bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mut zur Nachhaltigkeit: Impulse für einen gesellschaftlichen Diskurs
Authors: Petrischak Hannes
Published: April 2012

Die Bildungsinitiative “Mut zur Nachhaltigkeit” zeigt mit vielen Aktivitäten und unter Einbindung von Wissenschaftlern unterschiedlicher Disziplinen auf, dass eine Kurskorrektur unserer Gesellschaften in Richtung Nachhaltigkeit dringend notwendig und trotz vieler Rückschläge möglich ist. Ins Leben gerufen wurde die Initiative von dem ehemaligen METRO‐Vorstandssprecher Klaus Wiegandt mit seiner Stiftung “Forum für Verantwortung”.
Explaining the decrease in mortality from abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture
Authors: Anjum A , von Allmen R , Greenhalgh R , Powell J T
Published: April 2012

Background

A steady rise in mortality from abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) was reported in the 1980s and 1990s, although this is now declining rapidly. Reasons for the recent decline in mortality from AAA rupture are investigated here.

Methods

Routine statistics for mortality, hospital admissions and procedures in England and Wales were investigated. All data were age-standardized. Trends in smoking, hypertension and treatment for hypercholesterolaemia (statins), together with regression coefficients for mortality, were available from public sources for those aged at least 65 years. Deaths from ruptured AAA avoided in this age group were estimated by using the IMPACT equation: deaths avoided = (deaths in index year) × (risk factor decline) × β-coefficient.

Results

From 1997, deaths from ruptured AAA have decreased sharply, almost twofold in men. Hospital admissions for elective AAA repair have increased modestly (from 40 to 45 per 100 000 population), attributable entirely to more procedures in those aged 75 years and over (P < 0·001). Admissions for ruptured AAA have declined from 18·6 to 13·5 per 100 000 population, across all ages, with the proportion offered and surviving emergency repair unchanged. From 1997, mortality from ruptured aneurysm in those aged at least 65 years has fallen from 65·9 to 44·6 per 100 000 population. An estimated 8–11 deaths per 100 000 population were avoided by a reduced prevalence of smoking and a similar number from an increase in the number of elective AAA repairs. Estimates for the effects of blood pressure and lipid control are uncertain.

Conclusion

The reduction in incidence of ruptured AAA since 1997 is attributable largely to changes in smoking prevalence and increases in elective AAA repair in those aged 75 years and over.
Novel Molluskan Biomineralization Proteins Retrieved from Proteomics: A Case Study with Upsalin
Authors: Ramos‐Silva Paula , Benhamada Sana , Le Roy Nathalie , Marie Benjamin , Guichard Nathalie , Zanella‐Cléon Isabelle , Plasseraud Laurent , Corneillat Marion , Alcaraz Gérard , Kaandorp Jaap , Marin Frédéric
Published: April 2012

The formation of the molluskan shell is regulated by an array of extracellular proteins secreted by the calcifying epithelial cells of the mantle. These proteins remain occluded within the recently formed biominerals. To date, many shell proteins have been retrieved, but only a few of them, such as nacreins, have clearly identified functions. In this particular case, by combining molecular biology and biochemical approaches, we performed the molecular characterization of a novel protein that we named Upsalin, associated with the nacreous shell of the freshwater musselUnio pictorum. The full sequence of the upsalin transcript was obtained by RT‐PCR and 5′/3′ RACE, and the expression pattern of the transcript was studied by PCR and qPCR. Upsalin is a 12 kDa protein with a basic theoretical pI. The presence of Upsalin in the shell was demonstrated by extraction of the acetic‐acid‐soluble nacre matrix, purification of a shell protein fraction by mono‐dimensional preparative SDS‐PAGE, and by submitting this fraction, after trypsic digestion, to nano‐LC‐MS/MS. In vitro experiments with the purified protein showed that it interferes poorly with the precipitation of calcium carbonate. Homology searches also could not affiliate Upsalin to any other protein of known function, leaving open the question of its exact role in shell formation. An antibody raised against an immunogenic peptide of Upsalin was found to be specific to this protein and was subsequently assayed for immunogold localization of the target protein in the shell, revealing the ubiquitous presence of Upsalin in the nacreous and prismatic layers. Recently, with the application of high‐throughput proteomic studies to shells, the number of candidate proteins without clear functions has been increasing exponentially. The Upsalin example highlights the crucial need, for the scientific community dealing with biomineralization in general, to dedicate the coming years to designing experimental approaches, such as gene silencing, that focus on the functions of mineral‐associated proteins.
Solids Holdup of High Flux Circulating Fluidized Bed at Elevated Pressure
Authors: Yin S. , Jin B. , Zhong W. , Lu Y. , Zhang Y. , Shao Y. , Liu H.
Published: April 2012

Experimental studies on the solids holdup of a high‐flux circulating fluidized bed (HFCFB) at an operating pressure up to 0.5 MPa were carried out. The effects of operating pressure, solids mass flux and superficial gas velocity on the solids holdup distribution were systematically tested. It was found that the solids holdup at elevated pressure increases with increasing solids mass flux but decreases with increasing superficial gas velocity, which is similar to the trends at atmospheric condition. As a result, the condition of a high‐density circulating fluidized bed (HDCFB), i.e., solids holdup in everywhere of the riser is larger than 10 %) is easier to be achieved at elevated pressure than in a HDCFB operated at atmospheric pressure. In the current work, the condition of a full HDCFB with Geldart group B particles has been achieved successfully at 0.5 MPa.
Rational Design and Synthesis of Optimized Glycoclusters for Multivalent Lectin–Carbohydrate Interactions: Influence of the Linker Arm
Authors: Cecioni Samy , Praly Jean‐Pierre , Matthews Susan E. , Wimmerová Michaela , Imberty Anne , Vidal Sébastien
Published: April 2012

The design of multivalent glycoclusters requires the conjugation of biologically relevant carbohydrate epitopes functionalized with linker arms to multivalent core scaffolds. The multigram‐scale syntheses of three structurally modified triethyleneglycol analogues that incorporate amide moiety(ies) and/or a phenyl ring offer convenient access to a series of carbohydrate probes with different water solubilities and rigidities. Evaluation of flexibility and determination of preferred conformations were performed by conformational analysis. Conjugation of the azido‐functionalized carbohydrates with tetra‐propargylated core scaffolds afforded a library of 18 tetravalent glycoclusters, in high yields, by CuI‐catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC). The compounds were evaluated for their ability to bind to PA‐IL (the LecA lectin from the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa). Biochemical evaluation through inhibition of hemagglutination assays (HIA), enzyme‐linked lectin assays (ELLA), surface plasmon resonance (SPR), and isothermal titration microcalorimetry (ITC) revealed improved and unprecedented affinities for one of the monovalent probes (Kd=5.8 μM) and also for a number of the tetravalent compounds that provide several new nanomolar ligands for this tetrameric lectin.
Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Functionalization of Pyrroles and Indoles with Propargyl Alcohols
Authors: Thies Nora , Hrib Cristian G. , Haak Edgar
Published: April 2012

Several ruthenium‐catalyzed atom‐economic transformations of propargyl alcohols with pyrroles or indoles leading to alkylated, propargylated, or annulated heteroaromatics are reported. The mechanistically distinct reactions are catalyzed by a single ruthenium(0) complex containing a redox‐coupled dienone ligand. The mode of activation regarding the propargyl alcohols determines the reaction pathway and depends on the alcohols’ substitution pattern. Secondary substrates form alkenyl complexes by a 1,2‐hydrogen shift, whereas the transformation of tertiary substrates involves allenylidene intermediates. 1‐Vinyl propargyl alcohols are converted by a cascade allylation/cyclization sequence. The environmentally benign processes are of broad scope and allow the selective synthesis of highly functionalized pyrroles and indoles generating water as the only waste product.
Waste Management between Thermal Treatment and Recycling
Authors: Simon Franz‐Georg , Keldenich Kai
Published: April 2012

Die Abfallwirtschaft in Deutschland behandelt eine Menge von 359 Mio. Tonnen. Den größten Anteil haben Bau‐ und Abbruchabfälle mit 54 %. Die Behandlungsverfahren dafür unterscheiden sich stark von denen für Siedlungsabfälle. Gemäß Europäischer Abfallrichtlinie ist Recycling gegenüber einer energetischen Verwertung in der Hierarchie der Abfallbehandlungsverfahren höher bewertet. Bei der thermischen Behandlung entscheidet die Energieeffizienz des Verfahrens, ob eine Behandlung als Verwertung oder Beseitigung gilt. Nach dieser Richtlinie erfolgt die Berechnung der Energieeffizienz stark vereinfacht mit der sogenannten R1‐Formel. Veröffentlichte Daten zu Wärme‐ und Stromproduktion verschiedener thermischer Abfallbehandlungsanlagen werden mit der R1‐Formel und Daten aus der Literatur verglichen. Mengen und Entsorgungswege sowie Möglichkeiten zur Bewertung von Abfallbehandlungsverfahren werden diskutiert.
Friedrich II. und die Alchemie
Authors: Brandes Georg
Published: April 2012

Vor 300 Jahren wurde Friedrich II. geboren. Der aufgeklärte Monarch im Banne der Alchemie – diese Verbindung scheint nicht möglich zu sein und doch trifft sie zu.
Alginsäuren als Schichtmaterial in Lithiumbatterien
Authors: Jaenicke Lothar
Published: April 2012

Eine typische Lithiumzelle besteht aus feinverteiltem elektroaktivem Li‐ und leitendem (meist Graphit)‐Material, suspendiert in einem polymeren anionischen Binder. Die Mischung wird auf die ableitende Metallfolie aufgebracht und getrocknet. Von dem Binder hängen, wie die Erfahrung zeigt, die Charakteristika der Batterie weitgehend ab.
Hypogonadism related to crizotinib therapy
Authors: Ramalingam Suresh S. , Shaw Alice T.
Published: April 2012

This Web‐only perspective commentary titled, “Hypogonadism Related to Crizotinib Therapy: Implications for Patient Care,” discusses a previously unreported side effect of crizotinib use in males for treatment of nonsmall cell lung cancer.
Effects of brief stress exposure during early postnatal development in Balb/CByJ mice: II. Altered cortical morphology
Authors: Hohmann C.F. , Beard N.A. , Kari‐Kari P. , Jarvis N. , Simmons Q.
Published: April 2012

Early life experience can significantly determine later mental health status and cognitive function. Neonatal stress, in particular, has been linked to the etiology of mental health disorders as divergent as mood disorder, schizophrenia, and autism. Our study uses a Balb/CByJ mouse model to test the hypothesis, that neonatal stress will alter development and subsequent environmental modulation of neocortex. Using a split litter design, we generated stressed mice (STR) and within litter controls (LMC) along with age‐matched, untreated animals (AMC), to serve as across litter controls. Short, daily exposure to a psychosocial/physical stressor, during the first week of life, resulted by adulthood in significant changes in neocortical thickness and architecture, which were further modulated by exposure to behavioral testing. Surprisingly, cortical size in LMC mice was also affected. These observations were compared to the effects of environmental enrichment in the same mouse strain. Our data indicate that LMC and STR males share with environmentally enriched males, an increase in thickness in infra‐granular cortical layers, while STR also display a stress selective decrease in supragranular layers, in response to behavioral training as adults. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals,Inc. Dev Psychobiol 54: 723–735, 2012.
The Solution Chemistry of Cu2+–tren Complexes Revisited: Exploring the Role of Species That Are Not Trigonal Bipyramidal
Authors: Castillo Carmen E. , Algarra Andrés G. , Máñez M. Ángeles , Duboc Carole , Basallote Manuel G.
Published: April 2012

Potentiometric and spectrophotometric titrations indicate that aqueous solutions that contain equimolar amounts of Cu2+ and tren contain the HCuL3+, CuL2+ and CuL(OH)+ species and that their relative concentrations depend on the pH of the solution. The stability constants and the UV/Vis and EPR spectra of the three species have been determined. The position of the absorption maximum clearly corresponds to a trigonal bipyramidal (tbp) geometry for CuL2+, whereas for HCuL3+ and CuL(OH)+ there are also bands that could correspond to square pyramidal (sp) complexes, but the EPR spectra indicate that only HCuL3+ can be considered to be sp. When any of these species is mixed with an excess of acid, an intermediate is formed within the mixing time of the stopped‐flow technique. This intermediate undergoes complete decomposition in a second slower step. Interestingly, the spectrum of this intermediate is typical of sp geometry. Kinetic studies on complex formation in general indicate that complexation occurs in a single step, although under certain conditions an additional step has been observed that probably corresponds to the conversion of CuL2+ to HCuL3+, and the spectral changes indicate that the process involves structural reorganization from tbp to sp geometry. DFT and TD‐DFT calculations have been carried out for the three stable species, as well as for species in a higher protonation state. The results indicate that CuL2+ exists as a species with tetradentate tren and tbp geometry, although a wide range of distortions between the ideal tbp geometry and a geometry closer to sp is possible with a very modest energy cost. The energy change associated with hydrolysis of one of the Cu–N bonds to give a species with tridentate tren was found to be slightly higher than that previously found for a related ligand, which contains a substituent at one of the terminal amino groups. For CuL(OH)+, the calculations suggest that an equilibrium exists between species with essentially the same energy but different geometries, each one of the species is closer to one of the ideal tbp and sp limits. For HCuL3+, the relevance of the sp geometry was confirmed by the calculations.
Genetic disruption of Pten in a novel mouse model of tomaculous neuropathy
Authors: Goebbels Sandra , Oltrogge Jan H. , Wolfer Susanne , Wieser Georg L. , Nientiedt Tobias , Pieper Alexander , Ruhwedel Torben , Groszer Matthias , Sereda Michael W. , Nave Klaus‐Armin
Published: April 2012

‘Tomacula’ and myelin outfoldings are striking neuropathological features of a diverse group of inherited demyelinating neuropathies. Whereas the underlying genetic defects are well known, the molecular mechanisms of tomacula formation have remained obscure. We hypothesized that they are caused by uncontrolled, excessive myelin membrane growth, a process, which is regulated in normal development by neuregulin‐1/ErbB2, PI3 Kinase signalling and ERK/MAPK signalling. Here, we demonstrate by targeted disruption of Pten in Schwann cells that hyperactivation of the endogenous PI3 Kinase pathway causes focal hypermyelination, myelin outfoldings and tomacula, even when induced in adult animals by tamoxifen, and is associated with progressive peripheral neuropathy. Activated AKT kinase is associated with PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 at paranodal loops and Schmidt–Lanterman incisures. This striking myelin pathology, with features of human CMT type 4B1 and HNPP, is dependent on AKT/mTOR signalling, as evidenced by a significant amelioration of the pathology in mice treated with rapamycin. We suggest that regions of non‐compact myelin are under lifelong protection by PTEN against abnormal membrane outgrowth, and that dysregulated phosphoinositide levels play a critical role in the pathology of tomaculous neuropathies.
Tunnel San Fedele
Authors: Fasani Martina , Ammann Eduard , Rüttimann Markus
Published: April 2012

The Roveredo bypass project will divert the national road A13 away from the village and includes three construction sections. The heart of the Roveredo bypass is the 2,391 m long two‐lane San Fedele Tunnel, which will carry traffic in both directions. Parallel to the tunnel, a safety tunnel is being constructed with an excavation diameter of 4 m. This will be linked to the tunnel every 300 m.

Das Projekt Umfahrung Roveredo sieht eine Verlegung der Nationalstraße A13 aus dem Dorfbereich vor und umfasst drei Hauptabschnitte. Kernstück der Umfahrung Roveredo ist der 2.391 m lange, zweispurige Tunnel San Fedele, der im Gegenverkehr betrieben wird. Parallel zum Tunnel wird ein Sicherheitsstollen mit einem Ausbruchdurchmesser von 4 m erstellt. Dieser wird alle 300 m mit dem Tunnel verbunden.
Involvement of protein kinase D in uridine diphosphate‐induced microglial macropinocytosis and phagocytosis
Authors: Uesugi Ayumi , Kataoka Ayako , Tozaki‐Saitoh Hidetoshi , Koga Yui , Tsuda Makoto , Robaye Bernard , Boeynaems Jean‐Marie , Inoue Kazuhide
Published: April 2012

The clearance of tissue debris by microglia is a crucial component of maintaining brain homeostasis. Microglia continuously survey the brain parenchyma and utilize extracellular nucleotides to trigger the initiation of their dynamic responses. Extracellular uridine diphosphate (UDP), which leaks or is released from damaged neurons, has been reported to stimulate the phagocytotic activity of microglia through P2Y6 receptor activation. However, the intracellular mechanisms underlying microglial P2Y6 receptor signals have not been identified. In this study, we demonstrated that UDP stimulation induced immediate and long‐lasting dynamic movements in the cell membrane. After 60 min of UDP stimulation, there was an upregulation in the number of large vacuoles formed in the cell that incorporate extracellular fluorescent‐labeled dextran, which indicates microglial macropinocytosis. In addition, UDP‐induced vacuole formation and continuous membrane motility were suppressed by the protein kinase D (PKD) inhibitors, Gö6976 and CID755673, unlike Gö6983, which is far less sensitive to PKD. The inhibition of PKD also reduced UDP‐induced incorporation of fluorescent‐labeled dextran and soluble β‐amyloid and phagocytosis of microspheres. UDP induced rapid phosphorylation and membrane translocation of PKD, which was abrogated by the inhibition of protein kinase C (PKC) with Gö6983. However, Gö6983 failed to suppress UDP‐induced incorporation of microspheres. Finally, we found that inhibition of PKD by CID755673 significantly suppressed UDP‐induced engulfment of IgG‐opsonized microspheres. These data suggest that a PKC‐independent function of PKD regulates UDP‐induced membrane movement and contributes to the increased uptake of extracellular fluid and microspheres in microglia. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Role of hyaluronan synthase 2 to promote CD44‐dependent oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma progression
Authors: Wang Steven J. , Earle Christine , Wong Gabriel , Bourguignon Lilly Y. W.
Published: April 2012

Background

CD44 is a transmembrane receptor found on many different benign and malignant cells. Hyaluronan (HA), a major component of the extracellular matrix, is the primary ligand for CD44 receptors. In cancer cells, HA interaction with CD44 promotes multiple signaling pathways that influence tumor cell progression behaviors in a variety of solid tumors. Increasing evidence indicates that HA and CD44 signaling play an important role in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma progression. HA is primarily synthesized by hyaluronan synthases, and the current study investigated the role of hyaluronan synthase 2 (HAS 2) in oral cavity carcinoma progression behaviors.

Methods

Analysis of HAS 2 mRNA and protein expression, HA production, and HAS 2–mediated tumor cell proliferation and migration behaviors with and without HAS 2 suppression were carried out on 2 established oral cavity cancer cell lines. Immunohistochemical analysis of HAS 2 and CD44 expression in oral cavity carcinoma tumor specimens was performed.

Results

HAS 2 was expressed in the 2 oral cancer cell lines, HSC‐3 and SCC‐4. Suppression of HAS 2 expression resulted in CD44‐dependent decreased tumor cell migration, decreased tumor cell growth, and increased cisplatin sensitivity, suggesting the importance of tumor cell HA production to promote in vitro tumor progression behaviors in oral cancer cells. Increased HAS 2 expression in oral cavity carcinoma clinical specimens was associated with poor clinicopathologic characteristics and worse disease‐free survival.

Conclusions

HAS 2 may be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of oral cavity cancer. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2013
Evaluating the relevance of seasonal differentiation of human health intake fractions in life cycle assessment
Authors: Manneh Rima , Margni Manuele , Deschênes Louise
Published: April 2012

The intake fraction (iF) is the fraction of an emitted mass of chemical that is ultimately taken in by an entire population, and it is used as an indicator of human health potential impacts related to environmental chemical persistence and bioaccumulation in the food chain. In chemical screening applications, the iF can be predicted using multimedia and multipathway fate and exposure models. One of the sources of iF uncertainty is the natural seasonal variability of the input parameters used in the models, i.e., the physicochemical properties of the pollutant and the landscape and exposure parameters. The objective of this article is to determine the relevance of including seasonal differentiation when assessing iFs in life cycle assessment. This was done by calculating and comparing seasonal iFs with each other and with iFs at 25° C, for both Canadian and global contexts. Two Canadian seasonal models based on the IMPACT 2002 predictive tool, and 2 models for the global context based on the USEtox consensus model were developed to calculate summer and winter iFs. Emissions into air and water and a set of 35 representative organic chemicals were considered. Partition coefficients for seasonal conditions were calculated using an integration of the van't Hoff equation. First-order degradation rate constants were calculated assuming that the rate constant doubles with each 10° C increase in temperature. For Canadian air emissions, results indicated that iFs for winter emissions could be up to 1 to 2 orders of magnitude higher than summer iFs or iFs calculated at 25° C. For Canadian water emissions, results showed that iFs for both summer and winter conditions were, in general, closer to each other with outliers within 1 order of magnitude to iFs calculated at 25° C. Results also indicated that seasonal variability was of lesser importance when assessing iFs within a global context. Because the ranking between chemicals was maintained, it can be concluded that seasonal variability is not relevant within a comparative context. However, this difference might be significant when comparing the magnitude of human toxicity impacts versus other impact categories contributing to human health damages. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2012; 8: 749–759. © 2012 SETAC
THE FEASIBILITY OF RICE HUSK APPLICATION AS ENVELOPE MATERIAL IN SUBSURFACE DRAINAGE SYSTEMS
Authors: Kaboosi Kami , Liaghat Abdolmajid , Hosseini Seyed Hadi
Published: April 2012

Many studies have been conducted on the role and importance of subsurface drainage in groundwater table control to discover new techniques and more economical solutions, particularly relating to different pipes, envelope materials and their installation. This research was conducted to investigate the applicability of rice husk in drainage as a drain envelope material. It was compared with standard sand and gravel envelopes. Some of the physical and hydraulic properties of rice husk such as bulk density, void ratio, gradation curve and hydraulic conductivity were measured. A physical model that simulated a part of the drain trench enabling groundwater table control was used to simulate land drainage in the laboratory and to test filtration and water conductivity of a rice husk envelope. The experiments were carried out in two soils that required envelope material based on standard methods. The results of this study showed that hydraulic conductivity of the rice husk even under large loads, was high enough to guarantee its hydraulic function as an envelope. Furthermore, the rice husk envelopes had appropriate filter function compared to mineral envelopes. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simultaneous determination of lamivudine, lopinavir, ritonavir, and zidovudine concentration in plasma of HIV‐infected patients by HPLC‐MS/MS
Authors: Notari Stefania , Sergi Manuel , Montesano Camilla , Ivanovic Jelena , Narciso Pasquale , Pucillo Leopoldo P. , Ascenzi Paolo
Published: April 2012

The nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors lamivudine and zidovudine and the protease inhibitors lopinavir and ritonavir are currently used in anti‐human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) therapy. Here, a high‐performance liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (HPLC‐MS/MS) method, using a hybrid quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass analyzer, is reported for the simultaneous quantification of lamivudine, lopinavir, ritonavir, and zidovudine in plasma of HIV‐infected patients. The volume of plasma sample was 600 μL. Plasma samples were extracted by solid‐phase using 1 cc Oasis HLB Cartridge (divinylbenzene and N‐vinylpyrrolidone) and evaporated in a water bath under nitrogen stream. The extracted samples were reconstituted with 100‐μL methanol. Five microliters of the reconstituted samples were injected into a HPLC‐MS/MS apparatus, and the analytes were eluted on a Vydac column (250 × 1.0 mm i.d.) filled with 3‐μm C18 particles. The mobile phase was delivered at 70 μL/min with a linear gradient elution, both acetonitrile and ultrapure water solvents contained 0.2% formic acid. The calibration curves were linear from 0.47 to 20 ng/mL. The absolute recovery ranged between 91 and 107%. The minimal concentration of lamivudine, lopinavir, ritonavir, and zidovudine detectable by HPLC‐MS/MS is 0.47, 0.28, 0.30, and 0.66 ng/mL, respectively. The great advantage of the new HPLC‐MS/MS method here reported is the possibility to achieve a very high specificity toward the selected anti‐HIV drugs, despite the simple and rapid sample preparation. Moreover, this method is easily extendible to the analysis of co‐administrated drugs. © 2012 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 2012
Personality Correlates of Sociometric Popularity in Elementary School Children
Authors: GUINOUARD DONALD E. , RYCHLAK JOSEPH F.
Published: April 2012

Human behavior may be viewed as both “cause and effect” in the social milieu within which the individual develops. This dual role is particularly true of personality patterns, because they reflect certain interpersonal behavioral constants between the individual and his peers. Behavioral scientists recognize that peer acceptance or the lack of it is determined in large part by the personality traits which are exhibited by the individual. They have also recognized that the relationship between personality and the learning of school subjects is an intimate one. Nearly every recent text in educational psychology relates the need for peer acceptance to the learning effe ctiveness of the individual.
Synthesis, structure, and biocompatibility of pulsed laser‐deposited TiN nanowires for implant applications
Authors: Faruque Mainul K. , Darkwa Kwadwo M. , Watson Christa Y. , Waterman Jenora T. , Kumar Dhananjay
Published: April 2012

A bottom‐up based pulsed laser deposition technique has been used to grow titanium nitride (TiN) nanowires on single crystalline substrates. The first step of this method is the dissolution of laser ablated gaseous TiN material in the nanodimensional catalytic gold (Au) liquid islands located on the substrate surfaces. The continuous dissolution of TiN results in the supersaturation of liquid Au with TiN followed by extrusion of solid TiN material in the nanowire form at the liquid/solid interface. The growth of TiN nanowires continues as long as its dissolution rate into the catalyst Au matches the extrusion rate of solid TiN. This bottom‐up approach gives rise to a one‐dimensional TiN nanowire structures (length: 200–300 nm and diameter: 20–30 nm) capped with Au. The ascent of Au nanodots to the top of TiN nanowires can be explained based on breaking of weaker bonds and building of stronger bonds. The TiN nanowires are provided vertical alignment by selecting a plane of the substrate that provides the least lattice mismatching to the (111) plane of TiN which has lower surface energy than its other planes: (100) or (110). After the successful formation and structural characterization, a lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assay has been used to confirm the biocompatibility and cytotoxicity of these nanowires. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2012.
Controllable drug release of electrospun thermoresponsive poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide)/poly(2‐acrylamido‐2‐ methylpropanesulfonic acid) nanofibers
Authors: Lin Xiuling , Tang Dongyan , Cui Weiwei , Cheng Yan
Published: April 2012

Electrospinning micro‐ and nanofibers are being increasingly investigated for drug delivery. The components and their stimuli‐responsive properties of fibers are important factors influencing the drug release behavior. The aim of this study is to fabricate thermoresponsive poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm)/poly(2‐acrylamido‐2‐methylpropanesulfonic acid) (PAMPS) nanofibers by single‐spinneret electrospinning technique. The electrospun nanofibers are used as a drug carrier by cospinning with nifedipine (NIF), and the release behaviors of NIF from the thermoresponsive nanofibers can be controlled by the response of nanofibers with temperature. The morphology of the nanofibers and its composites with NIF was determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The hydrogen bond interactions between PNIPAAm/PAMPS and the water‐insoluble drug of NIF were introduced and confirmed by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy and energy dispersive spectrometer. The thermoresponsive properties of nanofibers were investigated by contact angle (CA) measurements. The release behaviors of NIF from the PNIPAAm/PAMPS nanofibers were observed by SEM and demonstrated by UV–vis spectroscopy. It was found that uniform fibers of NIF and PNIPAAm/PAMPS could be fabricated without particles on the surface. The release of NIF from nanofibers could be controlled effectively by the changes of hydrogen bonds between PNIPAAm/PAMPS and NIF, and by adjusting temperatures of the thermoresponsive nanofibers. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2012.
Bioactive anti‐inflammatory coating for chronic neural electrodes
Authors: Taub Aryeh H. , Hogri Roni , Magal Ari , Mintz Matti , Shacham‐Diamand Yosi
Published: April 2012

Chronic electrodes are widely used for brain degenerative and psychiatric daises such as Parkinson's diseases, major depression, and obsessive‐compulsive disorder, and for neuronal prosthesis. Brain immune reaction to electrodes in the form of glial scar encapsulates the electrode and reduces the efficacy of deep brain stimulation and neuronal prosthesis. State‐of‐the‐art strategies for improving brain–electrode interface use passive protein coating to “camouflage” the electrode from the immune system. In this study, we actively reduced the brain immune reaction to the chronic electrodes using immune suppressing protein, that is, interleukin (IL)‐1 receptor antagonist. IL‐1 receptor antagonist‐coated electrodes and noncoated electrodes were chronically implanted in rats. An additional group of rats was chronically implanted with IL‐1 receptor antagonist‐ and laminin‐coated electrodes (as passive protein). Examination of glial scaring 1ne and 4 weeks after implantation indicated a significant reduction in the amount of glial scar in the vicinity of the IL‐1 receptor antagonist‐coated electrode in comparison to both noncoated electrode and laminin‐coated electrodes. The results strongly suggest that active immune suppressing protein reduces the level of immune reaction to chronic electrodes already after 1 week after implantation and generates less immune reaction then passive protein coating. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2012.
Regional climate variability driven by foehn winds in the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica
Authors: Speirs Johanna C. , McGowan Hamish A. , Steinhoff Daniel F. , Bromwich David H.
Published: April 2012

Warm, dry and gusty foehn winds are frequently experienced in the McMurdo Dry Valleys (MDVs), Antarctica; however, their significance in the region's climate is unknown. Foehn events in the MDVs are caused by topographic modification of southwesterly airflow which is related to the occurrence of synoptic‐scale cyclones in the Amundsen/Ross Sea region. The intra‐ and interannual frequency and intensity of foehn events therefore varies in response to the position and frequency of cyclones in this region that are believed to be strongly influenced by the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Southern Annular Mode (SAM). Here, we present a 20‐year climatology of foehn winds from observational records in the MDVs. The SAM is found to significantly influence foehn wind frequency during the Antarctic summer and autumn months, whereas ENSO only holds significant correlations with winter air temperatures in the MDVs. The positive relationship between the SAM and the foehn wind regime in summer is particularly significant as foehn winds frequently cause summer temperatures to rise above 0 °C leading to extensive melt and thaw in MDVs. Foehn winds are a major climatological feature of the MDVs with their frequency and duration affecting the region's temperature records and their trends. Accordingly, analysis of the region's weather and climate records and predictions of future impacts of climate change on the MDVs is incomplete without consideration of foehn winds and their influence. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Predicting thermal stress for coral bleaching in the Great Barrier Reef using a coupled ocean–atmosphere seasonal forecast model
Authors: Spillman C. M. , Alves O. , Hudson D. A.
Published: April 2012

Coral bleaching, triggered by elevated water temperatures, is a serious threat to the future health of the world coral reef systems and represents a considerable challenge for reef management. Seasonal forecast products from coupled ocean–atmosphere models can be used to predict anomalously warm conditions several months in advance and provide early warning of bleaching, allowing for a proactive management response to bleaching. Predictions on a seasonal timescale are the most practical for reef managers, as strategies can be implemented at the start of summer prior to the onset of bleaching. To more accurately assess the potential for bleaching, both duration and magnitude of the thermal stress must be considered, in addition to the probability of an event occurring. In this study, we assess the ability of the Australian Bureau of Meteorology seasonal forecast model (POAMA) to forecast monthly HotSpots and Degree Heating Months in the Great Barrier Reef, Australia, with particular focus on the major 1997/1998 and 2001/2002 bleaching events. Probabilistic forecasts for exceeding certain thresholds are also assessed. This work is part of an ongoing research effort to apply a dynamical seasonal model to the problem of coral bleaching and to provide valuable forecast tools for reef managers at useful time scales. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Pittsburgh climate initiative: Advancing sustainability through organizational collaboration
Authors: Sharrard Aurora L. , Jameson John H. F.
Published: April 2012

The Pittsburgh Climate Initiative (PCI) in Pennsylvania is one of a few local climate programs that is led by a coalition of organizations instead of by government alone. In contrast to a single‐platform, top‐down model, it is headed by a partnership of nonprofit, local government, business, and institutional stakeholders that provides multiple platforms for action. Collaboration both across and within sectors enhances the PCI's overall impact and that of each organization with which it engages. Thus, the PCI has been able to successfully engage Pittsburgh and Allegheny County residents, businesses, governments, and universities in taking measurable actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. As a result, the PCI helps to secure the region's economic interests while safeguarding the physical well‐being of its residents. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Lean thinking: A way of life for the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth Health System
Authors: Wong Peter K. , Price Kathy M.
Published: April 2012

At the 11 acute care facilities and system office of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth Health System (SCLHS), the Lean Thinking performance improvement model has enabled top leaders and employees at all levels of the organization to work together to improve quality and processes for the benefit of patients and shareholders. Their commitment to cost‐effective care and the elimination of waste, bolstered by comprehensive training and a creative compensation program, has saved the SCLHS millions in just four years and built a sturdy and replicable foundation for sustainable culture change. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Tip‐enhanced broadband CARS spectroscopy and imaging using a photonic crystal fiber based broadband light source
Authors: Furusawa Kentaro , Hayazawa Norihiko , Catalan Francesca Celine , Okamoto Takayuki , Kawata Satoshi
Published: April 2012

We report tip‐enhanced broadband coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) spectroscopy and imaging based on a broadband light source using a photonic crystal fiber. Multiplexing from 900 cm–1 to 2200 cm–1 is achieved by optimizing the supercontinuum generation process at a high numerical aperture focus. By combining this system with a shear‐force microscope, semiconducting carbon nanotubes are imaged with a spatial resolution of 60 nm. Our results show that tip‐enhanced broadband CARS image exhibits a positive contrast even though the enhancement effect has not been fully optimized. Analyses of delay‐dependent tip‐enhanced broadband CARS spectra suggest the possibilities of multiple carrier interactions that uniquely occur at high intensities within the nanotubes. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of thermal processing and various chemical substances on formaldehyde and dimethylamine formation in squid Dosidicus gigas
Authors: Zhu Junli , Li Jianrong , Jia Jia
Published: April 2012

BACKGROUND: Trimethylamine oxide (TMAO) in squid is demethylated to dimethylamine (DMA) and formaldehyde (FA) during storage and processing. This study examined the effects of thermal processing and various chemical substances on FA and DMA formation in squid.

RESULTS: The thermal conversion of TMAO was assessed by analysing four squid and four gadoid fish species, which revealed that FA, DMA and trimethylamine (TMA) were gradually produced in squid, whereas TMA increased and FA decreased in gadoid fish. A significant increase in both FA and DMA levels was observed in the supernatant of jumbo squid with increased heating temperature and extended heating time at pH 6–7. Ferrous chloride combined with cysteine and/or ascorbate had a significantly positive effect on FA formation in the heated supernatant of jumbo squid. No significant difference was observed in the levels of Cu and Fe in squid and gadoid fish. The capability of Fe2+ to promote the formation of FA and DMA was not completely attributable to its reducing power in squid.

CONCLUSION: Non‐enzymatic decomposition of TMAO was a key pathway during the thermal processing of jumbo squid, and Fe2+ was a crucial activator in the formation of FA and DMA. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Influence of the presence of monoglyceride on the interfacial properties of soy protein isolate
Authors: López‐Castejón M Luisa , de la Fuente Julia , Ruiz Manuela , Guerrero Antonio
Published: April 2012

BACKGROUND: This study focused on the contribution of soy protein isolate (SPI), in the absence or presence of monostearin (ME), to surface and interfacial properties as a function of protein concentration and pH, which is relevant to the physical stability of a variety of food systems.

RESULTS: An increase in protein content always yielded a rapid decrease in surface tension followed by an evolution towards an asymptotic value. Addition of ME gave rise to mixed SPI/ME films, although the interface became dominated by SPI above the concentration for interfacial saturation. The relative interfacial shear viscosity of SPI films showed a marked dependence on: aging time, which may be attributed to a reorganisation of protein species at the interface with some penetration of hydrophobic parts into the oil phase; shear forces, which may partially reverse this reorganisation, leading to shear‐thickening behaviour; and pH, which is the key factor controlling which SPI species is predominant at the interface. The effect of adding ME also depends on pH, favouring a reinforcement of SPI/ME films only at low pH, at which 3S and 7S fractions are dominant.

CONCLUSION: The results obtained indicate that SPI shows excellent potential to favour stabilisation of air/water and oil/water interfaces in food systems. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Oscillation and spectral theory for linear Hamiltonian systems with nonlinear dependence on the spectral parameter
Authors: Bohner Martin , Kratz Werner , Šimon Hilscher Roman
Published: April 2012

In this paper, we consider linear Hamiltonian differential systems which depend in general nonlinearly on the spectral parameter and with Dirichlet boundary conditions. Our results generalize the known theory of linear Hamiltonian systems in two respects. Namely, we allow nonlinear dependence of the coefficients on the spectral parameter and at the same time we do not impose any controllability and strict normality assumptions. We introduce the notion of a finite eigenvalue and prove the oscillation theorem relating the number of finite eigenvalues which are less than or equal to a given value of the spectral parameter with the number of proper focal points of the principal solution of the system in the considered interval. We also define the corresponding geometric multiplicity of finite eigenvalues in terms of finite eigenfunctions and prove that the algebraic and geometric multiplicities coincide. The results are also new for Sturm–Liouville differential equations, being special linear Hamiltonian systems.
Conventional magnetic resonance imaging in confirmed progressive supranuclear palsy and multiple system atrophy
Authors: Massey Luke A. , Micallef Caroline , Paviour Dominic C. , O'Sullivan Sean S. , Ling Helen , Williams David R. , Kallis Constantinos , Holton Janice L. , Revesz Tamas , Burn David J. , Yousry Tarek , Lees Andrew J. , Fox Nick C. , Jäger Hans R.
Published: April 2012

Conventional magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI) is often used to aid the diagnosis of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and multiple system atrophy (MSA), but its ability to predict the histopathological diagnosis has not been systematically studied. cMRI from 48 neuropathologically confirmed cases, including PSP (n = 22), MSA (n = 13), Parkinson's disease (PD) (n = 7), and corticobasal degeneration (n = 6), and controls (n = 9) were assessed blinded to clinical details and systematically rated for reported abnormalities. Clinical diagnosis and macroscopic postmortem findings were retrospectively assessed. Radiological assessment of MRI was correct in 16 of 22 (72.7%) PSP cases and 10 of 13 (76.9%) MSA cases with substantial interrater agreement (Cohen's kappa 0.708; P < .001); no PSP case was misclassified as MSA or vice versa. MRI was less sensitive but more specific than clinical diagnosis in PSP and both more sensitive and specific than clinical diagnosis in MSA. The “hummingbird” and “morning glory” signs were highly specific for PSP, and “the middle cerebellar peduncle sign” and “hot cross bun” for MSA, but sensitivity was lower (up to 68.4%) and characteristic findings may not be present even at autopsy. cMRI, clinical diagnosis, and macroscopic examination at postmortem have similar sensitivity and specificity in predicting a neuropathological diagnosis. We have validated specific radiological signs in pathologically confirmed PSP and MSA. However, the low sensitivity of these and macroscopic findings at autopsy suggest a need for imaging techniques sensitive to microstructural abnormalities without regional atrophy. © 2012 Movement Disorder Society
Including convection in global turbulence forecasts
Authors: Gill Philip G. , Stirling Alison J.
Published: April 2012

The World Area Forecast Centres provide aviation users around the world with meteorological hazard forecasts. At present, hazard forecasts are issued for turbulence associated with wind shear or mountain waves. However convection is also a major source of turbulence. This paper proposes a method for combining different predictors of turbulence derived from the area of biostatistics, and this is used to produce a single global turbulence forecast that includes convection as well as wind shear and mountain‐wave components. The use of the Richardson number and a climatology of observed turbulence are also investigated as a way of improving turbulence forecasts. The performance of the forecast is tested using an objective verification scheme using automated aircraft observations, and it is shown that the inclusion of convective indicators, as well as Richardson number and climatology, can greatly improve the skill in forecasting turbulence. Copyright © 2012 British Crown Copyright, the Met Office. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Kalte Fusion reloaded
Authors: Fischer Axel
Published: April 2012

Die kalte Fusion: Spuk, Spektakel oder Energiequelle der Zukunft?
Chemie lernen mit Humor
Authors: Dickhäuser Andreas , Stachelscheid Karin
Published: April 2012

Für viele Schüler ist Chemie ein trockenes Unterrichtsfach. Gerade wenn es um theoretische Inhalte geht, wird es schnell langweilig. Hier bietet sich die Möglichkeit an, Chemieunterricht mit Humor anzureichern und so trockene, aber fachlich wichtige Themen interessanter zu gestalten.
Die Bindungsangst nackter Atome
Authors: Kretschmer Robert
Published: April 2012

Manchmal verhält sich aktivierter Ammoniak recht unanständig, und Kohlenstoff‐Stickstoff‐Bindungen gehen in die Brüche. Für verbal aufgemotzte Chemie interessieren sich selbst Nichtchemiker.