bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estratégias de Marketing e Posicionamento de Marca no Setor Hoteleiro: Um Estudo Exploratório
Authors: Lima Gustavo Barbieri , De Carvalho Dirceu Tornavoi
Published: June 2011

Devido ao grande incentivo ao turismo no Brasil, quer seja de lazer ou negcios, o ambiente competitivo no setor hoteleiro altamente acirrado. Oferta superior de valor ao cliente e disputas por tarifas reduzidas fazem parte do cotidiano de profissionais que esto diretamente relacionados hotelaria. Desta forma, as estratgias de marketing, pautadas em segmentao de mercado, definio de mercado-alvo e posicionamento, assim como estratgias de marca so de extrema importncia para a diferenciao do servio oferecido pelos hotis. O objetivo central deste estudo investigar a operacionalizao das estratgias de marketing e posicionamento no caso do Hotel Araucria Plaza (categoria cinco estrelas), estabelecido em Ribeiro Preto S.P. Utilizou-se o mtodo de estudo de caso para a elaborao da presente pesquisa (entrevista semi-estruturada em profundidade e anlise documental). Os resultados apontam: (a) O hotel se posiciona estrategicamente como um hotel de luxo na mente dos clientes, procurando oferecer aos mesmos servios e valor superior; (b) A marca est estrategicamente vinculada luxo e sofisticao; (c) O hotel possui um sistema de informao de marketing eficiente; (d) Meios de divulgao (Propaganda): Mdia, Outdoor, Mala direta, E-mail marketing, Convnios com txis, revistas/ manuais das agncias de viagem que vendem os pacotes. DOI: 10.5585/remark.v9i3.2187
Chemical Vapor Deposition of Polymer Films
Authors: Seidel Scott , Riche Carson , Gupta Malancha
Published: June 2011

Chemical vapor deposition of polymer films eliminates the need for organic solvents and thereby offers a safer and cleaner alternative to liquid‐phase processing. This article discusses the mechanism, benefits, and capabilities associated with several types of vapor‐phase polymerization methods with a particular emphasis on initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD) and oxidative chemical vapor deposition (oCVD). The iCVD technique can be used to produce films that exhibit a wide range of properties such as hydrophobicity, hydrophilicity, and responsiveness to heat, pH, and light, whereas the oCVD method can be used to make conductive films. These deposition techniques allow for the controlled fabrication of high molecular weight polymer films with deposition rates as fast as several hundred nanometers per minute and can be used to modify the surfaces of three‐dimensional curved, pillared, and porous substrates since there are no solvent tension effects such as clogging or wetting.
Gas Chromatography in Screening of Chemicals Related to the Chemical Weapons Convention
Authors: Kostiainen Olli
Published: June 2011

Various gas chromatographic methods, which are useful for the screening of Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC)‐related chemicals, are described in this section. Choice of columns, detectors, and injection techniques, crucial to the optimization of gas chromatography (GC) as a routine screening tool, are discussed. Also, various identification methods are described. The use of the retention indices (RIs) method allowing identification without the need for an authentic chemical is described in detail. RIs are used as an identification method together with electron ionization mass spectrometry (EIMS) in the on‐site analysis method established by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).
Microdischarges for Analytical Atomic Spectrometry: Design Considerations and Applications
Authors: Franzke Joachim , Meyer Cordula , Müller Saskia , Krähling Tobias , Michels Antje
Published: June 2011

Miniaturized analytical devices are more attractive than their macroscopic counterparts. Downscaling the size reduces the analyte volumes and enables faster analysis systems because of reduced transport lengths, and therefore miniaturized analysis systems are cheaper and quicker to use. Especially, microplasmas coupled with optical spectrometry are important tools for element analysis. The microplasma reflects the miniaturized version of a macroscopic, full‐size plasma and acts as the sample dissociation and excitation source. Microplasmas can be generated in various forms such as direct current, capacitively coupled, microwave‐induced, or inductively coupled plasmas. This article reviews recent developments of microplasmas for analytical atomic spectrometry. Furthermore, a description of the similarity principles related to electrical plasmas and the current‐voltage characteristics of the most prominent types of discharges that are used for analytical applications is given.
Health literacy education within adult literacy instruction
Authors: Diehl Sandra J.
Published: June 2011

This chapter describes how health skills can be successfully introduced in adult learning environments.
The role of the adult educator in helping learners access and select quality health information on the Internet
Authors: Wright Melissa , Grabowsky Adelia
Published: June 2011

This chapter provides guidelines for selecting and evaluating health care information on the Internet and provides examples of quality online health information sources.
Development of a vision‐related quality of life instrument for children ages 8–18 years for use in juvenile idiopathic arthritis–associated uveitis
Authors: Angeles‐Han Sheila T. , Griffin Kenneth W. , Harrison Melanie J. , Lehman Thomas J. A. , Leong Traci , Robb Rachel Reeves , Shainberg Marla , Ponder Lori , Lenhart Phoebe , Hutchinson Amy , Srivastava Sunil K. , Prahalad Sampath , Lambert Scott R. , Drews‐Botsch Carolyn
Published: June 2011

Objective

To determine the validity and reliability of a novel questionnaire to measure vision‐related quality of life (VRQOL) in children ages 8–18 years for use in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)–associated uveitis: the Effects of Youngsters' Eyesight on Quality of Life (EYE‐Q).

Methods

Several steps validated the EYE‐Q. We interviewed experts and children on how vision affects a child's activities. We developed new items and selected relevant items from existing instruments. We administered initial versions of the EYE‐Q to normal‐sighted children and those with JIA‐associated uveitis. For this study, children with various (or no) ocular conditions were recruited from a clinical population. Visual acuity and contrast sensitivity were performed, and the EYE‐Q and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) were administered. The EYE‐Q was repeated 10 days later. Patients, parents, and physicians rated vision severity.

Results

Of 120 patients, 48% were female, 46.7% had no visual impairment, and 53.3% had bilateral eye involvement. The mean age was 11.3 years. There were significant differences in the measures based on visual acuity (P < 0.001). Children with more severe visual acuity and bilateral eye involvement had worse EYE‐Q scores (P < 0.001). There were significant associations between the EYE‐Q and PedsQL (r = 0.375), repeat EYE‐Q (r = 0.864), and clinical measures of ocular disease (r = −0.620).

Conclusions

Our study provides evidence of the validity and reliability of the EYE‐Q in the measurement of VRQOL. The EYE‐Q may complement clinical measures of visual impairment and overall QOL and become an important tool in the assessment of QOL in JIA‐associated uveitis.
Iron‐Catalyzed Oxidative Cleavage of Olefins and Alkynes to Carboxylic Acids with Aqueous tert‐Butyl Hydroperoxide
Authors: Shaikh Tanveer Mahamadali , Hong Fung‐E
Published: June 2011

A new method for the oxidation of aromatic olefins and alkynes has been developed using inexpensive iron(III) chloride hexahydrate (FeCl3⋅6 H2O, 5 mol%) catalyst in combination with commercially available aqueous 70% tert‐butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) as oxidant. The present system works well for aromatic alkenes and alkynes with both electron‐donating and electron‐withdrawing substituents being tolerated. The protocol is free from chromatographic purification and the carboxylic acids are obtained in high yields by simple filtration.
Power consumption characteristics of an in‐line silverson high shear mixer
Authors: Cooke M. , Rodgers T. L. , Kowalski A. J.
Published: June 2011

In‐line rotor stator mixers differ from in‐tank versions because the flow is often controlled independently of the rotor speed. For in‐tank devices the turbulent power can be adequately described by single impeller type power number. For an in‐line rotor‐stator mixer it is found that the power transmitted by the rotor consists of a power term and a flow term. The constants in this expression are normally obtained from a multilinear regression of a large matrix of experiments. Two simplified methods of obtaining these constants from limited data sets by (1) torque measurement and (2) by heat balance are described herein. These are used to determine the constants for a Silverson 150/250 MS inline mixer with different rotor stator arrangements from the laminar to turbulent regimes. The power and Metzner‐Otto constants determined are shown to be in good agreement to data for a larger matrix of experimental data. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 58: 1683–1692, 2012
Frozen chicken for wild fish: Nutritional transition in the Brazilian Amazon region determined by carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios in fingernails
Authors: Nardoto Gabriela B. , Murrieta Rui Sergio S. , Prates Luís Enrique G. , Adams Cristina , Garavello Maria Elisa P.E. , Schor Tatiana , De Moraes André , Rinaldi Fernando D. , Gragnani Juliana G. , Moura Edila A.F. , Duarte‐Neto Paulo J. , Martinelli Luiz A.
Published: June 2011

Objectives:

Amazonian populations are experiencing dietary changes characteristic of the nutrition transition. However, the degree of change appears to vary between urban and rural settings. To investigate this process, we determined carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios in fingernails and dietary intake of Amazonian populations living along a rural to urban continuum along the Solimões River in Brazil.

Methods:

Carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios were analyzed from the fingernails of 431 volunteer subjects living in different settings ranging from rural villages, small towns to urban centers along the Solimões River. Data from 200 dietary intake surveys were also collected using food frequency questionnaires and 24‐h recall interviews in an effort to determine qualitative aspects of diet composition.

Results:

Fingernail δ13C values (mean ± standard deviation) were −23.2 ± 1.3, −20.2 ± 1.5, and −17.4 ± 1.3‰ and δ15N values were 11.8 ± 0.6, 10.4 ± 0.8, and 10.8 ± 0.7‰ for those living in rural villages, small towns, and major cities, respectively. We found a gradual increase in the number of food items derived from C4 plant types (meat and sugar) and the replacement of food items derived from C3 plant types (fish and manioc flour) with increasing size of urban centers.

Conclusion:

Increasing urbanization in the Brazilian Amazon is associated with a significant change in food habits with processed and industrialized products playing an increasingly important role in the diet and contributing to the nutrition transition in the region. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. .
Xenon augmented hypothermia reduces early lactate/N‐acetylaspartate and cell death in perinatal asphyxia
Authors: Faulkner Stuart , Bainbridge Alan , Kato Takenori , Chandrasekaran Manigandan , Kapetanakis Andrew B. , Hristova Mariya , Liu Mengyan , Evans Samantha , De Vita Enrico , Kelen Dorottya , Sanders Robert D. , Edwards A. David , Maze Mervyn , Cady Ernest B. , Raivich Gennadij , Robertson Nicola J.
Published: June 2011

Objective:

Additional treatments for therapeutic hypothermia are required to maximize neuroprotection for perinatal asphyxial encephalopathy. We assessed neuroprotective effects of combining inhaled xenon with therapeutic hypothermia after transient cerebral hypoxia–ischemia in a piglet model of perinatal asphyxia using magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) biomarkers supported by immunohistochemistry.

Methods:

Thirty‐six newborn piglets were randomized (all groups n = 9), with intervention from 2 to 26 hours, to: (1) normothermia; (2) normothermia + 24 hours 50% inhaled xenon; (3) 24 hours hypothermia (33.5°C); or (4) 24 hours hypothermia (33.5°C) + 24 hours 50% inhaled xenon. Serial MRS was acquired before, during, and up to 48 hours after hypoxia–ischemia.

Results:

Mean arterial blood pressure was lower in all treatment groups compared with normothermia (p < 0.01) (although >40mmHg); the combined therapy group required more fluid boluses (p < 0.05) and inotropes (p < 0.001). Compared with no intervention, both hypothermia and xenon‐augmented hypothermia reduced the temporal regression slope magnitudes for phosphorus‐MRS inorganic phosphate/exchangeable phosphate pool (EPP) and phosphocreatine/EPP (both p < 0.05); for lactate/N‐acetylaspartate (NAA), only xenon‐augmented hypothermia reduced the slope (p < 0.01). Xenon‐augmented hypothermia also reduced transferase‐mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick‐end labeling (TUNEL)+ nuclei and caspase 3 immunoreactive cells in parasagittal cortex and putamen and increased microglial ramification in midtemporal cortex compared with the no treatment group (p < 0.05). Compared with hypothermia, however, combination treatment did not reach statistical significance for any measure. Lactate/NAA showed a strong positive correlation with TUNEL; nucleotide triphosphate/EPP showed a strong negative correlation with microglial ramification (both p < 0.01).

Interpretation:

Compared with no treatment, xenon‐augmented hypothermia reduced cerebral MRS abnormalities and cell death markers in some brain regions. Compared with hypothermia, xenon‐augmented hypothermia did not reach statistical significance for any measure. The safety and possible improved efficacy support phase II trials. Ann Neurol 2011;
Synthesis of hyperbranched polycarbosilane modified with cyclodextrin derivatives and its application in coated capillary electrophoresis columns
Authors: Chu Yongjie , Xu Wenchao , Edgar J. Scott , Shou Chongqi
Published: June 2011

A series of hyperbranched polycarbosilanes were synthesized and coated on the inner surface of fused‐silica capillaries by chemical bonding. The end groups of the hyperbranched polycarbosilanes were modified with β‐cyclodextrin derivatives. The chiral isomers of ofloxacin and chlorpheniramine were separated by this new type of chiral capillary electrophoresis column and high‐column efficiency was achieved. The results showed that ofloxacin was completely separated at pH 3.0; the separation resolution was 2.32, and theoretical plates were greater than 4.5 × 104 plates m−1. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011.
Effect of propylation of starch with different degrees of substitution on the properties and characteristics of starch‐low density polyethylene blend films
Authors: Garg Sangeeta , Jana Asim Kumar
Published: June 2011

Corn starch was modified by propylation and degree of substitution (DS) of four starch modifications were 0.61, 1.56, 2.27, and 2.51. Different films were prepared by blending native and propylated starch with low‐density polyethylene (LDPE). The mechanical properties, thermal properties, water absorption capacity, and biodegradability of the blend films varied with the quantity of starch as well as DS. Tensile strength, elongation, and melt flow index of propylated starch blend films were higher compared to the corresponding native starch blend film. These properties improved with increase in DS from 1.56 to 2.51. Propylated starch blend films were found thermally stable than native starch blend films. There was a decrease in water absorption capacity for the films containing propylated starch at high DS. Enzymatic and soil burial degradation results showed that biodegradability of starch‐LDPE films increased with the increase in the starch concentration but it decreased with increase in the DS. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011.
Effect of heat‐treatment on the performance of gas barrier layers applied by atomic layer deposition onto polymer‐coated paperboard
Authors: Hirvikorpi Terhi , Vähä‐Nissi Mika , Vartiainen Jari , Penttilä Paavo , Nikkola Juha , Harlin Ali , Serimaa Ritva , Karppinen Maarit
Published: June 2011

The effect of heat treatment on the gas barrier of the polymer‐coated board further coated with an Al2O3 layer by atomic layer deposition (ALD) was studied. Heat treatment below the melting point of the polymer followed by quenching at room temperature was used for the polylactide‐coated board [B(PLA)], while over‐the‐melting‐point treatment was utilized for the low‐density polyethylene‐coated board [B(PE)] followed by quenching at room temperature or in liquid nitrogen. Heat treatment of B(PLA) and B(PE) followed by quenching at room temperature improved the water vapor barrier. However, because of the changes in the polymer morphology, quenching of B(PE) with liquid nitrogen impaired the same barrier. No improvement in oxygen barrier was observed explained by, e.g., the spherulitic structure of PLA and the discontinuities and possible short‐chain amorphous material around the spherulites forming passages for oxygen molecules. This work emphasizes the importance of a homogeneous surface prior to the ALD growth Al2O3 barrier layer. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Oxidative polymerization of 2,6‐dimethylphenol in water using bis‐triazacyclononane copper catalyst
Authors: Saito Kei , Pant Sweta , Hearn Milton T. W.
Published: June 2011

Water soluble 1,4,7‐triazacyclononane derivatives were synthesized as the model of the tyrosinase binuclear active site and their copper (II) complexes have been employed as a catalyst for the oxidative polymerization of 2,6‐dimethylphenol using water as the solvent. With this enzyme mimic catalytic system, the polymer, poly(2,6‐dimethyl‐1,4‐phenylene oxide), was successfully obtained from the polymerization with suppression of the formation of the quinone by‐product, 4‐(3,5‐dimethyl‐4‐oxo‐2,5‐cyclohexadienylidene)‐2,6‐dimethyl‐2,5‐cyclohexadien‐one, during the polymerization process. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Nodular structure of isotactic polypropylene crystallizes from the melt
Authors: Mubarak Yousef A.
Published: June 2011

This article highlights the melt crystallization behavior of different grades of isotactic polypropylene (iPP) using a hot‐stage polarizing optical microscopy. iPP samples were heated up at a heating rate of 10°C/min passing the melting temperature and then kept for 3 min at a temperature range of 175–200°C before they cooled rapidly at 40°C/min to crystallize isothermally at a range of 130–145°C. It has been found that the temperature at which the samples were kept has a strong effect on the crystallization mode; for samples heated up and kept at temperatures below 190°C, the crystallization started with thin and long rods or nodules, which grew in the circumferential direction only while their lengths remain unchanged as the time passed. The shape of the nodules can be straight, circular, branched, or entangled, and they can grow parallel to each other or they can be crossed or in a random way. This phenomenon disappeared completely for samples melted and kept at temperatures above 195°C. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Microarray expression profiling of Spodoptera litura in response to oxidative stress
Authors: Yun Eun‐Young , Hwang Jae‐Sam , Yoon Young‐Il , Ahn Mi‐Young , Kim Nam‐Jung , Kwon O‐Yu , Lee Won‐Jae , Goo Tae‐Won
Published: June 2011

To examine the expression profile of oxidative stress responsive genes in Spodoptera litura, we constructed a cDNA library from S. litura injected with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Using a microarray chip composed of 2,964 cDNAs, we screened gene expression at 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 h post H2O2 injection. Data were clustered into 15 groups of genes that behave similarly across each time course. Seventy‐three genes were identified as being at least twofold up‐ or downregulated after treatment with H2O2 in S. litura. We constructed expressed sequence tags (ESTs) for genes that changed at least twofold after treatment with H2O2. The functional classification of these ESTs based on Gene Ontology showed that the ESTs are rich in genes involved in oxidoreductase activity (5.7%), defense (14.3%), cellular process (22.9%), and development (17.1%). © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Immunohistological localization of serotonin in the CNS and feeding system of the stable fly STOMOXYS CALCITRANS L. (Diptera: Muscidae)
Authors: Liu Samuel S. , Li Andrew Y. , Witt Colleen M. , Pérez de León Adalberto A.
Published: June 2011

Serotonin, or 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT), plays critical roles as a neurotransmitter and neuromodulator that control or modulate many behaviors in insects, such as feeding. Neurons immunoreactive (IR) to 5‐HT were detected in the central nervous system (CNS) of the larval and adult stages of the stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans, using an immunohistological technique. The location and pattern of the 5‐HT IR neurons are described and compared for these two different developmental stages. Anatomical features of the fly feeding system were analyzed in third instar larvae and adult flies using a combination of histological and immunohistological techniques. In third instar larvae, the cibarial dilator muscles were observed within the cibarial pump skeleton and innervated by 5‐HT IR neurons in nerves arising from the brain. There were four pairs of nerves arising from the frontal surface of the larval brain that innervate the cibarial pump muscles, pharynx, and muscles controlling the mouth hooks. A strong serotoninergic innervation of the anterior stomatogastric system was observed, which suggests 5‐HT may play a role in the coordination of different phases of food ingestion by larvae. Similarly, many 5‐HT IR neurons were found in both the brain and the thoracico‐abdominal ganglia in the adult, some of which innervate the cibarial pump dilator muscles and the stomatogastric muscles. This is tnhe first report describing neuromuscular structures of the stable fly feeding system. The results reported here suggest 5‐HT may play a critical role in feeding behaviors of stable fly larvae and adults. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cloning and characterization of the Bombyx mori ecdysone oxidase
Authors: Yang Hua‐Jun , Wang Mei‐Xian , Zhang Peng , Sabhat Awquib , Malik Firdose Ahmad , Bhaskar Roy , Zhou Fang , Li Xing‐Hua , Hu Jia‐Biao , Sun Chun‐Guang , Niu Yan‐Shan , Miao Yun‐Gen
Published: June 2011

The physiological titer of molting hormones in insects depends on relative activities of synthesis and degradation pathways. Ecdysone oxidase (EO) is a key enzyme in the inactivation of ecdysteroid. However, there are only a few reports on ecdysteroid inactivation and its enzymes in silkworm. In this study, we cloned and characterized the Bombyx mori EO (BmEO). The BmEO cDNA contains an ORF of 1,695 bp and the deduced protein sequence contains 564 amino acid residues. The deduced protein sequence contains two functional domains of glucose–methanol–choline oxidoreductase in N‐terminal and C‐terminal. Comparing the expression levels of BmEO in different tissues, high transcription was mainly present in hemocytes. Reduced expression of this enzyme is expected to lead to pathological accumulation of ecdysone in the hemolymph of silkworm larvae or pupae. Our data show that RNA inference of BmEO transcripts resulted in the accumulation of ecdysteroid and death of larvae or pupae. We infer that EO is a crucial element in the physiology of insect development. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cloning and expression analysis of a muscarinic cholinergic receptor from the brain of ant, Polyrhachis vicina
Authors: Lü Shu‐Min , Zhao Zhuo , Li Ke , Zhang Ya‐Lin , Xi Geng‐Si
Published: June 2011

Muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAchRs) are the predominant cholinergic receptors in the central and peripheral nervous systems of animals. They also have been found in various insect nervous systems. In this article, a full‐length cDNA of a pupative mAchR (PmAchR) was obtained from the brains of ant Polyrhachis vicina by homology cloning in combination with rapid amplification of cDNA ends. PmAchR encodes a 599‐amino acid protein that exhibits a high degree of homology with other mAchRs. Real‐time quantitative RT‐PCR analysis showed that PmAchR is differentially expressed in the brains of workers, males, and females. By in situ hybridization, it is revealed that PmAchR is widely expressed in different soma clusters of the brain, including the mushroom bodies, the antennal lobes, as well as the optic lobes (OL), and the most intensely staining is found in Kenyon cells. Nonetheless, there are more positive nerve fibers in the OL of males' brains than in females' and workers' brains. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dispersible Shortened Boron Nitride Nanotubes with Improved Molecule‐Loading Capacity
Authors: Zhi Chunyi , Hanagata Nobutaka , Bando Yoshio , Golberg Dmitri
Published: June 2011

The oxidation process of boron nitride nanotubes was thoroughly investigated, and a slow oxidation characteristic was clearly revealed. Subsequently, the controllable oxidation process was utilized to break the sturdy structure of the boron nitride nanotubes to fabricate shortened nanotubes. The shortened boronnitride nanotubes were found to possess good solubility in water and many organic solvents. Further experiments demonstrated remarkably improved molecule‐loading capacity of the shortened boron nitride nanotubes. These dispersible shortened boron nitride nanotubes might have the potential to be developed as effective delivery systems for various molecules, which may find applications in bio‐related fields.
Adsorption of N719 Dye on Anatase TiO2 Nanoparticles and Nanosheets with Exposed (001) Facets: Equilibrium, Kinetic, and Thermodynamic Studies
Authors: Fan Jiajie , Cai Weiquan , Yu Jiaguo
Published: June 2011

Anatase TiO2 nanosheets (TiO2 NS) with dominant (001) facets and TiO2 nanoparticles (TiO2 NP) with dominant (101) facets are fabricated by hydrothermal hydrolysis of Ti(OC4H9)4 in the presence and absence of hydrogen fluoride (HF), respectively. Adsorption of N719 onto the as‐prepared samples from ethanol solutions is investigated and discussed. The adsorption kinetic data are modeled using the pseudo‐first‐order, pseudo‐second‐order, and intraparticle diffusion kinetics equations, and indicate that the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic equation and intraparticle diffusion model can better describe the adsorption kinetics. Furthermore, adsorption equilibrium data of N719 on the as‐prepared samples are analyzed by Langmuir and Freundlich models; this suggests that the Langmuir model provides a better correlation of the experimental data. The adsorption capacities (qmax) of N719 on TiO2 NS at various temperatures, determined using the Langmuir equation, are 65.2 (30 °C), 68.2 (40 °C), and 76.6 (50 °C) mg g−1, which are smaller than those on TiO2 NP, 92.4 (30 °C), 100.0 (40 °C), and 108.2 (50 °C) mg g−1, respectively. The larger adsorption capacities of N719 for TiO2 NP versus NS are attributed to its higher specific surface areas. However, the specific adsorption capacities (qmax/SBET) at various temperatures are 1.5 (30 °C), 1.6 (40 °C), and 1.7 (50 °C) mg m−2 for TiO2 NS, which are otherwise higher than those for NP, 0.9 (30 °C), 1.0 (40 °C), and 1.1 (50 °C) mg m−2, respectively. The larger specific adsorption capacities of N719 for TiO2 NS versus NP are because the (001) surface is more reactive for dissociative adsorption of reactant molecules compared with (101) facets. Notably, the qmax and qmax/SBET for both TiO2 samples increase with increasing temperature, suggesting that adsorption of N719 on the TiO2 surface is an endothermic process, which is further confirmed by the calculated thermodynamic parameters including free energy, enthalpy, and entropy of adsorption process. The present work will provide a new understanding on the adsorption process and mechanism of N719 molecules onto TiO2 NS and NP, and this should be of great importance for enhancing the performance of dye‐sensitized solar cells.
Bemessung von tragenden Bauteilen aus Kunststoffen im Bauwesen — die neue BÜV‐Empfehlung TKB (2010‐08)
Authors: Krahwinkel Manuel , Gehmert Christian
Published: June 2011

Faserverstärkte Kunststoffe werden immer häufiger als tragende Bauteile im Bauwesen verwendet. Der Beitrag beleuchtet kurz aktuelle Anwendungsschwerpunkte und die geforderten Eigenschaften der Werkstoffe. Mit der BÜV‐Empfehlung “Tragende Kunststoffbauteile im Bauwesen” (2010‐08) wird eine Hilfestellung für Tragwerksplaner und Prüfingenieure für die statische Berechnung und Bemessung von Tragwerken aus Kunststoffen vorgestellt. Es wird dabei besonders auf die Nachweise der Dauerstandfestigkeit und auf die Analogie zu den Nachweiskonzepten im Ingenieurholzbau eingegangen. Ein einfaches Bemessungsbeispiel für ein Dachtragwerk aus glasfaserverstärktem Polyesterharz rundet den Beitrag ab.

The new BÜV‐code for structural design of polymers in load bearing structures (2010‐08). Fibre‐reinforced polymer composites (FRP) have found a growing market in the construction sector. In special fields of application FRP offer high strength to weight ratio, excellent corrosion resistance, high thermal insulation and electrical isolation. With the BÜV‐code ”polymers in load bearing structures” (2010‐08) a guideline for structural analysis and design of FRP is presented. Special focus is laid on the ”duration of load”‐effect and the necessary design checks compared with the codes for timber structures. The paper ends with a short worked example of the structural design of a FRP‐beam used as load bearing structure in a roof.
Bebauung der Ericusspitze in Hamburg
Authors: Böttcher Christian , Nagel Werner , Schreiber Raphael
Published: June 2011

Die dreiseitig vom Wasser umschlossene Ericusspitze ist nach wechselvoller Geschichte heute das nordöstliche Tor zum neuen Stadtteil HafenCity. Der dort neu angesiedelte Hauptsitz des Nachrichtenmagazins “Der Spiegel” ist mit 15 Obergeschossen zudem einer der bedeutenden Hochpunkte der HafenCity. Zusammen mit dem benachbarten Ericus‐Contor, dessen 11 Obergeschosse ebenfalls überwiegend als Büro genutzt werden, konnte ein architektonisch hochwertiges Ensemble mit Vorbildcharakter auch für das nachhaltige Bauen geformt werden. Beide Gebäude stehen auf einem gemeinsamen zweigeschossigen Warftsockel in fugenloser WU‐Bauweise, der wesentlich zur Integration in das historische Umfeld beiträgt.

Für die bereits sehr frühzeitig einbezogene Tragwerksplanung waren seit der Investorenauswahl und des internationalen Architektenwettbewerbes besondere technische und terminliche Herausforderungen zu meistern. Insbesondere tiefe Vor‐ und Rücksprünge in der Kubatur des Spiegel‐Verlages und weitgespannte Brückengeschosse im Ericus‐Contor erforderten ungewöhnliche Lösungen. Dies galt auch für die Pfahlgründung, bei der zahlreiche Zeitzeugen im Untergrund und neu eingebrachte Verpressanker aus einer parallel durchgeführten Sanierung und Ertüchtigung der das Grundstück einfassenden alten Kaimauern sowie eine außergewöhnliche terminliche Situation zu berücksichtigen waren. Die große Baugrube direkt am tideoffenen Elbwasser konnte durch enge tragwerksplanerische Vorgaben z. B. zur Höhenentwicklung des Rohbaus und unter Ausnutzung der örtlichen Gegebenheiten ohne umlaufenden Spundwandkasten und ohne aufwendige Wasserhaltung kostengünstig realisiert werden.
Fructooligosaccharides suppress high‐fat diet‐induced fat accumulation in C57BL/6J mice
Authors: Nakamura Yuko , Natsume Midori , Yasuda Akiko , Ishizaka Mihoko , Kawahata Keiko , Koga Jinichiro
Published: June 2011

Two experiments were performed to examine the effects of fructooligosaccharides (FOS) on the development of obesity. In the first experiment, Wistar rats were orally administered a 2.5 g/kg body weight lipid emulsion containing FOS, and the subsequent elevation of plasma triglycerides was significantly suppressed compared with that in rats receiving lipid emulsion alone. In the second experiment, C57BL/6J male mice were fed a high‐fat “western” diet with or without 2.5% FOS supplementation (n = 10/group) ad libitum for 12 weeks. Body weight and percent body fat were lower in mice fed FOS than in controls. Furthermore, the weight of the visceral adipose tissue, and the weight and triglyceride content of the liver were significantly lower in the high‐fat + FOS group. Fecal excretion of lipids was markedly enhanced by FOS consumption. These results indicate that dietary FOS suppress high‐fat diet‐induced body fat accumulation, and inhibit intestinal absorption of dietary fat.
Coenzyme Q10, endothelial function, and cardiovascular disease
Authors: Littarru Gian Paolo , Tiano Luca , Belardinelli Romualdo , Watts Gerald F.
Published: June 2011

Since the time a precise role of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in myocardial bioenergetics was established, the involvement of CoQ in the pathophysiology of heart failure was hypothesized. This provided the rationale for numerous clinical trials of CoQ10 as adjunctive treatment for heart failure. A mild hypotensive effect of CoQ was reported in the early years of clinical use of this compound. We review early human and animal studies on the vascular effects of CoQ. We then focus on endothelial dysfunction in type 2 diabetes and the possible impact on this condition of antioxidants and nutritional supplements, and in particular the therapeutic effects of CoQ. The effect of CoQ10 on endothelial dysfunction in ischemic heart disease is also reviewed together with recent data highlighting that treatment with CoQ10 increases extracellular SOD activity.
Human neural tube defects: Genetic causes and prevention
Authors: De Marco Patrizia , Merello Elisa , Cama Armando , Kibar Zoha , Capra Valeria
Published: June 2011

Neural tube defects (NTDs) are severe congenital malformations affecting 1–2 in 1,000 live births, whose etiology is multifactorial, involving environmental and genetic factors. NTDs arise as consequence of the failure of fusion of the neural tube early during embryogenesis. NTDs' pathogenesis has been linked to genes involved in folate metabolism, consistent with an epidemiologic evidence that 70% of NTDs can be prevented by maternal periconceptional supplementation. However, polymorphisms in such genes are not linked in all populations, suggesting that other genetic factors and environmental factors could be involved. Animal models have provided crucial mechanistic information and possible candidate genes to explain susceptibility to NTDs. A crucial role has been assigned to the planar cell polarity (PCP) pathway, a highly conserved, non‐canonical Wnt‐frizzled‐dishevelled signaling cascade that plays a key role in establishing and maintaining polarity in the plane of the epithelium and in the process of convergent extension during gastrulation and neurulation in vertebrates. The Loop‐tail (Lp) mouse that develops craniorachischisis carry missense mutations in the PCP core gene Vangl2, that is the mammalian homolog of the Drosophila Strabismus/Van gogh (Stbm/Vang). The presence of mutations in human VANGL1 and VANGL2 genes encourages us to extend the investigation to other PCP genes that, with VANGL, play an essential role in neurulation during development.
AnatomicalTerms.info: Heading for an online solution to the anatomical synonym problem hurdles in data‐reuse from theTerminologia Anatomicaand the foundational model of anatomy and potentials for future development
Authors: Gobée O. Paul , Jansma Daniël , DeRuiter Marco C.
Published: June 2011

The many synonyms for anatomical structures confuse medical students and complicate medical communication. Easily accessible translations would alleviate this problem. None of the presently available resources—Terminologia Anatomica(TA), digital terminologies such as the Foundational Model of Anatomy (FMA), and websites—are fully satisfactory to this aim. Internet technologies offer new possibilities to solve the problem. Several authors have called for an online TA. An online translation resource should be easily accessible, user‐friendly, comprehensive, expandable, and its quality determinable. As first step towards this goal, we built a translation website that we namedwww.AnatomicalTerms.info, based on the database of the FMA. It translates between English, Latin, eponyms, and to a lesser extent other languages, and presently contains over 31,000 terms for 7,250 structures, covering 95% of TA. In addition, it automatically presents searches for images, documents and anatomical variations regarding the sought structure. Several terminological and conceptual issues were encountered in transferring data from TA and FMA into AnatomicalTerms.info, resultant from these resources' different set‐ups (paper versus digital) and targets (machine versus human‐user). To the best of our knowledge, AnatomicalTerms.info is unique in its combination of user‐friendliness and comprehensiveness. As next step, wiki‐like expandability will be added to enable open contribution of clinical synonyms and terms in different languages. Specific quality measures will be taken to strike a balance between open contribution and quality assurance. AnatomicalTerms.info's mechanism that “translates” terms to structures furthermore may enhance targeted searching by linking images, descriptions, and other anatomical resources to the structures. Clin. Anat. 24:817–830, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rational Design, Synthesis, Biological Evaluation, Homology and Docking Studies of Coumarin Derivatives as α1‐Adrenoceptor Antagonists
Authors: Zhou Xiang , Chen Ya‐Dong , Wang Tao , Wang Xiao‐Bing , Kong Ling‐Yi
Published: June 2011

According to a three‐point pharmacophore for some uro‐selective α1‐adrenoceptor (AR) antagonists, a novel class of coumarin (=2H‐1‐benzopyran‐2‐one) derivatives have been successfully designed and synthesized with high efficacies for α1‐AR. These synthesized coumarin derivatives exhibited high efficacies towards α1‐AR in in vitro pharmacological assays. Compared with prazosin (pKi value of 8.77), among those coumarins, tolylpiperazine‐substituted derivatives, 7 and 8, have comparable pKi values of 8.81 and 8.77, respectively. The trend in efficacies of these coumarin derivatives towards α1A‐adrenoceptor was further rationalized by intensive molecular docking. Our work demonstrated that the designed coumarin derivatives can inhibit α1‐AR in vitro. These findings will provide a guide for further studies of the medical therapy of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Lyonin A, a New 9,10‐Secograyanotoxin from Lyonia ovalifolia
Authors: Wu Zhao‐Yuan , Li Hai‐Zhou , Wang Wei‐Guang , Li Hong‐Mei , Chen Rui , Li Rong‐Tao , Luo Huai‐Rong
Published: June 2011

Phytochemical studies on the branches and leaves of Lyonia ovalifolia yielded a new grayanane diterpenoid, lyonin A (1), together with two known compounds, secorhodomollolides A and D (2 and 3, resp.). The structure of 1 was elucidated by combination of 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR, and MS analyses. Compound 1 turned out to be a new, highly O‐acylated grayanane diterpenoid, of which ring B has undergone an oxidative cleavage between C(9) and C(10), yielding a system differing from the previously reported grayanane type with a 5/7/6/5 ring system. Results of the cAMP regulation activity assay showed that compounds 2 and 3 at 50 μM induced a significantly decreased cAMP level in N1E‐115 neuroblastoma cells (p<0.001), indicating neuropharmacological potential.
Isolation of Novel Phenolic Compounds with Multidrug Resistance (MDR) Reversal Properties from Onychium japonicum
Authors: Li Ming‐Chan , Yao Zhi , Takaishi Yoshihisa , Tang Shen‐An , Duan Hong‐Quan
Published: June 2011

We isolated seven novel compounds, namely, 3′,4′,6‐trihydroxy‐2,4‐dimethoxy‐3‐(3″,4″‐dihydroxybenzyl)chalcone (1), 3′,6‐dihydroxy‐2,4,4′‐trimethoxy‐3‐(3″,4″‐dihydroxybenzyl)chalcone (2), α,β‐dihydro‐3′,6‐dihydroxy‐2,4,6′‐trimethoxy‐3‐(3″,4″‐dihydroxybenzyl)chalcone (3), 3′,4,4′‐trihydroxy‐2,6‐dimethoxychalcone (4), 4′,5,7‐trihydroxy‐6‐(3″,4″‐dihydroxybenzyl)flavone (5), 3‐(3′,4′‐dihydroxybenzyl)‐6,7‐dihydroxycoumarin (6), 3‐(3′,4′‐dihydroxyphenyl)‐3,4‐dihydroisocoumarin (7), as well as a known compound, 3′,4′,7‐trihydroxy‐5‐methoxyflavanone (8) from the whole grass of Onychium japonicum, and elucidated their structures by spectroscopic methods. Compounds 1–3 exhibited significant multidrug resistance (MDR) reversal effects on MCF‐7/ADR and Bel‐7402/5‐Fu cell lines.
Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Activities of Different Polysaccharides from the Roots of Angelica dahurica
Authors: Xu Shi‐Fang , Ye Yi‐Ping , Li Xiao‐Yu , Chen Feng‐Yang
Published: June 2011

The total crude polysaccharides (CADPs), isolated from the roots of Angelica dahurica by H2O extraction, EtOH precipitation, and dialysis, and the four fractions ADP1, ADP2, ADP3, and ADP4, obtained by gel filtration of the CADPs, were analyzed to characterize their composition and evaluated for their antioxidant activity using different in vitro tests such as the malondialdehyde (MDA)‐production, the ferrous ion (Fe2+)‐chelating, and the HO. radical‐scavenging assays. The predominant neutral monosaccharides in the four fractions were identified as arabinose, galactose, and glucose, while the composition and ratio of the monosaccharides were different between the fractions. The CADPs and its fractions were found to significantly inhibit lipid peroxidation, chelate Fe2+, and scavenge HO. radicals, indicating that these polysaccharides possessed antioxidant activity. Among the four fractions, ADP4 exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity, which was stronger than that of the control antioxidant vitamin E (Vit E). Taken together, the chemical composition of these polysaccharides might affect their antioxidant activity, and ADP4 could be explored as a source of potential novel natural antioxidants for food and pharmaceutical purposes.
Components of Essential Oils Extracted from Leaves and Shoots of Abies Species in Japan
Authors: Satou Tadaaki , Matsuura Mariko , Takahashi Mizuho , Murakami Shio , Hayashi Shinichiro , Sadamoto Kiyomi , Koike Kazuo
Published: June 2011

The essential oils extracted from the leaves and the shoots of five Abies species (Pinaceae) growing in Japan, i.e., A. firma, A. homolepis, A. veitchii, A. mariesii, and A. sachalinensis, were characterized by GC‐FID and GC/MS analyses. The yields of the essential oils extracted from A. sachalinensis were the highest among them. A significant amount of α‐pinene was contained in the essential oils of all the Abies species examined. In A. homolepis and A. veitchii, significant differences in the content of the essential oils were found depending on whether these were extracted from the leaves or from the shoots. Regarding the enantiomeric ratio of α‐pinene, the (+)‐enantiomer was predominant in the oil extracted from the leaves of A. firma, while (−)‐α‐pinene was present in higher amounts in the oils of A. veitchii (leaves and shoots), A. mariesii (leaves and shoots), and A. sachalinensis (shoots). The fact that there may be a quantitative and qualitative difference in the components of the essential oils extracted from the different parts of a plant was investigated by cluster analysis.
Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Potential of Two Flavonoids Isolated from Limnophila Plants
Authors: Brahmachari Goutam , Mandal Narayan C. , Jash Shyamal K. , Roy Rajiv , Mandal Lalan C. , Mukhopadhyay Arijit , Behera Biswajit , Majhi Sasadhar , Mondal Avijit , Gangopadhyay Arindam
Published: June 2011

The antimicrobial potential of two bioflavonoids, i.e., 5,7‐dihydroxy‐4′,6,8‐trimethoxyflavone (1) and 5,6‐dihydroxy‐4′,7,8‐trimethoxyflavone (2), isolated from Limnophila heterophylla Benth. and L. indica (Linn.) Druce (Scrophulariaceae), respectively, were evaluated against the microbial strains Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Alternaria solani, and Candida albicans. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibited moderate but broad antimicrobial activities against both Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria and also against the fungal pathogens. Moreover, the mechanism of action of 1 and 2 on the cellular functions or structures of some of the microorganisms was studied. Compound 1 showed a bactericidal effect against E. coli and S. aureus (MICs of 200 and 250 μg/ml, resp.), while compound 2 was found to effectively kill B. subtilis by cell lysis. The growth of A. solani and C. albicans was inhibited by compounds 1 and 2, respectively. The effects of the flavonoids on the cellular structures and the carbohydrate metabolic pathways were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the treated cells and by assessing the specific activity of key enzymes of the pathways, respectively. At sublethal doses, they enhanced the activity of gluconeogenic fructose bisphosphatase, but decreased the activity of phosphofructokinase and isocitrate dehydrogenase, the key enzymes of the EmbdenMeyerhofParnas pathway and the tricarboxylic acid cycle, respectively.
Reinvestigation of Coenzyme Q10 Isolation from Sporidiobolus johnsonii
Authors: Dixson David D. , Boddy Christopher N. , Doyle Robert P.
Published: June 2011

There is considerable current interest in coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) from a medical perspective. CoQ10 has been shown to alleviate the side effects of statin drugs, for instance, and so there is a push to find naturally high producers of the compound. Sporidiobolus johnsonii (S. johnsonii) has been reported to produce CoQ10 in studies that used only standards on thin‐layer chromatography (TLC) and also suggested the production of coenzyme Q9 (CoQ9). This work set out to verify CoQ9/CoQ10 production in S. johnsonii and quantify as appropriate. We show that S. johnsonii produces CoQ10 but found no evidence for CoQ9 biosynthesis. The specific production of CoQ10 was noted at 10 mg/g dry cell weight (DCW) in media supplemented with 4‐hydroxybenzoic acid (HBA). This makes S. johnsonii a naturally high CoQ10 producer. New methods for extraction and purification of CoQ10 are also discussed, and identification of a closely eluting side product under normal phase isolation is reported.
In vitro Cytotoxic Activity of Extracts and Isolated Constituents of Salvia leriifoliaBenth. against a Panel of Human Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Tundis Rosa , Loizzo Monica R. , Menichini Federica , Bonesi Marco , Colica Carmela , Menichini Francesco
Published: June 2011

In the course of recent efforts to identify new potential antiproliferative active principles, Salvia leriifolia extracts and isolated constituents were evaluated for their cytotoxic activity against a panel of human cancer cell lines, including renal adenocarcinoma (ACHN), amelanotic melanoma (C32), colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco‐2), lung large cell carcinoma (COR‐L23), malignant melanoma (A375), lung carcinoma (A549), and hepatocellular carcinoma (Huh‐7D12) cells. The hexane and CH2Cl2 extracts showed the strongest cytotoxic activity against the C32 cell line with IC50 values of 11.2 and 13.6 μg/ml, respectively, and the AcOEt extract was the most active extract against the COR‐L23 cell line (IC50 of 20.9 μg/ml). Buchariol, a sesquiterpene obtained by biofractionation of the CH2Cl2 extract, exhibited a higher activity than the positive control vinblastine against the C32 and A549 cell lines (IC50 values of 2.1 and 12.6 μM, resp.). Interesting results were also obtained for naringenin, a flavonoid isolated from the AcOEt extract, which exhibited a strong cytotoxic activity against the C32, LNCaP, and COR‐L23 cell lines (IC50 values of 2.2, 7.7, and 33.4 μM, resp.), compared to vinblastine (IC50 values of 3.3, 32.2, 50.0 μM, resp.). None of the tested compounds affected the proliferation of skin fibroblasts (142BR), suggesting a selective activity against tumor cells.