bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Le Commissaire aux droits de l’homme, protecteur des droits des citoyens devant l’administration en Russie
Authors: Viel Marianne
Published: October 2010

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Russian Federation tried to find new means to protect its citizens from bureaucracy. In the late 1990s, the Federation appointed an ombudsman who could meet the regime’s various demands for democracy. The appointment of a Human Rights Commissioner was regarded as a step forward promoting new relations between government and citizens with special emphasis on citizens’ rights. Now, after a few years’ try, it appears that the new institution is far from being a success. Success depends, obviously, on the jobs given to the institution, but the main success factor is the reputation the Human Rights Commissioner and his staff enjoy with the government and, for a greater part still, citizens. In this area everything remains to be done and the institution will not last very long unless the entire nation changes its perception of rights and freedom in a drastic manner.
Le Code civil et l’Italie
Authors: Alpa Guido
Published: October 2010

Le Code civil accompagne l’histoire du droit civil italien depuis 1806, date à laquelle la version italienne du Code est publiée à Milan sous le titre de Code civil du Royaume d’Italie. Ce code constitue le modèle des Codes civils de l’Italie pré-unitaire, du Code civil de 1865 de l’Italie unie et représente encore un point de repère pour la culture italienne du vingtième siècle, au cours duquel une tentative d’un Code des obligations franco-italien a été élaborée. Même après le code de 1942, le Code civil français et la culture juridique française sont encore considérés comme des modèles et comme des interlocuteurs irremplaçables. Dans ces pages on examinera le Code civil

d’une façon critique suivant la perspective des juristes italiens qui en ont célébré le succès, la diffusion et l’application en Italie et on envisagera la structure des institutions de droit civil qui aujourd’hui sont encore à la base du droit civil italien. Il s’agit d’une lecture technique idéologique, sociologique qui exprime toute l’admiration pour les «Pères» du Code et en souligne la nature d’un véritable «monument historique».
L’inflation législative - quelques repères méthodologiques sur l’exemple de la législation polonaise
Authors: Zwiersykowski Piotr
Published: October 2010

Cette étude se veut d’examiner la pertinence méthodologique des données citées couramment dans les débats portant sur l’inflation normative - sur l’exemple de la législation polonaise. Le caractère dérisoire des données primaires du Journal des Lois

(nombre de numéros, de pages, etc.) et l’impossibilité de cibler les normes juridiques, conduisent à analyser les variations annuelles de la production des actes législatifs. Les considérations méthodologiques impliquent d’abord l’exclusion des textes dépourvus de valeur matériellement législative et •ce qui constitue le plus grand défi - des actes

purement modificatifs qui prolifèrent au sein de la législation contemporaine. L’auteur se penche ensuite sur les différentes mesures de longueur des lois et décrets en montrant les limites de leur pertinence dues notamment à l’impact des actes codificatifs volumineux ainsi qu’à l’évolution de la technique législative et de la mise en page des textes dans le recueil officiel. Tous ces éléments influent considérablement les calculs des moyennes et l’interprétation des tendances. Malgré l’objectif principalement méthodologique de l’article, on y trouve des arguments confortant la thèse inflationniste en Pologne, surtout dans les années 90.
Les garanties du procès équitable et les autorités admministratives indépendantes britanniques en matière disciplinaire : l’exemple de l’ordre des avocats
Authors: Muzny Petr
Published: October 2010

Lorsque les garanties du procès équitable élaborées par la Cour européenne des droits de l'homme rencontrent le domaine d’intervention des autorités administratives indépendantes (AAI), de surcroît dans le cadre constitutionnel britannique où le principe de souveraineté du parlement prime toujours, l’entente ne va pas de soi. Rappelons-nous des difficultés pour reconnaître lesdites garanties en droit administratif français. Et pourtant, cette rencontre est bel et bien en train de se dérouler outre-manche. Cette étude a précisément pour objectif d’enrichir notre expérience de la pratique de la subsidiarité européenne, dans l’ordre interne, en mettant en relief les effets de l’extension des garanties du procès équitable aux AAI britanniques, à travers l’exemple représentatif du Tribunal disciplinaire de l’ordre des Avocats.
Les apports de Wittgenstein à la réflexion comparatiste
Authors: Richard Pascal
Published: October 2010

The study tries to demontrate the interest of the concepts built by L. Wittgenstein, with regard to a better understanding of the comparative law. The “linguistic turning”,

“anthropological” and finally “grammatical” are requested in order to give some lightings which are interesting to our legal practice. The “linguistic turning” allows to present law as real linguistic phenomenon and to consider subordinating the enforcable

norms to the rules of the language. The “anthropological turning” demonstrates that the “plays of the language” fitted to our “legal language”, understood as “language of speciality”, is based on a cultural conception of the forms of living transposed in law through of the concept of institution which is restive at a too high generalization. Finally, the “grammatical turning” justifies the presence of “a play” – and of a grammar – fitted to our practice translation and which confirms that the language is not only a system.
L’allemansträtt ou une conception particulière du droit de propriété en droit suédois
Authors: von Plauen Frédérique
Published: October 2010

The allemansrätt, Swedish constitutional law, devotes a right of access to the nature for the public, that is through the right of gathering, the right-of-way or the right of temporary residence. Only trespassing the «boundaries of tolerance», namely of inflicting serious damage to nature and constituting an important damage for the owner, can restrict the use of the allemansrätt. The characteristic of this right thus holds in its relationship to the right of ownership: the allemansrätt is considered as well on public grounds belonging to the State, or the communities, as on purely private properties; for instance, a forest owner cannot prohibit the entry of his forest to the citizens. For a better understanding of this right, which is quite incompatible with French design of the humans right (with a right of property quasi-absolute), the theories of Hohfeld on the classification of the rights (between freedoms, claims, immunities or power) seem to be well adapted. Finally, beyond this classification, the private property is not really any more a private property, without being completely a public property neither, the

allemansrätt then makes it possible to highlight the concepts of «common good», and even «good of the environment» which seem to very precisely qualify this Scandinavian particularity.
La Cour commune de justice et d’arbitrage de l’OHADA : un troisième degré de juridiction ?
Authors: Assepo Assi Eugène
Published: October 2010

Cette étude a pour objectif de démontrer que, loin d’être un troisième degré de juridiction, la Cour commune de justice et d’arbitrage (CCJA) de l’OHADA est une juridiction de cassation singulière qui se transforme, occasionnellement et accessoirement, en juge du fond. La CCJA est juge de cassation car elle est juge du droit et non du fait: cette assertion, qui est totalement vérifiée lorsque la Cour rend un arrêt de rejet, le demeure -mais partiellement-en cas de cassation. La reconnaissance à la CCJA de la qualité de juridiction de cassation tient aussi en ce qu’elle est juge de l’arrêt et non de l’affaire: cette affirmation, qui est également totalement vérifiée en cas de rejet du pourvoi, le demeure -mais partiellement-en cas de cassation. En effet, après la cassation, la CCJA va entreprendre de remplacer la décision annulée par son propre arrêt, ce qui est propre à une juridiction du fond. La manifestation de la transformation réside dès lors dans le remplacement de la décision annulée. En effet, au lieu de renvoyer l’affaire devant un juge du fond pour qu’elle y soit rejugée, la CCJA va lui substituer son propre arrêt.
Organization, anatomy, and fungal endophytes of a Triassic conifer embryo
Authors: Schwendemann Andrew B. , Taylor Thomas N. , Taylor Edith L. , Krings Michael
Published: October 2010

• Premise of the study: Much is known about the Paleozoic conifers and the conifers assignable to extant families that appear in the Jurassic; however, relatively little is known about the transitional conifers of the early Mesozoic, especially the Voltziales. To better understand the evolution of this group, we aim to increase knowledge of voltzialean anatomy and morphology. A fossil embryo of the group is described in this study.

• Methods: Several permineralized seeds, one containing a well‐preserved embryo, were collected from the early Middle Triassic Fremouw Peak locality in the Central Transantarctic Mountains. Samples were prepared using the standard acetate peel technique and studied in transmitted light.

• Key results: The embryo belongs to Parasciadopitys aequata, a member of the Voltziales. The embryo and megagametophyte tissues are exquisitely preserved. The embryo is colonized by two distinct fungi. Sporocarps of the fungi are found in the megagametophyte and in the space between the megagametophyte and nucellus. The additions of embryo and megagametophyte characters to the description of P. aequata have made it one of the most completely known fossil taxa reproductively.

• Conclusions: Preservation of fossil embryos, although rare, can expand the array of characters available in tracing the evolutionary history of plants. The embryo of P. aequata shares similarities with embryos of other extinct and extant conifer families. The association of the embryo with Combresomyces cornifer and Mycocarpon asterineum increases our understanding of the roles of microorganisms in Triassic ecosystems.
La métropolisation. Une clé de lecture de l'organisation contemporaine des espaces géographiques
Authors: Di Méo Guy
Published: October 2010

Résumé La métropolisation est un phénomène universel caractérisé par la concentration, dans des aires urbaines désormais fluides et ouvertes, d’un nombre croissant d’habitants vivant au rythme de mobilités incessantes, utilisant les TIC et se consacrant de plus en plus à la production de services (surtout dans les métropoles des pays riches du Nord). L’interconnexion de ces métropoles très hiérarchisées, au sein d’un réseau mondialisé de flux et d’informations variés, constitue l’une de leurs originalités majeures. À la fois système productif globalisé très efficace et processus nouveau de valorisation/occupation des espaces effaçant les anciennes divisions ville – campagne, la métropolisation est aussi un instrument difficilement gouvernable de tri et de classement des groupes sociaux produisant des espaces toujours plus fragmentés où la démocratie fait question.
Les parcours résidentiels internes des ménages résidant à Marne-la-Vallée : vertus et limites de la mobilité dans le processus d'ancrage
Authors: Brevet Nathalie
Published: October 2010

Résumé Cet article s’intéresse à la ville nouvelle de Marne-la-Vallée. Il part de l’hypothèse que la mobilité constitue un facteur dynamique du processus d’ancrage. Il en montre les qualités mais aussi les limites. Le matériau analysé repose sur une approche quantitative et une approche qualitative. Ce double mode de recueil de données a permis de constituer et d’exploiter des données de cadrage sur les pratiques de mobilité, représentatives de la population de Marne-la-Vallée, et de comprendre les mécanismes d’ancrage en ville nouvelle. Les exploitations statistiques ont été menées à partir du Recensement Général de la Population de 1999 et de l’Enquête Modes de vie en ville nouvelle de 2005, et enrichies de trente-trois entretiens semi-directifs réalisés auprès d’habitants de Marne-la-Vallée.
An overview of industrial and organisational psychology research in South Africa: A preliminary study
Authors: Schreuder Dries , Coetzee Melinde
Published: October 2010

Orientation: The generation and development of knowledge for the benefit of the discipline of industrial and organisational psychology by means of research is a core academic focus.Research purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore general research trends in the field of industrial and organisational psychology in South Africa from 1950 to 2008.Motivation for study: Research in the field tends to be influenced by either the changing needs of business or the occupational or personal fields of interest of academics, which often lead to an overemphasis on specific subdisciplines at the expense of others. This research aims to critically review dominant trends in the research focus areas in the field, in the light of present challenges in the changing work context. Recommendations are also made for possible future research.Research design, approach and method: A broad systematic review was carried out to analyse documented published and accredited South African research in the field (n = 2501).Main findings: Although there has been a proportional decline in personnel psychology research since 1990, there has been a proportional increase in both organisational psychology and employee wellness research since 1980 and 1990, respectively. Some areas of the industrial and organisational psychology field appear to be consistently under-researched.Practical implications: The insights derived from the findings can be used by academia and researchers in the field to plan future research initiatives.Contribution/value-add: The findings provide preliminary insights that contribute to the body of knowledge concerned with the industrial and organisational psychology field in the South African context.
The importance of transport model uncertainties for the estimation of CO2 sources and sinks using satellite measurements
Authors: Houweling S. , Aben I. , Breon F.-M. , Chevallier F. , Deutscher N. , Engelen R. , Gerbig C. , Griffith D. , Hungershoefer K. , Macatangay R. , Marshall J. , Notholt J. , Peters W. , Serrar S.
Published: October 2010

Abstract. This study presents a synthetic model intercomparison to investigate the importance of transport model errors for estimating the sources and sinks of CO2 using satellite measurements. The experiments were designed for testing the potential performance of the proposed CO2 lidar A-SCOPE, but also apply to other space borne missions that monitor total column CO2. The participating transport models IFS, LMDZ, TM3, and TM5 were run in forward and inverse mode using common a priori CO2 fluxes and initial concentrations. Forward simulations of column averaged CO2 (xCO2) mixing ratios vary between the models by σ=0.5 ppm over the continents and σ=0.27 ppm over the oceans. Despite the fact that the models agree on average on the sub-ppm level, these modest differences nevertheless lead to significant discrepancies in the inverted fluxes of 0.1 PgC/yr per 106 km2 over land and 0.03 PgC/yr per 106 km2 over the ocean. These transport model induced flux uncertainties exceed the target requirement that was formulated for the A-SCOPE mission of 0.02 PgC/yr per 106 km2, and could also limit the overall performance of other CO2 missions such as GOSAT. A variable, but overall encouraging agreement is found in comparison with FTS measurements at Park Falls, Darwin, Spitsbergen, and Bremen, although systematic differences are found exceeding the 0.5 ppm level. Because of this, our estimate of the impact of transport model uncerainty is likely to be conservative. It is concluded that to make use of the remote sensing technique for quantifying the sources and sinks of CO2 not only requires highly accurate satellite instruments, but also puts stringent requirements on the performance of atmospheric transport models. Improving the accuracy of these models should receive high priority, which calls for a closer collaboration between experts in atmospheric dynamics and tracer transport.
Absorption Ångström coefficient, brown carbon, and aerosols: basic concepts, bulk matter, and spherical particles
Authors: Moosmüller H. , Chakrabarty R. K. , Ehlers K. M. , Arnott W. P.
Published: October 2010

Abstract. The concept of wavelength dependent absorption Ångström coefficients (AACs) is discussed and clarified for both single and two-wavelengths AACs and guidance for their implementation with noisy absorption spectra is provided. This discussion is followed by application of the concept to models for brown carbon bulk absorption spectra including the damped simple harmonic oscillator model, its Lorentzian approximation, and the band-gap model with and without Urbach tail. We show that the band-gap model with Urbach tail always has an unphysical discontinuity in the first derivative of the AAC at the band-gap – Urbach-tail matching wavelength. Complex refractive indices obtained from the bulk damped simple harmonic oscillator model are used to calculate absorption spectra for spherical particles, followed by a discussion of their features. For bulk material and small particles, this model predicts a monotonic decrease of the AAC with wavelength well above the resonance wavelength; the model predicts a monotonic increase for large particles.
Optical properties of pristine ice crystals in mid-latitude cirrus clouds: a case study during CIRCLE-2 experiment
Authors: Gayet J.-F. , Mioche G. , Shcherbakov V. , Gourbeyre C. , Busen R. , Minikin A.
Published: October 2010

Abstract. Preferential horizontally-oriented ice crystals with a prevalent hexagonal-plate shape revealed by the Cloud Particle Imager can explain systematic larger Lidar CALIOP extinctions when compared with extinction derived from co-located in situ measurements. Surprisingly, the Polar Nephelometer does not reveal any signature of 22° (and 46°) halos, showing a rather featureless scattering phase function in this case. In contrast, well pronounced 22° halo peaks are observed with predominant similar-shaped ice crystals in other cirrus situations. This paper discusses the results of a careful examination of CPI images with Polar Nephelometer observations in order to explain occurrence and non occurrence of the 22° halo feature. Observations highlight that halo peaks are evidenced only by the presence of perfect plate ice crystals (or pristine crystals). On the basis of previous data sets in mid-latitude cirrus it is found that simple pristine crystals are uncommon whereas particles with imperfect or complex shapes are prevalent. As a result, phase functions are smooth and featureless and best represent cirrus scattering properties.
The effect of meteorological and chemical factors on the agreement between observations and predictions of fine aerosol composition in Southwestern Ontario during BAQS-Met
Authors: Markovic M. Z. , Hayden K. L. , Murphy J. G. , Makar P. A. , Ellis R. A. , Chang R. Y.-W. , Slowik J. G. , Mihele C. , Brook J.
Published: October 2010

Abstract. The Border Air Quality and Meteorology Study (BAQS-Met) was an intensive, collaborative field campaign during the summer of 2007 that investigated the effects of transboundary pollution, local pollution, and local meteorology on regional air quality in Southwestern Ontario. This analysis focuses on the measurements of the inorganic constituents of particulate matter with diameter of less than 1 μm (PM1), with a specific emphasis on nitrate. We evaluate the ability of AURAMS, the Environment Canada's chemical transport model, to represent regional air pollution in SW Ontario by comparing modelled aerosol inorganic chemical composition with measurements from Aerosol Mass Spectrometers (AMS) onboard the National Research Council (NRC) of Canada Twin Otter aircraft and at a ground site in Harrow, ON. The agreement between modelled and measured pNO3− at the ground site (observed mean (M_obs) = 0.50 μg m−3; modelled mean (M_mod) = 0.58 μg m−3; root mean square error (RSME) = 1.27 μg m−3) was better than aloft (M_obs = 0.32 μg m−3; M_mod = 0.09 μg m−3; RSME = 0.48 μg m−3). Possible reasons for discrepancies include errors in (i) emission inventories, (ii) atmospheric chemistry, (iii) predicted meteorological parameters, or (iv) gas/particle thermodynamics in the model framework. Using the inorganic thermodynamics model, ISORROPIA, in an offline mode, we find that the assumption of thermodynamic equilibrium is consistent with observations of gas and particle composition at Harrow. We develop a framework to assess the sensitivity of PM1 nitrate to meteorological and chemical parameters and find that errors in both the predictions of relative humidity and free ammonia (FA ≡ NH3(g) + NH4+ − SO42−) are responsible for the poor agreement between modelled and measured values.
Towards improving river discharge estimation in ungauged basins: calibration of rainfall-runoff models based on satellite observations of river flow width at basin outlet
Authors: Sun W. C. , Ishidaira H. , Bastola S.
Published: October 2010

Abstract. Rainfall-runoff models are common tools for river discharge estimation in the field of hydrology. In ungauged basins, the dependence on observed river discharge data for calibration restricts applications of rainfall-runoff models. The strong correlation between quantities of river cross-sectional water surface width obtained from remote sensing and corresponding in situ gauged river discharge has been verified by many researchers. In this study, a calibration scheme of rainfall-runoff models based on satellite observations of river width at basin outlet is illustrated. One distinct advantage is that this calibration is independent of river discharge information. The at-a-station hydraulic geometry is implemented to facilitate shifting the calibration objective from river discharge to river width. The generalized likelihood uncertainty estimation (GLUE) is applied to model calibration and uncertainty analysis. The calibration scheme is demonstrated through a case study for simulating river discharge at Pakse in the Mekong Basin. The effectiveness of the calibration scheme and uncertainties associated with utilization of river width observations from space are examined from model input-state-output behaviour, capability of reproducing river discharge and posterior parameter distribution. The results indicate that the satellite observation of the river width is a competent surrogate of observed discharge for the calibration of rainfall-runoff model at Pakse and the proposed method has the potential for improving reliability of river discharge estimation in basins without any discharge gauging.
A quantitative description of the Norwegian Atlantic Current by combining altimetry and hydrography
Authors: Mork K. A. , Skagseth Ø.
Published: October 2010

Abstract. In this study, we quantified the mean flow and the variability in the Norwegian Atlantic Current (NwAC), including the individual branches, with associated error estimates. We accomplished this by combining repeated hydrographic data in the Svinøy section (at 62° N off the coast of Norway toward the northwest) with absolute dynamic sea surface topography data for the period from 1992–2009. The analysis shows a two-branched structure of the NwAC in this section, with calculated absolute velocities that are largely in accordance with the independent current measurements. The mean volume flux of the NwAC was estimated to be 5.1 ± 0.3 Sv (Sv = 106 m3 s−1). In terms of branches, the estimated 3.4 ± 0.3 Sv in the eastern branch is slightly below previous estimates. The estimated volume flux in the western branch is 1.7 ± 0.2 Sv, but a lack of robust estimates makes a comparison difficult. There is a significant seasonal cycle in the volume transport (the winter maximum is almost twice as large as the summer minimum) with a major contribution from the eastern branch. On the inter-annual scale, the volume flux and temperature are significantly and negatively correlated in both the western branch and in the total. Examining the results showed that increased volume flux is followed by a decrease in the stability of the upper water column, averaged over the Norwegian Sea, and a delay in the phytoplankton spring bloom at the Ocean Weather Station M (66° N, 2° E), by a lag of 1 year. The cause of this decrease in stability, whether a direct effect of the increased volume flux or a consequence of indirect effects, is however beyond the scope of this study.
The not‐sure response option in sequential lineup practice
Authors: Steblay Nancy K. , Phillips Jonathan D.
Published: October 2010

Field implementation of double‐blind sequential lineups has prompted a question about the impact on eyewitness decisions of an explicit not‐sure response option. In this laboratory study, a video crime was viewed by 378 participants who then attempted to identify the culprit from a six‐person sequential or simultaneous‐format lineup that either included or did not include the culprit. Witnesses were provided either dichotomous forced‐choice (FC) response categories (yes/no) or a not‐sure option as one of three response categories (yes/no/not‐sure). The not‐sure option (NSO) significantly decreased witness choosing compared to the FC condition but only for sequential lineups. Both correct identifications and false alarms decreased. Diagnosticity was greatest for a sequential lineup with a NSO. The results suggest a criterion decision shift for witnesses who view a sequential lineup with a not‐sure response option. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Experimental and numerical analysis of the hydrodynamic behaviors of aerobic granules
Authors: Liu Li , Sheng Guo‐Ping , Li Wen‐Wei , Zeng Raymond J. , Yu Han‐Qing
Published: October 2010

Aerobic granular sludge has been recognized to be promising for wastewater treatment. Their hydrodynamic characteristics have a significant impact on the mass transfer process in reactors. In this study, the hydrodynamic characteristics of aerobic granules were studied using an experimental approach, and their fluid dynamic behaviors were analyzed using a numerical approach. Experimental results show that the aerobic granules are fractal‐like aggregates with porosity. Their porosity and permeability were found to increase with increasing granule size. The numerical model simulated the flow field surrounding a granule, which distinguished the flow behaviors of the granules with different permeability at different outflow Reynolds numbers. The velocity vectors colored by velocity magnitude in the granule internal depended significantly on the permeability of the granule and the Reynolds number. The results provided a helpful tool to investigate the hydrodynamic behavior of aerobic granules with a consideration of their porous structure characteristics. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2011
Multiobjective optimization of multiproduct batch plants scheduling under environmental and economic concerns
Authors: Capón‐García Elisabet , Bojarski Aarón D. , Espuña Antonio , Puigjaner Luis
Published: October 2010

In batch process scheduling, production trade‐offs arise from the simultaneous consideration of different objectives. Economic goals are expressed in terms of plant profitability and productivity, whereas the environmental objectives are evaluated by means of metrics originated from the use of life cycle assessment methodology. This work illustrates a novel approach for decision making by using multiobjective optimization. In addition, different metrics are proposed to select a possible compromise based on the distance to a nonexistent utopian solution, whose objective function values are all optimal. Thus, this work provides a deeper insight into the influence of the metrics selection for both environmental and economic issues while considering the trade‐offs of adopting a particular schedule. The use of this approach is illustrated through its application to a case study related to a multiproduct acrylic fiber production plant, special attention is put to the influence of product changeovers. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 57: 2766–2782, 2010
Dopant induced effect on electrocatalytic reduction of nitrobenzene using conducting polypyrrole thin film electrodes
Authors: Adhikari Arindam , Radhakrishnan S.
Published: October 2010

Conducting polypyrrole electrodes were prepared by electrochemical polymerization of pyrrole on vacuum‐metallized glass substrates. These electrodes were modified by doping with a range of metal halides as dopant ions having different electronegativity. Electrochemical reduction of nitrobenzene using these electrodes was studied by means of cyclic voltammetry technique in acetonitrile medium containing aqueous HClO4 (0.1M) as supporting electrolyte. It was found that the electronegativity of the dopant ion played a very important role in the electrocatalytic activity. Polypyrrole doped with nickel chloride gave the highest anodic current at the reduction potential of nitrobenzene. The results were explained on the basis of charge transfer efficiency at the electrode–electrolyte interface, which was associated with the acceptor state created by the dopant in the semi‐conducting polymer. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Most common single‐nucleotide polymorphisms associated with rheumatoid arthritis in persons of European ancestry confer risk of rheumatoid arthritis in African Americans
Authors: Hughes Laura B. , Reynolds Richard J. , Brown Elizabeth E. , Kelley James M. , Thomson Brian , Conn Doyt L. , Jonas Beth L. , Westfall Andrew O. , Padilla Miguel A. , Callahan Leigh F. , Smith Edwin A. , Brasington Richard D. , Edberg Jeffrey C. , Kimberly Robert P. , Moreland Larry W. , Plenge Robert M. , Bridges S. Louis
Published: October 2010

Objective

Large‐scale genetic association studies have identified >20 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) risk alleles among individuals of European ancestry. The influence of these risk alleles has not been comprehensively studied in African Americans. We therefore sought to examine whether these validated RA risk alleles are associated with RA risk in an African American population.

Methods

Twenty‐seven candidate single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped in 556 autoantibody‐positive African Americans with RA and 791 healthy African American control subjects. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for each SNP were compared with previously published ORs for RA patients of European ancestry. We then calculated a composite genetic risk score (GRS) for each individual based on the sum of all risk alleles.

Results

Overlap of the ORs and 95% CIs between the European and African American populations was observed for 24 of the 27 candidate SNPs. Conversely, 3 of the 27 SNPs (CCR6 rs3093023, TAGAP rs394581, and TNFAIP3 rs6920220) demonstrated ORs in the opposite direction from those reported for RA patients of European ancestry. The GRS analysis indicated a small but highly significant probability that African American patients relative to control subjects were enriched for the risk alleles validated in European RA patients (P = 0.00005).

Conclusion

The majority of RA risk alleles previously validated for RA patients of European ancestry showed similar ORs in our population of African Americans with RA. Furthermore, the aggregate GRS supports the hypothesis that these SNPs are risk alleles for RA in the African American population. Future large‐scale genetic studies are needed to validate these risk alleles and identify novel RA risk alleles in African Americans.
Synthesis, Two‐Photon Absorption and Optical Limiting Properties of Multi‐branched Styryl Derivatives Based on 1,3,5‐Triazine
Authors: Jiang Yihua , Wang Yaochuan , Wang Bing , Yang Jiabao , He Nannan , Qian Shixiong , Hua Jianli
Published: October 2010

Five new multi‐branched two‐photon absorption triazine chromophores (T1–T5) with different donor strength, conjugation length, and direction of charge transfer have been designed and synthesized. The one‐photon fluorescence, fluorescence quantum yields, and two‐photon properties have been investigated. The two‐photon absorption (2PA) cross sections measured by the open aperture Z‐scan technique were determined to be 447, 854, 1023, 603, and 766 GM for T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5, respectively. This result indicates that their 2PA cross section values (σ) increase with increasing electron‐donating strength of the end group, extending the conjugation length of the system, and introducing electron‐withdrawing perfluoroalkyl as side groups to the end donor. In addition, the σ value of T5 is also larger than that of T1, which provides evidence that the σ value is relative to the direction of charge transfer (from the ends to the center of the molecule or from the center to the ends). Moreover, significant enhancement of the two‐photon absorption cross section was achieved by introducing a thiophene moiety to a conjugated CC bond. At the same time, the optical limiting behavior for these chromophores was studied by using a focused 800 nm laser beam with pulses of 140 fs duration. It was found that these molecules also exhibit good optical limiting properties. These initial results clearly demonstrate that multi‐branched triazine chromophores are a highly suitable class of two‐photon absorbing materials.
Hydration Preferences for Mn4Ca Cluster Models of Photosystem II: Location of Potential Substrate–Water Binding Sites
Authors: Petrie Simon , Stranger Rob , Pace Ron J.
Published: October 2010

Density functional theory calculations are reported on a set of three model structures of the Mn4Ca cluster in the water‐oxidizing complex of Photosystem II (PSII), which share the structural formula [CaMn4C9H10N2O16]q+⋅(H2O)n (q=−1, 0, 1, 2, 3; n=0–7). In these calculations we have explored the preferred hydration sites of the Mn4Ca cluster across five overall oxidation states (S0 to S4) and all feasible magnetic‐coupling arrangements to identify the most likely substrate–water binding sites. We have also explored charge‐compensated structures in which the overall charge on the cluster is maintained at q=0 or +1, which is consistent with the experimental data on sequential proton loss in the real system. The three model structures have skeletal arrangements that are strongly reminiscent, in their relative metal‐atom positions, of the 2.9‐, 3.7‐, and 3.5 Å‐resolution crystal structures, respectively, whereas the charge states encompassed in our study correspond to an assignment of (MnIII)3MnII for S0 and up to (MnIV)3MnIII for S4. The three models differ principally in terms of the spatial relationship between one Mn (Mn(4)) and a generally robust Mn3Ca tetrahedron that contains Mn(1), Mn(2), and Mn(3). Oxidation‐state distributions across the four manganese atoms, in most of the explored charge states, are dependent on details of the cluster geometry, on the extent of assumed hydration of the clusters, and in some instances on the imposed magnetic‐coupling between adjacent Mn atoms. The strongest water‐binding sites are generally those on Mn(4) and Ca. However, one structure type displays a high‐affinity binding site between Ca and Mn(3), the S‐state‐dependent binding‐energy pattern of which is most consistent with the substrate water‐exchange kinetics observed in functional PSII. This structure type also permits another water molecule to access the cluster in a manner consistent with the substrate–water interaction with the Mn cluster, seen in electron spin‐echo envelope modulation (ESEEM) studies of the functional enzyme in the S0 and S2 states. It also rationalizes the significant differences in hydrogen‐bonding interactions of the substrate water observed in the FTIR measurements of the S1 and S2 states. We suggest that these two water‐binding sites, which are molecularly close, model the actual substrate‐binding sites in the enzyme.
Endogenous Arene Hydroxylation Promoted by Copper(I) Cluster Helicates
Authors: Martínez‐Calvo Miguel , Vázquez López Miguel , Pedrido Rosa , González‐Noya Ana M. , Bermejo Manuel R. , Monzani Enrico , Casella Luigi , Sorace Lorenzo
Published: October 2010

A novel neutral triple‐stranded hexanuclear copper(I) cluster helicate [CuI6L3]⋅2 CH3CN derived from a thiosemicarbazone ligand could be synthesized and crystallographically characterized. The MALDI mass spectrum of this complex suggests that the tetranuclear copper(I) cluster helicate [CuI4L2] is also present in solution. These copper(I) cluster helicates are capable, in the presence of O2, of hydroxylating the arene linker of their supporting ligand strands. The resulting dinuclear complex [CuII2L'(OH)] is formed by two copper(II) centers, a new ligand arising from the hydroxylation reaction, and one hydroxide group. The magnetic investigation of this compound shows a strong antiferromagnetic coupling between the two CuII centers. The kinetic studies for the hydroxylation process show values of ΔH≠=−70 kJ mol−1, similar to those mediated by the tyrosinase enzymes.
Reversible DNA Condensation Induced by a Tetranuclear Nickel(II) Complex
Authors: Dong Xindian , Wang Xiaoyong , He Yafeng , Yu Zhen , Lin Miaoxin , Zhang Changli , Wang Jing , Song Yajie , Zhang Yangmiao , Liu Zhipeng , Li Yizhi , Guo Zijian
Published: October 2010

DNA condensing agents play a critical role in gene therapy. A tetranuclear nickel(II) complex, [NiII4(L−2H)(H2O)6(CH3CH2OH)2]⋅6NO3 (L=3,3',5,5'‐tetrakis{[(2‐hydroxyethyl)(pyridin‐2‐ylmethyl)amino]methyl}biphenyl‐4,4'‐diol), has been synthesized as a nonviral vector to induce DNA condensation. X‐ray crystallographic data indicate that the complex crystallizes in the monoclinic system with space group P21/n, a=10.291(9), b=24.15(2), c=13.896(11) Å, and β=98.175(13)°. The DNA condensation induced by the complex has been investigated by means of UV/Vis spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, circular dichroism spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, atomic force microscopy, gel electrophoresis assay, and zeta potential analysis. The complex interacts strongly with DNA through electrostatic attraction and induces its condensation into globular nanoparticles at low concentration. The release of DNA from its compact state has been achieved using the chelator ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) for the first time. Other essential properties, such as DNA cleavage inactivity and biocompatibility, have also been examined in vitro. In general, the complex satisfies the requirements of a gene vector in all of these respects.
The Aromatic Carbon–Carbon ipso‐Substitution Reaction
Authors: Bonesi Sergio M. , Fagnoni Maurizio
Published: October 2010

The aim of this review is to illustrate what we have dubbed an aromatic carbon–carbon ipso‐substitution reaction in which a new ArC bond is formed at the expense of another ArC bond. The potentiality of several C‐based leaving groups including alkyl, carbinol, CN, COOH, and carbonyl groups in arylation reactions will be illustrated accordingly for the preparation of biphenyl‐, vinyl‐, alkynyl‐, and alkyl‐substituted aromatics.
A Lutetium Allyl Complex That Bears a Pyridyl‐Functionalized Cyclopentadienyl Ligand: Dual Catalysis on Highly Syndiospecific and cis‐1,4‐Selective (Co)Polymerizations of Styrene and Butadiene
Authors: Jian Zhongbao , Tang Shijia , Cui Dongmei
Published: October 2010

A novel linked‐half‐sandwich lutetium–bis(allyl) complex [(C5Me4C5H4N)Lu(η3‐C3H5)2] (1) attached by a pyridyl‐functionalized cyclopentadienyl ligand was synthesized and fully characterized. Complex 1 in combination with [Ph3C][B(C6F5)4] exhibited unprecedented dual catalysis with outstanding activities in highly syndiotactic (rrrr>99 %) styrene polymerization and distinguished cis‐1,4‐selective (99 %) butadiene polymerization, respectively. Strikingly, this catalyst system exhibited remarkable activity (396 kg copolymer (molLu h)−1) for the copolymerization of butadiene and styrene. Irrespective of whether the monomers were fed in concurrent mode or sequential addition of butadiene followed by styrene, diblock copolymers were obtained exclusively, which was confirmed by a kinetics investigation of monomer conversion of copolymerization with time. In the copolymers, the styrene incorporation rate varied from 4.7 to 85.4 mol %, whereas the polybutadiene (PBD) block was highly cis‐1,4‐regulated (95 %) and the polystyrene segment remained purely syndiotactic (rrrr>99 %). Correspondingly, the copolymers exhibited glass transition temperatures (Tg) around −107 °C and melting points (Tm) around 268 °C; typical values for diblock microstructures. Such copolymers cannot be accessed by any other methods known to date. X‐ray powder diffraction analysis of these diblock copolymers showed that the crystallizable syndiotactic polystyrene (syn‐PS) block was in the toluene δ clathrate form. The AFM micrographs of diblock copolymer showed a remarkable phase‐separation morphology of the cis‐1,4‐PBD block and syn‐PS block. This represents the first example of a lutetium‐based catalyst showing both high activity and selectivity for the (co)polymerization of styrene and butadiene.
Silver Pyrazolates as Coordination‐Polymer Luminescent Metallomesogens
Authors: Barberá Joaquín , Lantero Ignacio , Moyano Sandra , Serrano José Luis , Elduque Anabel , Giménez Raquel
Published: October 2010

Silver pyrazolates with columnar liquid‐crystal phases that are stable at room temperature have been prepared by reaction of silver nitrate with 3,5‐diarylpyrazolates. The complexes consist of open‐chain oligomers, despite the fact that the most common structural type for homoleptic coinage metal pyrazolates is the trimeric metallacycle [M(μ‐pz)]3. The special characteristics of silver in forming reversible metal–ligand bonds in solution, evidenced experimentally, leads to supramolecular organizations in which the silver cations promote self‐organization of the nonmesomorphic pyrazolates into helical 1D polymers that exhibit columnar mesophases. The materials are readily soluble in common organic solvents and are liquid‐crystalline over a broader temperature range than their gold counterparts, which are known to form discrete cyclic trinuclear species. Thin films of the silver complexes show luminescence at room temperature. The compounds described here are the first examples of luminescent metallomesogens formed by a main‐chain coordination polymer.
Influence of cell‐internalization on relaxometric, optical and compositional properties of targeted paramagnetic quantum dot micelles
Authors: Starmans L.W.E. , Kok M.B. , Sanders H.M.H.F. , Zhao Y. , de Mello Donegá C. , Meijerink A. , Mulder W.J.M. , Grüll H. , Strijkers G.J. , Nicolay K.
Published: October 2010

Quantum dot micelles (pQDs) with a paramagnetic coating are promising nanoparticles for bimodal molecular imaging. Their bright fluorescence allows for optical detection, while their Gd payload enables visualization with contrast‐enhanced MRI. A popular approach in molecular MRI is the targeting of abundantly expressed cell surface receptors. Ligand‐receptor binding often results in cell internalization of the targeted contrast agent. The interpretation of molecular imaging with pQDs therefore requires knowledge about the consequences of cellular internalization for their relaxometric, optical and compositional properties. To study these, Cd‐containing core‐shell‐shell QDs coated with a monolayer of lipids, of which 50 mol% was a Gd‐containing lipid, were incubated with human umbilical vein‐derived endothelial cells (HUVECs) for up to 24 h. ανβ3‐integrin targeted (RGD) and non‐targeted (NT) pQDs were compared. pQDs uptake was monitored by fluorescence microscopy, FACS, ICP‐MS, relaxometry and MRI. Cell‐associated pQDs displayed longitudinal relaxation rates and fluorescent intensities which were linear with the cell‐associated Gd and Cd concentrations, implying that the Gd and Cd uptake by HUVECs can be quantified using relaxometric and optical measurements, respectively. However, the Gd‐to‐Cd molar ratio in pellets of pQD‐incubated cells was consistently higher than the Gd‐to‐Cd molar ratio of the pQDs as prepared. It is proposed that this increase in Gd‐to‐Cd molar ratio was due to non‐specific lipid‐transfer between the pQDs and the cellular membranes. These findings show that, in the case of contrast agents that are formed by non‐covalent interactions, experimental procedures are needed with which representative components of the probes can be monitored. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Distribution of Na/K‐ATPase alpha 3 isoform, a sodium‐potassium P‐type pump associated with rapid‐onset of dystonia parkinsonism (RDP) in the adult mouse brain
Authors: Bøttger Pernille , Tracz Zuzanna , Heuck Anders , Nissen Poul , Romero‐Ramos Marina , Lykke‐Hartmann Karin
Published: October 2010

The Na+/K+‐ATPase1 alpha subunit 3 (ATP1α3) is one of many essential components that maintain the sodium and potassium gradients across the plasma membrane in animal cells. Mutations in the ATP1A3 gene cause rapid‐onset of dystonia parkinsonism (RDP), a rare movement disorder characterized by sudden onset of dystonic spasms and slowness of movement. To achieve a better understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease, we used immunohistochemical approaches to describe the regional and cellular distribution of ATP1α3 in the adult mouse brain. Our results show that localization of ATP1α3 is restricted to neurons, and it is expressed mostly in projections (fibers and punctuates), but cell body expression is also observed. We found high expression of ATP1α3 in GABAergic neurons in all nuclei of the basal ganglia (striatum, globus pallidus, subthalamic nucleus, and substantia nigra), which is a key circuitry in the fine movement control. Several thalamic nuclei structures harboring connections to and from the cortex expressed high levels of the ATP1α3 isoform. Other structures with high expression of ATP1α3 included cerebellum, red nucleus, and several areas of the pons (reticulotegmental nucleus of pons). We also found high expression of ATP1α3 in projections and cell bodies in hippocampus; most of these ATP1α3‐positive cell bodies showed colocalization to GABAergic neurons. ATP1α3 expression was not significant in the dopaminergic cells of substantia nigra. In conclusion, and based on our data, ATP1α3 is widely expressed in neuronal populations but mainly in GABAergic neurons in areas and nuclei related to movement control, in agreement with RDP symptoms. J. Comp. Neurol. 519:376‐404, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Temperature‐Dependent Prediction of the Liquid Entropy of Ionic Liquids
Authors: Preiss Ulrich , Emel'yanenko Vladimir N. , Verevkin Sergey P. , Himmel Daniel , Paulechka Yauheni U. , Krossing Ingo
Published: October 2010

Modeling of the temperature‐dependent liquid entropy of ionic liquids (ILs) with great accuracy using COSMO‐RS is demonstrated. The minimum structures of eight IL ion pairs are investigated and the entropy, calculated from ion pairs, is found to differ on average only 2 % from the available experimental values (119 data points). For calculations with single ions, the average error amounts to 2.6 % and stronger‐coordinating ions tend to give higher deviations. Additionally, the first parameterization of the standard liquid entropy for ILs is presented in the context of traditional volume‐based thermodynamics (Sl0=1.585 kJ mol−1 K−1 nm−3⋅rm3+14.09 J mol−1 K−1), which sheds light on the statistical treatment of ionic interactions. The findings provide the first direct access to accurate predictions of liquid entropies of ILs, which are tedious and time‐consuming to measure.