bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Winter Hydrologic and Erosion Processes in the U.S. Palouse Region: Field Experimentation and WEPP Simulation
Authors: Singh Prabhakar , Wu Joan Q. , McCool Donald K. , Dun Shuhui , Lin Chun-Hsu , Morse John R.
Published: May 2009

Soil erosion by water is detrimental to soil fertility, crop yield, and the environment. For cold areas, knowledge of winter hydrologic processes is critical to determining land‐use and management practices for reducing soil loss and protecting land and water resources. Adequate understanding of winter processes is also essential to developing models as effective predictive tools. This study evaluated the effects of two contrasting tillage practices on winter hydrologic and erosion processes, and the suitability of the Water Erosion Prediction Project (WEPP) model with a newly implemented energy‐budget‐based winter routine for quantifying these processes. Research plots subject to two tillage treatments—continuous tilled bare fallow (CTBF) and no‐till (NT) seeding of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Madsen) after spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)—were established at the USDA‐ARS Palouse Conservation Field Station, Pullman, WA. The plots were monitored for runoff, erosion, soil temperature, water content, and depths of snow and freeze–thaw during October to May of 2003–2004 through 2006–2007. The NT plot generated negligible runoff and erosion (0.5 mm, 0.2 Mg ha−1) compared with CTBF (323 mm, 547 Mg ha−1). Frost occurred more frequently and was deeper in CTBF, probably due to its lack of residue and shallower snow depth. The modified WEPP model could reasonably reproduce major winter processes, yet it cannot represent all the complicated winter phenomena observed in the field. Continued efforts are needed to further improve the ability of WEPP to properly account for soil freeze–thaw and thus transient soil hydraulic properties and hydrologic and erosion processes.
The European-U.S. “GAAP Gap”: IFRS to U.S. GAAP Form 20-F Reconciliations
Authors: Henry Elaine , Lin Stephen , Yang Ya-wen
Published: May 2009

SYNOPSIS: This study evaluates the extent to which the FASB and IASB convergence projects and the EU-wide adoption of IFRS have impacted the differences between firms’ financial results under U.S. GAAP and IFRS. Using 2004 to 2006 reconciliation disclosures of 75 EU cross-listed firms, we find that the average gap between U.S. GAAP and IFRS income and between U.S. GAAP and IFRS shareholders’ equity declined from 2004 to 2006, consistent with convergence, though the net income gap remains significant. Although both pensions and goodwill are included in the convergence projects, these adjustments appear to be the dominant reconciliation items. Across the EU, net income and shareholders’ equity reconciliation amounts differ significantly by industry and by legal origin of the firm’s home country, raising questions about the homogeneity of IFRS as implemented. Furthermore, most firms report IFRS net income (shareholders’ equity) higher (lower) than U.S. GAAP net income (shareholders’ equity), with the result that 28 percent of the sample firms’ 2006 ROE under IFRS is more than 5 percentage points higher than under U.S. GAAP, whereas fewer than 10 percent of the sample report ROE more than 5 percentage points lower. Finally, shareholders’ equity reconciliations and income reconciliations appear value-relevant, although results are somewhat sensitive to model specification. Overall, our findings indicate that significant numerical differences still exist between results under IFRS and U.S. GAAP, despite convergence. In light of the SEC’s elimination of the requirement for reconciliations between the two sets of standards and the potential adoption of provisions allowing U.S. firms to choose between the standards, investors and other financial statement users should be aware of the significant numerical differences.
Knowledge Sharing among Accounting Academics in an Electronic Network of Practice
Authors: Taylor Eileen Z. , Murthy Uday S.
Published: May 2009

SYNOPSIS: Using a multi-method approach, we explore accounting academics’ knowledge-sharing practices in an Electronic Network of Practice (ENOP)—the Accounting Education using Computers and Multimedia (AECM) email list. Established in 1996, the AECM email list serves the global accounting academic community. A review of postings to AECM for the period January–June 2006 indicates that members use this network to post questions, replies, and opinions covering a variety of topics, but focusing on financial accounting practice and education. Sixty-nine AECM members constituting 9.2 percent of the AECM membership base responded to a survey that measured their self-perceptions about altruism, reciprocation, reputation, commitment, and participation in AECM. The results suggest that altruism is a significant predictor of posting frequency, but neither reputation nor commitment significantly relate to posting frequency. These findings imply that designers and administrators of the recently launched AAA Commons platform should seek ways of capitalizing on the altruistic tendencies of accounting academics. The study’s limitations include low statistical power and potential inconsistencies in coding the large number of postings.
Statistical, noise-related non-classicality’s indicator
Authors: Pennini Flavia , Plastino Angelo , Ferri Gustavo
Published: May 2009

Finding signs of the classical-quantum border is a very important task of perennial interest. We show, using semiclassical arguments, that the frontier between the classical and quantum domains can be characterized by recourse to idiosyncratic features of a delimiter parameter associated with the concepts of i) noise) ii) Husimi distribution functions, iii) Wherl’s entropy, and iv) escort distributions.
Clinical outcome after 450 revascularization procedures for moyamoya disease
Authors: Guzman Raphael , Lee Marco , Achrol Achal , Bell-Stephens Teresa , Kelly Michael , Do Huy M. , Marks Michael P. , Steinberg Gary K.
Published: May 2009

Object

Moyamoya disease (MMD) is a rare cerebrovascular disease mainly described in the Asian literature. To address a lack of data on clinical characteristics and long-term outcomes in the treatment of MMD in North America, the authors analyzed their experience at Stanford University Medical Center. They report on a consecutive series of patients treated for MMD and detail their demographics, clinical characteristics, and long-term surgical outcomes.

Methods

Data obtained in consecutive series of 329 patients with MMD treated microsurgically by the senior author (G.K.S.) between 1991 and 2008 were analyzed. Demographic, clinical, and surgical data were prospectively gathered and neurological outcomes assessed in postoperative follow-up using the modified Rankin Scale. Association of demographic, clinical, and surgical data with postoperative outcome was assessed by chi-square, uni- and multivariate logistic regression, and Kaplan-Meier survival analyses.

Results

The authors treated a total of 233 adult patients undergoing 389 procedures (mean age 39.5 years) and 96 pediatric patients undergoing 168 procedures (mean age 10.1 years). Direct revascularization technique was used in 95.1% of adults and 76.2% of pediatric patients. In 264 patients undergoing 450 procedures (mean follow-up 4.9 years), the surgical morbidity rate was 3.5% and the mortality rate was 0.7% per treated hemisphere. The cumulative 5-year risk of perioperative or subsequent stroke or death was 5.5%. Of the 171 patients presenting with a transient ischemic attack, 91.8% were free of transient ischemic attacks at 1 year or later. Overall, there was a significant improvement in quality of life in the cohort as measured using the modified Rankin Scale (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Revascularization surgery in patients with MMD carries a low risk, is effective at preventing future ischemic events, and improves quality of life. Patients in whom symptomatic MMD is diagnosed should be offered revascularization surgery.
Delivery of Adipose-Derived Precursor Cells for Peripheral Nerve Repair
Authors: Santiago Lizzie Y. , Clavijo-Alvarez Julio , Brayfield Candace , Rubin J. Peter , Marra Kacey G.
Published: May 2009

To test the hypothesis that the transplantation of adipose precursor cells (APCs) improves nerve regeneration and functional recovery, human APCs were transplanted into the lumen of a nerve guide in a 6-mm unilateral sciatic nerve defect in athymic rats. The three control groups for the study were biodegradable, polycaprolactone-based nerve conduit without APCs, autograft, and empty defect. Behavioral tests were performed every 3 weeks, and the sciatic functional index (SFI) was calculated based on measurements from the hindlimb prints. After 12 weeks, the nerve as well as right and left gastrocnemius muscles were removed and preserved for histological evaluation. Full regeneration of the sciatic nerve occurred on the rats that received the autograft, the guide, and the guide with APCs; no regeneration was observed on any of the rats in which the defect was left untreated (empty defect). APCs survived transplantation for up to 12 weeks in the injured peripheral nerve. No significant colocalization was observed between the immunostaining for glial fibrillary protein and anti-human lamin A/C, implying that the APCs did not differentiate into Schwann cells at the site of injury. In comparison with the rats with untreated defects, a decrease in muscle atrophy was observed on those rats that received the autograft and the guide with cells as indicated by the gastrocnemius muscle weight ratio and the muscle fiber ratio. Significant differences in SFI were observed 3 weeks postinjury between the rats in which the guide was left empty and those that received the guide with APCs; however, these differences were not observed at 12 weeks. The transplantation of APCs promoted the formation of a more robust nerve as evidenced by the results from the cross-sectional area of regenerated nerve, and the transplantation of APCs produced a decrease in muscle atrophy.
Effective Cryopreservation of Neural Stem or Progenitor Cells without Serum or Proteins by Vitrification
Authors: Kuleshova L. L. , Tan F. C. K. , Magalhães R. , Gouk S. S. , Lee K. H. , Dawe G. S.
Published: May 2009

Development of effective cryopreservation protocols will be essential to realizing the potential for clinical application of neural stem and progenitor cells. Current cryopreservation protocols have been largely employed in research, which does not require as stringent consideration of viability and sterility. Therefore, these protocols involve the use of serum and protein additives, which can potentially introduce contaminants, and slow cooling with DMSO/glycerol-based cryopreservation solutions, which impairs cell survival. We investigated whether serum- and protein-free vitrification is effective for functional cryopreservation of neurosphere cultures of neural stem or progenitor cells. To protect the samples from introduction of other contaminants during handling and cryostorage, an original “straw-in-straw” method (250 μl sterile straw placed in 500 μl straw) for direct immersion into liquid nitrogen and storing the samples was also introduced. The protocol employed brief step-wise exposure to vitrification solution composed of ethylene glycol (EG) and sucrose (40% v/v EG, 0.6 M sucrose) and removal of vitrification solution at room temperature. Evaluation of the effects of vitrification revealed that there were no differences between control and vitrified neural stem or progenitor cells in expression of the neural stem or progenitor cell markers, proliferation, or multipotent differentiation. This sterile method for the xeno-free cryopreservation of murine neurospheres without animal or human proteins may have the potential to serve as a starting point for the development of cryopreservation protocols for human neural stem and progenitor cells for clinical use.
Microtransplantation of Dopaminergic Cell Suspensions: Further Characterization and Optimization of Grafting Parameters
Authors: Nikkhah Guido , Rosenthal Christoph , Falkenstein Gero , Roedter Alexandra , Papazoglou Anna , Brandis Almuth
Published: May 2009

Intracerebral transplantation of dopaminergic (DA) cells is currently further explored as a potential restorative therapy for Parkinson's disease (PD). However, before they can be considered for a more widespread clinical use a number of critical issues have to be resolved, including an optimized transplantation protocol. This study has been performed in a rat 6-hydroxydopamine model of PD and is based on the microtransplantation approach. The results demonstrate a reduced survival (threefold) for a single cell suspension of E14 rat ventral mesencephalon compared to a fragment suspension when a metal cannula is used for implantation. However, fragment suspensions result in a more variable graft survival and ectopically placed cells along the implantation tract. When a glass capillary is used for implantation, the survival of the single cell suspension (so-called “micrograft”) improved by fourfold (vs. single cells/metal cannula) and is superior to the combination of the metal cannula and fragment suspension (+40%). The micrografts show a reduced variability in DA neuron survival as well as fewer ectopically placed cells. Moreover, the implantation time can significantly be reduced from 19 to 7 min in micrografted animals without a compromise in DA graft survival and functional behavioral outcome. Using the microtransplantation approach graft size can be tailored effectively by varying the density of the final cell suspension at least between 11,000 and 320,000 cells/μl, resulting in comparable survival of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive neurons in the range of 2–4%. With this approach no more than 100 surviving TH-positive neurons are necessary to produce functional effects in the amphetamine-induced rotation test. Interestingly, we found that DA micrografts into lesion striatum present 20% higher survival rates of TH neurons in comparison to the intact striatum. In summary, these results provide further evidence for the usefulness of the microtransplantation approach and allow for a more precise and tailored adaptation of the implantation parameters for further studies on DA, and possibly also other neural-, glial-, and stem cell-derived grafts.
Aerobic, Copper‐Mediated Oxidation of Alkaline Formaldehyde to Fuel‐Cell Grade Hydrogen and Formate: Mechanism and Applications
Authors: Preti Debora , Squarcialupi Sergio , Fachinetti Giuseppe
Published: May 2009

Jenseits von Nanopulvern: Wasserstoff und Formiat entstehen bei der Oxidation von alkalischem HCHO durch CuO‐Mikropartikel. Die durch rein elektrochemische Reduktion von CuO gebildeten Cu‐Mikropartikel behalten die Morphologie von CuO bei (linkes Bild: CuO; rechtes Bild: durch Reduktion von CuO durch alkalisches HCHO gebildetes Cu) und sind gasdurchlässig. Sie reagieren effizienter als Cu‐Nanopartikel mit Luft zu CuO zurück.

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Lithium‐Doped 3D Covalent Organic Frameworks: High‐Capacity Hydrogen Storage Materials
Authors: Cao Dapeng , Lan Jianhui , Wang Wenchuan , Smit Berend
Published: May 2009

Eine mehrskalige theoretische Methode sagt voraus, dass die gravimetrischen Adsorptionskapazitäten von H2 in lithiumdotierten kovalenten organischen Gerüsten auf Basis der gezeigten Bausteine (Li violett, H weiß, B pink, C grün, O rot, Si gelb) bei T=298 K und p=100 bar fast 7 % erreichen können; damit sind diese lithiumdotierten Materialien vielversprechende Adsorbentien zur Wasserstoffspeicherung.

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Aerobic, Copper‐Mediated Oxidation of Alkaline Formaldehyde to Fuel‐Cell Grade Hydrogen and Formate: Mechanism and Applications
Authors: Preti Debora , Squarcialupi Sergio , Fachinetti Giuseppe
Published: May 2009

Beyond nanopowders: Hydrogen and formate are produced through the oxidation of alkaline HCHO by CuO microparticles. The Cu microparticles formed in the purely electrochemical reduction of CuO preserve the morphology of CuO (left‐hand image: CuO; right‐hand image: Cu formed in the reduction of CuO by alkaline HCHO) and can be permeated by a gas. They react more efficiently than Cu nanoparticles with air to restore CuO.

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Lithium‐Doped 3D Covalent Organic Frameworks: High‐Capacity Hydrogen Storage Materials
Authors: Cao Dapeng , Lan Jianhui , Wang Wenchuan , Smit Berend
Published: May 2009

Quick on the uptake: A multiscale theoretical method predicts that the gravimetric adsorption capacities of H2 in Li‐doped covalent organic frameworks based on the building blocks shown (Li violet, H white, B pink, C green, O red, Si yellow) can reach nearly 7 % at T=298 K and p=100 bar, suggesting that these Li‐doped materials are promising adsorbents for hydrogen storage.

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Leucine Side‐Chain Conformation and Dynamics in Proteins from 13C NMR Chemical Shifts
Authors: Mulder Frans A. A.
Published: May 2009

Look to the left: The carbon nucleus of a substituent in the gauche position about a subtending dihedral angle experiences an NMR chemical shift of about 5 ppm relative to the same chemical group present in the trans position. We demonstrate that this “γ‐gauche effect” can be utilized to determine the conformation and extent of rotameric averaging for leucine amino acid side chains in the protein calbindin D9k. The success of this approach suggests that rules can be established to define the orientation of other side chains in proteins as well, offering an easy gauge of protein side‐chain flexibility, as well as avenues to advance protein structure determination by using side‐chain chemical shifts.

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Fast Ruthenium‐Catalysed Allylation of Thiols by Using Allyl Alcohols as Substrates
Authors: Zaitsev Alexey B. , Caldwell Helen F. , Pregosin Paul S. , Veiros Luis F.
Published: May 2009

Green and fast: Allylation of aromatic and aliphatic thiols, by using allyl alcohols as substrates, requires only minutes at ambient temperature with a Ru catalyst (see scheme). Quantitative conversion is normal and the catalyst possesses high functional‐group tolerance.

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The allylation of aromatic and aliphatic thiols, by using allyl alcohols as substrates, requires only minutes at ambient temperature with either a RuIV catalyst, [Ru(Cp*)(η3‐C3H5)(CH3CN)2](PF6)2 (2; Cp*=pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) or a combination of [Ru(Cp*)(CH3CN)3](PF6) and camphor sulfonic acid. Quantitative conversion is normal and the catalyst possesses high functional‐group tolerance. The use of [Ru(Cp*)(CH3CN)3](PF6) alone affords poor results. A comparison is made to the results from catalytic runs based on the use of carbonates rather than alcohols, by using 2 as the catalyst, and it is shown that the products from the alcohols are formed faster, so there is no advantage in using a carbonate substrate. The observed branched‐to‐linear (b/l) ratios when using substituted alcohols decrease with time suggesting that the catalysts isomerise the products. A new methodology from which one can select the desired isomeric product is proposed. DFT calculations and NMR spectroscopic measurements, by using an arene sulfonic acid as co‐catalyst, suggest that η6‐complexes are not relevant for the catalytic system. Moreover, the DFT results indicate that 1) any η6‐complexes from the acids RC6H4SO3H result from deprotonation of the acid, 2) complexation of the thiol, via the deprotonated sulfur atom, is preferred over complexation of the O atom of the sulfonate, RC6H4SO3− and 3) a sulfonate O‐atom complex will be difficult to detect.
Synthesis of 2‐(Selenophen‐2‐yl)pyrroles and Their Electropolymerization to Electrochromic Nanofilms
Authors: Trofimov Boris A. , Schmidt Elena Yu. , Mikhaleva Albina I. , Pozo‐Gonzalo Cristina , Pomposo Jose A. , Salsamendi Maitane , Protzuk Nadezhda I. , Zorina Nadezhda V. , Afonin Andrey V. , Vashchenko Alexander V. , Levanova Ekaterina P. , Levkovskaya Galina G.
Published: May 2009

Bridging pyrrole and selenophene chemistries: Molecular assemblies have been developed that allow scrutiny of the electronic communication between pyrrole and selenophene nuclei. Divergent syntheses of 2‐(selenophen‐2‐yl)pyrroles and their N‐vinyl derivatives from available 2‐acylselenophenes and acetylenes in a one‐pot procedure have been devised (see scheme), which provide access to these exotic heterocyclic ensembles.

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The divergent syntheses of 2‐(selenophen‐2‐yl)pyrroles and their N‐vinyl derivatives from available 2‐acylselenophenes and acetylenes in a one‐pot procedure make these exotic heterocyclic ensembles accessible. Now we face a potentially vast area for exploration with a great diversity of far‐reaching consequences including conducting electrochromic polymers with repeating of pyrrole and selenophene units (emerging rivalry for polypyrroles and polyselenophenes), the synthesis of functionalized pyrrole–selenophene assembles for advanced materials, biochemistry and medicine, exciting models for theory of polymer conductivity.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Isomerization and Hydroformylation of Olefins
Authors: Jennerjahn Reiko , Piras Irene , Jackstell Ralf , Franke Robert , Wiese Klaus‐Diether , Beller Matthias
Published: May 2009

A novel selective palladium catalyst system based on bidentate 2,2′‐heteroarylarylphosphines and p‐TsOH has been developed for hydroformylation reactions (see scheme). By applying optimal conditions good to excellent regioselectivity is obtained for the hydroformylation of aliphatic and aromatic olefins. It is shown that a low acid concentration is crucial for obtaining high degrees of the linear isomer.

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The palladium‐catalyzed hydroformylation of 1‐octene has been studied in the presence of different phosphines and acid cocatalysts. The best results are achieved in the presence of in situ‐generated palladium complexes with bidentate phosphines. It is demonstrated that the acid concentration is a crucial factor for obtaining high linear selectivity. A novel optimized catalyst based on an arylheteroarylphosphine has been applied for hydroformylation of different aliphatic and aromatic olefins. Good activity and excellent selectivity towards the linear aldehydes is achieved.
Detecting Sequential Bond Formation Using Three‐Dimensional Thermal Fluctuation Analysis
Authors: Bartsch Tobias F. , Fišinger Samo , Kochanczyk Martin D. , Huang Rongxin , Jonáš Alexandr , Florin Ernst‐Ludwig
Published: May 2009

Detecting specific bond formation: The formation of specific bonds between a particle and a substrate results in an immobilization of the particle that occurs in discrete steps, even for nanometer‐sized complexes. Each configuration of bonds corresponds to a characteristic distribution of the particle's thermal position fluctuations (see picture).

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We present a novel experimental method that solves two key problems in nondestructive mechanical studies of small biomolecules at the single‐molecule level, namely the confirmation of single‐molecule conditions and the discrimination against nonspecific binding. A biotin–avidin ligand–receptor couple is spanned between a glass slide and a 1 μm latex particle using short linker molecules. Optical tweezers are used to initiate bond formation and to follow the particle’s thermal position fluctuations with nanometer spatial and microsecond temporal resolution. Here we show that each step in the specific binding process leads to an abrupt change in the magnitude of the particle’s thermal position fluctuations, allowing us to count the number of bonds formed one by one. Moreover, three‐dimensional position histograms calculated from the particle’s fluctuations can be separated into well‐defined categories reflecting different binding conditions (single specific, multiple specific, nonspecific). Our method brings quantitative mechanical single‐molecule studies to the majority of proteins, paving the way for the investigation of a wide range of phenomena at the single‐molecule level.
The impact of coniferous forest temperature on incoming longwave radiation to melting snow
Authors: Pomeroy John W. , Marks Danny , Link Tim , Ellis Chad , Hardy Janet , Rowlands Aled , Granger Raoul
Published: May 2009

Measurements were conducted in coniferous forests of differing density, insolation and latitude to test whether air temperatures are suitable surrogates for canopy temperature in estimating sub‐canopy longwave irradiance to snow. Air temperature generally was a good representation of canopy radiative temperature under conditions of low insolation. However during high insolation, needle and branch temperatures were well estimated by air temperature only in relatively dense canopies and exceeded air temperatures elsewhere. Tree trunks exceeded air temperatures in all canopies during high insolation, with the relatively hottest trunks associated with direct interception of sunlight, sparse canopy cover and dead trees. The exitance of longwave radiation from these relatively warm canopies exceeded that calculated assuming canopy temperature was equal to air temperature. This enhancement was strongly related to the extinction of shortwave radiation by the canopy. Estimates of sub‐canopy longwave irradiance using either two‐energy source or two thermal regime approaches to evaluate the contribution of canopy longwave exitance performed better than did estimates that used only air temperature and sky view. However, there was little evidence that such corrections are necessary under cloudy or low solar insolation conditions. The longwave enhancement effect due to shortwave extinction was important to sub‐canopy longwave irradiance to snow during clear, sunlit conditions. Longwave enhancement increased with increasing solar elevation angle and decreasing air temperature. Its relative importance to longwave irradiance to snow was insensitive to canopy density. As errors from ignoring enhanced longwave contributions from the canopy accumulate over the winter season, it is important for snow energy balance computations to include the enhancement in order to better calculate snow internal energy and therefore the timing and magnitude of snowmelt and sublimation. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A comparative study of azo dye decolorization by electro‐Fenton in two common electrolytes
Authors: Ma Xiangjuan , Zhou Minghua
Published: May 2009

BACKGROUND: This study compared the decolorization behaviors of a model azo dye of methyl red in Na2SO4 and NaCl media by electro‐Fenton process, in which FeSO4 was added into the solution, while H2O2 was efficiently generated on a graphite–polytetrafluoroethylene cathode. Parameters such as pH, cathodic potential, electrolyte concentration, and initial dye concentration as well as the treatment time were investigated to disclose different decolorization behaviour.

RESULTS: Decolorization in NaCl medium had an advantage over that in Na2SO4 medium not only in performance but also in its suitability for application, which seemed less sensitive to variations in parameters and thus broadened the optimal performance range. In NaCl medium, indirect oxidation by active chlorine contributed greatly to the decolorization, and the removal of methyl red obeyed pseudo‐first‐order kinetics.

CONCLUSION: Electro‐Fenton oxidation in the present system in the presence of NaCl would is a promising procedure for azo dye waste‐water treatment. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Study on biological activities of Physalis alkekengi var. francheti polysaccharide
Authors: Ge Yu , Duan Yufeng , Fang Guozhen , Zhang Yan , Wang Shuo
Published: May 2009

BACKGROUND: Physalis alkekengi var. francheti is a well‐known edible and medicinal plant in oriental countries. Recent reports indicate that polysaccharides play an important role as a dietary free radical scavenger for the prevention of oxidative damage.

RESULTS: Antioxidant studies showed that fruit polysaccharide (FP) had higher scavenging effects on 1,1‐dipheny‐l‐2‐picrylhydrazyl, hydroxyl radical assay (·OH) than vitamin C and fruit calyx polysaccharide (FCP) in vitro. The results of animal experiments showed that D‐galactose‐induced aging in mice, as evidenced by alterations in superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase and monoamine oxidase activities and malondialdehyde level, was ameliorated by FP treatment. Moreover, FP could distinctly prolong the loaded‐swimming time of mice, lower the content of blood urea nitrogen of post‐exercise mice, decrease the consumption of liver glycogen and increase the activity of lactic dehydrogenase. All these results suggested that FP functioned in resisting the production of fatigue and accelerating the dispelling of fatigue.

CONCLUSION: The present study suggests that Physalis alkekengi var. francheti would be a valuable source of polysaccharide and FP is able to effectively scavenge free radicals, delay aging in mice and resist the production of fatigue. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Piloting a psycho‐education program for parents of pediatric cancer patients in Malaysia
Authors: Othman Azizah , Blunden Sarah , Mohamad Norsarwany , Mohd Hussin Zabidi Azhar , Jamil Osman Zubaidah
Published: May 2009

Objective: To evaluate a psycho‐educational program (PeP) for parents of children with cancer (PoCwC) in Malaysia.

Methods: Seventy‐nine parents were invited to be either in an intervention (n=41) or a control group (n=38). Baseline assessment took place upon agreement of participation. Short‐term effects were measured four weeks after the intervention. Control parents received standard care. Intervention parents received, in addition to standard care, 4×50 min sessions of information on childhood cancer and coping strategies.

Results: Repeated measures of ANOVAs revealed increased knowledge about cancer (p=0.01) in the intervention parents compared with standard care. Intervention parents reported reduced anxiety and increased activities with children after the program; however, differences were not significant.

Conclusions: This PeP, the first of its kind in Malaysia, has significantly increased levels of knowledge among parents of seriously ill children which may point towards the potential for these services to increase coping in Malaysian PoCwC. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Activity of antimicrobial peptides in the presence of polysaccharides produced by pulmonary pathogens
Authors: Benincasa M. , Mattiuzzo M. , Herasimenka Y. , Cescutti P. , Rizzo R. , Gennaro R.
Published: May 2009

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are secreted in the airway and contribute to initial defence against inhaled pathogens. Infections of the respiratory tract are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in preterm newborns and in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). In this latter group, the state of chronic lung infection is due to the ability of bacteria to grow as mucoid biofilm, a condition characterised by overproduction and release of polysaccharides (PSs). In this study, we investigate the effect of PSs produced by lung pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae and members of the Burkholderia cepacia complex on the antibacterial activity of structurally different peptides. The AMPs tested in this study include the cathelicidin LL‐37 and the β‐defensin hBD‐3 from humans, both released at the alveolar level, as well as peptides from other mammals, i.e. SMAP‐29, PG‐1 and Bac7(1‐35). Susceptibility assays, time killing and membrane permeabilization kinetics experiments were carried out to establish whether PSs produced by lung pathogens may be involved in the poor defence reaction of infected lungs and thus explain infection persistence. All the PSs investigated inhibited, albeit to a different extent, the antibacterial activity of the peptides tested, suggesting that their presence in the lungs of patients with CF may contribute to the decreased defence response of this district upon infection by PS‐producing microorganisms. The results also show that inhibition of the antibacterial activity is not simply due to ionic interaction between the negatively charged PSs and the cationic AMPs, but it also involves other structural features of both interactors. Copyright © 2009 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Accelerated antioxidant bioavailability of OPC‐3® bioflavonoids administered as isotonic solution
Authors: Cesarone Maria R. , Grossi Maria Giovanni , Renzo Andrea Di , Errichi Silvia , Schönlau Frank , Wilmer James L. , Lange Mark , Blumenfeld Julian
Published: May 2009

The degree of absorption of bioflavonoids, a diverse and complex group of plant derived phytonutrients, has been a frequent debate among scientists. Monomeric flavonoid species are known to be absorbed within 2 h. The kinetics of plasma reactive oxygen species, a reflection of bioactivity, of a commercial blend of flavonoids, OPC‐3® was investigated. OPC‐3® was selected to compare absorption of an isotonic flavonoid solution vs tablet form with the equivalent amount of fluid.

In the case of isotonic OPC‐3® the reactive oxygen species of the subject's plasma decreased significantly (p < 0.05), six times greater than OPC‐3® tablets by 10 min post‐consumption. After 20 min the isotonic formulation was approximately four times more bioavailable and after 40 min twice as bioavailable as the tablet, respectively. At time points 1 h and later, both isotonic and tablet formulations lowered oxidative stress, although the isotonic formulation values remained significantly better throughout the investigation period of 4 h. These findings point to a dramatically accelerated bioavailability of flavonoids delivered in an isotonic formulation. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Public transport service quality and sustainable development: a community stakeholder perspective
Authors: Too Linda , Earl George
Published: May 2009

A key element in achieving sustainability's triple‐bottom‐line goals is a good public transport system. Many studies have shown the relationship between effective public transport services and sustainable development at the city level. The purpose of this study is to introduce and use a SERVQUAL framework to measure public transport services within a master‐planned community in Australia. The stakeholder survey findings suggest a wide gap between community expectations of public transport services and the actual service quality provided. This was consistent across all commuter groups. In particular, the findings have been useful in shedding broad light on the areas where improvements are needed most, i.e. responsiveness and reliability of services, to encourage greater use of public transport within the community level. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Viability of small‐scale arsenic‐contaminated‐water purification technologies for sustainable development in Pakistan
Authors: Hashmi Fatima , Pearce Joshua M.
Published: May 2009

Drinking arsenic‐contaminated water leads to a series of health problems that has limited development for the largely poor rural people of Pakistan who are unable to afford bottled water, centralized treatment plants or expensive water filter systems. This paper reviews the available appropriate technologies for the removal of arsenic from drinking water to assist in just sustainable development in Pakistan. Several technologies were found to be both technically and economically viable, supporting the large‐scale deployment of these small‐scale, appropriate technologies. The economic viability determined in this study was based on both first costs and operating costs. The cost of implementing such technologies for an individual Pakistani family is made acceptable with the use of local materials, which the family may already own. For example, systems using sand and iron nails in the filters, and that are placed in plastic buckets that are already in common use in the villages, drive down the overall costs of the technology and put it in the reach of even the most destitute. This study found that complications from the variability of local supplies result in the need to identify the locally most appropriate solution from both a technical and economic standpoint. This review article should be helpful for any practitioner in determining the locally optimal solution for the removal of arsenic from drinking water in Pakistan. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Biosurfactants from Urban Wastes for Detergent Formulation: Surface Activity and Washing Performance
Authors: Savarino Piero , Montoneri Enzo , Musso Giorgia , Boffa Vittorio
Published: May 2009

To promote biobased products for industry, six biosurfactants (BS) isolated from green and food urban residues aged under aerobic digestion for 0–60 days were investigated for their chemical composition, surface activity properties and detergent performance in fabric washing in comparison with commercial anionic and nonionic surfactants (CS). The BS exhibited a range of chemical composition and surface activity properties presumably related to their different biomass sources. Surface tension data for these substances correlated meaningfully with performance data in fabric washing. It was found that BS have similar performances as CS when used neat, but the 1:1 w/w BS–CS mixes are characterized by significant synergy. High sensitivity to water hardness and fabric yellowing were found to be the main deficiencies for the BS. However, both effects are minimized or are not critically evident when the BS are used together with CS and/or in common detergents formulations. The results indicate that when used above critical micellar concentration, no significant or critical performance differences are evident within the whole group of BS or between BS and CS. These facts encourage expectations for industrial production and real commercialization of BS as components of detergents formulations.
The Nui Chua layered peridotite-gabbro complex as manifestation of Permo-Triassic mantle plume in northern Vietnam
Authors: Polyakov G.V. , Shelepaev R.A. , Hoa Tran Trong , Izokh A.E. , Balykin P.A. , Phuong Ngo Thi , Hung Tran Quoc , Nien Bui An
Published: May 2009

New data on the age, composition, formation conditions, and ore-geochemical specialization of the Nui Chua layered peridotite-gabbro complex are reported. They evidence that the complex resulted from the Permo-Triassic mantle plume activity in northern Vietnam (southern framing of the Yangtze Platform). Two series of mafic and ultramafic rocks differing in ore productivity—layered (PGE-Cu-Ni) and pegmatoid (Fe-Ti-V)—have been recognized within the complex. The first estimates of the composition of their parental melts have been obtained.
The conditions of existence and typomorphism of native gold in ores of the Degdekanskoe deposit (northeastern Russia) in black-shale strata
Authors: Litvinenko I.S.
Published: May 2009

We studied the typomorphic features of native gold in orebodies with veinlet-disseminated quartz-sulfide mineralization at the Degdekanskoe deposit localized in Permian black-shale strata of the Ayan–Yuryakh anticlinorium in the upper-Yana–Chukchi folded area. With a successive HF and HNO3 dissolution of samples, the abundance of native gold intimately intergrown with sulfides (on the average, 42.1%) and carbonaceous substance was revealed. It is shown that most of its grains are small and fine (the <0.25 mm fraction averages 90.2%) and are accumulated mainly in interstices. Two gold generations have been revealed: low-medium-grade (751–840‰) (main) and high-grade (885–931‰). The zonal structure of mineralization has been established. The upper, most enriched horizons bear coarser-grained gold of the two generations, which are localized in both sulfide and silicate minerals. With depth, the total content of gold decreases, the share of sulfide gold increases, and the grain size and grade also diminish, with the low-medium-grade generation prevailing.
Organizational Growth and Goal Structure: the Case of the ILO
Authors: Dufty Norman F.
Published: May 2009

This article outlines some of the propositions on organizational growth and goal structure contained in the literature on organization theory. A number of hypotheses are derived from this body of material and these are tested against the International Labor Organization experience.1
International Sanctions: A Framework for Analysis with Special Reference to the UN and Southern Africa
Authors: Doxey Margaret
Published: May 2009

This paper falls into two main parts. In Part I an attempt is made to develop a simple framework which can be used for analyzing the role of sanctions, with special reference to international sanctions.1In Part II this framework is used to investigate the status of the United Nations as a sanctioning body and, in particular, the relationship between the UN and Southern Africa where Rhodesia has been subjected to international economic sanctions since 1965 and South Africa has been under threat of similar measures since the early 1960s.2
The Role of the UN in Environmental Problem
Authors: Gardner Richard N.
Published: May 2009

During the first quarter century of the United Nations its non-political work has doinated by one subject—the economic development of the less developed countries. In this period “progress”tended to be measured in terms of gross national product (GNP), and “cooperaton” usally meant what the rich countries could do for the poor through aid, trade technical assistance.
The Role of the WMO in Enviromental Issues
Authors: Davies David Arthur
Published: May 2009

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations. By definition it is concerned with the atmosphere and atmospheric processes and, hence, with the human environment, for whatever definition of the human environment may be adopted, the atmosphere is clearly one of its essential elements. Many atmospheric processes are intimately, indeed inextricably, related to processes and phenomena the study of which falls within the compass of other geophysical disciplines — notably hydrology and oceanography. The WMO has therefore certain responsibilities in these fields also, and as a result its interest in the human environment is somewhat wider than its title may suggest.
The United Nations Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East
Authors: Schaaf C. Habt
Published: May 2009

The bare facts about the history and organization of the United Nations Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East (ECAFE) are not difficult to relate. The commission was established in 1947 by the Economic and Social Council, along with two other regional economic commissions for Europe and Latin America, as a five-year experiment. Its terms of reference authorized it “acting within the framework of the policies of the United Nations and subject to the general supervision of the Council” and provided that it take “no action in respect to any country without the agreement of the Government of that country” to:

(a) initiate and participate in measures for facilitating concerted action for the economic reconstruction of Asia and the Far East, for raising the level of economic activity … and for maintaining and strengthening the economic relations of these areas both among themselves and with other countries of the world;
NATO and Its Commentators: The First Five Years
Authors: Kaplan Lawrence S.
Published: May 2009

The signing of the North Atlantic Treaty on April 4, 1949, gave rise to a number of books and articles on the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) the volume of which will probably continue for some time. The treaty and the organization that it created represent the clearest challenge to Soviet expansionism since the end of World War II. Through this action twelve nations of North America and western Europe resolved to consider an armed attack against one member an attack against them all, and to create sufficient stiength within the alliance to deter potential aggressors. But NATO's continuing interest to commentators stems from reasons other than its value as a weapon against the spread of communism. To some writers NATO appears to be a stimulant that would revive a moribund United Nations, to others it is the beginning of a new kind of alliance unprecedented in history, to still others, it is a symbol of America's rejection of isolationism. So vague are some of the treaty's articles and so rapid has been the evolution of the organization that almost any observer could derive whatever meaning he wishes out of NATO's development.
World Opinion and Colonial Status
Authors: Robinson Kenneth
Published: May 2009

“The great purpose of the British Empire is the gradual spread of freedom among all His Majesty's subjects in whatever part of the world they live. That spread of freedom is a slow evolutionary process. In some countries it is more rapid than others.… It may take generations or even centuries for the peoples in some parts of the Colonial Empire to achieve self-government. But it is a major part of our policy, even among the most backward peoples of Africa, to teach them and to encourage them always to be able to stand a little more on their own two feet.”
Denmark and Nato: The Problem of a Small State in a Collective Security System
Authors: Wilkinson Joe R.
Published: May 2009

1948 and 1949 were critical years of decision for many European nations caught in a web of events of such significance and suddenness as to call into question in a matter of months political traditions and concepts whose roots reached well back into die nineteenth century. Faced with the expanding east-west conflict, many countries felt themselves not only endangered and forced to look to their military defenses, but also obliged to choose one side or the other in die developing struggle.
Recent Contributions to the Field
Authors: Van Wagenen Richard W.
Published: May 2009

From time to time the Editors find it useful to survey some of the new literature in the field of international organization. This time the reviewer has chosen to comment upon all the literature of a certain period within defined limits, instead of selecting three or four outstanding titles for more careful treatment. This article examines briefly all books published in the United States during 1954, 1955, and almost the first half of 1956 that deal primarily with the field of international organization, but with certain classes of exception.
East-West Cooperation and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe
Authors: Wightman David
Published: May 2009

Probably no other organ of the United Nations concerned with economic affairs has been so closely dependent on the current temper of east-west relations as the Economic Commission for Europe (ECE). The paralyzing effect of the cold war on ECE was such tiiat its activities, as distinct from its membership, have become truly all-European only within the last three years. To outline this development and reflect upon the present character of east-west cooperation within ECE is die concern of this article. But first a few words about die character of the organization itself, for its constitution is a poor guide.
The Mode of Financing Unions of States as a Measure of Their Degree of Integration
Authors: Wright Quincy
Published: May 2009

The United Nations is the most comprehensive general international organization that has been established, but such organizations have existed before. General international organizations constitute a type of union of independent governments which has occurred in numerous instances in recorded history and even among primitive peoples.