bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Realities of Community Based Natural Resource Management and Biodiversity Conservation in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: DeGeorges Paul Andre , Reilly Brian Kevin
Published: September 2009

This is an historic overview of conservation in Sub-Saharan Africa from pre-colonial times through the present. It demonstrates that Africans practiced conservation that was ignored by the colonial powers. The colonial market economy combined with the human and livestock population explosion of the 21st century are the major factors contributing to the demise of wildlife and critical habitat. Unique insight is provided into the economics of a representative safari company, something that has not been readily available to Community Based Natural Resources Management (CBNRM) practitioners. Modern attempts at sharing benefits from conservation with rural communities will fail due to the low rural resource to population ratio regardless of the model, combined with the uneven distribution of profits from safari hunting that drives most CBNRM programs, unless these ratios are changed. Low household incomes from CBNRM are unlikely to change attitudes of rural dwellers towards Western approaches to conservation. Communities must sustainably manage their natural areas as "green factories" for the multitude of natural resources they contain as a means of maximizing employment and thus household incomes, as well as meeting the often overlooked socio-cultural ties to wildlife and other natural resources, which may be as important as direct material benefits in assuring conservation of wildlife and its habitat. For CBNRM to be successful in the long-term, full devolution of ownership over land and natural resources must take place. In addition, as a means of relieving pressure on the rural resource base, this will require an urbanization process that creates a middleclass, as opposed to the current slums that form the majority of Africa‘s cities, through industrialization that transforms the unique natural resources of the subcontinent (e.g., strategic minerals, petroleum, wildlife, hardwoods, fisheries, wild medicines, agricultural products, etc.) in Africa.
Predicted Roles of the Uncharacterized Clustered Genes in Aflatoxin Biosynthesis
Authors: Ehrlich Kenneth  C.
Published: September 2009

Biosynthesis of the toxic and carcinogenic aflatoxins (AFs) requires the activity of more than 27 enzymes. The roles in biosynthesis of newly described enzymes are discussed in this review. We suggest that HypC catalyzes the oxidation of norsolorinic acid anthrone; AvfA (AflI), the ring-closure step in formation of hydroxyversicolorone; HypB, the second oxidation step in conversion of O-methylsterigmatocystin to AF; and HypE and NorA (AflE), the final two steps in AFB1 formation. HypD, an integral membrane protein, affects fungal development and lowers AF production while AflJ (AflS), has a partial methyltransferase domain that may be important in its function as a transcriptional co-activator.
Information Sources and Drugs Consumption. TV: a Risk Factor in Schoolchildren
Authors: Prieto-Cruz Carin Alexa
Published: September 2009

Drug consumption in the population represents an area of continuous study which requires substantial knowledge of the associated variables in order to improve programs dedicated to consumption prevention. The main goal of this research was to determine the variables which can predict drug consumption in a group of 570 schoolchildren based on the knowledge the target group has got about these drugs. The type of study was transversal. The multifactorial logistic regression model determined factors associated with drug consumption in the sample. The most important factor contributing to consumption was television. The presentation of drug consumers on television is thought to be significantly negative and it is taken in a simplistic form.

El uso indebido de drogas en la población en general es un área en continuo estudio que requiere de un mayor conocimiento de las variables asociadas para lograr una mejora en los programas de prevención y la información se presenta como una de las de menor estudio; el objetivo principal de la presente investigación fue determinar variables predictoras de consumo de drogas en un grupo de escolares a partir de la información que tengan de ellas. El tipo de estudio fue transversal; el modelo de regresión logística multifactorial determinó las variables asociadas al consumo de drogas en una muestra de 570 niños; se concluyó que el factor que más afectó al objeto de estudio fue la fuente de información, definida por la televisión, de la cual se piensa que la presentación de consumidores de drogas en ella es significativamente negativa y se toma de una forma simplista.
New Educational Settings. Cognitive Challenges for the Realization of a Collective Intelligence
Authors: González-Navarro María
Published: September 2009

Understanding communication technologies through the networks by which people connect, communicate and cooperate has been a constant feature in the work of researchers who have not dissociated their view about the meaning of technologies within new social movements. This paper states that Information and Communication Technologies are not only networks that people join individually, but that they also act as social technologies. Their improvement depends both on the diversity of their functions (social, political, cognitive, etc.) and on the flexibility they have to adapt to functional diversity (to lifecycles, changing and fluctuating mobility or to audiovisual perception thresholds, for example). This idea is supported by the new technological challenge represented by portable devices, the personal area network, high-use user interfaces, systems designed for home care, etc. All this will be tried and tested in this paper within the educational context.

Comprender las tecnologías de la comunicación a la luz de las redes con que se comunican y entran en cooperación las personas ha sido una constante en autores que no han disociado su visión acerca del significado de las tecnologías respecto a los nuevos movimientos sociales. Este artículo sostiene que las TIC no son sólo una red a la que se suman los individuos, sino que actúan como tecnologías sociales cuyo perfeccionamiento depende tanto de la diversidad de sus funciones (socio-políticas, cognitivas, etc.) como de la flexibilidad con que se adapten a nuestra diversidad funcional (ciclos de la vida, motricidad, umbrales de percepción, etc.). Prueba de ello son desafíos tecnológicos como el diseño de dispositivos llevables, las redes de área personal, las interfaces de usuario de alta usabilidad, los sistemas de cuidado en el hogar, etc. Este artículo explora dichas tesis en relación con el entorno educativo.
Audiovisual Narrations Based on Intercultural Relationships in Education
Authors: Bautista-García-Vera Antonio
Published: September 2009

In this article, we describe a work started in 2008 and carried out in two public schools. We analyze the possible contribution of narration (photographic and film languages) to mutual human knowledge and the understanding of the events that surround group knowledge. We think that this type of audiovisual narration is more appropriate than mere texts to relate the affective and rational in Primary school children, as they are a culturally diverse population and, consequently, not all of them are literate in the native language. We envision storytelling as the basis for using of technical resources to encourage not only inter- and intra-group exchanges with these children, but also to encourage mutual understanding among them. We conclude by pointing out how teaching situations mediated by the use of technological resources help the participants to make sense of things, ideas, relationships and life events that are dispersed, as well as to build interpersonal meanings. Finally, through these methods, the protagonists of the audiovisual narrations are able to use the dialogue and the negotiation of meaning as the best way to encourage more democratic, egalitarian and fair practices.

En este artículo describimos el trabajo iniciado en el año 2008 en dos colegios públicos. Planteamos analizar la posible contribución de la narración de historias con lenguajes de la fotografía y del cine al conocimiento mutuo de los humanos. Pensamos que este tipo de relatos audiovisuales es más adecuado que el textual para vincular lo afectivo y lo racional en el alumnado de educación infantil y primaria que es diverso culturalmente y, muy probablemente, no todos y todas están alfabetizados en la lengua autóctona. Con tem plamos el relato de historias como la base del uso de los medios técnicos para fomentar relaciones intra e intergrupos de dicho alumnado y, consecuentemente, para facilitar el entendimiento entre ellos. Concluimos señalando que las situaciones de enseñanza configuradas por el mencionado uso de los medios tecnológicos ayudan a que los protagonistas de los relatos audiovisuales den sentido a cosas, ideas, relaciones y acontecimientos de la vida que están dispersas; a que construyan significados intersubjetivos, y a que asuman el compromiso de usar el diálogo y la negociación de significados como la mejor forma de fomentar prácticas más democráticas, igualitarias y justas.
Student´s Perceptions of Blended Learning at University
Authors: Hinojo-Lucena Francisco Javier , Aznar-Díaz Inmaculada , Cáceres-Reche María Pilar
Published: September 2009

This paper describes the main contributions by students from a Teaching Innovation Project (2005) at the University of Córdoba focused on a part-time attendance teaching methodology (blended learning) through a virtual space within the degree of Educational Psychology. The most relevant contributions to the project (later applied in the Faculty of Educational Sciences in the University of Granada, Spain) are also collected. The students’ thoughts on the strengths and weakness as the main receptors of teaching in the European Space are an important factor in the improvement of teaching restructuring, based on the training necessities of all the educational agents involved directly and indirectly in this moment of change (teachers, students, educational authorities, etc.).

Este trabajo describe las principales aportaciones presentadas por el alumnado, con motivo de la puesta en práctica de un proyecto de innovación docente (2005) en la Universidad de Córdoba, centrado en el desarrollo de una metodología docente semipresencial (blended learning) me diante un entorno virtual en la titulación de Psicopedagogía. También se recogen los resultados más significativos del mismo proyecto implementado posteriormente en la Facultad de Ciencias de la Educación de la Universidad de Granada. La reflexión acerca de las fortalezas y debilidades manifestadas por los destinatarios directos del proceso de convergencia europeo, como son los estudiantes, permitirá la mejora de la reestructuración de una enseñanza acorde con las necesidades formativas de todos los agentes educativos implicados directa o indirectamente en este momento de cambio (profesorado, alumnado, autoridades educativas, etc.).
PaleoTV, NeoTV and MetaTV in US Drama Series
Authors: Tous-Rovirosa Anna
Published: September 2009

This paper analyses the paleoTV, neoTV and metaTV features in three US drama series belonging to drama series genres and adventure subgenres: adventures («Lost»), crime («CSI: Crime Scene Investigation») and politics («The West Wing»). The aim of the research is to study these TV series in relation to the three eras which divide the short history of TV up to today, to determine the features that define this media in serial fiction and its relation to its own diachronic moment. The methodology of this work is based on the concepts of several scholars and makes references to other US fiction series. It emphasizes the autoreferenciality and intertextuality as some of metaTV’s most important features.

Este artículo analiza las características paleotelevisivas, neotelevisivas y metatelevisivas de las series de ficción estadounidenses contemporáneas pertenecientes al género dramático y a los subgéneros de aventuras («Perdidos»), policíaco («CSI: Las Vegas») y político («El ala oeste de la Casa Blanca»). El objeto de la investigación consiste en estudiar dichas series televisivas estadounidenses dramáticas en relación a las tres eras que dividen la breve historia de la televisión hasta la actualidad, con la finalidad de detectar las características definitorias del medio en la serialidad de ficción y su relación con su propia diacronía. La metodología parte de los conceptos teóricos trabajados por varios estudiosos. Se destacan la autorreferencialidad y la intertextualidad como algunas de las características metatelevisivas predominantes, y se analiza la transmisión ideológica en dichas series.
Television, Attitudes, and Drugs in Adolescents: Research on their Effects
Authors: Sevillano-García María Luisa , González-Flores María del Pilar , Rey-Yedra Luis
Published: September 2009

Studies related to the use of addictive substances usually reflect the point of view of consumers. In this paper we present a qualitative analysis of the answers of non-users related to the impact of television on their attitudes and behaviour. This article is the result of extensive research carried out in the city of Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico that aimed to describe the relationship between television and the identification and promotion of values that protect the city’s teenagers from drug use. The data obtained provide those in charge of television programming with suggestions from the teenagers to help them stay drug-free.

Los estudios relacionados con el uso de sustancias adictivas recaban, habitualmente, la opinión de los consumidores. En este trabajo presentamos un análisis cualitativo de las respuestas de los usuarios respecto de la incidencia de la televisión en su comportamiento y actitudes. Es fruto de una investigación realizada en la ciudad de Xalapa, Veracruz (México) que tuvo la finalidad de describir la relación que guarda la televisión con la identificación y promoción de los valores que protegen a los adolescentes de la localidad del uso de drogas. Los datos obtenidos ofrecen a los encargados de la programación televisiva las sugerencias emanadas de los propios adolescentes, obtenidas de forma científica para ayudarlos a mantenerse al margen de las drogas.
Televisual Teenager Phenomena. Adolescent Prototypes in TV Series in Spain
Authors: Guarinos-Galán Virginia
Published: September 2009

This work is doubly justified: as a part of a bigger research project on types of so far marginalized characters in television drama serials; and as a contribution to the teenage invasion of the TV screen as a call to this kind of audience. The aim of this paper is to show prototypes of adolescents created in televised products broadcast today in Spain. The methodology is based on two factors: a quantitative one about serials and characters, and a qualitative analysis of drama serials and teen characters. The result confirms the existence of a powerful standardized appearance and attitude regarding the models proposed by American series over the Spanish ones. The conclusion discusses the generation of contradictory teenage prototypes.

Este trabajo se justifica doblemente: como parte de una investigación superior sobre análisis de tipos de personajes hasta el momento marginales en series de ficción televisivas y como contribución a la reflexión de la invasión del adolescente en la pantalla televisiva como reclamo en busca de un sector de audiencias. Su objetivo es mostrar los prototipos de adolescentes que se generan en los productos audiovisuales televisivos que se emiten en la actualidad en España. Para ello se ha diseñado una metodología basada en un doble movimiento: fase de análisis cuantitativo de series y personajes; y fase de análisis cualitativo y deconstructivo de los personajes adolescentes en su proceso identitario. El resultado confirma la existencia de una potente estandarización de actitudes y apariencias con respecto a los modelos propuestos por series americanas por encima de las españolas. La conclusión habla de la generación de prototipos adolescentes contradictorios.
Technisches Anwendungspotenzial elektrischer Felder zur Steuerung turbulenter vorgemischter Flammen
Authors: Altendorfner F. , Beyrau F. , Leipertz A. , Hammer T. , Most D. , Lins G. , Branston D. W.
Published: September 2009

Die Nutzung elektrischer Felder für die Steuerung von technischen Verbrennungsvorgängen (EFCC, Electric Field Controlled Combustion) eröffnet einen interessanten Ansatzpunkt im Hinblick auf aktuelle Diskussionen um einen verringerten CO2‐Ausstoß und eine effizientere Brennstoffausnutzung. Es wurden Untersuchungen zur technischen Einsetzbarkeit der Flammensteuerung mittels elektrischer Felder für stationär betriebene Gasturbinen am Lehrstuhl für Technische Thermodynamik (LTT), Erlangen‐Nürnberg, in Zusammenarbeit mit der Siemens AG im Rahmen des Forschungsverbundes „Kraftwerke des 21. Jahrhunderts”︁ (KW21) unter Anwendung von konventioneller Abgasanalyse durchgeführt. Dabei konnte das Potenzial elektrischer Felder für die Ausweitung des Stabilitätsbereiches und die Senkung der Schadstoffemissionen unter gasturbinenrelevanten Bedingungen wie erhöhten Drücken, Austrittsgeschwindigkeiten und Lufttemperaturen sowie für drallstabilisierte Flammen erfolgreich demonstriert werden. Weiterhin wurde die Möglichkeit der kapazitiven Kopplung durch keramische Wände gezeigt.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Chromium Bioorganometallics Based on the Antibiotic Platensimycin Lead Structure
Authors: Patra Malay , Gasser Gilles , Pinto Antonio , Merz Klaus , Ott Ingo , Bandow Julia E. , Metzler‐Nolte Nils
Published: September 2009

The recent discovery of the natural product platensimycin as a new antibiotic lead structure has triggered the synthesis of numerous organic derivatives for structure–activity relationship studies. Herein, we describe the synthesis, characterization and biological evaluation of the first organometallic antibiotic inspired by platensimycin. Two bioorganometallic compounds containing (η6‐pentamethylbenzene)Cr(CO)3 (2) and (η6‐benzene)Cr(CO)3 (3), linked by an amide bond to the aromatic part of platensimycin, were synthesized. Their antibiotic activities were tested against B. subtilis 168 (Gram positive) and E. coli W3110 (Gram negative) bacterial strains. Both compounds were found to be inactive against E. coli but derivative 2 inhibits B. subtilis growth at a moderate MIC value of 0.15 mM. To test the intrinsic toxicity of chromium, several chromium salts along with {η6‐(3‐pentamethylphenyl propionic acid)}Cr(CO)3 (5) and {η6‐(3‐phenyl propionic acid)}Cr(CO)3 (6) were tested against both bacterial strains. No activity was observed against E. coli for any of the compounds; B. subtilis growth was not inhibited by Cr(NO3)3 and only very weakly by 5, K2Cr2O7 and Na2CrO4 at MIC values of 0.5, 0.68 and 1.24 mM, respectively. Compounds 2, 3, 5 and 4 (the pure organic analogue of 2) show similar cytotoxicity against HeLa, HepG2 and HT‐29 mammalian cell lines. Furthermore, the cellular uptake and the intracellular distribution of compounds 2, 3 and Cr(NO3)3 in B. subtilis were studied using atomic absorption spectroscopy to gain insight in to the possible cellular targets. Compound 2 was found to be readily taken up and distributed almost equally among cytosol, cell debris and cell membrane in B. subtilis.
Azido, Cyanato, and Thiocyanato Coordination Induced Distortions in Pentacoordinated [CoIIA(bip)]2 (A = NCS–, N3–, or NCO–) Complexes
Authors: Sarkar Mrinal , Clérac Rodolphe , Mathonière Corine , Hearns Nigel G. R. , Bertolasi Valerio , Ray Debashis
Published: September 2009

A new family of distorted pentacoordinate [Co2] complexes was prepared and structurally characterized. In [CoIIA(bip)]2·S (1–3) [A = NCS–, N3–, NCO–; S = dmf, MeOH, dcm; Hbip = 2,6‐bis(phenylmethyliminomethyl)‐4‐methylphenol], the nonbonded Co···Co separations are in the 3.243 to 3.254 Å range, and the pseudohalide‐coordinated CoII ions are asymmetrically doubly bridged by the phenolate oxygen atoms of the ligand. The complementary basal–apical (b–a) and apical–basal (a–b) coordination modes of the phenolate bridges of bip– offer one O and two N donors for metal‐ion coordination. In the three dinuclear complexes, the h.s. CoII ions are coupled antiferromagnetically to yield a singlet ground state. The solid‐state variable‐temperature magnetic susceptibility measurement data on the complexes were fitted to an isotropic Heisenberg dimer model that allowed estimation of the antiferromagnetic interactions for 1–3. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
An Efficient (2‐Aminoarenethiolato)copper(I) Complex for the Copper‐Catalysed Huisgen Reaction (CuAAC)
Authors: Fabbrizzi Pierangelo , Cicchi Stefano , Brandi Alberto , Sperotto Elena , van Koten Gerard
Published: September 2009

A (2‐aminoarenethiolato)copper(I) complex has been used as an efficient catalyst (1 mol‐%) for the copper‐catalysedHuisgen reaction (CuAAC) of azides and terminal alkynes in an organic solvent. The reaction was also extremely effective in CH2Cl2 allowing the complete decoration of dendrimeric scaffolds. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
A New Synthesis of Sulfur‐, Nitrogen‐ and Oxygen‐Containing Eight‐Membered Ring Lactams
Authors: Pflantz Rebekka , Sluiter Jonas , Krička Mario , Saak Wolfgang , Hoenke Christoph , Christoffers Jens
Published: September 2009

Bi(NO3)3‐catalyzed ring expansion of five‐membered ring 1,4‐diketones in the presence of primary amines leads to eight‐membered ring lactams. When applied to starting materials with a tetrahydrothiophene or pyrrolidine moiety, tetrahydro‐2H‐1,4‐thiazocin‐3‐ones and hexahydro‐1,4‐diazocin‐2‐ones are obtained as representatives of these very rare heterocyclic systems. In the case of tetrahydrofuran derivatives, other reaction conditions are required and yields of tetrahydro‐2H‐1,4‐oxazocin‐3‐ones are very low.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Enhanced Activity and Stereoselectivity of Polystyrene‐Supported Proline‐Based Organic Catalysts for Direct Asymmetric Aldol Reaction in Water
Authors: Gruttadauria Michelangelo , Salvo Anna Maria Pia , Giacalone Francesco , Agrigento Paola , Noto Renato
Published: September 2009

Several polystyrene‐supported proline dipeptides and a prolinamide derivative were prepared by thiol–ene coupling. These materials were used as catalysts for the direct asymmetric aldol reaction in water, and results compared with unsupported catalysts in water. Such an approach gave more active or stereoselective catalysts compared to the unsupported compounds, showing that our immobilization procedure may be useful to develop catalytic materials with enhanced performance. Moreover, these catalysts can be recovered and reused for at least nine times without loss of activity or can be easily regenerated when their activity has decreased. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Synthesis and Optical and Electronic Properties of Thiophene Derivatives
Authors: Jimenez Raphael P. , Parvez Masood , Sutherland Todd C. , Viccars Joel
Published: September 2009

Using the Hinsberg synthesis of thiophenes, a versatile method to prepare fully derivatized, π‐extended thiophenes is reported. Functionalized thiophenes were divergently synthesized to create three classes of compounds – electron‐deficient, extended conjugation and electron‐rich – to assess substituent effects on optical and electrochemical properties. Properties were assessed by solution absorption spectroscopy, solution‐ and solid‐state fluorescence spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry and density functional theory calculations. Tetracyano derivatives, prepared through Knoevenagel condensations of malononitrile with thiophene‐2,5‐dicarbaldehydes, were used as electron‐poor analogs. These derivatives showed quasireversible reduction reactions and very low‐lying calculated LUMO energies (–0.55 V reduction potentials vs. Fc/Fc+). The effect of extending π conjugation on the optical and electrochemical properties was investigated by the installation of bis(2‐thienylacryonitrile) groups onto three thiophene cores. The extended conjugation led to compounds that demonstrated both solution‐ and solid‐state fluorescence and moderate, irreversible reduction potentials (–1.2 V versus Fc/Fc+). The Lewis‐acid‐catalyzed coupling of four indoles to thiophene‐2,5‐dicarbaldehydes was studied to assess the effects of both electron‐donating substituents and a quinoidal thiophene. The tetraindolic thiophenes possessed low HOMO–LUMO energy gaps of 1.91 eV, high‐lying HOMO energy levels and tunable LUMO energy levels, attributed to the thiophene quinoidal ground‐state structure. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Platinum‐Catalyzed Multisubstituted Benzo[b]selenophene Synthesis
Authors: Sato Takuma , Nakamura Itaru , Terada Masahiro
Published: September 2009

Alkyl ortho‐alkynylphenyl selenides 1 were efficiently converted into 2,3‐disubstituted benzo[b]selenophenes 2 in the presence of a catalytic amount of PtCl2. The reactions were shown to proceed via carboselenation, specifically the addition of a C–Se bond to the alkynes. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Merging of E2 and E1cb Reaction Mechanisms: A Combined Theoretical and Experimental Study
Authors: Mosconi Edoardo , De Angelis Filippo , Belpassi Leonardo , Tarantelli Francesco , Alunni Sergio
Published: September 2009

By combining the results of kinetic measurements with DFT calculations we provide a clear‐cut evidence of the merging between the E2 and E1cb reaction mechanisms for a large series of leaving groups. Our results solve a long‐debated issue in chemical reactivity with profound implications both from a fundamental and biological point of view, thus paving the way to further investigations with different substrates.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Nucleation capacity and presence of centrioles define a distinct category of centrosome abnormalities that induces multipolar mitoses in cancer cells
Authors: Difilippantonio Michael J. , Ghadimi B. Michael , Howard Tamara , Camps Jordi , Nguyen Quang Tri , Ferris Douglas K. , Sackett Dan L. , Ried Thomas
Published: September 2009

Analysis of centrosome number and structure has become one means of assessing the potential for aberrant chromosome segregation and aneuploidy in tumor cells. Centrosome amplification directly causes multipolar catastrophic mitoses in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) deficient for the tumor suppressor genes Brca1 or Trp53. We observed supernumerary centrosomes in cell lines established from aneuploid, but not from diploid, colorectal carcinomas; however, multipolar mitoses were never observed. This discrepancy prompted us to thoroughly characterize the centrosome abnormalities in these and other cancer cell lines with respect to both structure and function. The most striking result was that supernumerary centrosomes in aneuploid colorectal cancer cell lines were unable to nucleate microtubules, despite the presence of γ‐tubulin, pericentrin, PLK1, and AURKA. Analysis by scanning electron microscopy revealed that these supernumerary structures are devoid of centrioles, a result significantly different from observations in aneuploid pancreatic cancer cell lines and in Trp53 or Brca1 deficient MEFs. Thus, multipolar mitoses are dependent upon the ability of extra γ‐tubulin containing structures to nucleate microtubules, and this correlated with the presence of centrioles. The assessment of centrosome function with respect to chromosome segregation must therefore take into consideration the presence of centrioles and the capacity to nucleate microtubules. The patterns and mechanisms of chromosomal aberrations in hematologic malignancies and solid tumors are fundamentally different. The former is characterized by specific chromosome translocations, whose consequence is the activation of oncogenes. Most carcinomas, however, reveal variations in the nuclear DNA content. The observed genomic imbalances and gross variations in chromosome number can result from unequal chromosome segregation during mitotic cell division. It is therefore fundamental to elucidate mechanisms involved in distribution of the genome to daughter cells. Prior to cell division, the centrosome organizes microtubules and the mitotic spindle. Deciphering the consequences of alterations in centrosome number, structure, and function is an important step towards understanding how a diploid genome is maintained. Although extra centrosomes have now been observed in carcinomas and were correlated with aneuploidy, a careful functional investigation of these structures and their role in generating chromosome imbalances may lead to the identification of distinct mechanistic pathways of genomic instability. Understanding these pathways will also be important in determining whether they are potential molecular targets of therapeutic intervention. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mother–child and father–child mutuality in two contexts: consequences for young children's peer relationships
Authors: Lindsey Eric W. , Cremeens Penny R. , Caldera Yvonne M.
Published: September 2009

This study examines the role that context plays in links between relative balance, or mutuality in parent–child interaction and children's social competence. Sixty‐three toddlers and their parents were observed in a laboratory play session and caregiving activity (i.e. eating snack). Mutuality was operationalised as the relative balance in (a) partners' compliance to initiations, and (b) partners' expression of positive emotion. Caregivers rated children's social competence with peers, and children's prosocial and aggressive behaviour with peers was observed in their childcare arrangement. Contextual differences were observed in the manifestation of parent–child mutuality, with both mother–child and father–child dyads displaying higher mutual compliance scores in the play context than in the caregiving context. Father–child dyads also displayed higher levels of shared positive emotion during play than during the caregiving context. There were no differences in a way that parent–child mutuality during play and caregiving was associated with children's social competence with peers. Overall, the results suggest that parent–child mutuality is a quality of parent–child interaction that has consistent links to children's peer competence regardless of the context in which it occurs. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spermatozoon and its relationship with the ovarian lamellae in the internally inseminating catfish Trachelyopterus galeatus
Authors: Parreira Gleydes G. , Chiarini‐Garcia Hélio , Melo Rossana C.N. , Vieira Francisco O. , Godinho Hugo P.
Published: September 2009

We examined the spermatozoa and their relationship with the ovarian lamellae in the catfish Trachelyopterus galeatus by classical light microscopy, high‐resolution light microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Trachelyopterus galeatus is an internally inseminating species the spermatozoon of which presented an elongated cylindrical head (12.3 ± 1.5 μm), elongated midpiece (5.0 ± 0.7 μm), and flagellum (23.9 ± 2.8 μm). Fertilized eggs or embryos were not found in its ovaries. Spermatozeugmata were demonstrated for the first time in this species. At the ultrastructural level, the anterior region of the head was devoid of chromatin with its shape being rounded with a hyaline tip in frontal sections and flattened in sagittal sections. The proximal centriole and most of the distal centriole were contained within a nuclear fossa. Mitochondria with lamellar cristae, as well as glycogen granules, were located just caudal to the nuclear fossa and distally in the midpiece. A single row of accessory microtubules ran peripherally in the midpiece. The flagellar axoneme had the typical 9 + 2 arrangement, having electron‐dense and electron‐lucent A‐tubules at different points along the flagellum; flagellar fins were lacking. The ovarian lamellae were covered by a simple cuboidal epithelium. In maturing/mature females, spermatozoa were free in the ovarian lumen or inserted in pits of the lamellar epithelial cells. Tight junctions and desmosomes were seen between the epithelial cells. In addition to nourishment of the spermatozoon, the lamellar epithelial cells may play a role in protecting the spermatozoa against the female immune system. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Optimization of extinction efficiency of gold‐coated polystyrene bead substrates improves surface‐enhanced Raman scattering effects by post‐growth microwave heating treatment
Authors: Yuen Clement , Zheng Wei , Huang Zhiwei
Published: September 2009

We report a novel post‐growth microwave treatment approach to selectively modify the surface morphologies of gold (Au) films coated on the polystyrene (PS) bead substrates for effectively improving the surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) effect on the analytes. The discrete dipole approximation (DDA) model was introduced to evaluate the enhancement effects by calculating the localized electromagnetic field distribution and extinction efficiency based on the sizes of the trenches and voids, and the surface roughness of the modified Au–PS bead substrates. The SERS performance of microwave‐modified Au–PS substrates on rhodamine 6G (Rh 6G) and saliva yields at least 10‐fold improvements in SERS intensities compared to the as‐grown substrates, which is also in agreement with theoretical predictions by DDA modeling. This work demonstrates both experimentally and theoretically the efficacy of the microwave heating treatment on modifying the Au–PS bead substrates for the realization of high SERS performance in biomedical applications. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fiber Amplifiers – Part 1
Authors: Paschotta Rüdiger
Published: September 2009

Fiber amplifiers are technology with vary variants, covering an ever expanding area of applications. Part 1 of this series gives an introduction to the technical foundations. In later parts, technical limitations and case studies will be discussed.
Trumpf – A Leader in Lasers, a challenger in Essen
Authors: Bleher Jens
Published: September 2009

2009 is an interesting and exciting year. The economic crisis is posing a serious challenge to the worldwide manufacturing industry. Within this difficult economic environment the biannual Laser Trade Show took place in Munich and the Essen Welding Show will happen soon. Trumpf is the world's leading industrial laser and laser systems manufacturer and has to fight the crisis at the economic forefront. Although sales fell by 23% to 1.66 billion Euros in fiscal year 2008/2009, which ended June 30, 2009, Trumpf expects profits in the tens of millions of Euros.

Francisco Velasco, Editor Laser Technik Journal, spoke to Jens Bleher, Managing Director Trumpf Laser‐ und Systemtechnik GmbH, about new products, the future of laser technology and the economic situation.
Thermal Properties of Poly(ester amide)s with Isolated, Two Adjacent and Three Adjacent Amide Groups within a Polyester Chain
Authors: Garg Priya , Keul Helmut , Klee Doris , Möller Martin
Published: September 2009

Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was employed to investigate the thermal properties of segmented aliphatic poly(ester amide)s (PEA)s. Three different series of PEAs were synthesized, each containing amide blocks of defined lengths which are randomly placed in the poly(butylene adipate) (PBA) backbone. Thus, the defined amide blocks consist of isolated amide groups, two adjacent amide groups or three adjacent amide groups. The PEAs show glass transition temperatures between −63 and 1 °C, melting temperatures between 28 and 183 °C and crystallization temperatures lie between −0.2 and 148 °C. The types of groups participating in the crystallization process and the length of the amide segments have an influence on the morphology of these polymers.

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Synthesis of a Photoresponsive Liquid‐Crystalline Polymer Containing Azobenzene
Authors: Li Chensha , Lo Chi‐Wei , Zhu Difeng , Li Chenhui , Liu Ye , Jiang Hongrui
Published: September 2009

The synthesis of an oriented liquid‐crystalline photoresponsive polymer, prepared by polymerization of mono‐ and di‐acrylates, both of which contain azobenzene chromophores, is reported. The prepared free‐standing polymer film shows strong reversible photoinduced deformation upon exposure to unpolarized UV light at 366 nm, as a result of an optically induced isomeric change of the azobenzene moieties in the polymer network. The synthesis process is relatively simple and more efficient compared to conventional ones, and can be used to synthesize other liquid‐crystalline photoresponsive polymers. The use of this photoresponsive polymer film as an optical high‐pass/low‐pass switch under UV or natural light irradiation for a laser beam is demonstrated. This photoresponsive polymer may have applications in robotic systems, artificial muscles, and actuators in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and labs on chips.

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Low dose, oral epsilon aminocaproic acid for renal papillary necrosis and massive hemorrhage in hemoglobin SC disease
Authors: Gabrovsky Alexander , Aderinto Abimbole , Spevak Melissa , Vichinsky Elliot , Resar Linda M.S.
Published: September 2009

Renal papillary necrosis in sickling hemoglobinopathies can lead to significant complications, including hemorrhage, obstruction, and infection. Despite its frequency, there are limited therapies for protracted hemorrhage. In the past, massive hemorrhage was managed with nephrectomy. Here, we report a patient with hemoglobin SC disease and prolonged, life‐threatening hemorrhage from papillary necrosis successfully treated with oral, low‐dose epsilon aminocaproic acid (EACA). Although further study is warranted, this case illustrates the need to consider EACA in the conservative management of renal papillary necrosis and significant hemorrhage in sickle cell hemoglobinopathies. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010; 54:148–150. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Influence of substrate chemistry and the network homogeneity of ultra‐thin cross‐linked polymer films cured at their surface on the main relaxations temperatures probing by microthermal analysis
Authors: Carriere Pascal , Onard Sandra , Mallarino Stéphanie
Published: September 2009

Thin 200‐nm epoxy–amine mixtures were cured on silicon wafers with different surface chemistry to quantify the effect of the chemistry on the glass transition temperature evolution in ultra‐thin thermosetting films. Two surface treatments were investigated: the first one only consisted in the activation of the silanols groups at the silicon surface, whereas the second one consisted in the grafting 3‐aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APTMS) monolayer on the silicon wafers. The epoxy films were deposited on these chemistry modified wafers by spin coating a toluene solution of DGEBA–amine mixture at stoichiometric ratio. The same cure processing was used for both samples. Thin films were analysed not only using microthermal and thermomechanical analysis to determine the relaxation transitions temperatures of these films but also using FTIR in infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy mode to determine the curing rate of these networks. It was found that all these thin films showed two different glass transitions, the first one at 96 °C and was independent of the surface treatments, whereas the second one increasing from 142 °C for the oxidised wafers surface to 167 °C for the aminosilane grafted on the silicon wafer. The substrate chemistry extent on the film network structure, the interfacial bonds and interactions are discussed. This work also illustrates the interest in using microthermal analysis to obtain relevant temperature glass transition of thin film at sub‐micrometre scale, strongly dependant of local structure and chemistry composition. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stabilization of Polymer‐Hydrogel Capsules via Thiol–Disulfide Exchange
Authors: Chong Siow‐Feng , Chandrawati Rona , Städler Brigitte , Park Jeongju , Cho Jinhan , Wang Yajun , Jia Zhongfan , Bulmus Volga , Davis Thomas P. , Zelikin Alexander N. , Caruso Frank
Published: September 2009

Polymer hydrogels are used in diverse biomedical applications including drug delivery and tissue engineering. Among different chemical linkages, the natural and reversible thiol–disulfide interconversion is extensively explored to stabilize hydrogels. The creation of macro‐, micro‐, and nanoscale disulfide‐stabilized hydrogels commonly relies on the use of oxidizing agents that may have a detrimental effect on encapsulated cargo. Herein an oxidization‐free approach to create disulfide‐stabilized polymer hydrogels via a thiol–disulfide exchange reaction is reported. In particular, thiolated poly(methacrylic acid) is used and the conditions of polymer crosslinking in solution and on colloidal porous and solid microparticles are established. In the latter case, removal of the core particles yields stable, hollow, disulfide‐crosslinked hydrogel capsules. Further, a procedure is developed to achieve efficient disulfide crosslinking of multilayered polymer films to obtain stable, liposome‐loaded polymer‐hydrogel capsules that contain functional enzymatic cargo within the liposomal subcompartments. This approach is envisaged to facilitate the development of biomedical applications of hydrogels, specifically those including fragile cargo.
WIREs between Washington, DC and Durban, South Africa
Authors: Wegman Edward J. , Said Yasmin H. , Scott David W.
Published: September 2009

This article is categorized under:

Applications of Computational Statistics > Organizations and Publications
Comparative Cost‐Effectiveness Analysis of Two MSF Surgical Trauma Centers
Authors: Gosselin Richard A. , Maldonado Andreu , Elder Greg
Published: September 2009

Introduction

There is a dearth of data on cost‐effectiveness of surgical care in resource‐poor countries. Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières; MSF) is a nongovernmental organization (NGO) involved in the many facets of health care for underserved populations, including surgical care.

Methods

A cost‐effectiveness analysis (CEA) was attempted at two of their surgical trauma hospitals: Teme Hospital in Nigeria and La Trinité Hospital in Haiti.

Conclusion

At $172 and $223 per Disability‐Adjusted Life‐Year (DALY) averted, respectively, they are in line with other reported CEAs for surgical and nonsurgical activities in similar contexts.
The Role of Tumor Volume on Outcome in Prostate Cancer after Prostatectomy
Authors: Brannan Amber G. , Johnstone Peter A.S.
Published: September 2009

Objective:

Significant study has been made of the role of tumor volume contributing to outcome in prostate cancer: almost two dozen studies have been published on the subject, without clear results either for or against a relationship.

Methods:

An extensive MEDLINE and PUBMED search yielded fourteen articles involving >10,600 patients describing analyses of institutional prostate cancer experiences including tumor volume after radical prostatectomy (RP). Studies were included if multivariate analysis (MVA) was performed including a variable related to tumor volume. All studies had a common outcome of biochemical disease-free (bNED) survival.

Results:

The more rigorous the MVA performed, the more likely tumor volume was to be independently predictive. When the analysis included only tumor volume and Gleason score, studies agreed on outcome half the time. As more variables were added to the analysis, the degree of concordance increased. The two studies with most complete MVAs concur in a volume effect on outcome in over 1470 patients.

Conclusion:

While no meta-analysis on the subject is possible without knowing particulars of each reported case, tumor volume as a predictive variable is likely to be less important than more frequently analyzed factors such as Gleason score and PSA. However, the studies that most completely address the complex and competing variables impacting bNED survival in prostate cancer are those that describe a relationship of tumor volume on outcome.
Metabolic systems biology
Authors: Palsson Bernhard
Published: September 2009

The first full genome sequences were established in the mid‐1990s. Shortly thereafter, genome‐scale metabolic network reconstructions appeared. Since that time, we have witnessed an exponential growth in their number and uses. Here I discuss, from a personal point of view, four topics: (1) the placement of metabolic systems biology in the context of broader scientific developments, (2) its foundational concepts, (3) some of its current uses, and (4) some of the expected future developments in the field.
Subtractive hybridization identifies genes differentially expressed by olfactory ensheathing cells and neural stem cells
Authors: Rojas‐Mayorquín Argelia Esperanza , Torres‐Ruíz Nadia Magali , Gudiño‐Cabrera Graciela , Ortuño‐Sahagún Daniel
Published: September 2009

The in vitro differentiation of embryonic stem cells into glia has received relatively limited attention to date when compared with the interest in the generation of neurons. We are interested in a particular glial phenotype, the aldynoglia, and their differentiation from multipotential neural precursors (MNP), since this type of glia can promote neuronal regeneration. We constructed cDNA libraries from cultures of purified olfactory ensheathing cells (OEC), an aldynoglia cell type, and MNP to perform subtractive hybridization. As a result, we isolated four genes from the OEC: one tenascin C (Tn‐C) isoform, Insulin‐like growth factor binding protein 5 (Igfbp‐5), cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COX1) and a phosphodiesterase for cyclic nucleotides (CNPase). With the exception of CNPase, these genes are expressed more strongly in the OEC than in the MNP and moreover, the expression of all four is induced when MNP were exposed to OEC conditioned media. The data suggest a role for these genes in MNP differentiation, and their products appear to represent characteristic proteins of the aldynoglia phenotype.
Outsourcing congruence with competitive priorities: Impact on supply chain and firm performance
Authors: Kroes James R. , Ghosh Soumen
Published: September 2009

The growth of outsourcing has led outsourcing strategies to become an increasingly important component of firm success (Gottfredson et al., 2005). While the purported goal of outsourcing in supply chains is to derive a competitive advantage, it is not clear whether the outsourcing decisions of firms are always strategically aligned with their overall competitive strategy. In this paper we evaluate the degree of congruence (fit or alignment) between a firm's outsourcing drivers and its competitive priorities and assess the impact of congruence on both supply chain performance and business performance, using empirical data collected from manufacturing business units operating in the United States. We find outsourcing congruence across all five competitive priorities to be positively and significantly related to supply chain performance. We also find the level of supply chain performance in a firm to be positively and significantly associated with the firm's business performance.
Aquatic Therapy: Scientific Foundations and Clinical Rehabilitation Applications
Authors: Becker Bruce E.
Published: September 2009

The aquatic environment has broad rehabilitative potential, extending from the treatment of acute injuries through health maintenance in the face of chronic diseases, yet it remains an underused modality. There is an extensive research base supporting aquatic therapy, both within the basic science literature and clinical literature. This article describes the many physiologic changes that occur during immersion as applied to a range of common rehabilitative issues and problems. Because of its wide margin of therapeutic safety and clinical adaptability, aquatic therapy is a very useful tool in the rehabilitative toolbox. Through a better understanding of the applied physiology, the practitioner may structure appropriate therapeutic programs for a diverse patient population.