bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi-Electron-Transfer Catalysts Needed for Artificial Photosynthesis
Authors: Vickers James , Lv Hongjin , Zhuk Petro F. , Geletii Yurii V. , Hill Craig L.
Published: November 2012

We report a study on catalytic water oxidation by cobalt in oxygen ligand environments because such systems are as promising as any in the water oxidation component of solar fuel production. We have re-examined the catalytic activity of Co(II) in aqueous solution using either [Ru(bpy)3]3+ as a stoichiometric oxidant or in visible-light-driven reactions with persulfate as a sacrificial electron acceptor. In both systems a distinctive induction period is observed. A simple kinetic model is proposed that describes the experimental data well. The presence of an induction period is explained by relatively slow formation of the true catalyst from aquacobalt(II).
Magnetic properties of Exchange-spring DyFe2/YFe2 Superlattices by Monte Carlo Simulations
Authors: Berche Pierre-Emmanuel , Djedai Saoussen , Talbot Etienne
Published: November 2012

Monte Carlo simulations are used to perform an atomic scale modelling of the magnetic properties of epitaxial exchange-coupled DyFe2/YFe2 superlattices. These samples, extremely well-researched experimentally, are constituted by a hard ferrimagnet DyFe2 and a soft ferrimagnet YFe2 antiferromagnetically coupled. Depending on the layers and on the temperature, the field dependence of the magnetization depth profile is complex. In this work, we reproduce by Monte Carlo simulations hysteresis loops for the net and compound-specific magnetizations at different temperatures, and assess the quality of the results by a direct comparison to experimental hysteresis loops.
Creation of Novel Nano-Bio Conjugates for Life Sciences Using Gas-Liquid Phases Plasmas
Authors: Kaneko Toshiro , Hatakeyama Rikizo
Published: November 2012

The gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) conjugated with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and/or biomolecules such as DNA are synthesized using a novel plasma technique combined with introduction of ionic liquids or aqueous solution for application to life sciences.

First, we successfully generate the gas-liquid interfacial discharge plasma (GLIDP) using an ionic liquid, in which the large sheath electric field is formed on the ionic liquid and the plasma ion irradiation to the ionic liquid with high energy is realized.

Second, it is found that the high energy ion irradiation to the ionic liquid is effective for the synthesis of the AuNPs. Furthermore, the controlled ion irradiation to the ionic liquid including a carboxyl group can realize the density-controlled synthesis of the AuNPs on the CNTs by dissociation of the ionic liquid and the controlled functionalization of the CNTs by the dissociated carboxyl group.

Third, the size- and morphology-controlled AuNPs covered with DNA are synthesized using the GLIDP with aqueous solution, where DNA prevents the AuNPs from further clustering, resulting in the small-sized AuNPs. The synthesized AuNPs conjugated with DNA can be encapsulated into the CNTs using the DC electric field. The CNTs work as vectors to deliver DNA into living cells because the CNTs have the unique ability to easily penetrate cell membranes with low cytotoxicity.
Cell colonization of scaffolds for tissue engineering enhanced by means of plasma processes
Authors: Favia P. , Sardella E. , Salama R.A.H. , Giampietro V. R. , Intranuovo F. , Nardulli M. , Gristina R.
Published: November 2012

Synthetic biodegradable polymers are commonly used as scaffolds for tissue engineering despite their poor cell adhesion compared to natural polymers. One of the problems in using biodegradable scaffolds is that a higher cell colonization at the scaffold periphery and inadequate colonization at its center is generally noted. Such aspects could seriously compromise the in vivo regeneration of a damaged tissue and, in turn, the success of the implant. Plasma processes have been lately proven as promising scaffold modification techniques. The current work aims at enhancing cell colonization in the core of polymer scaffolds via plasma deposition of coatings with different chemical characteristics. The versatility and ability of plasma processes to modify only the outermost layer of a material can render them competitive with respect to wet chemistry approaches in the field of biomedical materials. In this paper some of the results obtained by plasma processing of 3D interconnected porous polymer scaffolds for Tissue Engineering will be shown. In particular, it will be shown how it is possible to enhance cell adhesion, growth and colonization in porous Polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds where gradient of surface compositions are induced from the external (e.g., hydrophobic, slightly cell-repulsive) to the internal (e.g., hydrophilic, cell-adhesive) side of the scaffolds. 3D scaffolds were modified with several RF (13.56 MHz) deposition and treatment plasma processes. Materials were characterized by means of XPS, and FT-IR techniques. Cell-growth experiments were run with cell-lines to check the efficiency of several treatments to enhance/accelerate cell in-growth inside scaffolds.
Enhanced Performance of Dye Sensitized Solar Cell by the Novel Composite TiO2/POEM Photoanodes
Authors: Liu Chung-Te , Wang Ying-Chiao , Dong Rui-Xuan , Ho Kuo-Chuan , Lin Jiang-Jen
Published: November 2012

A novel polymer dispersant, poly(oxyethylene)-segment imide (POEM) in the structure was incorporated in the nanocrystalline TiO2 film as the electrode. The uses of the dispersants could disperse TiO2 by decreasing the van der waals force among the nanoparticles, observed by TEM. The resultant TiO2/POEM film as the photoanode rendered the dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) with enhanced performance. By comparing to the traditional photoanode composing of polyethylene glycol (PEG) dispersed TiO2, the POEM dispersed TiO2 provided large surface area and high roughness in the dye adsorbed film. Furthermore, the fabricated TiO2/POEM photoanode has a better light-scattering property which contributes to the improvement for the short-circuit current density (Jsc) and the power-conversion efficiency (_) of the DSSC to be 19.1 mA cm-2 and 8.7%, respectively. The performance is superior to 13.2 mA cm-2 and 7.34% for a DSSC with the photoanode containing TiO2/PEG.
Postfire Downy Brome (Bromus tectorum) Invasion at High Elevations in Wyoming
Authors: Mealor Brian A. , Cox Samuel , Booth D. Terrance
Published: November 2012

The invasive annual grass downy brome is the most ubiquitous weed in sagebrush systems of western North America. The center of invasion has largely been the Great Basin region, but there is an increasing abundance and distribution in the Rocky Mountain States. We evaluated postfire vegetation change using very large–scale aerial (VLSA) and near-earth imagery in an area where six different fires occurred over a 4-yr period at elevations ranging from 1,900 to over 2,700 m. The frequency of downy brome increased from 8% in 2003 to 44% in 2008 and downy brome canopy cover increased from < 1% in 2003 to 6% in 2008 across the entire study area. Principal component analyses of vegetation cover indicate a shift from plant communities characterized by high bare soil and forbs immediately postfire to communities with increasing downy brome cover with time after fire. The highest-elevation sampling area exhibited the least downy brome cover, but cover at some midelevation locations approached 100%. We postulate that the loss of ground-level shade beneath shrubs and conifers, accompanied by diminished perennial vegetative cover, created conditions suitable for downy brome establishment and dominance. Without a cost-effective means of landscape-scale downy brome control, and with infestation levels and climate warming increasing, we predict there will be continued encroachment of downy brome at higher elevations and latitudes where disturbance creates suitable conditions.
Sulfur Cinquefoil (Potentilla recta) Response to Defoliation on Foothill Rangeland
Authors: Frost Rachel A. , Mosley Jeffrey C.
Published: November 2012

Sulfur cinquefoil is an invasive, perennial forb on rangelands of western Canada and the United States. Sulfur cinquefoil reproduces solely by seed and it is a prolific seed producer. Our 2-yr study (2006, 2007) investigated the optimal timing and intensity of defoliation to decrease aboveground productivity and seed production of sulfur cinquefoil plants on foothill rangeland in southwestern Montana. Each year, 150 sulfur cinquefoil plants within a 430-m2 enclosure were tagged for identification and randomly assigned to one of 15 clipping treatments with 10 plants per treatment. Clipping treatments were conducted at three timings: (preflower [early June], flowering [late June], and seedset [mid-July]) and all possible combinations of timings for a total of seven timing treatments clipped to two stubble heights (7.5 cm or 15 cm), comprising 14 unique treatments. The final (15th) treatment consisted of an unclipped control. Response variables collected at senescence (late July) included aboveground biomass; number of buds, flowers and fruits on each plant; and number and viability of seeds produced. Results indicated that defoliation of sulfur cinquefoil can effectively reduce its yield and seed production. All clipping treatments reduced aboveground biomass of sulfur cinquefoil compared with control plants (P ≤ 0.05), except clipping to 15 cm during preflowering in the wetter year of 2006. Clipping to either 7.5 cm or 15 cm at all times or combinations of timings reduced the number of buds, flowers, fruits, and seeds produced by sulfur cinquefoil (P ≤ 0.05). Viable seed production was reduced 99 to 100% when plants were clipped once to either 7.5 or 15 cm during flowering or seedset. Results suggest that targeted livestock grazing or mowing applied one time per season during flowering or seedset could effectively suppress the biomass production and viable seed production of sulfur cinquefoil.
The Influence of Chilling and Chipping of Star-of-Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum) Bulbs on Plant Growth and Reproduction
Authors: Johanning Nathan R. , Preece John E. , Young Bryan G.
Published: November 2012

Greenhouse studies were conducted on two southern Illinois star-of-Bethlehem populations to determine the influence of chilling and bulb chipping on plant growth and reproduction. Chilling was not required for leaf emergence of dormant bulbs, but an increase to 10 wk of chilling proportionally delayed leaf emergence by 41 and 42 d for the Murphysboro and the Marion populations, respectively. Bulb chipping did reduce plant height when compared to plants from nonchipped bulbs. Also, chipped bulbs produced a greater number of small daughter bulbs compared to nonchipped bulbs; however, total bulblet production was variable and dependent on population, mother bulb size, and chipping treatment. Overall, bulb chipping did not have any negative influence on star-of-Bethlehem and might promote increased daughter bulblet production. Therefore, field operations, such as tillage, that cut and chip bulbs might actually accentuate both the spread and density of star-of-Bethlehem infestations.
Testing of evaporation reduction methods in humid climates
Authors: Benzaghta Mostafa Ali , Mohammed Thamer A. , Ghazali Abdul Halim , Soom Mohd Amin Mohd
Published: November 2012

Many researchers have studied evaporation reduction of open water bodies using inexpensive locally available materials. However, such studies lacked information on the effects of the covers on water quality. This study focused on the assessment of the capability of floating and structural covers to reduce evaporation from open water bodies in a humid climate. Mengkuang mat and pieces of plywood were evaluated for the floating materials and the structural cover was galvanised iron corrugated sheets. The average evaporation reductions for a 1-year test period were 40%, 33% and 26% for the mengkuang mat, pieces of plywood and galvanised iron corrugated sheets respectively. Water quality analyses performed on the treatments showed that the covers have no serious effect on water quality. The results confirm the effectiveness of these covers for evaporation reduction with no harmful effects on water quality.
Coaggregation in a microbial predator–prey system affects competition and trophic transfer efficiency
Authors: Corno Gianluca , Villiger Jörg , Pernthaler Jakob
Published: November 2012

Emerging interactions are key determinants of system productivity and efficiency in plant and animal communities, whereas their importance for planktonic microbial assemblages is unknown. We studied the relationship between two aquatic bacterial strains and a protistan predator with respect to cooperation and system efficiency. While competitive exclusion of one bacterial strain was observed in grazer‐free cocultures, the presence of the predator induced the formation of large coaggregates and allowed a coexistence of both strains. The aggregates moreover provided a substrate for attachment of the predators. The interactions in the more complex community, i.e., microbial flocs composed by both bacterial strains and predators, led to a significantly increased transfer efficiency of dissolved organic matter to the higher trophic level than in systems with two species only. Similar emerging interactions might also play a role in complex microbial assemblages in natural aquatic systems, i.e., on suspended organic aggregates.
Effects of nitrogen deposition on greenhouse‐gas fluxes for forests and grasslands of North America
Authors: Templer Pamela H , Pinder Robert W , Goodale Christine L
Published: November 2012

Human activities have substantially elevated the atmospheric deposition of reactive nitrogen (N) onto terrestrial ecosystems of North America. Some of this N can stimulate carbon (C) storage in terrestrial ecosystems, but the fertilization effect of added N can be diminished by elevated concentrations of tropospheric ozone (O3) and by chronically high N deposition. In this review, we discuss spatial patterns and effects of N deposition and tropospheric O3 on net greenhouse‐gas fluxes in North American forest and grassland ecosystems. While projected rates of ammonia emissions and deposition are expected to remain unchanged, projected declines in nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions within the US will likely lead to reductions in total N deposition and O3. The net effect of these changes in N deposition onto forests and grasslands will likely initiate declines in C sequestration attributed to N deposition over the next 40 years.
Management opportunities for enhancing terrestrial carbon dioxide sinks
Authors: Post Wilfred M , Izaurralde R Cesar , West Tristram O , Liebig Mark A , King Anthony W
Published: November 2012

The potential for mitigating increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations through the use of terrestrial biological carbon (C) sequestration is substantial. Here, we estimate the amount of C being sequestered by natural processes at global, North American, and national US scales. We present and quantify, where possible, the potential for deliberate human actions – through forestry, agriculture, and use of biomass‐based fuels – to augment these natural sinks. Carbon sequestration may potentially be achieved through some of these activities but at the expense of substantial changes in land‐use management. Some practices (eg reduced tillage, improved silviculture, woody bioenergy crops) are already being implemented because of their economic benefits and associated ecosystem services. Given their cumulative greenhouse‐gas impacts, other strategies (eg the use of biochar and cellulosic bioenergy crops) require further evaluation to determine whether widespread implementation is warranted.
Index 2012 (online only)
Authors: ESA
Published: November 2012

Please see pdf for full text version.
Information theory applied to evaluate the discharge monitoring network of the Magdalena River
Authors: Alfonso Leonardo , He Liyan , Lobbrecht Arnold , Price Roland
Published: November 2012

The acquisition of good hydrologic information is an important issue in water management since it is the basis of decisions concerning the allocation of water resources to different users. However, sufficient data are often not available to describe the behaviour of such systems, especially in developing countries, where monitoring networks are inappropriately designed, poorly operated or are inadequate. Therefore, it is of interest to design and evaluate efficient monitoring networks. This paper presents two methodologies to design discharge monitoring networks in rivers using the concepts of Information Theory. The first methodology considers the optimization of Information Theory quantities and the second considers a new method that is based on ranking Information Theory quantities with different possible monitor combinations. The methodologies are tested for the Magdalena River in Colombia, in which the existing monitoring network is also assessed. In addition, the use of monitors at tributaries is explored. It is demonstrated that the ranking method is a promising way of finding the extremes of Pareto fronts generated during multi-objective optimization processes and that better (more informative and less redundant) monitoring network configurations can be found for the Magdalena River.
A novel visual modeling system for time series forecast: application to the domain of hydrology
Authors: Huang Mutao , Tian Yong
Published: November 2012

Accurate and reliable forecasts of key hydrological variables such as stream flow are of importance due to their profound impacts on real world water resources applications. Data-driven methods have proven their applicability to modeling complex and non-linear hydrological processes. This paper presents a novel visual modeling system that has been developed to overcome the problems involved in implementation of data-driven models for hydrological forecasts using conventional programming languages: problems such as the effort and skill needed to program the models, the lack of reusability of existing models, and the lack of shared tools to perform tedious tasks such as preprocessing data. The system provides an integrated visual modeling environment within which users are able to graphically design and verify specific forecasting models for particular problems without writing code. A set of popular data-driven models are offered by the system. Plug-in models created by wrapping existing code are also allowed to run within the system due to the system's open architecture. The system's feasibility and capability is demonstrated through a case study of forecasting 1-day ahead flow in a river basin located in China. The encouraging simulation results show that the system can simplify the process of implementing hydrological forecast.
A Diminished Self: Entrepreneurial and Therapeutic Ethos Operating with a Common Aim
Authors: Brunila Kristiina
Published: November 2012

This article focuses on the aim of creating a flexible and self-centred self by means of entrepreneurial and therapeutic education. It is an analysis that uses documents from project-based educational programmes as well as interviews with young adults and the people who work with them in these programmes. The data are examined using a Foucauldian and feminist analysis of discursive power and subjectivity. The author argues that entrepreneurial and therapeutic forms of education related to young adults lead to a particular kind of ideal self which she refers to as diminished.
Social Inequalities of Post-Secondary Educational Aspirations: Influence of Social Background, School Composition and Institutional Context
Authors: Dupriez Vincent , Monseur Christian , Van Campenhoudt Maud , Lafontaine Dominique
Published: November 2012

The first goal of this article is to assess, for each country belonging to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the influence of pupils' sociocultural background on educational aspirations. The second goal is to explore whether, after controlling for educational achievement, the residual influence of sociocultural background is still significant. In addition, the authors estimate whether the sociocultural and academic characteristics of school composition have an additional impact on educational aspirations in this group of countries. Finally, they show that the structural characteristics of school systems moderate the influence of individual characteristics and school composition on educational aspirations.
The Map is the Territory: Educational Evaluation and the Topology of Power
Authors: Saari Antti
Published: November 2012

In recent years there has been a global call for more scientific knowledge about education as a basis of governance. This means that exact descriptions of the reality of schooling should inform decisions about what works in education. In this article, evaluation and testing are analysed as cartography, the art of mapping educational spaces, which both creates and confuses our sense of educational reality. By using elements from cultural studies of cartography as well as sociology and the philosophy of science, this article claims that the analogy of cartography and evaluation can open novel vistas for contemplating the relationship between the world of education and its scientific representation. As a case in point, the article uses the construction of Finnish comprehensive basic school reform and the evaluation system pertaining to it. The analysis shows how evaluation as the mapping of the reality of education brings distant objects near, onto a homogeneous, stable plane. It also makes certain things visible while leaving others out of sight. Furthermore, evaluation as cartography is not only passive representation; it actually creates new spaces. In this way, evaluation practices can profoundly affect how we think and act upon schooling.
A comparison of second premolar extraction and mini-implant total arch distalization with interproximal stripping
Authors: Jung Min-Ho
Published: November 2012

Objective:

The effect of total arch distalization using orthodontic mini-implants (OMIs) combined with interproximal stripping (IPS) and second premolar extraction was investigated in Class I malocclusion patients.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 66 consecutively treated Class I malocclusion (Class I molar relationship; 0 mm < overbite and overjet < 4.5 mm) patients ranging in age from 17 to 44 years who received single-phase treatment were included in this study. Pre- and posttreatment lateral cephalograms and dental casts were measured and compared statistically.

Results:

In the distalization with IPS group, 3.6 mm and 3.8 mm of crowding in the upper and lower arches, respectively, were resolved, and 3.8 mm and 3.2 mm of upper and lower incisor retraction, respectively, were achieved simultaneously by the treatment. As a result of the second premolar extraction treatment, 3.9 mm and 3.6 mm of crowding in the upper and lower arches, respectively, were resolved, and 3.3 mm and 3.2 mm of incisor retraction, respectively, were achieved during treatment. There was no statistically significant difference in the amount of crowding and incisor retraction between the two groups.

Conclusions:

Total arch distalization using an OMI with IPS did not yield a significantly different treatment result compared to second premolar extraction treatment.
Common Fibular (Peroneal) Neuropathy as the Result of a Ganglion Cyst
Authors: Mulligan Edward P. , McCain Karen
Published: November 2012

The patient was a 61-year-old woman who was referred to a physical therapist with a diagnosis of right common fibular neuropathy at the fibular head involving both the deep and superficial nerve branches. Physical therapist intervention included fitting the patient with a right ankle-foot orthosis and referring the patient to her physician due to concern for a potential compressive lesion at the right proximal tibiofibular joint. Subsequent magnetic resonance imaging identified a lobulated, fluid-filled mass likely representing a ganglion cyst.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2012;42(12):1051. doi:10.2519/jospt.2012.0421
Protestant Revivals in China with Particular Reference to Shandong Province
Authors: Tiedemann R. G.
Published: November 2012

Revivals have been a regular feature of the missionary enterprise. The modern Catholic and Protestant missionary movements themselves emerged from major religious revivals in the Western world. On the nineteenth-century China mission fields, Protestant missionaries from the mainline denominations frequently lamented the fact that their often nominal convert communities were lacking in Christian spirit and called for reinvigoration campaigns. It was, however, in the twentieth century that several large-scale revival movements occurred, starting with the ‘Manchurian revival’ of 1907–8 and culminating in the great ‘Shandong revival’ of the 1930s. The years after 1908 saw the rise of Chinese ― as well as some foreign ― full-time revivalists engaging in evangelistic efforts to reach the native Christian as well as non-Christian populations. The Canadian Presbyterian Jonathan Goforth (1859–1936) and the Shandong evangelist Ding Limei (1871–1936) are the most prominent representatives of the early campaigns of Christian renewal. In the 1920s, in spite of the fundamentalist/modernist controversy and anti-Christian agitation by nationalist and revolutionary forces in China, revivalism actually intensified. The principal focus of this paper will be on the new currents of spiritual regeneration that came with the proliferation of mostly small and sectarian missions of Holiness or Pentecostal provenance. Pentecostal ideas, in particular, contributed to the growth of Chinese independent churches and the wave of revivalism that swept across parts of China in the early 1930s. Such ‘gifts of the spirit’ as prophecy, divine healing and speaking in tongues, as well as a strong pre-millenarian belief, energised many of the more radical indigenous revivalists at this time. Other well-known Chinese evangelists had been influenced by the Holiness movement or Plymouth Brethren ideas. The Chinese dimension, especially in the context of Shandong province, is receiving particular attention in this paper.
Natural/Unconventional Computing and Its Philosophical Significance
Authors: Dodig Crnkovic Gordana , Giovagnoli Raffaela
Published: November 2012

In this special issue we present a selection of papers from the Symposium on Natural/Unconventional Computing and its Philosophical Significance, held during the AISB/IACAP 2012 World Congress in Birmingham (UK). This article is an editorial, introducing the special issue of the journal with the selected papers and the research program of Natural/Unconventional Computing.
Degradation Characteristics of Wood Using Supercritical Alcohols
Authors: Poudel Jeeban , Oh Sea
Published: November 2012

In this work, the characteristics of wood degradation using supercritical alcohols have been studied. Supercritical ethanol and supercritical methanol were used as solvents. The kinetics of wood degradation were analyzed using the nonisothermal weight loss technique with heating rates of 3.1, 9.8, and 14.5 °C/min for ethanol and 5.2, 11.3, and 16.3 °C/min for methanol. Three different kinetic analysis methods were implemented to obtain the apparent activation energy and the overall reaction order for wood degradation using supercritical alcohols. These were used to compare with previous data for supercritical methanol. From this work, the activation energies of wood degradation in supercritical ethanol were obtained as 78.0–86.0, 40.1–48.1, and 114 kJ/mol for the different kinetic analysis methods used in this work. The activation energies of wood degradation in supercritical ethanol were obtained as 78.0–86.0, 40.1–48.1, and 114 kJ/mol. This paper also includes the analysis of the liquid products obtained from this work. The characteristic analysis of liquid products on increasing reaction temperature and time has been performed by GC-MS. The liquid products were categorized according to carbon numbers and aromatic/aliphatic components. It was found that higher conversion in supercritical ethanol occurs at a lower temperature than that of supercritical methanol. The product analysis shows that the majority of products fall in the 2 to 15 carbon number range.
The Phorbol Ester Fraction from Jatropha curcas Seed Oil: Potential and Limits for Crop Protection against Insect Pests
Authors: Ratnadass Alain , Wink Michael
Published: November 2012

The physic nut shrub, Jatropha curcas (Euphorbiaceae), has been considered as a “miracle tree”, particularly as a source of alternate fuel. Various extracts of the plant have been reported to have insecticidal/acaricidal or molluscicidal/anthelminthic activities on vectors of medical or veterinary interest or on agricultural or non-agricultural pests. Among those extracts, the phorbol ester fraction from seed oil has been reported as a promising candidate for use as a plant-derived protectant of a variety of crops, from a range of pre-harvest and post-harvest insect pests. However, such extracts have not been widely used, despite the “boom” in the development of the crop in the tropics during recent years, and societal concerns about overuse of systemic chemical pesticides. There are many potential explanations to such a lack of use of Jatropha insecticidal extracts. On the one hand, the application of extracts potentially harmful to human health on stored food grain, might not be relevant. The problem of decomposition of phorbol esters and other compounds toxic to crop pests in the field needing further evaluation before such extracts can be widely used, may also be a partial explanation. High variability of phorbol ester content and hence of insecticidal activity among physic nut cultivars/ecotypes may be another. Phytotoxicity to crops may be further limitation. Apparent obstacles to a wider application of such extracts are the costs and problems involved with registration and legal approval. On the other hand, more studies should be conducted on molluscicidal activity on slugs and land snails which are major pests of crops, particularly in conservation agriculture systems. Further evaluation of toxicity to natural enemies of insect pests and studies on other beneficial insects such as pollinators are also needed.
Base Excision Repair in Physiology and Pathology of the Central Nervous System
Authors: Bosshard Matthias , Markkanen Enni , Van Loon Barbara
Published: November 2012

Relatively low levels of antioxidant enzymes and high oxygen metabolism result in formation of numerous oxidized DNA lesions in the tissues of the central nervous system. Accumulation of damage in the DNA, due to continuous genotoxic stress, has been linked to both aging and the development of various neurodegenerative disorders. Different DNA repair pathways have evolved to successfully act on damaged DNA and prevent genomic instability. The predominant and essential DNA repair pathway for the removal of small DNA base lesions is base excision repair (BER). In this review we will discuss the current knowledge on the involvement of BER proteins in the maintenance of genetic stability in different brain regions and how changes in the levels of these proteins contribute to aging and the onset of neurodegenerative disorders.
The Use of Fish Oil Lipid Emulsion in the Treatment of Intestinal Failure Associated Liver Disease (IFALD)
Authors: Chang Melissa , Puder Mark , Gura Kathleen
Published: November 2012

Since 2004, fish oil based lipid emulsions have been used in the treatment of intestinal failure associated liver disease, with a noticeable impact on decreasing the incidence of morbidity and mortality of this often fatal condition. With this new therapy, however, different approaches have emerged as well as concerns about potential risks with using fish oil as a monotherapy. This review will discuss the experience to date with this lipid emulsion along with the rational for its use, controversies and concerns.
Satellite-Derived Photic Depth on the Great Barrier Reef: Spatio-Temporal Patterns of Water Clarity
Authors: Weeks Scarla , Werdell P. , Schaffelke Britta , Canto Marites , Lee Zhongping , Wilding John , Feldman Gene
Published: November 2012

Detecting changes to the transparency of the water column is critical for understanding the responses of marine organisms, such as corals, to light availability. Long-term patterns in water transparency determine geographical and depth distributions, while acute reductions cause short-term stress, potentially mortality and may increase the organisms’ vulnerability to other environmental stressors. Here, we investigated the optimal, operational algorithm for light attenuation through the water column across the scale of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR), Australia. We implemented and tested a quasi-analytical algorithm to determine the photic depth in GBR waters and matched regional Secchi depth (ZSD) data to MODIS-Aqua (2002–2010) and SeaWiFS (1997–2010) satellite data. The results of the in situ ZSD/satellite data matchup showed a simple bias offset between the in situ and satellite retrievals. Using a Type II linear regression of log-transformed satellite and in situ data, we estimated ZSD and implemented the validated ZSD algorithm to generate a decadal satellite time series (2002–2012) for the GBR. Water clarity varied significantly in space and time. Seasonal effects were distinct, with lower values during the austral summer, most likely due to river runoff and increased vertical mixing, and a decline in water clarity between 2008–2012, reflecting a prevailing La Niña weather pattern. The decline in water clarity was most pronounced in the inshore area, where a significant decrease in mean inner shelf ZSD of 2.1 m (from 8.3 m to 6.2 m) occurred over the decade. Empirical Orthogonal Function Analysis determined the dominance of Mode 1 (51.3%), with the greatest variation in water clarity along the mid-shelf, reflecting the strong influence of oceanic intrusions on the spatio-temporal patterns of water clarity. The newly developed photic depth product has many potential applications for the GBR from water quality monitoring to analyses of ecosystem responses to changes in water clarity.
Applications of Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) for the Characterization of Nanoparticles Developed for Biomedical Purposes
Authors: Canovi Mara , Lucchetti Jacopo , Stravalaci Matteo , Re Francesca , Moscatelli Davide , Bigini Paolo , Salmona Mario , Gobbi Marco
Published: November 2012

Great interest is currently being devoted to the development of nanoparticles (NPs) for biomedical purposes, designed to improve the pharmacokinetic profile of their cargos (either imaging probes or drugs) and to enhance the specific targeting at the disease site. Recent works suggest that Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR), widely used for the analysis of biomolecular interactions, represents a technique of choice for rapid and quantitative analyses of the interaction between NPs—functionalized with specific ligands—and their putative biological targets. Moreover, SPR can provide important details on the formation and the role of the protein “corona”, i.e., the protein layer which coats NPs once they come into contact with biological fluids. These novel applications of SPR sensors may be very useful to characterize, screen and develop nanodevices for biomedical purposes.
Study of Channel Characteristics for Galvanic-Type Intra-Body Communication Based on a Transfer Function from a Quasi-Static Field Model
Authors: Chen Xi , Mak Peng , Pun Sio , Gao Yue , Lam Chan-Tong , Vai Mang , Du Min
Published: November 2012

Intra-Body Communication (IBC), which modulates ionic currents over the human body as the communication medium, offers a low power and reliable signal transmission method for information exchange across the body. This paper first briefly reviews the quasi-static electromagnetic (EM) field modeling for a galvanic-type IBC human limb operating below 1 MHz and obtains the corresponding transfer function with correction factor using minimum mean square error (MMSE) technique. Then, the IBC channel characteristics are studied through the comparison between theoretical calculations via this transfer function and experimental measurements in both frequency domain and time domain. High pass characteristics are obtained in the channel gain analysis versus different transmission distances. In addition, harmonic distortions are analyzed in both baseband and passband transmissions for square input waves. The experimental results are consistent with the calculation results from the transfer function with correction factor. Furthermore, we also explore both theoretical and simulation results for the bit-error-rate (BER) performance of several common modulation schemes in the IBC system with a carrier frequency of 500 kHz. It is found that the theoretical results are in good agreement with the simulation results.
Watteau et Marivaux : deux témoins d'une mutation du sentiment amoureux au XVIIIe siècle
Authors: Duccini Hélène
Published: November 2012

Résumé Watteau (1684-1721) et Marivaux (1688-1763) sont tous deux contemporains et témoins d’une mutation de l’expression du sentiment amoureux au début du xviii e  siècle. Ils expriment dans leurs œuvres et avec des moyens différents ces changements. Le « marivaudage » est déjà présent dans les « fêtes galantes », nouveau genre, qui prend sa place dans la série de ceux reconnus par l’Académie de peinture, avec la réception de L’Embarquement pour Cythère que Watteau présente en 1718. Dans ses deux versions (celle du Louvre, puis celle de Berlin) du voyage vers Cythère, l’île qui a vu naître Vénus des flots de la mer, Watteau traduit les étapes du sentiment amoureux qui commence par des aveux chuchotés, puis s’épanouit dans une déclaration avant de permettre aux couples ainsi formés de prendre le large vers Cythère. Le théâtre de Marivaux est lui aussi marqué par cette forme nouvelle de l’expression du sentiment amoureux, plus personnel, plus respectueux du partenaire ou de la partenaire. Dans la conquête de la liberté propre au xviii e  siècle, le choix du conjoint devient l’apanage des futurs mariés et leur sentiment finit par l’emporter sur les intérêts matériels des familles et le souci des lignages. Les pères ont leur mot à dire, mais les enfants ont le droit d’avoir eux-mêmes leur préférence. Le peintre et l’homme de théâtre, témoins de cette évolution, lui donnent une expression nouvelle dans des paysages mélancoliques et, au théâtre, dans les dialogues des « Jeux de l’Amour et du hasard ».
Dix heures et demie du soir à la radio : l'amour sur les ondes
Authors: Deleu Christophe
Published: November 2012

Résumé Est-il possible de parler d’amour à la radio ? À l’époque d’Internet, marqué par l’imbrication de la sphère privée et de la sphère publique, on pourrait présupposer qu’il n’existe plus de limite à la liberté d’expression dans les médias. Nous voudrions au contraire montrer que notre paysage radiophonique reste très surveillé. Et que ce sont les sujets d’ordre sexuel qui sont les plus encadrés, et qui suscitent le plus de controverses. Pour cela, nous montrons dans quel contexte socioculturel les thématiques relatives à la sexualité sont apparues à la radio, et comment les pouvoirs publics ont été amenés à réguler la liberté d’expression (rôle dévolu aujourd’hui au Conseil supérieur de l’audiovisuel). Retracer l’émergence de la sexualité à la radio et étudier les décisions du CSA en matière de liberté d’expression permet de dessiner la frontière, aux contours parfois flous, entre ce qui dicible à la radio et ce qui est encore considéré comme attentatoire à l’ordre public.
« Écris-moi et tu te diras qui tu es » : les sites de rencontre comme lieux de réenchantement de soi
Authors: Zerbib Olivier
Published: November 2012

Résumé Les sites de rencontre ont ceci d’intéressant qu’ils mettent en interrelations des individus par le biais de dispositifs normalisés, normés et rationalisés, tout en autorisant paradoxalement l’expression de formes de créativité dans la mise en scène d’eux-mêmes et dans les échanges avec autrui. En effet, ils donnent d’abord l’occasion d’observer les façons dont les individus asservissent ces dispositifs afin de communiquer une image d’eux-mêmes la plus favorable possible (il s’agit de séduire). Ils autorisent également l’analyse des voies par lesquelles ces actes de communication leurs fournissent l’occasion d’entamer un travail sur soi d’autant plus performatif que ce dernier se trouve médiatisé et inscrit dans le cadre de sociabilités tour à tour distantes et intimes. À l’image du personnage d’Oscar Wilde, Dorian Gray, dont les actes se trouvent influencés par le portrait qu’il contribue lui-même à dessiner, les utilisateurs des sites de rencontre produisent des récits d’eux-mêmes qui peuvent devenir performatifs par leur inscription au cœur de sociabilités électroniques. En apparence frustres et orientés vers la réduction des sentiments individuels à de pures logiques rationnelles et utilitaristes, les sites de rencontre autorisent au contraire le développement de formes de réflexivité inédites, bien loin de se borner aux logiques d’actions pratiques et conventionnelles sur lesquelles insistent pourtant la plupart des analyses qui en sont faites. En cherchant l’amour, les internautes en viennent à réfléchir non seulement à ce qu’ils sont et à celui ou celle qu’ils recherchent, mais encore aux ressources dont ils disposent pour exprimer leurs sentiments amoureux.
Kyoto, Doha et après : enjeux autour des négociations de l’après-Kyoto
Authors: Weissenberger Sebastian
Published: November 2012

À la suite des conférences sur le climat de Copenhague et Durban, la politique climatique mondiale se trouve à la croisée des chemins. D’un côté, le renouvellement du protocole de Kyoto après la fin de la première période d’engagement en 2012 est incertain. De l’autre côté, un nouveau traité climatique rassemblant l’ensemble des États du monde doit être négocié d’ici 2015 pour entrer en vigueur en 2020. La répartition de ces cibles entre les différents groupes de pays – pays industrialisés, pays en voie de développement, pays en transition, relève de considérations éthiques, pragmatiques et politiques. Ultimement, tous les pays devront être prêts à des compromis, si l’objectif de stabilisation du climat énoncé à Copenhague doit être respecté. Cependant, les aspects de justice climatique ne pourront pas être laissés de côté.
Cutting Edge: Tumor-Targeting Antibodies Enhance NKG2D-Mediated NK Cell Cytotoxicity by Stabilizing NK Cell–Tumor Cell Interactions
Authors: Deguine Jacques , Breart Béatrice , Lemaître Fabrice , Bousso Philippe
Published: November 2012

Monoclonal antibodies represent a promising approach to fight a variety of tumors, but their mode of action remains to be fully understood. NK cells can recognize Ab-coated targets, as well as stress ligands, on tumor cells. In this study, we investigated how NK cells integrate both kinds of activating signals. NK cell–mediated killing was maximal with the combined recognition of NKG2D ligands and Ab; surprisingly, only NKG2D engagement substantially enhanced degranulation. Conversely, Ab recognition by NK cells uniquely increased contact stability with tumor cells. Furthermore, using intravital imaging of solid tumors, we showed that Ab recognition favored prolonged interactions between NK cells and targets. Altogether, our results demonstrate that NK cell–mediated killing can be differentially regulated at the level of degranulation and contact stability by distinct activating receptors. Thus, complementary signals mediated by recognition of stress ligands and tumor-specific Abs may contribute to the efficacy of NK cells during mAb therapy.
MARCO Is Required for TLR2- and Nod2-Mediated Responses to Streptococcus pneumoniae and Clearance of Pneumococcal Colonization in the Murine Nasopharynx
Authors: Dorrington Michael G. , Roche Aoife M. , Chauvin Sarah E. , Tu Zhongyuan , Mossman Karen L. , Weiser Jeffrey N. , Bowdish Dawn M. E.
Published: November 2012

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a common human pathogen that accounts for >1 million deaths every year. Colonization of the nasopharynx by S. pneumoniae precedes pulmonary and other invasive diseases and, therefore, is a promising target for intervention. Because the receptors scavenger receptor A (SRA), macrophage receptor with collagenous structure (MARCO), and mannose receptor (MR) have been identified as nonopsonic receptors for S. pneumoniae in the lung, we used scavenger receptor knockout mice to study the roles of these receptors in the clearance of S. pneumoniae from the nasopharynx. MARCO−/−, but not SRA−/− or MR−/−, mice had significantly impaired clearance of S. pneumoniae from the nasopharynx. In addition to impairment in bacterial clearance, MARCO−/− mice had abrogated cytokine production and cellular recruitment to the nasopharynx following colonization. Furthermore, macrophages from MARCO−/− mice were deficient in cytokine and chemokine production, including type I IFNs, in response to S. pneumoniae. MARCO was required for maximal TLR2- and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain–containing (Nod)2-dependent NF-κB activation and signaling that ultimately resulted in clearance. Thus, MARCO is an important component of anti-S. pneumoniae responses in the murine nasopharynx during colonization.
Indigenous knowledge in the life sciences classroom: Science, pseudo-science or a missing link?
Authors: De Beer Josef J. , Van Wyk Ben-Erik
Published: November 2012

Although the life sciences curriculum asks for the inclusion of indigenous knowledge systems in the classroom, it is either done very superficially by only providing an example or two, or ignored completely. This mixed-methods study (with emphasis on the qualitative inquiry) on the status of indigenous knowledge in the life sciences classroom in Gauteng and Limpopo, once again echoed what Rogan and Grayston (2003) reported: the South African curriculum process focuses too much on the what (the curriculum itself) at the expense of the how (the implementation of the curriculum). Although the progressive curriculum makes it clear that indigenous knowledge should be addressed, it provides very little guidance to teachers on how this should be done. Two problems are highlighted in this article: teachers’ lack of pedagogical content knowledge in addressing indigenous knowledge systems, as well as their poor understanding of the nature of science. A teacher’s social responsibility also entails making learners aware of the cultural and practical value of indigenous knowledge, and stimulating learners’ interest in scientific fields such as ethnobotany and chemotaxonomy.