytotoxicity of compound 22 d. These results suggest the effectiveness of our design concept, which may lead to a tool compound for studying the specific role of HDAC8 in cellular biological processes.
miR‐21 represses FasL in microglia and protects against microglia‐mediated neuronal cell death following hypoxia/ischemia
Authors: Zhang Li , Dong Lian‐Yan , Li Ya‐Jian , Hong Zhen , Wei Wen‐Shi
Published: August 2012

A growing body of evidence suggests that microRNA (miRNA) dysregulation contributes to many types of human disease, including central nervous system disorders. In this study, we identified an inverse correlation between the expression of miR‐21 and Fas ligand (FasL) during hypoxia‐induced microglial activation. Specifically, hypoxia caused the upregulation of FasL expression but the downregulation of miR‐21 expression in microglia. Furthermore, we demonstrated that miR‐21 suppresses FasL production by directly binding to its 3′‐untranslated region. The overproduction of FasL following hypoxic microglial activation induced neuronal apoptosis, whereas the ectopic expression of miR‐21 partially protected neurons from cell death caused by hypoxia‐activated microglia. Finally, we confirmed that the function of miR‐21 in microglia‐mediated neuronal injury is dependent on FasL. Our study demonstrates an important role for miRNAs in microglia‐mediated neuronal apoptosis, and suggests potential novel therapeutic interventions for cerebral hypoxic diseases associated with microglial activation. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Regulation of serum response factor by miRNA‐200 and miRNA‐9 modulates oligodendrocyte progenitor cell differentiation
Authors: Buller Benjamin , Chopp Michael , Ueno Yuji , Zhang Li , Zhang Rui Lan , Morris Daniel , Zhang Yi , Zhang Zheng Gang
Published: August 2012

Serum response factor (SRF) is a transcription factor that transactivates actin‐associated genes and has been implicated in oligodendrocyte (OL) differentiation. To date, it has not been investigated in cerebral ischemia. We investigated the dynamics of SRF expression after stroke in vivo and the role of SRF in OL differentiation in vitro. Using immunohistochemistry, we found that SRF was upregulated in OLs and OL precursor cells (OPCs) after stroke. Moreover, upregulation of SRF was concurrent with downregulation of the micro‐RNAs (miRNAs) miR‐9 and the miR‐200 family in the ischemic white matter region, the corpus callosum. Inhibition of SRF activation by CCG‐1423, a specific inhibitor of SRF function, blocked OPCs from differentiating into OLs. Overexpression of miR‐9 and miR‐200 in cultured OPCs suppressed SRF expression and inhibited OPC differentiation. Moreover, co‐expression of miR‐9 and miR‐200 attenuated activity of a luciferase reporter assay containing the Srf 3′ untranslated region. Collectively, this study is the first to show that stroke upregulates SRF expression in OPCs and OLs, and that SRF levels are mediated by miRNAs and regulate OPC differentiation. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
High‐throughput FTIR spectroscopy of intact HepG2 cells reveals additive and non‐additive effects of individual fatty acids when given as mixtures
Authors: Najbjerg Heidi , Young Jette F. , Bertram Hanne C. , Afseth Nils Kristian , Høst Vibeke , Kohler Achim
Published: August 2012

In the present study we investigated the ability of high‐throughput FTIR spectroscopy in combination with multivariate data analysis to reveal if any combinatory effects of fatty acids in mixture are present in liver HepG2 cell cultures after three days of exposure. For this investigation we used an experimental mixture design containing three different octadecenoic acids (oleic acid: C18 : 1 cis‐ 9, elaidic acid: C18 : 1 trans‐ 9 and vaccenic acid: C18 : 1 trans‐ 11) of a total concentration of 100 μM. The results obtained revealed both additive and non‐additive effects of individual fatty acids when combined in mixtures. Furthermore, we demonstrate by use of scanning electron microscopy that cells are preserved as intact structures ensuring that FTIR measurements are obtained on whole cell keeping cell compounds in their natural surroundings during measurements. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Euro housing recovery: Why did it falter?
Authors: Ehrlich Michael
Published: August 2012

Last year, the United States was suffering in the wake of the housing bubble. But in Europe, the housing market looked brighter. The Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development (OECD) countries seemed to be recovering far more quickly. But that did not last. Over the past year, the European housing market abruptly declined. What went wrong? Why did the European housing recovery collapse?. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Kinetics of mould growth in the stored barley ecosystem contaminated with Aspergillus westerdijkiae, Penicillium viridicatum and Fusarium poae at 23–30 °C
Authors: Wawrzyniak Jolanta , Ryniecki Antoni , Gawrysiak‐Witulska Marzena
Published: August 2012

BACKGROUND: Owing to the lack of a rapid method for determining fungi on cereals, the best way to enhance the safety and nutritive value of stored grain is to develop prognostic tools based on the relationship between easily measurable online parameters, e.g. water activity (aw) and temperature (t) of grain, and fungal growth. This study examined the effect of unfavourable temperature (23 and 30 °C) and humidity (0.80–0.94 aw) storage conditions on mould growth in the stored barley ecosystem with its adverse microbiological state provided by contamination with Aspergillus westerdijkiae, Penicillium viridicatum and Fusarium poae.

RESULTS: Among the applied storage parameters, aw turned out to be the main factor affecting mould development. The longest lag phase and period of fungal activation were observed for grain with 0.80 aw, which was not threatened with fungal development for at least 30 days. However, in grain with 0.92 and 0.94 aw, fungal activation occurred within 24–48 h.

CONCLUSION: The obtained data and the identification of critical points in mould growth may be used to develop a control system for the postharvest preservation of barley based on aw and temperature of grain, which are easy to measure in practice. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Secondary metabolites and antioxidant capacities of Waldheimia glabra (Decne.) Regel from Nepal
Authors: Giorgi Annamaria , Panseri Sara , Mattara Manuela S , Andreis Carlo , Chiesa Luca M
Published: August 2012

BACKGROUND: The phenolic content, volatile compound fingerprint and antioxidant capacity of Waldheimia glabra (Decne.) Regel (Asteraceae), a wild plant from the Himalayan mountains used in Sherpa religious rituals and in traditional medicine, were determined for the first time to investigate its suitability as a source of natural antioxidants.

RESULTS: The total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of dried and powdered plants from two different altitudes (5000 and 5200 m above sea level) in Khumbu Valley, Nepal were estimated by the Folin–Ciocalteu and 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical methods respectively. The volatile organic compound (VOC) fingerprints from leafing plants (in vivo and in situ VOC sampling) and from dried plant samples were evaluated by headspace solid phase microextraction. The results indicated that W. glabra was a good source of phenolics with antioxidant properties. A correlation between total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity was found (r2 = 0.9111). Seychellene, a volatile compound that characterises patchouli oil, was detected for the first time in a species of the Asteraceae family.

CONCLUSION: Waldheimia glabra was proved to be a good source of antioxidants, partially supporting its traditional uses. Further studies aimed at deepening knowledge on W. glabra bioactivity and its possible uses will be of interest, considering the lack of proper scientific awareness regarding these aspects. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Metal Complexes of Amphoteric Cryogels Based on Allylamine and Methacrylic Acid
Authors: Tatykhanova Gulnur S. , Sadakbayeva Zhansaya K. , Berillo Dmitriy , Galaev Igor , Abdullin Khabib A. , Adilov Zheksenbek , Kudaibergenov Sarkyt E.
Published: August 2012

A series of macroporous amphoteric cryogels based on allylamine, methacrylic acid and acrylamide were synthesized by radical copolymerization of monomers in cryoconditions. The average molar composition of amphoteric cryogels was found from the potentiometric and conductimetric titration curves. The morphology of cryogels was evaluated by SEM. Cryogels are highly elastic and have continuous macroporous structure with 50–200 µm pores. The values of the isoelectric pH determined from the swelling experiments arranged between 3.5 and 4.3. Complexation of amphoteric with transition metal ions was studied. Cryogels with adsorbed copper, nickel, or cobalt ions have an intense colour due to formation of coordination and ionic bonds between metal ions and amine and/or carboxylic groups of cryogels. Metal ions entrapped within the pores of cryogels were reduced by treating aqueous solution of NaBH4. Formation of micron sized metals on the inner surface of cryogels was observed by SEM.
Block Copolymers of Polyacrilamide and Poly(ethylene oxide) as Nanocarriers for Drug Delivery: Micellization and Bulk Structure
Authors: Kunitskaya Larisa , Zheltonozhskaya Tatyana , Permyakova Nataliya
Published: August 2012

The self‐assembly of diblock copolymers series (DBC) of polyacrylamide and methoxypoly(ethylen oxide) (MOPEO‐b‐PAAm) with a variable length of both the blocks were studied in water and water‐ethanol solutions. The tendency of DBCs to micellization in water‐ethanol mixture grew with increased molecular weights of the blocks. The addition of NaCl resulted in increase of micellar stability, while the introduction of dimethylformamide (DMF) destructed DBC micelles. In DBC bulk structure, MOPEO blocks either lost or considerably reduced their ability of crystallization due to interaction with PAAm blocks. DBC micelles encapsulated anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) that led to lowering the crytical micellization concentration.
Tailorable Polymeric Assemblies Based on Host/Guest Interactions Between Modified Dextrans
Authors: Amiel Catherine , Wintgens Véronique , Nielsen Thorbjørn Terndrup , Larsen Kim Lambertsen
Published: August 2012

Nanoassemblies are spontaneously formed in dilute aqueous solutions by mixing of two dextrans modified with lauroyl and β‐cyclodextrin moieties, respectively. This association process is mainly driven by host/guest interactions between the two polymers. The nanoassemblies' size depends on the substitution degrees of the polymers, and on the total concentration and composition of the mixtures. The results are compared to those previously obtained with adamantyl grafted dextrans. The number and the strength of the individual guest‐host complexes between the two grafted dextrans is the key parameter to obtain small and stable nanoassemblies.
Advances in Organic All‐Optical Photorefractive Materials
Authors: Liu Yingliang , Pei Haiyan , Zhang Li , Shi Jun , Cao Shaokui
Published: August 2012

Organic all‐optical photorefractive (PR) materials will soon become an interesting topic owing to the convenient signal‐writing without the application of external electrical field and poling, even without any photosensitizer. In this paper, organic all‐optical PR materials synthesized in our laboratory have been systematically summarized including organic monolithic PR molecular glasses with a linear or hyperbranched chemical structure such as organic carbazole/triphenylamine‐based amorphous compounds, and PR polymers with a non‐conjugated main chain (NCMC) such as polymethacrylates, polyphosphazenes and polynorbornenes. Much progress has been made not only in the synthesis strategy of organic all‐optical materials but also in understanding the primary mechanism of all‐optical PR effect in organic materials. It is believed that the outcoming of organic all‐optical PR materials will broaden the application fields of organic PR materials.
Effects of percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation on adult patients with overactive bladder syndrome: A systematic review
Authors: Moossdorff‐Steinhauser Heidi F.A. , Berghmans Bary
Published: August 2012

Aims

To assess the effectiveness of percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) on adult patients with overactive bladder syndrome, using a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), clinical controlled trials (CCTs), and prospective observational cohort studies.

Methods

A computer‐aided literature search was performed in: PubMed, EMBASE and CENTRAL (2000 to November 15, 2011) to identify RCTs, CCTs, and prospective observational cohort studies. The study had to investigate the effect of PTNS on overactive bladder syndrome. The methodological quality of each study was assessed and a qualitative analysis was performed to establish the levels of evidence.

Results

Four RCTs and six prospective observational cohort studies were identified. There is strong evidence for the efficacy of PTNS versus a sham treatment. There is limited evidence that the use of PTNS and tolterodine ER is equally effective. No additional effect of a combination of Stoller afferent nerve stimulation (SANS) and anticholinergic medication compared to SANS alone. Most cohort studies suggested decreased frequency and improvement of incontinence and nocturia. However, the level of evidence was insufficient to make any firm conclusions. Because the total duration of all included trials varied between 6 and 12 weeks, so far there is little information on treatment periods.

Conclusions

PTNS is efficacious for frequency and urgency urinary incontinence. More high quality studies are needed to improve the level of evidence concerning the efficacy of PTNS with regard to urgency and nocturia, to specify patient selection criteria, optimal treatment modalities and long‐term effects as well as the effectiveness in more pragmatic trials. Neurourol. Urodynam. 32: 206–214, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Characterization of silodosin and naftopidil in the treatment of bladder dysfunction in the spontaneously hypertensive rat
Authors: Saito Motoaki , Shimizu Shogo , Ohmasa Fumiya , Oikawa Ryo , Tsounapi Panagiota , Dimitriadis Fotios , Kinoshita Yukako , Satoh Keisuke
Published: August 2012

Purpose

As increasing evidence suggest that α1‐blockers prevent benign prostatic hyperplasia related overactive bladder and nocturia in the human, we investigated the effects of silodosin and naftopidil on hypertension‐related bladder dysfunction in the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) model.

Materials and Methods

Twelve‐week‐old male SHRs received no treatment or treatment with silodosin (100 µg/kg, p.o.) or naftopidil (10 or 30 mg/kg, p.o.) once daily for 6 weeks. Wistar rats were used as normotensive controls. After 6‐week treatment, voiding functions were estimated by metabolic cages (dark‐ and light‐cycle separately) and cystometric studies. Furthermore, the bladder blood flow (BBF) was measured employing the hydrogen clearance method.

Results

SHRs showed significant increases in micturition frequency, and decreases in BBF and single voided volume in both metabolic cages and cystometrograms compared to the Wistar group. Treatment with silodosin normalized the decreased BBF, and treatment with naftopidil increased the BBF in a dose‐dependent manner in the SHR group. Although treatment with silodosin and the high dose of naftopidil significantly inhibited micturition frequency in one day, only treatment with the high dose of naftopidil significantly inhibited micturition frequency and urine production in the light‐cycle compared to the non‐treated SHRs. Although treatment with silodosin and the high dose of naftopidil significantly increased single voided volume, only treatment with silodosin significantly inhibited non‐voiding contractions in the cystometrgrams.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that both silodosin and naftopidil improve hypertension‐related bladder dysfunction in the SHR, and naftopidil but not silodosin improves urinary frequency in the light‐cycle due to inhibition of urine production. Neurourol. Urodynam. 32: 393–398, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Transforming polylactide into value‐added materials
Authors: Leibfarth Frank A. , Moreno Nicholas , Hawker Alex P. , Shand Justin D.
Published: August 2012

The production of chemical building blocks and polymer precursors from biorenewable and sustainable resources is an attractive method to bypass traditional fossil fuel derived materials. Accordingly, we report the organocatalytic recycling of postconsumer polylactide (PLA) into value‐added small molecules. This strategy, using the highly active transesterification catalyst triazabicyclodecene, is shown to completely depolymerize PLA in the presence of various alcohols into valuable lactate esters. Using previously used PLA packaging material, the depolymerization is complete in minutes at room temperature and fully retains the stereochemistry of the lactate species. Further, the modularity and utility of this methodology with respect to polyester substrate is detailed by using a variety of functional alcohols to depolymerize both PLA and polyglycolide, with the corresponding ester small‐molecules being used to make new polymeric materials. The opportunities to transform waste streams into value‐added chemicals and new materials through simple and versatile chemistry hold significant potential to extend the lifecycle of renewable chemical feedstocks. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Biological activity of sedaxane – a novel broad‐spectrum fungicide for seed treatment
Authors: Zeun Ronald , Scalliet Gabriel , Oostendorp Michael
Published: August 2012

Background

Sedaxane is a new broad‐spectrum seed treatment fungicide developed by Syngenta Crop Protection for control of seed‐ and soil‐borne diseases in a broad range of crops. Its physicochemical properties and activity spectrum have been optimised for use as a seed treatment providing both local and systemic protection of the seed and roots of target crops.

Results

Sedaxane inhibits respiration by binding to the succinate dehydrogenase complex in the fungal mitochondrium. Its activity spectrum covers seed‐borne fungi such as Ustilago nuda, Tilletia caries, Monographella nivalis and Pyrenophora graminea, as well as the soil‐borne fungi Rhizoctonia solani, R. cerealis and Typhula incarnata. Under greenhouse conditions, sedaxane showed high levels and consistent protection against U. nuda, P. graminea and Rhizoctonia spp. Under field conditions, efficacy against Rhizoctonia spp. resulted in increased yield compared with the untreated check. Efficacy against snow mould has been shown under very high disease pressure conditions. The combination of sedaxane plus fludioxonil against snow mould can provide resistance management for sustainable use.

Conclusions

The broad spectrum and high level of activity in combination with excellent crop tolerance allow the use of sedaxane as a seed treatment in a wide variety of crops. It is a potential tool for precautionary resistance management when combined with other fungicides, especially against pathogens showing a potential for resistance development, such as M. nivalis. © 2012 Syngenta Crop Protection, AG. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
How Can ESOL and Mainstream Teachers Make the Best of a Standards‐Based Curriculum in Order to Collaborate?
Authors: Martin‐Beltrán Melinda , Peercy Megan Madigan
Published: August 2012

In this era of high‐stakes testing, teachers are often required to follow a standards‐based, standardized curriculum, which can be constraining for English to speakers of other languages (ESOL) and mainstream teachers who are trying to meet the needs of English language learners. Despite the challenges presented by such curricula, this study found that one advantage of a standardized, standards‐based curriculum is that it can support collaborative efforts between ESOL and mainstream teachers. This research emerged from a university–school district professional development partnership with 26 ESOL and mainstream teachers across 11 elementary schools. This study examined different ways that ESOL and mainstream teachers worked together using a standardized curriculum as a key tool for collaboration. Data collection involved surveys, interviews, and observations of collaborative teaching and coplanning and interviews with three focal teacher pairs before and after they cotaught lessons. The authors found that the ways the teachers used, adapted, and took ownership of the curriculum as a tool for collaboration may have been even more important than the curriculum itself. This study has implications for teachers, schools, and teacher educators considering tools or structures that may already be in place, or that need to be created, which could serve as a common touchstone for collaborative efforts.
Crystal Structures of Photovoltaic Chalcogenides, an Intricate Puzzle to Solve: the Cases of CIGSe and CZTS Materials
Authors: Lafond Alain , Choubrac Léo , Guillot‐Deudon Catherine , Deniard Philippe , Jobic Stephane
Published: August 2012

Light harvesting chalcogenide materials have strong potential applications for photovoltaic due, in part, to the ability of their structures to accommodate shift from the ideal stoichiometry. This study is devoted to the chemical and structural investigations of two specific series of materials, Cu(In, Ga)Se2 (CIGSe) and Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS). Both of them receive currently a strong incentive in the domain of thin film solar cells. On the basis of accurate chemical analyses, conventional powder and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, resonant X‐ray scattering with synchrotron radiation the capacity of the chalcopyrite and kesterite structures of CIGSe and CZTS to accommodate deviations from the stoichiometry is discussed. Formally, the former is found to be more flexible than the latter even if this one can self adapt to copper‐poor and copper‐rich compositions without any structural change except in terms of the cation distributions.
Validation of a Fecal Glucocorticoid Metabolite Assay to Assess Stress in the Budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus)
Authors: Young Anna M. , Hallford Dennis M.
Published: August 2012

The budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus) is a small parrot native to Australia that is commonly held in zoos, laboratories, and private homes. Assessment of budgerigar stress levels would aid welfare monitoring and improve our understanding of their biology. Analyzing fecal glucocorticoid metabolites provides a noninvasive method to measure stress levels in birds. For this method to be reliable, the antibody to be used in an immunoassay must be carefully selected for each species, and validation must be performed. A common limitation in many existing assays is the inability to accurately detect variable fecal glucocorticoid metabolites in minute quantities of feces, requiring small samples to be combined. We have developed a double antibody radioimmunoassay protocol based on a commercially available 125I‐corticosterone radioimmunoassay kit for use in detecting fecal glucocorticoid metabolites in small quantities (<20 mg) of budgerigar droppings. The assay was validated pharmacologically with an adrenocorticotropic hormone challenge and with oral administration of corticosterone. Our validation has demonstrated our assay is both sensitive and a reliable approach to noninvasive monitoring of stress in budgerigars. Zoo Biol. 32:112‐116, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The role of experience in six sigma project success: An empirical analysis of improvement projects
Authors: Easton George S. , Rosenzweig Eve D.
Published: August 2012

Recent learning‐by‐doing research highlights the importance of examining multiple measures of experience and their relationship to the performance of work teams. Our paper studies the role of individual experience, organizational experience, team leader experience, and experience working together on a team (team familiarity) in the context of improvement teams. To do so, we analyze successful and failed six sigma improvement team projects at a Fortune 500 consumer products manufacturer with multiple business groups. Such improvement project teams focus on deliberate learning, which differs from the primary focus of work teams.

Our analysis uses archival data generated by these improvement project teams over a six year time span. Of the four experience variables we study, we find that team leader experience exhibits the strongest relationship with project success, followed by organizational experience. Further, in contrast to prior‐related research on work teams, we find no relationship between individual experience or team familiarity and project success beyond that explained by team leader and organizational experience. These results suggest that a well‐developed and deployed structured problem‐solving process—characteristic of effective six sigma deployments—may reduce the importance of team familiarity in the context of improvement teams.
LOCAL-GLOBAL PRINCIPLE FOR THE FINITENESS AND ARTINIANNESS OF GENERALISED LOCAL COHOMOLOGY MODULES
Authors: FATHI ALI
Published: August 2012

Let $\mathcal S$ be a Serre subcategory of the category of $R$-modules, where $R$ is a commutative Noetherian ring. Let $\mathfrak a$ and $\mathfrak b$ be ideals of $R$ and let $M$ and $N$ be finite $R$-modules. We prove that if $N$ and $H^i_{\mathfrak a}(M,N)$ belong to $\mathcal S$ for all $i\lt n$ and if $n\leq \mathrm {f}$-$\mathrm {grad}({\mathfrak a},{\mathfrak b},N )$, then $\mathrm {Hom}_{R}(R/{\mathfrak b},H^n_{{\mathfrak a}}(M,N))\in \mathcal S$. We deduce that if either $H^i_{\mathfrak a}(M,N)$ is finite or $\mathrm {Supp}\,H^i_{\mathfrak a}(M,N)$ is finite for all $i\lt n$, then $\mathrm {Ass}\,H^n_{\mathfrak a}(M,N)$ is finite. Next we give an affirmative answer, in certain cases, to the following question. If, for each prime ideal ${\mathfrak {p}}$ of $R$, there exists an integer $n_{\mathfrak {p}}$ such that $\mathfrak b^{n_{\mathfrak {p}}} H^i_{\mathfrak a R_{\mathfrak {p}}}({M_{\mathfrak {p}}},{N_{\mathfrak {p}}})=0$ for every $i$ less than a fixed integer $t$, then does there exist an integer $n$ such that $\mathfrak b^nH^i_{\mathfrak a}(M,N)=0$ for all $i\lt t$? A formulation of this question is referred to as the local-global principle for the annihilation of generalised local cohomology modules. Finally, we prove that there are local-global principles for the finiteness and Artinianness of generalised local cohomology modules.
ELLIPTIC EXTENSIONS IN THE DISK WITH OPERATORS IN DIVERGENCE FORM
Authors: ARENA ORAZIO , GIANNOTTI CRISTINA
Published: August 2012

Let $\varphi _0$ and $\varphi _1$ be regular functions on the boundary $\partial D$ of the unit disk $D$ in $\mathbb {R}^2$, such that $\int _{0}^{2\pi }\varphi _1\,d\theta =0$ and $\int _{0}^{2\pi }\sin \theta (\varphi _1-\varphi _0)\,d\theta =0$. It is proved that there exist a linear second-order uniformly elliptic operator $L$ in divergence form with bounded measurable coefficients and a function $u$ in $W^{1,p}(D)$, $1 \lt p \lt 2$, such that $Lu=0$ in $D$ and with $u|_{\partial D}= \varphi _0$ and the conormal derivative $\partial u/\partial N|_{\partial D}=\varphi _1$.