bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scaling up the chemical treatment of spent oil-in-water emulsions from a non-ferrous metal-processing plant
Authors: Lazarevic Vesna , Krstic Ivan , Lazic Miodrag , Savic Dragisa , Skala Dejan , Veljkovic Vlada
Published: May 2012

The treatment of spent oil-in-water emulsion (SOWE) from a non-ferrous
metal-processing plant by using aluminum sulfate and hydrated lime was
studied to determine the purification efficiency, to optimize the operating
conditions and to scale up the treatment process. The purification efficiency
was estimated by comparing the compositions of the SOWE and the processed
wastewater. The treatment efficiency does not depend on the type of mineral
oil and filter aid. The optimum doses of aluminum sulfate and hydrated lime
must be experimentally determined for each batch of SOWEs, but the results
obtained at laboratory level are applicable at pilot level. The processed
wastewater and the filter cake from the process can be safely disposed into
public sewage systems and at municipal waste landfills, respectively. The
purification efficiency was higher than 98% with respect to total suspended
solids, chemical oxygen demand and oil and grease, and was comparable to the
known treatment processes based on coagulation/flocculation followed by
sedimentation.
Properties and synthesis of milrinone
Authors: Mirkovic Jelena , Mijin Dusan , Petrovic Slobodan
Published: May 2012

Milrinone, 1,6-dihydro-2-methyl-6-oxo-[3,4?-bipyridine]-5-carbonitrile, is a
positive inotropic cardiotonic agent with vasodilator properties that acts as
selective phosphodiesterase 3 inhibitor in cardiac and vascular smooth
muscle. Trade names of milrinone are Primacor, Corotrop, Corotrope, and
Milrila. Milrinone, an amrinone derivative, is 20 to 50 times more active
than amrinone and possesses reduced propensity to side effects. The use of
milrinone has created controversy in the medical as the result of increased
mortality rate among patients that received high amounts of milrinone in oral
form. Reaserch show that it can be benifitial for patients with severe
congestive heart failure when used as short-time intravenous therapy.
Milrinone properties, stability, as well as mechanism of action and synthesis
under laboratory and industry conditions have been described in this paper.
For industrial purposes milrinone is synthesized by condensation of
cyanoacetamide with 4-(dimethylamino)-3-(4-pyridinyl)-3-buten-2-one and
4-ethoxy-3-(4-pyridinyl)-3-buten-2-one in presence of a base, or by the
reaction of 1-(4-pyridinyl)- 2-propanone with ethoxymethylenmalononitrile or
4-alkoxy-3-(4-pyridinyl)-3-buten-2-one with malononitrile without the use of
external base. The starting compound for these syntheses is 4-picoline.
Alternative synthesis of milrinone starts from
2-methyl-3-(4-pyridylidiene)-1,1,5-tricyano-1,4-pentadiene-5-carboxamide and
2-methyl-6-oxo-1,6-dihydro-3,4?-bipyridine-5-carboxamide. Lastly, methods for
milrinone synthesis in laboratory, injection preparation and purification
have been summarized.
‘You're in Cruel England Now!’: Teaching Research Ethics through Reality Television
Authors: Burr Viv , King Nigel
Published: May 2012

This article reports findings from a one-year research project funded by the Higher Education Academy (HEA) Psychology Network. The research aimed to explore the use of ‘reality’ television in teaching research ethics to psychology undergraduates and this article reports on those findings that have particular relevance for qualitative research methods. Experience of teaching research ethics suggests that students can find the process of thinking through ethical issues in qualitative work quite challenging. Ethical issues in qualitative research can be subtly different from, or more complex than, those raised by quantitative studies, and yet most textbooks that deal with research ethics tend to focus on the latter. This article presents findings from a research project by the authors, which suggest that using familiar material such as TV programmes, and in particular ‘reality’ TV, can be effective in helping students address ethical issues in qualitative research. Fifteen second-year psychology undergraduates were shown an extract from an episode of Big Brother (Channel 4). They were then asked to discuss in small groups the ethical issues they felt it raised, and these discussions were audio-recorded. Subsequently, they were asked to apply their thinking to a research brief by discussing the ethical issues it raised, suggesting ideas for design and then writing a research proposal. This article reports findings from the first stage of the project. It presents evidence from the discussion groups indicating that the TV material had promoted an in-depth consideration of some ethical issues that can be challenging for students to address in relation to qualitative work, notably informed consent, confidentiality and risk of harm.
Loss of Feedback Information Given during Oral Presentations
Authors: Elfering Achim , Grebner Simone , Wehr Silke
Published: May 2012

Oral presentation of a research proposal for a Master's thesis can be stressful for psychology students. During and after the presentation, students often miss or forget feedback to their research proposal. The study tested whether information loss after receiving feedback depended upon the amount of supervisor feedback, the retention time, and experience in giving Master's thesis research proposal presentations. Students had to present a research proposal three times and feedback was recorded by a record clerk. After each presentation students were obliged to send their remembered feedback to their supervisors. Forty-three Master's students gave 101 presentations of their Master's thesis research proposal to their supervisors and colleagues. On average 40% of the supervisor feedback information was missed by students. Retention time, measured as the time between presentation and arrival of the student mail recording the remembered feedback, and the amount of supervisor feedback were positively related to loss of information. A significant interaction between the amount of supervisor feedback and retention time indicated that loss of information was immediate when supervisor feedback was extensive, while information loss was comparably low and increased moderately with retention time when supervisor feedback was brief. In stressful oral presentations recording of supervisor feedback is highly recommended.
Kaolin-activated thromboelastography in echocardiographically normal cats
Authors: Hall Daniel J. , Rush John E. , deLaforcade Armelle M. , Shaw Scott P.
Published: May 2012

Objective—To determine reference values for kaolin-activated thromboelastography in echocardiographically normal cats.

Animals—30 healthy cats without evidence of cardiomyopathy on echocardiographic examination.

Procedures—All cats underwent echocardiographic examination, the findings of which were reviewed by a board-certified cardiologist. Cats that struggled (n = 10) received mild sedation with butorphanol and midazolam IM to permit phlebotomy without interruption in jugular venous blood flow. Blood samples were collected for analysis of thromboelastography variables, PCV, total solids concentration, platelet count, activated partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time, fibrinogen concentration, and antithrombin concentration.

Results—All 4 thromboelastography variables had < 5% mean intra-assay variability. Mean values were as follows: reaction time, 4.3 minutes; clotting time, 1.6 minutes; α angle, 66.5°; and maximum amplitude, 56.4 mm. Compared with nonsedated cats, cats that required sedation had a significantly shorter clotting time and greater α angle, whereas reaction time and maximum amplitude were not significantly different.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Kaolin-activated thromboelastography was a reliable test with unremarkable intra-assay variability in echocardiographically normal cats. Sedation may affect certain thromboelastography variables, but the effect is unlikely to be clinically important. It remains unknown whether subclinical cardiomyopathy has a significant effect on thromboelastography variables in cats.
Correlation of hematocrit, platelet concentration, and plasma coagulation factors with results of thromboelastometry in canine whole blood samples
Authors: Smith Stephanie A. , McMichael Maureen A. , Gilor Shir , Galligan Alyssa J. , Hoh Crystal M.
Published: May 2012

Objective—To evaluate the components of canine whole blood samples that contribute to results of thromboelastometry (TEM).

Animals—127 healthy dogs.

Procedures—For each dog, a blood sample was collected from a jugular vein into tubes containing no anticoagulant, EDTA, or citrate anticoagulant. Citrated whole blood samples underwent TEM with tissue factor and TEM with ellagic acid. Indicators of RBC mass and platelet concentration were evaluated, and plasma coagulation tests were performed; data obtained were compared with results of TEM. For technical reasons, samples were not available from all dogs for all tests.

Results—Coagulation time was correlated with concentrations of primarily extrinsic pathway coagulation factors for TEM with tissue factor and with most factors via TEM with ellagic acid. Clot formation time, α angle, and maximum clot firmness were highly correlated with fibrinogen and platelet concentrations and some individual factor concentrations. Sample Hct was strongly correlated with most measured variables; low Hct was associated with relative hypercoagulability, and high Hct was associated with relative hypocoagulability.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—For TEM of canine blood samples, coagulation time was primarily a function of coagulation factor concentrations, whereas other variables were dependent on platelet and fibrinogen concentrations. Sample Hct strongly influenced the results of TEM, likely because RBCs act as a diluent for plasma coagulation factors. Thromboelastometry appeared to be affected by abnormalities of coagulation factors, platelet concentrations, and RBC mass. In samples from anemic patients, results of TEM indicative of hypercoagulability may be artifactual because of low RBC mass.
Evaluation of the biliary and brain distribution of technetium Tc 99m sestamibi in healthy dogs with the ABCB1 wildtype genotype before and after treatment with spinosad
Authors: MacKay Christopher S. , Mattoon John S. , Roberts Gregory D. , Tucker Russell L. , Morimoto Trevor R. , Mealey Katrina L.
Published: May 2012

Objective—To determine whether the reported drug-drug interaction between the flea medication spinosad and ivermectin is attributable to inhibition of P-glycoprotein by spinosad.

Animals—6 healthy adult dogs with the ABCB1 wildtype genotype.

Procedures—The study was conducted as a prospective, masked, randomized crossover design. Six dogs were allocated to 2 groups; each dog served as its own control animal. Dogs in one of the groups received spinosad at the manufacturer's recommended dose; the other group received no treatment. Forty-eight hours later, scintigraphic imaging of the head and abdomen were performed with the radiolabeled P-glycoprotein substrate methoxy-isobutyl-isonitrile (sestamibi) in both groups of dogs. After a washout period of 60 days, the dogs in each group received the alternate treatment, and scintigraphic imaging again was performed 48 hours later. Gallbladder-to-liver and brain-to-neck musculature ratios of technetium Tc 99m sestamibi were calculated for each dog and compared between treatments.

Results—No significant differences in gallbladder-to-liver or brain-to-neck musculature ratios were found between treatments.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results provided evidence that spinosad did not inhibit P-glycoprotein function 48 hours after spinosad was administered at the manufacturer's recommended dose. Further investigations will be necessary to elucidate the mechanism of the reported toxic interaction between spinosad and ivermectin.
Measurement of digital laminar and venous temperatures as a means of comparing three methods of topically applied cold treatment for digits of horses
Authors: Reesink Heidi L. , Divers Thomas J. , Bookbinder Lauren C. , van Eps Andrew W. , Soderholm Leo V. , Mohammed Hussni O. , Cheetham Jonathan
Published: May 2012

Objective—To compare effects of 3 methods of topically applied cold treatment (cryotherapy) on digital laminar and venous temperatures in horses.

Animals—9 healthy adult Thoroughbreds.

Procedures—Thermocouples were placed in palmar digital veins and digital laminae of both forelimbs of horses. Three methods of cryotherapy were applied to the distal aspects of the limbs: wader boot (63-cm-tall vinyl boot filled with ice and water [ice slurry]), ice bag (5-L fluid bag filled with ice slurry), and a gel pack boot (boot containing frozen gel packs). Gel packs and ice slurries were replenished every hour during cryotherapy. The forelimb that received the first treatment was randomly assigned; thereafter, control and treated forelimbs were alternated for each treatment. For each treatment, temperatures were recorded every minute during 15-minute pretreatment, 2-hour treatment, and ≥ 30 minute rewarming periods. Once temperatures had returned to within 3°C below pretreatment values, the experiment was repeated in a similar manner for other cryotherapy methods.

Results—Digital venous temperatures were similar to laminar temperatures during each treatment. Ice bag and wader boot treatments caused similar cooling of digits. Gel boot treatment did not cause substantial cooling of digits.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Ice bag treatment caused laminar and digital venous cooling equivalent to that of wader boot treatment. Cryotherapy by use of 5-L fluid bags with an ice slurry may be a readily available, practical, and efficient method for prevention of laminitis in horses. Digital laminar and venous temperatures were similar in forelimbs of horses before and during cryotherapy.
Effect of repeated oral administration of glucose and leucine immediately after exercise on plasma insulin concentration and glycogen synthesis in horses
Authors: Bröjer Johan T. , Nostell Katarina E. A. , Essén-Gustavsson Birgitta , Hedenström Ulf O.
Published: May 2012

Objective—To determine whether repeated oral administration of glucose and leucine during the period immediately after intense exercise would increase the release of insulin and thereby enhance glycogen synthesis in horses.

Animals—12 Standardbred horses.

Procedures—In a crossover study design, after glycogen-depleting exercise, horses received oral boluses of glucose (1 g/kg at 0, 2, and 4 hours) and leucine (0.1 g/kg at 0 and 4 hours) or boluses of water (10 mL/kg at 0, 2, and 4 hours; control treatment). Blood samples for determination of glucose, insulin, and leucine concentrations were collected prior to and during a 6-hour period immediately after exercise. Biopsy specimens of a gluteus muscle were obtained before and immediately after exercise and at 3, 6, and 24 hours after exercise for measurement of glycogen concentration.

Results—When glucose and leucine were administered to the horses, plasma insulin concentration was significantly higher during the 6 hours immediately after exercise than it was when water was administered to the horses. Serum glucose concentration during the 4 hours immediately after exercise was significantly higher when glucose and leucine were administered than the serum glucose concentration when water was administered. Muscle glycogen concentrations did not differ between the 2 treatments during the 24 hours after exercise.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Synthesis of muscle glycogen after intense intermittent exercise was not enhanced by oral boluses of glucose and leucine after exercise despite pronounced increases in plasma insulin and serum glucose concentrations.
Use of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor prior to autologous bone marrow transplantation in dogs with lymphoma
Authors: Lane Amy E. , Chan Marisa J. Y. , Wyatt Kenneth M.
Published: May 2012

Objective—To retrospectively assess the safety and efficacy of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) used as part of autologous bone marrow transplantation in dogs with lymphoma.

Animals—21 dogs with lymphoma at any disease stage.

Procedures—Medical records of dogs with lymphoma that underwent intensified chemotherapy and received an autologous bone marrow transplant following owner administration of recombinant human G-CSF (5 μg/kg, SC, q 12 h) for 7 days between January 2007 and July 2009 were reviewed. Results of physical examinations and CBCs performed before and at intervals during a 24-month period after G-CSF treatment were assessed. The safety of recombinant human G-CSF administration was determined via assessment of both short-term (ie, during the 7-day G-CSF treatment period) and long-term adverse effects.

Results—None of the dogs developed any adverse effect attributable to the administration of recombinant human G-CSF during G-CSF administration or during follow-up periods of 1 month to 2 years (median follow-up period, 4 months). Among the 18 dogs for which CBC results were available for analysis, mean circulating neutrophil count significantly increased after administration of recombinant human G-CSF, compared with value before treatment.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicated that recombinant human G-CSF administered SC at a dosage of 5 μg/kg every 12 hours for 7 days appeared to be safe and effective when used in dogs with lymphoma that were undergoing autologous bone marrow transplant.
Cardiovascular and respiratory effects of incremental doses of dopamine and phenylephrine in the management of isoflurane-induced hypotension in cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Wiese Ashley J. , Barter Linda S. , Ilkiw Jan E. , Kittleson Mark D. , Pypendop Bruno H.
Published: May 2012

Objective—To determine cardiopulmonary effects of incremental doses of dopamine and phenylephrine during isoflurane-induced hypotension in cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).

Animals—6 adult cats with severe naturally occurring HCM.

Procedures—Each cat was anesthetized twice (once for dopamine treatment and once for phenylephrine treatment; treatment order was randomized). Hypotension was induced by increasing isoflurane concentration. Cardiopulmonary data, including measurement of plasma concentration of cardiac troponin I (cTnI), were obtained before anesthesia, 20 minutes after onset of hypotension, and 20 minutes after each incremental infusion of dopamine (2.5, 5, and 10 μg/kg/min) or phenylephrine (0.25, 0.5, and 1 μg/kg/min).

Results—Mean ± SD end-tidal isoflurane concentration for dopamine and phenylephrine was 2.44 ± 0.05% and 2.48 ± 0.04%, respectively. Cardiac index and tissue oxygen delivery were significantly increased after administration of dopamine, compared with results after administration of phenylephrine. Systemic vascular resistance index was significantly increased after administration of phenylephrine, compared with results after administration of dopamine. Oxygen consumption remained unchanged for both treatments. Systemic and pulmonary arterial blood pressures were increased after administration of both dopamine and phenylephrine. Acid-base status and blood lactate concentration did not change and were not different between treatments. The cTnI concentration increased during anesthesia and infusion of dopamine and phenylephrine but did not differ significantly between treatments.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Dopamine and phenylephrine induced dose-dependent increases in systemic and pulmonary blood pressure, but only dopamine resulted in increased cardiac output. Hypotension and infusions of dopamine and phenylephrine caused significant increases in cTnI concentrations.
The role of Galactose in human health and disease
Authors: Manwar Hussain Muhammad , Hassan Mukhtarul , Shaik Noor , Iqbal Zeeshan
Published: May 2012

According to the universal biological findings, cellular bodies are covered with an intense coating of glycans. Diversity of glycan chains, linked to lipids and proteins is due to isomeric and conformational modifications of various sugar residues, giving rise to unique carbohydrate structures with a wide range of sequences and anomeric configurations. Proteins and lipids, carrying specific sugar residues (like Galactose) with particular stereochemical properties (sequence, anomery and linkages) are involved in broad spectrums of biological processes, including intercellular and intracellular interactions, microbial adhesion and cellular signaling. By studying the role of specific seterochemical features of galactose (Gal), we have improved our understanding about the normal physiology and diseases in human bodies.
Ventricular septal defects in function of maternal sociodemographic aspects
Authors: Vereczkey Attila , Kósa Zsolt , Csáky-Szunyogh Melinda , Urbán Róbert , Czeizel Andrew
Published: May 2012

The objective of our project is to reveal the possible etiological factors of different congenital cardiovascular abnormalities. In this study, we evaluated single ventricular septal defect (VSD) after surgical correction or with lethal outcome. The birth outcomes of these cases in the function of maternal socio-demographic features were evaluated. Data are based on 1,659 VSD cases, 2,534 matched controls and 38,151 all controls without any defects, in addition in the mothers of 19,393 malformed controls with other isolated defects in the population-based large dataset of the Hungarian Case-Control Surveillance of Congenital Abnormalities. VSD had mild female excess with a higher rate of preterm birth and mainly low birth weight indicating intrauterine growth restriction of affected fetuses, particularly in males and full-term or average weighted cases. The mothers of cases with VSD had lower socioeconomic status and higher rate of smoking and particularly drinking habit. The evaluation of medically recorded pregnancy complications showed an association of gestational diabetes with a higher risk of VSD. In conclusion, the association of small localized size of VDS and obvious fetal growth restriction needs further explanation in these cases, while gestational diabetes, lower socioeconomic status and adverse lifestyle of pregnant women may have a role in the origin of VSD.
Comprehensive Optical Investigations of Charge Order in Organic Chain Compounds (TMTTF)2X
Authors: Dressel Martin , Dumm Michael , Knoblauch Tobias , Masino Matteo
Published: May 2012

Charge ordering in the (TMTTF)2X salts with centrosymmetric anions (X = PF‾6 , AsF‾6 , SbF‾6 ) leads to a ferroelectric state around 100 K. For the first time and in great completeness, the intra- and intermolecular vibrational modes of (TMTTF)2X have been investigated by infrared and Raman spectroscopy as a function of temperature and pressure for different polarizations. In this original paper, we explore the development and amount of charge disproportionation and the coupling of the electronic degrees of freedom to the counterions and the underlying lattice. The methyl groups undergo changes with temperature that are crucial for the anion cage formed by them. We find that the coupling of the TMTTF molecules to the hexafluorine anions changes upon cooling and especially at the charge-order transition, indicating a distortion of the anion. Additional features are identified that are caused by the anharmonic potential. The spin-Peierls transition entails additional modifications in the charge distribution. To complete the discussion, we also add the vibrational frequencies and eigenvectors based on ab-initio quantum-chemical calculations.
Introduction to the Social Transformations from the Mobile Internet Special Issue
Authors: Farman Jason
Published: May 2012

The social transformations brought about by the mobile internet are extensive. In discussing the broad range of these transformations—positioned as a shift from personal computing to pervasive computing—this editorial elaborates on the key contributions addressed by the articles in this special issue of Future Internet. These articles touch on topics such as the digital divide, the role of the mobile internet in revolutions like the Arab Spring and the Occupy Wall Street movement, the development of site-specific and context-aware news, the incorporation of the internet into existing technologies like the automobile, and the utilization of the mobile internet to transform everyday spaces into game spaces.
Investigation of Antigen-Antibody Interactions of Sulfonamides with a Monoclonal Antibody in a Fluorescence Polarization Immunoassay Using 3D-QSAR Models
Authors: Wang Zhanhui , Kai Zhenpeng , Beier Ross C. , Shen Jianzhong , Yang Xinling
Published: May 2012

A three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship (3D-QSAR) model of sulfonamide analogs binding a monoclonal antibody (MAbSMR) produced against sulfamerazine was carried out by Distance Comparison (DISCOtech), comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA), and comparative molecular similarity indices analysis (CoMSIA). The affinities of the MAbSMR, expressed as Log10IC50, for 17 sulfonamide analogs were determined by competitive fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA). The results demonstrated that the proposed pharmacophore model containing two hydrogen-bond acceptors, two hydrogen-bond donors and two hydrophobic centers characterized the structural features of the sulfonamides necessary for MAbSMR binding. Removal of two outliers from the initial set of 17 sulfonamide analogs improved the predictability of the models. The 3D-QSAR models of 15 sulfonamides based on CoMFA and CoMSIA resulted in q2cv values of 0.600 and 0.523, and r2 values of 0.995 and 0.994, respectively, which indicates that both methods have significant predictive capability. Connolly surface analysis, which mainly focused on steric force fields, was performed to complement the results from CoMFA and CoMSIA. This novel study combining FPIA with pharmacophore modeling demonstrates that multidisciplinary research is useful for investigating antigen-antibody interactions and also may provide information required for the design of new haptens.
Effect of Dieckol, a Component of Ecklonia cava, on the Promotion of Hair Growth
Authors: Kang Jung-Il , Kim Sang-Cheol , Kim Min-Kyoung , Boo Hye-Jin , Jeon You-Jin , Koh Young-Sang , Yoo Eun-Sook , Kang Sung-Myung , Kang Hee-Kyoung
Published: May 2012

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Ecklonia cava, a marine alga native to Jeju Island in Korea, on the promotion of hair growth. When vibrissa follicles were cultured in the presence of E. cava enzymatic extract (which contains more than 35% of dieckol) for 21 days, E. cava enzymatic extract increased hair-fiber length. In addition, after topical application of the 0.5% E. cava enzymatic extract onto the back of C57BL/6 mice, anagen progression of the hair-shaft was induced. The treatment with E. cava enzymatic extract resulted in the proliferation of immortalized vibrissa dermal papilla cells (DPC). Especially, dieckol, among the isolated compounds from the E. cava enzymatic extract, showed activity that increased the proliferation of DPC. When NIH3T3 fibroblasts were treated with the E. cava enzymatic extract and the isolated compounds from the E. cava enzymatic extract, the E. cava enzymatic extract increased the proliferation of NIH3T3 fibroblasts, but the isolated compounds such as eckol, dieckol, phloroglucinol and triphlorethol-A did not affect the proliferation of NIH3T3 fibroblasts. On the other hand, the E. cava enzymatic extract and dieckol significantly inhibited 5α-reductase activity. These results suggest that dieckol from E. cava can stimulate hair growth by the proliferation of DPC and/or the inhibition of 5α-reductase activity.
Ceramic Identity Contributes to Mechanical Properties and Osteoblast Behavior on Macroporous Composite Scaffolds
Authors: Morales-Hernandez Diana G. , Genetos Damian C. , Working David M. , Murphy Kaitlin C. , Leach J. Kent
Published: May 2012

Implants formed of metals, bioceramics, or polymers may provide an alternative to autografts for treating large bone defects. However, limitations to each material motivate the examination of composites to capitalize on the beneficial aspects of individual components and to address the need for conferring bioactive behavior to the polymer matrix. We hypothesized that the inclusion of different bioceramics in a ceramic-polymer composite would alter the physical properties of the implant and the cellular osteogenic response. To test this, composite scaffolds formed from poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLG) and either hydroxyapatite (HA), β-tricalcium phosphate (TCP), or bioactive glass (Bioglass 45S®, BG) were fabricated, and the physical properties of each scaffold were examined. We quantified cell proliferation by DNA content, osteogenic response of human osteoblasts (NHOsts) to composite scaffolds by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and changes in gene expression by qPCR. Compared to BG-PLG scaffolds, HA-PLG and TCP-PLG composite scaffolds possessed greater compressive moduli. NHOsts on BG-PLG substrates exhibited higher ALP activity than those on control, HA-, or TCP-PLG scaffolds after 21 days, and cells on composites exhibited a 3-fold increase in ALP activity between 7 and 21 days versus a minimal increase on control scaffolds. Compared to cells on PLG controls, RUNX2 expression in NHOsts on composite scaffolds was lower at both 7 and 21 days, while expression of genes encoding for bone matrix proteins (COL1A1 and SPARC) was higher on BG-PLG scaffolds at both time points. These data demonstrate the importance of selecting a ceramic when fabricating composites applied for bone healing.
Preclinical Evaluation of Anticancer Efficacy and Pharmacological Properties of FBA-TPQ, a Novel Synthetic Makaluvamine Analog
Authors: Zhang Xiangrong , Xu Hongxia , Zhang Xu , Voruganti Sukesh , Murugesan Srinivasan , Nadkarni Dwayaja H. , Velu Sadanandan E. , Wang Ming-Hai , Wang Wei , Zhang Ruiwen
Published: May 2012

We have recently designed and synthesized a novel iminoquinone anticancer agent, 7-(4-fluorobenzylamino)-1,3,4,8-tetrahydropyrrolo[4,3,2-de]quinolin-8(1H)-one (FBA-TPQ) and initiated its preclinical development. Herein we investigated its efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics in in vitro and in vivo models of human pancreatic cancer. Our results demonstrated that FBA-TPQ inhibited pancreatic cancer cell growth, induced apoptosis, and caused cell cycle arrest in vitro. It inhibited the growth of xenograft tumors with minimal host toxicity. To facilitate future preclinical and clinical development of the agent, we also developed and validated a Rapid Resolution Liquid Chromatography (RRLC) method for quantitative analysis of FBA-TPQ in plasma and tissue samples. The method was found to be precise, accurate, and specific. Using this method, we carried out in vitro and in vivo evaluations of the pharmacological properties of FBA-TPQ, including stability in plasma, plasma protein binding, metabolism by S9 enzymes, plasma pharmacokinetics, and tissue distribution. Our results indicate that FBA-TPQ is a potential therapeutic agent for pancreatic cancer, providing a basis for future preclinical and clinical development.
Briarenolides F and G, New Briarane Diterpenoids from a Briareum sp. Octocoral
Authors: Hong Pei-Han , Su Yin-Di , Su Jui-Hsin , Chen Yung-Husan , Hwang Tsong-Long , Weng Ching-Feng , Lee Chia-Hung , Wen Zhi-Hong , Sheu Jyh-Horng , Lin Nai-Cheng , Kuo Yueh-Hsiung , Sung Ping-Jyun
Published: May 2012

Two new briarane diterpenoids, briarenolides, F (1) and G (2), were isolated from an octocoral identified as Briareum sp. The structures of briaranes 1 and 2 were established by spectroscopic methods and by comparison of the spectroscopic data with those of known briarane analogues. Briarenolide F was proven to be the first 6-hydroperoxybriarane derivative and this compound displayed a significant inhibitory effect on the generation of superoxide anion by human neutrophils.
The Role of Foaming Agent and Processing Route in the Mechanical Performance of Fabricated Aluminum Foams
Authors: Byakova Alexandra , Gnyloskurenko Svyatoslav , Nakamura Takashi
Published: May 2012

The results of the present study highlight the role of foaming agent and processing route in influencing the contamination of cell wall material by side products, which, in turn, affect the macroscopic mechanical response of closed-cell Al-foams. Several kinds of Al-foams have been produced with pure Al by the Alporas melt process and powder metallurgical technique, all performed either with conventional TiH2 foaming agent or CaCO3 as an alternative. Mechanical characteristics of contaminating products induced by processing additives, all of which were presented in one or another kind of Al-foam, have been determined in indentation experiments. Damage behavior of these contaminations affects the micro-mechanism of deformation and favors either plastic buckling or brittle failure of the cell walls. It is justified that there is no discrepancy between experimental values of compressive strengths for Al-foams comprising ductile Al + Al4Ca eutectic domains and those prescribed by theoretical models for closed-cell structure. However, the presence of low ductile Al + Al3Ti + Al4Ca eutectic domains and brittle particles/layers of Al3Ti, fine CaCO3/CaO particles, Al2O3 oxide network, and, especially, residues of partially reacted TiH2, results in reducing the compressive strength to values close to or even below those of open-cell foams of the same relative density.
Report from the Biennial Scientific Meeting of the Australasian Section of the American Oil Chemists Society (AAOCS) Held in Adelaide, November 2011
Authors: Miller Matthew R.
Published: May 2012

The Australasian section of the American Oil Chemists Society (AAOCS) held their biennial meeting in Adelaide, Australia on 8–11 November 2011. Over 70 scientists, researchers and industry representatives gathered for three days of talks and discussions on lipid related topics. A highlight was the hot topic symposium on the new olive oil standard being introduced in Australia. Paul Miller, Australian Olives Association, gave a compelling address on why the standard was needed. He demonstrated that the increase in price and demand for high quality olive oils has led to products falsely or misleadingly labelled. Furthermore, the genetic and seasonal variation in minor components of olive oil has led to misclassifications. An extensive scientific and political process in Australia and overseas led to development of this new standard. Dr. Leandro Ravetti, Mordern Olives, demonstrated the development of two new methods, for analysis of pyropheophytins and diacylglycerols, are good indicators of modification by deodorisation of oils and show excellent correlation with organoleptic assessment with aging/degradation of extra virgin olive oils. Professor Rod Mailer finished this session with studies of actual adulteration cases in Australia and overseas, further highlighting the need for this new standard. [...]
Conducting composite materials from the biopolymer kappa-carrageenan and carbon nanotubes
Authors: Aldalbahi Ali , Chu Jin , Feng Peter , in het Panhuis Marc
Published: May 2012

Conducting composite films containing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were prepared by using the biopolymer kappa-carrageenan (KC) as a dispersant. Rheological studies indicated that 0.5% w/v was the appropriate KC concentration for dispersing CNTs. Our results showed that multiwalled nanotubes (MWNTs) required less sonic energy than single-walled nanotubes (SWNTs) for the dispersion process to be complete. Films prepared by vacuum filtration exhibited higher conductivity and improved mechanical characteristics compared to those prepared by evaporative casting. All composite films displayed sensitivity to water vapour, but MWNT films were more sensitive than SWNT films.
Les quatre paradoxes des institutions scolaires
Authors: Joing Isabelle , Mikulovic Jacques , Bui-Xuân Gilles
Published: May 2012

L’objet de la présente étude est d’identifier le fonctionnement des institutions scolaires françaises (leurs modes de penser et d’agir) afin de mieux comprendre les problématiques qui touchent profondément l’école et notamment celle de la violence. 26 collèges publics du Nord ont participé à l’étude. Les résultats mettent en évidence quatre paradoxes de fonctionnement qui semblent empêcher les institutions scolaires d’avancer dans leur lutte quotidienne contre la violence.
Évolution récente de l'emploi industriel dans les territoires ruraux et urbains : une analyse structurelle-géographique sur données françaises
Authors: Gaigné Carl , Piguet Virginie , Schmitt Bertrand
Published: May 2012

Résumé On propose une analyse structurelle-géographique (analyse shift and share) de la croissance locale de l’emploi entre 1990 et 1999 et s’appuyant sur l’évolution sectorielle des emplois industriels dans le Zonage en Aires Urbaines. Nous mettons en évidence que l’augmentation de la part de l’emploi industriel dans l’espace rural peut être imputée à des avantages spécifiques aux territoires de faible densité, communs à tous les secteurs. Ces avantages « ruraux » sont loin d’être négligeables puisqu’ils compensent le fait que ces territoires ruraux attirent des firmes appartenant plutôt à des secteurs ayant fortement subi la crise industrielle. À l’inverse, les pôles urbains, surtout ceux de grande taille, combinent un effet structurel positif (i.e. une localisation plutôt urbaine des secteurs les plus dynamiques) avec un effet géographique négatif (i.e. une tendance à la chute de l’emploi industriel urbain quel que soit le secteur considéré). Les espaces périurbains qui les entourent offrent des caractéristiques favorables à l’implantation de tout secteur industriel, sans que la structure des secteurs présents ne joue de rôle significatif ni positivement, ni négativement.
Les indices d'écologie du paysage à l'épreuve du marché foncier
Authors: Dumas Estelle , Geniaux Ghislain , Napoléone Claude
Published: May 2012

Résumé Les aménités paysagères jouant sur les choix individuels de localisation, sont généralement décrites dans la littérature économique en terme d’accessibilité aux aménagements paysagers urbains (un parc ou une forêt urbaine par exemple) ou aux espaces ouverts dans l’environnement immédiat des villes. Nous inscrivant dans la lignée des travaux de GEOGHEGAN et al. 1997, nous proposons une méthode couplant analyse hédonique et utilisation d’indices d’écologie du paysage, en nous appuyant sur une importante base de données des ventes des maisons individuelles spatialisées à l’échelle de la section cadastrale (département des Bouches du Rhône, 15 000 ventes utilisés sur les 35000 ventes enregistrées entre 1990 et 2001). Cette démarche pluridisciplinaire nous permet de tester la gamme large de descripteurs des paysages périurbains et ruraux que fournissent les traitements géomatiques actuels des images satellitales de haute résolution, afin d’identifier ceux valorisés au sein du marché foncier.
Demande d'enseignement supérieur et attractivité des régions françaises pour les étudiants (1990-2002)
Authors: Dévoué Élina Marie
Published: May 2012

Résumé En France, les effectifs de l’enseignement supérieur n’évoluent pas de façon homogène selon les régions. Aussi l’objectif de ce travail est-il double. Il tente, d’une part, de rechercher les déterminants de la demande d’enseignement supérieur dans les régions françaises. Il propose, d’autre part, des indicateurs d’attractivité des régions pour les étudiants. D’après nos résultats, les trois régions les plus attractives pour les étudiants durant la période 1997-2002 sont : Île-de-France, Midi-Pyrénées et Rhône-Alpes.
Les migrations étudiantes dans le système universitaire français au début des années 90
Authors: Baron Myriam
Published: May 2012

Résumé Le système universitaire français a connu de grands bouleversements au cours des années 90. Des études nombreuses et à différents niveaux géographiques ont été menées pour caractériser la répartition des formations universitaires. En revanche, les travaux sont beaucoup moins nombreux et variés sur les migrations des étudiants au sein du système universitaire français. L’objet de cette note est de montrer les possibilités offertes par la mise à disposition des bases de données de la DEP et la manière dont l’étude de ces bases permet de cerner les migrations étudiantes. On apporte des éléments de réponse à quelques questions : que mesure-t-on ? Quels ordres de grandeur ? Quelles relations particulières entre pôles universitaires ?
Innovation technologique et marketing industriel des entreprises productrices de circuits imprimés du district électronique des Marches
Authors: Rosaria Marcone Maria
Published: May 2012

Résumé Cette recherche apporte des éléments de connaissance sur les stratégies des entreprises « localisées dans un territoire », qui innovent leurs activités de projet, de production et de marketing dans le domaine des processus de sous-traitance internationale. La recherche a l’objectif d’étudier les modifications actuelles de la structure de l’offre et de la demande du secteur des circuits imprimés (PCB) dans le district industriel de Castelfidardo. Cette étude analyse aussi les stratégies de croissance des entreprises électroniques des Marches.
Les communautés virtuelles : la coordination sans proximité ? Les fondements de la coopération au sein des communautés du logiciel libre
Authors: Coris Marie , Lung Yannick
Published: May 2012

Résumé VIRTUAL COMMUNITIES : COORDINATION WITHOUT PROXIMITY ? The dynamics of cooperation within free and open source software communuities Sans proximité organisationnelle préexistante ni proximité géographique, les communautés du logiciel libre et open source mettent en œuvre une coopération effective se traduisant par la production de logiciels de qualité et largement diffusés en dehors de leur communauté d’origine. Rejetant la thèse du déterminisme technologique, l’article analyse la prégnance de la proximité institutionnelle qui permet de penser la construction de la proximité organisationnelle en même temps qu’elle autorise un affranchissement de la proximité géographique.
Metropolisation, concentration et ségrégation dans les villes européennes et américaines : une comparaison Costa-Rica, France et Mexique
Authors: Mignot Dominique , Villarreal Gonzalez Diana Rebecca
Published: May 2012

Résumé L’hypothèse centrale qui sous-tend notre recherche est celle d’une permanence des tendances lourdes à la métropolisation et à la ségrégation des populations et des activités, notamment par l’émergence de polarités périphériques situées sur les axes principaux de transport. Les différents travaux effectués sur le Costa-Rica, la France et le Mexique nous ont conduit de fait à insister beaucoup plus sur la dimension de la ségrégation dans les évolutions à l’œuvre. Pour caractériser la métropolisation, il nous semble dorénavant nécessaire d’évoquer un triple phénomène de concentration, d’étalement urbain et de ségrégation.
Enchevêtrement des espaces de régulation et gouvernance territoriale. Les processus d'innovation institutionnelle dans la politique des Pays en France
Authors: Gilly Jean-Pierre , Wallet Frédéric
Published: May 2012

Résumé Les travaux économiques consacrés aux relations entre niveaux d’autorité publique utilisent une conception de l’innovation institutionnelle traditionnellement limitée à la capacité des agents à modifier les défaillances de contrats incomplets. Par conséquent, ils peinent à rendre compte de la complexité des mécanismes de régulation associés aux politiques publiques, et plus précisément au changement institutionnel. Cette contribution entend donc traiter de la compréhension de ces mécanismes d’innovation au sein des dispositifs d’action publique et de leur impact sur les processus de régulation des territoires à partir de l’approche des dynamiques de proximités, jugée plus pertinente. L’exposé démarre par une analyse de la complexité des mécanismes d’innovation institutionnelle. Puis est prise en compte l’imbrication de territoires régis par des dispositifs institutionnels différenciés à partir de la notion d’hybridation institutionnelle. Cette réflexion théorique est enfin appliquée à la mise en œuvre de la politique des Pays en France, et plus précisément au territoire du Pays des Coteaux de Bigorre, situé dans les Hautes-Pyrénées.
L'interaction entre usage du sol et comportements de mobilité. Méthodologie et application a l'aire urbaine de Bordeaux
Authors: Pouyanne Guillaume
Published: May 2012

Résumé L’influence de la forme urbaine sur la mobilité quotidienne passe par une dimension quantitative, l’intensité d’occupation des sols, et une dimension qualitative, les modalités d’usage du sol. Les nombreuses études empiriques portant sur ce thème leur adjoignent des variables socio-démographiques, supposant implicitement que les facteurs de forme urbaine et socio-démographiques agissent séparément sur les comportements de mobilité. Nous soulevons dans cet article la possibilité d’une relation causale entre la localisation dans une forme urbaine spécifique et les caractéristiques socio-démographiques, qui viendrait remettre en cause les résultats précédemment obtenus. Il est donc pertinent de compléter le schéma conceptuel antérieur : nous formulons le cadre de « l’interaction triangulaire », qui nécessite une technique économétrique adaptée. La régression typologique permet le contrôle statistique d’un type de facteurs au profit de l’autre. Une application empirique sur l’aire urbaine de Bordeaux confirme l’intérêt de cette méthode dans l’étude de l’interaction entre usage du sol et mobilité.
Fostering Interaction to Enhance Learning in Online Learning Environments
Authors: Keengwe Jared , Schnellert Gary
Published: May 2012

Interaction is central to educational experiences in online learning environments. Interaction enhances learning by fostering three types of learning interaction: learner-instructor, learner-learner, and learner-content. Additionally, online students generally perceive interaction as an effective means of learning. Therefore, it is important for online instructors to create opportunities for interaction in online learning environments. This article stimulates reflections on the critical role of interaction in online learning. A primary implication based on the challenges reported in the study is that instructors need to reflect on effective ways to design and implement successful online learning environments. For instance, instructors could anticipate these challenges by focusing on the development of online tools such as wikis to enhance effective online interaction.
Online Graduate Students’ Perceptions of Face-to-Face Classroom Instruction
Authors: Keengwe Jared , Wilsey Biljana Belamaric
Published: May 2012

This article reports online graduate students’ perceptions of face-to-face classroom instruction in a doctoral program at a large public university in the eastern United States. The purpose of this study is to examine the experiences of graduate students returning to a face-to-face classroom after becoming accustomed to online learning. The students’ online course experiences impacted their subsequent return to the face-to-face classroom in terms of logistics (anxiety finding a physical classroom, budgeting time to make it there) and learning (including interactions with students and instructors). The primary impact was increased appreciation of face-to-face interactions. Instructors also gained experience applying some other strategies to improve their classes. These findings could inform course developers and instructors about student expectations in face-to-face classrooms as well as stimulate reflections on recommendations for instructional improvements to enhance student learning.