bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Da experiência da fala de sujeitos usuários na clínica psicológica às suas possíveis repercussões
Authors: Pereira Lucyanna de Farias Fagundes , Caldas Marcus Túlio , Francisco Ana Lúcia
Published: August 2012

Esta pesquisa busca promover reflexões sobre a clínica psicológica enquanto lugar de abertura a uma fala criadora de sentido, partindo da experiência de sujeitos usuários. Compreendendo que há uma especificidade da linguagem no espaço da clínica, acredita-se que este trabalho possibilite maior clareza quanto à propriedade, singularidade e importância dessa temática, além de levar a reflexões e discussões, tanto do ponto de vista teórico quanto dos campos de atividade do psicólogo. A modalidade clínica escolhida para refletir acerca da linguagem expressa na narrativa do sujeito foi a psicoterapia. Para isso, utilizou-se, enquanto método investigativo, a perspectiva fenomenológica existencial para compreender e interpretar, pela hermenêutica, as experiências de três clientes, sem levar em consideração idade, sexo e abordagem teórica, pois o objetivo foi colher narrativas acerca da experiência na clínica psicológica, sem especificidades. O acesso a essas pessoas se deu a partir de um contato prévio com colegas de profissão, o que possibilitou uma interlocução direta. Foi feita uma pergunta disparadora/provocadora, a fim de que os sujeitos pudessem transitar livremente por suas experiências. As discussões tornaram-se possíveis a partir de afetações e reflexões entre relatos e pesquisadora, bem como através de diálogos com autores que transitam pelo tema.
Principais conclusões do workshop conjunto dos programas FAPESP BIOTA-BIOEN-mudanças climáticas: ciência e políticas públicas para uma economia mais verde, no contexto da RIO+20
Authors: Joly Carlos Alfredo , Berlinck Roberto Gomes de Souza , Bolzani Vanderlan da Silva , Haddad Célio Fernando Baptista , Oliveira Mariana Cabral de , Sluys Marie-Anne Van , Souza Glaucia Mendes , Verdade Luciano Martins , Victoria Reynaldo Luiz
Published: August 2012

Este Ponto de Vista resume as conclusões de um Workshop conjunto, organizado pelos três Programas da FAPESP na Área Ambiental - BIOTA (O Instituto Virtual da Biodiversidade) - BIOEN (Pesquisa em Bioenergia) - Mudanças Climáticas, para discutir a contribuição da comunidade científica para a RIO+20, a Conferência das Nações Unidas para o Desenvolvimento Sustentável. O grupo de pesquisadores brasileiros reunidos pela FAPESP no início de março de 2012 levantou as seguintes preocupações: a) o número reduzido de oportunidades para a comunidade científica interagir com Conferências como a RIO+20; b) as graves deficiências do ZeroDraft, documento produzido pela Divisão das Nações Unidas para o Desenvolvimento Sustentável para a RIO +20; c) o fato do foco de pesquisa dos três Programas de Pesquisa Ambiental da FAPESP - biodiversidade, bioenergia e mudanças climáticas - não estarem na pauta das discussões da RIO+20; d) que pouca ênfase é dada aos oceanos na Agenda da Conferência; e) em relação aos mecanismos de mercado associados com a transição para uma economia mais verde, a necessidade de enfatizar a redução de subsídios perversos e a promoção de incentivos econômicos para atividades ou processos de mitigação e/ou seqüestro de carbono; f) a necessidade de estimular o desenvolvimento e a consolidação da pesquisa na área de avaliação e valoração de serviços ambientais, no Brasil. Os participantes do Workshop reconheceram a necessidade de aprofundar o conhecimento sobre as convenções, tratados e acordos internacionais assinados e ratificados pelo Brasil, bem como as instituições internacionais, programas e iniciativas que promovem a participação da comunidade científica no debate de políticas ambientais globais. Finalmente, do ponto de vista dos três programas da FAPESP dois pontos foram destacados: a) que é imperativo aprofundar o conhecimento científico em cada uma das três áreas focais - biodiversidade, bioenergia e mudanças climáticas - porque é necessário aumentar a massa crítica de pesquisadores e do conhecimento para participar das discussões internacionais nessas áreas estratégicas; b) também é imperativo apoiar e promover projetos de pesquisa que integrem as áreas focais dos três programas, estimulando a constituição de equipes inter e transdisciplinares. Esta é uma tendência mundial na área das mudanças ambientais globais, e os participantes dos três programas sentem que podem dar uma contribuição significativa para o avanço do conhecimento, para o debate internacional e para a efetiva solução dos problemas.
Concordance between macroinvertebrate communities and the typological classification of white and clear-water streams in Western Brazilian Amazonia
Authors: Roque Fabio de Oliveira , Lima Diego Viana Melo , Siqueira Tadeu , Vieira Lisandro Juno Soares , Stefanes Maurício , Trivinho-Strixino Susana
Published: August 2012

In this study we have attempted to answer whether there is correspondence between aquatic macroinvertebrate communities and the typological classification of white and clean-water streams in western Amazonia lowlands. We worked within two distinct hydrographic basins: Moa River catchment (clear-water streams) and Azul River catchment (white-water streams) in Serra do Divisor National Park, Acre State, Brazil, sampling 10 streams in each basin. A total of 2,952 individuals were collected, distributed among 134 taxa. Our results show that macroinvertebrate communities, at genus as well as family level, are in concordance to a priori classifications that distinguish between white and clear water streams. The main implication of our results for biomonitoring is that biotic variation between white and clear streams can be partitioned regionally, which would improve the bioassessment accuracy of the Amazonian streams.
Cirugía de 360º en el tratamiento de la espondilolistesis lumbosacra de alto grado: técnica por única vía posterior
Authors: Díaz Salvador Mattar , Ojeda David Nicolás Esmeral , Payamps Francisco Basora
Published: August 2012

OBJETIVO: El tratamiento de las espondilolistesis lumbosacras de altos grados (IV y espondiloptosis) incluye la reducción del desplazamiento si es posible, descompresión, y la fijación y artrodesis del segmento afectado. Esta patología provoca un grado de incapacidad grave en los pacientes así como deformidad en su postura lumbosacra, llevándolos a adoptar una marcha anodina, acompañada de retracción de isquiotibiales de forma crónica. Con el fin de ofrecer una mejoría clínica, reducir el tiempo quirúrgico y la tasa de morbilidad, se propone esta técnica quirúrgica que permite realizar todo por única vía posterior, como una alternativa en el tratamiento quirúrgico de estos pacientes. MÉTODOS: Los autores describen una técnica para descomprimir y fijar la columna lumbosacra, realizando una instrumentación transpedicular en L4 y S1, discectomía más TLIF (Caja intersomática para fusión lumbar) en L4-L5, laminectomía niveles L4-L5, L5-S1, S1-S2, artrodesis postero-anterior de S1 a L5 tunelizando a través de ambas vértebras y colocando injerto fibular (peroné). Los autores revisaron, retrospectivamente, 9 pacientes intervenidos con esta técnica, entre los años 2000 y 2010. A todos se les evaluó y controló durante 12 meses, en promedio, posteriores a su intervención quirúrgica. RESULTADOS: Los síntomas mecánicos y radiculares mejoraron en el seguimiento a corto y largo plazo. Los estudios radiológicos demostraron adecuada fusión ósea en todos los pacientes. No se observaron fallas relacionadas con la instrumentación. CONCLUSIONES: Los autores afirman que esta técnica es segura y eficiente por vía posterior para lograr la descompresión y la fijación in situ sin corrección sagital. El uso de esta técnica evita el uso de los abordajes por vía anterior o combinados, y disminuye el porcentaje de sangramiento, la tasa de morbilidad y los altos costos.
Evaluación de la fusión segmentaria con técnica TLIF con cajas de PEEK en patología degenerativa lumbar: ¿ es la radiografía dinámica útil para el diagnóstico de fusión segmentaria en pacientes tratados?
Authors: Ferrer Alejandro , Demonti Hernán , Fiorillo Pablo
Published: August 2012

OBJETIVO: Evaluar la eficiencia de las radiografías dinámicas en el diagnóstico de fusión intersomática mediante la comparación interobservador con TAC haciéndose cortes finos y reconstrucción en 3D. MÉTODO: Fueron evaluados 25 pacientes, entre diciembre de 2004 y marzo de 2010, operados por medio de técnica TLIF con caja de PEEK, chips óseos autólogos de cresta ilíaca (precaja e intracaja) e instrumentación pedicular de titanio en 1 solo segmento lumbar. Estos 25 casos fueron evaluados en forma aleatoria por los 3 autores del trabajo; las radiografías dinámicas consignaron en cada una si el segmento presentaba fusión (A) o no (B) según el hallazgo de movilidad segmentaria. De la misma manera, se evaluaron los cortes de TAC, buscando el signo centinela y el signo centinela posterior (A) presente y (B) ausente. RESULTADOS: Según la apreciación de los autores y de acuerdo con la lectura de las Rx dinámicas, 24 de los 25 pacientes (96%) no presentaban movilidad segmentaria alguna, considerándos elos, por ende, fusionados. Por el contrario, la observación de las TAC con cortes de 1mm y reconstrucción en 3D mostró signos compatibles con fusión en 17 pacientes (68%). CONCLUSIÓN: El método de selección para el diagnóstico de fusión intersomática es la TAC con cortes de 1mm y reconstrucción en 3D.
Letramento hipertextual: por uma análise e redefinição do conceito
Authors: Pinheiro Regina Cláudia , Araújo Júlio
Published: August 2012

Neste artigo refletimos sobre a emergência de um conceito de letramento hipertextual a partir da descrição de práticas de letramento realizadas por sujeitos na elaboração de material didático para um curso on-line. A partir das ideias sobre letramento hipertextual de Bolter (1998) e letramentos múltiplos de Semalli (2001), realizamos um estudo de caso no qual acompanhamos a elaboração de material didático para o ensino on-line. Os resultados nos mostraram que, para exercer práticas de letramento hipertextual, os usuários necessitam entrelaçar múltiplos letramentos, tais como os letramentos tradicional, visual, informático e informacional. Nesse sentido, defendemos que o conceito de letramento hipertextual deve ser considerado uma categoria maior, que se realiza a partir da conexão entre múltiplos letramentos.
Letramentos em rede: textos, máquinas, sujeitos e saberes em translação
Authors: Buzato Marcelo El Khouri
Published: August 2012

Este trabalho apresenta uma proposta de (re)descrição do fenômeno do(s) (novos) letramento(s) fundamentada teórico-metodologicamente na Teoria Ator-Rede e ilustra o percurso que levou a tal proposta com uma vinheta descritiva de parte dos resultados de um estudo de cunho etnográfico que envolveu dois estudantes universitários do sudeste do Brasil por um período de dois anos. Os dados incluídos no estudo foram gerados por várias estratégias, tais como o monitoramento dos computadores pessoais dos informantes por meio de um software especializado, notas de campo, diários pessoais, observação simples e participante, além de entrevistas semiestruturadas. Objetiva convidar a comunidade de pesquisa em novos letramentos no Brasil a avaliar a utilidade de conceberem-se letramentos e subjetividades como atores-redes, assim como os limites de tal manobra teórico-metodológica. Revisa brevemente estudos sobre (novos) letramento(s) que utilizaram conceitos da Teoria Ator-Rede e conclui que a mesma ainda não foi explorada em todo o seu potencial nesse campo de pesquisa.
Práticas de letramento docente no estágio supervisionado de letras estrangeiras
Authors: Reichmann Carla Lynn
Published: August 2012

Neste artigo discuto a relevância de práticas de letramento no estágio. Alinhando-me aos novos estudos de letramento (BARTON et al., 2000) e considerando a escrita como elemento identitário de formação (KLEIMAN, 2007), adoto a perspectiva bakhtiniana de gênero a fim de investigar relatos autobiográficos alicerçados em fotobiografias escolares produzidas em uma disciplina de estágio em língua estrangeira, em 2011. Neste recorte analiso as vozes enunciativas que ecoam em dois relatos, em especial as vozes de personagem e autor (BRONCKART, 1999; 2006), para sintonizar com as vozes e identidades sociais que se constituem nos textos. Em suma, retomando Kleiman (2006; 2011), saliento o impacto vital do trabalho do professor como agente de letramento, levando em conta a heterogeneidade das trajetórias de letramento e formação.
Not Just in Theory
Authors: Sela Orly
Published: August 2012

This chapter discusses the issue of blended course design, with particular emphasis on a transcultural context. The chapter provides a description of a 3-dimensional model of TBLT curriculum design as implemented in a teacher education institution. The model comprises of a six-step instructional design focusing on the institution’s student population. Four examples of blended courses designed through use of the model and the design process are presented, with particular emphasis on the institution’s transcultural student population. A literature review on issues of blended learning in higher education institutions and transcultural learning is included. The chapter concludes with a discussion of how lecturers in higher education institutions may be able to use the model and design process to successfully construct blended learning courses within a transcultural context.
Blended Learning Design and Teaching Strategies
Authors: Hui-Chuan Wei Peggy , Chin-Yun Huang
Published: August 2012

This chapter reports the findings from a study about the teaching strategies and implementation methods of a blended Program Planning course. An action research design was used to conduct the research. The chapter sought to understand the effectiveness of the teaching strategies that helped achieve the learning objectives. The study found that student’s program planning ability increased significantly after taking the course. Undergraduate, postgraduate, and part-time graduate students show significant improvement after taking this course. However, undergraduate and graduate students excel in different types of abilities. Implications are analyzed for best practices in blended learning and teaching.
Crossing into the Dreamtime
Authors: Bauder Courtney , Thompson John K.
Published: August 2012

It is the intent of this chapter to offer an explanation of a program between a group of university students engaged in a study abroad experience and an elementary school classroom who use blogging as a blended learning tool to share their learning about Australia. This chapter attempts to explain how this informal, yet structured and intentional learning experience can serve as a model for educators who are hoping to implement hybrid or blended learning activities into their primary, secondary, or tertiary curriculum. To justify these claims, this chapter elucidates the power of weblogs as a tool of connection across both real and imagined boundaries and offer educators another instructional strategy that will help to transform and reconceptualize the concept of traditional classrooms. We found that this project can specifically inform the work of teachers, educators, or professionals who want to infuse online education into classroom practice and can highlight some of the benefits of online education for those in the field.
Evaluation of Coronal Microleakage in Two Different Post-Core Systems
Authors: Ayyildiz Simel Tezcan , Bagci Emine Çelik
Published: August 2012

Aims

The aim of this in vitro study was to compare the cast metal and ceramic post-core systems, which have similar laboratory and clinical procedures according to coronal microleakage.

Materials and methods

Forty extracted maxillary anterior teeth were endodontically treated. Specimens were randomly assigned to four experimental groups (n = 10). The groups consisted of a cemented metal post-core group (CMPC), a not cemented metal post-core group (NMPC), a cemented ceramic post-core group (CZPC) and a not cemented ceramic post-core group (NZPC). A dual-cure resin cement (Panavia F) was used for both of the cemented groups. All specimens were stained with basic fuchsine and embedded in epoxy resin. Sagittal sections were obtained using a grinding machine and examined under binocular and coal microscopes. Coronal leakages were scored and data were analyzed using Kruskall-Wallis analysis of variance test.

Results

Results were compared between and within groups. No statistically significant differences were found between groups.

Conclusion

Cement alone is not sufficient to provide a barrier against microleakage in post-core restorations. The chosen post-core type or application methods may be more relevant to the leakage issue.
Accelerated dissolution of iron oxides in ice
Authors: Jeong D. , Kim K. , Choi W.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. Iron dissolution from mineral dusts and soil particles is vital as a source of bioavailable iron in various environmental media. In this work, the dissolution of iron oxide particles trapped in ice was investigated as a~new pathway of iron supply. The dissolution experiments were carried out in the absence and presence of various organic complexing ligands under dark condition. In acidic pH conditions (pH 2, 3, and 4), the dissolution of iron oxides was greatly enhanced in the ice phase compared to that in water. The dissolved iron was mainly in the ferric form, which indicates that the dissolution is not a reductive process. The extent of dissolved iron was greatly affected by the kind of organic complexing ligands and the type of iron oxides. The iron dissolution was most pronounced with high surface area iron oxides and in the presence of strong iron binding ligands. The enhanced dissolution of iron oxides in ice is mainly ascribed to the "freeze concentration effect", which concentrates iron oxide particles, organic ligands, and protons in the liquid-like ice grain boundary region and accelerates the dissolution of iron oxides. The ice-enhanced dissolution effect gradually decreased when decreasing the freezing temperature from −10 °C to −196 °C, which implies that the presence and formation of the liquid-like ice grain boundary region play a critical role. The proposed phenomenon of enhanced dissolution of iron oxides in ice may provide a new pathway of bioavailable iron production. The frozen atmospheric ice with iron-containing dust particles in the upper atmosphere thaws upon descending and may provide bioavailable iron upon deposition onto the ocean surface.
SCIAMACHY WFM-DOAS XCO2: comparison with CarbonTracker XCO2 focusing on aerosols and thin clouds
Authors: Heymann J. , Schneising O. , Reuter M. , Buchwitz M. , Rozanov V. V. , Velazco V. A. , Bovensmann H. , Burrows J. P.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the most important greenhouse gas whose atmospheric loading has been significantly increased by anthropogenic activity leading to global warming. Accurate measurements and models are needed in order to reliably predict our future climate. This, however, has challenging requirements. Errors in measurements and models need to be identified and minimised. In this context, we present a comparison between satellite-derived column-averaged dry air mole fractions of CO2, denoted XCO2, retrieved from SCIAMACHY/ENVISAT using the WFM-DOAS (weighting function modified differential optical absorption spectroscopy) algorithm, and output from NOAA's global CO2 modelling and assimilation system CarbonTracker. We investigate to what extent differences between these two data sets are influenced by systematic retrieval errors due to aerosols and unaccounted clouds. We analyse seven years of SCIAMACHY WFM-DOAS version 2.1 retrievals (WFMDv2.1) using CarbonTracker version 2010. We investigate to what extent the difference between SCIAMACHY and CarbonTracker XCO2 are temporally and spatially correlated with global aerosol and cloud data sets. For this purpose, we use a global aerosol data set generated within the European GEMS project, which is based on assimilated MODIS satellite data. For clouds, we use a data set derived from CALIOP/CALIPSO. We find significant correlations of the SCIAMACHY minus CarbonTracker XCO2 difference with thin clouds over the Southern Hemisphere. The maximum temporal correlation we find for Darwin, Australia (r2 = 54%). Large temporal correlations with thin clouds are also observed over other regions of the Southern Hemisphere (e.g. 43% for South America and 31% for South Africa). Over the Northern Hemisphere the temporal correlations are typically much lower. An exception is India, where large temporal correlations with clouds and aerosols have also been found. For all other regions the temporal correlations with aerosol are typically low. For the spatial correlations the picture is less clear. They are typically low for both aerosols and clouds, but depending on region and season, they may exceed 30% (the maximum value of 46% has been found for Darwin during September to November). Overall we find that the presence of thin clouds can potentially explain a significant fraction of the difference between SCIAMACHY WFMDv2.1 XCO2 and CarbonTracker over the Southern Hemisphere. Aerosols appear to be less of a problem. Our study indicates that the quality of the satellite derived XCO2 will significantly benefit from a reduction of scattering related retrieval errors at least for the Southern Hemisphere.
Validation of OSIRIS mesospheric temperatures using satellite and ground-based measurements
Authors: Sheese P. E. , Strong K. , Llewellyn E. J. , Gattinger R. L. , Russell III J. M. , Boone C. D. , Hervig M. E. , Sica R. J. , Bandoro J.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. The Optical Spectrograph and InfraRed Imaging System (OSIRIS) on the Odin satellite is currently in its 12th year of observing the Earth's limb. For the first time, continuous temperature profiles extending from the stratopause to the upper mesosphere have been derived from OSIRIS observations of Rayleigh-scattered sunlight. OSIRIS temperatures are in good agreement with coincident temperature profiles derived from other satellite and ground-based measurements. In the altitude region of 55–80 km, OSIRIS temperatures are typically within 4–5 K of those from the SABER, ACE-FTS, and SOFIE instruments on the TIMED, SciSat-I, and AIM satellites, respectively. OSIRIS temperatures are typically within 2 K of those from the University of Western Ontario's Purple Crow Lidar in the altitude region of 50–79 km.
Progress and challenges in using stable isotopes to trace plant carbon and water relations across scales
Authors: Werner C. , Schnyder H. , Cuntz M. , Keitel C. , Zeeman M. J. , Dawson T. E. , Badeck F.-W. , Brugnoli E. , Ghashghaie J. , Grams T. E. E. , Kayler Z. E. , Lakatos M. , Lee X. , Máguas C. , Ogée J. , Rascher K. G. , Siegwolf R. T. W. , Unger S. , Welker J. , Wingate L. , Gessler A.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. Stable isotope analysis is a powerful tool for assessing plant carbon and water relations and their impact on biogeochemical processes at different scales. Our process-based understanding of stable isotope signals, as well as technological developments, has progressed significantly, opening new frontiers in ecological and interdisciplinary research. This has promoted the broad utilisation of carbon, oxygen and hydrogen isotope applications to gain insight into plant carbon and water cycling and their interaction with the atmosphere and pedosphere. Here, we highlight specific areas of recent progress and new research challenges in plant carbon and water relations, using selected examples covering scales from the leaf to the regional scale. Further, we discuss strengths and limitations of recent technological developments and approaches and highlight new opportunities arising from unprecedented temporal and spatial resolution of stable isotope measurements.
Variability of synoptic-scale quasi-stationary thermohaline stratification patterns in the Gulf of Finland in summer 2009
Authors: Liblik T. , Lips U.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. We present and analyze high-resolution observational data of thermohaline structure and currents acquired in the Gulf of Finland (Baltic Sea), using an autonomous buoy profiler and bottom-mounted acoustic Doppler current profiler during July–August 2009. Vertical profiles of temperature and salinity were measured in the upper 50-m layer with a 3 h time resolution, and vertical profiles of current velocity and direction were recorded with a 10 min time resolution. Although large temporal variations of vertical temperature and salinity distributions were revealed, it was possible to define several periods with quasi-stationary vertical thermohaline structure. These quasi-stationary stratification patterns persisted for 4–15 days and were dominated by certain physical processes: upwelling, relaxation of upwelling, estuarine circulation and its wind-induced reversal, and downwelling. Vertical profiles of current velocities supported the concept of synoptic-scale, quasi-stationary periods of hydrophysical fields, characterized by distinct layered flow structures and current oscillations. To estimate the contribution of different processes to the changes in stratification, a simple conceptual model was developed. The model accounts for heat flux through the sea surface, wind mixing, wind-induced transport (parallel to the horizontal salinity gradient) in the upper layer, and estuarine circulation. It reproduced observed changes in vertical stratification reasonably well. The largest discrepancies between observations and model results were found when water motions across the Gulf and associated vertical displacements of isopycnals (upwelling or downwelling) were dominant processes.
Luc Ferry, A Brief History of Thought: A Philosophical Guide to Living
Authors: Dauenhauer Bernard
Published: August 2012

Review of Luc Ferry, A Brief History of Thought
Revolution without Guarantees: Community and Subjectivity in Nancy, Lingis, Sartre and Levinas
Authors: Ryder Andrew
Published: August 2012

Jean-Luc Nancy’s The Inoperative Community, a collection of writings first published in 1985 and 1986, suggests an understanding of community as irreducibly linked to finitude. Alongside this, he advocates a redefinition of the project of revolutionary communism. This endeavor draws equally on the writings on communication of Georges Bataille and the insistence on finitude found in Martin Heidegger. First, we should recapitulate Nancy’s argument in order to determine his presentation of a novel politics as well as the links and disjunctions of his predecessors. More than this, I would like to suggest that a reading of Alphonso Lingis’s The Community of Those Who Have Nothing in Common, published almost a decade later, suggests an intriguing and promising extension or modification of Nancy’s argument. In particular, Lingis suggests an understanding of revolution that appears somewhat closer to the Marxist tradition. I argue that this is partly a result of an inheritance from Emmanuel Levinas, and in particular his account of ethical subjectivity, which, surprisingly, can be productively allied with the political thought of Jean-Paul Sartre. This friendship between the ethics of Levinas and the politics of Sartre suggests the best groundwork for Lingis’s development of Nancy’s insights.
Front Matters
Authors: Editors The
Published: August 2012

Editorial board and related information
An Assessment of Epithelial and Mesenchymal Phenotypes in Experimental and Clinical Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Dunmore Rebecca , Carruthers Alan M. , Bell Matthew J. , Zhang Huilan , Hogaboam Cory M. , Peng Xueyang , Herzog Erica L. , Knight Darryl A. , Martinez Fernando J. , Sleeman Matthew A. , Murray Lynne A.
Published: August 2012

Epithelial injury has been implicated as a driving factor for the pathogenesis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). In this study we investigated changes in epithelial and mesenchymal markers in experimental models of fibrosis and associated this with IPF. TGFβ1induced an epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype in A549 cells and normal human bronchial epithelial cells, with A549 cells exhibiting a more profound transition to a mesenchymal phenotype. TGFβ1overexpression in the lungs of mice resulted in an early increase in mesenchymal cell markers and apoptotic genes that preceded collagen deposition, suggesting an early epithelial injury triggers the downstream fibrotic response. In contrast, bleomycin had a gradual increase in mesenchymal cell marker and a decrease in E-cadherin expression that correlated with collagen protein deposition. Finally, we compared normal healthy lung tissue with surgical lung biopsies from IPF patients and observed alterations in epithelial and mesenchymal cell markers, as well as an increase in the apoptotic marker GSK3β. Interestingly, the mesenchymal changes were more profound in rapidly progressive patients in comparison to IPF patients with slowing progressing disease. In summary, this study provides evidence of alterations in epithelial and mesenchymal markers in experimental models of lung fibrosis and how these findings are relevant to clinical disease.
Impact of Wind Power on the Gaseous Pollutants Emissions in Electrical Systems Operating under Constraints
Authors: Vallée François , Versèle Cristophe , Moiny F. , Lobry Jacques
Published: August 2012

An original nonsequential Monte Carlo simulation tool is developed. It permits to compute the optimal dispatch of classical thermal generation in order to minimize pollutants emissions in presence of wind power and under operating constraints.
Development of an Analytical Method for Antimony Speciation in Vegetables by HPLC-Hydride Generation-Atomic Fluorescence Spectrometry
Authors: Olivares David , Bravo Manuel , Feldmann Jorg , Raab Andrea , Neaman Alexander , Quiroz Waldo
Published: August 2012

A new method for antimony speciation in terrestrial edible vegetables (spinach, onions, and carrots) was developed using HPLC with hydride generation-atomic fluorescence spectrometry. Mechanical agitation and ultrasound were tested as extraction techniques. Different extraction reagents were evaluated and optimal conditions were determined using experimental design methodology, where EDTA (10 mmol/L, pH 2.5) was selected because this chelate solution produced the highest extraction yield and exhibited the best compatibility with the mobile phase. The results demonstrated that EDTA prevents oxidation of Sb(III) to Sb(V) and maintains the stability of antimony species during the entire analytical process. The LOD and precision (RSD values obtained) for Sb(V), Sb(III), and trimethyl Sb(V) were 0.08, 0.07, and 0.9 μg/L and 5.0, 5.2, and 4.7%, respectively, for a 100 μL sample volume. The application of this method to real samples allowed extraction of 50% of total antimony content from spinach, while antimony extracted from carrots and onion samples ranged between 50 and 60 and 54 and 70%, respectively. Only Sb(V) was detected in three roots (onion and spinach) that represented 60–70% of the total antimony in the extracts.
Reflectance Near-Infrared Spectroscopic Method with Chemometric Techniques for Simultaneous Determination of Chondroitin, Glucosamine, and Methyl Sulfonyl Methane
Authors: El-Gindy Alaa , Attia Khalid Abdel-Salam , Nassar Mohammad Wafaa , Seda Hamed Hamed Abu , Al-Shabrawi Maisra
Published: August 2012

Reflectance near-IR (RNIR) spectroscopy was used for the simultaneous determination of chondroitin (CH), glucosamine (GO), and methyl sulfonyl methane (MSM) in tablets. Simple sample preparation was done by grinding, sieving, and compression of the tablets for improving RNIR spectra. Principal component regression and partial least squares (PLS-1 and PLS-2) were successfully applied to quantify the three components in the studied mixture using information included in RNIR spectra in the range of 4350–9100 cm–1. The calibration model was developed with drug concentration ranges of 14.5–44.2% (w/w) for CH, 18.4–55.3% (w/w) for GO, and 6–18.6% (w/w) for MSM with addition of tablet excipients to the calibration set in the same ratio as in the tested tablets. The calibration models were evaluated by internal validation, cross-validation, and external validation using synthetic and pharmaceutical preparations. The proposed method was applied for analysis of six batches of the pharmaceutical product. The results of the proposed method were compared with the results of the pharmacopoeial method for the same batch of the pharmaceutical product. No significant differences between the results were found. The RNIR method is accurate and precise, and can be used for QC of pharmaceutical products.
Procedural Revision to the Use-Dilution Methods: Establishment of Maximum Log Density Value for Test Microbes on Inoculated Carriers
Authors: Tomasino Stephen F , Pines Rebecca M , Hamilton Gordon
Published: August 2012

The AOAC Use-Dilution Methods, 955.15 (Staphylococcus aureus) and 964.02 (Pseudomonas aeruginosa), were revised in 2009 to include a standardized procedure to measure the log density of the test microbe and to establish a minimum mean log density value of 6.0 (geometric mean of 1.0 × 106 CFU/carrier) to qualify the test results. This report proposes setting a maximum mean log density value of 7.0 (geometric mean of 1.0 × 107 CFU/carrier) to further standardize the procedure. The minimum value was based on carrier count data collected by four laboratories over an 8-year period (1999–2006). The data have been updated to include an additional 4 years' worth of data (2006–2010) collected by the same laboratories. A total of 512 tests were conducted on products bearing claims against P. aeruginosa and S. aureus with and without an organic soil load (OSL) added to the inoculum (as specified on the product label claim). Six carriers were assayed in each test, for a total of 3072 carriers. Mean log densities for each of the 512 tests were at least 6.0. With the exception of two tests, one for P. aeruginosa without OSL and one for S. aureus with OSL, the mean log densities did not exceed 7.5 (geometric mean of 3.2 × 107 CFU/carrier). Across microbes and OSL treatments, the mean log density (±SEM) was 6.80 (±0.07) per carrier (a geometric mean of 6.32 × 106 CFU/carrier) and acceptable repeatability (0.28) and reproducibility (0.31) SDs were exhibited. A maximum mean log density per carrier of 7.0 is being proposed here as a validity requirement for S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. A modification to the method to allow for dilution of the final test cultures to achieve carrier counts within 6.0–7.0 logs is also being proposed. Establishing a range of 6.0–7.0 logs will help improve the reliability of the method and should allow for more consistent results within and among laboratories.
Gliadin as a Measure of Gluten in Foods Containing Wheat, Rye, and Barley—Enzyme Immunoassay Method Based on a Specific Monoclonal Antibody to the Potentially Celiac Toxic Amino Acid Prolamin Sequences: Collaborative Study
Authors: Immer Ulrike , Haas-Lauterbach Sigrid ,   Collaborators:, Cerne V , Chirdo F , de Sadeleer J , Denery S , Feighery C , Hoertner H , Höhne M , Hoinville A , Iametti S , Immer U , Janssen F , Koeppel E , Malmheden Yman I , Mendez E , Mothes T , Nissler A , Raffler G , Simon E , Thorell L , Vela C , Vidts A
Published: August 2012

The Working Group on Prolamin Analysis and Toxicity (WGPAT) organized a collaborative study to confirm whether the two R5 antibody-based ELISA test kits are able to detect gliadin in the lower mg/kg (ppm) level. Twenty laboratories investigated 12 blind-coded samples, spiked and naturally contaminated, to show the possibility of determining traces of gliadin in heat-treated or nonheat-treated foods by ELISA. It was shown that very small amounts of gliadin (below 100 ppm) could be detected by ELISA with a reproducibility RSDR (37%) and a repeatability RSDr (27%) common for ELISA under these conditions. The recovery of gliadin from the spiked samples was between 84 and 109%, based on the results of all laboratories, including those with poor performance. No false positives were found by the method (P ≤ 0.05), but one negative sample was contaminated during the bakery process. It is recommended that the method be accepted by AOAC as Official First Action.
Stable weighted multiple model adaptive control: discrete‐time stochastic plant
Authors: Zhang Weicun
Published: August 2012

A stable weighted multiple model adaptive control system for uncertain linear, discrete‐time stochastic plant is presented in the paper. First, a new scheme for calculating controller weights is proposed with assured convergence, that is, the controller weight corresponding to the model closest to the true plant converges to 1, and others converge to 0; second, on the basis of virtual equivalent system concept and methodology, the stability of the overall closed‐loop control system is proved under a unified framework which is independent of specific ‘local’ control strategy. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sequence–Structure–Property Relationships of Recombinant Spider Silk Proteins: Integration of Biopolymer Design, Processing, and Modeling
Authors: Krishnaji Sreevidhya Tarakkad , Bratzel Graham , Kinahan Michelle E. , Kluge Jonathan A. , Staii Cristian , Wong Joyce Y. , Buehler Markus J. , Kaplan David L.
Published: August 2012

The mechanical properties of spider silks drive interest as sources of new materials. However, there remains a lot to learn regarding the relationships between sequence, structure, and mechanical properties. In order to predict the types of sequence–functional relationships, synthesis–characterization–computation are integrated using recombinant spider silk‐like block copolymers. Two designs are studied, both with origins from the spider Nephila clavipes. These proteins are studied both experimentally and in silico to understand the relationships between sequence chemistry, processing, structure, and materials function. Films formed from the two proteins are thoroughly characterized. In parallel, molecular modeling is used to assess the propensity of the two sequences to form β‐sheets or crystalline structures. The results demonstrate that the modeling predicts the structural differences between the two silk‐like polymers and these features can also be related to differences in functional outcomes. With this example of relating sequence design (hydrophobic–hydrophilic domains), experiment (genetic design and synthesis), processing (film and fiber formation) and modeling (predictions of crystallinity), synergy among these methods is demonstrated for predictable material outcomes. This approach offers a robust discovery path when looking towards next generation approaches to targeted materials outcomes.
Mesoporous Protein Particles Through Colloidal CaCO3 Templates
Authors: Schmidt Stephan , Behra Muriel , Uhlig Katja , Madaboosi Narayanan , Hartmann Laura , Duschl Claus , Volodkin Dmitry
Published: August 2012

Porous colloidal particles can be tailored using templating techniques to maximize their effectiveness for a wide range of applications, including separation, catalysis, and drug delivery. However, templating usually involves harsh and complex preparation conditions, thereby complicating the fabrication of sensitive bio‐functionalized particles. Here a simple, yet versatile and mild approach us used to create porous protein particles using mesoporous CaCO3 colloids as sacrificial templates. The three‐step preparation procedure involves infiltrating the colloidal templates with the protein by solvent evaporation, protein crosslinking, and removal of CaCO3. Using this method one can obtain porous particles consisting of virtually any protein. To explore the applicability of the particles for various scenarios particles composed of different proteins are fabricated focusing on hemoglobin and trypsin and particle morphology, porosity, mechanical properties, the protein redox state, and enzymatic activity are determined. The results show that the nanoporous template structure is replicated and that the proteins are fully functional. By varying preparation conditions such as crosslinker concentration and protein content the elastic modulus is adjusted in the range of red blood cells. This ensures high deformability upon flow in microchannels and makes the porous protein particles a versatile platform for biomedical applications.
Adding Autonomic Healing Capabilities to Polyethylene Oxide
Authors: Chipara Dorina Magdalena , Flores Maritza , Perez Alma , Puente Nancy , Lozano Karen , Chipara Mircea
Published: August 2012

The addition of autonomic healing (frequently defined as self‐healing) capabilities to a water‐soluble polymer (polyethylene oxide, PEO) is for the first time reported. The self‐healing system consists of urea‐formaldehyde microcapsules filled with dicyclopentadiene and first‐generation Grubbs catalyst, dispersed within polyethylene oxide. Raman spectroscopy, optical microscopy, electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis were used to characterize this autonomic healing system. Self‐healing capabilities were confirmed by mechanical testing (load–displacement, engineering stress–engineering strain, and true stress–true strain dependences) recorded at very slow elongation rates (0.01 mm/s). The testing fate was chosen to allow for the complete consumption of the monomer before fracture (the polymerization kinetics of PEO was estimated from Raman measurements). © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 32: E505–E513, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/adv.21296
Effect of Surface Modification on the Properties of a Superfine Down Powder Filled Polypropylene Fiber
Authors: Wu Zhongbo , Wang Luoxin , Gan Houlei , Zou Hantao , Yi Changhai , Xu Weilin
Published: August 2012

The superfine down powder (SDP) was chemically modified using phenyl isocyanate (PI) and octadecyl isocyanate(ODI), respectively. The wetting behavior of water on the SDP surface was observed by the contact angle. The modified and unmodified SDP‐filled polypropylene (PP/SDP) fibers were prepared and characterized by the moisture absorption experiments and thermal and mechanical analysis. The PI‐ and ODI‐modification improved the hydrophobic property of SDP, and the excellent moisture absorption of SDP remained as such. The addition of SDP improved the moisture absorption and thermal stability of the PP fiber. The modification of PI and ODI strengthened the mechanical property of the blend fiber. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 32: E514–E519, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/adv.21297
Synthesis and Characterization of pH Responsive Conductive Composites of Poly(acrylic acid‐co‐acrylamide) Impregnated with Polyaniline by Interfacial Polymerization
Authors: Boruah Monalisha , Kalita Amarjyoti , Pokhrel Binod , Dolui Swapan Kumar , Boruah Ratan
Published: August 2012

Electrically conducting composite hydrogels of poly(acrylic acid‐co‐acrylamide) and polyaniline were prepared by a simple two‐step synthesis process using an aqueous polymerization technique at room temperature and interfacial polymerization of aniline at a water/organic‐solvent interface. The structures of the hydrogels so prepared were confirmed using Fourier transform infrared, UV–vis, X‐ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy methods. The tensile strengths of the hydrogels were determined using a standard method (universal testing machine), whereas the electrical conductivities of composite hydrogels of varying compositions were evaluated using a four‐probe method. The bending behavior of the conducting hydrogels was investigated by using the effective bending angle method. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 32: E520–E530, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/adv.21298
Water and Dye Uptake Studies of Acrylamide/4‐Styrenesulfonic Acid Sodium Salt Copolymers and Semi‐Interpenetrating Polymer Networks Composed of Gelatin and/or PVA
Authors: Karadaǧ Erdener , Kundakci Semi̇ha
Published: August 2012

Gelatin (GEL) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) based semi‐interpenetrating polymer network (semi‐IPN) hydrogels were prepared as a water adsorbent for cationic dye (methyl violet, MV) sorption. For this case, chemically cross‐linked copolymer of an acrylamide/4‐styrenesulfonic acid sodium salt (AAm/SSS) copolymer with PVA and/or GEL was prepared by polymerization of aqueous solution of acrylamide (AAm) and 4‐styrenesulfonic acid sodium salt (SSS) using ammonium persulfate/N,N,N',N'‐ tetramethylethylenediamine as a redox initiating pair in the presence of poly(ethylene glycol)diacrylate as a cross‐linker. FT‐IR analysis was used to identify the presence of different repeating units in the semi‐IPNs. Surface morphology was characterized by using a scanning electron microscopy technique. Some swelling and diffusion characteristics were calculated for different semi‐IPNs and hydrogels prepared under various formulations. Water uptake and dye sorption properties of the cross‐linked polymeric systems, such as AAm/SSS, AAm/GEL/SSS, AAm/PVA/SSS, and AAm/GEL/PVA/SSS hydrogel systems, were investigated as a function of chemical composition of the hydrogels. MV is used in sorption studies. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 32: E531–E544, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/adv.21299
Microphase Separation in Unsaturated Polyester/ PEO‐PPO‐PEO Block Copolymer Mixtures Containing Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Espósito Leandro H. , Ramos José A. , Builes Daniel H. , Kortaberria Galder , Mondragon Iñaki
Published: August 2012

Irregular nanoscale micellar morphology was achieved by mixing an amphiphilic poly(ethylene oxide)‐b‐poly(propylene oxide)‐b‐poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO‐PPO‐PEO) triblock copolymer with an orthophthalic unsaturated polyester (UP) matrix. These systems were observed fully transparent. Modified matrices were filled with several multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) contents. Morphological analysis indicated a better dispersion of MWCNT with the use of a block copolymer when compared with a neat UP matrix/MWCNT composite, PEO‐PPO‐PEO acting like a surfactant. Furthermore, MWCNT did not affect the achievement of the irregular nanoscale micellar morphology. A reduction of mechanical properties of the composites with the block copolymer content was observed for UP/PEO‐PPO‐PEO composites without MWCNT. With the addition of MWCNT up to 0.5 wt% content, mechanical properties increased, decreasing again for 1 wt% MWCNT content probably due to the formation of agglomerates despite the use of the block copolymer as a surfactant. Flexural properties of composites decreased due to the incorporation of PEO‐PPO‐PEO copolymer, but significant higher levels of ductility were achieved. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 32: E572–E581, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/adv.21302
High Fill Factor Polymer Solar Cells Incorporating a Low Temperature Solution Processed WO3 Hole Extraction Layer
Authors: Stubhan Tobias , Li Ning , Luechinger Norman A. , Halim Samuel C. , Matt Gebhard J. , Brabec Christoph J.
Published: August 2012

We demonstrate solution‐processed tungsten trioxide (WO3) incorporated as hole extraction layer (HEL) in polymer solar cells (PSCs) with active layers comprising either poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) or poly[(4,4'‐bis(2‐ethylhexyl)dithieno[3,2‐b:2′,3′‐d]silole)‐2,6‐diyl‐alt‐(4,7‐bis(2‐thienyl)‐2,1,3‐benzothiadiazole)‐5,50‐diyl] (Si‐PCPDTBT) mixed with a fullerene derivative. The WO3 layers are deposited from an alcohol‐based, surfactant‐free nanoparticle solution. A short, low‐temperature (80 °C) annealing is sufficient to result in fully functional films without the need for an oxygen‐plasma treatment. This allows the application of the WO3 buffer layer in normal as well as inverted architecture solar cells. Normal architecture devices based on WO3 HELs show comparable performance to the PEDOT:PSS reference devices with slightly better fill factors and open circuit voltages. Very high shunt resistances (over 1 MΩ cm2) and excellent diode rectification underline the charge selectivity of the solution‐processed WO3 layers.