bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A church with character and its social capital for projects amongst the poor
Authors: Pieterse Hendrik J.C.
Published: November 2011

In this article I present a theoretical framework for my argument that specific congregations which are renewed to address the current culture and context, according to the vision presented by Professor T.F.J. Dreyer, are competent to generate projects directed to the poor and humble as social capital. The problem addressed in the article, also phrased as the research question, is: what is the nature and diversity of care in the form of projects as social capital amongst the poor in renewed congregations as it emerges from the sermons on Matthew 25:31−46? The goal of the grounded theory analysis of sermons on this text in a research cycle of selective coding, collected from renewed congregations, will be the identification of projects, types of projects, and their properties. I discuss the idea of local theologies as a motivation of contextual religious action by the congregation in projects amongst the poor, provide a description of poverty in South Africa; show the role of religious faith communities in addressing poverty, followed by conceptualisation of social capital in projects of congregations, and lastly I give a description of two examples of projects thus far discovered in analysed sermons.
(Outo)biografie as teologie
Authors: Müller Julian C.
Published: November 2011

(Auto)biography as theology This article provides a reflection on the relationship between (auto)biography and theology. This reflection is done with reference to, and in honour of the story of Theuns Dreyer. The author positions himself on the theory that the theology develops on a narrative basis and therefore also by way of (auto)biography. The life of a person, in this case a theologian, is regarded as a ‘piece of art’ and becomes both a reflection of one’s theology and a way of constructing a theology. The richness of walking the inbetween land (ecotone) and to combine two contexts (church and academia) in one story is also explored.
Die pendule subjektiwiteit-objektiwiteit in die teologie van Theuns Dreyer – ’n dialoog
Authors: Van Aarde Andries G. , Dreyer Theuns F.J.
Published: November 2011

The pendulum between subjectivity and objectivity in the theology of Theuns Dreyer – a dialogue This article reflects a conversation between Andries G. van Aarde and Theuns F.J. Dreyer. Dreyer was professor of Practical Theology in the period 1983 to 1999, and director of the Reformed Theological College at the Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria from January 2000 until his retirement in January 2012. The article aims to demonstrate the shifts in Practical Theology and how these changes influenced Dreyer and, on the other hand, how Dreyer himself was the campaigner of the progress in teaching and training of ministers of the Netherdutch Reformed Church of Africa during the past three decades.
Die NHKA op reis na inklusiwiteit II: ’n Holistiese teo-antropologie as voorwaarde vir ekklesiologie
Authors: Van Wyk Tanya , Buitendag Johan
Published: November 2011

The NRCA en route to inclusivity II: A holistic theological anthropology as condition for ecclesiology This second article further examines the hypothesis that the fragmentation in the ecclesiology of the Netherdutch Reformed Church (NRCA) is based on a fragmented understanding of humanity. The concept of fragmentation is considered as the result of a positivistic epistemology with regard to understanding the ontology of humankind. In light of this, the NRCA’s understanding of humanity is examined as it appeared in the Church’s polity of ‘no equalisation’ with regard to the justification of separate ethnic-based churches and the Church’s current understanding of homosexuality. The content of an inclusive theological anthropology is considered and suggested for the Church as a necessary step on its journey towards inclusivity.
Do Subsidization and Monitoring Enhance Adherence to Prescribed Exercise?
Authors: Shepich Jeffrey , Slowiak Julie M. , Keniston Allen
Published: November 2011

Purpose.

We studied whether partial versus full subsidization and self versus other monitoring promote adherence to physician-prescribed exercise.

Method.

We randomly assigned 132 participants to experimental conditions defined by two levels of subsidization and two types of monitoring. Physicians wrote prescriptions as referrals to an exercise facility. A computer recorded participants' exercise for 12 weeks. A sponsoring medical organization paid half or all of the facility's fees. Half of the participants kept records of workouts, and half reported workouts to researchers who telephoned them.

Results.

Fully subsidized patients averaged 21.41 workouts versus 16.67 workouts by partially subsidized patients (p < .05). Researcher-monitored participants averaged 22.14 workouts versus 15.96 workouts by self-monitored participants (p < .01).

Conclusions.

Full subsidization and third-party monitoring increased exercise rates. These findings encourage use of both to enhance prescribed exercise rates and continued study of factors that contribute to the efficacy of prescribed exercise.
Characteristics of Participants in a Cancer Prevention Intervention Designed for Multiethnic Workers in Small Manufacturing Worksites
Authors: Hunt Mary K. , Stoddard Anne M. , Kaphingst Kimberly A. , Sorensen Glorian
Published: November 2011

Purpose.

To examine worker characteristics explicated in our social-contextual intervention model that might be associated with participation in a cancer prevention intervention. These characteristics included sociodemographic variables, mediating mechanisms, and modifying conditions.

Methods.

Randomized, controlled study in 24 small multiethnic manufacturing worksites. Analyses were conducted on an embedded cohort of 456 employees in the intervention condition, incorporating the clustering of respondents in worksites using generalized linear mixed modeling methods. The intervention was based on an inclusive, comprehensive social-contextual model targeting fruit, vegetable, and red meat consumption, multivitamin use, and physical activity.

Results.

Gender (p = .02) and self-efficacy (p < .01) were associated with participation. There were no differences in participation by race/ethnicity or occupational status. We observed no associations between participation of individual workers in intervention activities and health behavior change.

Conclusions.

The intervention attracted workers across racial/ethnic and occupational groups. The combination of a comprehensive intervention with wide diffusion of program messages may have been more powerful in influencing participation and behavior change than characteristics of individual employees.
Impact of a Health Promotion Program on Employee Health Risks and Work Productivity
Authors: Mills Peter R. , Kessler Ronald C. , Cooper John , Sullivan Sean
Published: November 2011

Purpose.

Evaluate the impact of a multicomponent workplace health promotion program on employee health risks and work productivity.

Design.

Quasi-experimental 12-month before-after intervention-control study.

Setting.

A multinational corporation headquartered in the United Kingdom.

Subjects.

Of 618 employees offered the program, 266 (43%) completed questionnaires before and after the program. A total of 1242 of 2500 (49.7%) of a control population also completed questionnaires 12 months apart.

Intervention.

A multicomponent health promotion program incorporating a health risk appraisal questionnaire, access to a tailored health improvement web portal, wellness literature, and seminars and workshops focused upon identified wellness issues.

Measures.

Outcomes were (1) cumulative count of health risk factors and the World Health Organization health and work performance questionnaire measures of (2) workplace absenteeism and (3) work performance.

Results.

After adjusting for baseline differences, improvements in all three outcomes were significantly greater in the intervention group compared with the control group. Mean excess reductions of 0.45 health risk factors and 0.36 monthly absenteeism days and a mean increase of 0.79 on the work performance scale were observed in the intervention group compared with the control group. The intervention yielded a positive return on investment, even using conservative assumptions about effect size estimation.

Conclusion.

The results suggest that a well-implemented multicomponent workplace health promotion program can produce sizeable changes in health risks and productivity.
Impacts of 2006 Indonesian fires and dynamics on tropical upper tropospheric carbon monoxide and ozone
Authors: Zhang L. , Li Q. B. , Jin J. , Liu H. , Livesey N. , Jiang J. H. , Mao Y. , Chen D. , Luo M. , Chen Y.
Published: November 2011

Abstract. We investigate the relative impacts of biomass burning emissions and dynamics on tropical upper tropospheric carbon monoxide (CO) and ozone (O3) over western and central Indonesia during the August–November 2006 fires in equatorial Asia by using a global three-dimensional model of tropospheric chemistry (GEOS-Chem) and by comparing model results with Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) observations of upper tropospheric CO and O3. GEOS-Chem CO and O3 show similarities with MLS observed enhancements from convective lifting of fire emissions. In the tropical upper troposphere (UT), fire effluents from equatorial Asia are primarily transported southwestward to the eastern tropical Indian Ocean, driven by the high-pressure systems along 10° N–15° N and 10° S–15° S latitudes, and northeastward to southeast Asia and beyond, driven by the western North Pacific subtropical high. A characteristic feature of these CO enhancements is that they lag behind biomass burning emissions (by 2–3 weeks) at the three pressure levels 215, 147 and 100 hPa, resulting from the decreasing influence of deep convective lifting with altitude in the tropical UT. Inclusion of biomass burning injection height significantly improves model comparison with observations. We estimate the fire influences by contrasting one model simulation with year-specific and another with climatological biomass burning emissions. Biomass burning accounts for about 50–150 ppbv of CO and 5–15 ppbv of O3 in the tropical UT below 100 hPa during October and November, with temporal variations driven by biomass burning and deep convection. We estimate the dynamic impacts by examining the difference between a model simulation for 2006 (El Niño) and another for 2005 (neutral). The dynamic impacts are far more complex and account for up to 100 ppbv of CO and 30 ppbv of O3 in the tropical UT below 100 hPa. The temporal variation of the dynamic impact on CO is driven by deep convection. The variation of the dynamic impact on O3 depends on deep convection as well as the associated lightning NOx emissions and also reflects non-linearity of O3 chemistry.
Parameterisation and impact of aerosol uptake of HO2 on a global tropospheric model
Authors: Macintyre H. L. , Evans M. J.
Published: November 2011

Abstract. HO2 is an important atmospheric trace gas, whose sink to aerosol is poorly understood yet significant. Previous parameterisations of the rate of uptake have been limited by the lack of laboratory studies. This paper creates a parameterisation for γHO2 based on the available laboratory studies. The calculated global mean γHO2 is 0.028, significantly lower than previous work (0.2). Modelled concentrations of HO2 show significant regional sensitivity to the value of γHO2 (up to +106% at the surface with the parameterisation of γHO2 in this work as compared with a value of 0.2), but global sensitivity is small (+3.2%). The modelled response in O3 is also highly regional, being up to +27% at the surface over China, and only +0.3% globally (with the parameterisation of γHO2 in this work as compared with a value of 0.2). The impact of γHO2 on sulfate is more complex, with up to +16% over China and −5% over high latitudes, resulting in a global change of +1.2% (with the parameterisation of γHO2 in this work as compared with a value of 0.2). Uncertainty in the reaction mechanism and hence products (previously assumed to be H2O2) impacts the processing of sulfur and hence aerosol loads. Further laboratory studies are desirable to constrain the rate of reaction and to elucidate the reaction mechanism and products.
Evaluating WRF-Chem aerosol indirect effects in Southeast Pacific marine stratocumulus during VOCALS-REx
Authors: Saide P. E. , Spak S. N. , Carmichael G. R. , Mena-Carrasco M. A. , Howell S. , Leon D. C. , Snider J. R. , Bandy A. R. , Collett J. L. , Benedict K. B. , de Szoeke S. P. , Hawkins L. N. , Allen G. , Crawford I. , Crosier J. , Springston S. R.
Published: November 2011

Abstract. We evaluate a regional-scale simulation with the WRF-Chem model for the VAMOS (Variability of the American Monsoon Systems) Ocean-Cloud-Atmosphere-Land Study Regional Experiment (VOCALS-REx), which sampled the Southeast Pacific's persistent stratocumulus deck. Evaluation of VOCALS-REx ship-based and aircraft observations focuses on analyzing how aerosol loading affects marine boundary layer (MBL) dynamics and cloud microphysics. We compare local time series and campaign-averaged longitudinal gradients, and highlight differences in model simulations with (W) and without wet (NW) deposition processes. The higher aerosol loadings in the NW case produce considerable changes in MBL dynamics and cloud microphysics, in accordance with the established conceptual model of aerosol indirect effects. These include increase in cloud albedo, increase in MBL and cloud heights, drizzle suppression, increase in liquid water content, and increase in cloud lifetime. Moreover, better statistical representation of aerosol mass and number concentration improves model fidelity in reproducing observed spatial and temporal variability in cloud properties, including top and base height, droplet concentration, water content, rain rate, optical depth (COD) and liquid water path (LWP). Together, these help to quantify confidence in WRF-Chem's modeled aerosol-cloud interactions, while identifying structural and parametric uncertainties including: irreversibility in rain wet removal; overestimation of marine DMS and sea salt emissions and accelerated aqueous sulfate conversion. Our findings suggest that WRF-Chem simulates marine cloud-aerosol interactions at a level sufficient for applications in forecasting weather and air quality and studying aerosol climate forcing, including the reliability required for policy analysis and geo-engineering applications.
A modeling approach to evaluate the uncertainty in estimating the evaporation behaviour and volatility of organic aerosols
Authors: Fuentes E. , McFiggans G.
Published: November 2011

Abstract. In this study a kinetic evaporation-condensation model was applied to assess the uncertainty in determining the volatility behaviour of organic particles from thermodenuder experiments, at conditions relevant to both ambient and laboratory measurements. A comprehensive theoretical parametric analysis showed that re-condensation in thermodenuder experiments is highly case-dependent, being strongly determined by the combined effects of aerosol mass loading, particle size and the kinetics of condensation. Because of this dependence it is possible to find cases with either negligible or significant levels of re-condensation at high organic mass loadings, thus accounting for the diverging degrees of re-condensation reported in previous experimental and modeling studies. From this analysis it was concluded that gas denudation should generally be applied in experiments with aerosol mass loading >30 μg m−3. However, thermograms may be lowered in the region below 45 °C as a result of the evaporation induced by denuders for compounds with saturation concentration C* > 1 μg m−3. A calibration curve relating C* (saturation concentration) and T50 (temperature at which 50% of aerosol mass evaporates) was theoretically derived and tested to infer volatility distributions from experimental thermograms. While this approach was found to hold at equilibrium, significant underestimation of the particle volatility was found under kinetically-controlled evaporation conditions. Because thermograms obtained at ambient aerosol loading levels are most likely to show departure from equilibrium, the application of a kinetic evaporation model is more suitable for inferring volatility properties of atmospheric samples than the calibration curve approach; however, this method implies significant uncertainty, due to the sensitivity of the kinetic model to the assumption of "effective" accommodation coefficient. Predictions of the evaporation-condensation behaviour of α-pinene SOA exhibited a large uncertainty in estimating the aerosol mass formation induced by cooling, depending on whether it was assumed that gas condensation was affected by the amorphous solid state of the particles. Evaluation of the dilution-induced evaporation of α-pinene SOA showed that the equilibrium partitioning theory underpredicts the aerosol mass concentration by a factor of between 5 and 10, with respect to kinetic calculations. Analysis in this study suggests that, the mass transfer kinetic coefficient, inclusive of diffusive kinetic limitations, is a critical unknown to both estimating the volatility properties and determining the atmospheric gas-particle partitioning of SOA.
On the return period and design in a multivariate framework
Authors: Salvadori G. , De Michele C. , Durante F.
Published: November 2011

Abstract. Calculating return periods and design quantiles in a multivariate environment is a difficult problem: this paper tries to make the issue clear. First, we outline a possible way to introduce a consistent theoretical framework for the calculation of the return period in a multi-dimensional environment, based on Copulas and the Kendall's measure. Secondly, we introduce several approaches for the identification of suitable design events: these latter quantities are of utmost importance in practical applications, but their calculation is yet limited, due to the lack of an adequate theoretical environment where to embed the problem. Throughout the paper, a case study involving the behavior of a dam is used to illustrate the new concepts outlined in this work.
Cutaneous and Systemic Blastomycosis, Hypercalcemia, and Excess Synthesis of Calcitriol in a Domestic Shorthair Cat
Authors: Stern Joshua A. , Chew Dennis J. , Schissler Jennifer R. , Green Eric M.
Published: November 2011

A 9 yr old domestic shorthair cat was diagnosed with cutaneous and pulmonic blastomycosis. Severe persistent ionized hypercalcemia and excess circulating concentration of calcitriol were documented in association with blastomycosis. Ionized hypercalcemia resolved when the granulomatous lesions of blastomycosis resolved and the calcitriol levels decreased.
Typical and Atypical Manifestations of Anaplasma phagocytophilum Infection in Dogs
Authors: Eberts Matthew D. , Vissotto de Paiva Diniz Pedro Paulo , Beall Melissa J. , Stillman Brett A. , Chandrashekar Ramaswamy , Breitschwerdt Edward B.
Published: November 2011

Eighteen clinically ill dogs, naturally infected with Anaplasma phagocytophilum, were examined at a veterinary practice in Baxter, Minnesota. A clinical examination, complete blood cell count, enzyme- linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for A phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi, and Ehrlichia canis antibodies and Dirofilaria immitis antigen, and a polymerase chain reaction test for A phagocytophilum DNA were obtained for all dogs. Physical examination findings included fever, arthropathy, lymphadenopathy, epistaxis, acute gastritis, cervical hyperpathia, and central nervous system dysfunction. Complete blood cell count abnormalities included thrombocytopenia, morulae in neutrophils, anemia, leukopenia, eosinopenia, lymphopenia, and monocytosis. Seroreactivity to A phagocytophilum was found in 61%, B burgdorferi antibodies in 17%, and D immitis antigen in 5% of the dogs. Fever, arthropathy, neurologic dysfunction, and epistaxis are clinical syndromes that can be associated with A phagocytophilum infection. Treatment with doxycycline resulted in rapid resolution of clinical signs in all dogs.
Treatment of a Malignant Pheochromocytoma in a Dog Using 131I Metaiodobenzylguanidine
Authors: Bommarito David A. , Lattimer Jimmy C. , Selting Kimberly A. , Henry Carolyn J. , Cohen Michele , Johnson Gayle C.
Published: November 2011

A 12 yr old castrated male Yorkshire terrier was presented with a history of an inoperable pheochromocytoma. Physical examination revealed a large, midabdominal mass. Neurologic examination was normal at presentation. An abdominal computed tomography scan revealed a 215 cm3 mass in the region of the right kidney. Forty-eight hours after IV injection of 370 megabecquerels (MBq, equivalent to10 millicuries [mCi]) of metaiodobenzylguanidine labeled with radioactive iodine ([131I]MIBG), standard planar scintigraphy was performed. A diffuse area of moderate uptake was noted in the midabdominal region. The dog experienced stable disease for 1.5 mo after injection based on a follow-up computed tomography (CT) scan; however, 5 mo after injection, repeat CT imaging revealed progression of the tumor, and a second IV injection of 370 MBq (10 mCi) of [131I]MIBG was administered. The dog died 3 wk after the second injection as a result of gastrointestinal blood loss that was believed to be caused by compression-induced bowel ischemia by the mass. A full necropsy was not performed, but the mass was removed for histologic evaluation, which confirmed the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma. This report is the first to document the treatment of canine pheochromocytoma using [131I]MIBG.
Fusion Podoplasty for the Management of Chronic Pedal Conditions in Seven Dogs and One Cat
Authors: Papazoglou Lysimachos G. , Ellison Gary W. , Farese James P. , Bellah Jamie R. , Coomer Alastair R. , Lewis Daniel D.
Published: November 2011

Eight animals underwent fusion podoplasties for the treatment of chronic interdigital furunculosis (n=3), ectrodactyly (n=1), digit abnormalities associated with tendonectomy (n=1), redundant indertigital skin (n=1), conformational deformity (n=1), and necrotizing fasciitis of the paw (n=1). Median duration of bandaging was 14 days, and median duration of hospitalization was 5 days. Four dogs had dehiscence, which occurred at a mean time of 11 days after surgery. Clinical abnormalities necessitating podoplasty resolved in six animals and improved in two. Six animals had normal ambulation and two dogs had slight weight-bearing lameness after a median follow-up time of 29 mo. Fusion podoplasty may be recommended as a salvage procedure for the treatment of various chronic pedal diseases in dogs and cats.
Resúmenes de Tesis de Fitotecnia, 2009
Authors: Varios Autores
Published: November 2011

Resúmenes de las tesis del área de fitotecnia de los estudiantes de la Escuela Agrícola Panamericana, Zamorano, Honduras, de la promoción del 2009. La tesis es un requisito para graduarse de Ingeniero Agrónomo.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/ceiba.v50i2.579
Teorinės mechanikos savarankiško darbo kinematikos užduotys
Authors: Mikučionienė Jūratė , Setkauskas Vladas , Tarasevičius Kęstutis , Volkovas Vitalijus
Published: November 2011

Mokomoje knygoje yra 10 kinematikos užduočių, išsamiai paaiškinta kiekvienos užduoties sprendimo eiga. Knygoje pateikta kinematikos užduočių, tinkančių tiek mechanikos, tiek nemechaniškos pakraipos inžinerinių studijų programoms.
Mikrowellen‐unterstützte Synthese von kolloidalen anorganischen Nanokristallen
Authors: Baghbanzadeh Mostafa , Carbone Luigi , Cozzoli P. Davide , Kappe C. Oliver
Published: November 2011

Kolloidale anorganische Nanokristalle bestechen durch chemische Eigenschaften, die im Synthesestadium flexibel über Größe, Form und passend zugeschnittene Zusammensetzungen einstellbar sind, und eine Einsetzbarkeit in einem weiten Bereich technischer Anwendungen, angefangen mit der Optoelektronik, über die Energieumwandlung/ ‐erzeugung und Katalyse bis hin zur Biomedizin. Der Einsatz von Mikrowellenbestrahlung als nicht klassische Energiequelle hat bei der Nanokristallsynthese (die im Allgemeinen eine komplexe und zeitaufwändige Verarbeitung von molekularen Vorstufen in Gegenwart von Lösungsmitteln, Liganden und/oder Tensiden bei erhöhten Temperaturen umfasst) an Popularität gewonnen. Ebenso wie bei der mittlerweile weit verbreiteten Anwendung in der organischen Chemie ist die Effizienz des schnellen Aufheizens mit Mikrowellen bei Verringerung der Gesamtprozesssdauer einer der Hauptvorteile dieser Technik. Dieser Aufsatz beschreibt Mikrowellen‐unterstützte Vorgehensweisen, die zur Synthese von kolloidalen anorganischen Nanokristallen entwickelt wurden, und untersucht kritisch die jeweilige Rolle, die der Mikrowellenstrahlung bei der Bildung dieser Nanomaterialien zugeschrieben wird.
X‐ray diffraction study of iPP/cand iPP/TiO2 composites relating to micromechanical properties
Authors: Cagiao M. E. , Calleja F. J. Baltá , Spieckermann F. , Scholtyssek S. , Mina M. F. , Bhuiyan M. A. H.
Published: November 2011

Composites of isotactic polypropylene with various contents of white clay or titanium dioxide TiO2 were prepared by extrusion molding. The extruded composites were melt‐pressed at two different temperatures, and, thereafter, either slowly cooled, or quenched to room temperatures. It is shown that the structure of all the samples, as revealed by wide‐angle X‐ray scattering and small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS), depends on the processing conditions. The lack of SAXS maxima in the composites suggests that the presence of the microadditives hinders the stacking of iPP lamellae. Furthermore, the microindentation hardness H in the slowly cooled composites is influenced by the type and amount of the filler used. However, in the quenched samples H depends only on the amount of the filler used, and not on its type. In case of the quenched iPP/clay composites, the relationship between H and the Young's modulus E is found to be H/E ≈ 0.12, in good agreement with Struik's theoretical predictions of σe ≈ E/30, in consonance with results previously obtained for a series of polyethylene samples with different morphology. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Chemical composition and structural feature of Populus gansuensis hemicellulosic polymers
Authors: Bian Jing , Peng Feng , Peng Pai , Xu Feng , Sun Run‐Cang
Published: November 2011

Hemicellulosic polymers A and B were isolated from Populus gansuensis by extracting the chlorite‐delignified residue with 10% KOH. Fractional precipitation of hemicellulose B by graded ethanol resulted in six subfractions varying in yield, molecular size distribution, and sugar composition. Macromolecular and more linear hemicellulosic polymers with higher yields were preferentially precipitated in relatively lower ethanol concentrations, while more branched and complex hemicellulosic polymers with lower molecular weights were obtained in relatively higher ethanol concentrations. Chemical and spectral evidence suggested that H30 subfraction obtained by 30% ethanol precipitation was assumed to be 4‐O‐methyl‐D‐glucurono‐D‐xylans, with 4‐O‐methyl‐D‐glucuronic acid linked to C‐2 of (1→4)‐β‐D‐xylan. On average for every six D‐xylopyranosyl residues, there is one 4‐O‐methyl‐D‐glucuronic acid group. Hemicellulosic subfraction H75 precipitated at the ethanol concentration of 75% was more branched, and presumed to be heterogeneous mixture of arabinoglucurnoxylan and galactoglucomannan. In addition, the thermal stability of the linear large molecular hemicellulosic subfraction H30 appeared higher than the branched subfraction H75. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Characterization of molecular interaionic and intraionic crosslinkable sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone‐alt‐benzimidazole) membrane
Authors: Wang Jianli , Yu Hongfei , Lee Myong‐Hoon , Zhang Shenggang , Wang Dehai
Published: November 2011

A novel alternating copolymer of sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone‐alt‐benzimidazole)s (SPEEK‐alt‐BI) was synthesized by polycondensation in our previous report. In this article, we examined the properties of SPEEK‐alt‐BI membranes, such as thermal and mechanical stability, hydrolysis, and swelling properties in water, and proton conductivities at various temperatures and humidity. The experimental results showed that SPEEK‐alt‐BI membranes exhibited promising oxidative and hydrolysis stabilities. Although the base moieties in SPEEK‐alt‐BI main chain would capture proton and form reversible salt hindering the proton transfer capability, the conductivity of membrane 60SPEEK‐alt‐BI‐H [Sulfonation degree (S.D.), 60% in form of proton] could achieve 22.61 mS/cm at 80°C and 100% humidity. Meanwhile, the conductivity of membrane could reach 40.12 mS/cm with phosphorus acid doping. The methanol permeation coefficient of 60SPEEK‐alt‐BI membrane is 2.3 × 10−8 cm2/s at 20°C, which is magnitude lower than that of Nafion®117, 1.11 × 10−6 cm2/s. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Poly(glutaraldehyde)‐stabilized fish scale fibrillar collagen–some features of a new material for heavy metal sorption
Authors: Moura Karine O. , Vieira Eunice F. S. , Cestari Antonio R.
Published: November 2011

In this work, fibrillar collagen on scales of Corvina fish (Micropogonias furnieri) was crosslinked and used as a new adsorbent for sorption of Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions. Characterization has suggested that the crosslinked collagen of Corvina scale has higher denaturation temperature in relation to the raw scales. In addition, electrostatic interactions between collagen positive charges and chromate negative charges constitute the majority of the interactions. Solution microcalorimetry experiments have indicated that water swelling of the crosslinked scales is slightly exothermic and increased with increasing temperature. Sorption of Cr(VI) by crosslinked scales increases with increasing initial Cr(VI) concentration in solution and decreases with temperature increasing. The kinetic data of Cr(VI) sorption on crosslinked scales were best fitted to a multilinear exponential model. The values of Cr(VI) diffusion constants increase with both temperature and initial Cr(VI) concentration in solution. The maximum sorption capacity of the new adsorbent for Cr (VI) was found at 39 mg g−1 and is higher than some commercial adsorbent samples. So, chemically crosslinked Corvina scale is a promising adsorbent for sorption of Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Human Serum Albumin Nanotubes with Esterase Activity
Authors: Komatsu Teruyuki , Sato Takaaki , Boettcher Christoph
Published: November 2011

A nanocylindrical wall structure was obtained by layer‐by‐layer (LbL) assembly of poly‐L‐arginine (PLA) and human serum albumin (HSA) and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), scanning force microscopy (SFM), and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo‐TEM). SEM and SFM measurements of a lyophilized powder of (PLA/HSA)3 nanotubes yielded images of round, chimney‐like architectures with approximately 100 nm wall thickness. Cryo‐TEM images of the hydrated sample revealed that the tube walls are composed of densely packed HSA molecules. Moreover, when small‐angle X‐ray scattering was used to characterize the individual PLA and HSA components in aqueous solutions, maximum diameters of approximately 28 nm and 8 nm were obtained, respectively. These values indicate the minimum thickness of wall layers consisting of PLA and HSA. It can also be concluded from SEM as well as from cryo‐TEM images that the protein cylinders are considerably swollen in the presence of water. Furthermore, HSA retains esterase activity if assembled in nanotubes, as indicated by measurements of para‐nitrophenyl acetate hydrolysis under semi‐physiological conditions (pH 7.4, 22 °C). The enzyme activity parameters (Michaelis constant, Km, and catalytic constant, kcat) were comparable to those of free HSA.
Tuning HP1α Chromodomain Selectivity for Di‐ and Trimethyllysine
Authors: Eisert Robyn J. , Waters Marcey L.
Published: November 2011

Histone lysine methylation is a critical marker for controlling gene expression. The position and extent of methylation (mono‐, di‐, or tri‐) controls the binding of effector proteins that determine whether the associated DNA is expressed or not. Dysregulation of histone protein methylation has been associated with a number of types of cancer, and development of inhibitors for the effector proteins is becoming an active area of research. For this reason, understanding the mechanism by which effector proteins obtain selectivity for the different methylation states of lysine is of great interest. To this end, we have performed mutation studies on the Drosophila HP1α chromodomain, which binds H3K9Me2 and H3K9Me3 with approximately equal affinities. The selectivity of HP1α chromodomain for H3K9Me3 over H3K9Me2 was investigated by mutating E52 to remove or weaken the hydrogen bond to K9Me2 while maintaining affinity for K9Me3, including E52F, E52I, E52V, E52D, an E52Q. The E52Q mutant exhibited the greatest degree of selectivity for KMe3, with 3.5‐fold weaker binding to the dimethylated peptide (KD=52 μM) compared to the trimethylated peptide (KD=15 μM). These studies provide insight into the role of electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonding in the differentiation of methylation states and have implications regarding the evolutionary pressure for selectivity in this protein–protein interaction. Moreover, the information from this study may help guide inhibitor development for this class of proteins.
Galloflavin (CAS 568‐80‐9): A Novel Inhibitor of Lactate Dehydrogenase
Authors: Manerba Marcella , Vettraino Marina , Fiume Luigi , Di Stefano Giuseppina , Sartini Andrea , Giacomini Elisa , Buonfiglio Rosa , Roberti Marinella , Recanatini Maurizio
Published: November 2011

One of the most prominent alterations in cancer cells is their strict dependence on the glycolytic pathway for ATP generation. This observation led to the evaluation of glycolysis inhibitors as potential anticancer agents. The inhibition of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is a promising way to inhibit tumor cell glucose metabolism without affecting the energetic balance of normal tissues. However, the success of this approach depends chiefly on the availability of inhibitors that display good selectivity. We identified a compound (galloflavin, CAS 568‐80‐9) which, in contrast to other inhibitors of human LDH, hinders both the A and B isoforms of the enzyme. To determine the mechanism of action, we collected LDH‐A and ‐B inhibition data in competition reactions with pyruvate or NADH and evaluated the results using software for enzyme kinetics analysis. We found that galloflavin inhibits both human LDH isoforms by preferentially binding the free enzyme, without competing with the substrate or cofactor. The calculated Ki values for pyruvate were 5.46 μM (LDH‐A) and 15.06 μM (LDH‐B). In cultured tumor cells, galloflavin blocked aerobic glycolysis at micromolar concentrations, did not interfere with cell respiration, and induced cell death by triggering apoptosis. To our knowledge, the inhibition of LDH is, to date, the only biochemical effect described for galloflavin. Because galloflavin is not commercially available, we also describe herein a procedure for its synthesis and report its first full chemical characterization.
Ternary Monolayer Interfaces for Ultrasensitive and Direct Bioelectronic Detection of Nucleic Acids in Complex Matrices
Authors: Campuzano S. , Kuralay F. , Wang J.
Published: November 2011

Electrochemical nucleic acid biosensors have received considerable attention for the detection of biological agents. Control of the surface chemistry and coverage of the electrode transducer are essential for enhancing the performance of electrochemical DNA biosensors, and particularly for maximizing the hybridization efficiency and minimizing of nonspecific adsorption events. This review highlights recent advances and progress in the development of new surface chemistry approaches based on novel ternary DNA self‐assembled monolayer (SAM)‐interfaces using dithiols as new co‐adsorbents/‘backfillers’. The design and characterization of these powerful ternary SAM interfaces on different gold transducers are described, along with their implications to electrochemical biosensing of bioagents.
The challenge of modeling pool–riffle morphologies in channels with different densities of large woody debris and boulders
Authors: Thompson Douglas M.
Published: November 2011

Studies on pool morphologies include reports of over 80% or 90% of pools being associated with structural controls and large obstructions that include boulders, bedrock outcrops and large woody debris (LWD). A Monte Carlo simulation approach and developmental computer model was created to predict pool formation, spacing and the percentage length covered by pools, riffles, scour holes and runs based on input data that include channel slope, width, the number of small and large boulders, and the number of 10–30 cm, 30–60 cm and >60 cm pieces of wood. The statistical‐empirical model is founded on the idea that boulders, bedrock outcrops and large woody debris provide a physical framework that then controls local water‐surface slopes, velocity patterns and the locations of pools and riffles. The spacing values of individual types and sizes of obstructions are modeled as log‐normal distributions with separate distributions for each obstruction type. Pools are assigned different probabilities of development depending on the obstruction type. Pool and riffle lengths used to create the subsequent morphology follow their own slope‐dependent, log‐normal trends. A minimum distance develops between successive pools because of the backwater and turbulent conditions needed for pool formation. The total number and spacing of pools, riffles and scour holes thus reflects the number and locations of obstructions and characteristics of the pool–riffle couplet. The simulation model accurately captures the number of pools in the modeled data range at 65% of all the verification field sites, and 86% of the verification field sites with a more limited range of width and slope characteristics. Lower levels of prediction capabilities are associated with modeled numbers of scour holes and log jams. The model accurately mimics some statistical attributes of pool spacing, and future versions of the model could be developed to improve overall predictive capabilities. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Maternity waiting homes and institutional birth in Nicaragua: policy options and strategic implications
Authors: García Prado Ariadna , Cortez Rafael
Published: November 2011

With the aim of promoting institutional births and reducing the high maternal and child mortality rates in rural and poor zones, the government of Nicaragua is supporting the creation of maternity waiting homes. This study analyzes that strategy and examines the factors associated with the use of maternity waiting homes and institutional birth. To that end, we apply a quantitative approach, by means of an econometric analysis of the data extracted from surveys conducted in 2006 on a sample of women and parteras or traditional birth attendants, as well as a qualitative approach based on interviews with key informants. Results indicate that although the operation of the maternity waiting homes is usually satisfactory, there is still room for improvement along the following lines: (i) disseminating information about the homes to both women and men, as the latter frequently decide the course of women's healthcare, and to parteras, who can play an important role in referring women; (ii) strengthening the postpartum care; (iii) ensuring financial sustainability by obtaining regular financial support from the government to complement contributions from the community; and (iv) strengthening the local management and involvement of the regional government. These measures might be useful for health policy makers in Nicaragua and in other developing countries that are considering this strategy. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of body condition on reproductive output in the guinea pig
Authors: Michel Catherine Louise , Bonnet Xavier
Published: November 2011

Reproduction is expensive. Substantial body reserves (i.e. high body condition) are usually required for females to undertake offspring production. In many vertebrates, maternal body condition positively influences reproductive output, and emaciated individuals skip reproduction. However, the impact of extremely high body condition, more specifically obesity, on animal reproductive performance remains poorly understood and research has generated contradictory results. For instance, obesity negatively affects fertility in women, but does not influence reproductive capacity or reproductive output in laboratory rodents. We examined the influence of high body condition on reproductive status and reproductive output in the guinea pig. In captivity, when fed ad libitum, guinea pigs store large amounts of fat tissues and exhibit a tendency for obesity. Our results show that obesity negatively affected reproduction in this species: both the proportion of fertile females and litter size were lower in the fattest females. Therefore, guinea pigs may represent suitable organisms to better understand the negative effect of obesity on reproduction.J. Exp. Zool. 317:24–31, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Involvement of N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor subunits in zinc‐mediated modification of CA1 long‐term potentiation in the developing hippocampus
Authors: Takeda Atsushi , Itagaki Kosuke , Ando Masaki , Oku Naoto
Published: November 2011

Zinc is an endogenous N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor blocker. It is possible that zinc‐mediated modification of hippocampal CA1 long‐term potentiation (LTP) is linked to the expression of NMDA receptor subunits, which varies with postnatal development. In the present study, the effect of ZnCl2 and CaEDTA, a membrane‐impermeable zinc chelator, on CA1 LTP induction was examined in hippocampal slices from immature (3‐week‐old) and young (6‐week‐old) rats. Tetanus (10–100 Hz, 1 sec)‐induced CA1 LTP was more greatly enhanced in 3‐week‐old rats. CA1 LTP was inhibited in the presence of 2‐amino‐5‐phosphonovalerate (APV), an NMDA receptor antagonist, and CaEDTA in 3‐week‐old rats, as in the case of 6‐week‐old rats reported previously. In 3‐week‐old rats, on the other hand, 5 μM ZnCl2 attenuated NMDA receptor‐mediated EPSPs more than in 6‐week‐old rats and significantly attenuated CA1 LTP. Moreover, 5 μM ZnCl2 significantly attenuated CA1 LTP in the presence of (2R,4S)‐4‐(3‐phosphonopropyl)‐2‐piperidinecarboxylic acid (PPPA), an NR2A antagonist, in 3‐week‐old rats, but not that in the presence of ifenprodil, an NR2B antagonist, suggesting that zinc‐mediated attenuation of CA1 LTP is associated with the preferential expression of NR2B subunit in 3‐week‐old rats. In 6‐week‐old rats, however, 5 μM ZnCl2 significantly potentiated CA1 LTP and also CA1 LTP in the presence of PPPA. The present study demonstrates that endogenous zinc may participate in the induction of CA1 LTP. It is likely that the changes in expression of NMDA receptor subunits are involved in the zinc‐mediated modification of CA1 LTP in the developing hippocampus. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Minocycline‐induced reduction of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor expression in relation to cancer‐induced bone pain in rats
Authors: Wang Li‐na , Yang Jian‐ping , Zhan Ying , Ji Fu‐hai , Wang Xiu‐yun , Zuo Jian‐ling , Xu Qi‐nian
Published: November 2011

Previous studies have suggested that the release of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) from microglia in spinal cord is necessary for maintaining pain hypersensitivity after nerve injury. However, little is known about its role in cancer‐induced bone pain (CIBP), which is in some ways unique. This study demonstrates a critical role of minocycline (a potent inhibitor of microglial activation)‐modulated BDNF in the induction and maintenance of behavioral hypersensitivity in a rat model of CIBP. We assessed mechanical threshold and spontaneous pain of CIBP rats. Moreover, minocycline was administered intrathecally from day 4 to day 6 (early stage) or from day 10 to day 12 (later stage), after carcinoma cell inoculation. Real‐time PCR, Western blots, and double immunofluorescence were used to detect the expression of OX‐42 (marker of activated microglia), phosphorylated p38‐MAPK (p‐p38), and BDNF. We found that intrathecal minocycline could prevent CIBP at an early stage of tumor growth (from day 4 to day 6). However, at the late stage (from day 10 to day 12), intrathecal minocycline had no effect. Moreover, the expression of OX‐42 and BDNF under CIBP, peaking on day 6, were all reduced after minocycline injection from day 4 to day 6. The ability of minocycline‐induced reduction of BDNF in the induction of behavioral hypersensitivity could provide an opportunity for alleviating CIBP. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Contrasting patterns of precipitation seasonality during the Holocene in the south‐ and north‐central Mediterranean
Authors: Magny Michel , Peyron Odile , Sadori Laura , Ortu Elena , Zanchetta Giovanni , Vannière Boris , Tinner Willy
Published: November 2011

Pollen‐based quantitative estimates of seasonal precipitation from Lake Pergusa and lake‐level data from Lake Preola in Sicily (southern Italy) allow three successive periods to be distinguished within the Holocene: an early Holocene period before ca. 9800 cal a BP with rather dry climate conditions in winter and summer, a mid‐Holocene period between ca. 9800 and 4500 cal a BP with maximum winter and summer wetness, and a late Holocene period after 4500 cal a BP with declining winter and summer wetness. This evolution observed in the south‐central Mediterranean shows strong similarities to that recognized in the eastern Mediterranean. But, it contrasts with that reconstructed in north‐central Italy, where the mid‐Holocene appears to be characterized by a winter (summer) precipitation maximum (minimum), while the late Holocene coincided with a decrease (increase) in winter (summer) precipitation. Maximum precipitation at ca. 10 000–4500 cal a BP may have resulted from (i) increased local convection in response to a Holocene insolation maximum at 10 000 cal a BP and then (ii) the gradual weakening of the Hadley cell activity, which allowed the winter rainy westerlies to reach the Mediterranean area more frequently. After 4500 cal a BP, changes in precipitation seasonality may reflect non‐linear responses to orbitally driven insolation decrease in addition to seasonal and inter‐hemispheric changes of insolation. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Case of Maternal and Perinatal Death in Neolithic Southern Vietnam, c. 2100–1050 BCE
Authors: Willis Anna , Oxenham Marc F
Published: November 2011

Despite ostensibly elevated rates of young female mortality in the past, believed to be associated with the risks of pregnancy and child birth, surprisingly few cases of pregnant female burials are reported in the bioarchaeological literature. This paper describes and discusses the case of a young female who died and was interred with an unborn full‐term breech foetus at the Neolithic site of An Son, southern Vietnam c. 2100–1050BCE. Her exceptionally poor oral health, evidence for cribra orbitalia, linear enamel hypoplasia, small stature and compromised gynaecological competence, contributes to a differential diagnosis that explores a range of additional complications that may have contributed to the death of both mother and unborn child. An examination and appreciation of this case contribute to our knowledge of the reproductive age and health of young females in Neolithic Southern Vietnam and the challenges they faced during pregnancy and childbirth. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.