bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards a Framework for Designing Spatial and Non-Spatial Visualizations for Communicating Climate Change Risks
Authors: Lieske David J.
Published: June 2012

Hazards related to climate change (e.g., intensified storms, coastal flooding associated with sea level rise) are globally pervasive yet geographically-specific problems that demand societal response. Unfortunately, studies have shown that people are often unaware of (or inaccurately perceive) the true risk, thereby limiting their motivation to take steps to lower their vulnerability. Visualization of the anticipated impacts (either spatially or non-spatially) has an important role to play in risk communication, potentially avoiding peoples’ cognitive biases, helping to focus their attention, and allowing them to personally evaluate the evidence. In this paper, key findings of the risk perception literature are presented and a conceptual framework provided to help guide: (1) the identification of important information requirements (anticipating the influence of psychological effects); (2) the selection and design of visualizations; and (3) the assessment of the effectiveness of visualizations for enhancing perception of risk and inspiring a public willingness to adapt. A case study involving coastal flooding in South-East New Brunswick is referred to throughout.
Statistical arbitrage and FX exposure with South American ADRs listed on the NYSE
Authors: Broumandi Shadie , Reuber Tobias
Published: June 2012

An American Depositary Receipt (ADR) represents ownership in the shares of a foreign company trading in US financial markets. We test a pair trading rule based on the mean reversion assumption for six South American stocks and their ADR counterparts on the NYSE. In our opinion, such a strategy should separate the spread risk from the currency risk. This paper aims to challenge the positive results found in similar settings. The main achievement is to show that isolating FX exposure turns such strategies that were presented as profitable to unprofitable and abnormal returns are just due to an appreciation in the home currencies versus the USD. Hence the results in some of literature should be revised.
EBITDA/EBIT and cash flow based ICRs: A comparative approach in the agro-food system in Italy
Authors: Iotti Mattia , Bonazzi Giuseppe
Published: June 2012

The interest coverage ratios (ICRs) are used to quantify the ability of firms to pay financial debts; ICRs are then considered by banks such as covenants in the financing term sheet, and are used by researchers and the rating agencies to estimate the probability of default of firms. Typically, ICRs calculation is based on profit margins, such as EBITDA and EBIT; EBITDA and EBIT approximate, but do not directly express, cash flows available to pay financial debts. The article aims to evaluate whether there are significant differences in results using ICRs based on EBITDA or EBIT and ICRs based on different definitions of cash flow (CF). The application is made to a sample of firms characterized by high absorption of capital operating in the Italian agro-food sector. The article highlights that there are statistically significant differences using ICRs EBITDA and EBIT based and ICRs based on different CF definitions.
Corporate governance in banks: Problems and remedies
Authors: Marcinkowska Monika
Published: June 2012

Weak and ineffective corporate governance mechanisms in banks are pointed out as the main factors contributing to the recent financial crisis. Deep changes in this area are necessary to reinforce the financial sector stability. The paper presents key aspects requiring reforms
Impaired Therapeutic Capacity of Autologous Stem Cells in a Model of Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Shin Laura , Peterson Daniel A.
Published: June 2012

Endogenous stem cells in the bone marrow respond to environmental cues and contribute to tissue maintenance and repair. In type 2 diabetes, a multifaceted metabolic disease characterized by insulin resistance and hyperglycemia, major complications are seen in multiple organ systems. To evaluate the effects of this disease on the endogenous stem cell population, we used a type 2 diabetic mouse model (db/db), which recapitulates these diabetic phenotypes. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from db/db mice were characterized in vitro using flow cytometric cell population analysis, differentiation, gene expression, and proliferation assays. Diabetic MSCs were evaluated for their therapeutic potential in vivo using an excisional splint wound model in both nondiabetic wild-type and diabetic mice. Diabetic animals possessed fewer MSCs, which were proliferation and survival impaired in vitro. Examination of the recruitment response of stem and progenitor cells after wounding revealed that significantly fewer endogenous MSCs homed to the site of injury in diabetic subjects. Although direct engraftment of healthy MSCs accelerated wound closure in both healthy and diabetic subjects, diabetic MSC engraftment produced limited improvement in the diabetic subjects and could not produce the same therapeutic outcomes as in their nondiabetic counterparts in vivo. Our data reveal stem cell impairment as a major complication of type 2 diabetes in mice and suggest that the disease may stably alter endogenous MSCs. These results have implications for the efficiency of autologous therapies in diabetic patients and identify endogenous MSCs as a potential therapeutic target.
Instruments de mesure et voies thérapeutiques du burn-out : la responsabilité sociale court-circuitée
Authors: Kirouac Laurie
Published: June 2012

Alors qu’il est demeuré jusqu’aux années 1980 le propre des milieux professionnels axés sur le relationnel et le soin, on considère aujourd’hui que leburn-outpeut toucher l’ensemble des travailleurs, quel que soit le contenu de leur activité productive. Comment rendre compte de l’importance du retentissement que connaît cette pathologie aujourd’hui? L’objectif du présent article est double. À partir de l’étude de trois de ces principaux instruments de mesure — modèle de Maslach et Jackson, modèle de Siegrist et modèle de Karasek —, il s’agira d’abord de mettre en lumière à quel point les facteurs psychosociaux mobilisés par ces modèles pour appréhender leburn-outet en estimer la prévalence, loin de représenter des besoins psychologiques fondamentaux, sont davantage le reflet des injonctions et contraintes qui caractérisent l’expérience du travail contemporain. De même, alors que cesfacteurs psychosociauxne sauraient être du seul ressort de l’individu, l’article cherchera à montrer que les interventions pratiquées auprès des personnes « à risque » ou « en processus » deburn-outs’en tiennent la plupart du temps au seul périmètre de la psychologie et de la responsabilité individuelles.
Psychologisation ou singularisation? L’intervention sociale au temps de l’accompagnement
Authors: Namian Dahlia
Published: June 2012

L’hypothèse de la psychologisation nourrit la réflexion critique sur l’intervention sociale depuis maintenant quelques décennies, suscitant des mises en garde de toutes sortes à l’égard de l’appauvrissement du social et notamment de l’action collective. Si la mauvaise réputation de la psychologisation n’est plus à démontrer, il semble pertinent et nécessaire en revanche 1) d’élargir la réflexion sur le spectre des possibles qui émergent des dynamiques historiques et sociales contemporaines auxquelles la psychologisation est associée; 2) de replacer le phénomène de la prolifération des pratiques d’accompagnement qui semblent s’appuyer sur une psychologisation croissante des interventions sociales dans un contexte de transformations sociales plus larges et 3) d’ illustrer les liens entre accompagnement et psychologisation à l’aide d’une recherche empirique récente centrée sur l’étude des pratiques d’accompagnement dans deux contextes « d’expérience-limite ».
Au-delà de la phobie de l’homo : quand le concept d’homophobie porte ombrage à la lutte contre l’hétérosexisme et l’hétéronormativité
Authors: Bastien Charlebois Janik
Published: June 2012

Malgré le fait que le concept d’homophobie ait été critiqué pour sa portée limitée et sa tendance à la psychologisation, il demeure plus populaire que l’hétérosexisme et l’hétéronormativité dans la littérature scientifique ainsi que dans les sphères de l’activisme et de l’intervention sociale. En examinant les modes d’infériorisation que chacun de ces concepts est en mesure de recenser ainsi que les pistes d’intervention qu’« homophobie » et « hétérosexisme » rendent respectivement possibles, il est plus facile de mettre en lumière les limites de l’homophobie. Sans nécessairement proscrire le concept, il convient de le subordonner clairement à un cadre d’analyse rendant compte du caractère politique de l’infériorisation des personnes lesbiennes, gaies, bisexuelles, trans* et queer.
Problématisation des dimensions psychiques et sociales dans l’intervention, une perspective socioclinique
Authors: Doucet Marie-Chantal
Published: June 2012

À partir d’une perspective socioclinique, ce texte s’emploie à dégager des pistes de réflexion sur la nécessaire problématisation des dimensions psychiques et sociales dans l’intervention. Celle-ci sera définie comme espace théorique, mais aussi espace d’un rapport à l’autre où s’articulent les aspects affectifs, cognitifs et sociaux. Sera examinée la portée théorique du récit sur soi en tant que production de connaissances qui conjuguent ces aspects. Il serait réducteur de penser que le travail sur soi ne serait qu’une réponse psychologisante à l’impératif de production de l’individu.
La violence conjugale : quand la victimisation prend des allures de dépendance affective!
Authors: Prud’homme Diane
Published: June 2012

Nous verrons dans cet article que les réactions de victimisation des femmes victimes de violence conjugale peuvent être confondues avec la dépendance affective ou toute autre affectation psychologique, alors qu’elles ne sont bien souvent que des conséquences de la violence. Les intervenantes en maisons d’hébergement pour femmes victimes de violence conjugale en font clairement la distinction et interviennent en dévictimisation, visant la reprise de pouvoir des femmes sur leur vie, à partir d’une approche féministe. Cependant, la pratique de l’intervention féministe peut laisser place à certains glissements qu’il est nécessaire de mettre en lumière et d’étudier afin d’en faciliter la précision et l’évolution.
Le mouvement des caisses populaires acadiennes et sa contribution à la vitalité de la communauté acadienne et francophone du Nouveau-Brunswick1
Authors: Levesque Monique , Deschênes Sébastien
Published: June 2012

Le Mouvement des caisses populaires acadiennes aura 75 ans en 2011. L’historique présente l’évolution qui l’a amené à près de 200 000 membres, à l’accumulation d’actifs de 2,5 milliards $ et à la mise en place d’une structure organisationnelle en appui aux services offerts par ses Caisses. La notion de vitalité, toujours en développement, aide les communautés en milieu minoritaire à améliorer leurs compréhensions de ce qui leur permettrait de se maintenir, voire de s’épanouir de façon distincte et active. L’analyse de la contribution d’une institution à la vitalité est une approche encore peu utilisée dans les écrits. Les résultats de l’analyse font valoir que par ses résultats, ses acquis, ses valeurs coopératives et son implication socio-économique, le Mouvement contribue à la vitalité de la communauté francophone et acadienne du Nouveau-Brunswick.
L’écart culturel dans les coopératives
Authors: Gagnon Claire
Published: June 2012

Dans cette étude de cas exploratoire de deux magasins coopératifs, l’objectif est d’établir leur profil culturel et de vérifier s’il y a un écart entre leur culture actuelle et leur culture souhaitée. Une approche qualitative comportant des entretiens approfondis, des observations et des revues documentaires est suivie d’une approche quantitative visant le personnel et les dirigeants. Le cadre des valeurs concurrentes est inclus dans un questionnaire ainsi que des questions sur l’orientation misant sur la primauté des membres. Les réponses pour les deux coopératives indiquent que la culture organisationnelle souhaitée est celle où les attributs du clan prédominent. La coopérative qui obtient le résultat le plus élevé dans l’auto-évaluation de son orientation est aussi celle où il n’y a pas d’écart culturel. La recherche présente des pistes quant à l’application de l’orientation misant sur la primauté des membres et quant à la culture ou l’identité coopérative comme avantage concurrentiel.
Démocratie coopérative et restructuration : analyse de l’exercice de réflexion du Mouvement des caisses populaires acadiennes1
Authors: Leclerc André
Published: June 2012

La démocratie est au coeur de l’idéal coopératif. Ce texte analyse le processus démocratique dans le cadre d’un exercice de réflexion stratégique conduit par la Fédération des caisses populaires acadiennes sur le thème de la distinction coopérative. Il montre comment les délégués des sociétaires de ces coopératives ont progressivement cheminé dans l’adoption de certains changements à la répartition du pouvoir dans l’organisation, à sa structure de représentation et de gouvernance, et à sa stratégie d’animation de la vie coopérative. Il identifie les contraintes qu’impose le contexte sur l’ouverture aux changements.
Inclusion de la diversité culturelle dans un modèle multifactoriel de la représentation d’une bonne école chez les étudiants-maîtres québécois
Authors: Desruisseaux Jean-Claude
Published: June 2012

La présente étude s’appuie sur une série d’hypothèses décrivant des liens entre le contact avec la diversité culturelle associés à l’estime de soi et les catégories de valeurs (personnelles, sociales et collectives, morales et éthiques) pour connaître la représentation que se font les étudiant-maîtres d’une bonne école. Les données ont été recueillies auprès d’étudiants en éducation à l’aide d’un questionnaire portant sur les différentes variables en cause. L’analyse révèle que ces variables montrent des effets directs et indirects. Le contact avec la diversité culturelle et l’estime de soi influencent les valeurs. Celles-ci exercent un effet sur la représentation d’une bonne école. Ces résultats confirment l’ensemble des hypothèses de départ.
Tocilizumab for the treatment of large‐vessel vasculitis (giant cell arteritis, Takayasu arteritis) and polymyalgia rheumatica
Authors: Unizony S. , Arias‐Urdaneta L. , Miloslavsky E. , Arvikar S. , Khosroshahi A. , Keroack B. , Stone J. R. , Stone J. H.
Published: June 2012

Objective

The interleukin‐6 pathway is up‐regulated in giant cell arteritis (GCA), Takayasu arteritis (TA), and polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). We retrospectively assessed the outcomes of 10 patients with relapsing/refractory GCA, TA, or PMR treated with tocilizumab (TCZ).

Methods

Patients with GCA (n = 7), TA (n = 2), and PMR (n = 1) received TCZ. Seven subjects had failed at least 1 second‐line agent. The outcomes evaluated were symptoms of disease activity, inflammatory markers, ability to taper glucocorticoids, and cross‐sectional imaging when indicated clinically.

Results

The mean followup time of this cohort since diagnosis was 27 months (range 16–60 months). The patients were treated with TCZ for a mean period of 7.8 months (range 4–12 months). Before TCZ therapy, the patients experienced an average of 2.4 flares/year. All patients entered and maintained clinical remission during TCZ therapy. The mean daily prednisone dosages before and after TCZ initiation were 20.8 mg/day (range 7–34.3 mg/day) and 4.1 mg/day (range 0–10.7 mg/day), respectively (P = 0.0001). The mean erythrocyte sedimentation rate declined from 41.5 mm/hour (range 11–68 mm/hour) to 7 mm/hour (range 2.2–11.3 mm/hour; P = 0.0001). The adverse effects of TCZ included mild neutropenia (n = 4) and transaminitis (n = 4). One patient flared 2 months after TCZ discontinuation. An autopsy on 1 patient who died from a postoperative myocardial infarction following elective surgery revealed persistent vasculitis of large and medium‐sized arteries.

Conclusion

TCZ therapy led to clinical and serologic improvement in patients with refractory/relapsing GCA, TA, or PMR. The demonstration of persistent large‐vessel vasculitis at autopsy of 1 patient who had shown a substantial response requires close scrutiny in larger studies.
Valleytronics, Carrier Filtering and Thermoelectricity in Bismuth: Magnetic Field Polarization Effects
Authors: Popescu Adrian , Woods Lilia M.
Published: June 2012

Valley polarization of multi‐valleyed materials is of significant interest for potential applications in electronic devices. The main challenge is removing the valley degeneracy in some controllable way. The unique properties of bismuth, including its anisotropic electronic structure and Dirac valley degeneracy, make this material an excellent system for valleytronics. It is demonstrated theoretically that the direction of an externally applied magnetic field in the binary‐bisectrix plane has a profound effect not only on the charge, but also on the thermal transport along the trigonal direction. The rotating field probes the electronic mass anisotropy and tunes the contribution from a particular Dirac valley in the electrical resistivity, Seebeck coefficient, and thermal conductivity at moderate temperatures and field strengths. It is further shown that the field polarization of the transport properties is accompanied by selective filtering of the carriers type providing further opportunities for thermoelectric transport control.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Selective CH Benzylation towards Functionalized Azoles with a Quaternary Carbon Center
Authors: Xie Pan , Huang Hanmin , Xie Yinjun , Guo Shengmei , Xia Chungu
Published: June 2012

The direct CH benzylation of azoles with benzyl chlorides proceeds efficiently, via sequential cleavage of one sp2 CH bond and two sp3 CH bonds in the presence of a palladium catalyst, to generate a wide range of tribenzylated azoles with a quaternary carbon center efficiently. The same catalyst could also promote the mono‐ and di‐benzylation reactions through fine turning of the base and reaction conditions.
Enantioselective Synthesis of 4‐Isoxazolines by 1,3‐Dipolar Cycloadditions of Nitrones to Alkynals Catalyzed by Fluorodiphenylmethylpyrrolidines
Authors: Alemán José , Fraile Alberto , Marzo Leyre , Ruano José Luis García , Izquierdo Cristina , Díaz‐Tendero Sergio
Published: June 2012

The first organocatalytic enantioselective 1,3‐dipolar reaction between nitrones and alkynals catalyzed by (S)‐2‐(fluorodiphenylmethyl)pyrrolidine to give 4‐isoxazolines (2,3‐dihydroisoxazoles) with high enantiomeric excess, excellent yields and low catalyst loading (1–5 mol%) is presented. The catalytic loading could be reduced to 1 mol% with only slight increases in reaction times.
The Organic Milk Market in Germany Is Maturing: A Demand System Analysis of Organic and Conventional Fresh Milk Segmented by Consumer Groups
Authors: Schröck Rebecca
Published: June 2012

Literature provides evidence of a highly price‐elastic demand for organic food. However, most of the studies were conducted several years ago. In the meantime the organic market has matured. Consequently, results in literature need to be reviewed. This study specifically addresses own‐price elasticity estimates for organic and conventional milk. The analysis is based on a household panel dataset of 20,000 German households. A two‐step estimation procedure is applied. First, a probit regression examines which household characteristics affect the probability of buying organic milk. Second, a linear approximated almost ideal demand system provides detailed demand elasticity estimates. By using up‐to‐date data, distinguishing between different consumer groups, incorporating sociodemographic information and relying on a considerably large sample size this study is both an update and a refinement of previous research. In contrast to previous studies, econometric results suggest that demand for organic milk is absolutely price‐inelastic in Germany. However, price responsiveness differs substantially between milk types and consumer groups. (EconLit classifications: C33, C34, D12). © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The effect of freeze‐drying parameters on the cure characteristics of freeze‐dried BSA‐loaded silicone elastomer
Authors: McConville Christopher , Woolfson Andrew David , Malcolm Robert Karl
Published: June 2012

To formulate therapeutic proteins into polymeric devices the protein is typically in the solid state, which can be achieved by the process of freeze‐drying. However, freeze‐drying not only risks denaturing the protein but it can adversely affect the cure characteristics of protein‐loaded silicone elastomers. This study demonstrates that a variation in the parameters of the freeze‐dryer can significantly affect the residual moisture content of freeze‐dried BSA, which in turn has an effect on the bulk density and flow properties of the BSA. The bulk density and flow properties of the BSA subsequently affect the cure characteristics of BSA‐loaded silicone elastomers. An increase in the residual moisture content results in the freeze‐dried BSA having a decreased bulk density and poor flow properties which can have a detrimental effect on the cure characteristics of a freeze‐dried BSA‐loaded silicone elastomer. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Thermally induced crystallization and enzymatic degradation studies of poly (L‐lactic acid) films
Authors: Vasanthan Nadarajah , Gezer Hande
Published: June 2012

Poly(L‐lactic acid) (PLLA) films with different crystallinities were prepared by solvent casting and subsequently annealed at various temperatures (Ta) (80–110°C). The effects of crystallinity on enzymatic degradation of PLLA films were examined in the presence of proteinase K at 37°C by means of weight loss, DSC, FTIR spectroscopy, and optical microscopy. DSC and the absorbance ratio of 921 and 956 cm−1 (A921/A956) were used to evaluate crystallinity changes during thermally induced crystallization and enzymatic hydrolysis. The highest percentage of weight loss was observed for the film with the lowest initial crystallinity and the lowest percentage of weight loss was observed for the film with highest crystallinity. FTIR investigation of degraded films showed a band at 922 cm−1 and no band at 908 cm−1 suggested that all degraded samples form α crystals. The rate of degradation was found to depend on the initial crystallinity of PLLA film and shown that enzymatic degradation kinetics followed first‐order kinetics for a given enzyme concentration. DSC crystallinity and IR absorbance ratio, A921/A956 ratio, showed no significant changes with degradation time for annealed PLLA films whereas as‐cast PLLA film showed an increase in crystallinity with degradation; this revealed that degradation takes place predominantly in the free amorphous region of annealed PLLA films without changing long range and short range order © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Effect of fullerene C60 on the melt grafting reaction between multifunctional monomer and polypropylene
Authors: Wan Dong , Xing Haiping , Zhang Zhenjiang , Wang Yujie , Wang Lu , Wang Yanhui , Jiang Zhiwei , Tang Tao
Published: June 2012

Effect of different content of C60 on the melt radical reaction between trimethylol propane triacrylate (TMPTA) and polypropylene (PP) was studied by means of Fourier transform infrared, melt torque values, and rheological results. C60 could transfer most of the reactive PP macroradicals to more stable macroradicals at first due to its higher reaction rate with radicals. Therefore, the homopolymerization of TMPTA was restrained to some extent. PP samples containing TMPTA, C60, and 2,5‐dimethyl‐2,5(tert‐butylperoxy) hexane peroxide (DHBP) showed a more obvious influence on increasing the entanglements between PP chains comparing with PP samples containing C60 and DHBP, owing to the synergetic effect between TMPTA and C60 on branching with PP macroradicals. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Making the Right to Education a Reality for War Affected Children: The Northern Uganda Experience
Authors: Bragin Martha , Opiro Wirefred George
Published: June 2012

Articles 28 and 29 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child seek to guarantee the right to education for all children and adolescents. Further, when children affected by armed conflict are asked to prioritize their own needs, education is at the top of the list. Young people equate education with a hopeful future and are eager to attend school. However, all too often, soon after they receive a school placement, those same young people discover that they find learning difficult and begin to fall away.

Part of the difficulty may lie in the ways in which violence affects cognitive capacity. From intrusive thoughts, to hyper‐vigilance, to chronic pre‐occupied sadness, young people who have been exposed to violence have difficulty keeping their minds on their studies. This contributes to school failure, early school leaving, and a pervasive sense of hopelessness that can contribute to a cycle of violence.

Serious international attention has been paid to insuring the right of education to children and adolescents affected by on‐going conflict through the creation of schools and non‐formal educational opportunities in conflict zones. However, little has been written until now on how to insure that when these children attend school they are able to overcome the specific obstacles to learning that exposure to violence creates.

The Ministry of Education and Sports of the Government of Uganda has undertaken a program that attempts to do just that. This article will describe the use of theoretical literature that addresses the learning problems that war affected children face in dynamic interaction with indigenous practices and support for resilience to create an effective program to help these children succeed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Changes in the Sulcal Size Associated With Autism Spectrum Disorder Revealed by Sulcal Morphometry
Authors: Shokouhi Mahsa , Williams Justin H. G. , Waiter Gordon D. , Condon Barrie
Published: June 2012

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex, neurodevelopmental disorder with various structural abnormalities for different patient groups. Because of the heterogeneity of the disorder, several biomarkers have been suggested so far. Here, we explore the potential of sulcal surface and length as biomarkers. Three‐dimensional T1‐weighted images of 15 adolescents of normal intelligence with ASD and 15 age‐, sex‐, and intelligence quotient‐matched control adolescents were analysed using Brainvisa 4.0 (http://www.brainvisa.info), which automatically extracts the cortical folds and labels them as 59 sulcal pieces. For each sulcus, the surface, length, and mean geodesic depth were computed using morphometry analysis within this software package. General linear model was conducted to compare the estimated values for the two groups, ASD and control. In the ASD group, the left insula and the right intraparietal sulcus (IPS) had significantly higher values for surface and length, respectively. Nonetheless for all sulcal pieces, the mean geodesic depth was not significantly different between the two groups. Our results suggest that sulcal surface and length can have correlation with morphological changes of cortex in ASD. Greater surface area and length in insula and IPS, respectively, may reflect greater folding. This could result in greater separation of functions with an impact upon the integrative functions of these regions. Autism Res 2012, 5: 245–252. © 2012 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fargesin improves lipid and glucose metabolism in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes and high‐fat diet‐induced obese mice
Authors: Lee Young‐Sil , Cha Byung‐Yoon , Choi Sun‐Sil , Harada Yumiko , Choi Bong‐Keun , Yonezawa Takayuki , Teruya Toshiaki , Nagai Kazuo , Woo Je‐Tae
Published: June 2012

This study examined the effects of fargesin, a neolignan isolated from Magnolia plants, on obesity and insulin resistance and the possible mechanisms involved in these effects in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes and high‐fat diet (HFD)‐induced obese mice. Fargesin promoted the glucose uptake in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes. In HFD‐induced obese mice, fargesin decreased the body weight gain, white adipose tissue (WAT), and plasma triglyceride, non‐esterified fatty acid and glucose levels, and improved the glucose tolerance. Fargesin increased glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) protein expression and phosphorylation of Akt, AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK), and acetyl‐CoA carboxylase (ACC) in both 3T3‐L1 adipocytes and WAT of HFD‐induced obese mice. Fargesin also decreased the mRNA expression levels of fatty acid oxidation‐related genes, such as peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor α (PPARα), carnitine palmitoyltransferase‐1 (CPT‐1), uncoupling protein‐2 (UCP‐2) and leptin in WAT. Taken together, the present findings suggest that fargesin improves dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia by activating Akt and AMPK in WAT. © 2012 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.
Differential effects of polyamine on the cytosolic and mitochondrial NADP‐isocitrate dehydrogenases
Authors: Murakami Keiko , Haneda Miyako , Iwata Shouko , Yoshino Masataka
Published: June 2012

Two isozymes of NADP‐dependent isocitrate dehydrogenases (EC 1.1.1.42) exist in mammalian tissues: mitochondrial (ICD1) and cytosolic (ICD2). Effects of polyamines such as spermine, spermidine, and putrescine on the cytosolic and mitochondrial NADP‐isocitrate dehydrogenases were analyzed kinetically. Spermine activated ICD2, the cytosolic NADP‐isocitrate dehydrogenase from rat liver with the increase in the maximal velocity and the decrease in the affinity for the substrates isocitrate and NADP. The activating action of spermine can be explained by "the uncompetitive effect," and the dissociation constant of spermine for the enzyme‐substrate complex was determined to be 1.68 mM. Spermidine and putrescine showed little or no effect. ICD1, the mitochondrial form of NADP‐isocitrate dehydrogenase from rat and porcine heart was inhibited by spermine effectively, and by spermidine and putrescine to a lesser extent. Spermine inhibited the enzyme competitively with respect to NADP, and noncompetitively with respect to isocitrate. Ki value of the enzyme for spermine was 1.3 mM. These results suggest that activation by spermine of cytosolic NADP‐isocitrate dehydrogenase can enhance the antioxidant activity by regeneration of GSH, and further is responsible for the stimulation of lipid biosynthesis in cytosol. Spermine may contribute to NADPH supply by enhancing transhydrogenase (EC1.6.1.2) activity through the spermine‐dependent activation of Ca2+‐incorporation to mitochondria. © 2012 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.
Duodenal window revisited: A histological study using human fetuses
Authors: Yang Jae Do , Hwang Hong Pil , Kim Ji Hyun , Rodríguez‐Vázquez Jose Francisco , Murakami Gen , Yu Hee Chul , Cho Baik Hwan
Published: June 2012

To assess the development of the duodenal window in fetuses, we examined semiserial histological sections of 59 human fetuses with a crown‐rump length of 27–156 mm (∼4–18 weeks of gestation). In 44 of the 54 fetuses with horizontal sections, the duodenal window was formed by interdigitation of the anterior and posterior muscle slips from the proper duodenal circular muscle coat. The anterior slips approached the common bile duct from the anterior side and wound around the bile duct from the right aspect, whereas the posterior slips approached the main pancreatic duct from the posterior side, reaching the left or outer aspect of the duct without winding. These slips may become longitudinal muscles in the ampulla after birth. Six specimens showed variations in this typical pattern, in that the posterior muscle slips as well as the duodenal longitudinal muscle coat wound around the bile duct. In the remaining four specimens, we observed an abnormal union of the bile and pancreatic ducts, with the duodenal circular muscles suddenly ending along the window or slightly inserted into the right side of the common duct after joining. In all later‐stage fetuses, the common sphincter surrounded both the bile and pancreatic ducts in the ampulla. Consequently, at and along the duodenal window, the proper duodenal circular muscle seemed to contribute to fetal sphincter formation. The window was not a simple hiatus but a functional interface between the sphincter and the duodenal wall. Clin. Anat. 26:598–609, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Viagra als Hörschutz?
Authors: Harrer Roswitha
Published: June 2012

Was haben Viagra und der Hörmechanismus im Innenohr miteinander zu tun? Der Zusammenhang, den Forscher der Universität Tübingen jüngst aufdeckten, könnte durchaus interessant für eine vorbeugende Behandlung von Hörschäden sein.
“Fluoridierung” von Wirkstoffen
Authors: Jaenicke Lothar
Published: June 2012

Die Erfahrung zeigt und die theoretischen Vorstellungen bestätigen es: Die Einführung des kleinen, stark elektronegativen Fluor in Pharmadrogen erhöht oft ihre Wirkstoffeigenschaften, indem sie die Löslichkeit, Phasenverteilung und die Ligandeninteraktionen mit den Zielrezeptoren begünstigt. Dies gehört zum probaten Praxisrepertoire des Arzneimittelchemikers. Er ist also immer auf der Suche nach Methoden, Fluor oder fluorenthaltende aliphatische (z. B. –CF3) und aromatische Gruppen (z. B.
–C6H4F) in seine Synthetica einzuführen.
Elektronenspinresonanz‐Spektroskopie
Authors: Drescher Malte
Published: June 2012

ESR hat während der letzten zwei Jahrzehnte einen enor‐men methodischen und instrumentellen Fortschritt erfahren, insbesondere in den Bereichen gepulste ESR und Doppelresonanztechniken. Oft kombiniert mit ortsspezifischer Spinmarkierung finden diese Methoden Anwendungen in verschiedensten Gebieten der Chemie und vor allem der Biostrukturforschung. Am Beispiel des intrinsisch ungeordneten Parkinson‐Proteins Alpha‐Synuclein wird die Leistungsfähigkeit moderner ESR‐Spektroskopie illustriert.
W.E. Richartz, W. von Bebenburg – Schriftsteller und Chemiker
Authors: Offermanns Heribert
Published: June 2012

Professor Roald Hoffmann zum 75. Geburtstag gewidmet.

In diesem Beitrag steht der Chemiker W.v.B. im Mittelpunkt. Für ein Gesamtportrait von Sven Hanuschek siehe den nachfolgenden Text in diesem Heft (S. 160–166).
Removal of manganese from water by electrocoagulation: Adsorption, kinetics and thermodynamic studies
Authors: Ganesan Pandian , Lakshmi Jothinathan , Sozhan Ganapathy , Vasudevan Subramanyan
Published: June 2012

The present study provides an electrocoagulation process for the removal of manganese (Mn) from water using magnesium as anode and galvanised iron as cathode. The various operating parameters like effect of initial pH, current density, electrode configuration, inter‐electrode distance, coexisting ions and temperature on the removal efficiency of Mn were studied. The results showed that the maximum removal efficiency of 97.2% at a pH of 7.0 was achieved at a current density 0.05 A/dm2 with an energy consumption of 1.151 kWhr/m3. Thermodynamic parameters, including the Gibbs free energy, enthalpy and entropy, indicated that the Mn adsorption of water on magnesium hydroxides was feasible, spontaneous and endothermic. The experimental data were fitted with several adsorption isotherm models to describe the electrocoagulation process. The adsorption of Mn preferably fitting the Langmuir adsorption isotherm suggests monolayer coverage of adsorbed molecules. In addition, the adsorption kinetic studies showed that the electrocoagulation process was best described using the second‐order kinetic model at the various current densities. © 2012 Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering
Synthesis and characterization of semiconductor metal sulfide nanocrystals using microemulsion technique
Authors: Tolia Jyoti , Chakraborty Mousumi , Murthy Z. V. P.
Published: June 2012

The semiconductor nanocrystals ZnS, PbS, CdS and CuS were synthesized via microemulsion technique involving metal acetate, reducing agent (Na2S) and Triton X‐100 as surfactant. Nanocrystals were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The average size of ZnS, PbS, CdS and CuS nanocrystals were found to be 5.6 nm, 13.3 nm, 11.4 nm and 6.2 nm, respectively. Different parameters like surfactant (Triton X‐100) concentration, water‐to‐surfactant ratio (ω), precursor concentration [zinc acetate, (Zn(AC)2], reducing agent concentration [sodium sulphide, (Na2S)] were optimized to synthesize ZnS quantum dots.
Zu den Felsklassifikationen mit Indexwerten im Tunnelbau
Authors: Anagnostou Georgios , Pimentel Erich
Published: June 2012

Klassifikationen aufgrund von Indexwerten wie Q oder RMR, die sich aus der Multiplikation oder Addition verschiedener physikalischer Parameter oder gar Bewertungen ergeben, dürfen weder zur Beurteilung des Gebirgsverhaltens beim Vortrieb noch zur Festlegung der Ausbruchsicherung herangezogen werden. Ein Klassifikationssystem sollte nur jene Merkmale und Eigenschaften zum Gegenstand haben, die für die Beantwortung konkreter Fragestellungen der Planung signifikant sind. Die genannten Indexwerte erfüllen diese Bedingung nicht. Wissenschaftlich unhaltbar sind auch die verschiedentlich vorgeschlagenen Beziehungen zwischen dem so genannten GSI‐Wert und dem Gebirgs‐E‐Modul oder den Festigkeitsparametern der so genannten empirischen Hoek‐Brownschen Bruchbedingung. Letztere ist weder genauer, noch einfacher als die in der Geotechnik etablierte Mohr‐Coulombsche Bruchbedingung. Die empirische Basis der postulierten Beziehungen zwischen den Gebirgsparametern und dem GSI wurde nie veröffentlicht. Eine kritische Überprüfung dieser Beziehungen ist daher nicht möglich.

On the rock mass classifications with indices in tunnelling.

Classifications based on indices such as Q or RMR, which result from the multiplication or addition of various physical parameters or ratings, should not be used to estimate the rock mass behaviour or the necessary tunnel support. A classification system should take account only of the characteristics and properties that are significant when addressing specific planning issues. The mentioned indices do not fulfil this condition. The proposed relationships between the so‐called Geological Strength Index (GSI) and the rock mass parameters under the empirical Hoek‐Brown failure condition are also scientifically untenable. This failure condition is neither more accurate nor easier to handle than the familiar linear Mohr‐Coulomb condition. The proposed relationships defy scientific testing because their empirical basis has never been published and, in addition, they contain non‐measurable entities.
Zum Tragfähigkeitsnachweis für horizontal belastete Pfähle für die Grenzzustände GEO‐2 und GEO‐3
Authors: Achmus Martin
Published: June 2012

Horizontal belastete Pfähle kommen häufig in der Offshore‐Technik zum Einsatz, in jüngerer Zeit insbesondere als Gründungselemente für Offshore‐Windenergieanlagen. Hierbei handelt es sich um offene Stahlrohrpfähle mit Außendurchmessern – je nach Art der Gründungsstruktur – zwischen etwa 2 m und mehr als 5 m. Das Tragverhalten solcher Pfähle wird in der Praxis mit dem Bettungsmodulverfahren berechnet, und auch der Tragfähigkeitsnachweis wird unter Anwendung dieses Verfahrens geführt. International ist dabei die Bemessung für den Grenzzustand GEO‐3 üblich, während in Deutschland gemäß DIN 1054 die Bemessung für den Grenzzustand GEO‐2 vorzunehmen ist. In dem Aufsatz werden diesbezügliche Parameterstudien für flexible und steife bis annähernd starre Pfähle dargestellt. Es zeigt sich, dass die beiden Nachweisverfahren bei flexiblen Pfählen zu völlig unterschiedlichen zulässigen Pfahlbelastungen führen. Dies ist aber irrelevant, weil bei solchen Pfählen der Nachweis der Pfahlbiegespannungen bemessungsentscheidend ist. Bei sehr steifen Pfählen ergeben sich dagegen bei Ansatz der offshore‐üblichen Teilsicherheitsbeiwerte ähnliche zulässige Belastungen. Für sehr steife Monopiles wird gezeigt, dass der GEO‐3‐Nachweis – unter Ansatz der offshore üblichen Teilsicherheitsbeiwerte, d.h. insbesondere gleicher Teilsicherheitsbeiwert wie für den GEO‐2‐Nachweis auf der Einwirkungsseite – in der Regel auf der sicheren Seite liegt.

On the capacity proof for horizontally loaded piles for GEO‐2 and GEO‐3 limit states. Horizontally loaded piles are often used in offshore applications, recently in particular as foundation elements for offshore wind energy converters. Here open‐ended steel pipe piles are used, which have diameters between around 2 m and more than 5 m. The bearing behaviour of such piles is calculated with subgrade reaction methods, and these methods are also used in the ULS check regarding pile capacity. Internationally, the design is usually done for the GEO‐3 limit state, whereas in Germany a design proof for the GEO‐2 limit state is compulsory according to DIN 1054. In the paper, parametric studies on that matter are carried out for flexible and stiff or almost rigid piles. It is shown that both methods lead to totally different results for flexible piles. However, this is not relevant since for such piles the limitation of bending stresses in the pile is design‐driving. For very stiff piles, both methods give similar results when the usual partial safety factors for offshore structures are applied. For monopiles it is shown that, using the usual safety factors and in particular the same load factor as for GEO‐2, the GEO‐3 proof usually gives conservative results.
The influence of aerobic fitness on cerebral white matter integrity and cognitive function in older adults: Results of a one‐year exercise intervention
Authors: Voss Michelle W. , Heo Susie , Prakash Ruchika S. , Erickson Kirk I. , Alves Heloisa , Chaddock Laura , Szabo Amanda N. , Mailey Emily L. , Wójcicki Thomas R. , White Siobhan M. , Gothe Neha , McAuley Edward , Sutton Bradley P. , Kramer Arthur F.
Published: June 2012

Cerebral white matter (WM) degeneration occurs with increasing age and is associated with declining cognitive function. Research has shown that cardiorespiratory fitness and exercise are effective as protective, even restorative, agents against cognitive and neurobiological impairments in older adults. In this study, we investigated whether the beneficial impact of aerobic fitness would extend to WM integrity in the context of a one‐year exercise intervention. Further, we examined the pattern of diffusivity changes to better understand the underlying biological mechanisms. Finally, we assessed whether training‐induced changes in WM integrity would be associated with improvements in cognitive performance independent of aerobic fitness gains. Results showed that aerobic fitness training did not affect group‐level change in WM integrity, executive function, or short‐term memory, but that greater aerobic fitness derived from the walking program was associated with greater change in WM integrity in the frontal and temporal lobes, and greater improvement in short‐term memory. Increases in WM integrity, however, were not associated with short‐term memory improvement, independent of fitness improvements. Therefore, while not all findings are consistent with previous research, we provide novel evidence for correlated change in training‐induced aerobic fitness, WM integrity, and cognition among healthy older adults. Hum Brain Mapp 34:2972–2985, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Features of Capacitance and Mobility of Injected Carriers in Organic Layers Measured by Impedance Spectroscopy
Authors: Montero José M. , Bisquert Juan
Published: June 2012

Transport of charge carriers in organic layers plays a relevant role in the performance of electronic devices such as light‐emitting diodes, solar cells, and photodetectors. The presence of energetically distributed traps severely affects the measured transport coefficient and the charge‐storage features in the film. We summarize recent theoretical work on impedance spectroscopy models for space–charge limited current of a single carrier in a multiple trapping model, which describes the experimental behavior usually observed in organic layers with injected charge carriers well. Two main physical effects are obtained from the numerical and analytical treatment. First, carriers in slow traps that do not follow alternating current modulation provide an increase in the capacitance at low frequency, and second, those in fast traps remain in equilibrium with the transport state increasing the transit time. Analysis also provides a unified interpretation of models with field‐ or carrier‐density dependence on mobility.
THE URGENCY OF DOING: ASSESSING THE SYSTEM OF SUSTAINABLE IMPLEMENTATION MODEL VIA THE SCHOOLS IMPLEMENTING TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY (SITS) SCALE
Authors: Moceri Dominic C. , Elias Maurice J. , Fishman Daniel B. , Pandina Robert , Reyes‐Portillo Jazmin A.
Published: June 2012

School‐based prevention and promotion interventions (SBPPI) improve desirable outcomes (e.g., commitment to school and attendance) and reduce undesirable outcomes (e.g., suspensions and violence). Unfortunately, our understanding of how to effectively implement and sustain SBPPI outside of well‐controlled conditions is lacking. To bridge this science/“real world” practice gap, a system of sustainable implementation, which merges implementation strategies and sustainability strategies, is proposed for SBPPI. Ecological levels and phases affect this system. This conceptualization is supported by analyses from a diverse sample of 157 schools implementing Social‐Emotional Character Development, a type of SBPPI. The system of sustainable implementation was measured using the Schools Implementing Towards Sustainability (SITS) scale, which was designed to be “user‐friendly” in field settings by being viable and scalable. The SITS demonstrated strong reliability as well as promising concurrent and construct validity. Implications are discussed. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
THE SOCIAL ECOLOGICAL CHALLENGES OF RURAL VICTIM ADVOCACY: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY
Authors: McGrath Shelly A. , Johnson Melencia , Miller Michelle Hughes
Published: June 2012

This article re‐centers an ecological model traditionally used to understand the experiences of interpersonal violence victims around the perceptions and experiences of victim advocates. We suggest that the development of such a model might shed light on rural‐urban differences in the accessibility and availability of support services in rural domains. To develop this model, we used results from a sample of rural advocates located within the Mississippi Delta Region. The study indicates that rural victim advocates recognize the presence of significant macrosystem and exosystem factors in their communities and experience them as creating greater challenges to their work. In particular, factors affiliated with economic disadvantage and cultural ideologies of individualism and victim blaming negatively affected the experiences of the respondents. In terms of the ecological model, results also indicate correlations across levels of analysis, implying a rural macrosystem milieu that may predict or affect the presence of exosystem support networks. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.