bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Méthodologie de l'évaluation des effets macroéconomiques de projets microéconomiques ou d'interventions publiques spécifiques
Authors: Gaudemet Jean-Philippe , Walliser Bernard
Published: March 2011

Methodology of evaluation of the macroeconomic

effects of microeconomic projects or specific public

interventions,

by J.P. Gaudemet, B. Walliser.

The article attempts to articulate the descriptive or normative microeconomic and macroeconomic instruments used in the study of public interventions or projects. It lists and compares the usual heterogeneous and incomplete practices and reposits them in a general methodological frame.

The microeconomic insertion of public interventions concerns the behaviour's adaptation of one or more agents to changes in his immediate economic environment. The mesoeconomic insertion reflects the intra and intersector spreading effects of the projects in the productive system. The macroeconomic insertion is a mix of driving effects caused by the chaining up of behavious and crowding out effects resulting from constraints. The evaluation of projects and public interventions involves comparison or joint use of the microeconomic critérium —the discounted collective surplus— and the macroeconomic critérium —a public objective function —
Facteurs de production et résultats des groupes industriels publics de 1973 à 1981
Authors: Le Foll Jean
Published: March 2011

Production factors and results of the public industrial groups in the period 1973-1981,

by J. Le Foll.

Based on the data published annually by the principal firms and the large industrial groups which are now public, this study analyzes the trend, since the first oil crisis, of the principal indicators concerning the production factors —investment and employment— and the operating results of those production units —sales and gross and net results. It takes an approach complementing the monographic studies and refined evaluations of the share of the enlarged public sector in the various national industrial segments and discusses the trend of those indicators in six relatively homogeneous categories of public groups the old public chemical, nuclear, steel and other groups, newly nationalized intermediate goods groups, old public and newly nationalized capital goods groups.

Despite the somewhat disparate nature of the basic data and the insufficiency of the information as to the external growth of the groups in the period 1973-1981, the study brings out notable differences among the groups, the decline of steel and the emergence of the very capital- intensive uranium processing segment are the most massive and doubtless the best known. Over the nine-year period, the differences in trends and behavior between the old public and newly nationalized groups are quite significant in the case of the former, the government s actions assisted in maintaining a counter-cyclical trend of the production factors despite low earnings throughout the period , in the case of the latter, hard hit by the recession, production and sales abroad coupled with external growth resulted in significant expansion in the capital goods sectors but failed to prevent a decline in intermediate goods.

The study does not go into the new departures of the government's policy vis-a-vis the industrial public sector. But the analysis of past developments demonstrates strong trends and certain structural characteristics which will hinder the future growth of this complex set of enterprises aging of the production factors in several sectors, employment downtrend, deterioration of earnings late in the period. It thus appears that the industrial public sector's contribution to economic and social development calls for material adaptation and international outreach on the part of these groups.
Étude de l'intensification et de la substituabilité des facteurs de production de l'agriculture française, d'après le Rica, 1970-1978
Authors: Bedin Philippe , Buffard Pascal , Pinon Pierre
Published: March 2011

Effects of increased input intensivity and factor substitution in French agriculture, according to Rica data (1970-1978),

by Philippe Bedin, Pascal Buffard, Pierre Pinon.

The paper is a contribution to the French debate on "Productivism" in agriculture. Following permanent samples of farms over time, after ranking them according to changes in their factor allocation, it can be observed that farms becoming more input intensive per hectare or capital intensive per unit of labor, would get better economic results than average.

The method used is an empirical Markov chain analysis.

Data are taken from Rica (Réseau d'information comptable agricole) for the period 1970-1978.
Taxe d'habitation, revenu et impôt sur le revenu en 1980 : un constat
Authors: Duché Annick , Pontagnier Christian
Published: March 2011

Inhabited house tax, income and income tax in 1980:

a report,

by Annick Duché and Christian Pontagnier.

The inhabited house tax, which is the subject this article deals with, is one of the mam taxes collected on behalf of French local authorities. This study has been carried out owing to a model called Taxhab, which is based upon the sample of the 1 979 income survey, just like income tax model Mir 5. It puts together the 1979 income tax and the 1980 inhabited house tax, which are most of the time paid the same year.

It is shown first of all that the tax studied, which concerns here only metropolitan main dwelling-places, is correctly represented both on national and regional levels.

National results are gathered in a first part. On an average, the inhabited house tax grows with income, but less rapidly than the latter. It is statistically degressive whereas income tax is strongly progressive; the absolute concentration of the tax is also presented

The dependance of the tax on various criteria related to the taxpayer himself (age, profession) is then studied.

In the last part, geographic variations of the tax are put forward, showing a strong dispersion between regions, urban units of different sizes, and towns.

This article is completed by several technical documents and illustrated by numerous tables, graphs, maps.
Les échanges commerciaux France/États-Unis
Authors: Folly Martine , Uhel Pierre
Published: March 2011

Trade between France and the United States, by Martine Folly, Pierre Uhel.

France still shows a negative trade balance with the United States. The deficit increased up until 1982 and only recovered in 1983, despite the steady rise of the dollar since 1980. At first glance the preponderant influence of the reversal of the cyclic differential between the two nations seems to explain this trend. An analysis by sectors helps to qualify this judgement.

On the whole, sales of French goods to the United States are not backed up by a sufficient investment drive, whereas French purchases of American goods are conditioned by a structural domination. This is true of various raw materials and of high-technology products.

The competitive price trend which started in 1980 with the appreciation of the dollar has very little effect on this type of goods. It did. however, cause French sales to improve as early as 1981 in areas of French specialization in the American market or in areas of high price elasticity.

Furthermore, French industry's efforts to adapt its structures can be felt in Franco-American trading figures.

In 1983 and 1984 there is an effect of synergy between these different factors. It therefore appears that the up-turn in France's trade with the United States is not merely a result of the general economic climate and that a reduction of France's structural trade deficit can be expacted.
Anion–π interactions influence pKa values
Authors: Cadman Christopher J , Croft Anna K
Published: March 2011

Five 8-(4-R-phenyl)-1-naphthol derivatives were prepared by PdCl2-catalysed electrophilic aromatic substitution. The pKa' values for these 1,8-disubstituted arene naphthols have been measured in acetonitrile/water (R = NO2, 8.42; R = Cl, 8.52; R = H, 8.56; R = Me 8.68; and R = OMe, 8.71) and indicate a correlation with the electronic nature of the arene substituent, as determined through LFER analysis. Contributions to the relative pKa' values have been interpreted, using M06-2X DFT calculations, as consisting of two components: A small contribution from initial OH–π bonding in the starting materials and a larger contribution from anion–π interactions in the products. Such effects have implications for a range of other systems.
MODELLING FOR EVALUATIONS OF CALL CENTER FOR PUBLIC TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT SYSTEMS
Authors: Tica Slaven , Radojičić Valentina , Marković Goran , Marković Dejan
Published: March 2011

This paper is dealing with functional organization of a call center based on human operator work. Due to significant fluctuations of user demands during the day and from day to day, the determination of required number of agents appears as actual giving the opportunities for efficient management. The purpose of this paper is to develop a mathematical model for optimal resource allocation in a call center in order to provide a satisfactory quality of service at all times, without having more agents than necessary. The objective is to find the best staffing levels or schedule that minimizes the daily costs while satisfying all constraints. To solve this problem, we propose here a two-level dynamic programming (DP) algorithm that determines the required staffing levels by shifts. The algorithm enables optimal allocation of available human resources such that the operation costs are reduced as much as possible. The practical sample is demonstrated in a case of a call center for public traffic and transport systems in metropolitan. The results comparison for different shifts duration is performed.
Soldadura TIG del Acero AISI-316 en cámara inerte y con diferentesmetales de aporte: Cambios en su microestructura y propiedades mecánicas
Authors: Pascual M. , Salas F. , Carcel F. J. , Perales M. , Sánchez A.
Published: March 2011

En este estudio se analiza la influencia que el uso de una cámara de soldadura de gas inerte tiene sobre la microestructura y las propiedades mecánicas de las soldaduras TIG en el acero inoxidable austenítico AISI-316L cuando se emplean AISI ER316L, AISI 308L e Inconel 625 como materiales de aporte. Cuando se compara con el típico proceso de TIG, el uso de una cámara de gas inerte induce cambios en la microestructura, incrementando la presencia de ferrita vermicular y de laminillas de ferrita, resultando en un aumento del límite elástico y una pérdida de dureza. Su influencia sobre otras características de las soldaduras como la carga de rotura depende de la composición del material de aporte. La mejor combinación de propiedades mecánicas se obtuvo usando el Inconel 625 como material de aporte y soldando en la cámara de gas inerte.
Síntesis mecanoquímica de un compuesto termoeléctrico nanocristalino
Authors: Rojas-Chávez H. , Reyes-Carmona F. , Jaramillo-Vigueras D.
Published: March 2011

Se estudiaron las reacciones químicas en fase sólida durante la molienda mecánica de alta energía en condiciones cercanas a la atmosférica usando mezclas de polvos de αPbO y Te de alta pureza. Se optó por esta vía de proceso para evitar las complejidades que surgen en otras técnicas tales como: fusión-crecimiento o sublimación de las especies reactivas, etc. El rastreo de la síntesis mecanoquímica (SM) muestra que conforme se incrementa el tiempo de molienda se disminuye el tamaño de partícula y se incrementa la cantidad de defectos estructurales. En el sistema αPbO-Te, las fases metaestables obtenidas durante la molienda mecánica son las mismas que se forman durante el proceso convencional (fusión-crecimiento). Los polvos obtenidos por MS fueron caracterizados por difracción de rayos-X, microscopía electrónica de transmisión y microscopía electrónica de transmisión de alta resolución.
Desarrollo de un modelo matemático de diferencias finitas para el análisis del campo de temperaturas en la soldadura por arco de chapas finas de acero inoxidable
Authors: Martínez-Conesa E. J. , Estrems M. , Miguel V.
Published: March 2011

En este trabajo se desarrolla un método de diferencias finitas para calcular el campo de temperaturas en la zona afectada por el calor en la soldadura de dos chapas de acero inoxidable AISI 304, soldadas mediante el procedimiento GTAW. Se ha desarrollado un programa informático implementado en libros de cálculo MS-Excel con Visual Basic para Aplicaciones (VBA). Los experimentos modelizados a través de la aplicación numérica predicen el comportamiento térmico de un procedimiento de soldadura. Para la validación del modelo matemático se ha desarrollado un procedimiento experimental para medir el campo de temperaturas en la zona cercana al cordón de soldadura de un acero inoxidable de espesor inferior a 3 mm. Este procedimiento experimental se puede utilizar para otros tipos de metales y aleaciones y para otros procedimientos de soldadura por arco eléctrico como elMIG/MAG, SMAWy FCAW. Los datos obtenidos con estos ensayos se han utilizado para validar el cálculo del campo de temperaturas mediante la aplicación numérica de diferencias finitas. Con estos experimentos se ha realizado el ajuste del modelo matemático, y las diferencias que existen entre las curvas experimentales y teóricas son debidas a las pérdidas de calor por convección y radiación, que no se han estimado en el modelo de simulación. Con este sencillo modelo el proyectista podrá calcular los ciclos térmicos del proceso y predecir el campo de temperaturas en las proximidades del cordón.
A Unique Hybrid Renal Mononuclear Phagocyte Activation Phenotype in Murine Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Nephritis
Authors: Bethunaickan Ramalingam , Berthier Celine C. , Ramanujam Meera , Sahu Ranjit , Zhang Weijia , Sun Yezou , Bottinger Erwin P. , Ivashkiv Lionel , Kretzler Matthias , Davidson Anne
Published: March 2011

Renal infiltration with mononuclear cells is associated with poor prognosis in systemic lupus erythematosus. A renal macrophage/dendritic cell signature is associated with the onset of nephritis in NZB/W mice, and immune-modulating therapies can reverse this signature and the associated renal damage despite ongoing immune complex deposition. In nephritic NZB/W mice, renal F4/80hi/CD11cint macrophages are located throughout the interstitium, whereas F4/80lo/CD11chi dendritic cells accumulate in perivascular lymphoid aggregates. We show here that F4/80hi/CD11cint renal macrophages have a Gr1lo/Ly6Clo/VLA4lo/MHCIIhi/CD43lo/CD62Llo phenotype different from that described for inflammatory macrophages. At nephritis onset, F4/80hi/CD11cint cells upregulate cell surface CD11b, acquire cathepsin and matrix metalloproteinase activity, and accumulate large numbers of autophagocytic vacuoles; these changes reverse after the induction of remission. Latex bead labeling of peripheral blood Gr1lo monocytes indicates that these are the source of F4/80hi/CD11cint macrophages. CD11chi/MHCIIlo dendritic cells are found in the kidneys only after proteinuria onset, turnover rapidly, and disappear rapidly after remission induction. Gene expression profiling of the F4/80hi/CD11cint population displays increased expression of proinflammatory, regulatory, and tissue repair/degradation-associated genes at nephritis onset that reverses with remission induction. Our findings suggest that mononuclear phagocytes with an aberrant activation profile contribute to tissue damage in lupus nephritis by mediating both local inflammation and excessive tissue remodeling.
Impacts of Membrane Biophysics in Alzheimer′s Disease: From Amyloid Precursor Protein Processing to Aβ Peptide‐Induced Membrane Changes
Authors: Askarova Sholpan , Yang Xiaoguang , Lee James C.-M.
Published: March 2011

An increasing amount of evidence supports the notion that cytotoxic effects of amyloid‐β peptide (Aβ), the main constituent of senile plaques in Alzheimer′s disease (AD), are strongly associated with its ability to interact with membranes of neurons and other cerebral cells. Aβ is derived from amyloidogenic cleavage of amyloid precursor protein (AβPP) by β‐ and γ‐secretase. In the nonamyloidogenic pathway, AβPP is cleaved by α‐secretases. These two pathways compete with each other, and enhancing the non‐amyloidogenic pathway has been suggested as a potential pharmacological approach for the treatment of AD. Since AβPP, α‐, β‐, and γ‐secretases are membrane‐associated proteins, AβPP processing and Aβ production can be affected by the membrane composition and properties. There is evidence that membrane composition and properties, in turn, play a critical role in Aβ cytotoxicity associated with its conformational changes and aggregation into oligomers and fibrils. Understanding the mechanisms leading to changes in a membrane′s biophysical properties and how they affect AβPP processing and Aβ toxicity should prove to provide new therapeutic strategies for prevention and treatment of AD.
Effect of feeding amount on the feeding and sorting behaviour of lactating dairy cattle
Authors: Greter Angela , Devries Trevor
Published: March 2011

Greter, A. M. and DeVries, T. J. 2011. Effect of feeding amount on the feeding and sorting behaviour of lactating dairy cattle. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 91: 47–54. The objectives of this study were: (1) to determine how feeding amount affects feeding and sorting behaviour of dairy cows, and (2) to examine the relationship between these behaviours. Six lactating dairy cows were assigned to one of two treatments in a crossover design with 7-d periods: (1) lower feeding amount (target 5% orts), and (2) higher feeding level (target 15% orts). Cows were fed twice daily at 1000 and 1530. Treatments were imposed during the 18-h period between the afternoon feeding and the subsequent morning feeding. Treatment periods consisted of a 3-d adaptation period and a 4-d recording period, wherein feeding (using time-lapse video) and sorting behaviour were measured. Feed samples taken for particle size separation were separated into four fractions: long, medium, short, and fine particles. The targeted level of orts was not achieved, but treatments tended to be different (16.1 vs. 11.6%). Cows maintained similar feeding rates (0.1 kg min−1), feeding times (209.0 min period−1), and dry matter intake (DMI) (21.6 kg period−1) between treatments. Cows sorted against long particles (67.3%) and tended to sort for short particles (104.4%) on both treatments. Across treatments, feeding rate was positively correlated with sorting of long particles (r=0.76). Feeding time was negatively correlated with sorting of short (r=−0.65) and fine (r=−0.68) particles. DMI tended to be positively correlated with sorting of long particles (r=0.48) and tended to be negatively correlated with sorting of short particles (r=−0.51). Meal duration tended to be negatively correlated with sorting of fine particles (r=−0.52). The results from this experiment provide new insight into how sorting behaviour may affect the time course of feeding, meal patterning, and nutrient intake of dairy cows.
Standardized ileal amino acid digestibility in wheat, barley, pea and flaxseed for broiler chickens
Authors: Bandegan A. , Golian A. , Kiarie E. , Payne R. L. , Crow G. H. , Guenter W. , Nyachoti C. M.
Published: March 2011

Bandegan A., Golian, A., Kiarie E., Payne R. L., Crow G. H., Guenter W. and Nyachoti C. M. 2011. Standardized ileal amino acid digestibility in wheat, barley, pea and flaxseed for broiler chickens. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 91: 103–111. Experiments were conducted to estimate ileal amino acids (AA) digestibility in six wheat (exp. 1; 288 birds), seven barley (exp. 2; 252 birds), five pea (exp. 3; 240 birds) and five flaxseed (exp. 4; 216 birds) samples in male Ross broiler chicks. Wheat, barley and pea were the sole source of dietary AA in exps. 1, 2 and 3, whereas, for exp. 4, flaxseed and wheat (50:50 wt/wt) or wheat provided dietary AA. Chromic oxide was the indigestible marker. Birds were fed chick starter for the first 14 d; on day 15 each test diet was randomly assigned to six cages, each with six (exps. 2 and 4) or eight (exps. 1 and 3) birds. On day 21, birds were killed and digesta were sampled to determine the apparent ileal AA digestibility (AID). The standardized ileal digestibility (SID) values were calculated using ileal endogenous AA losses previously determined in our laboratory from birds fed N-free diet. The mean SID values for indispensable AA ranged from 83.7% (Lys) to 93.8% (Phe), 80.4% (Arg) to 90.9% (Phe), 86.0% (Met+Cys) to 94.2% (Arg) and 47.4% (Thr) to 66.7% (Met) for wheat, barley, peas and flaxseed samples, respectively. Overall, SID AA estimates for flaxseed had higher (> 13%) coefficients of variation (CV) compared with other ingredients (CV<6%). These SID AA data will help nutritionists to formulate broiler diets that more closely match the birds' requirements and minimize nutrient excretion.
Modelling atmospheric OH-reactivity in a boreal forest ecosystem
Authors: Mogensen D. , Smolander S. , Sogachev A. , Zhou L. , Sinha V. , Guenther A. , Williams J. , Nieminen T. , Kajos M. , Rinne J. , Kulmala M. , Boy M.
Published: March 2011

Abstract. We have modelled the total atmospheric OH-reactivity in a boreal forest and investigated the individual contributions from gas phase inorganic species, isoprene, monoterpenes, and methane along with other important VOCs. Daily and seasonal variation in OH-reactivity for the year 2008 was examined as well as the vertical OH-reactivity profile. We have used SOSA; a one dimensional vertical chemistry-transport model (Boy et al., 2011) together with measurements from Hyytiälä, SMEAR II station, Southern Finland, conducted in August 2008. Model simulations only account for ~30–50% of the total measured OH sink, and in our opinion, the reason for missing OH-reactivity is due to unmeasured unknown BVOCs, and limitations in our knowledge of atmospheric chemistry including uncertainties in rate constants. Furthermore, we found that the OH-reactivity correlates with both organic and inorganic compounds and increases during summer. The summertime canopy level OH-reactivity peaks during night and the vertical OH-reactivity decreases with height.
Magnitude and variability of land evaporation and its components at the global scale
Authors: Miralles D. G. , De Jeu R. A. M. , Gash J. H. , Holmes T. R. H. , Dolman A. J.
Published: March 2011

Abstract. A process-based methodology is applied to estimate land-surface evaporation from multi-satellite information. GLEAM (Global Land-surface Evaporation: the Amsterdam Methodology) combines a wide range of remotely-sensed observations to derive daily actual evaporation and its different components. Soil water stress conditions are defined from a root-zone profile of soil moisture and used to estimate transpiration based on a Priestley and Taylor equation. The methodology also derives evaporationfrom bare soil and snow sublimation. Tall vegetation rainfall interception is independently estimated by means of the Gash analytical model. Here, GLEAM is applied daily, at global scale and a quarter degree resolution. Triple collocation is used to calculate the error structure of the evaporation estimates and test the relative merits of two different precipitation inputs. The spatial distribution of evaporation – and its different components – is analysed to understand the relative importance of each component over different ecosystems. Annual land evaporation is estimated as 67.9 × 103 km3, 80% corresponding to transpiration, 11% to interception loss, 7% to bare soil evaporation and 2% snow sublimation. Results show that rainfall interception plays an important role in the partition of precipitation into evaporation and water available for runoff at a continental scale. This study gives insights into the relative importance of precipitation and net radiation in driving evaporation, and how the seasonal influence of these controls varies over different regions. Precipitation is recognised as an important factor driving evaporation, not only in areas that have limited soil water availability, but also in areas of high rainfall interception and low available energy.
Foreword No.14 2007
Authors: Editor The
Published: March 2011

DOI: 10.5564/mjia.v0i14.17Mongolian Journal of International Affairs No.14 2007 pp.3
A Draft Northeast Asia Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty: A Basis for Discussion
Authors: Umebayashi Hiromichi
Published: March 2011

DOI: 10.5564/mjia.v0i14.21Mongolian Journal of International Affairs No.14 2007 pp.37-42
Second Generation Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone: Mixing Noble Ideas and Hard Reality
Authors: Umebayashi Hiromichi
Published: March 2011

DOI: 10.5564/mjia.v0i14.24Mongolian Journal of International Affairs No.14 2007 pp.58-63
Northeast Asia Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone - Necessity and Challenges
Authors: Kawasaki Akira
Published: March 2011

DOI: 10.5564/mjia.v0i14.28Mongolian Journal of International Affairs No.14 2007 pp.88-95
Officer Accommodation in Police-Civilian Encounters: Reported Compliance with Police in Mongolia and the United States
Authors: Barker Valerie , Choi Charles , Giles Howard , Hajek Christopher
Published: March 2011

Recent research has demonstrated that, for young adults, officers' communicative practices are potent predictors of civilians’ attributed trust in police, and their perceived likelihood of compliance with police requests. This line of work has important applied implications for ameliorating police-civilian relations on the one hand and promoting a joint law enforcement/community response to crime prevention on the other. The present study continued this line of work in Mongolia and the USA. Mongolia is not only intriguing as little communication research has been conducted in this setting, but is significant as its government (and the law enforcement arm of it) is currently experiencing significant social upheavals. Besides differences between nations, results revealed that, for American participants, officer accommodativeness indirectly predicted civilian compliance through trust. This also emerged for the Mongolian counterparts, although a direct relationship was evident between officer accommodation and compliance as well. The latter finding is unique in that it is the first cultural context where both direct and indirect paths have been identified. The practical significance of these findings is discussed. Keywords: Mongolia; United States; America; Police; Law Enforcement; Civilian; Intercultural; Cross-Cultural; Intergroup; Accommodation; Trust; Compliance. DOI: 10.5564/mjia.v0i15-16.35Mongolian Journal of International Affairs No.15-16 2008-2009 pp.176-200
Functionalized Conducting Polymer Nano‐Networks from Controlled Oxidation Polymerization toward Cell Engineering
Authors: Luo Shyh‐Chyang , Zhu Bo , Nakao Aiko , Nakatomi Reiko , Yu Hsiao‐hua
Published: March 2011

In this work we present a general approach for bulk synthesis of various functionalized conducting polymer nano‐networks. 3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) dimers are used to initiate the chemical polymerization of functionalized EDOT in the solvent system with high polarity, which leads to better control of the oxidation polymerization. Under these reaction conditions, various functionalized EDOT monomers form polymeric nano‐network structures. We also evaluate the cell growth and cell viability on these conducting polymer nano‐networks. The nano‐networks provide highly biocompatible materials for PC12 cells and they show nice attachment on the surface. These properties of functionalized conducting polymer nano‐networks indicate a promising platform for cell engineering.
Concentration Polarization of Salt‐Containing Liquid Electrolytes
Authors: Maier Joachim
Published: March 2011

Using the example of Li‐battery electrolytes, the importance of the concept of conservative ensembles for polarization behavior and transference measurements of salt‐containing liquid electrolytes is stressed. The conventional evaluation of the stationary values fails if the ion pair is mobile and can act as a vehicle of a single ion such as Li+. The necessary generalization is considered. While the analytical form of the time dependence of voltage or current is not affected provided the ion pairing is sufficiently fast, the diffusion coefficient contains nontrivial extra contributions. Finally, soggy‐sand electrolytes are inspected, in which polarization occurs in the space‐charge zones.
Stimuli Responsive Delivery Vehicles for Cardiac Microtissue Transplantation
Authors: Pedron S. , van Lierop S. , Horstman P. , Penterman R. , Broer D. J. , Peeters E.
Published: March 2011

Cell transplantation has emerged as the most promising therapy for restoring the scarred myocardium in the treatment of heart failure. However, clinical efficacy of (stem) cell therapies is still limited by poor retention rate and survival of injected cells in the ischemic tissue. Here we present a new strategy to deliver microtissues in the treatment of heart dysfunction in order to improve the retention, survival, and integration of the delivered cells. For this purpose, we developed stimuli responsive biodegradable polymer constructs consisting of a thin film of thermosensitive hydrogel coupled to a thin film of non‐responsive polymer. Due to the temperature responsive swelling behavior of the hydrogel layer, the bilayer polymer constructs can roll or unroll at will. Therefore they can potentially be used for efficient encapsulation and protection of cell clusters during delivery, while under physiological conditions, the constructs, named cell wraps, can unroll and expose the delivered microtissue to the ischemic tissue.
ST101 induces a novel 17kDa APP cleavage that precludes Aβ generation in vivo
Authors: Green Kim N. , Khashwji Hasan , Estrada Tatiana , LaFerla Frank M.
Published: March 2011

Objective:

Inhibiting Aβ generation is a prime therapeutic goal for preventing or treating Alzheimer disease. Here we sought to identify any disease‐modifying properties of an azaindolizinone derivative, spiro[imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridine‐3,2‐idan]‐2(3H)‐one (ST101 or ZSET1446).

Methods:

The effects of ST101 were studied in 3xTg‐AD mice and young cynomolgus monkeys using a combination of biochemical and histological analyses.

Results:

Here we describe that ST101 induces cleavage of APP protein at a novel site, generating a 17kDa C‐terminal fragment. This 17kDa APP cleavage product does not appear to be a substrate for either α‐ or β‐secretase, and thus bypasses generation of Aβ. ST101 is orally active, efficacious at low doses, improves memory function, and robustly reduces brain Aβ in transgenic mice and nonhuman primates.

Interpretation:

Using rodent and nonhuman primate models, we show that ST101 represents a novel class of small molecules that reduce central nervous system levels of Aβ by inducing an alternate pathway of APP cleavage. ANN NEUROL 2010;
Developmental toxicity of fungicide carbendazim in female mice
Authors: Farag Amina , Ebrahim Hala , ElMazoudy Reda , Kadous Ezzat
Published: March 2011

This study investigated the developmental toxicity of carbendazim during the organogenesis period in mice. Mated CD‐1 mice were administered carbendazim at dose levels 0, 150, 300, and 600 mg/kg/day by gavage. Body weights, weight gains, and feed consumption were significantly reduced in mice administered with 300 and 600 mg/kg/day. Carbendazim exposure increased maternal levels of cholesterol, triglyceride, glucose, protein, and creatinine; and reduced the levels of estradiol and progesterone in the 300‐ and 600‐mg/kg/day groups. In addition, exposure to carbendazim significantly reduced the number of live fetuses and increased the number of dead and resorptions at the same dose levels. External, visceral, and skeleton malformations were observed in the 300‐ and 600‐mg/kg/day. In conclusion, exposure of pregnant mice to carbendazim induced maternal and developmental toxicity at 300 and 600 mg/kg/day. 150 mg/kg/day carbendazim produced a very slight increase in postimplantation loss, which was within the range of historical controls, and no evidence of maternal toxicity. Birth Defects Res (Part B) 92:122–130, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Embryonic exposure to diclofenac disturbs actin organization and leads to myofibril misalignment
Authors: Chen Ying‐Hsin , Chang Chao‐Yuan , Wang Yun‐Hsin , Wen Chi‐Chung , Chen Yun‐Chen , Hu Sheng‐Chuan , Yu Dah‐Shyong , Chen Yau‐Hung
Published: March 2011

The objective of this study was to investigate the embryotoxicity of diclofenac. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos at 12 hpf were treated with different dosages of diclofenac (0–2,000 ppm) for different time courses (12–72 hr). Results showed no evident differences in survival rates or morphological changes between the mock‐treated control (0 ppm) zebrafish embryos and those with 1‐ppm diclofenac‐exposure (12–24, 12–36 hpf). In contrast, after higher doses (5 and 10 ppm) of exposure, embryos displayed some defective phenotypes, including malformed somite boundary, a twisted body axis, and shorter body length. In addition, diclofenac‐treated embryos exhibited significantly reduced frequencies of spontaneous in‐chorion contractions in comparison with mock‐control littermates (mock‐control: 13.20±2.24 vs. 5–10 ppm diclofenac: 6.66±1.35–3.03±1.84). Subtle changes were easily observed by staining with specific monoclonal antibodies F59 and phalloidin to detect morphological changes in muscle fibers and formation of F‐actin, respectively. Our data show that diclofenac treatment disturbs actin organization and muscle fiber alignment, thus causing malformed somite phenotypes. Birth Defects Res (Part B) 92:139–147, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Biofilm deformation in response to fluid flow in capillaries
Authors: Vo Garret D. , Heys Jeffrey
Published: March 2011

Biofilms are complex mixtures of microorganisms and extracellular matrix that exist on many wetted surfaces. Recently, magnetic resonance microscopy has been used to measure fluid velocities near biofilms that are attached to the walls of capillary channels. These velocity measurements showed unexpectedly high secondary velocities (i.e., high velocity magnitudes perpendicular to the direction of bulk flow and perpendicular to the surface that the biofilm is attached), and the presence of high secondary velocities near a biofilm could increase the delivery of substrates to the biofilm. A mathematical model, based on the immersed boundary method, is used here to examine the physical interaction between a biofilm and a moving fluid in a capillary and to analyze possible factors that may contribute to the elevated secondary velocities observed experimentally. The simulation predicts the formation of a recirculation downstream of a biofilm, and this recirculation deforms and lifts the biofilm upward from the surface to which the biofilm is attached. Changing the mechanical properties (i.e., stiffness) of the biofilm impacts both the lifting of the biofilm and the magnitude of the secondary velocities. The maximum lifting of the biofilm occurs when the biofilm properties are similar to previous experimental measurements, which indicates that the mechanical properties of the biofilm may be tuned for the generation of maximum secondary velocity magnitude and transport of substrates to the biofilm. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2011; 108:1893–1899. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Binding characteristics of Trichoderma reesei cellulases on untreated, ammonia fiber expansion (AFEX), and dilute‐acid pretreated lignocellulosic biomass
Authors: Gao Dahai , Chundawat Shishir P.S. , Uppugundla Nirmal , Balan Venkatesh , Dale Bruce E.
Published: March 2011

Studying the binding properties of cellulases to lignocellulosic substrates is critical to achieving a fundamental understanding of plant cell wall saccharification. Lignin auto‐fluorescence and degradation products formed during pretreatment impede accurate quantification of individual glycosyl hydrolases (GH) binding to pretreated cell walls. A high‐throughput fast protein liquid chromatography (HT‐FPLC)‐based method has been developed to quantify cellobiohydrolase I (CBH I or Cel7A), cellobiohydrolase II (CBH II or Cel6A), and endoglucanase I (EG I or Cel7B) present in hydrolyzates of untreated, ammonia fiber expansion (AFEX), and dilute‐acid pretreated corn stover (CS). This method can accurately quantify individual enzymes present in complex binary and ternary protein mixtures without interference from plant cell wall‐derived components. The binding isotherms for CBH I, CBH II, and EG I were obtained after incubation for 2 h at 4°C. Both AFEX and dilute acid pretreatment resulted in increased cellulase binding compared with untreated CS. Cooperative binding of CBH I and/or CBH II in the presence of EG I was observed only for AFEX treated CS. Competitive binding between enzymes was found for certain other enzyme–substrate combinations over the protein loading range tested (i.e., 25–450 mg/g glucan). Langmuir single‐site adsorption model was fitted to the binding isotherm data to estimate total available binding sites Ebm (mg/g glucan) and association constant Ka (L/mg). Our results clearly demonstrate that the characteristics of cellulase binding depend not only on the enzyme GH family but also on the type of pretreatment method employed. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2011; 108:1788–1800. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
TLC densitometric quantification of picrosides (picroside‐I and picroside‐II) in Picrorhiza kurroa and its substitute Picrorhiza scrophulariiflora and their antioxidant studies
Authors: Tiwari Shashi Shankar , Pandey Madan Mohan , Srivastava Sharad , Rawat AKS
Published: March 2011

Picroside‐I and picroside‐II are known bioactive metabolites in Picrorhiza species. In the present study a simple, precise method has been established for the simultaneous determination of picrosides (picroside‐I and picroside‐II) in two different Picrorhiza species, P. kurroa and P. scrophulariiflora. This method was also validated for accuracy, precision, robustness, limit of detection and quantification, repeatability and recovery, according to International Conference of Harmonization guidelines. Separation and quantification was achieved by HPTLC using as the mobile phase chloroform–methanol (88:12, v/v) on precoated silica gel 60F254 aluminum plates. Densitometric determination was carried out at wavelength λmax 254 nm in UV absorbance mode. Comparative study also revealed that picroside‐I and picroside‐II are higher in P. scrophulariiflora than P. kurroa. Picroside‐I content was found to be 1.258 and 1.611%, and picroside‐II was estimated as 0.481 and 0.613% in P. kurroa and P. scrophulariiflora, respectively. Antioxidant potential of these two Picrorhiza species was also studied using DPPH. At a concentration of 0.1 mg/mL the scavenging activities of P. kurroa and P. scrophulariiflora were found to 37.70 and 34.30%, respectively. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The impact of different preparation modes on enhancing the undergraduate process control engineering laboratory: A comparative study
Authors: Abdulwahed Mahmoud , Nagy Zoltan K.
Published: March 2011

Undergraduate engineering laboratories have been reported to be inefficient. Educators have been aware of this problem and have urged their students to prepare in different ways, such as by self‐reparation, handing in a pre‐laboratory assignment, or attending a pre‐laboratory preparation session. Many studies report different approaches to laboratory preparation; however comparative investigations are scarce. This article reports on an empirical study that spanned over 3 years. Three preparation modes (PMs) are compared: (a) PM1—pre‐laboratory home assignment with the laboratory manual and virtual laboratory software; (b) PM2—pre‐laboratory session with a teaching assistant and preparation via the laboratory manual only; and (c) PM3—pre‐laboratory session with a teaching assistant and preparation via the virtual laboratory and the laboratory manual. Measurements of the laboratory learning outcomes by means of pre‐ and post‐laboratory tests and a comprehensive laboratory report indicate that PM3 is the most efficient approach. Discussions of the result in light of pedagogical and cognitive science theories are provided. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 22: 110–119, 2014
Defect closure in the lipomatous hypertrophied atrial septum with the amplatzer muscular ventricular septal defect closure device: A case series
Authors: Lin C. Huie , Balzer David T. , Lasala John M.
Published: March 2011

Variations in the anatomy of the atrial septum can confound the transcatheter closure of atrial septal defects and patent foramen ovale. While lipomatous hypertrophy of the atrial septum is not frequently encountered, attempts to use standard atrial septal occlusion devices in such patient can lead to malapposition and continued shunt. Some operators have suggested that atrial septal hypertrophy is a relative contraindication to transcatheter‐based closure techniques. We present a novel technique exploiting the features of the Amplatzer muscular ventricular septal defect occluder to treat atrial septal defects in the setting of lipomatous hypertrophy of the atrial septum in two patients. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A flow restrictor implanted percutaneously across a loose pulmonary artery band
Authors: Gorenflo Matthias , Gewillig Marc
Published: March 2011

Pulmonary artery banding usually is performed as a palliative procedure. In patients with elevated pulmonary vascular resistance and complex congenital heart disease, it may not be possible at the time of surgery to obtain sufficient restriction to optimize the patient for further treatment; additional restriction may be needed in time. We present a technique where we used a combination of two devices (a 10‐mm Amplatzer ASD occluder fenestrated with a Palmaz Genesis 9/19 mm stent) to percutaneously further reduce the flow to the lungs 1 month after surgical placement of a pulmonary artery band in a 16‐year‐old girl with complex univentricular heart. Eight months after the banding the patient successfully underwent completion of the Fontan circulation by total cavopulmonary connection. This technique allows to reduce flow without redo surgery. In well‐selected patients, this new percutaneous technique allows to better prepare such complex patients for future surgery. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Recognition of G‐Quadruplex DNA by Triangular Star‐Shaped Compounds: With or Without Side Chains?
Authors: Bertrand Hélène , Granzhan Anton , Monchaud David , Saettel Nicolas , Guillot Régis , Clifford Sarah , Guédin Aurore , Mergny Jean‐Louis , Teulade‐Fichou Marie‐Paule
Published: March 2011

We report the synthesis of two new series of triangular aromatic platforms, either with three aminoalkyl side chains (triazatrinaphthylene series, TrisK: six compounds), or without side chains (triazoniatrinaphthylene, TrisQ). The quadruplex–DNA binding behavior of the two series, which differ essentially by the localization of the cationic charges, was evaluated by means of FRET‐melting and G4‐FID assays. For the trisubstituted triazatrinaphthylenes (TrisK), the length of the substituents and the presence of terminal hydrogen‐bond‐donor groups (NH2) were shown to be crucial for ensuring a high quadruplex affinity (ΔT1/2 values of up to 20 °C at 1 μM for the best candidate, TrisK3‐NH) and selectivity versus duplex DNA. Subsequently, comparison of data collected on both the telomeric‐ and c‐myc‐quadruplex showed that the nonsubstituted TrisQ is even more efficient than TrisK3‐NH, both in terms of quadruplex affinity (ΔT1/2=26 °C in K+ buffer) and selectivity versus duplex DNA. Structural considerations conducted with the c‐myc quadruplex indicate that both TrisK3‐NH and TrisQ stack well onto the G‐quartet but in an offset position, which might be influenced by the formation of multiple hydrogen bonds with the target in the former case. Finally, the nonsubstituted TrisQ displays a binding profile very similar to some of the best quadruplex binders, BRACO‐19 and bisquinolinium 360A, used herein as references, and thereby represents a highly promising novel molecular design for quadruplex recognition.
ChemInform Abstract: Reversal of Selectivity in Gold‐Catalyzed Cyclizations of 3,3‐Disubstituted 1,4‐Diynes.
Authors: Ruettinger Roman , Leutzow Juliane , Wilsdorf Michael , Wilckens Kristina , Czekelius Constantin
Published: March 2011

Diyne substrates bearing exclusively alkyl or aryl substituents are prepared starting from acetylacetone via the known alcohols (I) following a new synthetic pathway which includes allylation.
ChemInform Abstract: Stereoselective Construction of Carbocycles and Heterocycles via Cascade Reactions Involving Curcumins and Nitroalkenes.
Authors: Ayyagari Narasimham , Jose Deena , Mobin Shaikh M. , Namboothiri Irishi N. N.
Published: March 2011

Michael addition of curcumins to nitroalkenes followed by intramolecular Michael addition or nucleophilic substitution results in highly stereoselective synthesis of cyclohexanones (III) and dihydrofurans (V).
ChemInform Abstract: Development of a Sphingosine Kinase 1 Specific Small‐Molecule Inhibitor.
Authors: Hengst Jeremy A. , Wang XuJun , Sk Ugir H. , Shrama Arun K. , Amin Shantu , Yun Jong K.
Published: March 2011

Results of an SAR study yield an improved compound, SKI‐178 (VI), with enhanced pharmacological properties.
ChemInform Abstract: 4‐Deoxy‐4‐fluoro‐xyloside Derivatives as Inhibitors of Glycosaminoglycan Biosynthesis.
Authors: Tsuzuki Yasuhiro , Nguyen Thao Kim Nu , Garud Dinesh R. , Kuberan Balagurunathan , Koketsu Mamoru
Published: March 2011

Various 4‐fluoroxylopyranosyl‐triazole derivatives are synthesized using click chemistry, and evaluated for their ability to inhibit proteoglycan biosynthesis.
ChemInform Abstract: A Novel Ring‐Expanded Product with Enhanced Tyrosinase Inhibitory Activity from Classical Fe‐Catalyzed Oxidation of Rosmarinic Acid, a Potent Antioxidative Lamiaceae Polyphenol.
Authors: Fujimoto Aya , Shingai Yoshimi , Nakamura Mitsuhiro , Maekawa Tomomi , Sone Yoshiaki , Masuda Toshiya
Published: March 2011

Oxidation of rosmarinic acid (I) affords the highly tyrosinase inhibitory active product (II) (yield given in g).
ChemInform Abstract: Progress in Gold Catalysis
Authors: Honig Ephraim S.
Published: March 2011

Review: 10 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Small‐Molecule Inhibitors of the ERK Signaling Pathway: Towards Novel Anticancer Therapeutics
Authors: Yap Jeremy L. , Worlikar Shilpa , MacKerell Alexander D. , Shapiro Paul Jr. , Fletcher Steven
Published: March 2011

Review: 58 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of Natural Products Containing the Pyrrolic Ring
Authors: Young Ian S. , Thornton Paul D. , Thompson Alison
Published: March 2011

Review: 204 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Study for the Novel Factors Regulating Mitochondrial Dynamics
Authors: Suenaga Midori
Published: March 2011

Review: 38 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Engineered Hydrogen‐Bonded Polymer Multilayers: From Assembly to Biomedical Applications
Authors: Such Georgina K. , Johnston Angus P. R. , Caruso Frank
Published: March 2011

Review: 69 refs.
MHD flow and heat transfer of a micropolar fluid over a nonlinear stretching surface with variable surface heat flux and heat generation
Authors: Mahmoud Mostafa A. A. , Waheed Shimaa E.
Published: March 2011

An analysis has been carried out to study magnetohydrodynamic boundary layer flow and heat transfer of an electrically conducting micropolar fluid over a nonlinear stretching surface with variable wall heat flux in the presence of heat generation/absorption and a non‐uniform transverse magnetic field. The governing system of partial differential equations is first transformed into a system of ordinary differential equations using similarity transformation. The transformed equations are solved numerically. Results for the dimensionless velocity, micro‐rotation, and temperature profiles are displayed graphically delineating the effects of various parameters characterising the flow. The results show that the velocity profile decreases as the magnetic parameter and the velocity exponent increase, while it increases as the material parameter increases. The results show also that the temperature profile increases as the magnetic parameter, the velocity exponent, and the heat generation parameter increase. Furthermore, the temperature profile decreases as the material parameter, the heat absorption parameter, and the Prandtl number increase.