bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Twenty Years of Polar Winds from AVHRR: Validation and Comparison with ERA-40
Authors: Dworak Richard , Key Jeffrey R.
Published: July 2008

Recent studies have shown that the Arctic climate has changed markedly over the past 20 years. Two major reanalysis products that can be used for studying recent changes unfortunately exhibit relatively large errors in the wind field over the Arctic where there are few radiosonde data available for assimilation. At least 10 numerical weather prediction centers worldwide have demonstrated that satellite-derived polar winds have a positive impact on global weather forecasts. The impact on reanalyses should be similar. Therefore, a polar wind dataset spanning more than 20 years was generated using Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) data. Comparisons with winds from radiosondes show biases in the AVHRR-derived winds of 0.1–0.8 m s−1, depending on the level. In addition, AVHRR has lower root-mean-square speed errors and speed biases than the 40-yr ECMWF reanalysis product (ERA-40) when compared with rawinsondes not assimilated into the reanalysis. Therefore, it is recommended that the historical AVHRR polar winds be assimilated into future versions of the reanalysis products. The authors also explore possible kinematic reasons for the disparities between ERA-40 and AVHRR wind fields. AVHRR and ERA-40 speed and direction differences for various kinematic flow features are investigated. Results show that, on average, AVHRR winds are faster in jet streams and ridges but are slower in troughs and jet exit regions. The results from this study could lead to a better dynamical understanding of why the reanalysis product produces a less-accurate wind vector field over regions that are void of radiosonde data.
Tracking Hygrothermal Strains of Carbon/Epoxy Composite under Varying Temperature and Humidity
Authors: Tsai Cho-Liang , Chih Hsing Wang  , Chang Jiang-Jhy , Yeih Weichung
Published: July 2008

An algorithm was developed based on diffusion and hygrothermal expansion theories to quantify the real-time hygrothermal deformation of a composite structure. The algorithm can be used to calculate the dynamic hygrothermal strain of composite laminates that is caused by constantly changing environmental humidity and temperature. Experiments were performed on carbon/ epoxy laminates in a conditioning chamber where relative humidity and temperature were set to vary stepwise and the hygrothermal strains of the specimens were monitored. The hygrothermal strains were calculated theoretically from humidity and thermal history throughout each experiment and confirmed experimentally.
Missionaries and Tonic Sol-fa music pedagogy in 19th-century China
Authors: Southcott Jane E. , Lee Angela Hao-Chun
Published: July 2008

In the 19th century, Christian missionaries in China, as elsewhere, used the Tonic Sol-fa method of music instruction to aid their evangelizing. This system was designed to improve congregational singing in churches, Sunday schools and missions. The London Missionary Society and other evangelical groups employed the method. These missionaries took their message and their music throughout the world. The missionaries were generally convinced of the superiority and efficacy of their religion, their teaching methods and their music. Songs designed as didactic tools were and continue to be employed to impart moral and religious messages. Words sung were often deemed to have more effect than mere words. Music was implicit in missionary teaching and practices — no service was complete without a hymn. For this reason, finding an effective way to teach hymns became a priority. Music continues to be employed to carry messages considered significant and music educators are often expected to support such endeavours.
Gender differences in occupational wage mobility in the 1958 cohort
Authors: Dex Shirley , Ward Kelly , Joshi Heather
Published: July 2008

This article examines the wage growth of British men and women between the ages of 33 and 42 who were employed full time at both of these ages using the 1958 National Child and Development Study. Wage growth is examined in the differences of the log of hourly wage rates reported at the 33 and 42 year old interviews of this cohort study. Men were found to have higher wage growth rewards than women when in higher occupations and be more likely than women to be in these higher wage growth occupations. Women's wages grew more slowly over the period than men's wages because they were located disproportionately in lower growth and feminized jobs. Domestic ties did not explain the differences in wage growth for this group, where the occupational penalties of gender widened.
The Mosquito: A Repellent Response
Authors: Walsh Charlotte
Published: July 2008

This article considers the Mosquito, a sonic repellent that is increasingly being used in a bid to drive teenagers out of public spaces. Having located this technology in its social and political context, the legal ramifications of its deployment are considered. Does the Mosquitosatisfy health and safety requirements? Does it contravene environmental regulations? Is utilization of this device antisocial? Does its deployment constitute a form of criminal harassment? Finally, does the Mosquitounjustifiably interfere with human rights? Responses to the questions are offered, along with potential remedies for redress.
The adjustment journey of international postgraduate students at an English university
Authors: Brown Lorraine , Holloway Immy
Published: July 2008

Using findings from an ethnographic study of international postgraduate students at a university in the south of England, this article offers a model of adjustment that is informed by the duration of the sojourn, from the initial stage to the month of students' departure from England. This study found that stress was at its height in the initial stage of the academic sojourn; this was caused by the struggle to cope with the challenges of foreign language use and an unfamiliar academic and sociocultural environment at a time when students were beset with homesickness and loneliness. An association was made between the passage of time and a gradual decrease in acculturative stress. However, this was not a generalizable process; there was fluctuation not only in experience across the student body but also in the individual's subjective sense of success across different aspects of life in the new country. This led to the conceptualization of the adjustment journey as an unpredictable and dynamic process, which is experienced differently among sojourners, and fluctuates throughout the sojourn as a result of a host of individual, cultural and external factors.
Adverse events associated with intranasal influenza vaccine in the United States
Authors: Vasu Neetu , Ghaffari Gisoo , Craig Ethan T. , Craig Timothy J.
Published: July 2008

Methods: The goal of this review was to analyze the post-vaccination adverse effects associated with Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (LAIV) compared to those of the Injectable Trivalent Inactivated Vaccine (TIV) in patients with egg allergy and asthma. PubMed, Ovid, and Google searches were conducted. Searched articles relating to allergic reactions, asthma or food allergy, and LAIV were reviewed.

Results: Similar or superior efficacy of LAIV compared to TIV was reported by various studies. Respiratory symptoms were the most common adverse events following both vaccinations. Although no evidence was found of a direct causal relationship between intranasal influenza vaccine and anaphylaxis due to egg allergy, a number of cases of anaphylaxis were reported. To date, there are no studies directly comparing the frequency of anaphylactic reactions between the two vaccines.

Conclusions: The safety of LAIV in individuals with unstable asthma and egg allergy has not been established and it should be avoided in these populations. For patients with unstable asthma, TIV should remain the therapy of choice.
Temporal, quantitative, and functional characteristics of single-KIR–positive alloreactive natural killer cell recovery account for impaired graft-versus-leukemia activity after haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Vago Luca , Forno Barbara , Sormani Maria Pia , Crocchiolo Roberto , Zino Elisabetta , Di Terlizzi Simona , Lupo Stanghellini Maria Teresa , Mazzi Benedetta , Perna Serena K. , Bondanza Attilio , Middleton Derek , Palini Alessio , Bernardi Massimo , Bacchetta Rosa , Peccatori Jacopo , Rossini Silvano , Roncarolo Maria Grazia , Bordignon Claudio , Bonini Chiara , Ciceri Fabio , Fleischhauer Katharina
Published: July 2008

In this study, we have characterized reconstitution of the natural killer (NK) cell repertoire after haploidentical CD34+ selected hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for high-risk hematologic malignancies. Analysis focused on alloreactive single-KIR+ NK cells, which reportedly are potent antileukemic effectors. One month after HSCT, CD56bright/CD56dim NK-cell subsets showed inverted ratio and phenotypic features. CD25 and CD117 down-regulation on CD56bright, and NKG2A and CD62L up-regulation on CD56dim, suggest sequential CD56bright-to-CD56dim NK-cell maturation in vivo. Consistently, the functional potential of these maturation intermediates against leukemic blasts was impaired. Mature receptor repertoire reconstitution took at least 3 months. Importantly, at this time point, supposedly alloreactive, single-KIR+ NK cells were not yet fully functional. Frequency of these cells was highly variable, independently from predicted NK alloreactivity, and below 1% of NK cells in 3 of 6 alloreactive patients studied. In line with these observations, no clinical benefit of predicted NK alloreactivity was observed in the total cohort of 56 patients. Our findings unravel the kinetics, and limits, of NK-cell differentiation from purified haploidentical hematopoietic stem cells in vivo, and suggest that NK-cell antileukemic potential could be best exploited by infusion of mature single-KIR+ NK cells selected from an alloreactive donor.
Functional and biochemical characterization of the 20S proteasome in a yeast temperature-sensitive mutant, rpt6-1
Authors: Chouduri Aktar Uzzaman , Tokumoto Toshinobu , Dohra Hideo , Ushimaru Takashi , Yamada Shinpei
Published: July 2008

Background

Rpt6-1 is a thermosensitive yeast mutant with a deletion of a gene encoding a regulatory subunit of the 26S proteasome, RPT6, which is able to grow at 25°C but not at 37°C. In this study, peptidase activities, activation profiles, and the subunit composition of the 20S proteasome purified from the rpt6-1 mutant was characterized.

Results

The 20S proteasome purified from rpt6-1 exhibited low levels of peptidase activities in the absence of activators, but nearly same activated activities in the presence of activators, suggesting a gating defect in the proteasome channel. Detailed analyses of the composition of the 20S proteasome through separation of all subunits by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis followed by identification of each subunit using MALDI-TOF-MS revealed that two subunits, α1 and α7, differed from those of wild-type cells in both electrophoretic mobility and pI values. The changes in these two α-subunits were apparent at the permissive temperature, but disappeared during stress response at the restrictive temperature. Interestingly, upon disappearance of these changes, the levels of peptidase activity of the 20S proteasome in the rpt6-1 mutant were restored as the wild-type. These results suggest that two different forms of the α-subunits, α1 and α7, block the proteasome channel in the rpt6-1 mutant.

Conclusion

Two α-subunits (α1 and α7) of the 20S proteasome in the rpt6-1 mutant differed from their wild-type counterparts and peptidase activities were found to be lower in the mutant than in the wild-type strain.
A multicopy suppressor screening approach as a means to identify antibiotic resistance determinant candidates in Yersinia pestis
Authors: Stirrett Karen L , Ferreras Julian A , Rossi Sebastian M , Moy Richard L , Fonseca Fabio V , Quadri Luis EN
Published: July 2008

Background

Yersinia pestis is the causative agent of plague and a potential agent of bioterrorism and biowarfare. The plague biothreat and the emergence of multidrug-resistant plague underscore the need to increase our understanding of the intrinsic potential of Y. pestis for developing antimicrobial resistance and to anticipate the mechanisms of resistance that may emerge in Y. pestis. Identification of Y. pestis genes that, when overexpressed, are capable of reducing antibiotic susceptibility is a useful strategy to expose genes that this pathogen may rely upon to evolve antibiotic resistance via a vertical modality. In this study, we explored the use of a multicopy suppressor, Escherichia coli host-based screening approach as a means to expose antibiotic resistance determinant candidates in Y. pestis.

Results

We constructed a multicopy plasmid-based, Y. pestis genome-wide expression library of nearly 16,000 clones in E. coli and screened the library for suppressors of the antimicrobial activity of ofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. The screen permitted the identification of a transcriptional regulator-encoding gene (robA
Yp) that increased the MIC99 of ofloxacin by 23-fold when overexpressed from a multicopy plasmid in Y. pestis. Additionally, we found that robA
Yp overexpression in Y. pestis conferred low-level resistance to many other antibiotics and increased organic solvent tolerance. Overexpression of robA
Yp also upregulated the expression of several efflux pumps in Y. pestis.

Conclusion

Our study provides proof of principle for the use of multicopy suppressor screening based on the tractable and easy-to-manipulate E. coli host as a means to identify antibiotic resistance determinant candidates of Y. pestis.
The characterisation of sexual behaviour in Chinese male university students who have sex with other men: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Cong Liming , Ono-Kihara Masako , Xu Guozhang , Ma Qiaoqin , Pan Xiaohong , Zhang Dandan , Homma Takayuki , Kihara Masahiro
Published: July 2008

Background

The risks for Chinese male university students who have sex with other men (MSM) have not been compared with those for non-MSM students. This information is important for the development of targeted HIV prevention programmes for this population.

Methods

Sexually active MSM and non-MSM students were compared for demographic characteristics, sexual behaviour, and related psychosocial variables using bivariate analyses. The data were a subset drawn from a large-scale cross-sectional questionnaire survey of sexually active male students conducted at two universities in a large city in Zhejiang Province, China, in 2003.

Results

Of 1824 sexually active male students, 68 (3.7%) reported having had sex with a man at least once; 33.8% of these 68 men had also had female partners. Compared with non-MSM students, MSM students were 3–6.5 times more likely to have had sexual encounters with casual or commercial sex partners and were three times less likely to have protected sex in the past year or during their lifetime. They were three to five times more likely to have had multiple partners and 15 times more likely to have had a sexually transmitted disease (STD). In addition, the MSM students knew half as much about HIV and had less condom-decision than did non-MSM students and were two times more accepting of commercial sex. However, the MSM students were twice as aware of the risks for HIV infection.

Conclusion

MSM composed 3–4% of the male sexually active university student population studied and was found to be at greater risk than non-MSM students for STD/HIV infection. There is an urgent need for STD/HIV programmes in university health services that take into consideration the sexuality and psychosocial issues of MSM students.
Effects of work ability and health promoting interventions for women with musculoskeletal symptoms: A 9-month prospective study
Authors: Larsson Agneta , Karlqvist Lena , Gard Gunvor
Published: July 2008

Background

Women working in the public human service sector in 'overstrained' situations run the risk of musculoskeletal symptoms and long-term sick leave. In order to maintain the level of health and work ability and strengthen the potential resources for health, it is important that employees gain greater control over decisions and actions affecting their health – a process associated with the concept of self-efficacy. The aim of this study was to describe the effects of a self-efficacy intervention and an ergonomic education intervention for women with musculoskeletal symptoms, employed in the public sector.

Methods

The design of the study was a 9-month prospective study describing the effects of two interventions, a comprehensive self-efficacy intervention (n= 21) and an ergonomic education intervention (n= 21). Data were obtained by a self-report questionnaire on health- and work ability-related factors at baseline, and at ten weeks and nine months follow-up. Within-group differences over time were analysed.

Results

Over the time period studied there were small magnitudes of improvements within each group. Within the self-efficacy intervention group positive effects in perceived work ability were shown. The ergonomic education group showed increased positive beliefs about future work ability and a more frequent use of pain coping strategies.

Conclusion

Both interventions showed positive effects on women with musculoskeletal symptoms, but in different ways. Future research in this area should tailor interventions to participants' motivation and readiness to change.
Structural analysis of urate oxidase in complex with its natural substrate inhibited by cyanide: Mechanistic implications
Authors: Gabison Laure , Prangé Thierry , Colloc'h Nathalie , El Hajji Mohamed , Castro Bertrand , Chiadmi Mohamed
Published: July 2008

Background

Urate oxidase (EC 1.7.3.3 or UOX) catalyzes the conversion of uric acid and gaseous molecular oxygen to 5-hydroxyisourate and hydrogen peroxide, in the absence of cofactor or particular metal cation. The functional enzyme is a homo-tetramer with four active sites located at dimeric interfaces.

Results

The catalytic mechanism was investigated through a ternary complex formed between the enzyme, uric acid, and cyanide that stabilizes an intermediate state of the reaction. When uric acid is replaced by a competitive inhibitor, no complex with cyanide is formed.

Conclusion

The X-ray structure of this compulsory ternary complex led to a number of mechanistic evidences that support a sequential mechanism in which the two reagents, dioxygen and a water molecule, process through a common site located 3.3 Å above the mean plane of the ligand. This site is built by the side chains of Asn 254, and Thr 57, two conserved residues belonging to two different subunits of the homo-tetramer. The absence of a ternary complex between the enzyme, a competitive inhibitor, and cyanide suggests that cyanide inhibits the hydroxylation step of the reaction, after the initial formation of a hydroperoxyde type intermediate.
Assessment of the biopotency of follitropin alfa and lutropin alfa combined in one injection: a comparative trial in Sprague-Dawley rats
Authors: Alper Michael , Meyer Randal , Dekkers Chris , Ezcurra Diego , Schertz Joan , Kelly Eduardo
Published: July 2008

Background

The current study was designed to determine if follitropin alfa (recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone; r-hFSH) and lutropin alfa (recombinant human luteinizing hormone; r-hLH) biopotencies were unchanged by reconstituting in sterile water for injection and mixing prior to injection.

Methods

The biopotencies of r-hFSH and r-hLH were determined following injection of female Sprague-Dawley rats with a mixture of follitropin alfa revised formulation female (RFF) and lutropin alfa (1:1, r-hFSH:r-hLH). Biopotencies of follitropin alfa RFF and lutropin alfa were measured using ovarian weight and ascorbic acid depletion assays, respectively, and compared with a reference standard. Stock mixtures of follitropin alfa RFF and lutropin alfa (1:1) were prepared within 1 h prior to each respective assay's injection and stored at 6 +/- 2°C. Separate low dose (follitropin alfa RFF 1.5 IU/rat, lutropin alfa 2 IU/rat) and high dose (follitropin alfa RFF 3 IU/rat, lutropin alfa 8 IU/rat) treatments were prepared from stock mixtures or individual solutions by diluting with 0.22% bovine serum albumin saline solution and injected within 1 h of preparation. The main outcome measures were ovarian weight and ovarian ascorbic acid depletion.

Results

FSH bioactivities were similar (p > 0.10) between the individual follitropin alfa RFF test solution (84.2 IU) and follitropin alfa RFF/lutropin alfa (87.6 IU) mixtures prepared within 1 h of injection and stored at 6 +/- 2°C. LH bioactivities were similar (p > 0.10) between lutropin alfa (94.7 IU) test solution and lutropin alfa/follitropin alfa RFF (85.3 IU) mixtures prepared within 1 h of injection and stored at 6 +/- 2°C for not more than 1 h prior to injection.

Conclusion

Mixing follitropin alfa RFF and lutropin alfa did not alter the bioactivity of either FSH or LH.
Acoustic signatures of crossflow behind casing in commingled reservoirs: A case study from Teapot Dome
Authors: Bakulin Andrey , Korneev Valeri
Published: July 2008

Cracks and channels in cement often create unwanted conduits behind casing that lead to crossflow between different producing zones. Crossflow results in lost production or aquifer contamination because fluid flows from a higher-pressure to a lower-pressure zone instead of traveling up the well. We present measurements of acoustic signatures of crossflow behind the pipe in time and frequency domains. Despite being called “noise,” they are shown to be propagating tube waves with impulsive signatures. When multiple crossflow locations are present along the well, these signatures are unique for each location and are highly repeatable. We observe time-lapse change in such signatures during air injection and release and suggest that these changes can be used for real-time acoustic characterization of depletion in stacked commingled reservoirs. We anticipate that such signals are typical for commingled production of multilayered reservoirs. Acoustic signatures can be used to characterize crossflow and depletion. In addition, crossflow signals represent a strong noise affecting downhole seismic surveillance with active sources.
Lexical learning in sung and spoken story script contexts
Authors: Kouri Theresa A. , Winn Jennifer
Published: July 2008

Although most children seem to love music, our understanding of the role it plays in facilitating speech and language learning is limited, as is research validating its efficacy in the clinical setting. The purpose of this study was to examine how singing affects children’s quick incidental learning (QUIL) of novel vocabulary terms. Sixteen children with language delay and mild developmental delays were presented with spoken and sung story scripts containing eight novel words over two experimental sessions. Lexical probes indicated that children’s naming and comprehension of target lexical items did not significantly differ as a result of hearing sung versus spoken scripts versions. A significant increase was noted in the number of children’s unsolicited target word productions from Session 1 to Session 2 in the Sung Condition, indicating that sung input may enhance only particular aspects of quick incidental word learning.
Designed by women and designing women: gender, planning and the geographies of the kitchen in Britain 1917-1946
Authors: Llewellyn Mark
Published: July 2008

During the early decades of the twentieth century in Britain, architects focused on domestic architecture to a degree previously unseen. This paper considers the geographies of the shifting ideological relationships between the architectural space of the home and women, both those who designed and those who used it. The analysis centres around the spaces of the kitchen, and the work of two key individuals: the housing consultant Elizabeth Denby, and the Modern architect Jane Drew, and her publication of 1944, Kitchen planning. The paper argues that discourses surrounding the geographies of the kitchen can be seen as representative of wider societal shifts in the position of both middle- and working-class women at this time. The paper ends by considering what these discourses tell us about the changing nature of gendered spaces at this time.
Del(6)(q22) and BCL6 Rearrangements in Primary CNS Lymphoma Are Indicators of an Aggressive Clinical Course
Authors: Cady Francois M. , O'Neill Brian Patrick , Law Mark E. , Decker Paul A. , Kurtz David M. , Giannini Caterina , Porter Alyx B. , Kurtin Paul J. , Johnston Patrick B. , Dogan Ahmet , Remstein Ellen D.
Published: July 2008

Purpose

Primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL) is an aggressive lymphoma but clinically validated biologic markers that can predict natural history to tailor treatment according to risk are lacking. Several genetic changes including BCL6 rearrangements and deletion of 6q22, containing the putative tumor suppressor gene PTPRK, are potential risk predictors. Herein we determined the prevalence and survival impact of del(6)(q22) and BCL6, immunoglobulin heavy chain (IGH), and MYC gene rearrangements in a large PCNSL cohort treated in a single center.

Patients and Methods

Interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization was performed using two-color probes for BCL6, MYC, IGH-BCL6, and del(6)(q22) on thin sections of 75 paraffin-embedded samples from 75 HIV-negative, immunocompetent patients newly diagnosed with PCNSL. Survival data were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier survival curves, log-rank tests, and proportional hazards regression adjusting for age, deep structure involvement, and high-dose methotrexate (HDMTX) treatment.

Results

The prevalence of del(6)(q22) and BCL6, IGH, and MYC translocations was 45%,17%, 13%, and 3%, respectively. The presence of del(6)(q22) and/or a BCL6 translocation was associated with inferior overall survival (OS; P = .0097). The presence of either del(6)(q22) alone or a BCL6 translocation alone was also associated with inferior OS (P = .0087). Univariable results held after adjusting for age, deep structure involvement, and HDMTX.

Conclusion

Del (6)(q22) and BCL6 rearrangements are common in PCNSL and predict for decreased OS independent of deep structure involvement and HDMTX. Unlike systemic diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, del(6)(q22) is common and IGH translocations are infrequent and usually involve BCL6 rather than BCL2, suggesting a distinct pathogenesis.
Rhenium-catalyzed Coupling of 2-Propynyl Alcohols and Several Nucleophiles via Dehydration
Authors: Kuninobu Yoichiro , Ueda Hirokazu , Takai Kazuhiko
Published: July 2008

Treatment of 2-propynyl alcohols with several nucleophiles in the presence of a catalytic amount of a rhenium complex, [ReBr(CO)3(thf)]2, gave coupling products via dehydration. In these reactions, C–C, C–O, and C–S bonds can be constructed under mild conditions.
Novel Purely Organic Conductor with an Aminoxyl Radical, α-(BEDT-TTF)2(PO–CONHCH2SO3)·2H2O (PO = 2,2,5,5-Tetramethyl-3-pyrrolin-1-oxyl Free Radical)
Authors: Akutsu Hiroki , Yamashita Shinji , Yamada Jun-ichi , Nakatsuji Shin’ichi , Turner Scott S
Published: July 2008

A novel bis(ethylenedithio)tetrathiafulvalene (BEDT-TTF)-based salt with an aminoxyl radical 2,2,5,5-tetramethyl-3-pyrrolin-1-oxyl (PO) has been prepared. The salt has α-type 2-D conducting sheets and is a semiconductor with ρRT=26 Ω·cm and Ea=0.31 eV. The temperature dependence of the magnetic susceptibility suggests that both the aminoxyl radical and the BEDT-TTF layer have local spin moments at room temperature.
Coordination of Carboxylate on Metal Nanoparticles Characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Wulandari Priastuti , Nagahiro Takeshi , Michioka Kanae , Tamada Kaoru , Ishibashi Ken-ichi , Kimura Yasuo , Niwano Michio
Published: July 2008

The coordination of carboxylate capping agents on silver and gold nanoparticles is investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The shift of carboxylate stretching frequency confirmed that carboxylate bound on gold nanoparticle forms unidentate coordination, while that on silver nanoparticle shows ionic bonding. The different coordinations on gold and silver NPs are reasonably interpreted by molecular orbital (MO) calculation based on metal carboxylate molecules.
Pentachlorphenol migration from treated wood exposed to simulated rainfall
Authors: Simonsen John , Chen Hua , Morrell Jeffrey J. , Freitag Camille , Clauson Milo
Published: July 2008

The leaching of toxins from treated wood poses an, as yet, poorly quantified risk to both plant and animal life. In particular, the leaching of pentachlorophenol (PCP) into rainwater falling on treated wood over aquatic environments, such as bridges, is understudied. Computer models have been developed which predict the leaching of creosote from marine pilings. If data were available, similar models could be developed for PCP-treated bridges and the risk to waterways determined for various structural designs. Providing such data is the objective of this study, where the migration of PCP from treated wood under the influence of simulated rainfall was studied using a simulation system that delivered uniform rainfall rates over-treated wood. The runoff from the treated wood was captured and analyzed with high resolution gas chromatography combined with low resolution mass spectrometry. PCP migrated from treated wood into rainwater runoff at a fairly constant rate of approximately 0.15 g l-1 m-2. Small non-significant deviations were observed with rainfall rate, time, and temperature. We suggest that PCP migration rates from exposed treated wood can be modeled and thereby predict the migration of PCP from this source into the environment.
Monolignol dehydrogenative polymerization in vitro in the presence of dioxane and a methylated β-β′ dimer model compound
Authors: Holmgren Anders , Zhang Liming , Henriksson Gunnar
Published: July 2008

Lignin formation is believed to occur by polymerization of resonance-stabilized monolignol radicals formed by enzymatic oxidation. Recently, different hypotheses suggested that lignin polymerization is influenced by surfaces in the cell wall which can be polysaccharides or proteins. The latter is called the proteinaceous dirigent sites/template polymerization hypothesis. According to another hypothesis, lignin itself is believed to act as a template and replicate its primary structure. In this work, dehydrogenative polymerization (DHP) of the lignin precursor coniferyl alcohol was performed in vitro in the presence and absence of pinoresinol dimethyl ether (a β-β′ dimer model). Another peculiarity of the experiments was the presence of dioxane which afforded a high solubility of the reactants. The question was whether the presence of β-β′ dimer model would change the structure of the DHP formed. The DHPs were analyzed by quantitative 13C NMR, GC-FID, and GC-MS. The dimer model as a template in the homogeneous polymerization state (in solution) did not influence the DHP structure.
The Red Queen revisited: reevaluating the age selectivity of Phanerozoic marine genus extinctions
Authors: Finnegan Seth , Payne Jonathan L. , Wang Steve C.
Published: July 2008

Extinction risk is inversely related to genus age (time since first appearance) in most intervals of the Phanerozoic marine fossil record, in apparent contradiction to the macroevolutionary Red Queen's Hypothesis, which posits that extinction risk is independent of taxon age. Age-dependent increases in the mean species richness and geographic range of genera have been invoked to reconcile this genus-level observation with the presumed prevalence of Red Queen dynamics at the species level. Here we test these explanations with data from the Paleobiology Database. Multiple logistic regression demonstrates that the association of extinction risk with genus age is not adequately explained by species richness or geographic range: there is a residual association between age and extinction risk even when range and richness effects are accounted for. Throughout most of the Phanerozoic the age selectivity gradient is highest among the youngest age cohorts, whereas there is no association between age and extinction risk among older age cohorts. Some of the apparent age selectivity of extinction in the global fauna is attributable to differences in extinction rate among taxonomic groups, but extinction risk declines with genus age even within most taxonomic orders. Notable exceptions to this pattern include the Cambrian-Ordovician, latest Permian, Triassic, and Paleocene intervals. The association of age with extinction risk could reflect sampling heterogeneity or taxonomic practice more than biological reality, but at present it is difficult to evaluate or correct for such biases. Alternatively, the pattern may reflect consistent extinction selectivity on some as-yet unidentified covariate of genus age. Although this latter explanation is not compatible with a Red Queen model if most genus extinctions have resulted from biological interactions, it may be applicable if most genus extinctions have instead been caused by recurrent physical disturbances that repeatedly impose similar selective pressures.
2‐D FOCON arrays and their application in displays and planar illuminators
Authors: Andrew Putilin N.
Published: July 2008

Abstract— Focusing cones (FOCON) have been designed for fiber‐optic communication systems as coupling devices. The main aim of these couplers is to match the spatial distribution of the light source or photodetector with the aperture configuration of light‐guiding modes of the optical fibers. In this paper, the application of a 2‐D array of FOCONs for collimating large‐sized optical beams in display devices is proposed. The design of a light‐efficient illumination unit for LCDs that can operate in the reflection mode as a backlight has been demonstrated. The approach proposed is based on the spatial separation of the light propagation in a FOCON array for reflected beams and light that comes from the backlight unit. The application of a FOCON array in backlight units and antiglare coatings has been demonstrated.
Moving‐image‐sticking phenomenon induced by an outside force in liquid‐crystal displays
Authors: Hong Hyung Ki , Ahn JiYoung , Jung HoYoung , Baek Heume‐Il , Lim Moojong , Shin Hyun‐Ho
Published: July 2008

Abstract— Image deformation caused by an outside force is observed to remain for hours at high gray levels for liquid‐crystal displays (LCDs) in the multi‐domain (MD) vertical‐alignment (VA) mode. This so‐called moving‐image‐sticking phenomenon demonstrated a non‐symmetric luminance profile for the left and right viewing direction for MDVA‐mode LCDs which have original symmetric viewing‐angle characteristics. The generation of a stable reverse‐tilt domain by an outside force was assumed to be the cause of this phenomenon, and the stability of a reverse‐tilt domain under an electric fringe field was calculated by changing the electric‐fringe‐field distribution which determines the LC tilt direction. The domain of a given tilt direction is calculated to change to other tilt direction induced by a fringe field at a low gray condition, but to remain unchanged at a high gray condition. This agrees with the observed trends of duration time of the moving‐image‐sticking phenomenon.
A self‐reset ambient‐light sensor system for low‐temperature polycrystalline‐silicon active‐matrix displays
Authors: Park Hyun‐Sang , Ha Tae‐Jun , Hong Yongtaek , Han Min‐Koo , Woo Doo‐Hyung , Shin Kwang‐Sub , Kim Chi‐Woo
Published: July 2008

Abstract— A new digital ambient‐light sensor system has been designed and fabricated on a glass substrate using a conventional low‐temperature polycrystalline‐silicon (LTPS) technology. In the proposed system, analog‐to‐digital conversion (ADC) is performed in the time domain instead of the voltage domain and is combined with a light‐detection process. The proposed system employs self‐reset architecture and requires only one comparator for n‐bit digital output. Because the complex analog circuitry is eliminated from the system, it can be readily integrated on the glass substrate.
Dynamic associations of transcription factors with the rat liver nuclear matrix are functionally related to differential alpha-2-macroglobulin gene expression
Authors: Dinic Svetlana , Mihailovic Mirjana , Ivanovic-Matic Svetlana , Uskokovic Aleksandra , Grdovic Nevena , Vidakovic Melita , Poznanovic G.
Published: July 2008

Participation of the nuclear matrix in regulation of alpha-2-macroglobulin (?2M) gene transcription during rat liver development and the acute-phase (AP) response are examined. DNA affinity chromatography of fetal and adult liver internal nuclear matrix proteins under basal and AP conditions with the ?2M gene promoter (-852/+12) and immunoblot analysis revealed diverse patterns of association of transcription factors with the nuclear matrix. HNF-6, C/EBP?, and STAT5b were involved in basal and C/EBP?, STAT1, and STAT3 in AP-stimulated ?2M expression. These findings support the assumption that transcription factor-nuclear matrix interactions serve to channel gene regulatory proteins to DNA sequences.
Properties of grape seed proanthocyanidins and quercetin in human lymphocytes
Authors: Stankovic Miroslava , Horvat Anica
Published: July 2008

This study addresses the in vitro protective effects of proanthocyanidins and quercetin on the frequency of micronuclei with reference to the antioxidant status of cultured human lymphocytes also subjected to 2 Gy of ?-radiation. Treatment of lymphocytes with proanthocyanidins induced a significant decrease in the frequency of micronuclei and reduction of malonyldialdehyde production, as well as increased catalase and glutathione S-transferase activity. Quercetin induces a higher incidence of micronuclei and production of malonyldialdehyde. The seven-fold increase of micronuclei frequency induced by a therapeutic dose of ?-radiation was decreased in the presence of proanthocyanidins. These results demonstrate that proanthocyanidins may be important in the prevention of ROS-induced oxidative lymphocyte damage by decreasing DNA damage, lowering membrane lipid peroxidation, and increasing the activity AOP enzymes, as well as by reducing the level of ?-radiation-induced DNA damage. Our results support the potential benefits of proanthocyanidins as efficient antioxidants and radioprotectors.
Establishing the resistance of Myzus persicae (Sulzer) by molecular methods
Authors: Vucetic Andja , Petrovic-Obradovic Olivera , Margaritopoulos J. , Skouras P.
Published: July 2008

In two years of investigating resistance of the peach-potato aphid Myzus persicae (Sulzer) by molecular methods, several types of resistance were established in the majority of individuals from peach and tobacco in Serbia and Montenegro. Most of the tested individuals had the FE4 gene, which encodes production of FE4 esterase. The gene responsible for kdr (knock-down resistance) was found in the majority of individuals, but in the heterozygous state, while resistance based on formation of modified acetlycholinesterase (MACE) was least represented. Also, tests showed aphids from tobacco to be more sensitive to insecticide action than aphids from peach. Three tests were used in these investiga?tions, e.g., the PCR - esterase, PCR - kdr, and RFLP - PCR tests, each for a single type of resistance.
Pravda i istorija - geneza i genealogija pravde kod Nicea i Bergsona
Authors: Fransoa Arno
Published: July 2008

(francuski) Nietzsche et Bergson comptent parmi les principaux auteurs ? examiner les conditions socio-affectives et l'?volution historique de la justice. Mais ils le font sur deux modes radicalement distincts, et dont on n'a pas encore, ? ce qu'il semble, suffisamment soulign? l'incompatibilit?: Nietzsche rend compte de la justice en isolant les ?l?ments socio-affectifs qui se sont compos?s entre eux pour produire quelque chose comme la "justice", tandis que Bergson envisage l'?volution de celle-ci comme une s?rie de diff?renciations en nature. Ce qui am?ne Bergson ? distinguer fondamentalement entre deux justices, l'une sup?rieure et l'autre inf?rieure, l'une "ouverte" et l'autre "close", l? o? Nietzsche pense satisfaire ? l'exigence moniste en ne posant qu'une seule justice. Peut-?tre, toutefois, peut-on adresser ? Nietzsche le reproche bergsonien d'avoir "recompos? l'?volution avec des fragments de l'?volu?", et sans doute faut-il, en tout cas, opposer la d?marche de Nietzsche, qui est une "g?n?alogie" (aller du pr?sent vers le pass?, pour discerner les ?l?ments discrets ? partir desquels le pr?sent s'est engendr?) ? la d?marche de Bergson, qui est bien une "gen?se" (aller du pass? vers le pr?sent, pour suivre son engendrement progressif au fil de cr?ations qui sont autant de diff?renciations en nature).
Suverenitet u savremeno doba
Authors: Ciric Jovana
Published: July 2008

(francuski) Le sujet de ce texte est le probl?me des limites et des transformations de la souverainet? nationale aux XXe et XIe si?cles, ? l'?gard de l'association des Etats -Nations aux organisations internationales et aux alliances militaires et ? l'?gard des ph?nom?nes transnationaux supranationaux et de la mondialisation. L'interd?pendance des Etats associ?s diminue leur ind?pendance et l'expansion des ph?nom?nes transnationaux ?chappe au contr?le de l'Etat - Nation. La souverainet? nationale est mise en question et il faut la r?examiner. D'abord nous nous rappelons du projet pour la paix perp?tuelle kantienne qui pr?conise et inspire l'association des Etats ? l'?poque contemporaine, ensuite nous traitons le probl?me de la souverainet? des Etats-Nations qui sont les membres des organisations internationales et des alliances militaires cr??es au XXe si?cle et enfin, le probl?me de la souverainet? nationale ? l'?gard de la mondialisation et de l'association des Etats en r?gions.
Religious Europe, Russia and Serbia: Past and present (Arguments of empirical evidence: The case of Europe)
Authors: Blagojevic Mirko
Published: July 2008

The author has envisaged to publish three articles in three issues of "Philosophy and Society" magazine in which, relying on the empirical scientific evidence, plans to reveal the scope and level of religiousness in some European countries, then to study the case of Russia in a separate text and finally to analyze religiousness of people in Serbia and their attachment to the church and religion. This sequence of publication has its own logics looking forward to the empirical research called "European Values Study" - a longitudinal and international comparative survey of human values - in almost all European countries including, for the first time, Serbia in 2008, the author first aims to present results of previous sociological research which are representative for the area of Europe, and then for the Orthodox area in the country with the highest number of Orthodox believers in the world. Therefore, in the last article the author will be able to compare the religious situation in Serbia not only with the (non)-religious Europe but the (non)-religious Orthodox Russia as well.
Phase equilibria investigation and alloys characterization in Sn-In-Ag system
Authors: Milosavljevic Aleksandra , Zivkovic Dragana , Manasijevic Dragan , Talijan Nadezda , Grujic Aleksandar , Cosovic Vladimir
Published: July 2008

Lead-free soldering has become very popular in the world recently, especially in electronics, because of high ecological demands in industry. Some of lead-free solder alloys are already used in electronic industry, but despite that investigations are still going in order to find suitable replacement for Pb-Sn standard solder. In this paper phase equilibria and characterization of Sn-In-Ag alloys in section In:Ag = 7:3 are investigated. The results of phase diagram calculation are obtained by ThermoCalc software, and characteristic temperatures by DSC method. The results of XRD analysis, optical microscopy, microhardness and electrical conductivity are also presented. These results are given in order to contribute the knowledge about lead-free solders, especially Sn-In-Ag solder alloys, which are potential candidates for replacement standard lead solders.
Influence of activators on constitutes of diffusion layer at boronizing pressed samples from iron powder
Authors: Pozega Emina , Ivanov Svetlana
Published: July 2008

In this paper, results of experimental investigation which contributes to study of quantitative changes of porosity during chemical-thermical process, apropos boronizing of pressed samples from iron powder, with variation of boronizing mixture composition are presented. The basic mixture is modified by the addition of activators with different chemical composition and in different percentage rate (0-4 wt%). Mixtures with ammonium chloride, ammonium bifluoride and boron potassium fluoride were investigated. According to the results of the experiments it is found that the content of activators has an influence on the porosity of pressed samples from iron powder. In order to obtain better boride layers it was necessary to choose a mixture for boronizing and to determine the most useful activators and their ratio. The results of research and mathematical processing enable the choice of optimal mixture composition for boroning. .
Synthesis of biomorphic SiC and SiO2 ceramics
Authors: Egelja Adela , Gulicovski Jelena , Devecerski Aleksandar , Babic Biljana , Miljkovic Miroslav , Boskovic Snezana , Matovic Branko
Published: July 2008

Coniferous wood (fir) was transformed by pyrolysis into carbon preforms, which were subsequently converted into biomorphic ceramics by the pressure infiltration technique with colloidal silica. An in situ reaction between the silica and the carbon template occurred in the cellular wall at a high sintering temperature. Depending on the employed atmosphere, non-oxide (SiC) or oxide (SiO2) ceramics were obtained. The morphology of the resulting porous ceramics and their phase composition were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM/EDX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The experimental results showed that the biomorphic cellular morphology of the wood maintained in both the SiC and silica ceramics, which consisted of only the b-SiC phase and SiO2, respectively. .
The ionic equilibrium in the CuSO4-H2SO4-H2O system and the formation of the honeycomb-like structure during copper electrodeposition
Authors: Nikolic Nebojsa , Pavlovic Ljubica , Brankovic Goran , Pavlovic Miomir , Popov Konstantin
Published: July 2008

The ionic equilibrium of the species in the CuSO4-H2SO4-H2O system was employed to systematize the conditions of copper electrodeposition leading to the formation of the honeycomb-like structure. The reason why CuSO4 concentrations higher than 0.15 M are unsuitable for the formation of honeycomb-like structures is shown. The range of H2SO4 concentrations enabling the formation of this type of structure was also determined. The conditions leading to the formation of the honeycomb-like structures are: electrodeposition from solutions with lower concentrations of Cu(II) ions (0.15 M CuSO4 and less) in a concentration range from 0.25 to 1.0 M H2SO4, at a temperature of 18.0?1.0 ?C and at overpotentials outside the plateau of the limiting diffusion current density at which hydrogen evolution is vigorous enough to change the hydrodynamic conditions in the near-electrode layer. .