bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of chitosan/riboflavin modification on resin/dentin interface: Spectroscopic and microscopic investigations
Authors: Daood Umer , Iqbal Kulsum , Nitisusanta Lorraine I. , Fawzy Amr S.
Published: November 2012

The aim of this study is to investigate the morphological and chemical changes of demineralized dentin collagen‐matrix and resin/dentin interface associated with chitosan/riboflavin modification. Dentin disc specimens were prepared from sound molars, acid‐etched with 35% phosphoric acid and modified with either 0.1% riboflavin or chitosan/riboflavin (Ch/RF ratios 1:4 or 1:1) and photo‐activated by UVA. Morphological and chemical changes associated with surface modification were characterized by SEM and micro‐Raman spectroscopy. Dentin surfaces of sound molars were exposed, acid‐etched, and modified as described before. Etch‐and‐rinse dentin adhesive was applied, light‐cured, and layered with resin‐restorative composite. The resin infiltration and resin/dentin interface were characterized by micro‐Raman spectroscopy and SEM. An open‐intact collagen network‐structure, formation of uniform hybrid‐layer and higher resin infiltration were found with 0.1%RF and Ch/RF 1:4 modifications. Raman analysis revealed chemical changes and shifts in Amide bands with the modification of dentin collagen‐matrix. The use of riboflavin and chitosan/riboflavin formulations to modify dentin‐collagen matrix, with the defined ratios, stabilizes the collagen fibrillar network and enhances resin infiltration and hybrid layer formation. These preliminary results are encouraging for subsequent consideration of chitosan/riboflavin modification in adhesive dentistry. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2013.
Biomimetic fabrication of biocompatible and biodegradable core–shell polystyrene/biosurfactant bionanocomposites for protein drug release
Authors: Hazra Chinmay , Arunbabu Dhamodaran , Kundu Debasree , Chaudhari Ambalal , Jana Tushar
Published: November 2012

BACKGROUND

This paper reports a bioinspired emulsion polymerization approach through biosurfactants (rhamnolipid and surfactin) templating for synthesizing highly monodisperse, spherical polymer bionanocomposites consisting of polystyrene (PS) (core)/biosurfactants (shell) (50–190 nm) and their feasibility as a biocompatible and biodegradable drug delivery vehicle.

RESULTS

Conversion profile, particle size dependence on biosurfactant concentration and structural characterizations of resulting polymers from bioinspired emulsion polymerization were similar to conventional emulsion polymerization. In vitro biodegradation studies revealed >2.5‐fold increase in bacterial growth (Pseudomonas aeruginosa MTCC 7926) and gravimetric weight loss (10% w/w) in biosurfactants templated PS, compared with the conventional route. Soil burial biodegradation tests supported these findings. In vitro and in vivo biocompatibility studies showed unchanged cell viability of adult rat (Rattus norvegicus) hepatocytes for polystyrenes synthesized using biosurfactants, while conventional PS beads proved to be cytotoxic in a dose‐dependent manner. Reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐induced oxidative stress, increased lipid peroxidation, alterations in GSH detoxification and histopathology corroborated these results. Release of bovine serum albumin (BSA) from BSA loaded polystyrene/biosurfactant bionanocomposites were 2.5–5‐fold higher in physiological buffer (pH 7.4) than in acidic buffer (pH 1.2).

CONCLUSION

Taken together, polystyrene/biosurfactant bionanocomposites could serve as a biocompatible and biodegradable colon or intestine‐specific drug delivery vehicle. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Preparation of a gel‐coated liposome and its application in drug release
Authors: Xu Shouhong , Li Xiangye , Chen Ruting , Lin Xiaoxiao , Liu Honglai , Hu Ying
Published: November 2012

BACKGROUND

In some disease therapy, it is necessary to release multiple drugs continuously and orderly. This paper describes a technique for preparing a microparticle that can load two kinds of substances and release them at two different rates.

RESULTS

A core–shell structural microparticle was designed using liposome as core and hyaluronan/poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (HA/PNIPAM) gel as shell. The core liposome keeps its vesicle structure after undergoing the whole crosslinking process. The microparticles are injectable at room temperature and become sticky when heated. The fluorescent loaded in the shell released 80% in 1 h, while that in the core kept releasing for 35 h.

CONCLUSION

The stability and function of liposomes are improved after being coated with a gel shell. Two kinds of fluorophores were successfully loaded into microparticles and released at two different rates. The main factors controlling the tracer diffusion are the microparticle properties, e.g. crosslink density and shell thickness. These microparticles can be used as injectable or implantable drug carriers by minimally invasive techniques. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
MR spectroscopic imaging: Principles and recent advances
Authors: Posse Stefan , Otazo Ricardo , Dager Stephen R. , Alger Jeffry
Published: November 2012

MR spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) has become a valuable tool for quantifying metabolic abnormalities in human brain, prostate, breast and other organs. It is used in routine clinical imaging, particularly for cancer assessment, and in clinical research applications. This article describes basic principles of commonly used MRSI data acquisition and analysis methods and their impact on clinical applications. It also highlights technical advances, such as parallel imaging and newer high‐speed MRSI approaches that are becoming viable alternatives to conventional MRSI methods. Although the main focus is on 1H‐MRSI, the principles described are applicable to other MR‐compatible nuclei. This review of the state‐of‐the‐art in MRSI methodology provides a framework for critically assessing the clinical utility of MRSI and for defining future technical development that is expected to lead to increased clinical use of MRSI. Future technical development will likely focus on ultra‐high field MRI scanners, novel hyperpolarized contrast agents using metabolically active compounds, and ultra‐fast MRSI techniques because these technologies offer unprecedented sensitivity and specificity for probing tissue metabolic status and dynamics. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;37:1301–1325. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nucleus‐localized 21.5‐kDa myelin basic protein promotes oligodendrocyte proliferation and enhances neurite outgrowth in coculture, unlike the plasma membrane‐associated 18.5‐kDa isoform
Authors: Smith Graham S.T. , Samborska Bożena , Hawley Steven P. , Klaiman Jordan M. , Gillis Todd E. , Jones Nina , Boggs Joan M. , Harauz George
Published: November 2012

The classic myelin basic protein (MBP) family of central nervous system (CNS) myelin arises from transcription start site 3 of the Golli (gene of oligodendrocyte lineage) complex and comprises splice isoforms ranging in nominal molecular mass from 14 kDa to (full‐length) 21.5 kDa. We have determined here a number of distinct functional differences between the major 18.5‐kDa and minor 21.5‐kDa isoforms of classic MBP with respect to oligodendrocyte (OLG) proliferation. We have found that, in contrast to 18.5‐kDa MBP, 21.5‐kDa MBP increases proliferation of early developmental immortalized N19‐OLGs by elevating the levels of phosphorylated ERK1/2 and Akt1 kinases and of ribosomal protein S6. Coculture of N2a neuronal cells with N19‐OLGs transfected with the 21.5‐kDa isoform (or conditioned medium from), but not the 18.5‐kDa isoform, caused the N2a cells to have increased neurite outgrowth and process branching complexity. These roles were dependent on subcellular localization of 21.5‐kDa MBP to the nucleus and on the exon II‐encoded segment, suggesting that the nuclear localization of early minor isoforms of MBP may play a crucial role in regulating and/or initiating myelin and neuronal development in the mammalian CNS. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Self‐incompatibilty in gamete recognition: Single self‐recognizing determinants and multiple, non‐self‐recognizing ones function in the same individual
Authors: Harada Yoshito , Sawada Hitoshi
Published: November 2012

The frameworks (key mechanisms) of the self/non‐self‐discrimination systems that are found in various organisms have not been actively selected for, but have evolved by genetic drift such that the genetic frequency of random, advantageous mutations has increased within the genomes of these species by natural selection. The passive nature of this process leads to an important conclusion: in the self/non‐self‐discrimination system, the number of self‐recognizing determinants becomes one compared to multiple non‐self‐recognizing determinants. Thus, the number of determinants is defined not by the character of the determinant, but by the system framework. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 80: 2–7, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Neuromuscular ultrasound in polyneuropathies and motor neuron disease
Authors: Hobson‐Webb Lisa D.
Published: November 2012

Current standards for diagnosing polyneuropathies (PN) and motor neuron disease (MND) sometimes lack early sensitivity and result in delayed diagnosis and treatment. Neuromuscular ultrasound (NMUS), already established in the diagnosis of entrapment neuropathies, may offer another means of diagnosis and monitoring response to therapy. This review of current evidence discusses diffuse nerve hypertrophy in hereditary demyelinating neuropathies, multifocal nerve enlargement in acquired demyelinating PN and the lack of readily apparent structural change in axonal neuropathies. NMUS detection of fasciculations and muscular change in MND is also reviewed, along with the need for further research to better define the role of nerve imaging in patients with PN. Muscle Nerve 47: 790–804, 2013
An expanded mixed covolume method for sobolev equation with convection term on triangular grids
Authors: Fang Zhichao , Li Hong
Published: November 2012

The expanded mixed covolume method for the two‐dimensional Sobolev equation with convection term is developed and studied. This method uses the lowest‐order Raviart‐Thomas mixed finite element space as the trial function space. By introducing a transfer operator γh which maps the trial function space into the test function space and combining expanded mixed finite element with mixed covolume method, the continuous‐in‐time, discrete‐in‐time expanded mixed covolume schemes are constructed, and optimal error estimates for these schemes are obtained. Numerical results are given to examine the validity and effectiveness of the proposed schemes.© 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2013
Comparison of the Entheseal Changes of theos coxaeof Portuguese Males (19th–20thcenturies) with Known Occupation
Authors: Campanacho V. , Santos A. L.
Published: November 2012

The possible association between entheseal changes and activity has been widely studied. However, many questions remain. This study aims to assess if occupation and physical activity influence the age at which entheseal changes appear in the iliac crest, retroauricular area, iliac tuberosity, ischial tuberosity andobturator foramen. Absence or presence of ossification exostosis and stress lesions was recorded inos coxaefrom 130 males (19 to 88 years old) from Lisbon and Coimbra identified skeletal collections. The individuals were divided into two groups, based upon to the recorded occupations: manual (n = 69) and non‐manual (n = 61). The sample was also divided according to an osteological indicator of physical activity: the femur robusticity index (55 are robust and 54 are gracile femora). The individuals from manual and robust groups were considered to have had physically demanding occupations, while the non‐manual and gracile groups represent individuals with less demanding activities. The asymmetry of entheseal changes between left and right sides of the same individuals was tested with a Chi‐square test. And the influence of occupation and physical activities on the age of appearance of entheseal changes was tested using logistic regression. Statistically significant asymmetry was not found between left and right bones (p <0.05). However, for the logistic regression calculations, the only valid result was obtained for the ossification exostosis on the iliac crest for the measure of femoral robusticity. For the iliac crest, physical activity did not influence the appearance of ossification exostosis. It was not possible to obtain valid logistic regression models, probably due to the distribution of individuals in each occupational and robusticity category. Therefore, it was not possible to assess the influence of occupation and physical activity on the age at which entheseal changes appeared for retroauricular area, iliac tuberosity, ischial tuberosity andobturator foramen. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Toughening and brittle‐tough transition in polyamide 12‐organoclay/maleated styrene‐ethylene‐co‐butylene‐styrene nanocomposites
Authors: González Imanol , Zabaleta Asier , Eguiazábal José Ignacio
Published: November 2012

Tough nanocomposites based on polyamide 12 (PA12) can be obtained by the addition of a maleated rubber to a highly dispersed PA12‐clay nanocomposite by melt processing. The nanostructure behavior was evaluated by X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The results showed that the organoclay was highly dispersed and mostly located in the PA12 matrix due to the larger affinity between the polyamide and the clay, but some of the organoclay was also present in the polymer/polymer interface. The presence of organoclay slightly increased the dispersed particle size, indicating decreased compatibilization. This was attributed to a partial shielding of maleic anhydride compatibilizer by surfactant. The addition of the elastomer considerably improved the toughness of the PA12‐based nanocomposites, maintaining its stiffness; i.e., the nanocomposites with 25% rubber content showed an increase of 25‐fold of notched impact strength of the PA12 matrix, meanwhile ductility and stiffness remained constant. This allowed us to obtain toughened PA12 PNs throughout a large range of strain rate and a modulus similar to that of the unmodified PA12. The position of the brittle/tough transition in terms of rubber content, determined by the standard notched Izod test (25% mSEBS) is basically the same as that determined by the essential work of fracture procedure. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Scholarly Productivity and Impact of School Psychology Faculty in APA‐Accredited Programs
Authors: Grapin Sally L. , Kranzler John H. , Daley Matt L.
Published: November 2012

The primary objective of this study was to conduct a normative assessment of the research productivity and scholarly impact of tenured and tenure‐track faculty in school psychology programs accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). Using the PsycINFO database, productivity and impact were examined for the field as a whole and by faculty rank and gender between 2005 and 2009. Results of our study reflected considerable variability in scholarly impact and productivity. For example, on average, school psychology faculty published slightly more than one refereed journal article per year, with productivity rates ranging from zero to eight articles per year. Similar variability in results was observed for scholarly impact. Results of this study also revealed no significant differences in productivity and impact by scholarly rank. Significant differences were observed for gender, however, with higher productivity and impact for men than women. A secondary objective of this study was to rank the most productive and impactful faculty by total authorship credit, number of publications, and number of citations, and to examine the relationships among these different rankings. Implications and limitations are discussed.
Crystal structure of the small GTPase Arl6/BBS3 from Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: Hemsworth Glyn R. , Price Helen P. , Smith Deborah F. , Wilson Keith S.
Published: November 2012

Arl6/BBS3 is a small GTPase, mutations in which are implicated in the human ciliopathy Bardet–Biedl Syndrome (BBS). Arl6 is proposed to facilitate the recruitment of a large protein complex known as the BBSome to the base of the primary cilium, mediating specific trafficking of molecules to this important sensory organelle. Orthologues of Arl6 and the BBSome core subunits have been identified in the genomes of trypanosomes. Flagellum function and motility are crucial to the survival of Trypanosoma brucei, the causative agent of human African sleeping sickness, in the human bloodstream stage of its lifecycle and so the function of the BBSome proteins in trypanosomes warrants further study. RNAi knockdown of T. brucei Arl6 (TbArl6) has recently been shown to result in shortening of the trypanosome flagellum. Here we present the crystal structure of TbArl6 with the bound non‐hydrolysable GTP analog GppNp at 2.0 Å resolution and highlight important differences between the trypanosomal and human proteins. Analysis of the TbArl6 active site confirms that it lacks the key glutamine that activates the nucleophile during GTP hydrolysis in other small GTPases. Furthermore, the trypanosomal proteins are significantly shorter at their N‐termini suggesting a different method of membrane insertion compared to humans. Finally, analysis of sequence conservation suggests two surface patches that may be important for protein–protein interactions. Our structural analysis thus provides the basis for future biochemical characterisation of this important family of small GTPases.
In Vitro Characterization of Glucuronidation of Vanillin: Identification of Human UDP‐Glucuronosyltransferases and Species Differences
Authors: Yu Jian , Han Jing‐Chun , Hua Li‐Min , Gao Ya‐Jie
Published: November 2012

Vanillin is a food flavoring agent widely utilized in foods, beverages, drugs, and perfumes and has been demonstrated to exhibit multiple pharmacological activities. Given the importance of glucuronidation in the metabolism of vanillin, the UDP‐glucuronosyltransferase conjugation pathway of vanillin was investigated in this study. Vanillin glucuronide was identified by high‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC‐MS/MS) and a hydrolysis reaction catalyzed by β‐glucuronidase. The kinetic study showed that vanillin glucuronidation by HLMs and HIMs followed Michaelis‐Menten kinetics and the kinetic parameters were as follows: 134.9 ± 13.5 μM and 81.3 ± 11.3 μM for Km of HLMs and HIMs, 63.8 ± 2.0 nmol/min/mg pro and 13.4 ±2.0 nmol/min/mg pro for Vmax of HLMs and HIMs. All UDP‐glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) isoforms except UGT1A4, 1A9, and 2B7 showed the capability to glucuronidate vanillin, and UGT1A6 exerted the higher Vmax/Km values than other UGT isoforms for the glucuronidation of vanillin when assuming expression of isoforms is similar in recombinant UGTs. Kinetic analysis using liver microsomes from six studied speices indicated that vanillin had highest affinity for the monkey liver microsomes enzyme (Km = 25.6 ± 3.2 μM) and the lowest affinity for the mice liver microsomes enzyme (Km = 149.1 ± 18.4 μM), and intrinsic clearance was in the following order: monkey > dog > minipig > mice > rat ~ human. These data collectively provided important information for understanding glucuronidation of vanillin. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A comparison of approaches to the teaching and learning of science in Chinese and Australian elementary classrooms: Cultural and socioeconomic complexities
Authors: Tao Ying , Oliver Mary , Venville Grady
Published: November 2012

Set in the context of today's globalized approaches to curriculum reform, the purpose of this study was to compare the teaching and learning of science in Chinese and Australian Grade 6 classrooms. A conceptual framework based on notions of culture and socioeconomic status informed the research design. Case study participants were three teachers of science and 140 students from three elementary schools of high, medium, and low socioeconomic status in Hunan Province, China; and three teachers and 105 students from paired schools in Western Australia. The formal curriculum, the curriculum‐in‐action, and the experiential curriculum in all case studies in each country were examined. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected with student questionnaires, lesson observations, teacher interviews, a school tour, and document collection. Findings indicated that participating Chinese students reported a greater proportion of their science lessons involved activities such as reading textbooks and memorizing facts, activities that are consistent with Confucian educational culture. In Australia, where there has been a longer historical influence from social‐constructivist theorists such as Bruner and Vygotsky, students reported their lessons involved a greater proportion of activities such as designing and doing science experiments, and working in small groups. The findings also indicated that in both countries, socioeconomic status was an important factor impacting the implementation of the science curriculum with students in higher socioeconomic status schools participating more frequently in classroom activities consistent with reform curriculum documents. This phenomenon was more apparent in China possibly due to the Confucian educational tradition supporting culturally viable alternative approaches to the teaching and learning of science. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 50:33–61, 2013
Mutual relationships between transcription and pre‐mRNA processing in the synthesis of mRNA
Authors: Lenasi Tina , Barboric Matjaz
Published: November 2012

The generation of messenger RNA (mRNA) in eukaryotes is achieved by transcription from the DNA template and pre‐mRNA processing reactions of capping, splicing, and polyadenylation. Although RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) catalyzes the synthesis of pre‐mRNA, it also serves as a principal coordinator of the processing reactions in the course of transcription. In this review, we focus on the interplay between transcription and cotranscriptional pre‐mRNA maturation events, mediated by the recruitment of RNA processing factors to differentially phosphorylated C‐terminal domain of Rbp1, the largest subunit of RNAPII. Furthermore, we highlight the bidirectional nature of the interplay by discussing the impact of RNAPII kinetics on pre‐mRNA processing as well as how the processing events reach back to different phases of gene transcription. WIREs RNA 2013, 4:139–154. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1148

This article is categorized under:

RNA Processing > Capping and 5' End Modifications

RNA Processing > Splicing Regulation/Alternative Splicing

RNA Processing > 3' End Processing
A New Polymorph of Potassium Chromate(III), β‐KCrO2, and Reinvestigation of α‐KCrO2
Authors: Zafar Ali Naveed , Nuss Jürgen , Jansen Martin
Published: November 2012

α‐KCrO2 was synthesized by the azide/nitrate route. Stoichiometric mixtures of the precursors (KN3, KNO3, and Cr2O3) were heated in a special regime up to 853 K and annealed at this temperature for 5 h in a specially designed silver container. Dark green single crystals of β‐KCrO2 were grown by post annealing the reaction product at 773 K for 200 h in silver crucibles. According to single‐crystal X‐ray analysis, the new high temperature modification, β‐KCrO2, crystallizes in the β‐RbScO2 type of structure [P63/mmc; a = 3.0427(4) Å, c = 11.924(2) Å; c/a = 3.918; Z = 2]. The characteristic feature of the structure are CdCl2 analogue slabs of [CrO6/3]– edge shared octahedra stacked along the [001] direction with K+ atoms incorporated between the layers in a trigonal prismatic arrangement, rare for lighter alkali atoms. We have reinvestigated the specific heat (from 2 to 300 K) and the magnetic susceptibility (2 to 350 K) on α‐KCrO2, and clearly identified in the specific heat measurements, a λ‐type anomaly at 23 K, indicating the onset of long‐range AFM ordering. The Curie‐Weiss fit of experimental data in the temperature range above 100 K, yields the negative Curie‐Weiss temperature of –220 K, indicating predominant antiferromagnetic spin‐exchange interaction, with an effective magnetic moment (μeff) of the order of 3.91 μB, corresponding to a g‐factor [μeff /μB = g[S(S+1)]1/2] of 2.019 well in accordance for Cr3+ (d3 system) with spin S = 3/2.
Bipartite field theories: from D-brane probes to scattering amplitudes
Authors: Franco Sebastián
Published: November 2012

Abstract

We introduce and initiate the investigation of a general class of 4d,
$\mathcal{N}=1$
quiver gauge theories whose Lagrangian is defined by a bipartite graph on a Riemann surface, with or without boundaries. We refer to such class of theories as Bipartite Field Theories (BFTs). BFTs underlie a wide spectrum of interesting physical systems, including: D3-branes probing toric Calabi-Yau 3-folds, their mirror configurations of D6-branes, cluster integrable systems in (0 + 1) dimensions and leading singularities in scattering amplitudes for
$\mathcal{N}=4$
SYM. While our discussion is fully general, we focus on models that are relevant for scattering amplitudes. We investigate the BFT perspective on graph modifications, the emergence of Calabi-Yau manifolds (which arise as the master and moduli spaces of BFTs), the translation between square moves in the graph and Seiberg duality and the identification of dual theories by means of the underlying Calabi-Yaus, the phenomenon of loop reduction and the interpretation of the boundary operator for cells in the positive Grassmannian as higgsing in the BFT. We develop a technique based on generalized Kasteleyn matrices that permits an efficient determination of the Calabi-Yau geometries associated to arbitrary graphs. Our techniques allow us to go beyond the planar limit by both increasing the number of boundaries of the graphs and the genus of the underlying Riemann surface. Our investigation suggests a central role for Calabi-Yau manifolds in the context of leading singularities, whose full scope is yet to be uncovered.
Erzwungenes oder exzessives Pendeln?
Authors: Guth Dennis , Siedentop Stefan , Holz-Rau Christian
Published: November 2012

To what extent can the ongoing growth of commuting between different municipalities be explained by the spatial dynamics of the urban landscape? To answer this question we analyze municipality level data which contain information about trends in jobs and housing locations and regional commuting trips over a period of almost four decades (1970–2007). Our results show increasing shares of cross-municipal commuting, along with increasing commuting distances over time. Despite the suburbanization of the labor force, people and jobs did not come closer together and the shares of cross-municipal commuting trips have not declined over time. Moreover, our study shows that the growth in commuting is clearly stronger than what might be expected from the changing geography of working and housing locations.
Spectroscopic characterization of the acid–alkaline transition of a thermophilic cytochrome P450
Authors: Hayakawa Shohei , Matsumura Hirotoshi , Nakamura Nobuhumi , Yohda Masafumi , Ohno Hiroyuki
Published: November 2012

The spectroscopic properties of thermophilic cytochrome P450 from the thermoacidophilic crenarchaeon Sulfolobus tokodaii strain 7 (P450st) were investigated in acidic and basic solutions. The resting form of ferric‐P450st in weakly‐acidic and neutral solutions contained a thiolate/H2O coordinated low‐spin heme. Below pH 1.5, P450st underwent cleavage of the Fe–S bond and was converted into apo‐P450st. Above pH 8, the acid–alkaline transition due to the deprotonation of the water ligand was observed. The produced thiolate/OH−‐coordinated ferric‐P450st was stable at room temperature. The pK
a value of 8.7 for the transition reflects the protonation properties of the distal side of the heme.
Misoprostol for midtrimester termination of pregnancy in women with 1 or more prior cesarean deliveries
Authors: Küçükgöz Güleç Ümran , Urunsak Ibrahim F. , Eser Esra , Guzel Ahmet B. , Ozgunen Fatma T. , Evruke Ismail C. , Buyukkurt Selim
Published: November 2012

Objective

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of vaginal misoprostol for midtrimester termination of pregnancy (TOP) in women with 1 or more prior cesarean deliveries (CDs).

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted with 279 women undergoing TOP with vaginal misoprostol between 14 and 26 weeks of gestation. Of these, 193 had no uterine scars (group 1), 60 had 1 prior CD (group 2), and 26 had 2 or more prior CDs (group 3). The primary outcome was the success rate of TOP. Secondary outcomes were time from induction to abortion, total dose of misoprostol used, and occurrence of uterine rupture.

Results

The success rates were 96.4% in group 1, 81.7% in group 2, and 76.9% in group 3 (P = 0.001). Time from induction to abortion, total dose misoprostol, and duration of hospital stay differed significantly among the groups (P = 0.001 for all variables). There were 3 cases (11.5%) of uterine rupture in group 3, for an overall rate of 1.1%.

Conclusion

Misoprostol inserted vaginally was effective for midtrimester TOP but the safety of using misoprostol in women with 2 or more prior CDs cannot be confirmed from the present study. Misoprostol should be used carefully, particularly in women with 2 or more prior CDs.
Classification of main meal patterns – a latent class approach
Authors: Wang Wei C. , Worsley Anthony , Hodgson Victoria
Published: November 2012

Relatively little examination of the meals that are prepared in households has been conducted, despite their well-defined properties and widespread community interest in their preparation. The purpose of the present study was to identify the patterns of main meal preparation among Australian adult household meal preparers aged 44 years and younger and 45 years and over, and the relationships between these patterns and likely socio-demographic and psychological predictors. An online cross-sectional survey was conducted by Meat and Livestock Australia among a representative sample of people aged 18–65 years in Australia in 2011. A total of 1076 usable questionnaires were obtained, which included categorical information about the main meal dishes that participants had prepared during the previous 6 months along with demographic information, the presence or absence of children at home, confidence in seasonal food knowledge and personal values. Latent class analysis was applied and four types of usage patterns of thirty-three popular dishes were identified for both age groups, namely, high variety, moderate variety, high protein but low beef and low variety. The meal patterns were associated differentially with the covariates between the age groups. For example, younger women were more likely to prepare a high or moderate variety of meals than younger men, while younger people who had higher levels of education were more likely to prepare high-protein but low-beef meals. Moreover, young respondents with higher BMI were less likely to prepare meals with high protein but low beef content. Among the older age group, married people were more likely to prepare a high or moderate variety of meals than people without partners. Older people who held strong universalist values were more likely to prepare a wide variety of meals with high protein but low beef content. For both age groups, people who had children living at home and those with better seasonal food knowledge were more likely to prepare a high variety of dishes. The identification of classes of meal users would enable health communication to be tailored to improve meal patterns. Moreover, the concept of meals may be useful for health promotion, because people may find it easier to change their consumption of meals rather than individual foods.
Western Union's Failed Reinvention: The Role of Momentum in Resisting Strategic Change, 1965–1993
Authors: McDonald Christopher
Published: November 2012

The current scholarly consensus argues that business failure results from the misalignment of a company's strategy and its environment. The case of Western Union, however, suggests that a third element—momentum—is also part of the explanation for companies' failures. The weight of historically accumulated systems, skills, and workers constrains the speed with which managers can adapt their strategy to the environment. Momentum stood in the way of Western Union's attempt to place itself at the center of the growing world of computer communications systems.
REMEDIES AGAINST THE EU INSTITUTIONS AFTER LISBON: AN ERA OF OPPORTUNITY?
Authors: Albors-Llorens Albertina
Published: November 2012

This article considers some of the challenges which lie ahead for the Court of Justice of the EU in the field of remedies against the EU institutions following the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty. It examines the evolving role of EU remedies and, in particular, recent decisions of the General Court applying the new standing rules in Article 263(4) TFEU.
Legal Certainty and Cartel Criminalisation within the EU Member States
Authors: Whelan Peter
Published: November 2012

There is a trend within the EU Member States to introduce criminal sanctions for cartel activity. Such criminalisation must respect the human rights of the accused. Unfortunately the literature on cartel criminalisation pays scant regard to the investigation of human rights issues. A comprehensive analysis of the impact of the principle of legal certainty (Article 7 ECHR) upon cartel criminalisation in the EU Member States is conspicuously absent from the literature. This article rectifies this deficiency by examining how this particular principle of European human rights law may impact upon the concept, substance and existence of a criminal cartel offence.
IMPROVING MAIZE (ZEA MAYS L.) PERFORMANCE IN SEMI-ARID ZIMBABWE THROUGH MICRO-DOSING WITH AMMONIUM NITRATE TABLETS
Authors: MASHINGAIDZE N. , BELDER P. , TWOMLOW S. , Hove L. , MOYO M.
Published: November 2012

Although the application of small quantities of nitrogen (N) fertiliser has improved cereal yields on low-input farms in semi-arid Zimbabwe, the practice is reported to be laborious and time-consuming by farmers. In an effort to make micro-dosing less labour-intensive and more precise, an ammonium nitrate (AN) tablet, the equivalent of a micro-dose of prill AN (28 kg N ha−1) applied per maize plant, was developed by International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics in collaboration with Agri-Seeds, Zimbabwe. This study characterized the physical stability, chemical (N% and solubility) and agronomic performance of AN tablets compared with prill AN. Only 10% of tablets broke when dropped from 2 m, showing that they are physically stable and can handle rough treatment. The N content in the tablets (33.3%) was comparable to that in prill AN (34.6%). However, the tablet formulation took twice as long to dissolve than prill AN when placed on a wet soil. Despite this difference in solubility, simple leaching column experiments suggest that less than 2% of the total AN applied was lost due to leaching. Agronomic trials were superimposed on the paired-plot demonstrations used to promote micro-dosing and the conservation agriculture tillage technique of planting basins from 2005 to 2008. Each tillage (plough and basins) plot was subdivided into three sub-plots on which no AN, prill AN and tableted AN treatments were superimposed. Maize was planted and management of plots was left to farmers. Micro-dosing with either prill or tableted AN significantly (p < 0.001) increased maize grain yield by over 40% in all seasons for planting basins. However, on the ploughed plot there was no yield benefit to using either AN formulation in the season with the lowest rainfall (2006–2007). There was no significant difference in grain yield and agronomic N use efficiency between prill and tableted AN formulations except for the 2005–2006 season in planting basins. During this season, in planting basins, tableted AN had significantly (p < 0.001) higher rainwater productivity than prill AN, which translated into greater grain yield. In addition, the maximum benefit to micro-dosing was observed to accrue when combined with water harvesting techniques such as planting basins. An observation supported by the host farmers, who in the second and third seasons chose to apply available basal soil fertility amendments to the basin plots over the flat plots. Thus, AN tablets if available at an affordable price can be used by smallholder farmers to more precisely apply N fertiliser. Future work should focus on the labour issues of micro-dosing, and making cost-effective tablets available to resource-poor farmers and also addressing other limiting soil nutrients.
Prediction of crop productivity and evapotranspiration with two photosynthetic parameter regionalization methods
Authors: HU S. , MO X.
Published: November 2012

Parameter regionalization is the foundation for the spatial application of an ecosystem model at the canopy level and has been improved greatly by remote sensing (RS). Photosynthetic rate is restricted by the carboxylation rate, which is limited by the activity of the enzyme Rubisco. By including RS normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and census data of grain yield at the county level in an ecosystem model (vegetation interface processes (VIP) model), the pattern of photosynthetic parameter Vcmax (maximum catalytic activity of Rubisco) of winter wheat was obtained and then used to simulate the wheat yield and evapotranspiration (ET) in the North China Plain (referred to as the Vcmax method). To evaluate its performance, the simulated yield and ET were compared with those derived by the leaf area index (LAI) method using the retrieved LAI from NDVI to drive the VIP model. The results showed that the Vcmax method performed better than the LAI method in highly productive fields, while the LAI method described the inter-annual variations of yield more favourably in fields with low productivity. Over the study area, average yield (4520 kg/ha) and seasonal ET (360 mm) simulated by the LAI method was slightly lower than those simulated using the Vcmax method (4730 kg/ha for yield and 372 mm for ET). Compared with the census data of yield, the relative root mean square error (RMSE) of grain yield with Vcmax method (0·17) was lower than that of the LAI method (0·20). In conclusion, the physical model with spatial Vcmax pattern from remote sensing is reliable for regional crop productivity prediction.
Aberrant resting-state connectivity in non-psychotic individuals with auditory hallucinations
Authors: Diederen K. M. J. , Neggers S. F. W. , de Weijer A. D. , van Lutterveld R. , Daalman K. , Eickhoff S. B. , Clos M. , Kahn R. S. , Sommer I. E. C.
Published: November 2012

Background

Although auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH) are a core symptom of schizophrenia, they also occur in non-psychotic individuals, in the absence of other psychotic, affective, cognitive and negative symptoms. AVH have been hypothesized to result from deviant integration of inferior frontal, parahippocampal and superior temporal brain areas. However, a direct link between dysfunctional connectivity and AVH has not yet been established. To determine whether hallucinations are indeed related to aberrant connectivity, AVH should be studied in isolation, for example in non-psychotic individuals with AVH.

Method

Resting-state connectivity was investigated in 25 non-psychotic subjects with AVH and 25 matched control subjects using seed regression analysis with the (1) left and (2) right inferior frontal, (3) left and (4) right superior temporal and (5) left parahippocampal areas as the seed regions. To correct for cardiorespiratory (CR) pulsatility rhythms in the functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data, heartbeat and respiration were monitored during scanning and the fMRI data were corrected for these rhythms using the image-based method for retrospective correction of physiological motion effects RETROICOR.

Results

In comparison with the control group, non-psychotic individuals with AVH showed increased connectivity between the left and the right superior temporal regions and also between the left parahippocampal region and the left inferior frontal gyrus. Moreover, this group did not show a negative correlation between the left superior temporal region and the right inferior frontal region, as was observed in the healthy control group.

Conclusions

Aberrant connectivity of frontal, parahippocampal and superior temporal brain areas can be specifically related to the predisposition to hallucinate in the auditory domain.
Hearing and speech impairment at age 4 and risk of later non-affective psychosis
Authors: Fors A. , Abel K. M. , Wicks S. , Magnusson C. , Dalman C.
Published: November 2012

Background

Schizophrenia often becomes manifest in late adolescence and young adulthood but deviations in physical and behavioural development may already be present in childhood. We investigated the relationship between hearing impairment (measured with audiometry) and speech impairment (broadly defined) at age 4 years and adult risk of non-affective psychosis.

Method

We performed a population-based, case–control study in Sweden with 105 cases of schizophrenia or other non-affective psychoses and 213 controls matched for sex, date and place of birth. Information on hearing and speech impairment at age 4, along with potential confounding factors, was retrieved from Well Baby Clinic (WBC) records.

Results

Hearing impairment [odds ratio (OR) 6.0, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.6–23.2] and speech impairment (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.4–4.9) at age 4 were associated with an increased risk of non-affective psychotic illness. These associations were mutually independent and not explained by parental psychiatric history, occupational class or obstetric complications.

Conclusions

These results support the hypothesis that psychosis has a developmental aspect with presentation of antecedent markers early in childhood, long before the disease becomes manifest. Our findings add to the growing evidence that early hearing impairment and speech impairment are risk indicators for later non-affective psychosis and possibly represent aetiological clues and potentially modifiable risk factors. Notably, speech impairment and language impairment are both detectable with inexpensive, easily accessible screening.
Decreased functional connectivity between the amygdala and the left ventral prefrontal cortex in treatment-naive patients with major depressive disorder: a resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Tang Y. , Kong L. , Wu F. , Womer F. , Jiang W. , Cao Y. , Ren L. , Wang J. , Fan G. , Blumberg H. P. , Xu K. , Wang F.
Published: November 2012

Background

Convergent studies provide support for abnormalities in the structure and functioning of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and the amygdala, the key components of the neural system that subserves emotional processing in major depressive disorder (MDD). We used resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to examine potential amygdala–PFC functional connectivity abnormalities in treatment-naive subjects with MDD.

Methods

Resting-state fMRI data were acquired from 28 individuals with MDD and 30 healthy control (HC) subjects. Amygdala–PFC functional connectivity was compared between the MDD and HC groups.

Results

Decreased functional connectivity to the left ventral PFC (VPFC) from the left and right amygdala was observed in the MDD group, compared with the HC group (p < 0.05, corrected).

Conclusions

The treatment-naive subjects with MDD showed decreased functional connectivity from the amygdala to the VPFC, especially to the left VPFC. This suggests that these connections may play an important role in the neuropathophysiology of MDD at its onset.
Multi-terawatt femtosecond laser system of visible range based on a photochemical XeF(C-A) amplifier
Authors: Alekseev S.V. , Aristov A.I. , Ivanov N.G. , Kovalchuk B.M. , Losev V.F. , Mesyats G.A. , Mikheev L.D. , Panchenko Yu.N. , Ratakhin N.A.
Published: November 2012

This paper reports on the creation of a THL-100 multi-terawatt hybrid laser system based on a Start-480M titanium-sapphire starting complex and photochemical XeF(C-A) amplifier with a 25-cm aperture. The complex produces 50-fs radiation pulses of energy up to 5 mJ at a second harmonic wavelength of 475 nm. The active medium of the amplifier is created in a XeF2/N2 mixture under vacuum-ultraviolet radiation of electron beam-excited xenon. The results of first experiments on femtosecond pulse amplification in the active medium of the XeF(C-A) amplifier are presented to demonstrate that a laser beam peak power of 14 TW has been attained.
X-ray powder diffraction data for (1R, 5S, 7R)-7-[(S)-4-benzyl-4,5-dihydrooxazole-2-yl]-1,5,7-trimethyl-3-azabicyclo-[3.3.1]-nonane-2,4-dione, another new chiral Kemp's acid diamide
Authors: Pažout R. , Maixner J. , Přech J. , Kačer P.
Published: November 2012

X-ray powder diffraction data, unit-cell parameters, and space group for a new chiral Kemp's acid diamide, C21H26N2O3, are reported [a = 16.061(4) Å, b = 14.340(5) Å, c = 8.361(2) Å, β = 97.678(4)°, unit-cell volume V = 1908,54 Å3, Z = 4, and space group P21]. All measured lines were indexed and found to be consistent with the P21 space group. No detectable impurity was observed.
‘Treats’, ‘sometimes foods’, ‘junk’: a qualitative study exploring ‘extra foods’ with parents of young children
Authors: Petrunoff Nicholas A , Wilkenfeld Rachel L , King Lesley A , Flood Victoria M
Published: November 2012

Objective

The present study investigated parents’ understanding and approaches to providing energy-dense and nutrient-poor ‘extra foods’ to pre-school children and explored variation between parents of low and high socio-economic status in relation to these issues.

Design

We conducted thirteen focus groups. Data were subject to framework analysis.

Setting

Child-care centres in distinctly socially disadvantaged and socially advantaged areas.

Subjects

Eighty-eight parents of children aged 3–5 years.

Results

The three most common terms parents identified to describe foods that are not ‘everyday foods’ were ‘treats’, ‘sometimes foods’ and ‘junk’. Parents’ perceptions regarding what influences them in providing food to their children included seven sub-themes: (i) the influence of the child; (ii) food-related parenting practices; (iii) health considerations; (iv) food costs and convenience; (v) external factors perceived as influencing their child; (vi) factors related to child care; and (vii) social influences and occasions. Parents’ decision-making processes regarding provision of ‘extra foods’ related to moderation and balance. Parents generally expressed the position that as long as a child is eating healthy foods, then treats are appropriate; and for many parents, this might apply frequently. All groups described the health of their child as an influence, but parents in low socio-economic groups were more likely to describe immediate concerns (dental health, behaviour) in relation to avoiding sugar-dense food or drink.

Conclusions

The belief that provision of ‘extra foods’ can be frequent as long as children are eating a healthy balance of foods is factored into parents’ decision making. Challenging this belief may be important for reducing the consumption of ‘extra foods’ by young children.
Youth Policy and Generations: Why Youth Policy Needs to ‘Rethink Youth’
Authors: Woodman Dan , Wyn Johanna
Published: November 2012

There is an emerging consensus that new approaches are needed to take account of the impact of social conditions on young people's lives. We argue that an approach informed by the sociology of generations can highlight the interrelationships between changing social context and life patterns. This approach enables policies that aim to enhance the social inclusion of youth at risk to recognise the intersections between individual and social transitions that shape the changing experience of youth. We argue that social change needs to be recognised in order to ensure that policies are based on a sound understanding of new patterns in young lives.