bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La Pintada: Un sitio patrimonial en riesgo de desaparición
Authors: Rivas Árevalo Ernesto
Published: July 2013

La Pintada está situada a la orilla del río Titihuapa, departamento de San Vicente, a unos 70 kilómetros de San Salvador, y muy vecina al municipio de San Isidro, departamento de Cabañas. La cueva es bastante conocida por los lugareños y su nombre ha sido mencionado por diversos investigadores, entre los que cabe destacar: Atilio Peccorini (1913), Rodolfo Barón Castro (1942), Wolfgang Haberland (1954) y Elisenda Coladán (1998). Al lugar se le conoce con varios nombres, entre otros, La Pintada, la Cueva Pintada o la Piedra Pintada. Pero, en realidad se trata de un paredón al descubierto de forma cóncava. En la superficie hay grabados que tienden a la abstracción pero en los que también se pueden distinguir formas de seres humanos, animales y figuras geométricas. La Pintada está a la orilla del río, lugar donde hasta el momento, se descarta la posibilidad de que haya habido algún asentamiento. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/koot.v0i2.1153 Revista de Museología "Kóot" No.2 2010: 69-76
Catálogos de las exposiciones del Museo Universitario de Antropología de la Universidad Tecnológica de El Salvador
Authors: Rivas Ramón D.
Published: July 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/koot.v0i2.1156Revista de Museología "Kóot" No.2 2010: 115-122
Olga Stanisławska’s Charles de Gaulle Roundabout: Raw Facts and the Danger of Finalizing Narratives
Authors: Kosmala Kinga
Published: July 2013

Olga Stanisławska’s reportage book Rondo de Gaulle’a [Charles de Gaulle Roundabout] was published in 2001 by Wydawnictwo Twój Styl in Warsaw. The book describes one woman’s yearlong journey across Africa, from Casablanca, to Morocco, through Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, Guinea, Congo, Zaire, and Uganda to Nairobi, Kenya. Stanisławska writes about the political, economic, and social issues of numerous African countries. She describes the painful issue of modern-day slavery in Mauritania, the dramatic fate of the Tuareg nation, and recent conflicts in Chad. The book’s narrative sometimes merges with objectified, newspaper-style news, but more often ventures into a solipsistic memoir and a warm and sensual portrayal of the various communities the author visits. Stanisławska’s actual journey across Africa is complemented by her emotional and literary voyage from the paradise-like plains of the Saharan desert countries to the hellish depths of the jungle in the Congo. She frames her journey, or rather "travels," from Karen Blixen’s Out of Africa (a self-created paradise) to Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness (a self-imposed hell). Both of Stanisławska’s journeys–physical and literary–provide a captivating platform for studying her narrative as an unending and deeply empathic encounter with another human being. In Charles de Gaulle Roundabout there is a visible tension between the author’s need to tell a story and her anxiety that in doing so she may (mis)treat people and turn them into fictional characters, that is, make their stories finite.
Heart Grafts Tolerized Through Third-Party Multipotent Adult Progenitor Cells Can Be Retransplanted to Secondary Hosts With No Immunosuppression
Authors: Eggenhofer Elke , Popp Felix C. , Mendicino Michael , Silber Paula , van't Hof Wouter , Renner Philipp , Hoogduijn Martin J. , Pinxteren Jef , van Rooijen Nico , Geissler Edward K. , Deans Robert , Schlitt Hans J. , Dahlke Marc H.
Published: July 2013

Multipotent adult progenitor cells (MAPCs) are an adherent stem cell population that belongs to the mesenchymal-type progenitor cell family. Although MAPCs are emerging as candidate agents for immunomodulation after solid organ transplantation, their value requires further validation in a clinically relevant cell therapy model using an organ donor- and organ recipient-independent, third-party cell product. We report that stable allograft survival can be achieved following third-party MAPC infusion in a rat model of fully allogeneic, heterotopic heart transplantation. Furthermore, long-term accepted heart grafts recovered from MAPC-treated animals can be successfully retransplanted to naïve animals without additional immunosuppression. This prolongation of MAPC-mediated allograft acceptance depends upon a myeloid cell population since depletion of macrophages by clodronate abrogates the tolerogenic MAPC effect. We also show that MAPC-mediated allograft acceptance differs mechanistically from drug-induced tolerance regarding marker gene expression, T regulatory cell induction, retransplantability, and macrophage dependence. MAPC-based immunomodulation represents a promising pathway for clinical immunotherapy that has led us to initiate a phase I clinical trial for testing safety and feasibility of third-party MAPC therapy after liver transplantation.
The Adoption of the Bow and Arrow: A Model Based on Experimental Performance Characteristics
Authors: Tomka Steve A.
Published: July 2013

The timing of the arrival of the bow and arrow in the New World and reasons for its adoption have long been discussed by archaeologists. It typically has been assumed that the bow and arrow provided mechanical and physical advantages over the atlatl and dart, particularly in long-range killing power. This experimental study examines the effectiveness of traditional bows and arrows to deliver lethal wounds to prey species of different sizes. The results suggest that the bow and arrow was effective in hunting prey species such as antelope and deer but ineffective in bringing down larger animals unless changes in hunting strategies were adopted. In contrast, the atlatl and dart would have excelled in large game hunting. It is proposed that the adoption of the bow and arrow and the abandonment of the atlatl and dart were conditioned by their distinct performance advantages and changes in the game species targeted over time.
Which foot first: diversity management and affirmative action in Brazilian business
Authors: da Conceição Eliane Barbosa , Spink Peter K.
Published: July 2013

This paper discusses the relative importance of diversity management programs and government initiatives in reducing job access inequalities. It contrasts the affirmative action-0diversity management process in the USA with that of Brazil, where racial inequality has remained extremely persistent. Using the relational framework (Syed; Özbilgin, 2009) it examines how Brazilian banks are dealing with diversity and affirmative action following initiatives from the Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office for Labor. The results suggest that, individually, neither diversity management nor legal initiatives are sufficient to ensure effective social justice but, in settings of durable inequality, firm legal initiatives are a necessary first step.
La diversité, un levier de performance : plaidoyer pour un management innovateur et créatif
Authors: Bruna Maria Giuseppina , Chauvet Mathieu
Published: July 2013

L’historicité, la contextualité et la polysémie des notions de diversité et de performance expliquent l’hétérogénéité des conclusions auxquelles aboutissent les études empiriques qui en testent la relation. Les dimensions culturelles et temporelles, le type de management adopté, les modes d’intégration professionnelle, la conjoncture et le contexte intra-organisationnel influent sur la performance des équipes diversifiées. Afin de transmuer la diversité en levier de performance, les organisations sont invitées à concevoir des politiquesdiversitésoucieuses d’inscrire le changement dans la durée (perspective sociétale), de promouvoir un management intégrateur attentif aux dimensions culturelles et identitaires (niveau organisationnel), de développer la pratique dumentoringet duleadership(échelon individuel).
Nutrient restriction enhances the proliferative potential of cells lacking the tumor suppressor PTEN in mitotic tissues
Authors: Nowak Katarzyna , Seisenbacher Gerhard , Hafen Ernst , Stocker Hugo
Published: July 2013

How single cells in a mitotic tissue progressively acquire hallmarks of cancer is poorly understood. We exploited mitotic recombination in developing Drosophila imaginal tissues to analyze the behavior of cells devoid of the tumor suppressor PTEN, a negative regulator of PI3K signaling, under varying nutritional conditions. Cells lacking PTEN strongly overproliferated specifically in nutrient restricted larvae. Although the PTEN mutant cells were sensitive to starvation, they successfully competed with neighboring cells by autonomous and non-autonomous mechanisms distinct from cell competition. The overgrowth was strictly dependent on the activity of the downstream components Akt/PKB and TORC1, and a reduction in amino acid uptake by reducing the levels of the amino acid transporter Slimfast caused clones of PTEN mutant cells to collapse. Our findings demonstrate how limiting nutritional conditions impact on cells lacking the tumor suppressor PTEN to cause hyperplastic overgrowth.
Apical targeting of the formin Diaphanous in Drosophila tubular epithelia
Authors: Rousso Tal , Shewan Annette M , Mostov Keith E , Schejter Eyal D , Shilo Ben-Zion
Published: July 2013

Apical secretion from epithelial tubes of the Drosophila embryo is mediated by apical F-actin cables generated by the formin-family protein Diaphanous (Dia). Apical localization and activity of Dia are at the core of restricting F-actin formation to the correct membrane domain. Here we identify the mechanisms that target Dia to the apical surface. PI(4,5)P2 levels at the apical membrane regulate Dia localization in both the MDCK cyst model and in Drosophila tubular epithelia. An N-terminal basic domain of Dia is crucial for apical localization, implying direct binding to PI(4,5)P2. Dia apical targeting also depends on binding to Rho1, which is critical for activation-induced conformational change, as well as physically anchoring Dia to the apical membrane. We demonstrate that binding to Rho1 facilitates interaction with PI(4,5)P2 at the plane of the membrane. Together these cues ensure efficient and distinct restriction of Dia to the apical membrane.
Phosphorylation-mediated PTEN conformational closure and deactivation revealed with protein semisynthesis
Authors: Bolduc David , Rahdar Meghdad , Tu-Sekine Becky , Sivakumaren Sindhu Carmen , Raben Daniel , Amzel L Mario , Devreotes Peter , Gabelli Sandra B , Cole Philip
Published: July 2013

The tumor suppressor PIP3 phosphatase PTEN is phosphorylated on four clustered Ser/Thr on its C-terminal tail (aa 380–385) and these phosphorylations are proposed to induce a reduction in PTEN’s plasma membrane recruitment. How these phosphorylations affect the structure and enzymatic function of PTEN is poorly understood. To gain insight into the mechanistic basis of PTEN regulation by phosphorylation, we generated semisynthetic site-specifically tetra-phosphorylated PTEN using expressed protein ligation. By employing a combination of biophysical and enzymatic approaches, we have found that purified tail-phosphorylated PTEN relative to its unphosphorylated counterpart shows reduced catalytic activity and membrane affinity and undergoes conformational compaction likely involving an intramolecular interaction between its C-tail and the C2 domain. Our results suggest that there is a competition between membrane phospholipids and PTEN phospho-tail for binding to the C2 domain. These findings reveal a key aspect of PTEN’s regulation and suggest pharmacologic approaches for direct PTEN activation.
Significant Geological Storage Capacity for Carbon in the United States, Report Finds
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: July 2013

The United States has enough capacity to store a mean estimate of about 3000 metric gigatons (Gt) of carbon dioxide (CO2) through geological sequestration, according to a new assessment that looks at the potential for technically accessible geological CO2 storage in the country. That storage capacity is more than 500 times the nation's 2011 energy‐related emissions, which the U.S. Energy Information Administration estimated at 5.5 Gt, and more than 90 times the 2011 global emissions of 31.6 Gt.
The Future of Space Exploration Discussed at Science Policy Conference
Authors: Balcerak Ernie
Published: July 2013

Future space exploration will involve more commercial enterprise as well as more international collaboration, according to speakers at a 26 June session during the 2013 AGU Science Policy Conference.
Photovoltaic Function and Exciton/Charge Transfer Dynamics in a Highly Efficient Semiconducting Copolymer
Authors: Szarko Jodi M. , Rolczynski Brian S. , Lou Sylvia J. , Xu Tao , Strzalka Joseph , Marks Tobin J. , Yu Luping , Chen Lin X.
Published: July 2013

Exciton dissociation is a key step for the light energy conversion to electricity in organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices. Here, excitonic dissociation pathways in the high‐performance, low bandgap “in‐chain donor–acceptor” polymer PTB7 by transient optical absorption (TA) spectroscopy in solutions, neat films, and bulk heterojunction (BHJ) PTB7:PC71BM (phenyl‐C71‐butyric acid methyl ester) films are investigated. The dynamics and energetics of the exciton and intra‐/intermolecular charge separated states are characterized. A distinct, dynamic, spectral red‐shift of the polymer cation is observed in the BHJ films in TA spectra following electron transfer from the polymer to PC71BM, which can be attributed to the time evolution of the hole–electron spatial separation after exciton splitting. Effects of film morphology are also investigated and compared to those of conjugated homopolymers. The enhanced charge separation along the PTB7 alternating donor–acceptor backbone is understood by intramolecular charge separation through polarized, delocalized excitons that lower the exciton binding energy. Consequently, ultrafast charge separation and transport along these polymer backbones reduce carrier recombination in these largely amorphous films. This charge separation mechanism explains why higher degrees of PCBM intercalation within BHJ matrices enhances exciton splitting and charge transport, and thus increase OPV performance. This study proposes new guidelines for OPV materials development.
Mutations in gamma adducin are associated with inherited cerebral palsy
Authors: Kruer Michael C. , Jepperson Tyler , Dutta Sudeshna , Steiner Robert D. , Cottenie Ellen , Sanford Lynn , Merkens Mark , Russman Barry S. , Blasco Peter A. , Fan Guang , Pollock Jeffrey , Green Sarah , Woltjer Randall L. , Mooney Catherine , Kretzschmar Doris , Paisán‐Ruiz Coro , Houlden Henry
Published: July 2013

Objective

Cerebral palsy is estimated to affect nearly 1 in 500 children, and although prenatal and perinatal contributors have been well characterized, at least 20% of cases are believed to be inherited. Previous studies have identified mutations in the actin‐capping protein KANK1 and the adaptor protein‐4 complex in forms of inherited cerebral palsy, suggesting a role for components of the dynamic cytoskeleton in the genesis of the disease.

Methods

We studied a multiplex consanguineous Jordanian family by homozygosity mapping and exome sequencing, then used patient‐derived fibroblasts to examine functional consequences of the mutation we identified in vitro. We subsequently studied the effects of adducin loss of function in Drosophila.

Results

We identified a homozygous c.1100G>A (p.G367D) mutation in ADD3, encoding gamma adducin in all affected members of the index family. Follow‐up experiments in patient fibroblasts found that the p.G367D mutation, which occurs within the putative oligomerization critical region, impairs the ability of gamma adducin to associate with the alpha subunit. This mutation impairs the normal actin‐capping function of adducin, leading to both abnormal proliferation and migration in cultured patient fibroblasts. Loss of function studies of the Drosophila adducin ortholog hts confirmed a critical role for adducin in locomotion.

Interpretation

Although likely a rare cause of cerebral palsy, our findings indicate a critical role for adducins in regulating the activity of the actin cytoskeleton, suggesting that impaired adducin function may lead to neuromotor impairment and further implicating abnormalities of the dynamic cytoskeleton as a pathogenic mechanism contributing to cerebral palsy. Ann Neurol 2013;74:805–814
RBP‐Jκ–Dependent Notch Signaling Is Required for Murine Articular Cartilage and Joint Maintenance
Authors: Mirando Anthony J. , Liu Zhaoyang , Moore Tyler , Lang Alexandra , Kohn Anat , Osinski Alana M. , O'Keefe Regis J. , Mooney Robert A. , Zuscik Michael J. , Hilton Matthew J.
Published: July 2013

Objective

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease resulting in severe joint cartilage destruction and disability. While the mechanisms underlying the development and progression of OA are poorly understood, gene mutations have been identified within cartilage‐related signaling molecules, implicating impaired cell signaling in OA and joint disease. The Notch pathway has recently been identified as a crucial regulator of growth plate cartilage development, and components are expressed in joint tissue. This study was undertaken to investigate a novel role for Notch signaling in joint cartilage development, maintenance, and the pathogenesis of joint disease in a mouse model.

Methods

We performed the first mouse gene study in which the core Notch signaling component, RBP‐Jκ, was tissue specifically deleted within joints. The Prx1Cre transgene removed Rbpjk loxP‐flanked alleles in mesenchymal joint precursor cells, while the Col2CreERT2 transgene specifically deleted Rbpjk in postnatal chondrocytes. Murine articular chondrocyte cultures were also used to examine Notch regulation of gene expression.

Results

Loss of Notch signaling in mesenchymal joint precursor cells did not affect embryonic joint development in mice, but rather, resulted in an early, progressive OA‐like pathology. Additionally, partial loss of Notch signaling in murine postnatal cartilage resulted in progressive joint cartilage degeneration and an age‐related OA‐like pathology. Inhibition of Notch signaling altered the expression of the extracellular matrix (ECM)–related factors type II collagen (COL2A1), proteoglycan 4, COL10A1, matrix metalloproteinase 13, and ADAMTS.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that the RBP‐Jκ–dependent Notch pathway is a novel pathway involved in joint maintenance and articular cartilage homeostasis, a critical regulator of articular cartilage ECM‐related molecules, and a potentially important therapeutic target for OA‐like joint disease.
Metabolic Profiling Reveals Differences in Concentrations of Oxylipins and Fatty Acids Secreted by the Infrapatellar Fat Pad of Donors With End‐Stage Osteoarthritis and Normal Donors
Authors: Gierman L. M. , Wopereis S. , van El B. , Verheij E. R. , Werff‐van der Vat B. J. C. , Bastiaansen‐Jenniskens Y. M. , van Osch G. J. V. M. , Kloppenburg M. , Stojanovic‐Susulic V. , Huizinga T. W. J. , Zuurmond A.‐M.
Published: July 2013

Objective

The infrapatellar fat pad (IPFP) in the knee joint is hypothesized to contribute to osteoarthritis (OA) development by the IFPF possibly by influencing inflammatory processes. Oxylipins are essential mediators in the inflammatory process. We undertook this study to investigate secretion by the IFPF of fatty acids and oxylipins derived from those fatty acids.

Methods

IPFP explants from 13 OA donors undergoing joint replacement surgery and from 10 normal donors postmortem were cultured for 24 hours, and supernatants (fat‐conditioned medium [FCM]) were collected. Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry detected fatty acids and oxylipins in FCM samples. Univariate and multivariate (partial least‐squares discriminant analysis [PLS‐DA]) analyses were performed, followed by pathway analysis. To validate these outcomes, a second set of OA FCM samples was measured (n = 23).

Results

Twenty‐nine oxylipins and fatty acids could be detected in FCM. Univariate analysis showed no differences between normal donor and OA donor FCM; however, PLS‐DA revealed an oxylipin/fatty acid profile consisting of 14 mediators associated with OA (accuracy rate 72%). The most important contributors to the model were lipoxin A4 (decreased), thromboxane B2 (increased), and arachidonic acid (increased). The statistical model predicted 64% of the second set of OA FCM samples correctly. Pathway analysis indicated differences in individual mediators rather than in complete pathways.

Conclusion

The IPFP secretes multiple and different oxylipins, and a subset of these oxylipins provides a distinctive profile for OA donors. It is likely that the observed changes are regulated by the OA process rather than being a consequence of basal metabolism changes, as an increase in fatty acid levels was not necessarily associated with an increase in oxylipins derived from that fatty acid.
Contrasting Mechanisms of Interferon‐α Inhibition by Intravenous Immunoglobulin After Induction by Immune Complexes Versus Toll‐like Receptor Agonists
Authors: Wiedeman Alice E. , Santer Deanna M. , Yan Wei , Miescher Sylvia , Käsermann Fabian , Elkon Keith B.
Published: July 2013

Objective

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (PDCs) produce high concentrations of interferon‐α (IFNα) following exposure to immune complexes containing nucleic acids. We previously reported that serum from healthy donors inhibits IFNα production by PDCs in response to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) immune complexes, and that inhibition is mediated, in part, by IgG. IgG is the major component of intravenous immunoglobulin and is well known to exert antiinflammatory properties. Although suppression of inflammation by the sialylated subfraction of IgG has been implicated in some models, the mechanism of IFNα inhibition by IgG and the importance of sialylation have not been studied.

Methods

SLE immune complexes or synthetic Toll‐like receptor (TLR) agonists were used to stimulate total or individual cell–depleted human mononuclear cell cultures in the presence or absence of IgG, Fc fragments, F(ab′)2 fragments, and their sialylated or unsialylated subfractions. Cytokines were quantified by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

We identified 2 distinct mechanisms by which IgG inhibits IFNα production. First, IgG Fc fragments inhibited SLE immune complex–stimulated IFNα production via a sialic acid–independent mechanism, by inhibiting immune complex binding to Fcγ receptor IIa on PDCs. In contrast, the F(ab′)2 fragment of the sialylation‐enriched fraction of IgG inhibited TLR‐7 or TLR‐9 agonist–induced IFNα production but did not require the sialic acid residue itself. The inhibitory activity of IgG on TLR agonist–induced IFNα required monocyte production of prostaglandin E2, a potent suppressor of IFNα production by PDCs.

Conclusion

IgG attenuates IFNα production by PDCs by both cell surface receptor and intracellular pathways, depending on the nature of the inducing stimulus.
Substrate Engineering by Hexagonal Boron Nitride/SiO2 for Hysteresis‐Free Graphene FETs and Large‐Scale Graphene p–n Junctions
Authors: Xu Hua , Wu Juanxia , Chen Yabin , Zhang Haoli , Zhang Jin
Published: July 2013

We have explored an approach for the fabrication of intrinsic and hysteresis‐free graphene field‐effect transistors (FETs) and for the construction of graphene p–n junctions based on substrate engineering by hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN)/SiO2. The effect of various interfaces on the performance of the graphene FETs was systematically studied by constructing four types of graphene devices (graphene/SiO2 FETs, graphene/h‐BN FETs, h‐BN/graphene/SiO2 FETs, and h‐BN/graphene/h‐BN FETs). Graphene/SiO2 FETs and h‐BN/graphene/SiO2 FETs always exhibit large hysteresis before and after annealing, whereas graphene/h‐BN FETs and h‐BN/graphene/h‐BN FETs show intrinsic properties after annealing. Raman measurements also indicate that graphene on a SiO2 substrate contains large amounts of p‐doping, whereas that on a h‐BN substrate is intrinsic. Thus, the graphene/h‐BN interface gives intrinsic and hysteresis‐free graphene FETs, whilst the graphene/SiO2 interface affords p‐doping and a hysteresis effect in the graphene FETs. This result is because h‐BN serves as an insulation layer, which prevents charge trapping between the graphene and the charge traps at the graphene/SiO2 interface, which cause the hysteresis. In addition, the negligible electrostatic doping of h‐BN into graphene also ensures the intrinsic and hysteresis‐free properties of graphene/BN/SiO2 FETs. Moreover, benefitting from the p‐doped and intrinsic features of graphene on SiO2 and h‐BN substrates, respectively, large‐scale graphene p–n junction superlattices with great potential difference are constructed and integrated into photodetector arrays by substrate engineering with h‐BN/SiO2. Efficient hot carrier‐assisted photocurrent was generated by laser excitation at the junction under ambient conditions.
Development of an enantiomer selective microsampling assay for the quantification of ketorolac suitable for paediatric pharmacokinetic studies
Authors: Mohammed Baba S. , Engelhardt Thomas , Cameron Gary A. , Hawwa Ahmed F. , Helms Peter J. , McLay James S.
Published: July 2013

Background: Ketorolac, a potent nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug used for pain control in children, exists as a racemate of inactive R (+) and active S (‐) enantiomers. Aim: To develop a microsampling assay for the enantioselective analysis of ketorolac in children. Methods: Ketorolac enantiomers were extracted from 50 µl of plasma by liquid–liquid extraction and separated on a ChiralPak AD‐RH. Detection was by a TSQ quantum triple quadrupole mass spectrometer with an electrospray ionisation source operating in a positive ion mode. Five children (age 13.8 (1.6) years, weight 52.7 (7.2) kg), were administered intravenous ketorolac 0.5 mg/kg (maximum 10 mg) and blood samples were taken at 0, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 12 h post administration. CL, VD and t1/2 were calculated based on non‐compartmental methods. Results: The standard curves for R (+) and S (‐) ketorolac were linear in the range 0–2000 ng/ml. The LLOQs of the method were 0.15 ng on column and 0.31 ng on column for R (+) and S (‐) ketorolac, respectively. The median (range) VD and CL of R (+) and S (‐) ketorolac were 0.12 l/kg (0.07–0.17), 0.017 l/h/kg (0.12–0.29) and 0.17 (0.09–0.31) l/kg, 0.049 (0.02–0.1) l/h/kg, p = 0.043), respectively. The median (range) elimination half‐life (t1/2) of the R (+) and S (‐) ketorolac was 5.0 h (2.5–5.8) and 3.1 h (1.8–4.4), p = 0.043), respectively. Conclusion: The development of a simple, rapid and reliable ketorolac assay suitable for paediatric PK studies is reported. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A reconstructive analysis of the potential for critical learning and change in recognition of prior learning: a Habermasian analysis
Authors: Sandberg Fredrik
Published: July 2013

This paper analyses a recognition of prior learning (RPL) placement process where health care assistants' prior learning is recognised through dialogue with and observation by tutors. This process is part of a procedure that uses RPL for accreditation through the administration of an in‐service training program in the health care sector. The aim of the reconstructive analysis in this paper is to examine the potential for critical learning and change in the RPL placement process by analysing this procedure using Habermas's theory of communicative action. Although prior research has justifiably been critical of the use of RPL for accreditation, these critiques are not always helpful. Rather than simply rejecting this form of RPL, this paper argues for a balance between the social environment (i.e., lifeworld) in the workplace and the education system. Viewed and analysed from the angle of communicative action, the paper argues that when RPL for accreditation is founded within worthwhile learning experiences and conducted through mutual understanding, critical learning and change can be achieved. RPL for accreditation can then be something more than a process of instrumental assessment.
Inequality in language achievement growth? An investigation into the impact of pupil socio‐ethnic background and school socio‐ethnic composition
Authors: Belfi Barbara , Goos Mieke , Pinxten Maarten , Verhaeghe Jean Pierre , Gielen Sarah , De Fraine Bieke , Van Damme Jan
Published: July 2013

This paper investigates how pupils' growth trajectories in three language domains (reading fluency, spelling, and reading comprehension) are related to their own socioeconomic and ethnic background and to the socioeconomic and ethnic composition of their primary school. Using multilevel piecewise growth curve analysis, the growth trajectories of approximately 5000 pupils from 170 primary schools were estimated. The results indicate that a pupil's socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds have the largest impact on achievement and growth in reading comprehension and the smallest impact on reading fluency. Furthermore, school ethnic composition—but not socioeconomic composition—was related to pupils' achievement in all three language domains at the first measurement occasion, though none of the types of school composition was related to growth. The research findings therefore imply that to combat the deficits in language proficiency often found in ethnic minority pupils, priority should be given to investments in individual intervention programmes over policy plans to desegregate schools. Moreover, our study identifies the specific points in time during primary school at which intervention programmes are needed the most.
Interaction capture using magnetic sensors
Authors: Sandilands Peter , Choi Myung Geol , Komura Taku
Published: July 2013

Capturing a close interaction between an actor and an object can be difficult as a result of occlusion and having to recreate the geometry of the scene accurately. In this paper, we propose a technique that allows us to capture the object's motion and geometry alongside the actor's movements and optionally the local environment, using a magnetic motion capture system and an RGB‐D sensor. This not only gives greater information when placing a character in a scene but enables us to digitally recreate the scene in motion without significant animator work after capture. The use of magnetic sensors prevents occlusion or marker confusion that is common in optical techniques when dealing with close interactions, as the magnetic sensors do not require direct line of sight to a camera. The geometry reconstruction ensures that the proportions of objects and surfaces the character interacts with are accurate and alleviates the need for an artist to model the object. We perform validation of the results by comparison with an optical system and show a variety of motions, such as using a screwdriver or removing a cap to drink from a bottle, that can be captured using our technique. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enantioselective Separation and Simultaneous Determination of Tolperisone and Eperisone in Rat Plasma by LC‐MS/MS
Authors: Nageswara Rao R. , Satyanarayana Raju S.
Published: July 2013

Tolperisone and eperisone used as muscle relaxants possess one chiral center each and exist as two optical isomers for each drug. Therefore, enantioselective assays to measure each enantiomer in biological matrices are of great importance. In the present study a simple and complete reverse‐phase liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometric method for separation and enantioselective determination of tolperisone and eperisone in rat plasma was developed. The analytes were extracted from rat plasma by a simple protein precipitation method with acetonitrile as the extraction solvent. The enantioselective separation of analytes was achieved on a Cellulose Tris (4‐chloro‐3‐methylphenylcarbamate) chiral column with a mobile phase of acetonitrile: 10 mM ammonium acetate in an isocratic mode of elution and mass spectrometric detection. The calibration curve for each enantiomer was found to be linear over 0.2 to 20 ng/mL for each enantiomer. The proposed method exhibited good intra‐ and interday precision (% CV) ranged between 0.95–6.05% and 1.11–8.21%, respectively. The intra‐ and interday accuracy for the proposed assay method ranged between 94.0–100.5% and 92.7–102.1%, respectively. The proposed method was validated as per regulatory guidelines. Chirality 25:622–627, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Application and optimisation studies of a zinc electrowinning process simulation
Authors: Mahon Michael , Peng Spencer , Alfantazi Akram
Published: July 2013

Using existing models, a zinc electrowinning cell house was simulated including electrowinning cells, electrolyte storage, and cooling towers. Optimisations and applications of the simulation were investigated as applicable to a cell house. Conditions were identified for achieving optimal current efficiency, energy consumption, and zinc production rate for a single cell and the entire cell house. The minimal energy consumption of the cell house was found to be larger than single cells primarily due to the lack of available control of the acid concentration. Water loss through cooling towers and the movement of a well‐mixed non‐interacting impurity was also tracked.
Kinetics of pure propane and n‐butane desorption from soybean oil
Authors: Novello Zuleica , Tres Marcus V. , Racoski Jéssica C. , Di Luccio Marco , Oliveira Jose V.
Published: July 2013

This work reports experimental data on the desorption of pure propane and n‐butane from refined soybean oil at low pressures. The desorption parameters investigated were the overall solvent (normally gaseous at ambient conditions) content and solution stirring rate. Solvent mass fraction ranged from 1 to 10 wt% and stirring was studied in the interval between 0 and 200 rpm (equivalent to a Reynolds number 2 × 107). Results showed a fast solvent release from the binary propane–soybean oil system, while a relatively slower liberation was noticed for soybean oil−n‐butane, due possibly to the much smaller solubility exhibited by the former solvent. The experimental information reported in this work may be of great technological relevance, since no desorption data were found in the literature for the systems investigated in this work.
Image‐based cytometry reveals three distinct subsets of activated granulocytes based on phagocytosis and oxidative burst
Authors: McFarlin Brian K. , Williams Randall R. , Venable Adam S. , Dwyer Karen C. , Haviland David L.
Published: July 2013

Granulocytes play a key role in innate immunity and the most common functional assays are phagocytosis and oxidative burst. The purpose of this technical note is to use image‐based flow cytometry to divide activated granulocytes into unique subsets based on their degree of phagocytosis and oxidative burst in response to different experimental incubations. Prior to the experiments, all reagents were titered to determine the lowest dose that resulted in an acceptable signal to noise ratio. Heparinized, whole blood (100 µl) was mixed with one of two bioparticles (E. coli and S. aureus) and DHE (10 µg/ml) and incubated for 5, 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, 120, and 140 min in a 37°C water bath. An additional tube kept on ice was used as a negative control. All subsequent processing steps were completed on ice in the dark to minimize additional activation of cells. After the 37°C incubation, N‐ethylmaleimide (15 mM) was added to halt phagocytosis, preventing the uptake of additional microparticles. Suspensions were labeled with CD66b‐APC and CD45‐APCeFluor780 for 60 min and a fix/lyse solution was added. Prior to acquisition, 7AAD was added to stain nuclear DNA. A minimum of 5,000 granulocyte (CD66b+) events were acquired using a Millipore‐Amnis FlowSight equipped with blue (488 nm, 60 mW), red (642 nm, 100 mW), and side scatter (785 nm, 12 mW) lasers. Samples were compensated and analyzed using Amnis IDEAS software (v.5.0.983.0). Image‐based analysis allowed us to divide activated granulocytes into three distinct subsets, whose relative abundance changed as a function of both bioparticle type and incubation length. The method described in this technical note represents a potential novel adaptation to common methods of assessing granulocyte function. More research is needed to test and validate our image‐based method in clinical conditions that impair granulocyte function. © 2013 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Dry‐season water utilization by trees growing on thin karst soils in a seasonal tropical rainforest of Xishuangbanna, Southwest China
Authors: Liu Wenjie , Li Pengju , Duan Wenping , Liu Wenyao
Published: July 2013

Stable isotopes were used to evaluate water utilization for three tree species (Cleistanthus sumatranus, Lasiococca comberi var. pseudoverticillata and Celtis wightii) growing on karst soils in the seasonal tropical rainforest of Xishuangbanna, Southwest China. The soil on the site is only 40 cm thick but was underlain by thick limestone bedrock with large water storage capacity. Dense radiational fog occurred frequently during the pronounced dry season. Isotope composition of water in xylem, soil and fog were analysed, and soil and stem porous water content were measured concurrently to determine the proportion of water deriving from fog, soil and bedrock by adult trees and seedlings at the peak of the dry season. Results indicated that C. wightii seedlings suffered stronger water stress and greatly relied on available moisture from fog (23.8% on average). This suggests that fog water was an important source for seedling growth during the pronounced dry season. In contrast, adult trees had little or negligible water uptake from fog moisture (3–7% on average) but derived around 63–85% of their water from bedrock sources. Water held within bedrock was essential for meeting plant transpiration requirements over the dry season drought. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dendritic cells process synthetic long peptides better than whole protein, improving antigen presentation and T‐cell activation
Authors: Rosalia Rodney A. , Quakkelaar Esther D. , Redeker Anke , Khan Selina , Camps Marcel , Drijfhout Jan W. , Silva Ana Luisa , Jiskoot Wim , van Hall Thorbald , van Veelen Peter A. , Janssen George , Franken Kees , Cruz Luis J. , Tromp Angelino , Oostendorp Jaap , van der Burg Sjoerd H. , Ossendorp Ferry , Melief Cornelis J. M.
Published: July 2013

The efficiency of antigen (Ag) processing by dendritic cells (DCs) is vital for the strength of the ensuing T‐cell responses. Previously, we and others have shown that in comparison to protein vaccines, vaccination with synthetic long peptides (SLPs) has shown more promising (pre‐)clinical results. Here, we studied the unknown mechanisms underlying the observed vaccine efficacy of SLPs. We report an in vitro processing analysis of SLPs for MHC class I and class II presentation by murine DCs and human monocyte‐derived DCs. Compared to protein, SLPs were rapidly and much more efficiently processed by DCs, resulting in an increased presentation to CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. The mechanism of access to MHC class I loading appeared to differ between the two forms of Ag. Whereas whole soluble protein Ag ended up largely in endolysosomes, SLPs were detected very rapidly outside the endolysosomes after internalization by DCs, followed by proteasome‐ and transporter associated with Ag processing‐dependent MHC class I presentation. Compared to the slower processing route taken by whole protein Ags, our results indicate that the efficient internalization of SLPs, accomplished by DCs but not by B or T cells and characterized by a different and faster intracellular routing, leads to enhanced CD8+ T‐cell activation.
Synthesis and Characterization of Linker‐Armed Fucose‐Based Glycomimetics
Authors: Doknic Daniela , Abramo Morena , Sutkeviciute Ieva , Reinhardt Anika , Guzzi Cinzia , Schlegel Mark K. , Potenza Donatella , Nieto Pedro M. , Fieschi Franck , Seeberger Peter H. , Bernardi Anna
Published: July 2013

Glycomimetic molecules can be used to antagonize the action of carbohydrate‐binding proteins (lectins) involved in biological processes of high relevance for human and plant disease. In this paper we describe the derivatization with appropriate linkers of a previously described glycomimetic containing an α‐fucosyl amide anchor that is known to act as antagonist of the dendritic cell lectin DC‐SIGN. Key steps of the functionalization were the stereoselective epoxidation of an intermediate β‐amino‐cyclohexene‐carboxylic acid derivative, followed by regioselective opening with 2‐chloroethanol. Introduction of the linker does not alter the DC‐SIGN binding properties of the molecule, as shown by Surface Plasmon Resonance and NMR studies. Whereas the fucose‐based anchor allows the mimic to interact efficiently with fucose‐binding lectins, the linker could also be exploited for the synthesis of glycodendrimers, as well as for the study of ligand interactions with commercially available lectins by array technology. In particular, a tetravalent fucosylated dendrimer was obtained that displayed a low‐micromolar range of activity against DC‐SIGN. Additionally, screening of the ligand against lectins with common fucose specificity in an array format allowed the lectin from the bacterium Ralstonia solanacearum (RSL) to be identified as a potential target protein and suggested that even simple glycomimetic structures can attain a significant amount of selectivity among lectins with analogous specificity.
Asymmetric Organocatalytic Benzylation of α,β‐Unsaturated Aldehydes with Toluenes
Authors: Dell'Amico Luca , Companyó Xavier , Naicker Tricia , Bräuer Thomas M. , Jørgensen Karl Anker
Published: July 2013

The direct organocatalytic enantioselective benzylation by using toluenes and α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes is presented. The reaction is catalyzed by tert‐butyldimethylsilyl‐protected diphenylprolinol in the presence of a mild organic base and proceeds with excellent yields and enantioselectivities up to >99 % ee. This reactivity is based on a synergistic effect between the iminium ion intermediate and the base‐activated toluene. Toluene derivatives having various electron‐withdrawing substituents were also applied in this unprecedented transformation. The synthetic potential is demonstrated by manipulations of the products to, for example, biologically active phenylbenzazepines.
Viscoelastic coupling dampers (VCDs) for enhanced wind and seismic performance of high‐rise buildings
Authors: Christopoulos Constantin , Montgomery Michael
Published: July 2013

As high‐rise buildings are built taller and more slender, their dynamic behavior becomes an increasingly critical design consideration. Wind‐induced vibrations cause an increase in the lateral wind design loads, but more importantly, they can be perceived by building occupants, creating levels of discomfort ranging from minor annoyance to severe motion sickness. The current techniques to address wind vibration perception include stiffening the lateral load‐resisting system, adding mass to the building, reducing the number of stories, or incorporating a vibration absorber at the top of the building; each solution has significant economic consequences for builders. Significant distributed damage is also expected in tall buildings under severe seismic loading, as a result of the ductile seismic design philosophy that is widely used for such structures.

In this paper, the viscoelastic coupling damper (VCD) that was developed at the University of Toronto to increase the level of inherent damping of tall coupled shear wall buildings to control wind‐induced and earthquake‐induced dynamic vibrations is introduced. Damping is provided by incorporating VCDs in lieu of coupling beams in common structural configurations and therefore does not occupy any valuable architectural space, while mitigating building tenant vibration perception problems and reducing both the wind and earthquake responses of the structure.

This paper provides an overview of this newly proposed system, its development, and its performance benefits as well as the overall seismic and wind design philosophy that it encompasses. Two tall building case studies incorporating VCDs are presented to demonstrate how the system results in more efficient designs. In the examples that are presented, the focus is on the wind and moderate earthquake responses that often govern the design of such tall slender structures while reference is made to other studies where the response of the system under severe seismic loading conditions is examined in more detail and where results from tests conducted on the viscoelastic material and the VCDs in full‐scale are presented. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Real‐time hybrid testing of a smart base isolation system
Authors: Chen Pei‐Ching , Tsai Keh‐Chyuan , Lin Pei‐Yang
Published: July 2013

Real‐time hybrid testing is a very effective technique for evaluating the dynamic responses of rate‐dependent structural systems subjected to earthquake excitation. A smart base isolation system has been proposed by others using conventional low‐damping isolators and controllable damping devices such as magnetorheological (MR) dampers to achieve specified control target performance. In this paper, real‐time hybrid tests of a smart base isolation system are conducted. The simulation is for a base‐isolated two‐degrees‐of‐freedom building model where the superstructure and the low‐damping base isolator are numerically simulated, and the MR damper is physically tested. The target displacement obtained from the step‐by‐step integration of the numerical substructure is imposed on the MR damper, which is driven by three different control algorithms in real‐time. To compensate the actuator delay and improve the accuracy of the test, an adaptive phase‐lead compensator is implemented. The accuracy of each test is investigated by using the root mean square error and the tracking indicator. Experimental results demonstrate that the hybrid testing procedure using the proposed actuator compensation techniques is effective for investigating the control performance of the MR damper in a smart base isolation system. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparative analysis of the response of various land covers to an exceptional rainfall event in the central Spanish Pyrenees, October 2012
Authors: Lana‐Renault N. , Nadal‐Romero E. , Serrano‐Muela M. P. , Alvera B. , Sánchez‐Navarrete P. , Sanjuan Y. , García‐Ruiz J. M.
Published: July 2013

The hydrological and geomorphological effects of an exceptional rainstorm event that occurred in the central Spanish Pyrenees during 19–21 October 2012 were studied in five experimental catchments under various land covers: (i) subhumid badlands; (ii) dense forest; (iii) an abandoned farmland area recolonized by shrubs and forest patches; and (iv) subalpine grasslands. Hydrographs and sedigraphs demonstrated that vegetation cover is a major factor affecting the control of floods even during exceptional rainstorms, at least at the spatial scale at which the phenomenon was studied (catchment sizes: 0.3–2.8 km2) and under dry catchment conditions. The combined precipitation over the two days (c. 250 mm) was the greatest for any two‐day event recorded since 1950 in the central‐western Pyrenees for all but one of the stations in the study. Five pulses of most intense rainfall were recorded. The forested catchment did not react to the two most intense rainfall pulses, because of the very low antecedent level of the water table. The main peak flow occurred only when at least a part of the catchment was saturated. The abandoned farmland catchment had two small peak discharges at the beginning of the event, which were produced by infiltration excess overland flow from eroded areas close to the main stream. During the third most intense rainfall period a large part of this catchment contributed to runoff and a relatively high peak discharge was produced. The badland catchment reacted immediately from the beginning of the rainstorm, yielding very high discharges accompanied by high suspended sediment concentrations. The subalpine catchment showed a hydrograph mirroring the hyetograph, with brief but intense hydrological responses to increased precipitation, because of the marked gradients and the presence of bare rock in the headwaters. A high volume of bedload was carried during the peak discharge. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.