bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Journey through the Trials and Triumphs of Disability
Authors: Laas Helen L.
Published: September 2012

One Woman’s journey through the Trials and Triumphs of Disability, Disabled Peoples International 8th World Assembly 2011 Durban, South Africa, October 10–13, 2011. When embarking on my career as a teacher at a special school in South Africa, I never thought that a motor vehicle accident would place me in the position where my learners with disabilities suddenly saw me as an ally. Little did I realise the chasm that exists between able-bodied people and people with disabilities, or the remarkable role I would find myself in whilst actively addressing disability and Inclusive Education issues. My experiences with disability in South Africa drew encouraging attention from delegates at the Disabled People’s International 8th World Assembly when I shared my story. The resounding positive response affirmed that my experiences are not unique to nationality, gender, race or age, and are typical of the time and country in which I live, where people with disabilities are considered to have little potential, and woman with disabilities are further marginalised. In the infancy of our democracy, we are still in the early days of attending to equity amongst all South Africans. This story comprises both a narrative and a graphic presentation which run parallel, although not always telling an identical story; they complement one another and should be experienced simultaneously. Ultimately, it relates the success that can be achieved by pro-active people with disabilities as members of the South African society within their own spheres of knowledge and skill to change attitudes and practices of people without disabilities in education and local communities.
Traumatic memory, representation and forgiveness: Some remarks in conversation with Antjie Krog’s Country of My Skull
Authors: Vosloo Robert R.
Published: September 2012

In light of Koos Vorster’s recent work dealing with themes such as memory, forgiveness and reconciliation, this article underlined the argument that a critical engagement with literary texts can be valuable to clarify and enrich a theological response to questions related to these notions. More specifically, the article focused on Antjie Krog’s profound and deeply moving engagement with the work and legacy of the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission in her book Country of My Skull (1998), that used the notion of forgiveness as lens for such an undertaking. Taking the cue from the poem with which the book ends, the article addressed questions such as ‘To whom is the plea for forgiveness addressed?’ and ‘Who is asking for forgiveness, and what must be forgiven?’ In the process attention was given to questions about the limits of representation and the need for an ethic of interconnectedness. The article suggested that these questions beg for further theological engagement.Traumatiese herinnering, representasie en vergifnis: Enkele opmerkings in gesprek met Antjie Krog se Country of My Skull. In die lig van Koos Vorster se resente werk oor temas soos herinnering, vergifnis en versoening, het hierdie artikel die argument onderstreep dat ‘n kritiese interaksie met literêre tekste van groot waarde kan wees om die teologiese gesprek oor hierdie sake te verhelder en te verryk. Die artikel het meer spesifiek op Antjie Krog se diepsinnige en ontroerende bespreking van die werk en nalatenskap van die Suid Afrikaanse Waarheids- en Versoeningskommissie gefokus. Die konsep van vergifnis is as lens vir hierdie ondersoek gebruik. Gegewe die aard van die gedig waarmee die boek afsluit, is vrae soos ‘Aan wie word die pleidooi vir vergifnis gerig?’ en ‘Wie vra vir vergifnis, en wat moet vergewe word?’ aan die orde gestel. In die proses is aandag gegee aan vrae rakende die beperkinge verbonde aan representasie van trauma uit die verlede en die noodsaaklikheid van ‘n etiek van interverweefdheid. Daar is gesuggereer dat hierdie vrae ook om ‘n teologiese respons vra.
Model investigation of NO3 secondary organic aerosol (SOA) source and heterogeneous organic aerosol (OA) sink in the western United States
Authors: Fry J. L. , Sackinger K.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. The relative importance of NO3-initiated source and heterogeneous sink of organic aerosol in the western United States is investigated using the WRF/Chem regional weather and chemistry model. The model is run for the four individual months, representing the four seasons, of January, May, August, and October, to produce hourly spatial maps of surface concentrations of NO3, organic aerosol (OA), and reactive organic gases (ROG, a sum of alkene species tracked in the lumped chemical mechanism employed). These "baseline" simulations are used in conjunction with literature data on secondary organic aerosol (SOA) mass yields, average organic aerosol composition, and reactive uptake coefficients for NO3 on organic surfaces to predict SOA source and OA heterogeneous loss rates due to reactions initiated by NO3. We find both source and sink rates maximized downwind of urban centers, therefore with a varying location that depends on wind direction. Both source and sink terms are maximum in summer, and SOA source dominates over OA loss by approximately three orders of magnitude, with large day-to-day variability. The NO3 source of SOA (peak production rates of 0.4–3.0 μg kg−1 h−1) is found to be significantly larger than the heterogeneous sink of OA via NO3 surface reactions (peak loss rates of 0.5–8 × 10−4 μg kg−1 h−1).
Analysis of stratospheric NO2 trends above Jungfraujoch using ground-based UV-visible, FTIR, and satellite nadir observations
Authors: Hendrick F. , Mahieu E. , Bodeker G. E. , Boersma K. F. , Chipperfield M. P. , De Mazière M. , De Smedt I. , Demoulin P. , Fayt C. , Hermans C. , Kreher K. , Lejeune B. , Pinardi G. , Servais C. , Stübi R. , van der A R. , Vernier J.-P. , Van Roozendael M.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. The trend in stratospheric NO2 column at the NDACC (Network for the Detection of Atmospheric Composition Change) station of Jungfraujoch (46.5° N, 8.0° E) is assessed using ground-based FTIR and zenith-scattered visible sunlight SAOZ measurements over the period 1990 to 2009 as well as a composite satellite nadir data set constructed from ERS-2/GOME, ENVISAT/SCIAMACHY, and METOP-A/GOME-2 observations over the 1996–2009 period. To calculate the trends, a linear least squares regression model including explanatory variables for a linear trend, the mean annual cycle, the quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO), solar activity, and stratospheric aerosol loading is used. For the 1990–2009 period, statistically indistinguishable trends of −3.7 ± 1.1% decade−1 and −3.6 ± 0.9% decade−1 are derived for the SAOZ and FTIR NO2 column time series, respectively. SAOZ, FTIR, and satellite nadir data sets show a similar decrease over the 1996–2009 period, with trends of −2.4 ± 1.1% decade−1, −4.3 ± 1.4% decade−1, and −3.6 ± 2.2% decade−1, respectively. The fact that these declines are opposite in sign to the globally observed +2.5% decade−1 trend in N2O, suggests that factors other than N2O are driving the evolution of stratospheric NO2 at northern mid-latitudes. Possible causes of the decrease in stratospheric NO2 columns have been investigated. The most likely cause is a change in the NO2/NO partitioning in favor of NO, due to a possible stratospheric cooling and a decrease in stratospheric chlorine content, the latter being further confirmed by the negative trend in the ClONO2 column derived from FTIR observations at Jungfraujoch. Decreasing ClO concentrations slows the NO + ClO → NO2 + Cl reaction and a stratospheric cooling slows the NO + O3 → NO2 + O2 reaction, leaving more NOx in the form of NO. The slightly positive trends in ozone estimated from ground- and satellite-based data sets are also consistent with the decrease of NO2 through the NO2 + O3 → NO3 + O2 reaction. Finally, we cannot rule out the possibility that a strengthening of the Dobson-Brewer circulation, which reduces the time available for N2O photolysis in the stratosphere, could also contribute to the observed decline in stratospheric NO2 above Jungfraujoch.
Variation of CO2 mole fraction in the lower free troposphere, in the boundary layer and at the surface
Authors: Haszpra L. , Ramonet M. , Schmidt M. , Barcza Z. , Pátkai Zs. , Tarczay K. , Yver C. , Tarniewicz J. , Ciais P.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. Eight years of occasional flask air sampling and 3 years of frequent in situ measurements of carbon dioxide (CO2) vertical profiles on board of a small aircraft, over a tall tower greenhouse gases monitoring site in Hungary are used for the analysis of the variations of vertical profile of CO2 mole fraction. Using the airborne vertical profiles and the measurements along the 115 m tall tower it is shown that the measurements at the top of the tower estimate the mean boundary layer CO2 mole fraction during the mid-afternoon fairly well, with an underestimation of 0.27–0.85 μmol mol−1 in summer, and an overestimation of 0.66–1.83 μmol mol−1 in winter. The seasonal cycle of CO2 mole fraction is damped with elevation. While the amplitude of the seasonal cycle is 28.5 μmol mol−1 at 10 m above the ground, it is only 10.7 μmol mol−1 in the layer of 2500–3000 m corresponding to the lower free atmosphere above the well-mixed boundary layer. The maximum mole fraction in the layer of 2500–3000 m can be observed around 25 March on average, two weeks ahead of that of the marine boundary layer reference (GLOBALVIEW). By contrast, close to the ground, the maximum CO2 mole fraction is observed late December, early January. The specific seasonal behavior is attributed to the climatology of vertical mixing of the atmosphere in the Carpathian Basin.
Particle size distribution of nitrated and oxygenated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (NPAHs and OPAHs) on traffic and suburban sites of a European megacity: Paris (France)
Authors: Ringuet J. , Leoz-Garziandia E. , Budzinski H. , Villenave E. , Albinet A.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. The size distribution of particulate nitrated and oxygenated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (NPAHs and OPAHs) was determined during two field campaigns at a traffic site in summer 2010 and at a suburban site during the MEGAPOLI (Megacities: Emissions, urban, regional and Global Atmospheric POLlution and climate effects, and Integrated tools for assessment and mitigation) experiment in summer 2009. Both, OPAHs and NPAHs were strongly associated (>85%) to fine particles (Dp< 2.5 μm) increasing the interest of their study on a sanitary point of view. Results showed really different NPAH and OPAH particle size distributions between both sites. At traffic site, clearly bimodal (notably for NPAHs) particle size distributions (Dp = 0.14 and 1.4 μm) were observed, while the particle size distributions were more scattered at the suburban site, especially for OPAHs. Bimodal particle size distribution observed at traffic site for the NPAH could be assigned to the vehicle emissions and the particle resuspension. Broadest distribution observed at the suburban site could be attributed to the mass transfer of compounds by volatilization/sorption processes during the transport of particles in the atmosphere. Results also showed that the combination of the study of particle size distributions applied to marker compounds (primary: 1-nitropyrene; secondary: 2-nitrofluoranthene) and to NPAH or OPAH chemical profiles bring some indications on their primary and/or secondary origin. Indeed, 1,4-anthraquinone seemed only primary emitted by vehicles while 7-nitrobenz[a]anthracene, benz[a]antracen7,12-dione and benzo[b]fluorenone seemed secondarily formed in the atmosphere.
Estimating marine aerosol particle volume and number from Maritime Aerosol Network data
Authors: Sayer A. M. , Smirnov A. , Hsu N. C. , Munchak L. A. , Holben B. N.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. As well as spectral aerosol optical depth (AOD), aerosol composition and concentration (number, volume, or mass) are of interest for a variety of applications. However, remote sensing of these quantities is more difficult than for AOD, as it is more sensitive to assumptions relating to aerosol composition. This study uses spectral AOD measured on Maritime Aerosol Network (MAN) cruises, with the additional constraint of a microphysical model for unpolluted maritime aerosol based on analysis of Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) inversions, to estimate these quantities over open ocean. When the MAN data are subset to those likely to be comprised of maritime aerosol, number and volume concentrations obtained are physically reasonable. Attempts to estimate surface concentration from columnar abundance, however, are shown to be limited by uncertainties in vertical distribution. Columnar AOD at 550 nm and aerosol number for unpolluted maritime cases are also compared with Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data, for both the present Collection 5.1 and forthcoming Collection 6. MODIS provides a best-fitting retrieval solution, as well as the average for several different solutions, with different aerosol microphysical models. The "average solution" MODIS dataset agrees more closely with MAN than the "best solution" dataset. Terra tends to retrieve lower aerosol number than MAN, and Aqua higher, linked with differences in the aerosol models commonly chosen. Collection 6 AOD is likely to agree more closely with MAN over open ocean than Collection 5.1. In situations where spectral AOD is measured accurately, and aerosol microphysical properties are reasonably well-constrained, estimates of aerosol number and volume using MAN or similar data would provide for a greater variety of potential comparisons with aerosol properties derived from satellite or chemistry transport model data. However, without accurate AOD data and prior knowledge of microphysical properties, such attempts are fraught with high uncertainties.
Impacts of urban land-surface forcing on air quality in the Seoul metropolitan area
Authors: Ryu Y.-H. , Baik J.-J. , Kwak K.-H. , Kim S. , Moon N.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. Modified local meteorology owing to heterogeneities in the urban-rural surface can affect urban air quality. In this study, the impacts of urban land-surface forcing on air quality during a high ozone (O3) episode in the Seoul metropolitan area, South Korea, are investigated using a high-resolution chemical transport model (CMAQ). Under a fair weather condition, the temperature excess (urban heat island) significantly modifies boundary layer characteristics/structures and local circulations. The modified boundary layer and local circulations result in an increase in O3 levels in the urban area of 16 ppb in the nighttime and 13 ppb in the daytime. Enhanced turbulence in the deepened urban boundary layer dilutes pollutants such as NOx, and this contributes to the elevated O3 levels through the less O3 destruction by NO in the NOx-rich environment. The advection of O3 precursors over the mountains near Seoul by the prevailing valley-breeze circulation in the mid- to late morning results in the build-up of O3 over the mountains in conjunction with biogenic volatile organic compound (BVOC) emissions there. As the prevailing local circulation in the afternoon changes to urban-breeze circulation, the O3-rich air masses over the mountains are advected over the urban area. The urban-breeze circulation exerts significant influences on not only the advection process but also the chemical process under the circumstances in which both anthropogenic and biogenic (natural) emissions play important roles in forming O3. The intrusion of the air masses, characterized by low NOx and high BVOC levels and long OH chain length, from surroundings increases ozone production efficiency in the urban area, thus leading to more O3 production. The relatively strong vertical mixing in the urban boundary layer embedded in the sea-breeze inflow layer reduces NOx levels, thus contributing to the elevated O3 levels in the urban area.
Influence of Surgical Experience in the Learning Curve of a New Approach in Hip Replacement: Anterior Mini-Invasive Vs. Standard Lateral
Authors: Pogliacomi Francesco , Paraskevopoulos Alessandro , Costantino Cosimo , Marenghi Pietro , Ceccarelli Francesco
Published: September 2012

There is conflicting evidence regarding the potential benefit of minimally invasive surgery for total hip arthroplasty (THA), especially during the ‘learning curve’ of individual surgeons.

Sixty patients who underwent THA between January and December 2010 were evaluated. The aim was to assess the anterior mini-invasive (MI) approach performed in 30 patients during the learning curve of a single experienced hip surgeon compared with the results of 30 patients operated upon through a standard lateral approach by the same surgeon.

Operation and hospitalisation times, blood loss, number of transfusions, peri-operative complications and femoral/acetabular component placement were monitored.

Harris Hip Score (HHS) and Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS) were analysed before and 12 months after surgery. Pain Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was also recorded 1 week and 1 month after surgery.

Hospitalisation, blood loss, number of transfusions and VAS score 1 week postoperatively were significantly lower and operative time was significantly longer in the anterior MI approach. Similar functional outcomes 1 year after surgery, component positioning and complication rates were observed in both groups.

The results suggest that anterior MI approach is a safe procedure during the learning curve of an experienced hip surgeon.
Myeloid Neoplasias: What Molecular Analyses Are Telling Us
Authors: Gutiyama Luciana M. , Coutinho Diego F. , Lipkin Marina V. , Zalcberg Ilana R.
Published: September 2012

In the last decades, cytogenetic and molecular characterizations of hematological disorders at diagnosis and followup have been most valuable for guiding therapeutic decisions and prognosis. Genetic and epigenetic alterations detected by different procedures have been associated to different cancer types and are considered important indicators for disease classification, differential diagnosis, prognosis, response, and individualization of therapy. The search for new biomarkers has been revolutionized by high-throughput technologies. At this point, it seems that we have overcome technological barriers, but we are still far from sorting the biological puzzle. Evidence based on translational research is required for validating novel genetic and epigenetic markers for routine clinical practice. We herein discuss the importance of genetic abnormalities and their molecular pathways in acute myeloid leukemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, and myeloproliferative neoplasms. We also discuss how novel genomic abnormalities may interact and reassess concepts and classifications of myeloid neoplasias.
Heavy Metal Quantification in Renal Tissue of Patients in the State of Yucatan and Its Association with Urolithiasis
Authors: May-Ix Luis A. , Rosado-Rubio J. Gabriel , Medina-Escobedo Martha , Castellanos-Ruelas Arturo F. , Chel-Guerrero Luis A. , Betancur-Ancona David A.
Published: September 2012

A possible cause associated with urinary lithiasis (UL) is the
bioaccumulation of heavy metals in the kidney. The aim of this
study was to evaluate the content of Cu, Pb, and Cd in kidney
tissues removed from patients with nephrological problems and
associate it with UL. Samples of 50 kidney sections from patients
were analyzed. Results were statistically analyzed using a fixed
effects model including the overall mean, the effect of the health
status of patients (with or without UL), gender (male and female),
the interaction between both factors and the random error . Cu level
was  mg/kg (mean DS) and 25.5%
of samples had levels above normal. Lead content in 97.9%
of the samples ( mg/kg) was above normal. All results of Cd ( mg/kg)
were below the maximum permissible limits. There was no difference in the amount of heavy metals on patients with or without UL ()
nor depending on the gender (). It was concluded that there is no apparent relationship between a very elevated
level of Cu or Pb in the kidney on the development of UL.
Utility of p-Chloranilic Acid and 2,3-Dichloro-5,6-dicyano-p-benzoquinone for the Spectrophotometric Determination of Rizatriptan Benzoate
Authors: Prashanth Kudige N. , Basavaiah Kanakapura
Published: September 2012

Rizatriptan is a new selective 5-HT1B/1D agonist which is used in the treatment of migraine headaches. Two simple, rapid, accurate, and economical spectrophotometric methods are described for the determination of rizatriptan benzoate (RTB) in its pure form and pharmaceutical preparations. These methods are based on the charge-transfer complexation reaction between rizatriptan benzoate as n-electron donor and p-chloranilic acid (p-CA) or 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone (DDQ) as π-acceptor to form highly colored chromogens. The chromogens formed by the reaction between RTB and p-CA peaked at 530 nm (method A) and that formed by the reaction between RTB and DDQ peaked at 590 nm (method B). Under the optimum conditions Beer’s law is obeyed in the concentration range of 14–245 μg mL−1 for method A and 4–70 μg mL−1 for method B. The coefficient of correlation was found to be 0.9999 for both methods. The molar absorptivity, Sandell sensitivity, limits of detection, and quantification are also reported. The stoichiometric relationship determined by Job’s continuous method was found to be 1 : 1 (drug : reagent) for both methods. Both methods were applied to determination of RTB in the pharmaceutical formulations. Results of the analysis were validated statistically.
Hydroxyapatite Formation on a Novel Dental Cement in Human Saliva
Authors: Engstrand Johanna , Unosson Erik , Engqvist Håkan
Published: September 2012

Dental materials have to meet high standards regarding mechanical strength and handling properties. There is however only a limited amount of research that has been devoted to natural formation of hydroxyapatite (HA) in contact with the materials. The objective of the current investigation was to study the surface reactions occurring in human salvia on a novel dental cement. Ceramir Crown & Bridge, a bioceramic luting agent intended for permanent cementation of conventional oral prosthetics, was evaluated by immersing discs made from the cement in human saliva and phosphate buffered saline (PBS) for seven days, after which they were dried and analyzed. The analytical methods used in order to verify HA formation on the surface were grazing incidence X-ray diffraction (GI-XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). All results showed that HA was formed on the surfaces of samples stored in saliva as well as on samples stored in PBS. The possibility of a dental luting cement to promote natural formation of HA at the tooth interface increases the stability and durability of the system and could help prevent secondary caries.
The Dynamic Optical Breast Imaging in the Preoperative Workflow of Women with Suspicious or Malignant Breast Lesions: Development of a New Comprehensive Score
Authors: D'Aiuto Massimiliano , Frasci Giuseppe , Barretta Maria Luisa , Gallipoli Adolfo , Ciuffo Giovanni Maria , Musco Flavia , Orefice Sergio , Frattini Viviana , Guidi Ilves , Siani Claudio , Esposito Emanuela , Crispo Anna , Montella Maurizio , Chirico Andrea , D'Aiuto Giuseppe , Vecchione Aldo
Published: September 2012

Purpose. To determine the diagnostic accuracy of DOBIComfortScan in patients with Breast Imaging Reporting suspect breast lesions (BI-RADS) 4-5 breast lesions. Materials and Methods. One-hundred and thirteen patients underwent DOBIComfortScan examination before surgery. Twelve parameters were taken into consideration to define DOBI findings. Results. Twenty-seven radical mastectomies, 47 quadrantectomies and 39 wide excisions, were performed. Overall, 65 invasive cancer, 9 in situ carcinoma and 39 nonmalignant lesions, were observed. Ten out of 12 considered parameters resulted significantly in association with histology at discriminant analysis. A summation score of 30.5 resulted to be the best cut off at ROC analysis, giving a sensitivity and specificity of 80% and 87%, respectively, and a positive predictive value of 92.2%. Finally the following DOBI-BI-RADS model was developed: malignant B5≥38
score); possibly malignant (B4=25-37 score); benign but the possibility of malignancy cannot be excluded (B3=20-24 score); benign (B2<20 score). Conclusion. definition of other parameters permits to improve the accuracy of this procedure. Further studies are warranted to define the potential role of DOBIComfortScan in breast cancer imaging.
Treatment of ALK-Positive Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Bang Yung-Jue
Published: September 2012

Crizotinib (Xalkori), the first inhibitor of both anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) and c-Met receptor kinases, has been approved in the United States, Korea, and other countries for the treatment of ALK-positive non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This approval came within just 4 years of the discovery of rearrangements in the ALK gene in a subset of patients with NSCLC. Oral crizotinib 250 mg twice daily showed excellent efficacy in patients with advanced ALK-positive NSCLC, with objective response rates of 61% and 51% in ongoing phase I and II studies, respectively. Objective response rates of current standard, single-agent, second-line therapies are less than 10%. Median progression-free survival was 10 months (95% confidence interval, 8.2–14.7) in the phase I study expanded cohort and has yet to be reached in the phase II study; progression-free survival with current therapies is less than 3 months. Crizotinib was well tolerated; grade 1/2 gastrointestinal toxicity and visual disturbances were the most common adverse events. Patients in the phase II study reported improvements in fatigue, dyspnea, and cough, based on quality of life assessments. Phase III studies investigating crizotinib for the first- and second-line treatment of advanced ALK-positive NSCLC, versus current standards of care, are ongoing. Crizotinib represents a new standard of care for patients with ALK-positive NSCLC and highlights the importance of the role of the pathologist, as molecular profiling becomes a part of initial workups for newly diagnosed patients with NSCLC. This approach will ensure effective individualized treatment for patients with NSCLC.
Strategies for Overcoming Acquired Resistance to Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor–Targeted Therapies in Lung Cancer
Authors: Oxnard Geoffrey R.
Published: September 2012

Acquired resistance to targeted therapy in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)–mutant lung cancer represents a valuable model for considering strategies of overcoming different types of cellular resistance mechanisms. Using existing data on resistance in EGFR-mutant lung cancer, this review will discuss 3 basic approaches for overcoming resistance to EGFR-targeted therapies: intensification of EGFR inhibition, combination of EGFR inhibitors with other targeted therapies, and changing to anticancer therapies acting via alternate pathways.
Media Clips: How Many People Can Fit on the National Mall? – Zombie Attack
Authors: Park Chris J. , Lye Heather K.
Published: September 2012

Students analyze items from the media to answer mathematical questions related to the article. Estimating the size of the crowd at the Obama inauguration leads to estimating skills and finding areas, whereas the Zombie epidemic leads to modeling infectious disease.
What If? How Apportionment Methods Choose Our Presidents
Authors: Caulfield Michael J.
Published: September 2012

The U.S. presidential election of 2000 would have had a different outcome if a different apportionment method had been used.
A Question Library for Classroom Voting
Authors: Cline Kelly , McGivney-Burelle Jean , Zullo Holly
Published: September 2012

Voting in the classroom can engage students and promote discussion. All you need is a good set of questions.
Activities for Students: Calendar Analysis: Blue Moons
Authors: Schwertman Neil C. , Thomas Kate
Published: September 2012

Analysis of a rare event such as a blue moon (defined today as the second full moon in a month) can provide an interesting exercise that develops quantitative reasoning skills. Research by Whitacre and Nickerson (2006), Grouws and Cebulla (2000), Hill and Ball (2004), and Greeno and Hall (1997), for example, shows that active learning such as classroom activities for individuals or small groups is an excellent tool for stimulating students.
Delving Deeper: Areas within Areas
Authors: Lassak Marshall , Fietsam Renee
Published: September 2012

Consider the following problem, which was the MT Calendar problem for December 3, 2006:
The Back Page: My Favorite Lesson: Aunt Sally's Code for Exponents and Logarithms
Authors: Wallace Gomez Patricia
Published: September 2012

When I teach the rules for exponents, my students can understand one lesson at a time. But by the end of the chapter, many have the rules all mixed up. The question invariably arises: “Is x2 · x3 equal to x5 or x6?” We review our discussion from earlier in the unit: x2 · x3 = (x · x) · (x · x · x) = x5. I also take advantage of this teachable moment. The properties for simplifying exponents are connected to the chart displayed on my classroom door. I have written the letters PEMDAS on colored paper and taped them up as a constant reminder of the order of operations (see fig. 1).
Dilation of nanonatennas induced by an electromagnetic source
Authors: Barchiesi D. , Kremer E. , Cherouat A. , Grosges T. , Borouchaki H.
Published: September 2012

The illumination of plasmonic mesostructures produces high confinement of light in their vicinity. This confinement of light can be enhanced in the gap between the two metallic nanorods of a nanonantenna, in particular for the design of biosensors. The nanometric gap can be reduced if the elevation of temperature of the nanonantenna is sufficient, and therefore the fine tuning of the sensor requires the description of the photo-thermal induced dilation. The multiphysics problem associated to such photo-thermal and mechanical effects is modeled through a Finite Element Method (FEM). The problem consists in computing the electromagnetic field, the temperature and the induced dilation surface. This contribution consists in discussing the numerical efficiencies of a sequential, and a coupled approaches, especially in terms of adaptive meshing of the space of computation. The relationship between the field enhancement and the reduction of the gap is studied. Finally the validity of the 2D multiphysic model is discussed.
Paranormal and Religious Believers Are More Prone to Illusory Face Perception than Skeptics and Non‐believers
Authors: Riekki Tapani , Lindeman Marjaana , Aleneff Marja , Halme Anni , Nuortimo Antti
Published: October 2012

Illusory face perception, a tendency to find human‐like faces where none are actually present in, for example, artifacts or scenery, is a common phenomenon that occasionally enters the public eye. We used two tests (N = 47) to analyze the relationship between paranormal and religious beliefs and illusory face perception. In a detection task, the participants detected face‐like features from pictures of scenery and landscapes with and without face‐like areas and, in a rating task, evaluated the face‐likeness and emotionality of these areas. Believer groups were better at identifying the previously defined face‐like regions in the images but were also prone to false alarms. Signal detection analysis revealed that believers had more liberal answering criteria than skeptics, but the actual detection sensitivity did not differ. The paranormal believers also evaluated the artifact faces as more face‐like and emotional than the skeptics, and a similar trend was found between religious and non‐religious people. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use of a disease risk score to compare serious infections associated with anti–tumor necrosis factor therapy among high‐ versus lower‐risk rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors: Curtis Jeffrey R. , Xie Fenglong , Chen Lang , Muntner Paul , Grijalva Carlos G. , Spettell Claire , Fernandes Joaquim , Mcmahan Raechele M. , Baddley John W. , Saag Kenneth G. , Beukelman Timothy , Delzell Elizabeth
Published: September 2012

Objective

To evaluate whether rates of serious infection with anti–tumor necrosis factor (anti‐TNF) therapy in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients differ in magnitude by specific drugs and patient characteristics.

Methods

Among new nonbiologic disease‐modifying antirheumatic drug users enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid or a large US commercial health plan, we created and validated a person‐specific infection risk score based on age, demographics, insurance type, glucocorticoid dose, and comorbidities to identify patients at high risk for hospitalized infections. We then applied this risk score to new users of infliximab, etanercept, and adalimumab and compared the observed 1‐year rates of infection to one another and to the predicted infection risk score estimated in the absence of anti‐TNF exposure.

Results

Among 11,657 RA patients initiating anti‐TNF therapy, the observed 1‐year rate of infection was 14.2 infections per 100 person‐years in older patients (age ≥65 years) and 4.8 in younger patients (age <65 years). There was a relatively constant rate difference of ∼1–4 infections per 100 person‐years associated with anti‐TNF therapy across the range of the infection risk score. Infliximab had a significantly greater adjusted rate of infection compared to etanercept and adalimumab in both high‐ and lower‐risk RA patients.

Conclusion

The rate of serious infections for anti‐TNF agents was incrementally increased by a fixed absolute difference irrespective of age, comorbidities, and other factors that contributed to infections. Older patients and those with high comorbidity burdens should be reassured that the magnitude of their incremental risk with anti‐TNF agents is not greater than for lower‐risk patients.
Decentralized adaptive controller for synchronization of nonlinear dynamical heterogeneous networks
Authors: Fradkov A.L. , Junussov I.A.
Published: September 2012

For a network of interconnected nonlinear dynamical systems, an adaptive leader–follower output feedback synchronization problem is considered. The proposed structure of decentralized controller and adaptation algorithm is based on speed gradient and passivity. Sufficient conditions of synchronization for one class of heterogeneous networks are established. An example of synchronization of the network of nonidentical Chua systems is analyzed. The main contribution of the paper is adaptive controller design and analysis under conditions of incomplete measurements, incomplete control, and uncertainty. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mutually Complementary Metal‐ and Organocatalysis with Collective Synthesis: Asymmetric Conjugate Addition of 1,3‐Carbonyl Compounds to Nitroenynes and Further Reactions of the Products
Authors: Li Xiang , Li Xiaojiao , Peng Fangzhi , Shao Zhihui
Published: September 2012

The first metal‐catalyzed 1,4‐selective asymmetric addition of malonates to nitroenynes promoted by a simple chiral nickel(II)‐diamine catalyst, was developed, facilitating a mild synthesis of a novel type of multifunctional chiral β‐alkynyl acids bearing a nitro group. Based on this protocol, we have developed a practical and collective synthesis of a series of diverse functional molecules and building blocks including new types of chiral β‐alkynyl‐γ‐amino acids, β‐functionalized chiral δ‐keto‐γ‐lactones, chiral γ‐alkylidenelactones, alkynyl‐substituted pyrrole‐3‐carboxylic acid derivatives, tetrasubstituted furans and chiral β‐alkynyl‐γ‐lactams. Notably, we discovered two unusual tandem reactions leading to functionalized chiral 1,5‐dicarbonyl compounds. In addition, by employing simple bifunctional organocatalysts, we have developed the first regio‐, diastereo‐ and enantioselective conjugate addition of α‐substituted β‐keto esters to nitroenynes, which is poorly diastereoselective with chiral nickel(II)‐diamine catalysts, providing a new entry to adjacent quaternary and tertiary stereocenters in one step. Based on this protocol, we have developed a concise asymmetric synthesis of conformationally constrained bicyclic γ2‐amino acids featuring an alkynyl side chain with an adjacent quaternary carbon stereocenter. The study described here demonstrates that the mutually complementary strategy of transition metal catalysis and organocatalysis is a powerful and promising tool in catalytic asymmetric synthesis.
Silver‐Assisted Difunctionalization of Terminal Alkynes: Highly Regio‐ and Stereoselective Synthesis of Bromofluoroalkenes
Authors: Li Yibiao , Liu Xiaohang , Ma Deyun , Liu Bifu , Jiang Huanfeng
Published: September 2012

The difunctionalization of terminal alkynes was achieved with silver fluoride (AgF) and N‐bromosuccinimide (NBS) as halogen sources. The presence of the halide moiety greatly enhances the reactivity of the vinyl fluoride compounds that can probably can be transformed into various products that are difficult or even impossible to obtain via direct fluorination. Meanwhile, the monofluoro<.>alkenes were facilely synthesized via a highly chemo‐ and regioselective fluorination of electron‐deficient CC triple bonds using AgF as fluorinating reagent in good yields.
Dynamic Kinetic Resolution via Hydrolase‐Metal Combo Catalysis in Stereoselective Synthesis of Bioactive Compounds
Authors: Hoyos Pilar , Pace Vittorio , Alcántara Andrés R.
Published: September 2012

The development of new and more economically and environmentally attractive processes to afford chiral molecules is still an open challenge in organic synthesis. During last years the combination of an enzyme‐catalyzed kinetic resolution (KR) with the in situ transition metal mediated‐racemization of the unreacted enantiomer in a dynamic kinetic resolution (DKR) has received great attention in the preparation of enantiomerically pure compounds, as this methodology allows one to achieve very high conversions and enantiomeric excesses. Several transition metal complexes have been found to be compatible with enzymatic catalysts and highly successful DKR processes of functionalized alcohols and amines have been developed. Those chemicals are valuable building blocks for the further production of many pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals. The aim of this review is to update the advances developed during the past decade related to the coupling of enzymes and transition metal catalysts in DKR processes, focusing on the application of this innovative technique in the synthetic route of biologically active compounds.
Desulfurization Strategy in the Construction of Azoles Possessing Additional Nitrogen, Oxygen or Sulfur using a Copper(I) Catalyst
Authors: Guin Srimanta , Rout Saroj Kumar , Gogoi Anupal , Nandi Shyamapada , Ghara Krishna Kanta , Patel Bhisma K.
Published: September 2012

A tandem and convergent approach to various N‐, O‐, or S‐containing azoles has been developed by exploiting the thiophilic property of copper(I) iodide used in a catalytic quantity. The present protocol gives access to amino‐substituted tetrazoles, triazoles, oxadiazoles and thiadiazoles via oxidative desulfurization of their respective precursors followed by inter‐ or intramolecular attack of suitable nucleophiles. For aminotetrazoles and triazoles an excellent regioselectivity has been achieved through proper tuning of the pKa values of the parent amines attached to unsymmetrical thioureas. The method represents an autocatalytic process in which copper(I) iodide gets converted to copper(II) sulfide which in turn transforms to active copper(II) oxide that effectively carries forward the catalytic cycle. The fate of the copper catalyst has also been studied using scanning electron microscopic (SEM) and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopic (EDS) analyses which give an insight into the mechanism for this catalytic process.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Cross‐Coupling of 1‐Aminoazoles with Aryl Chlorides: Application to the Synthesis of Unsymmetrical N,N′‐Diaryl‐1‐aminoindoles
Authors: Brachet Etienne , Messaoudi Samir , Peyrat Jean‐François , Brion Jean‐Daniel , Alami Mouad
Published: September 2012

An efficient method for the selective mono‐N‐arylation of 1‐aminoazoles to provide a range of N‐aryl‐1‐aminoazoles in good yields is described. This process based on the use of tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium associated to Xphos as the catalyst system is general, and allows the coupling to proceed, for the first time, with a variety of cheaper and less reactive aryl chlorides. The sequential combination of selective monoarylation using aryl chlorides and a second N‐arylation reaction using (hetero)aryl bromides and iodides proved to be useful for the rapid construction of non‐symmetrical N,N′‐diaryl‐1‐aminoindoles in good yields.
A Short Asymmetric Synthesis of the Benzopyrano[3,4‐c]pyrrolidine Coreviaan Organocatalytic Domino Oxa‐Michael/Michael Reaction
Authors: Wang Chuan , Yang Xuena , Raabe Gerhard , Enders Dieter
Published: September 2012

A short and highly stereoselective asymmetric synthesis of 3,4‐trans‐disubstituted chromans employing nitrovinylphenols and acrolein as precursorsviaa domino oxa‐Michael/Michael reaction is described. This cascade was efficiently catalyzed by diphenylprolinol TMS ether furnishing the products in good to excellent yields (62–91%) and excellent stereoselectivities (dr: 94:6–97:3, 93–98%ee). The domino products can be converted into the correspondingN‐alkylatedtrans‐benzopyrano[3,4‐c]pyrrolidines through a reductive amination/N‐alkylation sequence. This was demonstrated for the case of a descyano derivative of S33138.
Asymmetric Cyanation of α‐Ketiminophosphonates Catalyzed by Cinchona Alkaloids: Enantioselective Synthesis of Tetrasubstituted α‐Aminophosphonic Acid Derivatives from Trisubstituted α‐Aminophosphonates
Authors: Vicario Javier , Ezpeleta José María , Palacios Francisco
Published: September 2012

An enantioselective synthesis of tetrasubstituted α‐phosphono‐α‐amino nitriles through asymmetric cyanation of α‐ketiminophosphonates catalyzed by Cinchona alkaloids is reported. α‐Ketiminophosphonates are generated, in a very efficient synthetic protocol, by oxidation of trisubstituted α‐aminophosphonates.
Corrosion rate of carbon steel and aluminum alloy in sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid solutions accelerated by microwave heating
Authors: Wang Yinglong , Wang Dezhi , Zhang Hongzhe
Published: September 2012

Corrosion behavior of carbon steel and aluminum alloy in hydrochloric acid and sulfuric acid solutions was studied using microwave heating and conventional water bath heating method, respectively. The effect of microwave heating on corrosion time was investigated by using weight loss method and the surface morphology of metals was studied by using scanning electron microscope, too. The conclusion that microwave heating is a good method to accelerate corrosion process can be obtained from the test results and surface morphology. Both the mass loss of the metals and the pH of the solutions increase with the microwave power increasing and the immersion time prolonging. The mass loss of the specimens heated by microwave is notably higher than that heated by water bath under the same corrosion time and temperature. For all of the four corrosion systems, the corrosion results obtained using microwave heating at 75 °C lasting 40 h are equivalent to that obtained by using water bath at 55 °C, lasting 168 h, whereas more than 70 h is needed to achieve the same corrosion results by using the water bath at 75 °C. © 2012 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermoplastic polyurethane composites prepared from mechanochemically activated waste cotton fabric and reclaimed polyurethane foam
Authors: Wang Mengya , Zhang Xinxing , Zhang Wei , Tian Dong , Lu Canhui
Published: September 2012

In this study, thermoplastic polyurethane (PU) composites were successfully prepared from waste cotton fabric (WCF) and reclaimed PU foam derived from the shoe manufacturing industry through melt mixing. A pan‐mill‐type mechanochemical reactor made in our laboratory was applied to determine the mechanochemical activation of WCF. The intramolecular and intermolecular hydrogen bonds of WCF could be broken up through pan milling because of the fairly strong shearing and squeezing forces. Moreover, the simultaneous reduction of particle size and the large increment of the specific surface area of pan‐milled WCF benefitted its dispersion and the interfacial adhesion with the PU matrix. Mechanochemically activated WCF could be used as a low cost but effective functional additive to enhance the melt processability and mechanical properties of PU/WCF composites. With the addition of 75‐phr WCF, the heat shrinkage of the melt‐reprocessed PU decreased sharply from its original 11.4 to 0.3%. Meanwhile, the tensile strength of the composites was enhanced from 10.3 to 23.2 MPa. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Total replacement of solvent in polyurethane synthesis using carbon dioxide soluble 1,3‐dichlorodistannoxane catalysts
Authors: Gartia Yashraj , Moore Josh , Felton Charlette , Pulla Sharon , Berry Brian , Munshi Pradip , Ghosh Anindya
Published: September 2012

This work demonstrates catalytic synthesis of polyurethanes using 1,3‐dichlorodistannoxane catalysts (1) in carbon dioxide (CO2) and carbon dioxide expanded liquids (CXL). Catalytic polyurethane synthesis was also performed in pure organic solvent (dimethylformamide) for comparison. In this study, mainly, 4, 4′‐methylene‐bis‐(phenyl isocyanate) (MDI) as the diisocyanate precursor and ethylene glycol (EG) as the diol precursor were used for polyurethane synthesis. In addition to MDI, hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI), toluene diisocyanate (TDI), and p‐isocyanatobenzylisocyanate (PIBI) were also used for polyurethane synthesis with different diols or triol in CO2. Polyurethanes with a molecular weight ranging from 3000 to 70,000 were synthesized depending upon the combination of diisocyanate and diol used. Comparable yields of polyurethanes were obtained using an all butyl group substituted (1a) catalyst in CO2 (55 bars, 50°C) and in DMF (50°C). Additionally, the yield and polydispersity index (PDI) of polymer formed in neat CO2 was comparable with those synthesized in the largely used organic solvent DMF. Interestingly, catalyst 1a in CXL (55 bars, 50°C) gave higher yields, and polymers with lower PDI (1.19). Reactions carried out in scCO2 at 145 bars using PIBI and EG were found to be about three times faster than the reaction carried out in DMF. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Preparation and characterization of EPDM rubber modified with in situ generated silica
Authors: Morselli Davide , Bondioli Federica , Luyt Adriaan S. , Mokhothu Thabang H. , Messori Massimo
Published: September 2012

This article is concerned with the preparation of a filled elastomer by means the nonconventional bottom‐up approach to polymer composites, alternatively with the conventional mechanical compounding of preformed filler particles with rubber. EPDM rubber was modified with in situ generated silica particles prepared by means of a sol–gel process adopting a solution process. The used synthetic procedure permitted the preparation of highly filled rubbers (up to 40 wt % of silica) with silica particle dimensions ranging from 0.2 to 2 μm. Equilibrium swelling and extraction tests indicated a hindering effect of the presence of in situ generated silica on the vulcanization process which reduced the cross linking degree of the rubber matrix. Both tensile tests and dynamic–mechanical analysis showed a significant improvement in the mechanical properties due to the presence of the reinforcing filler, with an enhancement more significant than that expected from a simple hydrodynamic reinforcing mechanism. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013