bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COMPARISON OF PSYCHOLOGICAL NEEDS OF COUNSELED AND NONCOUNSELED STUDENTS
Authors: Kinnick Bernard C. , Nelson Theodore M. , Quinlan Claire A.
Published: February 2012

Scores on the Edwards Personal Preference Schedule were compared to ascertain differences between counseled and noncounseled college students. Ninety‐eight were identified as “counseled students,” in that they had received professional counseling involving 5 or more interviews. A stratified random sample of 100 “noncounseled students” was selected. Findings indicate that counseled male students had significantly higher need scores on the autonomy and change variables but a significantly lower score on the endurance scale when compared with noncounseled males. Counseled female students displayed a significantly higher score on the change variable but significantly lower scores on the affiliation and abasement factors when compared with noncounseled females. An additional comparison indicated no differences between counseled and noncounseled students on the American College Test (ACT) composite score.
Student Award for Outstanding Research Winner in the Ph.D. Category for the 9th World Biomaterials Congress, Chengdu, China, June 1‐5, 2012
Authors: Mountziaris Paschalia M. , Tzouanas Stephanie N. , Mikos Antonios G.
Published: February 2012

As an initial step in the development of a bone tissue engineering strategy to rationally control inflammation, we investigated the interplay of bone‐like extracellular matrix (ECM) and varying doses of the inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) on osteogenically differentiating mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) cultured in vitro on 3D poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) microfiber scaffolds containing pregenerated bone‐like ECM. To generate the ECM, PCL scaffolds were seeded with MSCs and cultured in medium containing the typically required osteogenic supplement dexamethasone. However, since dexamethasone antagonizes TNF‐α, the interplay of ECM and TNF‐α was investigated by culturing naïve MSCs on the decellularized scaffolds in the absence of dexamethasone. MSCs cultured on ECM‐coated scaffolds continued to deposit mineralized matrix, a late stage marker of osteogenic differentiation. Mineralized matrix deposition was not adversely affected by exposure to TNF‐α for 4–8 days, but was significantly reduced after continuous exposure to TNF‐α over 16 days, which simulates the in vivo response, where brief TNF‐α signaling stimulates bone regeneration, while prolonged exposure has damaging effects. This underscores the exciting potential of PCL/ECM constructs as a more clinically realistic in vitro culture model to facilitate the design of new bone tissue engineering strategies that rationally control inflammation to promote regeneration. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2012.
Bioactivity and protein attachment onto bioactive glasses containing silver nanoparticles
Authors: Vulpoi A. , Gruian C. , Vanea E. , Baia L. , Simon S. , Steinhoff H.‐J. , Göller G. , Simon V.
Published: February 2012

There is much interest in silver containing glasses for use in bone replacement owing to the demonstrated antibacterial effect. In this work, 2 and 8 mol % of silver was added during the sol‐gel process to the composition of a bioactive glass belonging to CaO‐SiO2‐P2O5 system. The samples were characterized by means of ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) techniques to demonstrate that the silver is embedded into the glass matrix as nanoparticles. Bioactivity test in simulated body fluid proved that the presence of silver in the bioactive glass composition, even in high amount, preserve or even improve the bioactivity of the starting glass, and consequently, leads to the carbonated apatite formation, which is the prerequisite for bioactive materials to bond with living bones. Complementary information proving these findings were delivered by performing X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and XPS measurements. The presence of silver also improves protein binding capability to the bioactive glass surface as demonstrated by cw‐electron paramagnetic resonance experiments and XPS measurements. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A:, 2012.
Novel biodegradable three‐dimensional macroporous scaffold using aligned electrospun nanofibrous yarns for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Cai You‐Zhi , Zhang Guo‐Rong , Wang Lin‐Lin , Jiang Yang‐Zi , Ouyang Hong‐Wei , Zou Xiao‐Hui
Published: February 2012

This study aimed to develop a practical three‐dimensional (3D) macroporous scaffold from aligned electrospun nanofibrous yarns for bone tissue engineering. A novel 3D unwoven macroporous nanofibrous (MNF) scaffold was manufactured with electrospun poly(L‐lactic acid) and polycaprolactone (w/w 9:1) nanofibers through sequential yarns manufacture and honeycombing process at 65°C. The efficacy of 3D MNF scaffold for bone formation were evaluated using human embryonic stem cell‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (hESC‐MSCs) differentiation model and rabbit tibia bone defect model. In vitro, more cell proliferation and cell ingrowth were observed in 3D MNF scaffold. Moreover, calcium deposit was obviously detected in vitro differentiation of hESC‐MSCs. In vivo, histology and X‐ray showed that 3D MNF scaffold treated bone defect had fine 3D bony tissue formation around the scaffold as well as inside the scaffold at 3 weeks and 6 weeks. This study demonstrated that 3D MNF scaffold provides a structural support for hESC‐MSCs growth and guides bone formation suggesting that this novel strategy successfully makes use of electrospun fibers for bone tissue engineering, which may help realize the clinical translation of electrospun nanofibers for regenerative medicine in future. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A:, 2012.
Microparticles based on natural and synthetic polymers for ophthalmic applications
Authors: Tataru G. , Popa M. , Costin D. , Desbrieres J.
Published: February 2012

Sodium salt of carboxymethylcellulose/poly(vinyl alcohol) particles suitable for application in ocular drug administration were prepared by crosslinking with epichlorohydrin in an alkaline medium, in reverse emulsion. The influence of parameters related with the particles elaboration process (ratio between polymer mixture and crosslinking agent, concentration of polymer solution, duration of crosslinking reaction, stirring intensity, etc.) based on their composition, size, and swelling ability was studied. Obtained microparticles fulfill the requirements for biomaterials—they are formed from biocompatible polymers; the acute toxicity value (LD50) is high enough to consider these materials as weakly toxic (hence able to introduce within the organism); they are able to include and release drugs in a controlled way. The in vivo adrenalin ocular delivery from the microparticles was tested on voluntary human patient. The particles showed good adhesion properties without irritation to the patient and proved the capability to treat the ocular congestion. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A:, 2012.
Use of ionic liquids for biocatalytic synthesis of sugar derivatives
Authors: Galonde Nadine , Nott Katherine , Debuigne Antoine , Deleu Magali , Jerôme Christine , Paquot Michel , Wathelet Jean‐Paul
Published: February 2012

Sugar‐based compounds are widely used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, detergents and food. They are mainly produced by chemical methods, but the use of enzymes as ‘a greener alternative’ to organic synthesis has been investigated for more than 20 years. Due to the low polar substrate solubility in organic solvents compatible with enzymes, research has focused on the application of substitutes for biocatalysis, especially ionic liquids (ILs). After introducing the main properties of ILs and especially their ability to solubilize sugars, this review focuses on one of their applications, the biocatalytic synthesis of carbohydrate derivatives. In this context, they can be used in pure IL systems, in IL/IL systems or in IL/organic solvent systems. Finally, this review provides an update on the environmental fate of ILs. Their exploitation in ‘green’ processes is still limited due to their low degradability but research is currently under way to design new more ‘eco‐friendly’ ILs. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Early entry and deformation of macropinosomes correlates with high efficiency of decaarginine‐polyethylene glycol‐lipid‐mediated gene delivery
Authors: Kobayashi Shouhei , Hattori Yoshiyuki , Osakada Hiroko , Toma Kazunori , Maitani Yoshie , Hiraoka Yasushi , Haraguchi Tokuko
Published: February 2012

Background

Decaarginine‐polyethylene glycol‐conjugated 3,5‐bis(dodecyloxy)benzamide/plasmid DNA [Arg10‐polyethylene glycol (PEG)‐lipid/plasmid DNA (pDNA)] complexes (designated R10B/DNA complexes) are efficient nonviral carriers for pDNA delivery into human cervical carcinoma HeLa cells. Previous reports indicated that these complexes formed at a relatively low R10B/DNA ratio and showed high transgene expression efficiency. However, the intracellular behaviour of the two different nanostructures, which leads to differences in gene delivery, remains to be elucidated.

Methods

R10B/DNA complexes prepared at a N/P ratio of 8.5/1 or 42.5/1, corresponding to 5 µm or 25 µm R10B, respectively, were added to HeLa cells, and their uptake and subsequent intracellular fate were examined by cell imaging using electron microscopy (EM) and correlative light‐electron microscopy (CLEM).

Results

EM and CLEM analyses revealed that R10B/DNA complexes formed at the lower N/P ratio were mainly taken up by the cells through macropinocytosis, whereas R10B/DNA complexes formed at the higher N/P ratio bound to protruding membrane structures or permeated into the cells by a different pathway. In cells expressing the transgene, R10B/DNA complexes were observed both in macropinosomes and in the cytoplasm. In addition, these cells had macropinosomes with disrupted membranes. These results suggest that cellular uptake through macropinocytosis and subsequent disruption of the macropinosome membrane may be a critical step for R10B‐mediated gene delivery.

Conclusions

We have shown that the existence of R10B/DNA complexes in macropinosomes at the early stages of gene delivery correlates with high efficiency R10B‐mediated gene delivery. This finding will provide valuable insights for the engineering of more efficient gene delivery systems based on oligoarginine‐mediated carriers. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and Characterization of [2.2]Paracyclophane‐Containing Conjugated Microporous Polymers
Authors: Morisaki Yasuhiro , Gon Masayuki , Tsuji Yuichi , Kajiwara Yuichi , Chujo Yoshiki
Published: February 2012

Conjugated microporous polymers (CMPs) are prepared from disubstituted and tetrasubstituted [2.2]paracyclophane monomers by a Sonogashira–Hagihara coupling. The polymers obtained exhibit a type I nitrogen gas adsorption profile and H4‐like hysteresis loops, indicating that the [2.2]paracyclophane‐containing CMPs possess slit‐like mesopores. Their Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface areas are estimated to be above 500 m2 g−1. The step and stacked structure of the [2.2]paracyclophane unit affects the morphology of the polymers because of the contribution of two‐dimensional expansion of the polymer network.
Investigation of Thermoresponsive Nano‐Confined Polymer Brushes by AFM‐Based Force Spectroscopy
Authors: Radji Sadia , Alem Halima , Demoustier‐Champagne Sophie , Jonas Alain M. , Cuenot Stéphane
Published: February 2012

PNIPAM polymer brushes are synthesized in nanopores of track‐etched membranes. The internal structure of these nano‐confined brushes is studied by AFM force spectroscopy experiments as a function of the synthesis conditions. The approach force vs. distance profiles are fitted using the Alexander‐de Gennes model to determine the grafting density, and the worm‐like chain model is used to estimate the chain length from the retract profiles. The grafting density for brushes synthesized within 80 nm pores is ten times lower than that obtained in 330 nm pores. For the same polymerization time, the chain lengths are much lower if the synthesis is carried out in small pores. The elastic properties of the brushes are also directly related to the confinement conditions.
Personality Psychology in the First Decade of the New Millennium: A Bibliometric Portrait
Authors: Allik Jüri
Published: February 2012

Nine principal personality psychology journals— Journal of Personality and Social Psychology (JPSP), Journal of Personality (JP), Journal of Research in Personality (JRP), European Journal of Personality (EJP), Personality and Individual Differences (PAID), Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin (PSPB), Personality and Social Psychology Review (PSPR), Journal of Personality Assessment (JPA), and Journal of Personality Disorders (JPD)—have published 8510 research papers from 2001 to 2010. These papers have been cited 149 108 times (September 2011) by papers published in journals indexed in the Web of Science. Although personality psychologists from the US published the largest number of papers (4924, 57.9%) and had the largest number of citations (101 875, 68.3%), their relative contribution to personality literature has slightly diminished during the first decade of the new millennium. Unlike other countries, personality psychologists residing in the US demonstrated a strong country self–citation bias: They were about 14% more likely to cite papers which were written by their compatriots rather than non–US authors in three leading journals JPSP, PSPB, and PSPR. The intensity and pattern of citations indicate that personality psychology indeed occupies one of the core positions at the heart of psychological knowledge. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Wavelength conversion using rare earth doped oxides in polyolefin based nanocomposite films
Authors: Jadhav Abhijit , Pawar Amol , Hwang Tae Ryong , Lee Jae Wook , Choi Min Wook , Kyu Kim Byung , Kang Young Soo
Published: February 2012

Nanocomposites are a new class of polymeric materials which include organic or inorganic nano‐phase materials. These nanocomposite films can show interesting properties which have many applications for wavelength conversion and energy saving. In this paper, we present polyolefin based nanocomposite films prepared using wavelength‐converting red ‘phosphors’ such as Y2O3: Eu3+ and LiAl5O8:Fe3+ and blue ‘phosphor’ CaMgSi2O6: Eu2+. The durability of the polymer chain is unaffected by incorporation of inorganic nanoparticles as there is no direct interaction between them. The addition of surfactant in the nanocomposite film helps to improve the dispersion ability of the nanoparticles and increase the flexibility of the polymer film. Wavelength‐converting ‘nanophosphors’ incorporated in a polymer matrix help to increase the tensile strength of the film. The films show excellent wavelength conversion ability of UV light into the visible and near IR range. These nanocomposite films have great application in energy saving devices. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Computational investigation of the HIV‐1 Rev multimerization using molecular dynamics simulations and binding free energy calculations
Authors: Venken Tom , Daelemans Dirk , De Maeyer Marc , Voet Arnout
Published: February 2012

The HIV Rev protein mediates the nuclear export of viral mRNA, and is thereby essential for the production of late viral proteins in the replication cycle. Rev forms a large organized multimeric protein‐protein complex for proper functioning. Recently, the three‐dimensional structures of a Rev dimer and tetramer have been resolved and provide the basis for a thorough structural analysis of the binding interaction. Here, molecular dynamics (MD) and binding free energy calculations were performed to elucidate the forces thriving dimerization and higher order multimerization of the Rev protein. It is found that despite the structural differences between each crystal structure, both display a similar behavior according to our calculations. Our analysis based on a molecular mechanics‐generalized Born surface area (MM/GBSA) and a configurational entropy approach demonstrates that the higher order multimerization site is much weaker than the dimerization site. In addition, a quantitative hot spot analysis combined with a mutational analysis reveals the most contributing amino acid residues for protein interactions in agreement with experimental results. Additional residues were found in each interface, which are important for the protein interaction. The investigation of the thermodynamics of the Rev multimerization interactions performed here could be a further step in the development of novel antiretrovirals using structure based drug design. Moreover, the variability of the angle between each Rev monomer as measured during the MD simulations suggests a role of the Rev protein in allowing flexibility of the arginine rich domain (ARM) to accommodate RNA binding. Proteins 2012; © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evolutionary information hidden in a single protein structure
Authors: Shih Chien‐Hua , Chang Chih‐Min , Lin Yeong‐Shin , Lo Wei‐Cheng , Hwang Jenn‐Kang
Published: February 2012

The knowledge of conserved sequences in proteins is valuable in identifying functionally or structurally important residues. Generating the conservation profile of a sequence requires aligning families of homologous sequences and having knowledge of their evolutionary relationships. Here, we report that the conservation profile at the residue level can be quantitatively derived from a single protein structure with only backbone information. We found that the reciprocal packing density profiles of protein structures closely resemble their sequence conservation profiles. For a set of 554 nonhomologous enzymes, 74% (408/554) of the proteins have a correlation coefficient > 0.5 between these two profiles. Our results indicate that the three‐dimensional structure, instead of being a mere scaffold for positioning amino acid residues, exerts such strong evolutionary constraints on the residues of the protein that its profile of sequence conservation essentially reflects that of its structural characteristics. Proteins 2012;. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quality‐factor enhancement of optical modes mediated by strong coupling in micron‐size semiconductor disks
Authors: Benyoucef M. , Shim J.‐B. , Wiersig J. , Schmidt O. G.
Published: February 2012

We investigate whispering gallery modes (WGMs) in coupled microdisks both experimentally and theoretically. In order to compensate small fluctuations in the mode energies, we controllably increase the refractive index of a microdisk by local laser heating leading to a red‐shift of the confined modes. The maximum red‐shift and a nearly unchanged Q‐factor are achievable only if the laser beam is located at the center of the disk, while linewidth broadening is observed when the laser beam is focused far from the disk center. When WGM frequencies of two or even three disks are brought into resonance, clear anticrossings are observed, which witness the strong coupling between the resonators. The Q‐factors in strongly coupled resonators are investigated experimentally and theoretically. The Q‐factors of the same order WGMs show a splitting behavior leading to the formation of high‐quality and low‐quality supermodes.

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Epitaxial growth of lateral quantum dot molecules
Authors: Zallo Eugenio , Atkinson Paola , Wang Lijuan , Rastelli Armando , Schmidt Oliver G.
Published: February 2012

We present an overview and a comparison between three different methods of creating low density lateral In(Ga)As quantum dot molecules (QDMs) embedded in a GaAs matrix. Each of them is based on the use of nanoholes to control the dot nucleation site and generate the QDMs. The three methods used to create suitable nanoholes are: (1) In situ excess gallium droplet etching, where the nanohole shape is modified by overgrowth of a thin GaAs buffer to give QDM nucleation. (2) Ex situ electron‐beam lithographic patterning and wet‐etching, where the patterned nanohole size is critical for formation of QDMs. (3) In situ strain‐selective etching of buried InAs quantum dots by AsBr3. The mechanisms of QDM formation, dependence on growth parameters, advantages and disadvantages of each technique and future challenges are discussed.
Anticancer Activity of Morinda citrifolia (Noni) Fruit: A Review
Authors: Brown Amy C.
Published: February 2012

This review investigated the relationship of noni juice, or its extract (fruit, leaves or root), to anticancer and/or immunostimulant properties. A Medline search was conducted using the key search words ‘Morinda citrifolia’ and ‘Morinda citrifolia and cancer’ (1964 to October, 2011) along with cross‐referencing. Botanical and chemical indexes were not included. A total of 304 and 29 (10%) articles, respectively, were found under these key terms. Of the 19 studies actually related to cancer, seven publications were in vitro cancer studies, nine were in vivo animal cancer studies, and three were in vivo human cancer studies. Among the in vitro studies, a ‘concentrated component’ in noni juice and not pure noni juice may (1) stimulate the immune system to ‘possibly’ assist the body fight the cancer, and (2) kill a small percentage (0–36%) of cancer cells depending on the type. The nine animal studies suggest that a concentrated component in noni juice may stimulate the immune system; but only slightly increases the number (about 1/3; 25–45%) of surviving mice. Other than two case studies, only two human clinical studies existed. The first consisted of testing freeze‐dried noni fruit, which reduced pain perception, but did not reverse advanced cancer. The second was on smokers ingesting an unknown concentration of noni juice who experienced decreased aromatic DNA adducts, and decreased levels of plasma superoxide anion radicals and lipid hydroperoxide.

Factors to consider in the future are clearly defining the substance being tested, and whether or not the juice is pasteurized. Some reports of hepatotoxicity exist, although there were confounding factors in most of the case reports. More importantly, noni juice is high in potassium and needs to be monitored by patients with kidney, liver or heart problems. In conclusion, a few in vitro and in vivo animal studies suggest a possible unidentified substance in unpasteurized noni fruit juice that may have a small degree of anticancer activity. The isolation of the active component warrants further research. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phytochemistry and Medicinal Properties of Teucrium polium L. (Lamiaceae)
Authors: Bahramikia Seifollah , Yazdanparast Razieh
Published: February 2012

Teucrium polium L. (family Lamiaceae) is a wild‐growing flowering plant, found abundantly in South‐Western Asia, Europe and North Africa. Traditionally, T. polium has been used for different pathological conditions such as gastrointestinal disorders, inflammations, diabetes and rheumatism. In traditional Iranian medicine (TIM), the tea of T. polium is used for treating many diseases such as abdominal pain, indigestion, common cold and type 2 diabetes. Based on this background, many studies have been followed for scientific confirmation of the above‐mentioned properties. In this review, 100 articles published from 1970 to 2011 in the area of phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of extracts and compounds isolated from T. polium have been evaluated. During the past 40 years, different classes of compounds have been isolated from various parts of T. polium of which the main groups are terpenoids and flavonoids. It has been found that these compounds possess a broad spectrum of pharmacological effects including antioxidant, anticancer, antiinflammatory, hypoglycemic, hepatoprotective, hypolipidemic, antibacterial and antifungal. The results of data analyses on the chemical, pharmacological and toxicological characteristics of T. polium support the view that this plant has beneficial therapeutic properties. However, further studies to identify the active components and further verify their relevant pharmacological activities are warranted. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Effect of Baicalein on Hippocampal Neuronal Damage and Metalloproteinase Activity Following Transient Global Cerebral Ischaemia
Authors: Lee Jung‐Hyun , Lee Seong‐Ryong
Published: February 2012

Baicalein, a flavonoid derived fromScutellaria baicalensisGeorgi, is known to protect neural tissue from damage. Several studies have found that baicalein reduces brain infarction following focal brain ischaemia. However, there are few reports on the protective effects of baicalein following global brain ischaemia. Therefore, the current study was designed to address the effects of baicalein on neuronal damage and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP; gelatinase) activity in the hippocampus after transient global ischaemia. C57BL/6 mice were subjected to transient global brain ischaemia for 20 min and sacrificed 72 h after ischaemic insult. Baicalein (200 mg/kg, once daily, as a suspension in 0.5% carboxymethylcellulose) or an equal volume of vehicle was orally administered to the mice from 7 days prior to the ischaemic insult until sacrifice. After global ischaemia neuronal damage was significant in CA1 and CA2 pyramidal cell layers. In baicalein‐treated mice, neuronal damage from the ischaemic insult was significantly less than that in vehicle‐treated mice. Baicalein administration also inhibited MMP‐9 activity in the hippocampus. These data demonstrate that baicalein reduces hippocampal neuronal damage after transient global ischaemia. Besides its possible protective mechanisms, the protective role of baicalein against global ischaemia may operate, at least in part, through the inhibition of MMP‐9 activity. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chemical Vapor Deposition of Graphene on Copper from Methane, Ethane and Propane: Evidence for Bilayer Selectivity
Authors: Wassei Jonathan K. , Mecklenburg Matthew , Torres Jaime A. , Fowler Jesse D. , Regan B. C. , Kaner Richard B. , Weiller Bruce H.
Published: February 2012

To study the effects of hydrocarbon precursor gases, graphene is grown by chemical vapor deposition from methane, ethane, and propane on copper foils. The larger molecules are found to more readily produce bilayer and multilayer graphene, due to a higher carbon concentration and different decomposition processes. Single‐ and bilayer graphene can be grown with good selectivity in a simple, single‐precursor process by varying the pressure of ethane from 250 to 1000 mTorr. The bilayer graphene is AB‐stacked as shown by selected area electron diffraction analysis. Additionally propane is found to only produce a combination of single‐ to few‐layer and turbostratic graphene. The percent coverage is investgated using Raman spectroscopy and optical, scanning electron, and transmission electron microscopies. The data are used to discuss a possible mechanism for the second‐layer growth of graphene involving the different cracking pathways of the hydrocarbons.
Improving software security with static automated code analysis in an industry setting
Authors: Baca Dejan , Carlsson Bengt , Petersen Kai , Lundberg Lars
Published: February 2012

Software security can be improved by identifying and correcting vulnerabilities. In order to reduce the cost of rework, vulnerabilities should be detected as early and efficiently as possible. Static automated code analysis is an approach for early detection. So far, only few empirical studies have been conducted in an industrial context to evaluate static automated code analysis. A case study was conducted to evaluate static code analysis in industry focusing on defect detection capability, deployment, and usage of static automated code analysis with a focus on software security. We identified that the tool was capable of detecting memory related vulnerabilities, but few vulnerabilities of other types. The deployment of the tool played an important role in its success as an early vulnerability detector, but also the developers perception of the tools merit. Classifying the warnings from the tool was harder for the developers than to correct them. The correction of false positives in some cases created new vulnerabilities in previously safe code. With regard to defect detection ability, we conclude that static code analysis is able to identify vulnerabilities in different categories. In terms of deployment, we conclude that the tool should be integrated with bug reporting systems, and developers need to share the responsibility for classifying and reporting warnings. With regard to tool usage by developers, we propose to use multiple persons (at least two) in classifying a warning. The same goes for making the decision of how to act based on the warning. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vector-axial vector correlators in weak electric field and the holographic dynamics of the chiral condensate
Authors: Iatrakis Ioannis , Kiritsis Elias
Published: February 2012

Abstract

The transverse part of the vector-axial vector flavor current correlator in the presence of weak external electric field is studied using holography. The correlator is calculated using a bottom-up model proposed recently, that includes both contributions of higher string states and the non-linear dynamics of the chiral condensate. It is shown that for low momenta the result agrees with the relation proposed by Son and Yamamoto motivated by a simpler holographic model. This suggests that the Son-Yamamoto relation is generically valid in the IR of models with the proper chiral symmetry breaking pattern.
A Heterogeneous Catalyst for Transesterification of Argemone mexicana Oil
Authors: Sharma Meeta , Khan Arif Ali , Dohhen Khem C. , Christopher J. , Puri Suresh K. , Tuli Deepak K. , Sarin Rakesh
Published: February 2012

A novel CaO based catalyst, CaO–Ca12Al14O33 binary complex has been synthesized for the production of biodiesel from vegetable oils. The catalyst has been prepared on the basis of integration of CaO, as solid reactant, with a composite metal oxide, Ca12Al14O33. A non‐traditional oilseed, Argemone mexicana was examined in detail as a reliable and economical bioresource for biodiesel production. The oil was extracted from the seeds and was transesterified with methanol, using a CaO–Ca12Al14O33 catalyst vis‐à‐vis with a conventional homogeneous sodium methoxide catalyst. In addition to providing a trouble free work‐up of the reaction mixture, the novel catalyst could also be reused up to five cycles, without any major loss of its catalytic activity. Good catalytic activity of the developed catalyst has also been found in transesterification of two others non‐edible oils viz. Jatropha curcas and Guizotia abyssinica. The fuel properties of the synthesized methyl ester of A. mexicana oil have been studied and found to meet the ASTM D‐6751 specification of biodiesel, except for the oxidation stability and Conradson Carbon Residue properties.
b-Coloring graphs with large girth
Authors: Campos Victor , de Farias Victor A. E. , Silva Ana
Published: February 2012

A b-coloring of a graph is a coloring of its vertices such that every color class contains a vertex that has a neighbor in all other classes. The b-chromatic number of a graph is the largest integer k such that the graph has a b-coloring with k colors. We show how to compute in polynomial time the b-chromatic number of a graph of girth at least 9. This improves the seminal result of Irving and Manlove on trees.
Maternal models of risk: Links between substance use and risky sexual behavior in African American female caregivers and daughters
Authors: Brakefield Tiffany , Wilson Helen , Donenberg Geri
Published: February 2012

African American (AA) adolescent girls are at heightened risk for HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and thus knowledge of factors related to risky sexual behavior in this population is crucial. Using Social Learning Theory (Bandura, 1977), this paper examines pathways from female caregivers’ risky sexual behavior and substance use to adolescent girls’ risky sexual behavior and substance use in a sample of 214 low‐income, urban AA female caregivers and daughters recruited from outpatient mental health clinics in Chicago. Structural equation modeling (SEM) revealed that sexual risk reported by female caregivers was associated with adolescent sexual risk, and illicit drug use reported by female caregivers was related to adolescent‐reported substance use, which was in turn associated with adolescent‐reported sexual risk behavior. These findings suggest that female caregivers’ sexual behavior and substance use both relate to girls’ sexual risk. Thus, results emphasize the role of female caregivers in transmitting risk.
A novel SRD5A2 mutation in a Taiwanese newborn with ambiguous genitalia
Authors: Tsai Meng‐Che , Chou Yen‐Yin , Lin Shio‐Jean , Tsai Li‐Ping
Published: February 2012

The 5α‐reductase type 2 deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive 46,XY disorder of sex development caused by the mutated 5α‐reductase type 2 (SRD5A2) gene. In this disease, defective conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone leads to variable presentations of male ambiguous genitalia during fetal development. The most crucial clinical decision for the affected individual is proper gender assignment; therefore, a prompt and correct diagnosis is important. In this present study, we report a normal male karyotype manifesting microphallus, bifid scrotum/labia majora with bilateral palpable gonads, and a blind‐ended pseudovagina. The mutation analysis of the SRD5A2 gene revealed one novel C to T transition changing glutamine to a stop codon at codon 71 (p.Q71X) in exon 1 and one known G to A transition changing arginine to glutamine at codon 227 (p.R227Q) in exon 4. The p.Q71X mutation presumably results in a truncated protein, while the p.R227Q mutation is conceived to impair enzyme function and has been reported in patients of East Asian descent. This report demonstrates the essential role of hormonal and molecular studies for genetic counseling and gender assignment in males with pseudovaginal disorder of sex development, and our report helps identify a novel SRD5A2 gene mutation in the Taiwanese population.
Quantification of Plasmodium falciparum malaria from complex infections in the Peruvian Amazon using quantitative PCR of the merozoite surface protein 1, block 2 (PfMSP1-B2): in vitro dynamics reveal density-dependent interactions
Authors: ZERVOS THOMAS M. , HERNANDEZ JEAN N. , SUTTON PATRICK L. , BRANCH ORALEE H.
Published: February 2012

The majority of Plasmodium falciparum field isolates are defined as complex infections because they contain multiple genetically distinct clones. Studying interactions between clones in complex infections in vivo and in vitro could elucidate important phenomena in malaria infection, transmission and treatment. Using quantitative PCR (qPCR) of the P. falciparum merozoite surface protein 1, block 2 (PfMSP1-B2), we provide a sensitive and efficient genotyping method. This is important for epidemiological studies because it makes it possible to study genotype-specific growth dynamics. We compared 3 PfMSP1-B2 genotyping methods by analysing 79 field isolates from the Peruvian Amazon. In vivo observations from other studies using these techniques led to the hypothesis that clones within complex infections interact. By co-culturing clones with different PfMSP1-B2 genotypes, and measuring parasitaemia using qPCR, we found that suppression of clonal expansion was a factor of the collective density of all clones present in a culture. PfMSP1-B2 qPCR enabled us to find in vitro evidence for parasite-parasite interactions and could facilitate future investigations of growth trends in naturally occurring complex infections.
Sulfur management and miticide use in winegrapes grown in California
Authors: Zhang Minghua , Campos Jennifer , Zhan Yu , Grieneisen Michael L.
Published: February 2012

Proper sulfur management in winegrapes may potentially reduce both insecticide/miticide use and the human/social problems associated with sulfur's impacts on air quality and odors, particularly in wine tourism regions. Data from California's unique Pesticide Use Report (PUR) database, which records agricultural pesticide applications on all crops throughout the state, are used to determine if either winegrape grower's choice of sulfur formulation (dust only, wettable only, or a combination) or overall sulfur use rates (pounds per acre planted) correlate with annual miticide and insecticide use in Fresno and Madera (hotter–drier) and Napa and Sonoma counties (cooler–damper). Annual sulfur use has declined by 36–55% in these counties from 1993 to 2009. In 2000, the greatest number of growers in each county were combination users; wettable users were higher in Napa (38%) and Sonoma (34%) than in Fresno (24%) and Madera (10%); and dust-only users varied little (15–19%) across the four counties. Data for 2005 and 2009 showed similar trends. The use of high-toxicity insecticides in Fresno was 387% higher than in Napa–Sonoma in 2000, but was 25 and 8% lower in 2005 and 2009, respectively. In Fresno, wettable sulfur users used less high-toxicity insecticides; while in Fresno and Madera dust users used less lower-risk insecticides than combination or wettable sulfur users. No significant differences in insecticide use were evident between the three sulfur use categories in Napa–Sonoma (P = 0.97). On average, dust users in Fresno–Madera used more high-toxicity miticides than combination or wettable sulfur users in 2000. That trend decreased in the data for 2005 and 2009. Average miticide use in Fresno–Madera was higher than in Napa–Sonoma by 1349% in 2000, 1103% in 2005 and 146% in 2009. Higher sulfur use intensities among individual growers in Fresno–Madera were positively correlated with greater use of high-toxicity miticides in 2000 and 2005, but not 2009. The comparable results for Napa–Sonoma were less clear. Since PUR data represent statewide information on pesticide use decisions in real-world farming scenarios, it can complement data from field and laboratory studies. Expanding these analyses to compare pesticide use by individual growers across years, or to correlate pesticide usage with any published mite field surveys may shed more light on the enigmatic relationship between sulfur fungicide use and mite outbreaks in winegrapes.
“Feminist Security Studies”: Toward a Reflexive Practice
Authors: Cohn Carol
Published: February 2012

My comments take the form of a brief rumination about the politics of “Feminist Security Studies”—as a field of knowledge and as a practice. I start by raising some questions about the meaning of the term itself and the politics of defining the field. Then, in light of these questions, I turn to the politics of the practice of Feminist Security Studies.
Psychische Auffälligkeiten und Stressverarbeitung im Jugendalter
Authors: Hampel Petra , Pössel Patrick
Published: February 2012

Zusammenfassung. Die Fähigkeit, Alltagsstressoren zu bewältigen, hat sich als wesentlicher Schutzfaktor in der psychosozialen Entwicklung im Jugendalter erwiesen. In der vorliegenden Studie sollten Alters-, Geschlechts- und Zeiteffekte auf die psychischen Auffälligkeiten und die habituelle Stressverarbeitung weiter untersucht werden. Insgesamt wurden N = 200 Jugendliche im Alter zwischen 11 und 15 Jahren in diese Kohorten-Sequenz-Studie eingeschlossen, die zwei Kohorten (Sechst-/Siebtklässler vs. Acht-/Neuntklässler), beide Geschlechter und zwei Messzeitpunkte (Studienbeginn vs. 24-Monatskatamnese) umfasste. Mädchen gaben höhere Ausprägungen in der sozialen Unterstützung und Ängstlichkeit/Depressivität an als Jungen. Außerdem gaben Mädchen an, weniger Bagatellisierung in sozialen Belastungssituationen einzusetzen und berichteten über weniger Selbstwertprobleme. Im 2-Jahresverlauf nahmen die externalisierenden Auffälligkeiten bei den Sechst- und Siebtklässlern zu. Schließlich nahmen die positiven Selbstinstruktionen bei den Jungen der achten/neunten Klasse über die Zeit zu. Demnach konnte die ungünstige psychische Entwicklung beider Geschlechter im Verlauf von der frühen zur mittleren Adoleszenz bestätigt werden, der durch präventive Maßnahmen vorgebeugt werden sollte.
Geschlechtstypische Unterschiede und geschlechtstypische Erwartungen beim Einsatz von Bewältigungsstrategien und ihre Zusammenhänge zum Problemverhalten von Jugendlichen
Authors: Schmitz Anne-Katharina , Vierhaus Marc , Lohaus Arnold
Published: February 2012

Zusammenfassung. In dieser Studie geht es um geschlechtstypische Unterschiede bei der Nutzung von Bewältigungsstrategien in der frühen Adoleszenz. Neben den Angaben zur Nutzung der Strategien wird zusätzlich berücksichtigt, in welchem Ausmaß Geschlechtsunterschiede von den Jugendlichen erwartet werden. Die Angaben zur Nutzung von Bewältigungsstrategien sowie das Ausmaß der Geschlechtsrollenkonformität der Erwartungen werden zu Anpassungsproblemen in Bezug gesetzt. An der Studie nahmen 260 Jugendliche mit einem Durchschnittsalter von 13.7 Jahren (SD = 1.9) teil. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass nur bei wenigen Bewältigungsstrategien Geschlechtsunterschiede hinsichtlich ihrer Nutzung bestehen, während bei wesentlich mehr Bewältigungsstrategien Nutzungsunterschiede erwartet werden. Vor allem als maladaptiv klassifizierte Bewältigungsstrategien stehen in beiden Geschlechtsgruppen mit erhöhten emotionalen und verhaltensbezogenen Anpassungsproblemen im Zusammenhang. Als adaptiv klassifizierte Bewältigungsstrategien sind weiterhin bei Jungen mit geringeren emotionalen Problemen assoziiert. Bei Mädchen finden sich weiterhin Bezüge zur Suche nach sozialer Unterstützung. Es zeigt sich weiterhin, dass mit geschlechtsrollenkonformen Erwartungen zum Einsatz von Bewältigungsstrategien eine weitere Varianzaufklärung bei Anpassungsproblemen erreicht werden kann. Dies gilt jedoch nur für Mädchen und kann möglicherweise durch die Wirkung von Geschlechtsrollenstereotypen erklärt werden, die sich sowohl auf die Angaben zu den Bewältigungsstrategien als auch auf die Angaben zu Anpassungsproblemen auswirken und dadurch gemeinsame Varianz erzeugen.
Climate has minor influence on mountain river runoff ratios
Authors: Schultz Colin
Published: February 2012

Attempts to predict future water availability are muddled by the tendency of the hydrologic system's key drivers, weather and watershed topography, to change across space and time. Interannual climate variability, land use change, and watershed shape alter how water moves through a catchment as it flows from rain and snow to streamflow. For municipalities whose climate forecast includes a dramatic change in the quantity, distribution, or timing of precipitation, this uncertainty leads to worries about future water security. The key to assuaging those fears lies in understanding how different physical and climate variables influence the watershed's runoff ratio—the proportion of precipitation that makes it to the stream—and response time—how long it takes a volume of water to move through the catchment.
New details on magma chamber beneath Soufrière Hills volcano
Authors: Balcerak Ernie
Published: February 2012

Assessing volcano hazard and forecasting eruptions require knowledge of the geometry and properties of a volcano's magma chamber. However, there are few high‐resolution seismic imagery studies of magma chambers. Paulatto et al. used seismic tomography along with numerical models of magma chamber growth to get a better picture of the magma chamber beneath the active Soufrière Hills volcano on the island of Montserrat. Their approach reveals details of the magma system that have not been shown in previous studies. The authors' analysis shows that the magma chamber contains about 13 cubic kilometers of magma, with more than 30% melt faction between about 5.5‐ and 7.5‐kilometer depth. The researchers suggest that the magma chamber could have formed through sill intrusion over several thousand years. (Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems (G3), doi:10.1029/2011GC003892, 2012)
Tuning limitations of the voltage-controlled planar microwave ferrite resonator
Authors: Dionne Gerald F. , Oates Daniel E.
Published: February 2012

A microwave ferrite microstrip resonator with 15% tunability has been approached by application of mechanical strain alone. The frequency tuning arises from alignment control of the unpolarized pattern of magnetic domains by application of uniaxial stress. A variable stress can be produced by a variable voltage applied to a piezoelectric actuator, without a current-controlled magnetizing circuit. For guidance to performance design, the conditions required for stress-tuning of randomly oriented grains with cubic anisotropy constant K1 are analyzed. To account for magnetoelastic effects, the polycrystalline magnetostriction constant λ is the weighted average over the principal cubic symmetry axes. The analyses produce three results: (1) a relation for the tuning range that reflects a dependence on stress σ instead of magnetic field H, with the key materials parameter becoming λ/K1; (2) the stress dominating condition in the ferrite is σλ/K1 > 2/3 for the magnetic vectors along the axis of σ; and (3) for voltage control, a model for estimating the fraction of electrostatic potential energy from the actuator that is converted to elastic energy in the ferrite substrate of the resonator circuit.
Iron based microstrip phase shifter; optimization of phase shift
Authors: Kuanr Bijoy K. , Fal T. J. , Celinski Z. , Camley R. E.
Published: February 2012

A microwave phase shifter is a device used to introduce phase change in a propagating electromagnetic wave in a waveguide. A series of microstrip transmission lines, with an iron film of 300 nm thickness placed at various places inside a SiO2 dielectric layer, was fabricated and tested as phase shifters based on ferromagnetic resonance principle. It is observed that the differential phase shift obeys a Sin2 – law (derived from perturbation theory) given by; Δβ ∝ Sin2(πx/h). Here, x is the distance of Fe film inside SiO2 dielectric from the Cu conductors, h is the height of SiO2 dielectric. This give Δβ as minimum when Fe film is at the two edges of the dielectric and maximum when Fe is at the center of the dielectric. The differential phase shift varies as high as 350° at resonance (20 GHz), when Fe is at the middle of the dielectric. For high (at 25 GHz) and low (at 8 GHz) frequency operation, far above and far below resonance, the differential phase shift is ∼125° and 250° when Fe at middle of the dielectric. This trend is same for absorption – it is a maximum when Fe at the middle.
Study of laser plasma emission from doped targets
Authors: Velardi L. , Krása J. , Velyhan A. , Nassisi V.
Published: February 2012

In this work, the characteristics of laser plasma produced by ablation of pure and doped targets are studied. An excimer KrF laser was used to induce ablation. Pure Cu, Cu with 2% of Be, and Cu with 4% of Sn targets were ablated to evaluate the influence of these admixture on the emission of Cu ions. It was observed that the emission of ions exhibited a higher gain from the Cu/Be and Cu/Sn targets with respect to the pure Cu one. We also performed studied of ion velocity and charge angular distribution.
An alpha particle measurement system using an energetic neutral helium beam in ITER (invited)
Authors: Sasao M. , Kisaki M. , Kobuchi T. , Tsumori K. , Tanaka N. , Terai K. , Okamoto A. , Kitajima S. , Kaneko O. , Shinto K. , Wada M.
Published: February 2012

An energetic helium neutral beam is involved in the beam neutralization measurement system of alpha particles confined in a DT fusion plasma. A full size strong-focusing He+ ion source (2 A, the beam radius of 11.3 mm, the beam energy less than 20 keV). Present strong-focusing He+ ion source shows an emittance diagram separated for each beamlet of multiple apertures without phase space mixing, despite the space charge of a beamlet is asymmetric and the beam flow is non-laminar. The emittance of beamlets in the peripheral region was larger than that of center. The heat load to the plasma electrode was studied to estimate the duty factor for the ITER application.