bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Daily practices, consumption and citizenship
Authors: Mazzarino Jane M. , Morigi Valdir J. , Kaufmann Cristine , Farias Alessandra M.B. , Fernandes Diefersom A.
Published: October 2011

This paper promotes a reflection on the relationship between daily practices and consumption. Understanding how conflicts, resistance and consensus are generated from daily consumption practices opens up possibilities for reflecting on the construction of sustainability in the context of diversity, one of the landmarks of the globalized world. Within this socio-cultural context, the central issue is: can consumption generate citizenship practices? The concepts of subject and agent help one think about collective action and subjectivation processes and their interferences on the collective consuming behavior. Based on empirical data from a research carried out in the municipality of Estrela in 2007, in the Taquari Valley - Rio Grande do Sul (Southern Brazil) on local reality consumption practices, it was possible to conclude that various reasoning mechanisms and values underlie the daily consumption practices. Citizenship construction, based on consumption practices, depends on the subject's reflection capacity on his/her daily practices or on what goes through the circulation of environmental information based on sociability spaces.
Environmental analyses of the parasitic profile found in the sandy soil from the Santos municipality beaches, SP, Brazil
Authors: Rocha Silvana , Pinto Rosa Maria Ferreiro , Floriano Aline Petrollini , Teixeira Lais Helena , Bassili Bianca , Martinez Araceles , Costa Sergio Olavo Pinto da , Caseiro Marcos Montani
Published: October 2011

The environmental contamination by geohelminths represents a world public health problem and has been well documented by several authors. However, few papers describe the presence of such contamination in saline soils of coastal beaches. A study was performed on the beaches of the municipality of Santos in the period between May 2004 to April 2005 with the aim of determining the degree of contamination, and the correlation between contamination level and seasonal conditions and characteristics of the environment. Of the 2,520 samples analyzed, 18.2% (458) were contaminated, 32.3% (148) of which were localized in children's recreational areas (playgrounds). The parasite profile found in the analyzed samples indicated the presence of several zoonotic parasites: Ancylostoma larvae (82.5%), Toxocara sp. eggs (59.4%), Ancylostomidae-like eggs (37.1%), coccid oocysts (13.5%), Trichostrongylus sp. eggs and larvae, Ascaris lumbricoides eggs, (11.6%), Entamoeba sp. cysts (10.0%), Strongyloides sp. (4.8%), several free nematoids and some non-identified parasitic structures (3.3%). It was established that the highest frequency of parasitic structures occurred in the months between May and October 2004, and from February to March 2005. An increase in the diversity of parasitic forms was documented in the months between February to December 2004 and from January to April 2005, these periods having the highest rainfall.
Lesões traumáticas de pele causadas pelos espinhos de Mimosa pudica e Mimosa debilis em equídeos
Authors: Reis Alessandra S. Belo , Duarte Marcos Dutra , Sousa Melina G.S. de , Freitas Nayra Fernanda de Q.R. , Yamasaki Elise M. , Silva André G. Marciel e , Oliveira Carlos Magno C. , Barbosa José Diomedes
Published: October 2011

Foram realizadas pesquisas sobre a natureza e causa de lesões de pele em equídeos em uma propriedade no município de Castanhal, região Nordeste do Estado do Pará. Foram realizadas visitas técnicas, estudos epidemiológicos, coletas de sangue, biópsias de pele afetada e a inspeção da pastagem. O estudo incluiu 25 equídeos, dos quais 14 machos e 11 fêmeas, de seis meses e oito anos de idade. Os animais apresentaram lesões ulcerativas, de bordos irregulares, na cabeça (narinas, focinho, lábios superiores e inferiores e chanfro), na cavidade oral (vestíbulo bucal e gengiva) e nos membros (boletos, metacarpos e metatarsos e articulação escápulo-umeral). No exame histopatológico foram observados focos de erosões cutâneas, caracterizados por perda e necrose da epiderme, com espongiose, degeneração vesicular da epiderme remanescente e leve infiltrado inflamatório na derme subjacente, constituído predominantemente por macrófagos e, em menor grau, eosinófilos. Na inspeção da pastagem, constituída de Brachiaria humidicola, foi constatada grande invasão de duas plantas providas de espinhos, Mimosa pudica e Mimosa debilis, ambas da família Leg. Mimosoideae. Concluiu-se, que as lesões de pele foram causadas pela ação traumática dos espinhos de Mimosa pudica e Mimosa debilis.
Distúrbios comportamentais em ruminantes não associados a doenças: origem, significado e importância
Authors: Malafaia Pedro , Barbosa José Diomedes , Tokarnia Carlos Hubinger , Oliveira Carlos Magno Chaves
Published: October 2011

Os estudo científico do comportamento animal frente às distintas modificações do ambiente (inanimado ou não) onde os mesmos estão sendo criados, constitui o principal objetivo da etologia. Por outro lado, muitas doenças que acometem os ruminantes também cursam produzindo diversas alterações no comportamento desses animais; portanto, os profissionais que trabalham com ruminantes precisam reconhecer o que vem a ser um comportamento anormal, decorrente do empobrecimento ambiental associado ou não a erros alimentares e que resulta em prejuízos ao bem-estar dos animais (p.ex. confinamentos com superlotação, falta de sombra nas pastagens, volumosos finamente moídos) daqueles oriundos de doenças ou estados carenciais, como por exemplo a depravação do apetite causada pelas deficiências de sódio, cobalto e de fibra fisicamente efetiva. O propósito dessa revisão é discutir sobre os principais desvios comportamentais verificados nos ruminantes domésticos criados em sistemas intensivos ou não no Brasil.
Técnicas projetivas na avaliação de aspectos psicopatológicos da anorexia e bulimia
Authors: Peres Rodrigo Sanches , Santos Manoel Antônio dos
Published: October 2011

O presente estudo teve como objetivo verificar a utilização de técnicas projetivas na avaliação de características psicopatológicas de pacientes com transtornos alimentares. Trata-se de uma revisão sistemática de literatura, realizada a partir de buscas nas bases de dados LILACS e Banco de Teses/CAPES com o emprego dos descritores "anorexia" e "bulimia". As referências localizadas foram selecionadas, recuperadas na íntegra e submetidas a uma apreciação qualitativa, organizada em dimensões de análise específicas. As principais características psicopatológicas reportadas foram: passividade, introversão e obsessividade, conflitos, tensões e angústias em relação à figura materna, grave distorção da imagem corporal e tendência à fusão nos relacionamentos interpessoais. Evidenciou-se, ainda, o predomínio de delineamentos metodológicos incipientes. Novas pesquisas envolvendo o emprego de técnicas projetivas no contexto dos transtornos alimentares são necessárias para prover os profissionais de evidências empíricas, que possam ser aproveitadas em protocolos de avaliação multidisciplinar adequados à população brasileira.
Estratégias cognitivas de escrita do português do Brasil
Authors: Miranda Luciene , Mota Márcia Maria Peruzzi Elia da
Published: October 2011

Estudos sobre o processamento da escrita têm focado no papel do processamento fonológico na escrita; poucos estudos investigam os estágios posteriores dessa aquisição. Este estudo foi direcionado a crianças do segundo e terceiro ano do ensino fundamental que realizaram um ditado experimental composto de palavras com diferentes características ortográficas. Visou-se verificar o papel do processamento fonológico e morfológico na escrita a partir de uma análise qualitativa dos erros cometidos pelas crianças no ditado. Foi possível verificar que a maioria dos erros (mais de 80%) foi de natureza fonológica. Nessa faixa etária o processamento morfológico não pareceu ser uma estratégia dominante na escrita das crianças.
Reproductive characterization of interspecific hybrids among Capsicum species
Authors: Monteiro Carlos Eduardo da Silva , Pereira Telma Nair Santana , Campos Karina Pereira de
Published: October 2011

The objective of this study was the reproductive characterization of Capsicum accessions as well as of interspecific hybrids, based on pollen viability. Hybrids were obtained between Capsicum species. Pollen viability was high in most accessions, indicating that meiosis is normal, resulting in viable pollen grains. The pollen viability of species C. pubescens was the lowest (27 %). The interspecific hybrids had varying degrees of pollen viability, from fertile combinations (C. chinense x C. frutescens and C. annuum x C. baccatum) to male sterile combinations. Pollen viability also varied within the hybrid combination according to accessions used in the cross. Results indicate that male sterility is one of the incompatibility barriers among Capsicum species since hybrids can be established, but may be male sterile.
RB965902 and RB965917 Early/medium maturing sugarcane varieties
Authors: Carneiro Monalisa Sampaio , Rosa João Ricardo Bachega Feijó , Barreto Fernanda Zatti , Balsalobre Thiago Willian Almeida , Chapola Roberto Giacomini , Vieira Marcos Antonio Sanches , Bassinello Antonio Ismael , Hoffmann Hermann Paulo
Published: October 2011

The varieties RB965902 and RB965917 were developed for harvesting at the beginning to the middle of the sucrose extraction period (early/medium maturity) and released for the South-Central region of Brazil. In specific environments, the tons of Pol per area (sucrose yield) of these varieties is higher than of the commercial standard RB855453 and they are resistant to the main diseases of the crop.
Waltzing a Facial Artery Musculomucosal Flap to Salvage a Recurrent Palatal Fistula
Authors: Khanna Shachika , Dagum Alexander B.
Published: October 2011

Closure of a palatal fistula, especially after multiple recurrences, remains a complex reconstructive problem. Herein, salvage of a recurrent palatal fistula after a facial artery musculomucosal flap (FAMM) flap by use of the traditional waltzing (jumping, migration) principle of tubed pedicle flaps is presented and the principles are discussed.
Measuring diversity: the importance of species similarity
Authors: Leinster Tom , Cobbold Christina A.
Published: October 2011

Realistic measures of biodiversity should reflect not only the relative abundances of species, but also the differences between them. We present a natural family of diversity measures taking both factors into account. This is not just another addition to the already long list of diversity indices. Instead, a single formula subsumes many of the most popular indices, including Shannon's, Simpson's, species richness, and Rao's quadratic entropy. These popular indices can then be used and understood in a unified way, and the relationships between them are made plain. The new measures are, moreover, effective numbers, so that percentage changes and ratio comparisons of diversity value are meaningful.

We advocate the use of diversity profiles, which provide a faithful graphical representation of the shape of a community; they show how the perceived diversity changes as the emphasis shifts from rare to common species. Communities can usefully be compared by comparing their diversity profiles. We show by example that this is a far more subtle method than any relying on a single statistic.

Some ecologists view diversity indices with suspicion, questioning whether they are biologically meaningful. By dropping the naive assumption that distinct species have nothing in common, working with effective numbers, and using diversity profiles, we arrive at a system of diversity measurement that should lay much of this suspicion to rest.
Natural Disasters and Vulnerability: Evidence from the 1997 Forest Fires in Indonesia
Authors: Wong Po. Yin , Brown Philip H.
Published: October 2011

Few studies have attempted to investigate the link between poverty and vulnerability with respect to natural disasters. By applying a utility model to panel data from Indonesia that brackets a major forest fire, this paper estimates and analyzes households’ vulnerability in both total consumption and food consumption. We find that households with a high degree of exposure to smoke from the fires were more vulnerable in total consumption than households with lower exposure, but that they were no more vulnerable in food consumption.
Compositions of n as alternating sequences of weakly increasing and strictly decreasing partitions
Authors: Blecher Aubrey , Brennan Charlotte , Mansour Toufik
Published: October 2011

Compositions and partitions of positive integers are often studied in separate frameworks where partitions are given by q-series generating functions and compositions exhibiting specific patterns are designated by generating functions for these patterns. Here, we view compositions as alternating sequences of weakly increasing and strictly decreasing partitions (i.e. alternating blocks). We obtain generating functions for the number of such partitions in terms of the size of the composition, the number of parts and the total number of “valleys” and “peaks”. From this, we find the total number of “peaks” and “valleys” in the composition of n which have the mentioned pattern. We also obtain the generating function for compositions which split into just two partition blocks. Finally, we obtain the two generating functions for compositions of n that start either with a weakly increasing partition or a strictly decreasing partition.
Cavity ring down spectroscopy: detection of trace amounts of substance
Authors: Stacewicz T. , Wojtas J. , Bielecki Z. , Nowakowski M. , Mikołajczyk J. , Mędrzycki R. , Rutecka B.
Published: October 2011

We describe several applications of cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS) for trace matter detection. NO2 sensor was constructed in our team using this technique and blue-violet lasers (395–440 nm). Its sensitivity is better than single ppb. CRDS at 627 nm was used for detection of NO3. Successful monitoring of N2O in air requires high precision mid-infrared spectroscopy. These sensors might be used for atmospheric purity monitoring as well as for explosives detection. Here, the spectroscopy on sharp vibronic molecular resonances is performed. Therefore the single mode lasers which can be tuned to selected molecular lines are used. Similarly, the spectroscopy at 936 nm was used for sensitive water vapour detection. The opportunity of construction of H2O sensor reaching the sensitivity about 10 ppb is also discussed.
Minnesota Road Research Data for Evaluation and Local Calibration of the Mechanistic–Empirical Pavement Design Guide's Enhanced Integrated Climatic Model
Authors: Johanneck Luke , Tompkins Derek , Clyne Timothy , Khazanovich Lev
Published: October 2011

This paper describes research to evaluate modeling of the thermal behavior of concrete and composite pavements by the Enhanced Integrated Climatic Model (EICM), the climate-modeling package used in the Mechanistic–Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG). First, the study uses temperature data collected at the Minnesota Road Research Project (MnROAD) facility from portland cement concrete (PCC) and asphalt concrete (AC)–PCC pavements to investigate benefits of AC overlays on the thermal characteristics of PCC slabs. Furthermore, the study validates EICM predictions of thermal gradients through the slabs and investigates the effect of MEPDG-user inputs for thermal conductivity of PCC. Overall, the paper examines measured data from MnROAD for AC-PCC pavements and their single-layer PCC counterparts and attempts to explain how similar pavement systems and their thermal characteristics are taken into account in the MEPDG. The paper concludes that evaluation of the material thermal inputs should be part of a process of local calibration and adaptation of the MEPDG.
Effect of Concrete Strength and Stiffness Characterization on Predictions of Mechanistic–Empirical Performance for Rigid Pavements
Authors: Schwartz Charles W. , Li Rui , Kim Sunghwan , Ceylan Halil , Gopalakrishnan Kasthurirangan
Published: October 2011

The hierarchical approach for specifying design inputs is a key feature of the new Mechanistic–Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG). The three levels of design input for the strength and stiffness characterization of portland cement concrete (PCC) range from a Level 1 laboratory measurement of modulus of elasticity and modulus of rupture at 7, 14, 28, and 90 days to a Level 3 estimation of the 28-day unconfined compressive strength. This paper evaluates the effect of design input level for PCC strength and stiffness properties on MEPDG performance predictions for jointed plain concrete pavements (JPCPs). The effects of the different PCC stiffness and strength design input levels on predicted faulting, transverse cracking, and international roughness index (IRI) are evaluated for eight PCC mixtures in several JPCP design scenarios. Faulting was found to be insensitive to the MEPDG PCC input level, transverse cracking was extremely sensitive, and IRI was only moderately sensitive. In particular, the results showed that the Level 3 input combination of a measured 28-day modulus of rupture and a measured 28-day modulus of elasticity yielded predicted distresses that were consistently in closest agreement with predictions that used Level 1 inputs. Reliable and accurate 28-day modulus of rupture and modulus of elasticity values can therefore be used as less-expensive and more-practical alternatives to full Level 1 stiffness and strength characterization in JPCP analysis and design. When full Level 1 characterization is performed, high-quality testing is mandatory for avoiding small anomalies in measured values that can cause physically unrealistic predictions by the MEPDG of stiffness and strength gains over time.
Sampling-Based Sensitivity Analysis of the Mechanistic–Empirical Pavement Design Guide Applied to Material Inputs
Authors: Orobio Armando , Zaniewski John P.
Published: October 2011

The Mechanistic–Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG) is the result of NCHRP Project 1-37A. This pavement design procedure uses mechanistic and empirical models calibrated with national data. Calibration of MEPDG is required to improve the accuracy of the models for local conditions. The data needed for calibration require numerous tests to characterize materials. The fieldwork for collecting the data to verify the models is laborious. This research studied the sensitivity of MEPDG to material input parameters. The main goal of this research was to determine the influence of material parameters on pavement performance as predicted by MEPDG. Results from sensitivity analyses can be used for planning data collection for calibration, implementation, and general understanding of MEPDG. However, MEPDG is so complex that the sensitivity analysis methodology was carefully designed to identify the relative importance of input variables. This research employed space-filling computer experiments with Latin hypercube sampling, standardized regression coefficients, and Gaussian stochastic processes to categorize the relative importance of material inputs in MEPDG for two flexible pavement structures that used Level 3 analysis. The methodology worked well for analyzing the sensitivity of material inputs in MEPDG, with the advantages of varying all parameters at once and requiring a relatively small number of runs for a completed analysis of the entire input space. Effective binder content, as-built air voids, Poisson's ratio, surface shortwave absorption of asphalt layers, and resilient modulus of subgrade had a significant effect on pavement performance.
New microsatellite markers for Salvia officinalis (Lamiaceae) and cross‐amplification in closely related species
Authors: Radosavljević Ivan , Jakse Jernej , Javornik Branka , Satovic Zlatko , Liber Zlatko
Published: October 2011

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite primers were identified to study the genetic diversity, population genetic structure, and relationships of common sage and closely related species.

• Methods and Results: Nine novel polymorphic trinucleotide microsatellite loci were identified for Salvia officinalis. A total of 127 alleles were observed. The observed and expected heterozygosity values ranged from 0.375 to 0.880 and from 0.624 to 0.931, respectively. Nine new and 11 previously published microsatellite primers were tested for cross‐amplification. The species with the most successful cross‐amplification was S. fruticosa.

• Conclusions: The nine new microsatellite markers will be useful in genetic studies of wild and cultivated populations of common sage and are potentially useful in genetic studies of closely related species.
Microsatellite markers for Aspidosperma polyneuron (Apocynaceae), an endangered tropical tree species
Authors: Ferreira‐Ramos Ronai , Monteiro Mariza , Zucchi Maria I. , Pinheiro José B. , Martinez Carlos A. , Mestriner Moacyr A. , Alzate‐Marin Ana Lilia
Published: October 2011

• Premise of the study: This study was designed to develop and characterize a preliminary set of nuclear microsatellite markers for Aspidosperma polyneuron, an endangered tropical tree species.

• Methods and Results: Leaf samples were collected from a group of mature A. polyneuron trees in a large area along the Pardo and Mogi‐Guaçu river basins in São Paulo State in the southeastern region of Brazil. Twenty‐five simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were developed and 16 of 30 samples had polymorphic loci. The number of alleles per locus ranged from two to 17 (average = 7.06). A high diversity (He = 0.65) and parentage exclusion probability for the first (0.9995) and second (0.9999) parents were measured.

• Conclusions: These 16 polymorphic markers suggest a high potential for genetic diversity, gene flow, and mating system analyses in A. polyneuron.
Transfinitude et mort dans les FPS
Authors: Jandrok Thierry
Published: October 2011

Résumé Jouer aux jeux vidéo, et en particulier au jeu à la première personne, n’est pas sans risque pour la subjectivité. Cette activité engage totalement la subjectivité dans un discours cybernétique dont les effets sur la personnalité peuvent être dévastateurs. Les effets d’accoutumance sont rapides et installent le joueur dans une autre dimension de l’être. Une fois intégré dans la structure du jeu, l’économie psychique se désagrège et perd ses repères quotidiens. Le sujet est absorbé par la matrice du jeu. Au fur et mesure de sa progression et de l’addition de ses meurtres, quelque chose de la mort s’installe dans ses processus cognitif. La virtualité prend corps et le sujet se retrouve seul, fragilisé dans sa capacité à entrer en relation avec autrui. Lorsque la spécularité se joue dans le meurtre, quelles possibilités reste-t-il à la rencontre et à l’ouverture à autrui ? Quel projets de devenir sont-ils envisageables lorsque la mort conditionne ce même devenir ?
Le jeu vidéo: Un media adapté pour aborder la mort avec les plus jeunes ?
Authors: Baussant-Crenn Camille , Doré-Pautonnier Delphine
Published: October 2011

Résumé À partir d’un panorama de l’univers des jeux vidéo sont retracées les différentes représentations de la mort dans ce media. La mort y est bien intégrée. Elle n’est ni niée ni occultée comme dans d’autres champs de l’espace social. Le jeu vidéo étant un media particulièrement prisé par les publics jeunes et la mort y étant intégrée pourquoi ne pas aborder la mort avec des adolescents notamment en deuil via le jeu vidéo ?
Répétition et oblitération de la mort dans le cinéma occidental
Authors: Jandrok Thierry
Published: October 2011

Résumé Selon nous, le début des années soixante-dix se présente comme le seuil d’une nouvelle ère et de représentations inédites de la mort au cinéma. Alors que les derniers westerns spaghettis s’évanouissaient des écrans, de nouvelles formes de mort répétitive et psi ritualisé que cela apparurent. Cette évolution pris d’abord place dans la science-fiction New Age avant de migrer vers le genre de l’horreur. Les années passèrent et virent l’apparition du cinéma pour adolescent et des héros de comic book et leur combats contre des personnages imaginaires qui participèrent à distancier les spectateurs des traumas liés au meurtre. Tuer ou être tué a envahi les écrans de cinéma comme le limon culturel de l’Occident. Dans cet article, nous examinerons l’histoire des représentations de la mort depuis quarante ans.
Créativité et/ou solidité : le long chemin d'une maison d'édition
Authors: Cohen Olivier
Published: October 2011

Résumé Selon Olivier Cohen, l’éditeur est un découvreur et un médiateur. Les Éditions de l’Olivier, dont il est le fondateur, sont parvenues à bâtir un modèle conciliant exigence littéraire, rentabilité économique et fonctionnement à taille humaine.
Intracisternally Injected L-Proline Activates Hypothalamic Supraoptic, but Not Paraventricular, Vasopressin-Expressing Neurons in Conscious Rats
Authors: Takemoto Yumi
Published: October 2011

When injected into specific rat brain regions, the neurotransmitter candidate L-proline produces various cardiovascular changes through ionotropic excitatory amino acid receptors. The present study used an immunohistochemical double-labeling approach to determine whether intracisternally injected L-proline in freely moving rats, which increases blood pressure, activates hypothalamic vasopressin-expressing neurons and ventral medullary tyrosine-hydroxylase- (TH-) containing neurons. Following injection of L-proline, the number of activated hypothalamic neurons that coexpressed vasopressin and c-Fos was much greater in the supraoptic nucleus (SON) than in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of rats with increased blood pressure. The number of activated TH-containing neurons was significantly greater following L-proline treatment than following control injections of artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACSF). These results clearly demonstrate that intracisternally injected L-proline activates hypothalamic supraoptic, but not paraventricular, vasopressin-expressing neurons and medullary TH-containing (A1/C1) neurons in freely moving rats.
Yersinia enterocolitica: Epidemiological Studies and Outbreaks
Authors: Rahman Atiqur , Bonny Tania S. , Stonsaovapak Siriporn , Ananchaipattana Chiraporn
Published: October 2011

Yersinia enterocoliticais the most common bacteriological cause of gastrointestinal disease in many developed and developing countries. Although contaminated food is the main source of human infection due toY. enterocolitica, animal reservoir and contaminated environment are also considered as other possible infection sources for human in epidemiological studies. Molecular based epidemiological studies are found to be more efficient in investigating the occurrence of human pathogenicY. enterocoliticain natural samples, in addition to conventional culture based studies.
World Energy Saving from Cars: An Innovative and Feasible Proposal
Authors: Juanicó Luis Eduardo
Published: October 2011

Many devices have been proposed for energy saving (by heating water) from the waste heat of car engines, some dating as far back as the early 1900's. However, so what this heated water could be used for remains an open question. In this paper, a new proposal is presented to answer this question. This is an onboard car and on-ground systems, for heating water to be used for the benefit of the community, as this hot water would be applied to meet the heating demand in buildings. Concerns about the added mass on the car, costs, and benefits and the user interface were discussed, and a universal system that could satisfy all of these criteria was developed.
Uv damage of collagen: Insights from model collagen peptides
Authors: Jariashvili Ketevan , Madhan Balaraman , Brodsky Barbara , Kuchava Ana , Namicheishvili Louisa , Metreveli Nunu
Published: October 2011

Fibrils of Type I collagen in the skin are exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light and there have been claims that collagen photo‐degradation leads to wrinkles and may contribute to skin cancers. To understand the effects of UV radiation on collagen, Type I collagen solutions were exposed to the UV‐C wavelength of 254 nm for defined lengths of time at 4°C. Circular dichroism (CD) experiments show that irradiation of collagen leads to high loss of triple helical content with a new lower thermal stability peak and SDS‐gel electrophoresis indicates breakdown of collagen chains. To better define the effects of UV radiation on the collagen triple‐helix, the studies were extended to peptides which model the collagen sequence and conformation. CD studies showed irradiation for days led to lower magnitudes of the triple‐helix maximum at 225 nm and lower thermal stabilities for two peptides containing multiple Gly‐Pro‐Hyp triplets. In contrast, the highest radiation exposure led to little change in the Tm values of (Gly‐Pro‐Pro)10 and (Ala‐Hyp‐Gly)10, although (Gly‐Pro‐Pro)10 did show a significant decrease in triple helix intensity. Mass spectroscopy indicated preferential cleavage sites within the peptides, and identification of some of the most susceptible sites of cleavage. The effect of radiation on these well defined peptides gives insight into the sequence and conformational specificity of photo‐degradation of collagen. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 97:189–198, 2012.
Surface‐enhanced Raman scattering‐based approach for DNA detection at low concentrations via polyvinyl alcohol‐protected silver grasslike patterns
Authors: Liu Renming , Zhu Shuangmei , Si Minzhen , Liu Zhenquan , Zhang Deqing
Published: October 2011

A simple method is demonstrated to detect DNA at low concentrations on the basis of surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) via polyvinyl alcohol‐protected silver grasslike patterns (PVA‐Ag GPs) grown on the surface of the common Al substrate. By the SERS measurements of sodium citrate and thymine, the PVA‐Ag GPs are shown to be an excellent SERS substrate with good activity, stability and reproducibility. With the use of the tested molecule of thymine, the enhancement factor of the PVA‐Ag GPs is up to ~1.4 × 108. The PVA‐Ag GPs are also shown to be an excellent SERS substrate with good biocompatibility for DNA detection, and the detection limit is down to ~10−5 mg/g. Meanwhile, the assignations of the Raman bands and the adsorption behaviors of the DNA molecules are also analyzed. In this work, the geometry optimization and the wavenumber analysis of adenine–Ag and guanine–Ag complexes for the ground states are performed using density functional theory, B3LYP functional and the LanL2DZ basis set. The transition energies and the oscillator strengths of adenine–Ag and guanine–Ag for the lowest six singlet excited states were calculated by using the time‐dependent density functional theory method with the same functional and basis set. The results show that the charge transfer in the adenine–Ag and guanine–Ag complexes should be the chemical factor for the SERS of the DNA molecules. Lastly, this method may be employed in large‐scale preparation of substrates that have been widely applied in the Raman analysis of DNA because the fabrication process is simple and inexpensive. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A volume‐exclusion normalization procedure for quantitative Raman confocal microspectroscopy of immersed samples applied to human embryonic stem cells
Authors: Schulze H. Georg , Konorov Stanislav O. , Okuda Kadek , Piret James M. , Blades Michael W. , Turner Robin F. B.
Published: October 2011

Raman microspectroscopy is a quantitative instrumental method with considerable promise for the nondestructive analysis of living biological samples. Amongst samples of particular interest are human embryonic stem cells because of their therapeutic potential and because examination using Raman microspectroscopy does not appear to adversely affect this potential. However, it can be difficult to compare different spectra obtained with this technique and to quantify the native cellular constituents of such samples because their characteristic dimensions are difficult to establish or may vary from point to point. We present here a method to normalize spectra and estimate sample thicknesses based on a reference component present in the basal cell culture medium when we perform spectroscopy on colonies of living cells. Because more basal medium is displaced from the sampling volume as the cell layer increases in thickness, and because this component is present in the medium but excluded from cells, a concomitant decline therefore occurs in the intensity of the Raman scattering from the reference component. This permits comparisons between samples because their spectra can be scaled in inverse relation to their excluded volumes. Furthermore, estimations of sample thicknesses can also be obtained based on the same concept. Thus, the absolute quantification of cellular components becomes possible because cell sample volumes can be determined. Although applied to human embryonic stem cells, the approach is sufficiently general to be adapted for use with other samples. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Micro‐Raman investigations on inclusions of unusual habit in a commercial tanzanite gemstone
Authors: Giarola Marco , Mariotto Gino , Ajò David
Published: October 2011

The vibrational properties of submillimetre size inclusions of unusual habit in a commercial tanzanite gemstone were investigated by confocal Raman microspectroscopy with the aim of probing both their chemical composition and crystal structure. Highly contrasted Raman spectra were recorded in confocal conditions from several inclusions incorporated at different depths, ranging between a few microns to some tens of microns beneath the gemstone surface. The observed spectral features were identified as specific markers of hematite (α‐Fe2O3). Their unambiguous assignment has been inferred by comparing our experimental findings with the literature data recorded either in single crystals of hematite or in other iron oxides and oxyhydroxides. Our results rule out the presence of any pseudomorphic variety of hematite in the investigated gemstone, while confocal micro‐Raman spectroscopy definitively proved itself as a very reliable, relatively costless and noninvasive tool for unambiguous identification of subsurface regions of gemstones. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bearing capacity of two interfering strip footings from lower bound finite elements limit analysis
Authors: Kumar Jyant , Bhattacharya Paramita
Published: October 2011

A rigorous lower bound solution, with the usage of the finite elements limit analysis, has been obtained for finding the ultimate bearing capacity of two interfering strip footings placed on a sandy medium. Smooth as well as rough footing–soil interfaces are considered in the analysis. The failure load for an interfering footing becomes always greater than that for a single isolated footing. The effect of the interference on the failure load (i) for rough footings becomes greater than that for smooth footings, (ii) increases with an increase in ϕ, and (iii) becomes almost negligible beyond S/B > 3. Compared with various theoretical and experimental results reported in literature, the present analysis generally provides the lowest magnitude of the collapse load. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermal and spectral stability of electroluminescent hyperbranched copolymers containing tetraphenylthiophene‐quinoline‐triphenylamine moieties
Authors: Tsai Ya‐Ting , Lai Chung‐Tin , Chien Rong‐Hong , Hong Jin‐Long , Yeh An‐Chi
Published: October 2011

Fluorescent hyperbranched copolymers (HB‐x, x = 1–4) with inherent tetraphenylthiophene, triphenylamine (TPA) and quinoline (Qu) moieties were prepared to study the influence of the TPA branching point on the thermal and the spectral stability. All the HB‐x copolymers exhibited high glass transition temperatures (Tgs = 245–315 °C) with the detected values increasing with the increasing branching TPA content in the HB‐x. The solid HB‐x films possess high emission efficiency with the resulting quantum yields (ϕFs) in the ranges of 0.72–0.74. More importantly, the HB‐x copolymers and the derived light‐emitting devices exhibit high photoluminescence (PL) and electroluminescence (EL) stability towards thermal annealing at temperatures higher than 200 °C. After annealing at 200 °C (or 300 °C), no change was observed in the respective PL and EL spectra of HB‐1 (or HB‐4) copolymers. The spectral stability was found to correlate with Tg and with the highest branching density, HB‐4 copolymer possesses the highest thermal stability among all HB‐xs and show no EL spectral change after annealing at 300 °C for 4 h. The results indicate that all the branched HB‐x copolymers are promising candidates for the polymer light‐emitting diodes due to their high quantum yield and spectral stability. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Conjugated polymers based on dicarboxylic imide‐substituted isothianaphthene and their applications in solar cells
Authors: Li Hairong , Sun Shuangyong , Salim Teddy , Bomma Swarnalatha , Grimsdale Andrew C. , Lam Yeng Ming
Published: October 2011

Four new polymers containing a benzo[c]thiophene‐N‐dodecyl‐4,5‐dicarboxylic imide (DIITN) unit including the homopolymer and three donor–acceptor copolymers were designed, synthesized, and characterized. For these copolymers, DIITN unit with low bandgap was selected as an electron acceptor, whereas 5,5′‐(2,7‐bisthiophen‐2‐yl)‐9‐(2‐decyltetradecyl)‐9H‐carbazole), 5,5′‐(3,3′‐di‐n‐octylsilylene‐2,2′‐bithiophene), and 5,5′‐(2,7‐bisthiophen‐2‐yl‐9,9‐bisoctyl‐9H‐fluoren‐7‐yl) were chosen as the electron donor units to tune the highest occupied molecular orbital/lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (HOMO/LUMO) levels of the copolymers for better light harvesting. These polymers exhibit extended absorption in the visible and near‐infrared range and are soluble in common organic solvents. The relative low lying HOMO of these polymers promises good air stability and high open‐circuit voltage (Voc) for photovoltaic application. Bulk heterojunction solar cells were fabricated by blending the copolymers with [6,6]‐phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester or [6,6]‐phenyl‐C71‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM). The best power conversion efficiency of 1.6% was achieved under simulated sunlight AM 1.5G (100 mW/cm2) from solar cells containing 20 wt % of the fluorene copolymer poly[5,5′‐(2,7‐bisthiophen‐2‐yl‐9,9‐bisoctyl‐9H‐fluoren‐7‐yl)‐alt‐2,9‐(benzo[c]thiophene‐N‐dodecyl‐4,5‐dicarboxylic imide)] and 80 wt % of PC71BM with a high open‐circuit voltage (Voc) of 0.84 V. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Ionic aggregation in random copolymers containing phosphonium ionic liquid monomers
Authors: Cheng Shijing , Zhang Mingqiang , Wu Tianyu , Hemp Sean T. , Mather Brian D. , Moore Robert B. , Long Timothy E.
Published: October 2011

Copolymers of n‐butyl acrylate and phosphonium ionic liquid monomers possessing various alkyl substituents and counterions were synthesized through a combination of conventional free radical copolymerization and anion exchange. Differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic mechanical analysis provided the thermal and mechanical properties of these phosphonium cation‐containing random copolymers. Factors including alkyl chain length of phosphonium substituents, counterion type, as well as ionic concentration significantly influenced the association of phosphonium cations. Phosphonium ionomers with trialkyl substituents on phosphonium cations did not display the characteristic small‐angle X‐ray scattering peak, suggesting the absence of ionic clusters. However, low q peaks in wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction was indicative of significant concentration fluctuations wherein the ionic monomeric units associated. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Water‐soluble polymer‐grafted platinum nanoparticles for the subsequent binding of enzymes. synthesis and SANS
Authors: Gal François , Perez Henri , Noel Vincent , Carrot Geraldine
Published: October 2011

Functionalized platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) possess catalytic properties towards H202 oxidation, which are of great interest for the elaboration of electrochemical biosensors. To improve the understanding of phenomena involved in such systems, we designed platinum‐polymer‐enzyme model nanostructures according to a bottom–up approach. These structures have been elaborated from elementary building units based on polymer‐grafted PtNPs obtained from surface initiated‐atom transfer radical polymerization. This paper describes the polymerization of ter‐butyl methacrylate from PtNPs and its subsequent hydrolysis to obtain a water‐soluble corona, followed by an activated ester modification to introduce an enzyme (glucose oxidase). The structure of the objects, the molecular weight and the grafting density of the polymer chains were principally elucidated by small angle neutron scattering (SANS). After the grafting of the enzyme, the final hybrid structures were characterized by both microscopy and SANS to attest for the covalent grafting of the enzyme. Composition and enzyme activity of the nanohybrid objects, have also been determined by UV spectroscopy. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Preparation and application of microparticles prepared via the primary amine‐catalyzed michael addition of a trithiol to a triacrylate
Authors: Bounds Christopher O. , Goetter Ronald , Pojman John A. , Vandersall Max
Published: October 2011

We report a novel approach to prepare microparticles via a dispersion polymerization using the amine‐catalyzed addition of a trithiol to a triacrylate. Microparticles loaded with various core materials were produced and applied in various systems to improve the desired characteristics of the given system. We determined that this type of microparticle could be used as either a stimulated release or controlled release system for certain desired core materials. These microparticles were able to prevent the interaction between a Lewis acid initiator and fumed silica, improving the rheological properties of an epoxy system containing the initiator. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
A temperature‐dependent conformational change of NADH oxidase from Thermus thermophilus HB8
Authors: Merkley Eric D. , Daggett Valerie , Parson William W.
Published: October 2011

Using molecular dynamics simulations and steady‐state fluorescence spectroscopy, we have identified a conformational change in the active site of a thermophilic flavoenzyme, NADH oxidase from Thermus thermophilus HB8 (NOX). The enzyme's far‐UV circular dichroism spectrum, intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence, and apparent molecular weight measured by dynamic light scattering varied little between 25 and 75°C. However, the fluorescence of the tightly bound FAD cofactor increased approximately fourfold over this temperature range. This effect appears not to be due to aggregation, unfolding, cofactor dissociation, or changes in quaternary structure. We therefore attribute the change in flavin fluorescence to a temperature‐dependent conformational change involving the NOX active site. Molecular dynamics simulations and the effects of mutating aromatic residues near the flavin suggest that the change in fluorescence results from a decrease in quenching by electron transfer from tyrosine 137 to the flavin. Proteins 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Long-term outcome after ulnar osteotomy for missed Monteggia fracture dislocation in children
Authors: Rahbek Ole , Deutch Søren Rasmussen , Kold Søren , Søjbjerg Jens Ole , Møller-Madsen Bjarne
Published: October 2011

Purpose

Missed Monteggia fracture dislocation in children is a serious condition. The treatment of this rare condition is controversial and reports on the long-term outcome are sparse. We present a series of patients treated with open reduction and ulnar osteotomy with a mean long-term follow-up of 8 years (range 3–17).

Methods

All 16 patients had Bado type 1 (anterior radial head) dislocation. The mean delay from injury to surgery was 17 months (range 1–83). Bilateral radiographs, Oxford Elbow Score, strength measurements, and range of motion were obtained in all patients.

Results

There were no major complications to surgery. The radiographic results showed ten patients with reduction of the radial head and with no arthrosis, four patients with arthrosis or subluxation, and two patients with a dislocated radial head. We found a significant correlation between radiographic outcome and delay to ulnar osteotomy ( P = 0.03). Typical clinical findings were a small but significant extension deficit and mean loss of supination of 10° (range 0–90, P < 0.01). Ligament reconstruction or transfixation of the radial head did not influence the radiographic or clinical outcome.

Conclusions

Case reports of similar patients treated conservatively demonstrate high morbidity, and, therefore, open reduction and ulnar osteotomy seemed justified. However, this study underlines the importance of minimizing the delay between injury and ulnar osteotomy. If surgery is performed within 40 months after injury, good to fair long-term radiographic results can be obtained. Open reduction and ulnar osteotomy were performed because patients treated conservatively demonstrate high morbidity.
Evaluation of Sevoflurane as an Anesthetic Agent for Voiding Cystourethrography in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Noga Michelle L. , Yarr Julie E. , Chen Philip E.
Published: October 2011

Background

Sevoflurane anesthetic has recently been administered by anesthesiologists during voiding cystourethrograms in a centre where radiologists are not permitted to deliver pediatric sedation.

Objective

To determine whether sevoflurane is a satisfactory anesthetic agent for voiding cystourethrography in children.

Methods

Records of children undergoing voiding cystourethrogram while they were under sevoflurane were reviewed for anesthetic adverse effects and diagnostic quality of the cystourethrogram. The occurrence of on-table voiding and post-void residual bladder volume were documented and compared with an age- and sex-matched control group of children undergoing unsedated voiding cystourethrography. The caregivers were surveyed regarding the anesthetic experience.

Results

A total of 91 children underwent sevoflurane voiding cystourethrography; there were no adverse cardiorespiratory events. Voiding was observed in 96%, with residual bladder volumes minimal in 38%, moderate in 32%, and large in 28% of anesthetized children, not significantly different from the control group. Vesicoureteral reflux was observed in 53% of examinations under sevoflurane. When children with a previous history of reflux or voiding cystourethrography were excluded in a comparison with age- and sex-matched controls, vesicoureteral reflux was observed in 38% of studies under sevoflurane and in 44% of studies in the control group, P = .69; 85% of caregivers of children with prior unsedated voiding cystourethrography found voiding cystourethrography with sevoflurane easier than without sevoflurane; 89% thought the anesthetic experience reduced their child's anxiety towards medical procedures.

Conclusion

No adverse events or effects on diagnostic quality of the pediatric voiding cystourethrogram were encountered when using sevoflurane. The majority of surveyed caregivers thought that anesthesia made voiding cystourethrography an easier experience for their child.