bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CAL and FE: a Welsh perspective
Authors: Cockrill Antje , O'Neill Cliona , Bischoff Eberhard , Finch David
Published: January 2012

The increasing usage in recent years of trendy, but often ill-defined, terms such as 'lifelong learning' (see Edwards, Raggatt, Harrison, McCollum and Calder, 1998), 'the learning society' (for example, National Grid for Learning, http://www.dfee.gov.uk/grid/challenge/ govermhtm), or 'learning country' (for example, Welsh Office, 1998; ETAG, 1999) indicates the importance that both the public and private sectors attach to the establishment of a learning culture. This has included the recognition that, in order to achieve such a culture, access to learning must be made easier and existing barriers removed. Edwards and his coauthors (1998) maintain that most experts see lifelong learning as a rallying cry, rather than a specific policy. This statement holds true for many similar slogans, but what they have in common is 'the power to unite various stakeholders around the need for change, because it has emerged as a response to today's challenges' (Edwards et al, 1998).DOI:10.1080/0968776000080303
Learning with IT: towards a research agenda - questions and issues
Authors: Howard Ursula
Published: January 2012

Rather like the pencil - whose departure was predicted in 1938 by the New York Times in the face of ever more sophisticated typewriters - the fax, the copier and paper documents refuse to be dismissed. People find them useful. Paper has wonderful properties - properties that lie beyond information, helping people work, communicate and think together. Historians have long argued that the story of the industrial revolution cannot be told by looking at the train alone. Historians might as well whistle for all the effect they have had. The myth of the train is far more powerful. Today it's the myth of information that is overpowering richer explanations (of) the changes society is experiencing.DOI:10.1080/0968776000080305
FOCUS on technology-supported learning in further education
Authors: Smith Janice
Published: January 2012

The Dearing Report of 1997 has raised the profile of the use of information and communications technology (ICT) in learning and teaching. This in turn has led to a demand for staff development on the successful incorporation of ICT in education (Smith and Oliver, 2000). In HE, there have been a number of targeted funding initiatives such as the Computers in Teaching Initiative (CTI) and the current third phase of the Teaching and Learning Technology Programme. This latter programme focuses on embedding learning technologies rather than developing software products, leading to generic projects on the implementation of ICT in education. As these projects aim for cross-institutional transferability, there seems no reason why - although carried out in the context of HE - they should not be widened to address the needs of the FE sector.DOI:10.1080/0968776000080309
ALT-J ASSOCIATION FOR LEARNING TECHNOLOGY JOURNAL
Authors: Barker Philip
Published: January 2012

An international journal devoted to research and good practice in the development and use of learning technologies within higher educationDOI:10.1080/09687760108656770
Editorial
Authors: Conole Grainne
Published: January 2012

In this issue the editorial space has been given over to a tribute to David Squires. The review below gives an outline of some of his research interests and his substantial contributions to learning technology. In the last issue, as an experiment, we invited comments on the paper by Davies and Denning. The idea behind this was to try and encourage more discussion around papers and to look at introducing a more interactive element to the journal. We will postpone this now until the next issue. If you would like to contribute to this debate, please email comments to g.conole@bristol.ac.uk by Friday, 14 December. Finally, I would like to welcome Dr Jane Seale and Dr Martin Oliver to the editorial team. Jane is based at King's College, London and is also editor for ALT-N. Martin is based at University College, London and has extensive editorial experience. I am looking forward to working with them both over the next few years.DOI:10.1080/0968776010090301
Momentum Spectrum of Cosmic Radiation
Authors: Alfvén H.
Published: January 2012

If in a variable magnetic field charged high energy particles are injected at a certain point, they are accelerated but at the same time they diffuse outwards from the point of injection. Near the point of injection the density in a volume element of six-dimensional phase-space is increased by the acceleration process but decreased by the diffusion, and the momentum spectrum is obtained from the stationary state when these two effects are equal. The theory gives the power spectrum of (51) or (54), in which the value of the exponent depends in a very insensitive way on the rate of acceleration and the rate of diffusion.

The spectrum depends on the distance from the source of injection and the average energy density is orders of magnitude smaller than the density near the source of injection.

The theory is in agreement with the “local” theory of Cosmic Radiation, but it is difficult to reconcile it with galactic or extragalactic theories.
Global ozone budget and exchange between stratosphere and troposphere
Authors: Junge C. E.
Published: January 2012

A survey of existing data reveals that tropospheric ozone is fairly uniformly distributed within the hemispheres, but that the hemispheres are well separated. Within the northern hemisphere representative data of tropospheric ozone exhibit a uniform seasonal variation the phase of which is delayed by about 2 months with respect to the injection into the troposphere. It is suggested that this delay is controlled by the rate of destruction of ozone within the troposphere. On the basis of this concept and additional reasonable assumptions it is possible to give a quantitative analysis of the ozone budget and of the seasonal variation of the exchange between stratosphere and troposphere. Calculated values of the global rate of ozone destruction, of the average vertical ozone flux and of the average stratospheric residence time of ozone are consistent with observations. Comparison of ozone data with data of fission products and of beryllium-7 enables a refinement of the analysis and allows further conclusions about the annual variation of the exchange between stratosphere and troposphere.
A semi-Lagrangian method of solving the vorticity advection equation
Authors: Sawyer J. S.
Published: January 2012

The basic equation of the barotropic model atmosphere is solved by following the motion of a system of atmospheric parcels each of which conserves its vorticity. The wind field is computed at intervals from the vorticity field on a fixed grid and is used as a basis for calculating the motion of the parcels. Results have similar accuracy to those obtained by Eulerian methods, but being independent of the latter, serve to indicate some effects of truncation error in the usual Eulerian scheme. The semi-Lagrangian scheme is suitable for integrations with long time steps on a coarse grid.
The parameters of atmospheric turbidity
Authors: Angström Anders
Published: January 2012

The methods for evaluating the atmospheric turbidity parameters, introduced by the present author in 1929-30, are subjected to a critical examination. A method first suggested by M. HEROVANU (1959) is here simplified and expanded, and used for deriving the named parameters in adherence to a procedure described by the present author in a previous paper in this journal (1961). The procedure is applied to the pyrheliometric observations at Potsdam in 1932-36, published by HOELPER (1939) A comparison between the frequency distribution of the coefficient of wave-length dependence α at the high level station Davos and the low level station Potsdam gives results which are discussed in detail. In all the figures of the present paper, where the turbidity coefficients occur, they are multiplied by 103.
Note on Weather Computing and the so-called 2½-dimensional Model
Authors: Eady E. T.
Published: January 2012

The problem of setting up a system of equations by means of which the future large-scale flow pattern might be computed, using an electronic calculating machine, in a reasonable time and with maximum accuracy and efficiency, is discussed. Equations determining the development of a two-parameter, two-dimensional ‘model’, capable of representing the major features of motion of a baroclinic atmosphere, are derived. Tests of the model are made on some representative problems, the accurate three-dimensional solutions of which are known.
On the Changes in the Spectral Distribution of Kinetic Energy for Twodimensional, Nondivergent Flow
Authors: Fjørtoft Ragnar
Published: January 2012

Total kinetic energy as well as total vorticity squared are integral quantitics which cannot change in the course of time in a twodimensional flow of a homogeneous, nondivergent, and inviscid fluid when the fluid is isolated from the surroundings. The case is considered where the fluid is defined over the total region of thc surface of a sphere. The nature of the changes in time of the spectral distribution of kinetic energy is discussed on the basis of the two conservation requirements mentioned above. It is found that only fractions of the initial energy can flow into sniallcr scales and that a greater fraction simultaneously has to flow to components with larger scales. The upper limits to the flow of kinetic energy into components with scales less than a given one are found. The conservation theorems are also used to discuss the stability of a certain stationary flow for a twodimensional motion which is not necessarily spherical. It is shown how important it is for the proof of stability that not only the kinetic energy of the disturbance is supposed to be small but also its vorticities.In chapter II molecular viscosity is taken into account for the spherical flow. Finally some conclusive remarks are offered regarding the fundamental difference between twoand threedimentional flow.
Commentaries Concerning Research on the General Circulation
Authors: Starr V. P.
Published: January 2012

Several phases of research significant for the general circulation are reviewed briefly. The effect of rotation on convective regimes is discussed. An example is given showing that mean meridional circulations are not essential for the release of potential energy.
Routine Forecasting with the Barotropic Model
Authors: Bergthorsson P. , Döös B. R. , Fryklund S. , Haug O. , Lindquist R.
Published: January 2012

Since 1 December 1954 the Royal Swedish Air Force Weather Service has been conducting a series of test forecasts of the 500-mb topography under operational conditions. Forecasts for 24, 48 and 72 hours have been prepared on a routine basis, using the barotropic model and the digital computer BESK. The tests to date have covered the periods 1-16 December 1954, 17 January-25 February 1955 and from 12 April 1955 to the time of writing. It was originally planned to issue 42 sets of three forecasts during the first two periods, but some forecasts failed due to minor breakdowns of the computer (see tables).
Air Borne Salts and the Chemical Composition of River Waters
Authors: Eriksson Erik
Published: January 2012

The yearly discharge of chloride by rivers in Scandinavia and in the eastern USA is shown on two charts. The isochlor pattern strongly indicates the marine origin of chloride. From the composition of river, lake and ground water compared to rain water it is inferred that the salt in these are to a very great extent air borne.
Available Potential Energy and the Maintenance of the General Circulation
Authors: Lorenz Edward N.
Published: January 2012

The available potential energy of the atmosphere may be defined as the difference between the total potential energy and the minimum total potential energy which could result from any adiabatic redistribution of mass. It vanishes if the density stratification is horizontal and statically stable everywhere, and is positive otherwise. It is measured approximately by a weighted vertical average of the horizontal variance of temperature. In magnitude it is generally about ten times the total kinetic energy, but less than one per cent of the total potential energy. Under adiabatic flow the sum of the available potential energy and the kinetic energy is conserved, but large increases in available potential energy are usually accompanied by increases in kinetic energy, and therefore involve nonadiabatic effects. Available potential energy may be partitioned into zonal and eddy energy by an analysis of variance of the temperature field. The zonal form may be converted into the eddy form by an eddy-transport of sensible heat toward colder latitudes, while each form may be converted into the corresponding form of kinetic energy. The general circulation is characterized by a conversion of zonal available potential energy, which is generated by low-latitude heating and high-latitude cooling, to eddy available potential energy, to eddy kinetic energy, to zonal kinetic energy.
Some Aspects of the Flow of Stratified Fluids: III. Continuous Density Gradients
Authors: Long Robert R.
Published: January 2012

The investigations of Parts I and II are extended to include experiments and theoretical considerations relating to the behavior of fluid systems with continuous gradients of density. The general equation of steady-state motion derived in Part I is integrated to yield the flow of a stratified fluid over an obstacle of finite dimensions. The results indicate a more or less complicated laminar wave motion for obstacles of maximum height below a certain value. Larger barriers cause an overdevelopment of the waves to a point where closed circulations and negative horizontal velocities appear. It is shown that this is accompanied by locally unstable distributions of density and eventual turbulence. If the height of the barrier is further increased, the velocity increases indefinitely in some parts of the field, becoming infinite for an obstacle of a certain size. No steady-state solution exists for larger barriers. The two critical values of the obstacle height depend primarily on the Froude number: If this number exceeds 1/π the solution exists and is stable for all obstacles; for small Froude numbers the barrier must be small if the solution is to exist or be stable. If the obstacle is small enough to permit laminar or moderately turbulent motion, the accompanying experiments verify all important features of the theory with remarkable fidelity. Larger obstacles cause considerable turbulence and blocking effects which propagate upstream, causing alternate maxima (jets) and minima of horizontal velocity in the vertical.
On the Theory of Comet Tails
Authors: Alfvén H.
Published: January 2012

According to Biermann’s theory the repulsive force in comet tails is due to a corpuscular radiation from the sun. It is shown that some of the difficulties of this theory can be overcome if the assumed radiation consists of beams with a frozen-in magnetic field of the same type as required in the electric field theory of magnetic storms and aurorae.

The interaction between such a beam and the head of the comet produces an amplified magnetic field which determines the shape of the tail. The high accelerations, which have been observed in the tails may be due to electromagnetic forces.
Are Two Ears Not Better Than One?
Authors: McArdle Rachel A. , Killion Mead , Mennite Monica A. , Chisolm Theresa H.
Published: January 2012

Background:The decision to fit one or two hearing aids in individuals with binaural hearing loss has been debated for years. Although some 78% of U.S. hearing aid fittings are binaural (Kochkin , 2010), Walden and Walden (2005) presented data showing that 82% (23 of 28 patients)
of their sample obtained significantly better speech recognition in noise scores when wearing one hearing aid as opposed to two.Purpose:To conduct two new experiments to fuel the monaural/binaural debate. The first experiment was a replication of Walden and Walden (2005), whereas the
second experiment examined the use of binaural cues to improve speech recognition in noise.Research Design:A repeated measures experimental design.Study Sample:Twenty veterans (aged 59‐85 yr), with mild to moderately severe binaurally symmetrical hearing loss who wore
binaural hearing aids were recruited from the Audiology Department at the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System.Data Collection and Analysis:Experiment 1 followed the procedures of the Walden and Walden study, where signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) loss was measured using the Quick Speech-in-Noise
(QuickSIN) test on participants who were aided with their current hearing aids. Signal and noise were presented in the sound booth at 0° azimuth under five test conditions: (1) right ear aided, (2) left ear aided, (3) both ears aided, (4) right ear aided, left ear plugged, and (5) unaided.
The opposite ear in (1) and (2) was left open. In Experiment 2, binaural Knowles Electronics Manikin for Acoustic Research (KEMAR) manikin recordings made in Lou Malnati's pizza restaurant during a busy period provided a typical real-world noise, while prerecorded target sentences were presented
through a small loudspeaker located in front of the KEMAR manikin. Subjects listened to the resulting binaural recordings through insert earphones under the following four conditions: (1) binaural, (2) diotic, (3) monaural left, and (4) monaural right.Results:Results of repeated measures
ANOVAs demonstrated that the best speech recognition in noise performance was obtained by most participants with both ears aided in Experiment 1 and in the binaural condition in Experiment 2.Conclusions:In both experiments, only 20% of our subjects did better in noise with a single
ear, roughly similar to the earlier Jerger et al (1993) finding that 8‐10% of elderly hearing aid users preferred one hearing aid.
Los Sodomitas Virreinales: entre Sujetos Jurídicos y Especie
Authors: Molina Fernanda
Published: January 2012

Esta investigación se propone abordar las prácticas sexuales, las configuraciones de género y la subjetividad desarrolladas por los denominados sodomitas en el Virreinato del Perú durante los siglos XVI y XVII. A través de una serie de procesos civiles, eclesiásticos e inquisitoriales seguidos por “pecado nefando”, se intentará poner de manifiesto tanto la estrechez de las definiciones formales en torno a la sodomía —que la reducían a un simple acto jurídico— como la complejidad del fenómeno y las diversas experiencias de los sodomitas virreinales.
“Curas, Dones y Sodomitas”: Discursos de moralidad sexual y prácticas sexuales ilícitas entre sacerdotes en México Colonial
Authors: De Los Reyes Guillermo
Published: January 2012

En el presente artículo se analiza la manera en que la Iglesia, la Inquisición y la Corona controlaban y redefinían a los sujetos coloniales particularmente en lo que respecta a la sexualidad. De la misma manera, se examina la interacción de clase social y raza y la forma en que dichos sujetos bregaban con las instituciones sociales reguladoras. Este ensayo pretende contribuir al estudio de la historia de la sexualidad en la Nueva España, realizando un análisis de casos de sodomía que involucraron a clérigos y el impacto de dichos casos en las instituciones coloniales. Se propone que el estudio de los procesos de sodomía contribuye al estudio de sexualidad y género de la época en cuestión y a su vez, como se muestra en esta investigación, puede ayudar a aclarar aspectos relacionadas con clase social y etnicidad. Por lo tanto, este artículo investiga cómo estos elementos se superponen en la sociedad colonial mexicana.
Servir la Couronne: Les faux-pas du comte de Baños, vice-roi de la Nouvelle-Espagne (1660-1664)
Authors: Ragon Pierre
Published: January 2012

A los pocos días de su llegada, el conde de Baños se enfrentó con los habitantes de su Virreinato: le culparon de ser arrogante, despectivo y de llevarse el dinero del rey. Tal concierto de quejas y denuncias en contra de un personaje tan eminente era algo bastante excepcional aunque, sí, no lo era su conducta ¿Cómo explicarlo? Entre la necesaria mano dura que exigiría un contexto difícil y el temperamento peculiar del mismo virrey, aquí se explora una tercera hipótesis, haciendo hincapié en el estatuto peculiar de la familia aristocrática a la que pertenecía y su trayectoria propia.

[fr] Peu de temps après son arrivée, le comte de Baños vit se dégrader ses relations avec les habitants de la vice-royauté qu’il administrait: on l’accusa d’être arrogant, méprisant et de voler l’argent du roi. Une telle série d’attaques contre un personnage aussi haut placé était assez exceptionnelle même si ses écarts de conduite n’avaient rien d’inhabituel. Comment expliquer ce paradoxe? On a jusque-là évoqué les difficultés du moment qui exigeaient que le gouvernant se montrât ferme ainsi que le tempérament du vice-roi. Ici, une troisième hypothèse est explorée à partir de la prise en compte du caractère particulier de son statut au sein de l’aristocratie espagnole et de la trajectoire de sa famille.
Francisco López de Gómara y Hernán Cortés: nuevos testimonios de la relación del cronista con los marqueses del Valle de Oaxaca
Authors: Martínez Martínez M.ª del Carmen
Published: January 2012

Las declaraciones del cronista Francisco López de Gómara en dos pleitos permiten esclarecer algunos aspectos de su relación con Hernán Cortés y su heredero Martín Cortés. Estos testimonios tuvieron lugar en 1549, cuando ya se ocupaba de escribir sobre el conquistador, y en 1551, poco antes de la publicación de la Historia de las Indias y conquista de México. Los vínculos que revela Gómara con el entorno de Cortés en España son claves para entender las fuentes de su obra e iluminan algunos años de su vida.
A hybrid bin scheme to solve the condensation/evaporation equation using a cubic distribution function
Authors: Dinh T. , Durran D. R.
Published: January 2012

Abstract. A computationally efficient method is proposed to replace the piecewise linear number distribution in a hybrid bin scheme with a piecewise cubic polynomial. When the linear distribution is replaced by a cubic, the errors generated in solutions to the condensation/evaporation equation are reduced by a factor of two to three. Alternatively, using the cubic distribution function allows reducing the number of bins by 20 ± 5% when solving the condensation/evaporation problem without sacrificing accuracy.
The use of catecholamines in patients at an intensive care unit
Authors: Mendonça Larissa Bento De Araújo , Madeiro Antônio Cláudio , Lima Francisca Elisângela Teixeira , Barbosa Islene Victor , De Brito Maria Eliane Maciel , Da Cunha Lílian Gomes Pereira
Published: January 2012

Objetivo: Identificar a incidência do uso de catecolaminas em pacientes de uma unidade de terapia intensiva. Método: Trata-se de uma pesquisa descritiva quantitativa, realizada em uma unidade de terapia intensiva, pertencente a um hospital particular em Fortaleza-Ceará. A população do estudo compôs-se por todos os prontuários de pacientes internados na unidade no período de janeiro-dezembro de 2009.  A amostra constituiu-se de 53 prontuários que atenderam aos critérios de inclusão definidos no estudo. A coleta de dados realizou-se nos meses de abril-maio de 2010 por meio de consulta aos prontuários e preenchimento de um roteiro semi-estruturado. Os dados foram organizados e tabulados em tabelas e figuras. Estudo aprovado pelo comitê de ética sob protocolo: 29/10. Resultados: Patologia prevalente: alterações neurológicas (60,4% ). Faixa etária prevalente: entre 41 a 59 anos (45,3%); sexo prevalente: feminino (54,7%).  Houve prevalência do uso de catecolaminas em 23% dos pacientes. Catecolaminas mais utilizadas: dobutamina e noradrenalina, ambas usadas por 50% dos pacientes. Conclusão: Constatou-se uma incidência de 23% de uso de catecolaminas. As catecolaminas mais utilizadas foram a dobutamina e noradrenalina. Acredita-se que esta pesquisa possa contribuir para a qualificação do enfermeiro quanto à administração de catecolaminas.
Testicular Neoplasia in the Retained Testicles of an Intersex Male Dog
Authors: Herndon Aaron M. , Casal Margret L. , (Scott) Jaques John T.
Published: January 2012

This case describes the presentation and management of an 8 yr old phenotypically female intersex male dog presented for evaluation of a mass in the right inguinal region. The right inguinal space was surgically explored, and a large irregular mass resembling a fully developed testicle was identified in the right vaginal tunic. A second mass resembling an atrophied, but anatomically mature testicle, was identified in the left tunic. The larger mass was identified as a Sertoli cell tumor that had replaced all normal testicular tissue. The smaller mass was identified as a testicle that contained a small intratubular seminoma. The patient was diagnosed as having a phenotypic female sex, chromosomal male sex, and a gonadal male sex. Hormone assays completed before and after the gonadectomy and mass removal document an elevation of circulating progesterone presurgically that returned to baseline by 1 mo postsurgically. The source of the progesterone was identified to be the Leydig cells of the atrophied testicle.
Canine Immune-Mediated Polyarthritis
Authors: Johnson Kirstin C. , Mackin Andrew
Published: January 2012

Canine immune-mediated polyarthritis (IMPA) is a diagnosis of exclusion based predominantly on clinical signs, characteristic joint fluid analysis, and elimination of potential joint infection. Ultimately, an appropriate and sustained response to immunosuppressive therapy may become the final diagnostic criterion used. Identifying associated disease processes, including breed-specific syndromes, remote infection, inflammation, drug exposure, vaccine exposure, or neoplasia, as well as initial response to therapy, is often an important contributor to prognosis. This review article is the second of a two part series and focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of immune-mediated polyarthritis. The first article in this series, published in the January/February 2012 issue, concentrated on the pathophysiology of IMPA.
Just a Little Bit Longer: Viewing Time of Erotic Material from a Self‐Control Perspective
Authors: Friese Malte , Hofmann Wilhelm
Published: January 2012

For many individuals, watching erotic material constitutes a self‐control conflict in which reflective tendencies compete with impulsive urges for the control of behavior. Boundary conditions such as the ability to control attention determine which influence will prevail over the other. Here, we tested this framework in the context of viewing erotic videos. Reflective tendencies, as indicated by self‐reported attitudes, predicted viewing time of erotic videos for individuals high, but not low, in attention control. By contrast, impulsive tendencies, as indicated by automatic associations toward sex, predicted viewing time for individuals low, but not high, in attention control. This effect was particularly pronounced for single individuals. The adoption of a self‐control framework to research on viewing erotic material has several advantages, including a better understanding of the psychological processes involved in watching erotic material, an illustration of these processes' interactive dynamic, and a more fine‐grained prediction of viewing time behavior. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and characterization of silver‐coated graphite nanosheets with pyrrole via in situ polymerization
Authors: Yang Yongqing , Qi Shuhua , Qin Yunchuan , Zhang Xinxin
Published: January 2012

Polypyrrole (PPy)/graphite nanosheet (NanoG) and PPy/silver‐coated graphite nanosheet (Ag/NanoG) nanocomposites were synthesized via in situ polymerization with the monomer Py polymerized on the surface of NanoGs and Ag/NanoGs. The morphologies and nanostructures of NanoGs, Ag/NanoGs, PPy, PPy/NanoG, and PPy/Ag/NanoG were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy, and X‐ray diffraction analysis. The results showed that most of NanoG and Ag/NanoG nanoparticles were encapsulated by PPy for a layered structure and high aspect ratio (width‐to‐thickness ratio) of NanoGs and Ag/NanoGs. From the thermogravimetric analysis, we observed that the introduction of inorganic nanosilver and NanoGs into the composites made the composites exhibit a better thermal stability than pure PPy. According to the four‐point probe test, the conductivities of the ultimate PPy/NanoG and PPy/Ag/NanoG composites increased dramatically compare to that of pure PPy. The measurement of electromagnetic parameters showed that the reflection loss of PPy/Ag/NanoG was below −15 dB at an X band from 8.2 to 12.4 GHz, and the minimum loss value was −18.21 dB at 9.86 GHz. The reflection loss of PPy/NanoG was below −10 dB at an X band from 8.2 to 12.4 GHz, and the minimum loss value was −13.44 dB at 10.28 GHz. The microwave‐absorbing properties of PPy/Ag/NanoG and PPy/NanoG were superior to those of PPy. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Synthesis, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacodynamics Studies of Valsartan Peptide Derivatives
Authors: Wu Chun , Hu Yanpeng , Li Qianbin , He Limei , Chen Jun , Cheng Zeneng , Li Yuanjian , Hu Gaoyun
Published: January 2012

In order to increase the intestinal permeability of valsartan, 14 esters and peptide derivatives of valsartan were chemically synthesized and their absorption characteristics were described. All derivatives were stable and could be better absorbed into the small intestine than valsartan. There are two barriers for the absorption of valsartan derivatives. The elongated half‐life (t1/2) and stable blood concentrations for compound 4 due to the hydrolysis of the ester group in the second barrier were demonstrated in pharmacokinetic experiments. Furthermore, compound 4 also displayed modest anti‐hypertension activity in vivo, which makes structural modification of valsartan, especially for the purpose of improvement of its intestinal permeability, valuable for further studies.
Monohaloboryls (BHX−) as Bridging Ligands: Observable Dinuclear σ‐(Halo)boranyl Intermediates in the Synthesis of Metalloborylenes
Authors: Bauer Jürgen , Braunschweig Holger , Dewhurst Rian D. , Kraft Katharina , Radacki Krzysztof
Published: January 2012

Upon treating transition‐metal–dihaloboryl complexes of the form [LnMBX2] with K[(η5‐C5H5)MnH(CO)2], salt elimination occurs along with a migration of the Mn‐bound hydride ligand onto the boron atom, thereby forming dinuclear σ‐(halo)boranyl complexes of the form [LnM(μ‐BHX)Mn(CO)2(η5‐C5H5)]. Most of these complexes react further at room temperature to lose HX and provide metalloborylene complexes [LnM‐B=Mn(CO)2(η5‐C5H5)]; however, when MLn=Re(CO)5 the σ‐(halo)boranyl complex decomposes into unidentifiable products. We found through DFT calculations that two electronically and structurally distinct forms of the intermediate σ‐(halo)boranyl complexes exist, one of which easily loses HX and one that does not.
Online Measurement Method for Characterization of Nanocomposites
Authors: Guschin Viktor , Becker Wolfgang , Eisenreich Norbert , Bendfeld Anja
Published: January 2012

Durch das Einarbeiten von Nanopartikeln in eine Polymermatrix können die Eigenschaften des Nanokomposites im Vergleich zum Ausgangspolymer entscheidend verbessert werden. Da der Einarbeitungsprozess aufgrund möglicher Agglomerationen der Nanopartikel eine Herausforderung darstellt, ist es sehr wichtig, ihn online zu verfolgen. In dieser Forschungsarbeit wurde transparentes SiO2‐Polypropylen(PP)‐Nanokomposit mit der optischen turbidimetrischen Methode direkt am Extruder untersucht. Des Weiteren werden vergleichende rasterelektronenmikroskopische (REM) Untersuchungen vorgestellt. Es wird gezeigt, dass die turbidimetrische Auswertung zur Online‐Qualitätskontrolle von Nanokompositen herangezogen werden kann.
Total Surface Area Concentration Measurements of Nanoparticles in Gases with an Electrical Sensor
Authors: Fissan Heinz , Asbach Christof , Kaminski Heinz , Kuhlbusch Thomas A. J.
Published: January 2012

Nano‐objects with different chemical compositions and structures (shapes) are very important building blocks for nanostructured materials. The characterization of the nanoparticles in the gas phase during synthesis and their use is of great importance. The total nanoparticle surface area concentration is essential especially for describing interface processes, because of the increasing surface area per unit of mass with decreasing particle size. In this paper the possible use of an electrical sensor for measuring total surface area concentrations of spherical and agglomerated/aggregated nanoparticles in aerosols is discussed.
Fluid–structure interaction modeling of upper airways before and after nasal surgery for obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Wang Ying , Wang Jie , Liu Yingxi , Yu Shen , Sun Xiuzhen , Li Shouju , Shen Shuang , Zhao Wei
Published: January 2012

Nasal obstruction frequently has been associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Although correction of an obstructed nasal airway is considered an important component in OSA treatment, the effect of nasal surgery on OSA remains controversial. Variation in airway anatomy between before and after nasal surgery may cause significant differences in airflow patterns within the upper airway. In this paper, anatomically accurate models of the interaction between upper airway and soft palate were developed from prenasal and post‐nasal surgery multidetector computed tomography data of a patient with OSA and nasal obstruction. Computational modeling for inspiration and expiration was performed by using fluid–structure interaction method. The airflow characteristics such as velocity, turbulence intensity and pressure drop, and displacement distribution of soft palate are selected for comparison. Airway resistances significantly decrease after the nasal surgery, especially in the velopharynx region because of an enlarged pharyngeal cavity and a reduced upstream resistance. Meanwhile, the decreased aerodynamic force would result in a smaller displacement of soft palates, which would lead to slight impact of the soft palate motion on the airflow characteristics. The present results suggest that airflow distribution in the whole upper airway and soft palate motions have improved following nasal surgery. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Conjugation‐Promoted Reaction of Open‐Cage Fullerene: A Density Functional Theory Study
Authors: Guo Yong , Yan Jingjing , Khashab Niveen M.
Published: January 2012

Density functional theory calculations are performed to study the addition mechanism of e‐rich moieties such as triethyl phosphite to a carbonyl group on the rim of a fullerene orifice. Three possible reaction channels have been investigated. The obtained results show that the reaction of a carbonyl group on a fullerene orifice with triethyl phosphite most likely proceeds along the classical Abramov reaction; however, the classical product is not stable and is converted into the experimental product. An attack on a fullerene carbonyl carbon will trigger a rearrangement of the phosphate group to the carbonyl oxygen as the conversion transition state is stabilized by fullerene conjugation. This work provides a new insight on the reactivity of open‐cage fullerenes, which may prove helpful in designing new switchable fullerene systems.
Cover Picture: Eur. J. Immunol. 2/12
Authors: Tsakiri Niki , Papadopoulos Dimitrios , Denis Maria C. , Mitsikostas Dimos‐Dimitrios , Kollias George
Published: January 2012

The cover is based on a spinal cord histology section taken from a TNFR2−/− mouse adoptively transferred with TNFR2−/− Treg cells prior to immunization with MOG35–55 to induce EAE. The section is stained with Luxol Fast blue to detect demyelination; Luxol Fast Red, which detects inflammatory infiltration, is the counterstain. The image is taken from the article by Tsakiri et al. (pp. 403–412) in which it is shown that TNFR2 on non‐haematopoietic cells is necessary for Treg‐cell suppressive activity and repression of EAE development. The colour of the image has been digitally altered for the cover.
A One‐Pot Three‐Step Synthesis of Z‐Trisubstituted Olefins from Arylalkynes and Their Cyclization into 4‐Aryl‐2H‐chromenes
Authors: Rasolofonjatovo Evelia , Tréguier Bret , Provot Olivier , Hamze Abdallah , Brion Jean‐Daniel , Alami Mouâd
Published: January 2012

Rapid and versatile access to (Z)‐trisubstituted olefins 2 and their cyclization into 4‐aryl‐2H‐chromenes 1 starting fromarylalkynes 3 is described. In a one‐pot fashion, alkynes 3 were first hydrated, then transformed into N‐tosylhydrazones, and finally coupled with ortho‐substituted aryl halides under palladium catalysis to give trisubstituted olefins 2 in good yields and very high to total Z selectivity. 1,1‐Diarylolefins 2 having an ortho‐OMOM (methoxymethoxy) substituent underwent rapid cyclization in the presence of p‐toluensulfonic acid to give a variety of 4‐aryl‐2H‐chromenes in good to excellent yields. This methodology was also successfully applied to the preparation of 5‐aryl‐2,3‐dihydrobenzo[b]oxepine 4 from the required arylbutynol 3b.
HOW PUZZLING IS THE PPP PUZZLE? AN ALTERNATIVE HALF‐LIFE MEASURE OF CONVERGENCE TO PPP
Authors: Chortareas Georgios , Kapetanios George
Published: January 2012

Evidence of lengthy half‐lives for real exchange rates in the presence of a high degree of exchange rate volatility has been considered as one of the most puzzling empirical regularities in international macroeconomics. This paper suggests that the measure of half‐life used in the literature might be problematic and proposes alternative measures with desirable properties. Their focus on the cumulative effects of the shocks distinguishes them from the measures used in the literature. An empirical analysis of bilateral US dollar real exchange rates employing the alternative half‐life measure produces results consistent with theory and indicates that the PPP puzzle is less pronounced than initially thought. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electric pulses augment reporter gene expression in the beating heart
Authors: Eigeldinger‐Berthou Sylvie , Buntschu Patrick , Flück Martin , Frobert Aurélien , Ferrié Céline , Carrel Thierry P. , Tevaearai Hendrik T. , Kadner Alexander
Published: January 2012

Background

Gene therapy of the heart has been attempted in a number of clinical trials with the injection of naked DNA, although quantitative information on myocellular transfection rates is not available. The present study aimed to quantify the efficacy of electropulsing protocols that differ in pulse duration and number to stimulate transfection of cardiomyocytes and to determine the impact on myocardial integrity.

Methods

Reporter plasmid for constitutive expression of green fluorescent protein (GFP) was injected into the left ventricle of beating hearts of adult, male Lewis rats. Four electrotransfer protocols consisting of repeated long pulses (8 × 20 ms), trains of short pulses (eight trains of either 60 or 80 × 100 µs) or their combination were compared with control procedures concerning the degree of GFP expression and the effect on infiltration, fibrosis and apoptosis.

Results

All tested protocols produced GFP expression at the site of plasmid injection. Continuous pulses were most effective and increased the number of GFP‐positive cardiomyocytes by more than 300‐fold compared to plasmid injection alone (p < 0.05). Concomitantly, the incidence of macrophage infiltration, fibrosis and cell death was increased. Trains of short pulses reduced macrophage infiltration and fibrosis by four‐ and two‐fold, respectively, although they were 20‐fold less efficient in stimulating cardiomyocyte transfection. GFP expression co‐related to delivered electric energy, infiltration and fibrosis, although not apoptosis.

Conclusions

The data imply that electropulsing of the myocardium promotes the overexpression of exogenous protein in mature cardiomyocytes in relation to an injury component. Fractionation of pulses is indicated as a option for sophisticated gene therapeutic approaches to the heart. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of bowel peristalsis by dynamic cine MRI: Detection of relevant functional disturbances—initial experience
Authors: Heye Tobias , Stein Daniel , Antolovic Dalibor , Dueck Margret , Kauczor Hans‐Ulrich , Hosch Waldemar
Published: January 2012

Purpose:

To investigate the diagnostic performance of a cine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequence in the visualization and detection of impaired bowel peristalsis.

Materials and Methods:

In all, 91 consecutive patients (mean age 45 years) were prospectively examined on a 1.5 T system and stratified into a surgery group (n = 22) and a nonsurgery group (n = 69). A coronal fast imaging with steady‐state precession (TrueFISP) sequence with 30 acquisitions per slice covered the abdomen in 10–15 slices each 7–12 mm thick (temporal resolution: 6–8 sec per frame). Image evaluation for reduced bowel peristalsis and relevant bowel stenosis was compared to surgical findings or clinical follow‐up.

Results:

Cine MRI reached 96% accuracy (94% sensitivity; 100% specificity) in detecting a relevant reduction in bowel peristalsis and 85% of relevant stenosis was identified in the surgery group. Twenty of 69 patients of the nonsurgery group showed reduced peristalsis on cine MR which was attributed to underlying disease; 49/69 patients in this group had no findings on cine MR and were uneventfully followed up.

Conclusion:

Cine MRI of the bowel provides functional information of bowel passage. The visualization of a reduction in peristalsis may improve the assessment of the functional impact of suspected bowel adhesions or stenosis. Standard bowel MR protocols can be easily complemented by cine MR, extending scan time by <4 minutes. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;35:859–867. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Electronic nose application for determination of Penicillium digitatum in Valencia oranges
Authors: Pallottino Federico , Costa Corrado , Antonucci Francesca , Strano Maria Concetta , Calandra Mariarosaria , Solaini Silvia , Menesatti Paolo
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND: Penicillium digitatum and Penicillium italicum are responsible for one the most serious diseases occurring during storage of citrus fruits. Its early detection allows a relevant increase in shelf life, and in situ monitoring of fungal infections represents a very efficient tool to improve storage quality. In the case of metabolic alterations due to physiological or fungal pathologies, olfactometric analysis allows the detection of specific volatile biomarkers, thus providing an effective tool for postharvest quality control of fruits and vegetables.

RESULTS: A total of 300 Valencia oranges were analysed with an electronic nose and results were screened by a multivariate classification technique, partial least squares discriminant analysis, in order to investigate whether the electronic nose could distinguish between Penicillium‐infected and non‐infected samples and to evaluate the efficiency of the group classifications. High percentages of correct classification were obtained at low levels of infection (100% for 2–5% infection in an independent test).

CONCLUSION: The electronic nose may be successfully applied as a reliable, non‐destructive and non‐contact indirect technology for the identification of fungal strains in storage rooms, especially when the infection occurs in small percentages that are not easily identifiable by classic methodologies of inspection. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Correlation of structure and properties of groups I to III base oils
Authors: Sarpal A. S. , Sastry M. I. S. , Bansal V. , Singh Inder , Mazumdar S. K. , Basu B.
Published: January 2012

The understanding of the relationship between molecular structure and viscosity–temperature behaviour of a lubricant system is a subject of considerable importance. The quantitative distribution and types of different classes of hydrocarbons such as aromatics, paraffins (normal and iso) and naphthenes determine the physico‐chemical behaviour of a lubricant system. The study of molecular structure and molecular alignment of hydrocarbons constituting a lubricant helps in the development of lubricating oil with desired physico‐chemical properties.

The present study highlights the application of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic technique for deriving detailed hydrocarbon structural features present in API groups II and III base oils produced through catalytic hydrocracking/isodewaxing processes. The viscosity–temperature and viscosity–pressure properties, such as viscosity index, pour point, elastohydrodynamic film thickness and cold cranking simulator viscosity, were determined. The structural features of these base oils such as various methyl branched structures of isoparaffins and branching index, which are characteristics of high performance molecules, were correlated with the above‐mentioned properties to explain their physico‐chemical properties, particularly low temperature properties. The molecular dynamics parameters such as diffusion coefficient and T1 relaxation times estimated from the nuclear magnetic resonance spectral studies have provided sufficient evidence for the dependence of these properties on these high performance molecules present in various types of methyl structures of isoparaffins of groups II and III base oils compared with conventional group I base oils. Results are explained on the basis of molecular structural differences of hydrocarbons present in these base oils and diffusion measurement studies. On the basis of the studies, molecular engineering concept for the designing of a high performance base oil molecule is proposed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Integration of loop and slot antennas into one‐piece metal plate for concurrent 2.4‐ and 5‐GHz wireless local area network operation
Authors: Su Saou‐Wen
Published: January 2012

A compact, one‐piece, metal‐plate, multiple antenna system capable of generating concurrent 2.4‐ and 5‐GHz bands with directional radiation patterns for wireless local area network (WLAN) applications is presented.The design is obtained by integrating two loop and two slot antennas arranged sequentially along a rectangular antenna ground into a single flat plate with overall size of 3 × 75 × 75 mm3. The ground plane in this design not only acts like a reflector for the 2.4 GHz loops but also provides the 5 GHz slots an efficient finite ground to properly excite the antenna. With a simple structure, compact size, and good radiation characteristics, the antenna is easy to fabricate and suitable for applications in WLAN access points. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:815–820, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26624
Quasi‐lumped approach of suspended stripline BPF with zero implantation and cross coupling feed
Authors: Ho Min‐Hua , Chen Po‐Fan
Published: January 2012

The bandpass filter of suspended stripline design using the quasi‐lumped approach is presented in this letter. An equivalent circuit model of LC lumped elements is developed to analyze the proposed filter. The LC circuit model is optimized and validated by the HFSS simulation. The cross‐coupling feed design together with zero implantation structure are used in the filter to create the transmission zeros by the passband for signal selectivity enhancement. The proposed filter has achieved the benefits of size compactness, extremely low insertion losses, low dispersion, and high immunity to environmental noise interference. Experiment is conducted to validate the proposed bandpass filter's design. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:632–634, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26632