bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Brown Spider (Loxosceles genus) Venom Toxins: Tools for Biological Purposes
Authors: Chaim Olga Meiri , Trevisan-Silva Dilza , Chaves-Moreira Daniele , Wille Ana Carolina M. , Ferrer Valéria Pereira , Matsubara Fernando Hitomi , Mangili Oldemir Carlos , Silveira Rafael Bertoni da , Gremski Luiza Helena , Gremski Waldemiro , Senff-Ribeiro Andrea , Veiga Silvio Sanches
Published: March 2011

Venomous animals use their venoms as tools for defense or predation. These venoms are complex mixtures, mainly enriched of proteic toxins or peptides with several, and different, biological activities. In general, spider venom is rich in biologically active molecules that are useful in experimental protocols for pharmacology, biochemistry, cell biology and immunology, as well as putative tools for biotechnology and industries. Spider venoms have recently garnered much attention from several research groups worldwide. Brown spider (Loxosceles genus) venom is enriched in low molecular mass proteins (5–40 kDa). Although their venom is produced in minute volumes (a few microliters), and contain only tens of micrograms of protein, the use of techniques based on molecular biology and proteomic analysis has afforded rational projects in the area and permitted the discovery and identification of a great number of novel toxins. The brown spider phospholipase-D family is undoubtedly the most investigated and characterized, although other important toxins, such as low molecular mass insecticidal peptides, metalloproteases and hyaluronidases have also been identified and featured in literature. The molecular pathways of the action of these toxins have been reported and brought new insights in the field of biotechnology. Herein, we shall see how recent reports describing discoveries in the area of brown spider venom have expanded biotechnological uses of molecules identified in these venoms, with special emphasis on the construction of a cDNA library for venom glands, transcriptome analysis, proteomic projects, recombinant expression of different proteic toxins, and finally structural descriptions based on crystallography of toxins.
Actin’ up: Herpesvirus Interactions with Rho GTPase Signaling
Authors: Van den Broeke Céline , Favoreel Herman W.
Published: March 2011

Herpesviruses constitute a very large and diverse family of DNA viruses, which can generally be subdivided in alpha-, beta- and gammaherpesvirus subfamilies. Increasing evidence indicates that many herpesviruses interact with cytoskeleton-regulating Rho GTPase signaling pathways during different phases of their replication cycle. Because of the large differences between herpesvirus subfamilies, the molecular mechanisms and specific consequences of individual herpesvirus interactions with Rho GTPase signaling may differ. However, some evolutionary distinct but similar general effects on Rho GTPase signaling and the cytoskeleton have also been reported. Examples of these include Rho GTPase-mediated nuclear translocation of virus during entry in a host cell and Rho GTPase-mediated viral cell-to-cell spread during later stages of infection. The current review gives an overview of both general and individual interactions of herpesviruses with Rho GTPase signaling.
Les origines d'Angers
Authors: Provost M.
Published: March 2011

Au cours de la Préhistoire, les basses terrasses de la Maine sont indifféremment occupées par les chasseurs. Les découvertes d'outils du Néolithique et de l'âge du bronze ne prouvent nullement l'implantation d'une agglomération sur le site d'Angers. Les traces de la Tène I-II-III sont même mystérieusement absentes. Aucune population n'occupe le site au début de la Guerre des Gaules.

Par contre, peu après la fin de cette même guerre, les lieux semblent occupés par une population gauloise. Archéologiquement Juliomagus est « née » dans les vingt dernières années du Ier siècle avant J.-C. Dès cette époque, cette ville neuve, créée pour servir de capitale au peuple gaulois des Andécaves, atteint son extension maximale.
La réduction des prélèvements sur les entreprises
Authors: Ullmo Bernard
Published: March 2011

The reduction of corporate tax and social security contributions,

by Bernard Ullmo.

Beyond the sharp controversies in terms of economic doctrine relative to the reduction of corporate taxes and social security contributions, this paper will seek to test the issue by resting its argumentation on the findings of macroeconometric models and of theoretical and empirical surveys.

We intended to test two current assumptions:

that, according to the fixed-prices temporary equilibrium theory, firms which operate under a "classical régime" tend to invest all of the transfer payments made to them, whereas firms under a Keynesian regime tend to employ such transfer payments in other ways;

that a large proportion of French firms find themselves currently operating under a "classical régime", owing to the low profit-rate that limits their growth.

Yet, none of the experimental methods used in this research, have clearly demonstrated the existence of such a large proportion of firms following the pattern set by the classical regime. Furthermore, the overall efficiency of a policy of reduction of corporate taxes and social security contributions is not to be found in the circuits by which public transfer payments are turned into productive investments. But other efficient though indirect mechanisms should not be excluded, the policy appears to produce its most favourable results whenever the sharpest drops in domestic prices are obtained, and the repercussion on export prices and on the volume of imports and exports maximized. The model Metric, unlike Dms and Copain. substantiates the favourable pattern of behaviour.

In summary, there is some uncertainty as to the regimes, and by way of consequence, the investment behaviours, the wage-price cycles and the sub-model related to foreign-trade. Therefore, there could be no decisive evidence in support of the desirability of a reduction of corporate taxes and social security contributions.
La politique budgétaire britannique
Authors: Santini Jean-Jacques
Published: March 2011

Fiscal Policy in United Kigdom,

by Jean-Jacques Santini.

Since the second World War British economic policy, largely based on Keynesian theory, has relied essentially on fiscal policy to regulate the economy.

Since the beginning of the 1970s many observers have cast a critical eye on this approach and on the almost uninterrupted increase of the weight of public sector in the economy, which presumably explains most of british economic problems.

The coming to office of the Conservative party in May 1979 strenghened the pervasive influence of this school of thought. Reducing public deficits and the role of the State in the economy have since become the top priorities in British economic policy.

The aims of the present study are to analyse the broad outlines of this strategy, taking due account of the specific institutional context of the United Kingdom and to caractenze the dynamics of the major budget outlays for almost twenty years.

Despite major reforms affecting a large number of British institutions (privatisation, local council autonomy...), the role and content of fiscal policy and the increase in taxation and expenditure have only been slightly curbed. However, the full impact of these reforms cannot be assessed yet. The share of the public sector in the economy should decline in the coming years under the infuence of various factors such as large-scale privatisation or reduced government intervention, with the resulting repercussions on budgetary dynamics.
Les surcotes à Brest depuis un siècle : analyse des paramètres météorologiques influents à l'échelle locale
Authors: Bouligand Romuald , Tabeaud Martine
Published: March 2011

Positive and negative sea surges are short periods events among the most extreme oceanic phenomena due to the climatic variability. A phenomenological study of hourly tide-gauge records at Brest, at local scale, allow to show strong relation between evolutions of pressure, wind speed and direction and positives sea surges. Pressure is often prevailing for weak intensities of positive sea surges, whereas wind speed is the most important parameter during highest events. Their duration seems to be controlled by wind direction, without neglecting two others parameters.
Mutations et pratiques d'un nouveau territoire : les effets de l'implantation du site nucléaire de Chinon sur la commune de Bourgueil. De la complexification des pratiques citadinistes sur un substrat rural
Authors: Fontaine Benoît , Jean Yves
Published: March 2011

En 1957, s'installe au cœur du Bourgueillois, le premier site nucléaire en France. C'est dans un espace rural chargé d'histoire que vont s'opérer des changements radicaux au niveau économique, démographique, social et politique. Dans la recherche d'une intégration par les populations exogènes et la sauvegarde d'une identité rurale forte de la population autochtone, le mixage va progresser vers la mise en place de nouvelles territorialités duales entre un pittoresque rural et des pratiques proches de la citadinité.
L'extrémité du Cap Sizun : restauration de la nature et tourisme. L'opération grand site de la pointe du Raz, de la pointe du Van et de la baie des Trépassés
Authors: Desdoigts Jean-Yves
Published: March 2011

Together, the Raz Point, Trépassés Bay and Van Point are natural territories whose touristic success has led to great damage to landscapes and environment. Since the end of eighties, the process of rehabilitaton has enabled both to clear the landscape of foreign elements, and to restore the environment by replanting and managing paths for visitors. All the realizations and the first results are described.
Espaces touristiques et territoires identitaires en Bretagne
Authors: Gaugue Anne
Published: March 2011

The image of Brittany as found in touristic leaflets is largely based on XIXth century scientific studies. They emphasize the Celtic heritage and button history up to 1532, when Brittany became part of the kingdom of France. Touristic advents insist on the specificity of this region within the french nation — thus meeting tourits expectations.
La Grande-Motte : une ville-station touristique
Authors: Rieucau Jean
Published: March 2011

La Grande-Motte (6 458 résidents permanents en 1999), lieu touristique réputé sur la côte orientale du Languedoc, constitue également une « ville-station » qui juxtapose une « ville permanente » et une « ville saisonnière ». La forte saisonnalité de sa fréquentation touristique (juillet et août) tend à s'atténuer grâce à l'utilisation, toute l'année, par les citadins provenant du corridor urbain du Languedoc oriental, des nouveaux équipements touristiques (palais des congrès, golf, institut de thalassothérapie, centre aquatique) qui s'ajoutent au port de plaisance.
Commerce et dynamique de centre-ville : l'exemple du Mans
Authors: Gasnier Arnaud
Published: March 2011

The centre vitality's question or its revival must be asked for Le Mans and many other towns in front of activities and services new centres development in the outskirts. If new dynamics happened from the eighties in the centre of the town, the retail reconstructions produced seem to be disparate and ambivalent on spatial and structural levels.
Le littoral d'Agon-Coutainville (Manche). Notes sur son évolution morphologique
Authors: De Saint-Denis Guy
Published: March 2011

Sur le littoral d'Agon-Coutainville (Manche-France), les processus naturels ont tantôt joué à peu près librement, tantôt été contrariés par des actions anthropiques (extractions de sable et gravier, digues et épis). A partir d'archives, de cartes et d'observations personnelles, l'évolution de l'estran et du cordon littoral, depuis la fin du XVIIIème siècle, fournit, sur une côte à très fortes marées, des exemples d'érosion, d'équilibre et de progression du rivage.
L'adduction d'eau potable en Limousin, une problématique régionale
Authors: Meunier François
Published: March 2011

Le thème de l'eau potable, longtemps sous-évalué, cet devenu tout à fait fondamental, tant au niveau économique, qu'au niveau environnemental. En effet, il s'agit d'un sujet très actuel, avec l'instauration de normes de potabilité de plue en plus rigoureuses, depuis 1992, des usages tree exigeante et de mieux en mieux informée. La problématique limousine concernant la quection de l'eau potable cet particulièrement spécifique à cette région, puisqu'il s'agit d'un «pays » de sources et d'eaux abondante mais dont la gestion s'avère délicate. Les sources, largement utilisées pour ravitailler les usagers, présentent en général de faibles réserves et de faibles débits car le sous-sol, constitué essentiellement de roches primaires imperméables très résistantes, ne permet pas la constitution d'importantes réserves souterraines en eau. Les communes limousines doivent aussi gérer d'autres handicaps, comme l'augmentation de la consommation d'eau malgré une baisse générale de la population, et des disponibilités financière souvent faibles, rendant difficiles l'entretien, la rénovation ou le renforcement des réseaux.
Analyse spatiale de l'impact d'une perturbation anthropique sur un herbier de zostères en baie de Locquirec (Bretagne nord)
Authors: Fournier Jérôme
Published: March 2011

The submarine eelgrasses are present on the major part of sandy coasts of Brittany. They are essentials for the well functionning of all coastals ecosystems and biodiversity is very important. The cartography and the dynamic analysis of this plant association are beforehand a politic of conservation.
Évolution des espaces ruraux à partir des pratiques et des représentations liées à la scolarisation maternelle et primaire
Authors: Bouju Anne
Published: March 2011

Les rapports à l'école des familles, des élus, des enseignants participent de la recomposition des espaces ruraux. L'analyse des pratiques et des représentations permet d'envisager la construction sociale des territoires telle quelle s'opère localement et dans le temps. Nous présentons des dynamiques communales et les traits des systèmes de qualification des écoles par les familles. L'analyse de la construction de ces représentations montre comment l'image de l'école est associée à l'image du territoire, et l'importance de la territorialisation des faits sociaux, au sens où ce qui se vit localement, la façon dont les familles perçoivent l'école au quotidien, modifie ou renforce certains comportements de prise de distance, d'engagement ou d'évitement. Sont alors soulevés les enjeux de l'utilisation et des contenus accordés aux notions de rural et d'urbain.
Restructuration de la Marine à Rochefort. Les nouveaux enjeux liés au patrimoine et à l'image urbaine
Authors: Ricaud-Dussarget Jean-Luc
Published: March 2011

La restructuration de la Marine touche de plein fouet la ville arsenal de Rochefort. D'ici 2002, 300 hectares et 144 000 m2 de plancher devraient être libérés par le ministère de la Défense et 150 emplois devraient être supprimés au minimum. Si Rochefort a su jusqu'à présent faire face au désengagement de la Marine, les nouvelles mesures apparaissent assez problématiques. Ce peut être néanmoins l'occasion pour la ville défaire vivre le patrimoine et de renforcer son image urbaine, en s'inspirant par exemple des expériences anglo-saxonnes. Il apparaît notamment nécessaire de créer un effet de levier pour les investissements privés.
Low levels of population genetic structure in Pinus contorta (Pinaceae) across a geographic mosaic of co‐evolution
Authors: Parchman Thomas L. , Benkman Craig W. , Jenkins Brittany , Buerkle C. Alex
Published: March 2011

• Premise of the study: Population genetic analyses provide information on the population context in which evolutionary processes operate and are important for understanding the evolution of geographically variable traits. Earlier studies showed that cone structure of lodgepole pine in the Rocky Mountains diverged among populations because of geographic variation in coevolutionary interactions involving mammalian and avian seed predators. Analyses of population genetic variation are needed to determine whether this divergence has arisen despite extensive gene flow and whether populations to the east and west of the Rocky Mountains have evolved convergent phenotypes independently.

• Methods: We investigated genetic structuring across 22 stands of lodgepole pine in the central Rocky Mountains and in isolated peripheral populations that experience different seed predators and exhibit parallel divergence in cone traits using a set of nine simple sequence repeats and 235 AFLP loci.

• Key results: Our analyses reveal high levels of genetic diversity within and low genetic differentiation among populations. Nonetheless, geographic and genetic distances were correlated, and isolated populations to the east and west of the Rocky Mountains had higher levels of differentiation than did populations in the central part of the range.

• Conclusions: These data indicate not only that adaptive divergence of cone traits across a geographic mosaic of coevolution has occurred despite minimal genetic differentiation, but also that isolated populations to the east and west of the Rocky Mountains have evolved distinctive cones independently and in parallel. The population structure quantified here will inform future research aimed at detecting genetic variants associated with divergent adaptive traits.
Regioselective ester cleavage during the preparation of bisphosphonate methacrylate monomers
Authors: Chougrani Kamel , Niel Gilles , Boutevin Bernard , David Ghislain
Published: March 2011

New functional monomers bearing a methacrylate, a bisphosphonate function and, for most, an internal carboxylate group, were prepared for incorporation into copolymers with adhesive or anticorrosive properties. Methanolysis of some trimethylsilyl bisphosphonate esters not only deprotects the desired bisphosphonate function but also regioselectively cleaves the alkyl ester function without affecting the methacrylate ester.
Résistance au changement de l’institution policière et criminalité évolutive : un paradoxe
Authors: Diaz Frédéric , Desbiens Daniel
Published: March 2011

La police aux prises à des résistances aux changements au sein de son institution est-elle en capacité de faire face à l’évolution de la criminalité ? À travers les réformes les plus récentes de la police et notamment la police communautaire, les auteurs tracent le portrait d’une institution qui doit faire face à deux situations opposées et paradoxales. D’un côté des tentatives de réformes pour répondre aux exigences de sécurité des citoyens ; de l’autre, un corps professionnel rétif aux changements qui doit lutter contre une criminalité adaptative. Dans cet article il s’agira de ressortir un modèle conceptuel pour intégrer le changement et la résistance au changement de l’institution policière. Ainsi, la police n’a d’autres choix que de changer la culture organisationnelle et surmonter les résistances par la formation, les critères d’embauche, l’évaluation du rendement et la promotion. Mais au final, les auteurs tendent à montrer que ce qui doit changer, au fond, ce n’est pas tant les discours que les actions et les mentalités.
Analgesia - Methods and Protocols
Authors: Allegri Massimo
Published: March 2011

Even if pain is the one of the most common human experience, it is still difficult to describe it accurately and this fact represents a major challenge for researchers and clinicians. The IASP (International Association for the Study of Pain) defines pain as “unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage, or described in terms of such damage”, emphasizing at the same time its emotional aspect and the fact that in many case it is difficult to demonstrate a reliable damage. Nevertheless, as prof. Szallasi underlined in his introduction, pain, and especially chronic pain, still remains undertreated even though it is affecting even more people than that entailed by pain’s description: this fact has important social and economical implications.......
Representing Multipliers of the Fourier Algebra on Non-Commutative Lp Spaces
Authors: Daws Matthew
Published: March 2011

We show that the multiplier algebra of the Fourier algebra on a locally compact group G can be isometrically represented on a direct sum on non-commutative Lp spaces associated with the right von Neumann algebra of G. The resulting image is the idealiser of the image of the Fourier algebra. If these spaces are given their canonical operator space structure, then we get a completely isometric representation of the completely bounded multiplier algebra. We make a careful study of the noncommutative Lp spaces we construct and show that they are completely isometric to those considered recently by Forrest, Lee, and Samei. We improve a result of theirs about module homomorphisms. We suggest a definition of a Figa-Talamanca–Herz algebra built out of these non-commutative Lp spaces, say . It is shown that is isometric to L1(G), generalising the abelian situation.
Involutions Fixing Fn ∪ ﹛Indecomposable﹜
Authors: Pergher Pedro L. Q.
Published: March 2011

Let Mm be an m-dimensional, closed and smooth manifold, equipped with a smooth involution T : Mm → Mm whose fixed point set has the form Fn ∪ Fj, where Fn and Fj are submanifolds with dimensions n and j, Fj is indecomposable and n > j. Write n – j = 2pq, where q ≥ 1 is odd and p ≥ 0, and set m(n– j) = 2n + p–q +1 if p ≤ q +1 and m(n– j) = 2n +2p–q if p ≥ q. In this paper we show that m ≤ m(n – j) + 2j + 1. Further, we show that this bound is almost best possible, by exhibiting examples (Mm(n–j)+2j, T) where the fixed point set of T has the form Fn ∪ Fj described above, for every 2 ≤ j < n and j not of the form 2t – 1 (for j = 0 and 2, it has been previously shown that m(n – j) + 2 j is the best possible bound). The existence of these bounds is guaranteed by the famous 5/2-theorem of J. Boardman, which establishes that under the above hypotheses .
A Note on the Vanishing of Certain Local Cohomology Modules
Authors: Hellus M.
Published: March 2011

For a finite module M over a local, equicharacteristic ring (R, m), we show that the well-known formula cd(m,M) = dim M becomes trivial if ones uses Matlis duals of local cohomology modules together with spectral sequences. We also prove a new ring-theoretic vanishing criterion for local cohomology modules.
Possible interaction between thermal electrons and vibrationally excited N2 in the lower E-region
Authors: Oyama K.-I. , Shimoyama M. , Liu J. Y. , Cheng C. Z.
Published: March 2011

Abstract. As one of the tasks to find the energy source(s) of thermal electrons, which elevate(s) electron temperature higher than neutral temperature in the lower ionosphere E-region, energy distribution function of thermal electron was measured with a sounding rocket at the heights of 93–131 km by the applying second harmonic method. The energy distribution function showed a clear hump at the energy of ~0.4 eV. In order to find the reason of the hump, we conducted laboratory experiment. We studied difference of the energy distribution functions of electrons in thermal energy range, which were measured with and without EUV radiation to plasma of N2/Ar and N2/O2 gas mixture respectively. For N2/Ar gas mixture plasma, the hump is not clearly identified in the energy distribution of thermal electrons. On the other hand for N2/O2 gas mixture, which contains vibrationally excited N2, a clear hump is found when irradiated by EUV. The laboratory experiment seems to suggest that the hump is produced as a result of interaction between vibrationally excited N2 and thermal electrons, and this interaction is the most probable heating source for the electrons of thermal energy range in the lower E-region. It is also suggested that energy distribution of the electrons in high energy part may not be Maxwellian, and DC probe measures the electrons which are non Maxwellian, and therefore "electron temperature" is calculated higher.
Phenological response of vegetation to upstream river flow in the Heihe Rive basin by time series analysis of MODIS data
Authors: Jia L. , Shang H. , Hu G. , Menenti M.
Published: March 2011

Abstract. Liquid and solid precipitation is abundant in the high elevation, upper reach of the Heihe River basin in northwestern China. The development of modern irrigation schemes in the middle reach of the basin is taking up an increasing share of fresh water resources, endangering the oasis and traditional irrigation systems in the lower reach. In this study, the response of vegetation in the Ejina Oasis in the lower reach of the Heihe River to the water yield of the upper catchment was analyzed by time series analysis of monthly observations of precipitation in the upper and lower catchment, river streamflow downstream of the modern irrigation schemes and satellite observations of vegetation index. Firstly, remotely sensed NDVI data acquired by Terra-MODIS are used to monitor the vegetation dynamic for a seven years period between 2000 and 2006. Due to cloud-contamination, atmospheric influence and different solar and viewing angles, however, the quality and consistence of time series of remotely sensed NDVI data are degraded. A Fourier Transform method – the Harmonic Analysis of Time Series (HANTS) algorithm – is used to reconstruct cloud- and noise-free NDVI time series data from the Terra-MODIS NDVI dataset. Modification is made on HANTS by adding additional parameters to deal with large data gaps in yearly time series in combination with a Temporal-Similarity-Statistics (TSS) method developed in this study to seek for initial values for the large gap periods. Secondly, the same Fourier Transform method is used to model time series of the vegetation phenology. The reconstructed cloud-free NDVI time series data are used to study the relationship between the water availability (i.e. the local precipitation and upstream water yield) and the evolution of vegetation conditions in Ejina Oasis from 2000 to 2006. Anomalies in precipitation, streamflow, and vegetation index are detected by comparing each year with the average year. The results showed that: the previous year total runoff had a significant relationship with the vegetation growth in Ejina Oasis and that anomalies in the spring monthly runoff of the Heihe River influenced the phenology of vegetation in the entire oasis. Warmer climate expressed by the degree-days showed positive influence on the vegetation phenology in particular during drier years. The time of maximum green-up is uniform throughout the oasis during wetter years, but showed a clear S-N gradient (downstream) during drier years.
Huge internal waves in the vicinity of the Spitsbergen Island (Barents Sea)
Authors: Kurkina O. E. , Talipova T. G.
Published: March 2011

Abstract. The generation of huge amplitude internal waves by the barotropic tide in the Barents Sea at high latitudes is examined using the numerical model of the Euler 2-D equations for incompressible stratified fluid. The area considered is located between the Spitsbergen (Svalbard) Island and the Franz-Victoria Trough with a cross-section of 350 km length. There are two underwater hills about 100–150 m high on the background depth of about 300 m. It is shown that intensive nonlinear internal waves with amplitudes up to 50 m and lengths of about 6–12 km are generated in this zone. The total height of such waves is huge and they must be considered as a significant factor of the environment in this basin.
Results and Complications after Implantation of a Black Iris-Lens Diaphragm in Patients with Traumatically Induced Aphakia and Aniridia
Authors: Petousis Vasileios , Krause Lothar , Willerding Gregor , Foerster Michael H. , Bechrakis Nikolaos E.
Published: March 2011

Purpose.

The black iris-lens diaphragm (ILD) can be used in the treatment of traumatic aniridia and aphakia. The aim of our study was to show postoperative functional and anatomic results and complications in a small case series.

Methods.

We retrospectively analyzed the files of 16 patients managed with a black ILD or a sole iris diaphragm in the period 1994–2007. Four of them were female and 12 were male. The mean age of the group was 50±17 years. At the time of the implantation, all of the eyes had already undergone primary surgical repair.

Results.

The preoperative best-corrected visual acuity in half of the patients was ≥0.1 and remained stable after the first postoperative year. During the follow-up years, one eye developed a subluxation of the implant and one eye an anterior chamber hemorrhage. At the same time, out of 8 eyes carrying a silicone tamponade in the vitreous cavity, silicone oil entered the anterior chamber in 3 cases. In one case, enucleation was undertaken due to phthisis.

Conclusions.

In the case of severely traumatized eyes with aniridia and aphakia, the implantation of a black ILD can have a positive effect on functional and anatomic stabilization.
The Book of The Watchers (1 Enoch 1–36): An Anti-Mosaic, Non-Mosaic, or Even Pro-Mosaic Writing?
Authors: Bachmann Veronika
Published: March 2011

The Book of the Watchers (BW) is generally considered a non-Mosaic if not an anti-Mosaic writing. In more recent research, discussions on the meaning of such labels are ever so prevalent. Nevertheless, the positions do not move far beyond the common patterns of interpretation. The present paper explores the different presuppositions and arguments supporting the assumption of the non- or even anti-Mosaic character of the BW and proposes a reading beyond the antagonism “Enochic” versus “Mosaic.”
The Consequences of Interface Mixing on Organic Photovoltaic Device Characteristics
Authors: Huang David M. , Mauger Scott A. , Friedrich Stephan , George Simon J. , Dumitriu‐LaGrange Daniela , Yoon Sook , Moulé Adam J.
Published: March 2011

Organic bulk‐heterojunction solar cells are being developed as a low‐cost alternative to inorganic photovoltaics. A key step to producing high‐efficiency bulk‐heterojunction devices is film curing using either heat or a solvent atmosphere. All of the literature examining the curing process have assumed that improvement of the bulk‐heterojunction morphology is the reason for the increased filling factor, short‐circuit current density, and efficiency following heat or solvent treatment. We show in this article that heat treatment causes the donor polymer (P3HT) and polymer electrode (PEDOT:PSS) to mix physically to form an interface layer. This interface layer is composed of a mixture of P3HT and PSS in which the P3HT is oxidized to P3HT+. This mixed layer affects the open‐circuit voltage and compensation voltage by limiting the dark current. This result implies that a simplistic description of the P3HT/PEDOT:PSS contact as a sharp interface between bulk P3HT and bulk PEDOT:PSS cannot adequately capture its electrical characteristics.
Ultrathin TiN Membranes as a Technology Platform for CMOS‐Integrated MEMS and BioMEMS Devices
Authors: Birkholz M. , Ehwald K.‐E. , Kulse P. , Drews J. , Fröhlich M. , Haak U. , Kaynak M. , Matthus E. , Schulz K. , Wolansky D.
Published: March 2011

A standard complementary metal‐oxide‐semiconductor (CMOS) process is successfully modified to encompass the preparation of suspended TiN membranes of only 50 nm thickness from one of the metal layer stacks of the back‐end flow. The layers’ elastomechanical constants are determined with high precision by laser Doppler vibrometry. Residual stress gradients are compensated and a state of moderate tensile strain is introduced into the membranes. Test systems of TiN beams and bridges operating in a capacitive coupling scheme are optimized for the low voltage range attainable with CMOS devices. TiN actuators are particularly suited for applications in biotechnology like sensing of pressure or viscosity in microfluidic devices due to their high corrosion resistance in liquid electrolyte surroundings. The established inclusion of the process in a CMOS pilot line enables the production of cheap and monolithically integrated microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and bio‐microelectromechanical systems (BioMEMS) devices.
Investigating Morphology and Stability of Fac‐tris (2‐phenylpyridyl)iridium(III) Films for OLEDs
Authors: Smith Arthur R. G. , Ruggles Jeremy L. , Cavaye Hamish , Shaw Paul E. , Darwish Tamim A. , James Michael , Gentle Ian R. , Burn Paul L.
Published: March 2011

Stable film morphology is critical for long‐term high performance organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs). Neutron reflectometry (NR) is used to study the out‐of‐plane structure of blended thin films and multilayer structures comprising evaporated small molecules. It is found that as‐prepared blended films of fac‐tris(2‐phenylpyridyl)iridium(III) [Ir(ppy)3] in 4,4′‐bis(N‐carbazolyl)biphenyl (CBP) are uniformly mixed, but the occurrence of phase separation upon thermal annealing is dependent on the blend ratio. Films comprised of the ratio of 6 wt% of Ir(ppy)3 in CBP typically used in OLEDs are found to phase separate with moderate heating while a higher weight percent mixture (12 wt%) is found to be stable. Furthermore, it is found that thermal annealing of a multilayer film comprised of typical layers found in efficient devices ([tris(4‐carbazoyl‐9‐ylphenyl)amine (TCTA)/Ir(ppy)3:CBP/bathocuproine (BCP)]) causes the BCP layer to become mixed with the emissive blend layer, whereas the TCTA interface remains unchanged. This significant structural change causes no appreciable difference in the photo­luminescence of the stack although such a change would have a dramatic effect on the charge transport through the device, leading to changes in performance. These results demonstrate the effect of thermal stress on the delicate interplay between the chemical composition and morphology of OLED films.
Carbon Nanotube Alignment via Electrohydrodynamic Patterning of Nanocomposites
Authors: Goldberg‐Oppenheimer Pola , Eder Dominik , Steiner Ullrich
Published: March 2011

Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) pattern formation in carbon nanotube‐polymer composite films yields well‐defined patterns on the micrometer scale along with the alignment of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) within these patterns. Conductive pathways in nanotube networks formed during EHD patterning of nanocomposite films results in a substantial increase in the composites’ conductivity at loadings exceeding the percolation threshold. The degree of nanotube alignment can be tuned by adjusting the EHD parameters and the degree of alignment is mirrored by the conductivity across the film. Using etching techniques or by embedding relatively long nanotubes, patterned surfaces decorated by CNT brushes were generated.
Experimental and theoretical study of methane adsorption on granular activated carbons
Authors: Wang Yuguo , Ercan Cemal , Khawajah Anwar , Othman Rashid
Published: March 2011

The experimental and theoretical study of methane adsorption on granular activated carbons is presented. The adsorption data are modeled by various isotherm equations. Toth equation is found to have the best fit. The isosteric heat decreases with loading and increases weakly with temperature, which is an indication of heterogeneity of the methane and granular activated carbon system. Using optimized parameters from Toth equation, a novel procedure is developed to calculate the integral heat of adsorption, which is the total amount of isosteric heat of adsorption at a given temperature and pressure during the adsorption process. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2012
Progressive peripheral arterial occlusive disease and other vascular events during nilotinib therapy in CML
Authors: Aichberger Karl J. , Herndlhofer Susanne , Schernthaner Gerit‐Holger , Schillinger Martin , Mitterbauer‐Hohendanner Gerlinde , Sillaber Christian , Valent Peter
Published: March 2011

The second generation BCR/ABL kinase inhibitor nilotinib is increasingly used for the treatment of imatinib‐resistant chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). So far, nilotinib is considered a well‐tolerated drug with little if any side effects, although an increase in the fasting glucose level has been reported. We examined a series of 24 consecutive CML patients treated with nilotinib in our center for the development of non‐hematologic adverse events. Three of these 24 CML patients developed a rapidly progressive peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) during treatment with nilotinib. In all three cases, PAOD required repeated angioplasty and/or multiple surgeries within a few months. No PAOD was known before nilotinib‐therapy in these patients, although all three had received imatinib. In two patients, pre‐existing risk factors predisposing for PAOD were known, and one of them had developed diabetes mellitus during nilotinib. In the other 21 patients treated with nilotinib in our center, one less severe PAOD, one myocardial infarction, one spinal infarction, one subdural hematoma, and one sudden death of unknown etiology were recorded. In summary, treatment with nilotinib may be associated with an increased risk of vascular adverse events, including PAOD development. In a subgroup of patients, these events are severe or even life‐threatening. Although the exact mechanisms remain unknown, we recommend screening for pre‐existing PAOD and for vascular risk factors such as diabetes mellitus in all patients before starting nilotinib and in the follow up during nilotinib‐therapy. Am. J. Hematol. 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comment on “A Low‐Spin Ruthenium(IV)–Oxo Complex: Does the Spin State Have an Impact on the Reactivity”
Authors: Schröder Detlef , Shaik Sason
Published: March 2011

Wechselnde Spinzustände: Wenn für das Metallzentrum in einem Übergangsmetallkomplex mehrere Spinzustände möglich sind, kann das die Reaktivität des Komplexes beeinflussen. In solchen Fällen ist bei der Interpretation von experimentellen und theoretischen Befunden Vorsicht angebracht.
J‐Aggregates: From Serendipitous Discovery to Supramolecular Engineering of Functional Dye Materials
Authors: Würthner Frank , Kaiser Theo E. , Saha‐Möller Chantu R.
Published: March 2011

J‐aggregates are of significant interest for organic materials conceived by supramolecular approaches. Their discovery in the 1930s represents one of the most important milestones in dye chemistry as well as the germination of supramolecular chemistry. The intriguing optical properties of J‐aggregates (in particular, very narrow red‐shifted absorption bands with respect to those of the monomer and their ability to delocalize and migrate excitons) as well as their prospect for applications have motivated scientists to become involved in this field, and numerous contributions have been published. This Review provides an overview on the J‐aggregates of a broad variety of dyes (including cyanines, porphyrins, phthalocyanines, and perylene bisimides) created by using supramolecular construction principles, and discusses their optical and photophysical properties as well as their potential applications. Thus, this Review is intended to be of interest to the supramolecular, photochemistry, and materials science communities.
Joint state and parameter estimation for a membrane bioreactor system
Authors: Madyastha Venkatesh K , Prasad Vijaysai
Published: March 2011

Growing environmental concerns and shrinking water resources require methods beyond conventional wastewater treatment. Membrane bioreactor (MBR) is a technology that has become a ubiquitous choice for high quality treatment and reuse of wastewater. One of the key challenges in wastewater treatment is the high energy cost associated with aeration. MBR systems use feedback control to regulate the measured dissolved oxygen level at a predetermined set point by manipulating the blower throughputs. However, for high dynamic loads, feedback control may not result in the best performance and energy efficiency. Any attempt to optimize performance and power consumption beyond a simple controls strategy requires a proper trade‐off analysis between investments on additional sensors and the long‐term benefits. This article proposes a joint state and parameter estimation methodology, which measures and controls the MBR system using available measurements. Thus, limitations of feedback strategies can be overcome by predicting the impact of time varying disturbances on the outputs. The novelty in this approach is the ability to reconstruct the unknown states and parameters with available measurements. The unknown parameters are adaptively estimated online. Lyapunov's direct method is employed to show boundedness of state and parameter estimation errors. Simulation results illustrate the efficacy of the approach. Copyright © 2011 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Peptoids at the 7th Summit: Toward macromolecular systems engineering
Authors: Drexler K. Eric
Published: March 2011

Methods for facile synthesis of extraordinarily diverse peptide‐like oligomers have placed peptoids at the center of a broad and vibrant area of foldamer science and technology. The 7th Peptoid Summit offered a perspective on the current state of peptoid science and technology and on prospects for engineering supramolecular assemblies that rival the complexity of biomolecular systems. Methods for engineering biomolecular systems based on DNA and protein are advancing rapidly, building a technology platform for engineering increasingly large and complex self‐assembled nanosystems. A comparative review of the physical basis for DNA, protein, and peptoid engineering indicates that the characteristics of peptoids suit them for a strong role in developing self‐assembled nanosystems. Physical parallels between peptoids and proteins indicate that peptoid engineering, like protein engineering, will require specialized software to support design. Access to novel side‐chain functionality will enable peptoid designers to exploit novel binding interactions, including many that have been discovered and exploited in crystal engineering, a field that has extensively explored the self‐assembly of small organic molecules to form well‐ordered structures. Developments in DNA, protein, and inorganic nanotechnologies are converging to provide a technology platform for the design and fabrication of complex, functional, atomically precise nanosystems. Peptoid‐based foldamer technologies can contribute to this convergence, expanding the scope of the emerging field of atomically precise macromolecular nanosystems. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 96: 537–544, 2011.
Minireview: Structural insights into early folding events using continuous‐flow time‐resolved small‐angle X‐ray scattering
Authors: Kathuria Sagar V. , Guo Liang , Graceffa Rita , Barrea Raul , Nobrega R. Paul , Matthews C. Robert , Irving Thomas C. , Bilsel Osman
Published: March 2011

Small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) is a powerful method for obtaining quantitative structural information on the size and shape of proteins, and it is increasingly used in kinetic studies of folding and association reactions. In this minireview, we discuss recent developments in using SAXS to obtain structural information on the unfolded ensemble and early folding intermediates of proteins using continuous‐flow mixing devices. Interfacing of these micromachined devices to SAXS beamlines has allowed access to the microsecond time regime. The experimental constraints in implementation of turbulence and laminar flow‐based mixers with SAXS detection and a comparison of the two approaches are presented. Current improvements and future prospects of microsecond time‐resolved SAXS and the synergy with ab initio structure prediction and molecular dynamics simulations are discussed. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 95: 550–558, 2011.
Multicentre trial of a perioperative protocol to reduce mortality in patients with peptic ulcer perforation
Authors: Møller M H , Adamsen S , Thomsen R W , Møller A M
Published: March 2011

Background

Morbidity and mortality rates in patients with perforated peptic ulcer (PPU) remain substantial. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of a multimodal and multidisciplinary perioperative care protocol on mortality in patients with PPU.

Methods

This was an externally controlled multicentre trial set in seven gastrointestinal departments in Denmark. Consecutive patients who underwent surgery for gastric or duodenal PPU between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2009 were treated according to a multimodal and multidisciplinary evidence-based perioperative care protocol. The 30-day mortality rate in this group was compared with rates in historical and concurrent national controls.

Results

The 30-day mortality rate following PPU was 17·1 per cent in the intervention group, compared with 27·0 per cent in the three control groups (P = 0·005). This corresponded to a relative risk of 0·63 (95 per cent confidence interval 0·41 to 0·97), a relative risk reduction of 37 (5 to 58) per cent and a number needed to treat of 10 (6 to 38).

Conclusion

The 30-day mortality rate in patients with PPU was reduced by more than one-third after the implementation of a multimodal and multidisciplinary perioperative care protocol, compared with conventional treatment. Registration number: NCT00624169 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).
Simple and sensitive HPLC method for the fluorometric determination of methotrexate and its major metabolites in human plasma by post‐column photochemical reaction
Authors: Uchiyama Masanobu , Matsumoto Takanori , Matsumoto Taichi , Jimi Shiro , Takamatsu Yasushi , Tamura Kazuo , Hara Shuuji
Published: March 2011

A simple and sensitive HPLC method has been developed for the determination of methotrexate (MTX) and its major metabolites, 7‐hydroxymethotrexate (7‐OH‐MTX) and 2,4‐diamino‐N10‐methylpteroic acid (DAMPA), in human plasma. After deproteinization of the plasma with 5% aqueous acetonitrile solution containing 5% trichloroacetic acid, MTX, 7‐OH‐MTX, DAMPA and 2,4‐diaminopteroic acid (DAPA) as an internal standard were separated on a reversed‐phase column, and the eluent was subsequently irradiated with UV light (245 nm), producing fluorescent photolytic degradation products. The analytes were then detected spectrofluorometrically at 452 nm with excitation at 368 nm. The extraction efficiencies of MTX, 7‐OH‐MTX and DAMPA from plasma at 100 pmol/mL were 81.5 ± 5.4, 82.5 ± 5.3 and 56.2 ± 7.0%, respectively. The limits of quantification for MTX, 7‐OH‐MTX and DAMPA in plasma were 5 pmol (2.3 ng), 0.8 pmol (0.38 ng) and 10 pmol (3.4 ng)/mL, respectively. The within‐ and between‐day variations for MTX, 7‐OH‐MTX and DAMPA were reliable (each was lower than 6.3%). This method was also used to monitor the concentrations of MTX and its metabolites in a patient on MTX therapy. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The role of cytology in oral lesions: A review of recent improvements
Authors: Mehrotra Ravi
Published: March 2011

Historically, sensitivity and specificity of oral cytology is poor. Using conventional oral cytology for the diagnosis of cancer and its precursors has not had the success that cytologists had hoped for; however, with improved methodology, oral cytology has enjoyed a resurgence of interest. This renewed interest is partly due to the introduction of a specialized brush that collects a full‐thickness epithelial sample and not just superficially sloughed cells, as well as analysis of that sample with computer assistance; in addition, a variety of adjunctive techniques have been introduced to potentially enhance the diagnosis of the cytologic specimens including DNA analysis, immunocytochemistry, molecular analysis, and liquid‐based preparations. An increase in sensitivity (>96%) and specificity (>90%) of the oral brush biopsy with computer‐assisted diagnosis has been reported for identification of malignant and premalignant lesions. Brush cytology is valuable to prevent misdiagnosing doubtful oral lesions, i.e., those lesions without a definitive etiology, diagnosing large lesions where excision of the entire tissue is not possible or practicable, evaluating patients with recurrent malignancies, and monitoring premalignant lesions. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2012; © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.