bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coping Strategies: Gender Differences and Development throughout Life Span
Authors: Meléndez Juan Carlos , Mayordomo Teresa , Sancho Patricia , Tomás José Manuel
Published: October 2012

Development during life-span implies to cope with stressful events, and this coping may be done with several strategies. It could be useful to know if these coping strategies differ as a consequence of personal characteristics. This work uses the Coping with Stress Questionnaire with this aim using a sample of 400 participants. Specifically, the effects of gender and age group (young people, middle age and elderly), as well as its interaction on coping strategies is studied. With regard to age, on one hand, it is hypothesised a decrement in the use of coping strategies centred in problem solving and social support seeking as age increases. On the other hand, the use of emotional coping is hypothesised to increase with age. With respect to gender, it is hypothesised a larger use of emotional coping and social support seeking within women, and a larger use of problem solving within men. A MANOVA found significant effects for the two main effects (gender and age) as well as several interactions. Separate ANOVAs allowed us to test for potential differences in each of the coping strategies measured in the CAE. These results partially supported the hypotheses. Results are discussed in relation to scientific literature on coping, age and gender.
Personality Traits and Sick Leave in Workers Diagnosed with Nonorganic Neck Pain
Authors: Esteban Bartolomé Llor , Ortuño Mª Montserrat Sánchez , Izquierdo Mariano García , Hernández José Antonio Ruiz , Maldonado Aurelio Luna
Published: October 2012

Previous research has suggested that personality can influence the perception and reporting of physical symptoms, such as pain. To assess the relationship between the course of nonorganic neck pain and the individual's personality, we studied the association between two indicators of neck pain prognosis, such as the duration of sick leave associated with neck pain and sick leave recurrence, and 15 personality traits in a sample of 64 workers suffering from disabling neck pain without any signs of physical abnormalities in the neck area. The TEA Personality Test (TPT), a self-report instrument designed to evaluate personality traits related to organizational behaviors, was used. Compared to the normative data, the study sample obtained high scores in the Depression, Anxiety and Emotional Instability scales, thus suggesting a personality profile primarily characterized by high neuroticism-related scores. Controlling for age, gender, and any rehabilitation undergone, we found a positive relationship between Depression and the duration of sick leave (in weeks). Moreover, lower scores on the TPT personality trait Dynamism and activeness were associated with higher likelihood of sick leave recurrence. These findings highlight the need for further research into the role played by personality at the onset and in the maintenance of nonorganic neck pain. Furthermore, they suggest that a complementary psychological approach may be useful to nonorganic neck pain management.
School Motivation Questionnaire for the Portuguese Population: Structure and Psychometric Studies
Authors: Cordeiro Pedro Miguel Gomes , Figueira Ana Paula Couceiro , da Silva José Tomás , Matos Lennia
Published: October 2012

It is presented the structure and psychometric studies of the “School Motivation Questionnaire”. The SMQ is a self-report questionnaire with 101 items, organized in sixteen scales that measure the students' goal orientations, the perceived classroom goal structures, the perceived teacher's autonomy support and the use of learning strategies. Twelve scales are adapted from the “Learning Climate Questionnaire”, “Perceptions of Instrumentality” and “Cuestionário a Estudiantes”. Four scales and five additional items are created new. The psychometric studies rely on a convenience sample consisting of 9thand 12thgrade students (N= 485) of Portuguese schools. The factorial and construct validity, verified through several exploratory factorial analyses to the data, presents a final solution of six factors, labelled Strategies (F1), Teacher Extrinsic Goals (F2), Student Extrinsic Goals, Externally Regulated (F3) Teacher Intrinsic Goals (F4), Student Extrinsic Goals, Internally Regulated (F5), and Student Intrinsic Goals (F6). The six-factor solution explains a significant variance of the scale results (53.95%). Good coefficients of internal consistency are obtained for all factors, never below (.858; F6). In sum there is strong evidence to support the multi-dimensionality of SMQ, upholding that the data obtained is exploratory and applies for future validation studies.
Development of Lead-Free Nanowire Composites for Energy Storage Applications
Authors: Mendoza Miguel , Rahaman Khan Md Ashiqur , Ishtiaque Shuvo Mohammad Arif , Guerrero Alberto , Lin Yirong
Published: October 2012

There is an increasing demand to improve the energy density of dielectric capacitors for satisfying the next generation material systems. One effective approach is to embed high dielectric constant inclusions such as lead zirconia titanate in polymer matrix. However, with the increasing concerns on environmental safety and biocompatibility, the need to expel lead (Pb) from modern electronics has been receiving more attention. Using high aspect ratio dielectric inclusions such as nanowires could lead to further enhancement of energy density. Therefore, this paper focuses on the development of a lead-free nanowire reinforced polymer matrix capacitor for energy storage application. Lead-free sodium niobate nanowires (NaNbO3) were synthesized using hydrothermal method, followed by mixing them with polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) matrix using a solution-casting method for nanocomposites fabrication. Capacitance and breakdown strength of the samples were measured to determine the energy density. The energy density of NaNbO3/PVDF composites was also compared with that of lead-containing (PbTiO3/PVDF) nanocomposites and previously developed Pb()O3/PVDF composites to show the feasibility of replacing lead-containing materials. The energy density of NaNbO3/PVDF capacitor is comparable to those of lead-containing ones, indicating the possibility of expelling lead from high-energy density dielectric capacitors.
Hematopoietic Microenvironment in the Fetal Liver: Roles of Different Cell Populations
Authors: Payushina Olga V.
Published: October 2012

Hematopoiesis is the main function of the liver during a considerable period of mammalian prenatal development. Hematopoietic cells of the fetal liver exist in a specific microenvironment that controls their proliferation and differentiation. This microenvironment is created by different cell populations, including epitheliocytes, macrophages, various stromal elements (hepatic stellate cells, fibroblasts, myofibroblasts, vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells, mesenchymal stromal cells), and also cells undergoing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. This paper considers the involvement of these cell types in the regulation of fetal liver hematopoiesis.
Tibialis Posterior Tenosynovitis and Associated Pes Plano Valgus in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Electromyography, Multisegment Foot Kinematics, and Ultrasound Features
Authors: Barn Ruth , Turner Deborah E. , Rafferty Daniel , Sturrock Roger D. , Woodburn James
Published: October 2012

Objective

To compare electromyographic (EMG), kinematic, kinetic, and ultrasound (US) features of pes plano valgus associated with US‐confirmed tibialis posterior (TP) tenosynovitis in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and healthy control subjects.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, patients with RA and US‐confirmed tenosynovitis of TP underwent gait analysis, including 3‐dimensional kinematics, kinetics, and intramuscular EMG of TP, and findings were compared with a group of healthy individuals. The RA group also underwent B mode and power Doppler US scanning of the TP tendon to assess and score levels of pathology.

Results

Ten patients with RA, median (range) disease duration of 3 years (1–18 years), and 5 control subjects were recruited. Compared to control subjects, the RA patients walked slower and presented with moderate levels of foot‐related disability. The mean ± SD Disease Activity Score in 28 joints was 4.6 ± 1.6. Increased magnitude of TP activity was recorded in the RA group compared to controls in the contact period of stance (P = 0.007), in conjunction with reduced ankle joint power (P = 0.005), reduced navicular height in the medial arch (P = 0.023), and increased forefoot dorsiflexion (P = 0.027). TP tendon thickening, fluid, and power Doppler signal were observed in the majority of patients.

Conclusion

This study has demonstrated, for the first time, increased TP EMG activity in the presence of US‐confirmed TP tenosynovitis in RA. Altered muscle function occurred in conjunction with suboptimal mechanics, moderate levels of tendon pathology, and active disease. Targeted therapy may be warranted to reduce inflammation and mechanically off‐load diseased tendon states.
Problem of time in quantum gravity
Authors: Anderson E.
Published: October 2012

The Problem of Time occurs because the ‘time’ of GR and of ordinary Quantum Theory are mutually incompatible notions. This is problematic in trying to replace these two branches of physics with a single framework in situations in which the conditions of both apply, e.g. in black holes or in the very early universe. Emphasis in this Review is on the Problem of Time being multi‐faceted and on the nature of each of the eight principal facets. Namely, the Frozen Formalism Problem, Configurational Relationalism Problem (formerly Sandwich Problem), Foliation Dependence Problem, Constraint Closure Problem (formerly Functional Evolution Problem), Multiple Choice Problem, Global Problem of Time, Problem of Beables (alias Problem of Observables) and Spacetime Reconstruction/Replacement Problem. Strategizing in this Review is not just centred about the Frozen Formalism Problem facet, but rather about each of the eight facets. Particular emphasis is placed upon A) relationalism as an underpinning of the facets and as a selector of particular strategies (especially a modification of Barbour relationalism, though also with some consideration of Rovelli relationalism). B) Classifying approaches by the full ordering in which they embrace constrain, quantize, find time/history and find observables, rather than only by partial orderings such as “Dirac‐quantize”. C) Foliation (in)dependence and Spacetime Reconstruction for a wide range of physical theories, strategizing centred about the Problem of Beables, the Patching Approach to the Global Problem of Time, and the role of the question‐types considered in physics. D) The Halliwell‐ and Gambini–Porto–Pullin‐type combined Strategies in the context of semiclassical quantum cosmology.
Voluntary simplicity and life satisfaction: Exploring the mediating role of consumption desires
Authors: Boujbel Lilia , d'Astous Alain
Published: October 2012

The research presented in this article investigates the relationship between adopting voluntary simplicity as a lifestyle and life satisfaction. More precisely, it seeks to understand the role that consumption desires and relative wealth play in the context of this relationship. A survey was conducted among a Canadian sample of 344 simplifiers and 267 non‐simplifiers. A statistically significant positive relationship was observed between the adoption of voluntary simplicity and a measure of satisfaction with life. This research has also established that it is partially through one's control of consumption desires that simplifiers achieve a higher level of life satisfaction. However, this was shown to be the case only among consumers with limited financial resources. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Self‐Dual Polar Factorization for Vector Fields
Authors: Ghoussoub Nassif , Moameni Abbas
Published: October 2012

We show that any nondegenerate vector field u in \documentclass{article} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{amsmath, amssymb} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document} \begin{align*}L^{\infty}(\Omega, \mathbb{R}^N)\end{align*} \end{document}, where Ω is a bounded domain in \documentclass{article} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{amsmath, amssymb} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document} \begin{align*}\mathbb{R}^N\end{align*} \end{document}, can be written as \documentclass{article} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{amsmath, amssymb} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document} \begin{align*}u(x)= \nabla_1 H(S(x), x)\quad {\text for a.e.\ x \in \Omega}\end{align*} \end{document}}, where S is a measure‐preserving point transformation on Ω such that \documentclass{article} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{amsmath, amssymb} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document} \begin{align*}S^2=I\end{align*} \end{document} a.e. (an involution), and \documentclass{article} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{amsmath, amssymb} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document} \begin{align*}H: \mathbb{R}^N \times \mathbb{R}^N \to \mathbb{R}\end{align*} \end{document} is a globally Lipschitz antisymmetric convex‐concave Hamiltonian. Moreover, u is a monotone map if and only if S can be taken to be the identity, which suggests that our result is a self‐dual version of Brenier's polar decomposition for the vector field as \documentclass{article} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{amsmath, amssymb} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document} \begin{align*}u(x)=\nabla \phi (S(x))\end{align*} \end{document}, where ϕ is convex and S is a measure‐preserving transformation. We also describe how our polar decomposition can be reformulated as a (self‐dual) mass transport problem. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Thermally Driven Nanofuses Based on Organometallic Rotors
Authors: Mota Antonio J. , Álvarez de Cienfuegos Luis , Morcillo Sara P. , Fuentes Noelia , Miguel Delia , Rodríguez‐Bolívar Salvador , Gómez‐Campos Francisco M. , Cárdenas Diego J. , Cuerva Juan M.
Published: October 2012

Molecular design of chromium arenes are theoretically studied as a model for the development of novel thermally‐driven molecular fuses. This study correlates the switching event with a partial disconnection of the molecule from the metallic electrode mediated by changes in the conformational states of the molecule directed by external stimuli. Moreover, the reversibility of the process (the reconnection to the metallic electrode) is also considered for these systems when a reversal voltage pulse (reset) is applied. The energetic requirements of the on and off states are correlated with temperature through the Arrhenius equation. To carry out this study we performed density functional theory (DFT) calculations.
L‐Tryptophan‐Induced Electron Transport across Supported Lipid Bilayers: an Alkyl‐Chain Tilt‐Angle, and Bilayer‐Symmetry Dependence
Authors: Sarangi Nirod Kumar , Patnaik Archita
Published: October 2012

Molecular orientation‐dependent electron transport across supported 1,2‐dipalmitoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine (DPPC) lipid bilayers (SLBs) on semiconducting indium tin oxide (ITO) is reported with an aim towards potential nanobiotechnological applications. A bifunctional strategy is adopted to form symmetric and asymmetric bilayers of DPPC that interact with L‐tryptophan, and are analyzed by surface manometry and atomic force microscopy. Polarization‐dependent real‐time Fourier transform infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (FT‐IRRAS) analysis of these SLBs reveals electrostatic, hydrogen‐bonding, and cation–π interactions between the polar head groups of the lipid and the indole side chains. Consequently, a molecular tilt arises from the effective interface dipole, facilitating electron transport across the ITO‐anchored SLBs in the presence of an internal Fe(CN)64−/3− redox probe. The incorporation of tryptophan enhances the voltammetric features of the SLBs. The estimated electron‐transfer rate constants for symmetric and asymmetric bilayers (ks=2.0×10−2 and 2.8×10−2 s−1) across the two‐dimensional (2D) ordered DPPC/tryptophan SLBs are higher compared to pure DPPC SLBs (ks=3.2×10−3 and 3.9×10−3 s−1). In addition, they are molecular tilt‐dependent, as it is the case with the standard apparent rate constants ${k_{{\rm{app}}}^0 }$, estimated from electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and bipotentiostatic experiments with a Pt ultramicroelectrode. Lower magnitudes of ks and ${k_{{\rm{app}}}^0 }$ imply that electrochemical reactions across the ITO–SLB electrodes are kinetically limited and consequently governed by electron tunneling across the SLBs. Standard theoretical rate constants ${\left( {k_{{\rm{th}}}^0 } \right)}$ accrued upon electron tunneling comply with the potential‐independent electron‐tunneling coefficient β=0.15 Å−1. Insulator–semiconductor transitions moving from a liquid‐expanded to a condensed 2D‐phase state of the SLBs are noted, adding a new dimension to their transport behavior. These results highlight the role of tryptophan in expediting electron transfer across lipid bilayer membranes in a cellular environment and can provide potential clues towards patterned lipid nanocomposites and devices.
Relating CEO Compensation to Social Performance and Financial Performance: Does the Measure of Compensation Matter?
Authors: Callan Scott J. , Thomas Janet M.
Published: October 2012

Remuneration to executives has risen sharply, even during the recent economic decline and financial crisis, giving rise to public outcries and harsh criticism. At the same time, there has been a shift toward more performance‐based remuneration, which is generally awarded over the long term. Coincident with these observations is an evolving literature aimed at studying executive pay and its determinants to learn if a pay‐for‐performance link exists. Although most studies focus on corporate financial performance (CFP) as a compensation determinant, which is based on shareholder theory, others broaden performance to include activities linked to corporate social responsibility (CSR), which relies on stakeholder theory. In this latter case, a nexus is identified between the pay‐for‐performance relationship and that between CFP and corporate social performance (CSP). In this research, we use a system of equations to form this connection and examine the influence of short‐term versus long‐term compensation measures on the resulting interrelationships. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Design of a simple evolutionary multiobjective optimization method based on the combined use of scalarization and particle swarm optimization
Authors: Masuda Kazuaki , Harada Kazuaki , Kurihara Kenzo
Published: October 2012

This paper proposes a general methodology of multiobjective optimization based on the combined use of scalarization and evolutionary computation approaches. Mathematically, it is guaranteed that a Pareto optimal solution of a multiobjective optimization problem (MOP) can be found by minimizing the corresponding augmented Tchebysheff scalarized function. In this way, different Pareto optimal solutions can be obtained by solving different single‐objective optimization problems (SOPs) with different weights for scalarization. In order to ascertain the global structure of the Pareto optimal set and/or the Pareto frontier of an MOP with simple computation, we propose the basic concept that (a) the SOPs with different weight should be solved independently by some evolutionary computation algorithms; and (b) previously obtained useful solutions should be partly reused for the optimization of another SOP. In particular, for continuous‐variable MOPs, we also propose a practical computation method based on the concept, which uses particle swarm optimization (PSO) with an effective reinitialization mechanism. The usefulness of the proposed methodology is demonstrated through numerical experiments with the proposed computation method. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 95(11): 1–13, 2012; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.11437
Analysis of the volatile fraction of Teucrium marum L.
Authors: Djabou Nassim , Andreani Stéphane , Varesi Laurent , Tomi Felix , Costa Jean , Muselli Alain
Published: October 2012

Volatile components of Teucrium marum from Corsica were investigated using a combination of analytical techniques. Analysis of essential oils obtained by hydrodistillation was performed using capillary GC‐RI, GC‐MS and 13C NMR spectroscopy after fractionation on column chromatography. The emitted volatile fractions from full aerial parts and separated organs of fresh T. marum were investigated using HS‐SPME/GC‐RI and HS‐SPME/GC‐MS. The intra‐species variations of the chemical compositions of essential oils and volatile fractions from 25 Corsican sample locations were investigated using statistical analysis. The main essential oil components were caryophyllene oxide (0.4–20.5%), (E)‐β‐caryophyllene (0.9–18.9%), (E)‐α‐bergamotene (1.0–21.5%), (3Z,6E,10E)‐α‐springene (1.1–17.8%), β‐bisabolene (0.4–14.7%), β‐sesquiphellandrene (0.9–10.9%) and estragole (0.5–7.0%), while dolichodial (20.0–83.4%), (E)‐α‐bergamotene (0.2–20.6%), (E)‐β‐caryophyllene (0.3–23.1%), dolicholactone (0.4–20.9%), β‐bisabolene (0.2–10.0%), estragole (1.1–10.5%) and β‐sesquiphellandrene (0.2–8.3%) were the main volatiles emitted by the plant. The 13C‐NMR data of (3Z,6E,10E)‐α‐springene and its occurrence in T. marum essential oils are reported for the first time. The importance of the sample preparation step is discussed through the absence/occurrence of dolichodial in both liquid and gaseous matrices studied, respectively. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Potential prognostic biomarker CD73 regulates epidermal growth factor receptor expression in human breast cancer
Authors: Zhi Xiuling , Wang Yingjian , Yu Jerry , Yu Jiangang , Zhang Liying , Yin Lianhua , Zhou Ping
Published: October 2012

CD73, an ecto‐enzyme overexpressed in breast‐cancer cells, catalyzes the dephosphorylation of adenosine monophosphates into adenosine. Anti‐CD73 slows breast cancer growth and its spread both in vivo and in vitro. In this study, we investigated the relation of CD73 to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression using tissue array and breast cancer cell lines. We found that CD73 expression correlated positively to EGFR expression in vivo (n = 80, r = 0.425, P < 0.01) and in vitro. EGFR expression can be decreased by suppressing CD73 with an inhibitor or small shRNA, and this effect was reversed by adenosine and NECA (adenosine A2 receptor agonist), which suggested that adenosine is involved in EGFR expression regulated by CD73 (P < 0.01). We also showed that CD73 regulates EGFR phosphorylation by Src (P < 0.01). By transcription factor (TF) assay, CD73 was found to regulate some associated TFs activity such as PPARγ, which mediates EGFR expression, although whether PPARγ mediates the effect of CD73 on EGFR expression needs further study. The Kaplan–Meier recurrence‐free survival curves for CD73 were also plotted in www.kmplot.com. The curves show that CD73 expression separates the cases into significantly different prognostic groups among the estrogen receptor‐negative cancers (P < 0.01). Our results suggest that CD73 may be a potential prognostic biomarker associated with coexpression of EGFR in human breast cancer. © 2012 IUBMB. IUBMB Life, 64(11): 911–920, 2012
Identification and functional characterization of zebrafish Gas7 gene in early development
Authors: Hung Feng‐Chun , Cheng Yi‐Chuan , Sun Nian‐Kang , Chao Chuck C.‐K.
Published: October 2012

Growth arrest‐specific 7 (Gas7) is preferentially expressed in the nervous system and plays an important role during neuritogenesis in mammals. However, the structure and function of Gas7 homologs have not been studied in nonmammalian vertebrates used as models. In this report, we identify a Gas7 gene in zebrafish that we termed zfGas7. The transcript of this gene was produced by canonical splicing, and its protein product contained a Fes/CIP4 homology and a coiled‐coil domain. In early zebrafish embryos, RT‐PCR analyses revealed that zfGas7 was initially expressed at 5.3 hr postfertilization (hpf), followed by an increase of expression at 10 hpf and further accumulation during somitogenesis at 48 hpf. Spatiotemporal analyses further showed that Gas7 mRNA was detected in the brain, somite, and posterior presomitic mesoderm regions during somitogenesis. At 36 hpf, zfGas7 mRNA was detected in the brain and somite but was later found only in neuronal clusters of the brain at 52 hpf. Gas7 knockdown with morpholino antisense oligonucleotides (Gas7MO) reduced the number of HuC‐positive neurons in the trigeminal and statoacoustic ganglions and produced deformed phenotypes, such as flattening of the top of the head. Notably, the neuron reduction and deformed phenotypes observed in Gas7MO embryos were partially rescued by ectopic expression of Gas7. Because altered somitogenesis and pigmentation were also found in the morphants, the neuronal phenotypes observed likely are due to a general developmental delay of embryogenesis. These results indicate that Gas7 is expressed in neuronal cells but is not specifically required for neuronal development in vertebrates. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Safety and early efficacy of irreversible electroporation for hepatic tumors in proximity to vital structures
Authors: Cannon Robert , Ellis Susan , Hayes David , Narayanan Govindarajan , Martin Robert C.G.
Published: October 2012

Introduction

Irreversible electroporation (IRE) has shown promise for ablation of lesions in proximity to vital structures in the preclinical setting. This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of IRE for hepatic tumors in the clinical setting.

Methods

An IRB approved prospective registry of patients undergoing IRE for hepatic tumors over a 2‐year period. Factors analyzed included patient and tumor characteristics, treatment related complications, and local recurrence free survival (LRFS) for ablated lesions. LRFS was calculated according to Kaplan–Meier, with secondary analyses stratified by procedural approach (laparotomy, laparoscopy, and percutaneous) and tumor histology.

Results

There were 44 patients undergoing 48 total IRE procedures, 20 colorectal mets, 14 hepatocellular, and 10 other metastatsis. Initial success was achieved in 46 (100%) treatments. Five patients had 9 adverse events, with all complications resolving within 30 days. LRFS at 3, 6, and 12 months was 97.4%, 94.6%, and 59.5%. There was a trend toward higher recurrence rates for tumors over 4 cm (HR 3.236, 95% CI: 0.585–17.891; P = 0.178).

Conclusions

IRE appears to be a safe treatment for hepatic tumors in proximity to vital structures. Further prospective evaluation is needed to determine the optimal effectiveness of IRE in relation to size and technique for IRE of the liver. J. Surg. Oncol. 2013;107:544–549. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Electrospinning of Gelatin/PEO Blends: Influence of Process Parameters in the Nanofiber Properties
Authors: Righi Thiago M. , Almeida Rosemeire S. , d'Ávila Marcos A.
Published: October 2012

Summary: Results of electrospinning of gelatin/PEO blends from aqueous solutions are presented. The effects of applied electric field (15–25 kV), flow rate (0.25–0.75 mL/h) and gelatin concentration in the final fiber diameter were studied. It was observed that the resulting fiber system presented high polydispersity, where fiber diameters ranged from 150 nm to 1.3 µm. In some cases an adequate fibrous system were not obtained. It was observed that the average diameter decreased mainly when the flow rate and gelatin concentration decreased.
Rheological Analysis of Biopolymer Produced by Aureobasidium Pullulans in Different Sources of Nitrogen
Authors: Oliveira Juliana D. , Pimenta Flávia D. , Lopes Lea M. A. , Sérvulo Eliana F. C.
Published: October 2012

Summary: In this study, the rheological behaviors of media fermented by two Aureobasidium pullulans strains (IOC 3467 and IOC 3011) were evaluated in different nutritional conditions. The media consisted of crystal sugar (sucrose), as the main carbon source, and different nitrogen sources (ammonium sulfate, sodium nitrate, ammonium nitrate, urea or residual brewery yeast ‐ RBY). Viscosity measurements were performed on cell‐free supernatants, from 48‐hour fermentation assays, at 25 °C. Shear rates ranged between 0.1000 and 500 s−1. All samples showed pseudoplastic behavior. Nevertheless, the viscosimetric profile of each one varied according to the nitrogen source, its concentration and the strain used. The maximum viscosity of 0.06 Pa.s. was achieved at 15.6 s−1 for IOC 3011 strain grown on RBY as nitrogen source.
Thermal, Mechanical and Morphological Properties of Composites Developed from Glycerol and Dicarboxylic Acids Reinforced with Piassava Fiber
Authors: Miranda Cleidiene S. , Fiuza Raigenis P. , Oliveira Jamerson , Carvalho Ricardo F. , Guimarães Danilo H. , José Nádia M.
Published: October 2012

Summary: Vegetable fibers are being widely used as reinforcement in polymer composites. These composites can be applied in several fields, such as automotive, packaging and even construction. The polymer matrix used was synthesized from glycerol with phthalic and terephthalic acids in order to open future perspectives in the use of glycerin generated from the production of purified biodiesel. Composites with 2, 5, 10 wt% untreated and treated piassava fiber were obtained. Thermal, morphological and mechanical properties were evaluated. The tensile stress‐strain curve of the polyester synthesized and composites was typical of a ductile material. SEM of the surface of fracture showed that the adhesion between fiber and matrix was enhanced after chemical treatment. However, the fiber content was more efficient than the superficial treatment when incorporated into the matrix. Therefore, the material under study is promising for the industrial marketplace, due to its good compatibility with natural fibers.
3D Printing of Poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) Porous Structures Using Selective Laser Sintering
Authors: Pereira Tatiana F. , Oliveira Marcelo F. , Maia Izaque A. , Silva Jorge V. L. , Costa Marysilvia F. , Thiré Rossana M. S. M.
Published: October 2012

Summary: Poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) 3D porous cubes were successfully built with Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), one of the many existing 3D printing technologies. The resulting cubes presented shape and dimensions very close to the corresponding virtual model. Moreover, they were resistant to handling without presenting any visible damage. The PHB powder did not present variation in thermal properties and chemical composition after 32.15 hours of SLS process as observed by proton nuclear resonance (1H NMR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis, indicating that it can be re‐utilized to print additional structures without affecting the reproducibility of the process.
Monitoring the Epoxidation of Canola Oil by Non‐aqueous Reversed Phase Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry for Process Optimization and Control
Authors: Anuar Sabiqah Tuan , Zhao Yuan Yuan , Mugo Samuel M. , Curtis Jonathan M.
Published: October 2012

Non‐aqueous reversed phase liquid chromatography/electrospray mass spectrometry (NARP‐LC/ESI–MS) was used to monitor the epoxidation of canola oil by performic acid. The reaction was sampled at regular intervals over 28 h and analyzed by NARP‐LC/ESI–MS in order to observe the formation of partially epoxidized reaction intermediates and the fully epoxidized products. The experiment focused on the transformation of triacylglycerols (TAG) with 54 carbons in the fatty acyl chains and between 2 and 7 double bonds which account for >93 % of the oil. NARP‐LC/ESI–MS allowed determination of the time required for full epoxidation of the oil. It was shown that complete epoxidation of TAG with low numbers of double bonds occurs more rapidly than for those with many double bonds. Furthermore, it was observed that epoxidation of multiply unsaturated TAG occurs via a sequential process in which partially epoxidized intermediates are consumed to form other more highly epoxidized compounds as the reaction proceeds. Data obtained by flow‐injection ESI–MS was found to be comparable to that obtained from NARP‐LC/ESI–MS for monitoring intermediates and products and could be adapted for in‐process reaction monitoring.
Social Representations of Foreign Aid: Exploring Meaning-Making in Aid Practice in Sulu, Southern Philippines
Authors: de Guzman Judith M. , Montiel Cristina Jayme
Published: October 2012

Conceptualising foreign aid as a controversial social object, this study utilised Social Representations Theory as a social constructionist framework to understand the meanings that arise from people's social interactions in relation to foreign aid practice in a particular historical, political and social context such as the province of Sulu in Southern Philippines. Key informant interviews and group discussions with representatives of various social groups involved in the practice of foreign aid in Sulu were conducted. Research data were examined using thematic analysis. Results showed two interrelated representational systems about foreign aid in the province. First, foreign aid was understood as a valuable resource for peace and development in Sulu. Second, based on narratives of aid practice in the province, the same social object was also represented as a profiteering enterprise that operates at various levels of the aid structure. Results are discussed in terms of meaning-making in aid practice; the possible psychological, social and political consequences of the social meaning of foreign aid as a profiteering enterprise; and the potential of these social representations for reflection, critique and transformation in the practice of foreign aid.
The nature and correlates of paid and unpaid work among service users of London Community Mental Health Teams
Authors: Lloyd-Evans B. , Marwaha S. , Burns T. , Secker J. , Latimer E. , Blizard R. , Killaspy H. , Totman J. , Tanskanen S. , Johnson S.
Published: October 2012

Aims.

Little is known about how the rates and characteristics of mental health service users in unpaid work, training and study compare with those in paid employment.

Methods.

From staff report and patient records, 1353 mental health service users of seven Community Mental Health Teams in two London boroughs were categorized as in paid work, unpaid vocational activity or no vocational activity. Types of work were described using Standard Occupational Classifications. The characteristics of each group were reported and associations with vocational status were explored.

Results.

Of the sample, 5.5% were in paid work and 12.7% were in unpaid vocational activity, (including 5.3% in voluntary work and 8.1% in study or training). People in paid work were engaged in a broader range of occupations than those in voluntary work and most in paid work (58.5%) worked part-time. Younger age and high educational attainment characterized both groups. Having sustained previous employment was most strongly associated with being in paid work.

Conclusions.

Rates of vocational activity were very low. Results did not suggest a clear clinical distinction between those in paid and unpaid activity. The motivations for and functions of unpaid work need further research.
Pilot projects for publishing and citing ocean data
Authors: Urban Ed , Leadbetter Adam , Moncoiffe Gwenaelle , Pissierssens Peter , Raymond Lisa , Pikula Linda
Published: October 2012

Linking published scientific results with the data on which they are based has been a growing trend. In some disciplines, such as molecular biology, journals require submission of data to a recognized data center as a condition for publication of the associated article. Data centers, government agencies, and journals have been seeking new ways to link publications and data. The push for transparency of science is also moving most fields of science in this direction. The benefits of publishing data and standardizing their provenance have been documented in several locations [European Union, 2010; Ball and Duke, 2012].
Workshop examines warming of lakes worldwide
Authors: Lenters John D. , Hook Simon J. , McIntyre Peter B.
Published: October 2012

First Global Lake Temperature Collaboration (GLTC) Workshop; Lincoln, Nebraska, 1–5 June 2012 It is widely recognized that climate change is affecting terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Recent studies have revealed significant warming of lakes throughout the world, and this rate of warming is often larger than that of the ambient air temperature (up to 2–3 times more rapid). Although hypotheses have been proposed to explain these high rates of lake warming (e.g., ice albedo feedbacks or changes in cloud cover), the fundamental drivers remain poorly understood. Furthermore, these rapid warming rates have profound implications for lake hydrodynamics, productivity, and biotic communities. It is essential therefore that global data sets of water temperature be compiled to monitor and understand these long‐term changes in lakes, reservoirs, and other inland water bodies.
Coupled model identifies effect of ozone stress on vegetative growth
Authors: Schultz Colin
Published: October 2012

An intricate feedback system ties together the activity of vegetation and tropospheric ozone. Ground level ozone, drawn from the atmosphere through dry deposition, stresses plants, inhibiting their growth. Plants, in turn, release biogenic volatile organic compounds (VOCs), chemicals that can either enhance or inhibit the deposition of ozone depending on the availability of another class of chemicals, nitrous oxides. Adding to important vegetative processes such as photosynthesis or evapotranspiration, biogenic aerosols can also increase or decrease ozone formation by modulating heat waves. Therefore, understanding the bidirectional interaction between ozone and vegetative growth is important for accurately representing the climate.
Simulated Siberian snow cover response to observed Arctic sea ice loss, 1979–2008
Authors: Ghatak Debjani , Deser Clara , Frei Allan , Gong Gavin , Phillips Adam , Robinson David A. , Stroeve Julienne
Published: October 2012

The loss of Arctic sea ice has wide‐ranging impacts, some of which are readily apparent and some of which remain obscure. For example, recent observational studies suggest that terrestrial snow cover may be affected by decreasing sea ice. Here, we examine a possible causal link between Arctic sea ice and Siberian snow cover during the past 3 decades using a suite of experiments with the National Center for Atmospheric Research Community Atmospheric Model version 3. The experiments were designed to isolate the influence of surface conditions within the Arctic Ocean from other forcing agents such as low‐latitude sea surface temperatures and direct radiative effects of increasing greenhouse gases. Only those experiments that include the observed evolution of Arctic sea ice and sea surface temperatures result in increased snow depth over Siberia, while those that maintain climatological values for Arctic Ocean conditions result in no snow signal over Siberia. In the former, Siberian precipitation and air temperature both increase, but because surface air temperatures remain below freezing during most months, the snowpack thickens over this region. These results suggest that Arctic Ocean surface forcing is necessary and sufficient to induce a Siberian snow signal, and that other forcings in combination can modulate the strength and geographic extent of the response.
Chronic activation of cannabinoid receptors in vitro does not compromise mouse islet function
Authors: Vilches-Flores Alonso , Hauge-Evans Astrid C. , Jones Peter M. , Persaud Shanta J.
Published: October 2012

We have demonstrated previously that mouse and human islets express ECS (endocannabinoid system) elements, and that short-term activation of islet cannabinoid CB1r and CB2r (cannabinoid type 1 and 2 receptors respectively) stimulates insulin secretion in vitro. There is evidence that the ECS is overactive in Type 2 diabetes, impairing glucose homoeostasis, but little is known about whether it is implicated in islet dysfunction. Therefore the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of chronic exposure of isolated mouse islets to cannabinoid receptor agonists on islet gene expression and function. Quantitative RT–PCR (reverse transcription–PCR) indicated that mRNAs encoding synthesis [NAPE-PLD (N-acyl-phosphatidyl ethanolamide-hydrolysing phospholipase D)] and degradation [FAAH (fatty acid amide hydrolase)] of the endocannabinoid AEA (anandamide) were the most abundant ECS elements in mouse islets, with much lower levels of CB1r, CB2r, DAGL (diacylglycerol lipase) and MAGL (monoacylglycerol lipase) mRNAs. Maintenance of islets for up to 7 days in the presence of the CB1r agonist ACEA [N-(2-chloroethyl)-5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z-eiscosatetraenamide] or the CB2r agonist JWH015 [(2-methyl-1propyl-1H-indol3-yl)-1-napthalenylmethanone] did not compromise islet viability, as assessed by islet morphology and caspase activities, but there were some changes in mRNAs encoding ECS components. Neither glucose-stimulated insulin secretion nor acute insulin secretory responses to ACEA or JWH015 at 16 mM glucose were substantially modified by a 48 h or 7 day pre-exposure to these cannabinoid receptor agonists, but the stimulation of secretion at 3 mM glucose by 100 nM ACEA was significantly reduced after prolonged treatment with ACEA. Despite JWH015-induced reductions in islet glucagon content at 48 h and 7 days, there were no reductions in arginine-induced glucagon secretion from islets pre-exposed to JWH015 or ACEA. These data indicate that treatment of islets with agonists of CB1r and CB2r for up to 7 days does not have any major impact on islet function, suggesting that the impairments in glucose homoeostasis observed following overactivation of the ECS should be sought in relation to insulin resistance rather than β-cell dysfunction.
Electrical ammeter based on spin-valve sensor
Authors: Sánchez J. , Ramírez D. , Amaral J. , Cardoso S. , Freitas P. P.
Published: October 2012

The present work shows an electrical ammeter for laboratory purpose based on a magnetoresistive (MR) spin-valve (SV) sensor. The proposed ammeter measures a 10 A maximum current and offers a maximum frequency response between 150 and 800 kHz depending on the electronics whole gain. These features are due to the use of a new generation MR-SV current sensor and a conditioning electronics that compensates in frequency and temperature the sensor response. With little adjustments in the electronics and changing the position of the sensor with respect to current carrying conductor, the designed instrument is able to measure higher current levels. The work shows the proposed ammeter with its different subsystems and describes the procedure used to test the instrument. Also a discussion of the obtained experimental results is included.
Quadratic nonlinear Klein-Gordon equation in one dimension
Authors: Hayashi Nakao , Naumkin Pavel I.
Published: October 2012

We study the initial value problem for the quadratic nonlinear Klein-Gordon equation vtt + v − vxx = λv2, t ∈ R, x ∈ R, with initial conditions v(0, x) = v0(x), vt(0, x) = v1(x), x ∈ R, where v0 and v1 are real-valued functions, λ ∈ R. Using the method of normal forms of Shatah [“Normal forms and quadratic nonlinear Klein-Gordon equations,” Commun. Pure Appl. Math. 38, 685–696 (1985)], we obtain a sharp asymptotic behavior of small solutions without the condition of a compact support on the initial data, which was assumed in the previous work of J.-M. Delort [“Existence globale et comportement asymptotique pour l'équation de Klein-Gordon quasi-linéaire á données petites en dimension 1,” Ann. Sci. Ec. Normale Super. 34(4), 1–61 (2001)].
A three-dimensional finite element model of near-field scanning microwave microscopy
Authors: Balusek Curtis , Friedman Barry , Luna Darwin , Oetiker Brian , Babajanyan Arsen , Lee Kiejin
Published: October 2012

A three-dimensional finite element model of an experimental near-field scanning microwave microscope (NSMM) has been developed and compared to experiment on non conducting samples. The microwave reflection coefficient S11 is calculated as a function of frequency with no adjustable parameters. There is qualitative agreement with experiment in that the resonant frequency can show a sizable increase with sample dielectric constant; a result that is not obtained with a two-dimensional model. The most realistic model shows a semi-quantitative agreement with experiment. The effect of different sample thicknesses and varying tip sample distances is investigated numerically and shown to effect NSMM performance in a way consistent with experiment. Visualization of the electric field indicates that the field is primarily determined by the shape of the coupling hooks.
Spectroscopy of 3, 4, 9, 10-perylenetetracarboxylic dianhydride (PTCDA) attached to rare gas samples: Clusters vs. bulk matrices. I. Absorption spectroscopy
Authors: Dvorak Matthieu , Müller Markus , Knoblauch Tobias , Bünermann Oliver , Rydlo Alexandre , Minniberger Stefan , Harbich Wolfgang , Stienkemeier Frank
Published: October 2012

The interaction between 3, 4, 9, 10-perylenetetracarboxylic dianhydride (PTCDA) and rare gas or para-hydrogen samples is studied by means of laser-induced fluorescence excitation spectroscopy. The comparison between spectra of PTCDA embedded in a neon matrix and spectra attached to large neon clusters shows that these large organic molecules reside on the surface of the clusters when doped by the pick-up technique. PTCDA molecules can adopt different conformations when attached to argon, neon, and para-hydrogen clusters which implies that the surface of such clusters has a well-defined structure without liquid or fluxional properties. Moreover, a precise analysis of the doping process of these clusters reveals that the mobility of large molecules on the cluster surface is quenched, preventing agglomeration and complex formation.
Spectroscopy of 3, 4, 9, 10-perylenetetracarboxylic dianhydride (PTCDA) attached to rare gas samples: Clusters vs. bulk matrices. II. Fluorescence emission spectroscopy
Authors: Dvorak Matthieu , Müller Markus , Knoblauch Tobias , Bünermann Oliver , Rydlo Alexandre , Minniberger Stefan , Harbich Wolfgang , Stienkemeier Frank
Published: October 2012

The interaction between 3, 4, 9, 10-perylenetetracarboxylic dianhydride (PTCDA) molecules and solid rare gas samples is studied by means of fluorescence emission spectroscopy. Laser-excited PTCDA-doped large argon, neon, and para-hydrogen clusters along with PTCDA embedded in helium nanodroplets are spectroscopically characterized with respect to line broadening and shifting. A fast non-radiative relaxation is observed before a radiative decay in the electronic ground state takes place. In comparison, fluorescence emission studies of PTCDA embedded in bulk neon and argon matrices result in much more complex spectral signatures characterized by a splitting of the different emission lines. These can be assigned to the appearance of site isomers of the surrounding matrix lattice structure.
Growth of wurtzite InN on bulk In2O3(111) wafers
Authors: Sadofev Sergey , Cho YongJin , Brandt Oliver , Ramsteiner Manfred , Calarco Raffaella , Riechert Henning , Erwin Steven C. , Galazka Zbigniew , Korytov Maxym , Albrecht Martin , Uecker Reinhard , Fornari Roberto
Published: October 2012

A single phase InN epitaxial film is grown on a bulk In2O3(111) wafer by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy. The InN/In2O3 orientation relationship is found to be (0001) ‖ (111) and [11¯00] ‖ [112¯]. High quality of the layer is confirmed by the small widths of the x-ray rocking curves, the sharp interfaces revealed by transmission electron microscopy, the narrow spectral width of the Raman E2h vibrational mode, and the position of the photoluminescence band close to the fundamental band gap of InN.