bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ontluikende kerke – ‘n nuwe missionêre beweging. Deel 1: Ontluikende kerke as prototipes van ’n nuwe missionêre kerk
Authors: Niemandt CJP
Published: November 2012

The article describes Emerging Churches as a 21st century phenomenon. Emerging churches are not a new denomination, but are experimental forms of church life, found in all denominations; formulating and living Christian faith in a post-modern world. The importance of emerging churches is  that they serve as risk-taking prototypes, researching ways of being a relevant church and expressing faith in a current language. Serving older churches with new insights which they can consider. They are a new expression of church. Emerging churches should be understood in terms of their strong missional orientation – even to the extent that they should rather be called emerging missional churches.  The emerging movement is missional in the sense that they are seeking what changes God is doing in this world.  They become missional by participating with God, in the redemptive work God is doing in a changing world.  This missional understanding is profoundly influenced by David Bosch’ s elaboration of the concept of the Missio Dei: the understanding that the very life of God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is a process of mission. Emerging Churches are a new expression of church - Christians who are doing what they can to get the church back in line with the kingdom vision of Jesus. Part 2 will describe and elaborates on core  practices of emerging missional churches.
Bybewetenskappe/Biblical Sciences
Authors: Pieterse H J C
Published: November 2012

This scholarly edition is an outcome of a seminar of the Biblical Theological Group during the Society of Biblical Literature’s International Meeting in Berlin, July 20 2002. Contributions are in English and in German with abstracts in the ‘other’ language for each essay. After an introduction by the editor which provides the philosophical background for the edition, the book is divided into two parts: Part one focuses on historical and theological interpret-tation and part two on philosophical interpretation.
Trinitarian Anthropology
Authors: Theron J
Published: November 2012

This article looks at the problem of the so-called “point of contact” between God and mankind, or more particularly, the relation between trinity and anthropology. Does Christian anthropology develop from the doctrine on creation, the human nature of Christ or the work of the Holy Spirit? In opposition to the current trinitarian perspectives on humanity, which mainly focus on relational similitude, the theology of the Dutch theologian, Oepke Noordmans critically resists any attempt at finding analogies between the trinity and humanity. According to him, creation is judgment of God, which has critical implications for any independent anthropology: There is no perpetuation of the incarnation in our humanity, church or liturgy after the resurrection, and the re-creative work of the Spirit does not have a point of contact with any constitutive element in our humanity. The judgment of the cross reaches from creation across history to recreation.
Skrifbeskouing en Skrifhantering: perspektiewe op ‘n hermeneutiek van verwagting
Authors: Cilliers J
Published: November 2012

In this article the intrinsic relationship between our views on and our use of scripture is proposed. This relationship is described in terms of two basic components of the reformed understanding of scripture, namely the accommodative and performative nature thereof. This is followed by an exposition of two fundamental misunderstandings pertaining to the abovementioned components as well as some suggestions for the profiling of a hermeneutics of expectancy.
Judging the Judges: finding value in these problematic characters
Authors: Martin L R
Published: November 2012

The biblical judges are well known for their less than exemplary behaviour. In the past, these judges have been appreciated largely as examples of how a charismatic leader should not behave. In spite of the judges’ questionable morals, the writer of the book of Hebrews commends four of them (Barak, Gideon, Jephthah, and Samson) for their faith. This paper evaluates these judges in light of their characterisations in the book of Hebrews and in the book of Judges and suggests that our struggle with the judges parallels the contemporary integrity crisis in Christian leadership.
The church as sacrament of the kingdom - A reformed commentary
Authors: Brinkman M E
Published: November 2012

One of the most promising aspects of the text of the third phase of the International Roman-Catholic-Reformed Dialogue might be the suggestion to reflect upon the idea of the church as “sacrament of the kingdom”.In this contribution, written in honour of the ecclesiological work of Conrad Wethmar, I shall take up that suggestion and develop a fourfold approach of the sacraments in which the interconnectedness of church and kingdom plays a crucial role. I shall deal with the soteriological, the ecclesiological, the eschatological and the symbolic aspect respectively. Deliberately, I begin with the soteriological aspect because the first and main thing sacraments are doing, is pointing to our salvation. Salvation implies, however, a mediation of salvation and hence the ecclesiological aspect follows the soteriological aspect. The mediation of the church always points beyond itself to the kingdom of God. That is the eschatological aspect. And every reference to the eschaton always has the form of the symbol as the focal point of the “already” and “not yet” character of the kingdom of God. We label that as the symbolic aspect.My conclusion will be that the fruitfulness of the suggestion to speak about the church as “sacrament of the kingdom” depends on the preparedness to reap the results of the ecumenical discussions since Vatican II.
The interdependence of public witness and institutional unity in the Dutch Reformed family of churches
Authors: De Villiers D E
Published: November 2012

The Belhar Confession of the then Dutch Reformed Mission Church officially approved in 1986 confesses that the unity of the church should be made visible. Very little has since then come of this visible unity in the family of Dutch Reformed churches. Since 1996, however, new impetus has been given to the effort to bring about institutional unity. It has especially been in their ministries of public witness and service that these churches succeeded to a large extent to give visible and institutional expression to their unity. This would hopefully enable the churches of the Dutch Reformed family to play a more effective public role in the present South African society. They, however, face two serious restrictions in this regard: the limited scope for churches to play a public role within the new liberal democratic dispensation in South Africa and the limited motivation to play a transforming public role in the churches of the Dutch Reformed family. In the article a few pre-conditions for playing an effective public role the churches of the Dutch Reformed family have to meet are discussed. The most important one is that these churches should achieve full institutional unity as soon as possible. The conclusion of the article is therefore that the interdependence of institutional unity and public witness is a reality they will have to deal with effectively if they want to move forward.
Piet Meiring
Authors: Tutu D.
Published: November 2012

Piet Meiring
“The RDP of the Soul”, geweld, vergelding, toleransie en Paulus se appèl om moed te hou
Authors: Van Aarde A G
Published: November 2012

“The RDP of the Soul”, violence, revenge, tolerance and Paul’s appeal for enduranceThis article links up with both the Fourth Nelson Mandela Commemorative Lecture presented by the previous President of the Republic of South Africa, Thabo Mbeki, in 2006, titled the “RDP of the Soul” and with the book of Dr Richard Burridge (King’s College, University of London), Imitating Jesus, in which he shows how biblical ethics has shaped South Africans’ lives since colonialism, apartheid and post- and neo-colonialism. The article argues that moral leadership by the Christian faith community in South Africa which combats violence by rising up in compassion against injustice can counter-balance the spiralling out of retaliation through revenge. The article describes tolerance in terms of the Pauline concept of endurance and the internalisation of hope for the future. Perseverance despite suffering is seen as the contents of tolerance in the midst of aggressive opposition against the essence of life experienced in terms of an individual’s thinking, willing and feeling. The article is a reworked version of a bilingual commemorative public lecture in English and Afrikaans presented on the occasion of the University of Pretoria’s centenary celebration and is dedicated to Professor Dr P J G Meiring, a member of the Commission of Peace and Reconciliation in South Africa.
Wisdom and Ethics - The Contribution of Sapiential Ethics for Old Testament Ethics
Authors: Baumann G.
Published: November 2012

Old Testament sapiential literature is often described as �ethical literature�, however, when concepts on Old Testament ethics are formulated, this literature is often overlooked. Furthermore, there are almost no monographs on the ethics of Old Testament wisdom. Could this perhaps be due to not only the claim that Old Testament wisdom thinking lacks divine revelation or reference to other Old Testament traditions (cf Nel 2002:435), but also to the opinion that there are no �ethics�, but only �ethos� in this kind of literature? This article tries to show that �ethics� by definition can be found in Old Testament wisdom literature. Two recent German articles are introduced to the reader: Kaiser (1997) and Zimmermann (2002) reflect on the implicit and explicit ethics of Old Testament wisdom. These articles and other observations underscore the fact that the sapiential literature of the Old Testament contribute significantly to Old Testament ethics � and therein continues the efforts of authors like Nel (2002).
Narrative-critical approach as hermeneutical framework for a creative dialogue between biblical sources and secular extra-biblical sources: The Lord of the Rings as an entry into the Book of Revelation
Authors: Meylahn R.
Published: November 2012

This essay is motivated by the challenge that biblical texts have very often lost their affective power to address and transform the lives of readers today, because they are either not read at all or they are not fully understood as the world of the text is too far removed from the world of the reader. There are however wonderful contemporary texts that do affect readers� lives and the question arose if the contemporary texts cannot be read together with the biblical texts, to bring them �to life� again?A hermeneutical approach needed to be found that could create the necessary space for non-biblical literary texts to be used to interpret and elucidate biblical texts. The narrative approach provides this space for the two texts to enter into creative dialogue, given that the two texts coincide sufficiently in the significance for the two implied authors, the reference of the texts and in the situation of the implied readers.
Challenging Biblical Fundamentalism by Seeking the Influence of the Synagogue in the Formation of the Synoptic Gospels
Authors: Spong J.S.
Published: November 2012

Taking cues from Michael Goulder�s book Midrash and Lection in Matthew the author argues a case for taking the context of the synagogue seriously as the place were the story about Jesus was recalled and passed on for a minimum of forty years. By using primarily the gospel Mark as frame of reference he illustrates how this context left its mark not only on the gospel of Mark but on the other two synoptic gospels as well. In the synagogue the Hebrew Scriptures were �wrapped around� the story of Jesus. Readers should therefore not read the gospels as historical accounts of his life but as interpretations of his life and acts. A historical-literal reading of the synoptic gospels distorts the message which the authors tried to convey about Jesus.
Light and temperature effects on δ11B and B / Ca ratios of the zooxanthellate coral Acropora sp.: results from culturing experiments
Authors: Dissard D. , Douville E. , Reynaud S. , Juillet-Leclerc A. , Montagna P. , Louvat P. , McCulloch M.
Published: November 2012

Abstract. The boron isotopic composition (δ11B) of marine carbonates (e.g. corals) is increasingly utilised as a proxy for paleo-pH, with the strong correlation between δ11B of marine calcifiers and seawater pH now well documented. However, the potential roles of other environmental parameters that may also influence both the boron isotopic composition and boron concentration into coral aragonite are poorly known. To overcome this, the tropical scleractinian coral Acropora sp. was cultured under 3 different temperatures (22, 25 and 28 °C) and two light conditions (200 and 400 μmol photon m−2 s−1). The δ11B indicates an increase in internal pH that is dependent on the light conditions. Changes in light intensities from 200 to 400 μmol photon m−2 s−1 seem to indicate an apparent decrease in pH at the site of calcification, contrary to what is expected in most models of light-enhanced calcification. Thus, variations in light conditions chosen to mimic average annual variations of the natural environments where Acropora sp. colonies can be found could bias pH reconstructions by about 0.05 units. For both light conditions, a significant impact of temperature on δ11B can be observed between 22 and 25 °C, corresponding to an increase of about 0.02 pH-units, while no further δ11B increase can be observed from 25 to 28 °C. This non-linear temperature effect complicates the determination of a correction factor. B / Ca ratios decrease with increasing light, consistent with the decrease in pH at the site of calcification under enhanced light intensities. When all the other parameters are constant, boron concentrations in Acropora sp. increase with increasing temperatures and increasing carbonate ion concentrations. These observations contradict previous studies where B / Ca in corals was found to vary inversely with temperature, suggesting that the controlling factors driving boron concentrations have not yet been adequately identified and might be influenced by other environmental variables and/or species-specific responses.
Abrupt Termination of Employee Contracts In a Democratic State: The Case of Botswana
Authors: Motshegwa Baakile , Bodilenyane Keratilwe
Published: November 2012

Botswana has in the past received accolades of being the most peaceful country in Southern Africa. Any disturbance of this peace is either shunned or seen as a departure from the norm. The advent of trade unions in Botswana has always been looked at with suspicion and they have been seen as militant, which is contrary to the peaceful existence the country has enjoyed regardless of the fact that it is surrounded by countries that have been to war at some point in their history. Therefore, the state has made it a point that any sign of unrest is severely dealt with by the government. Some employees were dismissed un-procedurally as disciplinary procedures were not followed and the court ruled in the employee’s favour in 2012. The majority of those dismissed were from the essential services sections of government even though at the beginning some were released through the strike rules agreement between government and unions. Laid down disciplinary rules and procedures of having a hearing were not followed.
Heating and Efficiency Comparison of a Fischer-Tropsch (FT) Fuel, JP-8+100, and Blends in a Three-Cup Combustor Sector
Authors: Thomas Anna E. , Saxena Nikita T. , Shouse Dale T. , Neuroth Craig , Lynch Amy , Frayne Charles W. , Stutrud Jeffrey S. , Corporan Edwin , Hankins Terry , Hendricks Robert  C.
Published: November 2012

In order to realize alternative fueling for military and commercial use, industry guidelines be met. These aviation fueling requirements are outlined in MIL-DTL-83133F(2008) or ASTM D 7566-Annex standards and are classified as “drop-in” fuel replacements. This paper provides combustor performance data for synthetic-paraffinic-kerosene- (SPK-) type (Fisher-Tropsch (FT)) fuel and blends with JP8+100, relative to JP-8+100 as baseline fueling. Data were taken at various nominal inlet conditions: 75psia (0.52 MPa) at 500°F (533 K), 125 psia (0.86 MPa) at 625°F (603 K), 175 psia (1.21 MPa) at 725°F (658 K), and 225 psia (1.55 MPa) at 790 F (694 K). Combustor performance analysis assessments were made for the change in flame temperatures, combustor efficiency, wall temperatures, and exhaust plane temperatures at 3%, 4%, and 5% combustor pressure drop (%P) for fuel:air ratios (F/A) ranging from 0.010 to 0.025. Significant general trends show lower liner temperatures and higher flame and combustor outlet temperatures with increases in FT fueling relative to JP8+100 fueling. The latter affects both turbine efficiency and blade/vane life. In general, 100% SPK-FT fuel and blends with JP-8+100 produce less particulates and less smoke and have lower thermal impact on combustor hardware.
Ecologically Safe Architecture of Agrolandscape Is Basis for Sustainable Development
Authors: Kotlyarova Ekaterina G. , Cherniavskih Vladimir I. , Dumacheva Elena V.
Published: November 2012

Worldwide, about 12x106 ha of arable land are destroyed and abandoned annually due to soil erosion. This problem is very serious for Krasnogvardeiskiy district, which is most eroded district (72.7% eroded lands) in the Central Chernozem Zone (CCZ) of Russia. Under the leadership of the academician of Russian Academy of Agrarian Sciences O.G. Kotlyarova the landscape agricultural systems (LASs) were mastered throughout the Krasnogvardeisky district (132 thousand ha). Our investigations showed that the purpose for which LASs were created is reached. Obtained results showed that it is possible to prevent erosive losses and to raise soil fertility. Restoration of soil fertility is presented in terms of increasing of crops productivity-on 25%. Transformation of a landscape basis has increased the general biological capacity of territory more than twice and exchangeable biological capacity by 32%. All these facts have raised assimilability of the transformed territory that allows to consider it, unlike traditional, not as source ??2 in atmosphere, and as fixed carbon tank which capacity can reach 0,71 t/ha. In turn the intensification of substances circulation leads to increasing of plant production efficiency. Excess is from 14% (productivity of labour expenses) to 43.2% (use efficiency of PAR). In intensively mastered agricultural district (arable lands more than 80%) agroecosystems have been formed, allowing besides its basic function: soil preservation, steady reception of agricultural production, to carry out also the major biospheric function - increasing biological variety, creation of a favorable inhabitancy for live organisms, including human.
Aspergillosis in HIV patients: a case series
Authors: Laurent F , Martin C , De Wit S
Published: November 2012

Purpose

Aspergillosis is uncommon in HIV patients and has been mostly reported in patients with CD4<50/µL. Data on risk factors and prognosis are scarce. We reviewed 19 cases of aspergillosis diagnosed in our HIV cohort.

Methods

In the Brussels Saint‐Pierre HIV cohort, 19 patients were diagnosed with aspergillosis between 1998 and 2012 (0.87/1000 patient/year of follow‐up). We analyzed retrospectively and described localization and invasiveness of aspergillosis, risk factors, treatment and outcome of these patients.

Results

Patients were mostly African (74%) and mean age was 40 years (22–60). Clinical presentation were 10 invasive aspergillosis (IA) (53%), 6 pulmonary aspergilloma (31%) and 3 sinus fungal ball (16%). The global mortality was 42%. IA was proven for 3 patients, probable for 4 patients and possible for 3 patients according to IDSA definitions. Risk factors for IA included CD4<200/µL (70%; 40%<50 CD4/µL), corticotherapy (50%), neutropenia (20%), intravenous drug use (20%), cirrhosis (20%). IA arose in the time course of septic shock in 30% and opportunistic infections occurred concomitantly in 40%. Seven patients out of 10 with IA died including 3 patients before antifungal therapy. The 3 survivors recovered without relapse. Four patients were treated with voriconazole, 2 with itraconazole, 2 with liposomal amphotericine, 1 with caspofungine, and 2 with bitherapy. Among patients with aspergilloma (n=6), the major associated risk factor was tuberculosis sequelae (80%). Two patients were successfully treated with surgery and voriconazole, 1 died from massive hemoptysis, 2 were lost to follow‐up, 1 is currently asymptomatic without treatment. Among patients with sinus fungal ball (n=3), all recovered without relapse with surgical treatment associated with voriconazole for one.

Conclusion

Incidence of aspergillosis in HIV patients remains low but in accordance to previous reports, mortality of IA is high (70%). CD4<200 is the most common risk factor (70%) but 80% of patients who died had other risk factors, mostly corticotherapy. IA is often concomitant with other infectious diseases (40% with other opportunistic infections and 30% in the time course of septic shock), which can potentially delay diagnosis. Prognosis of pulmonary aspergilloma and sinus fungal ball is better.
Prevalence of oral glucocorticoid usage in the United States: A general population perspective
Authors: Overman Robert A. , Yeh Jun‐Yen , Deal Chad L.
Published: November 2012

Objective

There is little information on oral glucocorticoid use in the general US population. Previously, there have been published estimates of glucocorticoid use in countries outside of the US. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of glucocorticoid use, duration of use, and concomitant use of antiosteoporosis pharmaceuticals in the US population age ≥20 years.

Methods

Data from 5 cycles (1999–2008) of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were used to provide nationally representative weighted estimates. Oral glucocorticoids and concomitant use of antiosteoporosis pharmaceuticals (bisphosphonates, calcitonin, calcium, hormone replacement therapies, teriparatide, and vitamin D) were analyzed.

Results

There were 356 NHANES respondents ages ≥20 years who reported use of an oral glucocorticoid in the combined cycles between 1999 and 2008. The weighted prevalence of oral glucocorticoid use was 1.2% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.1–1.4) from 1999–2008, corresponding to 2,513,259 persons in the US. The mean duration of oral glucocorticoid use was 1,605.7 days (95% CI 1,261.2–1,950.1), and 28.8% (95% CI 22.2–35.4) of oral glucocorticoid users reported use for ≥5 years. Concomitant use of a bisphosphonate was reported by 8.6% (95% CI 5.1–11.7) of oral glucocorticoid users, and 37.9% (95% CI 31.7–44.0) reported usage of any antiosteoporosis pharmaceutical.

Conclusion

Based on NHANES data from 1999–2008, it is estimated that the prevalence of glucocorticoid use in the US is 1.2%, with a long duration of use and infrequent use of antiosteoporotic medications compared to other estimates.
Hydrogen Production by Sorption‐Enhanced Steam Glycerol Reforming: Sorption Kinetics and Reactor Simulation
Authors: Iliuta Ion , Radfarnia Hamid R. , Iliuta Maria C.
Published: November 2012

Sorption‐enhanced glycerol reforming, an integrated process involving glycerol catalytic steam reforming and in situ CO2 removal, offers a promising alternative for single‐stage hydrogen production with high purity, reducing the abundant glycerol by‐product streams. This work investigates this process in a fixed‐bed reactor, via a two‐scale, nonisothermal, unsteady‐state model, highlighting the effect of key operating parameters on the process performance. CO2 adsorption kinetics was investigated experimentally and described by a mathematical reaction‐rate model. The integrated process presents an opportunity to improve the economics of green hydrogen production via an enhanced thermal efficiency process, the exothermic CO2 adsorption providing the heat to endothermic steam glycerol reforming, while reducing the capital cost by removing the processing steps required for subsequently CO2 separation. The operational time of producing high‐purity hydrogen can be enhanced by increasing the adsorbent/catalyst volume ratio, by adding steam to the reaction system and by increasing the inlet reactor temperature. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 2105–2118, 2013
Novel clinical manifestations in Pallister–Killian syndrome: Comprehensive evaluation of 59 affected individuals and review of previously reported cases
Authors: Wilkens Alisha , Liu Hongbin , Park Kristen , Campbell Lindsey B. , Jackson Marie , Kostanecka Anna , Pipan Mary , Izumi Kosuke , Pallister Phillip , Krantz Ian D.
Published: November 2012

Pallister–Killian syndrome is a rare, multi‐system developmental diagnosis typically caused by tetrasomy of chromosome 12p that exhibits tissue‐limited mosaicism. The spectrum of clinical manifestations in Pallister–Killian syndrome is wide and includes craniofacial anomalies, clefts, ophthalmologic, audiologic, cardiac, musculoskeletal, diaphragmatic, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and cutaneous anomalies in association with intellectual disability and seizures. Growth parameters are often normal to elevated at birth with deceleration of growth postnatally. No formal estimate of the prevalence of Pallister–Killian syndrome has been made. Here, we report the clinical findings in 59 individuals with Pallister–Killian syndrome who were ascertained at Pallister–Killian syndrome Foundation family meetings held in the summers of 2006, 2008, 2009, and 2010. In addition, the clinical findings of 152 cases reported in the medical literature were reviewed and compared to the cohort examined here. Several novel clinical characteristics were identified through detailed dysmorphology examinations of this cohort and reassertion of a mild developmental variant is described. This report expands the clinical manifestations of Pallister–Killian syndrome and highlights the variable expressivity of this diagnosis with important implications for diagnosis and counseling. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Gate‐Induced Modification of Water Adsorption on Dielectrics Probed by EFM and Carbon Nanotube FETs
Authors: Pascal‐Levy Yael , Shifman Evgeny , Pal‐Chowdhury Manish , Hajaj Eitan M. , Shtempluck Oleg , Razin Alexey , Kochetkov Valeri , Yaish Yuval E.
Published: November 2012

Humidity plays an important role in molecular electronics. It facilitates charge movement on top of dielectric layers and modifies the device transfer characteristics. Using two different methods to probe temporal charge redistribution on the surface of dielectrics, we were able to extract the surface humidity for the first time. The first method is based on the relaxation time constants of the current through carbon nanotube field‐effect transistors (CNTFETs), and the second is based on electric force microscopy (EFM) measurements. Moreover, we found that applying external gate biases modifies the surface humidity. A theoretical model based on dielectrophoretic attraction between the water molecules and the substrate is introduced to explain this observation, and the results support our hypothesis. Furthermore, it is found that upon the adsorption of two to three layers of water the surface conductivity saturates.
Lateral manual asymmetries: A longitudinal study from birth to 24 months
Authors: Jacobsohn Lia , Rodrigues Paula , Vasconcelos Olga , Corbetta Daniela , Barreiros Joao
Published: November 2012

Longitudinal studies tracking the early development of manual asymmetries are fairly rare compared to the large number of studies assessing hand preference in infancy. Moreover, most prior longitudinal studies have performed behavioral observation over relatively short‐time spans considering the celerity of early development. This study aims (i) to investigate the direction and consistency of manual lateral asymmetries over a longer period, from birth to 24 months of age, and (ii) to compare individual and group trajectories to better understand discrepancies between prior studies. Nineteen healthy infants were observed eight times in tasks that were adjusted progressively as infants manual skills developed. Results suggested two distinct periods in terms of the direction, strength, and consistency of manual preference. First, infants went through an initial phase characterized by a lack of lateral manual asymmetries. From 9 months of age, however, group analyses revealed an emerging and steadily growing right lateral bias over time, while individual trajectories revealed that the group‐level right‐bias formed progressively from a background of highly fluctuating and highly variable developmental trajectories. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 56: 58–72, 2014.
Optical Properties and a Simple and General Route for the Rapid Syntheses of Reduced Graphene Oxide–Metal Sulfide Nanocomposites
Authors: Bai Song , Shen Xiaoping , Zhu Guoxing , Zhou Hu , Xu Huan , Fu Guohua , Ye Zhefei
Published: November 2012

A simple and general microwave route is developed for the synthesis of reduced graphene oxide (RGO)–metal sulfide (ZnS, CdS, Ag2S, and Cu2S) nanocomposites by a one‐pot reaction of metal salts, sulfur powder, and graphene oxide (GO) in ethylene glycol (EG). In the synthesis, the formation of metal sulfide nanoparticles and the reduction of graphene oxide nanosheets happen simultaneously, which results in the in situ formation of metal sulfide nanoparticles on RGO nanosheets with homogeneous distribution. EG acts simultaneously as a solvent, a microwave absorbent, and a reductant. The as‐synthesized products are characterized by powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP‐OES), energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The influence of synthetic parameters such as the concentration of reactants on the size, morphology, and distribution of metal sulfide nanoparticles on RGO nanosheets is also investigated. The optical properties of the as‐synthesized nanocomposites are studied through UV/Vis and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. It is believed that this simple and versatile method presented here can be extended to prepare other graphene‐based metal chalcogenide nanocomposites with various functions.
Public relations: Golden age of natural gas? Not in my backyard!
Authors: van der Velden Hansch , Schildmeijer Dimitri
Published: November 2012

Addressing public concern about natural gas development requires substantially more effort from companies.
Electric regulation: New rate authority for merchant transmission helps renewable energy policy
Authors: Bowden Nicholas S.
Published: November 2012

A primary objective of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Order 1000 was the removal of the right of first refusal, a barrier to the entry of merchant transmission developers. Order 1000 also required transmission providers to participate in regional transmission planning processes and for those processes to consider transmission needs driven by public policy established by state or federal legislation or regulation. While the public policy language is general enough in nature to include future policy agenda, the reform is driven by the popularity of renewable portfolio standards.
Using a novel tracing‐tracking framework to source fine‐grained sediment loss to watercourses at sub‐catchment scale
Authors: Collins A.L. , Zhang Y.S. , Duethmann D. , Walling D.E. , Black K.S.
Published: November 2012

Although traditional sediment tracing approaches provide valuable information for characterising key generic sediment sources, Catchment Officers working as part of the Catchment Sensitive Farming initiative frequently require more detailed evidence to permit improved targeting of mitigation. Accordingly, a novel framework combining conventional sediment source fingerprinting and a dual signature tracking method has recently been used to improve sediment source information for the River Glaven (~115 km2) priority catchment in eastern England. Conventional geochemical tracing incorporating a number of recent refinements to the mass balance modelling, including the combined use of local and genetic algorithm optimisation, was used to provide information on the average median relative contributions (±95% confidence limits) of generic sediment sources in three sub‐catchments, categorised as grassland (1 ± 1%–12 ± 1%) or arable (25 ± 1%–46 ± 1%) surface soils, damaged road verges (2 ± 1%–50 ± 1%) and channel banks/subsurface sources (20 ± 1%–50 ± 1%) and to provide a framework for the spatial extrapolation of tracking data. Particle tracking using fluorescent‐magnetic grains was used to provide preliminary sub‐catchment scale information on sediment loss from key components of the primary arable topsoil and channel bank generic sources, characterised, respectively, as wheelings (18 ± 1%–33 ± 1%) or inter‐wheelings (7 ± 1%–13 ± 1%) and poached (19 ± 1%–47 ± 1%) or fluvially eroded (1 ± 1%–3 ± 1%) channel margins. The insertion of high‐strength magnets in watercourses ensured that the tracking component of the novel framework links sediment loss from labelled areas to river channels as opposed to providing information to edge‐of‐field only. Uncertainty and prior information on source contributions are explicitly recognised by the framework. This study represents the first in the UK to link wheeling sediment losses to river channels. The findings underpin the importance of compacted areas used for trafficking as sources of, and conduits for, sediment delivery in the lowland agricultural landscape of the UK. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Genetic sequence variants in vitamin D metabolism pathway genes, serum vitamin D level and outcome in head and neck cancer patients
Authors: Azad Abul Kalam , Bairati Isabelle , Qiu Xin , Huang Huayi , Cheng Dangxiao , Liu Geoffrey , Meyer Francois , Adjei Araba , Xu Wei
Published: November 2012

Although some studies have reported associations between serum vitamin D level and prognosis in several cancers, others have found associations between genetic sequence variants (GSVs) in the vitamin D metabolism pathway genes and outcomes in various cancers including head and neck cancer (HNC). We comprehensively evaluated the association and interaction of GSVs in vitamin D metabolism pathway genes and their regulatory effects on circulatory serum vitamin D level in HNC outcome. We systemically evaluated the association of 89 tagging and candidate‐based GSVs in six major vitamin D metabolism pathway genes (VDR, GC, CYP24A1, CYP27A1, CYP27B1 and CYP2R1) and the circulating serum vitamin D level with overall survival (OS) and second primary cancer (SPC) in 522 Stages I–II radiation‐treated patients with HNC. For OS: median follow‐up time was 8 years; for SPC, 4.4 years. The most common subsite was the larynx (84%). Three hundred and twelve patients were alive at the end of follow‐up for OS. SPCs were diagnosed in 108 patients and were primarily of lung (46%). Serum vitamin D levels were significantly lower in patients carrying the minor alleles of GC:rs4588 and CYP2R1:rs10500804. CYP24A1:rs2296241 was significantly associated with OS and CYP2R1:rs1993116 was with SPC. These two GSVs remained significantly associated after adjusting for serum vitamin D level and important clinical factors. GSVs in the vitamin D metabolism pathway genes were associated with disease outcomes in HNC patients; however, these GSVs are different from those affecting serum vitamin D levels.
Influence of Bracken Fern (Pteridium caudatum L. Maxon) Pre‐treatment on Extraction Yield of Illudane Glycosides and Pterosins
Authors: Cáceres‐Peña Yamile C. , Naya Marlene , Calcagno‐Pissarelli María Pía , Alonso‐Amelot Miguel E.
Published: November 2012

Introduction

Bracken (Pteridium spp) illudane glycosidess are labile biologically active terpenoids that undergo decomposition in mild alkali or acid, heat and enzymatic reactions. Hypothetically, quantitation of these weakly chromophoric carcinogens may be challenged by plant sample preparation procedures that may alter the yield of isolates.

Objective

To study the influence of common plant sample pre‐treatments on the recovery of Pteridium caudatum illudane glycoside carcinogens, ptaquiloside (1a), caudatoside (1c) and ptaquiloside Z (1d), and associated pterosins A, B and Z (2a, b, c) using HPLC–DAD.

Method

Bracken fronds were divided in equal left/right sections. One section was subjected to high vacuum desiccation (VD) and the other to freeze‐drying (FD), air drying at room temperature (AD) for 7 days, air drying at 70 °C for 72 h (HD), or no treatment (fresh frond, FF). Quantitation was achieved by brief hot‐water extraction, base‐acid transformation of 1a, 1c and 1d to 2a, b, c and HPLC–DAD analysis against standards.

Results

Substantial differences in extraction yields were found for all illudane glycosides in the order FF > FD ≈ VD > AD > HD. Illudane instability to HD was 1c > 1d > 1a. Significant losses also were recorded in yields of Pterosins A, B and Z.

Conclusion

Glycoside extraction suffers from substantial yield loss of all illudane glycosides and indigenous pterosins in all sample pre‐treatments studied relative to fresh frond material. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Theorising the Spaces of Student Migration
Authors: Raghuram Parvati
Published: November 2012

Student migration is a key component of knowledge migration. However, as knowledge becomes a central part of migrant selectivity, labour and family migrants too are involved in knowledge acquisition, both prior to and after migration. At the same time, student migrants are involved in work and family, just like other migrants. What then is distinctive about student migrants? This paper attempts to address this challenge. It begins by reviewing how migration theories have analysed student mobility. It then suggests that migration theorists need to extend existing analyses, which have primarily focused on the spatialities of migration, to take account of the spatialities of knowledge. It is argued that knowledge institutions need to reach out to people in different parts of the world and to produce in prospective students a desire to circulate. This is necessary if the institutions are to obtain a global presence and to maintain their legitimacy as knowledge brokers. An analysis of student migration where the inducements that the Higher Education Institutions offer to prospective students and the subjective responses of such students to these invitations will throw light on how the spatiality of knowledge is achieved and also highlight the distinctiveness of student migration in a knowledgeable migrant world. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Crystal‐to‐Crystal Transformations in a Seven‐Coordinated Scandium Complex
Authors: Merkens Carina , Pecher Oliver , Steuber Friedrich , Eisenhut Sascha , Görne Arno , Haarmann Frank , Englert Ulli
Published: November 2012

Aquatris(3‐cyanopentane‐2, 4‐dionato)scandium(III) undergoes two transformations which can be monitored by X‐ray diffraction as well as solid‐state NMR spectroscopy: At 145 K, the mononuclear complex shows a reversible phase transition; in agreement with the symmetry principle, this transition of the t2 type proceeds from the monoclinic room temperature phase to triclinic twins at low temperature, the twin law corresponding to a twofold rotation. Under vacuum at room temperature, the aqua ligand of the complex is irreversibly eliminated and the structure rearranges, forming a 1D chain polymer. In both phases of the mononuclear complex as well as in the polymer, the coordination polyhedra around the ScIII atom represent distorted capped trigonal prisms. Solid‐state 45Sc NMR spectroscopic investigations on powder samples reveal a reversible phase transition of the monoclinic complex at low temperatures. Changes of the NMR signal line shapes for the room and low temperature complex as well as the 1D chain polymer are a fingerprint for different scandium bonding situations.
Dehydration of Magnesium Bromide Hexahydrate Studied by in situ X‐ray Powder Diffraction
Authors: Dinnebier Robert E. , Runčevski Tomče , Sugimoto Kunihisa
Published: November 2012

Laboratory X‐ray powder diffraction data were used to investigate the dehydration process of magnesium bromide hexahydrate in the temperature range 300 K ≤ T ≤ 420 K. By heating of the as synthesized hexahydrate (MgBr2·6H2O, observed in the temperature range 300 K ≤ T ≤ 349 K), three lower hydrates can be obtained in overlapped temperature regions: MgBr2·4H2O (332 K ≤ T ≤ 367 K), MgBr2·2H2O (361 K ≤ T ≤ 380 K) and MgBr2·H2O (375 K ≤ T ≤ 390 K). Although the crystal structure of the hexahydrate was published almost eighty years ago, there are no data on the structures of the lower hydrates. The crystal structures are reported and are found to be isotypical with the structures of the respective chlorides. The structure of MgBr2·6H2O is characterized by discrete Mg(H2O)6 octahedra and is the only hydrate of this group that contains unbonded Br– anions. MgBr2·4H2O is composed of discrete MgBr2(H2O)4 octahedra, and the structure was found to be disordered. The crystal structure of MgBr2·2H2O is formed by single chains of edge‐sharing MgBr4(H2O)2 octahedra, while in the case of MgBr2·H2O double chains of edge‐shared MgBr5H2O are formed. By increasing the temperature, as expected, positive thermal expansion was evidenced. Thermal expansion coefficients, based on the changes of the unit cell parameters, were derived for the following hydrates: MgBr2·6H2O, MgBr2·4H2O, and MgBr2·2H2O.
Benefits of Exercise During Pregnancy
Authors: Prather Heidi , Spitznagle Tracy , Hunt Devyani
Published: November 2012

There is a direct link between healthy mothers and healthy infants. Exercise and appropriate nutrition are important contributors to maternal physical and psychological health. The benefits and potential risks of exercise during pregnancy have gained even more attention, with a number of studies having been published after the 2002 American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists guidelines. A review of the literature was conducted by using PubMed, Scopus, and Embase to assess the literature regarding the benefits of exercise during pregnancy. The search revealed 219 publications, which the authors then narrowed to 125 publications. The purpose of this review is to briefly summarize the known benefits of exercise to the mother, fetus, and newborn.
Exercise in Muscle Pain Disorders
Authors: Thompson Jeffrey M.
Published: November 2012

Muscle pain disorders range from local or regional (myofascial pain) to widespread (fibromyalgia). Many people with muscle pain have decreased fitness. Exercise intolerance is a common feature as well, and yet exercise plays an important role in the treatment of muscle pain disorders. Results of studies have shown repeatedly, via multiple modes and methods of delivery, that exercise is at least as effective as the best pharmacologic treatments. An understanding by clinicians and their patients of the unique benefits of a carefully crafted exercise program is one step in the successful management of these often frustrating muscle pain disorders.
Exercise and Sport for Persons With Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Martin Ginis Kathleen A. , Jörgensen Sophie , Stapleton Jessica
Published: November 2012

This review article provides an overview of the evidence that links exercise and sports participation to physical and psychological well‐being among people with spinal cord injury. Two aspects of physical well‐being are examined, including the prevention of chronic disease and the promotion of physical fitness. Multiple aspects of psychosocial well‐being are discussed, including mental health, social participation, and life satisfaction. The review concludes with future research recommendations and a discussion of challenges and opportunities for using exercise and sports to promote health and well‐being among people living with spinal cord injury.
Short-term laryngeal electromyography and histopathological findings after primary reconstruction of the inferior laryngeal nerve in rabbits: prospective study
Authors: Dalgic A , Kandogan T , Koc M , Kulan C Ahmet , Yagci A , Engin O , Aksoy G , Ozuer M Ziya
Published: November 2012

Introduction:

The recurrent laryngeal nerve can be injured during surgery. This study investigated recurrent laryngeal nerve reinnervation.

Objective:

To study the short-term effects of primary anastomosis of the recurrent laryngeal nerve, by laryngeal electromyography and histopathological analysis, in a rabbit model.

Method:

Twenty Zealand rabbits underwent either right recurrent laryngeal nerve (1) transection with excision of 1 cm or (2) transection and end-to-end primary anastomosis. Vocal fold movements, laryngeal electromyography results and histological changes were recorded.

Results:

Vocal fold analysis showed a paramedian vocal fold in both groups, with perceptible vibratory movements in group two. Electromyography revealed total denervation potentials in group one, but denervation and regeneration signs in group two. Histopathologically, hyperkeratosis and parakeratosis of the vocal fold mucosa were seen in group one, and signs of parakeratosis and hyperplasia in group two.

Conclusion:

Even under ideal conditions for primary recurrent laryngeal nerve anastomosis, a return to normal muscle function is unlikely. However, such anastomosis prevents muscle atrophy, and should be performed as soon as possible. The degree of nerve recovery is associated with the number, amplitude and myelination level of fibrils returning to the original motor end-plaque.
Traditional prejudice remains outside of the WEIRD world
Authors: Bilewicz Michal
Published: November 2012

Dixon et al. accurately describe subtle mechanisms of discrimination that inhibit minorities' collective action in modern democratic societies. This commentary suggests that in contemporary non-Western societies, where ethnic conflicts are more violent, traditional overt forms of prejudice still exist and predict discrimination of ethnic and racial minorities. Thus, prejudice reduction models should and do improve intergroup relations in such contexts.
From extreme emotions to extreme actions: Explaining non-normative collective action and reconciliation
Authors: Feddes Allard R. , Mann Liesbeth , Doosje Bertjan
Published: November 2012

A key argument of Dixon et al. in the target article is that prejudice reduction through intergroup contact and collective action work in opposite ways. We argue for a complementary approach focusing on extreme emotions to understand why people turn to non-normative collective action and to understand when and under what conditions extreme emotions may influence positive effects of contact on reconciliation.
What's so crummy 'bout peace, love, and understanding?
Authors: Haslam Nick
Published: November 2012

The target article challenges standard approaches to prejudice reduction, warning that they may inure people to inequality and deflect them from seeking collective solutions to it. I argue that the collective action approach has its own risks and limitations and that standard contact and common identity approaches may complement rather than work against it.
You say you want a revolution?
Authors: Alicke Mark
Published: November 2012

I argue that Dixon et al. fail to maintain a careful distinction between the negative evaluation definition of “prejudice” and the implications of this definition for correcting the social ills that prejudice engenders. I also argue that they adduce little evidence to suggest that if prejudice were diminished, commensurate reductions in discrimination would not follow.