bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inactivation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in electrochemical advanced oxidation process with diamond electrodes
Authors: Griessler M. , Knetsch S. , Schimpf E. , Schmidhuber A. , Schrammel B. , Wesner W. , Sommer R. , Kirschner A. K. T.
Published: May 2011

The electrochemical advanced oxidation process (EAOP) with diamond electrodes may serve as an additional technology to the currently approved methods for water disinfection. Only few data exist on the microbicidal effect of the EAOP. The aim of our study was to investigate the microbicidal effect of a flow-through oxidation cell with diamond electrodes, using Pseudomonas aeruginosa as the test organism. Without electrical current the EAOP had no measurable effect on investigated microbiological and chemical parameters. For direct electrical current a stronger impact was observed at low flow rate than at higher flow rate. Depending on the contact time of the oxidants and the type of quenching reagent added, inactivation of P. aeruginosa was in the range log 1.6–3.6 at the higher flow rate and log 2.4–4.4 at the lower rate. Direct electrical current showed a stronger microbicidal effect than alternating current (maximum reduction log 4.0 and log 2.9, respectively). The microbiological results of experiments with this EAOP prototype revealed higher standard deviations than expected, based on our experience with standard water disinfection methods. Safe use of an EAOP system requires operating parameters to be defined and used accurately, and thus specific monitoring tests must be developed.
A Tail-Payoff Puzzle in Dynamic Pollution Control
Authors: Iho Antti , Kitti Mitri
Published: May 2011

We analyze dynamic models with negative externalities occurring from production capital and input use. We uncover a puzzle related to such models: evaluated with a social welfare function, the steady-state outcome of a socially optimal policy, and thus the tail of the corresponding payoff sequence, may yield a smaller social payoff than a market outcome. The main questions we address are under what conditions this phenomenon arises and how general it is. We show that there are always Pareto-optimal policies which lead to the puzzle when the discount rate is fixed. In addition to discounting, the driving force of our results is that the periodic pollution and profits are linked to production capital. We demonstrate the puzzle with a model for controlling phosphorus losses from crop production. We argue that the puzzle should be taken into account in the policy analysis of dynamic problems, including negative externalities.
Bringing the Olympic Rationality Back In? Coherence, Integration and Effectiveness of Public Policies
Authors: Lanzalaco Luca
Published: May 2011

The article analyses, from a theoretical point of view, the concept of policy coherence, the processes of policy integration and their relevance for governmental action. Four topics are taken into consideration: a) the different analytical dimensions of the concept of policy integration, b) the conditions under which policy integration, is really needed and when, on the contrary, it is only a “good practice” taken-for- granted and adopted even if it is not useful, c) the costs and benefits of policy integration and d) the politics of policy coordination and integration.
Industry- versus Task-Based Experience and Auditor Performance
Authors: Moroney Robyn , Carey Peter
Published: May 2011

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relative influence of industry- and task-based experience on auditor performance. Prior research has shown that both forms of experience can be beneficial, but studies thus far have not clarified their relative importance. Non-specialist auditor participants are used as they gain task experience across a range of industries, making it possible to disentangle the impact of each on performance. The literature indicates that the knowledge gained from industry-based experience can be applied to unfamiliar tasks set within a familiar industry context. Results from a behavioral experiment indicate that, as expected, industry-based experience has a more significant impact on auditor performance than task-based experience. Performance gains through industry experience are found to occur quickly and then level out. Reported results have implications for audit staff allocations to optimize auditor performance.

JEL Classifications: M42.

Data Availability: Data and the tasks used in this study are available on request.
Firm versus Partner Measures of Auditor Industry Expertise and Effects on Auditor Quality
Authors: Chi Hsin-Yi , Chin Chen-Lung
Published: May 2011

This paper first examines whether the Big 4 audit quality is associated with auditor industry expertise, measured as both individual partner- and audit firm-level leadership. We focus on a sample of listed firms in Taiwan, where audit reports must be audited and signed by the two signing auditors as well as by an audit firm. For accruals analyses, we find that differential discretionary accruals due to industry expertise are driven by a combination of firm and partner expertise. For audit opinion analyses, we find that differential likelihood of a modified audit opinion (hereafter, MAO) is primarily attributable to signing auditor specialists. We also find that firm-level specialists alone are not associated with a higher likelihood of issuing a MAO. However, firm-level specialists, in combination with signing auditor specialists, can add something over and above the effects of the signing auditor specialists alone. Second, we further examine whether there is differential audit quality between signing auditors (i.e., lead and concurring auditors). We find that clients of lead signing auditor specialists, either alone or in conjunction with concurring auditor specialists, have smaller accruals and are more likely to receive a MAO compared to those of nonspecialists. However, concurring auditor specialists alone are not associated with higher audit quality, in terms of either smaller accruals or a higher MAO likelihood. Thus, we conclude that industry expertise is not homogeneous across individual auditors within the same audit firm in Taiwan.

Data Availability: Data are available from the sources identified in the text.
An Intertemporal Analysis of Audit Fees and Section 404 Material Weaknesses
Authors: Hoag Matthew L. , Hollingsworth Carl W.
Published: May 2011

The objective of this study is to perform an intertemporal examination of audit fees paid to public accounting firms in association with the presence and subsequent remediation of a Section 404 material weakness. We examine a large sample of Section 404 audit opinions and audit fees over a four-year period (2004–2007) and find that audit fees decline for companies that remediate a material weakness, but show that the corresponding fee reductions do not occur instantaneously. Further, despite these observed fee reductions for remediating companies, we find that audit fees are 19 percent higher three years after the initial remediation as compared to a sample of companies who never report an adverse 404 opinion. We also find that fee premiums are nearly double for companies reporting consecutive adverse 404 opinions. Finally, we note that companies with a more severe company-level weakness pay a premium that is more than twice that of companies with an account-level weakness.
The Impact of Client and Misstatement Characteristics on the Disposition of Proposed Audit Adjustments
Authors: Joe Jennifer , Wright, and Arnold , Wright Sally
Published: May 2011

We present evidence on the resolution of proposed audit adjustments during a unique time period, immediately following several U.S. financial scandals and surrounding calls for reforms in auditing and financial reporting, which culminated in the passage of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX). During this period, auditors and their clients faced increased scrutiny from investors and regulators. In addition, auditors had to contend with changed incentives, a new external regulator (i.e., the PCAOB), and upcoming annual PCAOB inspections. We extend prior studies by considering a broader range of factors potentially impacting the resolution of proposed adjustments, including the effect of client tenure, strength of internal controls, and repeat adjustments. Data on 458 proposed adjustments are obtained from the working papers of a sample of 163 audit engagements conducted during 2002 by a Big 4 firm. We find that 24.2 percent of proposed adjustments were subsequently waived. The results indicate audit adjustments are more likely to be waived for clients with whom the audit firm has had a longer relationship, although the pattern does not reflect favoring such clients. We also find that adjustments are more likely to be waived for repeat adjustments.

Data Availability: Due to a confidentiality agreement with the participating audit firm the data are proprietary.
Financial Statement Fraud Detection: An Analysis of Statistical and Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Perols Johan
Published: May 2011

This study compares the performance of six popular statistical and machine learning models in detecting financial statement fraud under different assumptions of misclassification costs and ratios of fraud firms to nonfraud firms. The results show, somewhat surprisingly, that logistic regression and support vector machines perform well relative to an artificial neural network, bagging, C4.5, and stacking. The results also reveal some diversity in predictors used across the classification algorithms. Out of 42 predictors examined, only six are consistently selected and used by different classification algorithms: auditor turnover, total discretionary accruals, Big 4 auditor, accounts receivable, meeting or beating analyst forecasts, and unexpected employee productivity. These findings extend financial statement fraud research and can be used by practitioners and regulators to improve fraud risk models.

Data Availability: A list of fraud companies used in this study is available from the author upon request. All other data sources are described in the text.
Fraudulent Management Explanations and the Impact of Alternative Presentations of Client Business Evidence
Authors: Wright William F. , Berger Leslie
Published: May 2011

Fraud risk assessment remains a demanding and complex task for auditors (Allen et al. 2006; Wilks and Zimbelman 2004). Our research context is planning of an audit when an accounting fraud has been committed and management has provided a fraudulent explanation for better-than-expected profitability. We test whether a business model versus a chronological presentation of client strategic and business process evidence will result in more precise expectations of a client's nonfraudulent revenue and higher assessments of a seeded fraud. When management provided a fraudulent explanation, the users of the business model presentation achieved better judgments by making more valid use of nonfinancial performance measures relative to fraudulent assertions made by management. When management did not provide a fraudulent explanation, there were no differences in judgment performance given the two evidence presentations.

Data Availability Contact the first author.
Emotional Intelligence: The Role of Accounting Education and Work Experience
Authors: Cook Gail Lynn , Bay Darlene , Visser Beth , Myburgh Jean E , Njoroge Joyce
Published: May 2011

Emotional intelligence may allow accountants to perform better in leadership, team building, client relations, and decision-making. Unfortunately, very little is known about the antecedents to emotional intelligence; however, there have been attempts to improve the emotional intelligence of university students through classroom exercises. It has also been suggested that work experience is instrumental in improving emotional intelligence. In this study, we examined the emotional intelligence of a total of 430 first- and fourth-year accounting and liberal arts students at three universities with accounting programs that include different liberal arts requirements. We also analyzed the relationship between four components of work experience and emotional intelligence. Our findings raise concerns for accounting program development and provide guidance for those seeking to facilitate relevant work experiences for students.
The Central Florida Emphysema Foundation Audit: A Case Study of Personal and Professional Responsibility
Authors: Knipe Patrick J , Bitter Michael E
Published: May 2011

The in-charge accountant (ICA) for the Central Florida Emphysema Foundation (CFEF) audit engagement is left to wrap up the audit while the audit manager is away on vacation and the audit partner unexpectedly leaves for an out-of-state family funeral. Only one outstanding issue remains—accounting for a $5,000,000 cash bequest that CFEF received in the mail shortly after year-end. What is the appropriate accounting? After working through the issue, the ICA ends up on the opposite side of the fence from the client and even an audit partner from an associated firm. What should the ICA do?

This instructional case, based on a real-life experience, provides students the opportunity to gain a better understanding of an auditor's professional responsibilities through examination of the issues that arise in the audit of a not-for-profit entity. The case focuses students on important attributes one needs to be a successful CPA—ethics and integrity, perseverance, sound judgment, and decision-making and professional skepticism. Applying their knowledge of GAAP, auditing standards and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants' [AICPA] (2010) Code of Professional Conduct, students will gain a better understanding of the types of situations that arise in practice and will confront the personal and professional choices that auditors must make.
Integrating Research into an Undergraduate Accounting Course
Authors: Irving James H
Published: May 2011

Consistent with educational theory, research studies in accounting education substantiate claims of the benefits associated with active learning. This paper describes how I integrate research into an undergraduate accounting course using a pedagogical approach which fosters active learning. Throughout the course, students read and discuss excerpts from accounting journal articles related to class topics. These readings are intended to enhance students' understanding of the topics and develop their awareness of how accounting research and accounting practice are related. After becoming familiar with research articles and the research process, students are then challenged to complete a research study following the scientific method, in which they investigate research questions corresponding to the course content and test hypotheses using archival data. Results from a survey created to assess this research experience reveal that 94 percent of respondents indicated this project substantially improved their level of knowledge, skills, and abilities related to accounting. I supply instructional tools for faculty interested in implementing a similar program.
Ruckman, Inc.: Converting from U.S. GAAP to IFRS
Authors: Fay Rebecca , Brozovsky John A , Lobingier Patricia G
Published: May 2011

This case is designed as a comprehensive review of significant differences between accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) for specific topics covered during most Intermediate Accounting courses. The task requires you to analyze and evaluate a company's significant accounting policies for compliance with IFRS as you plan and conduct the conversion of a firm's financial statements from U.S. GAAP to IFRS. The skills developed throughout this case are currently in high demand as IFRS is quickly becoming the global norm in accounting standards and many multinational companies based in the U.S. are already affected by these standards. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has developed a roadmap that may require U.S. companies to begin adopting IFRS in 2015. You will be tested on your knowledge of IFRS on the CPA exam. The case is presented in two phases, allowing you to experience the conversion process from planning to execution.
Relating Operational and Financial Factors to Assess Risk and Identify Fraud in an Operational Setting
Authors: Gifford Richard H , Howe Harry
Published: May 2011

The current literature and Statement on Auditing Standards (SAS) 99 emphasize the importance of relating operational factors to financial factors when evaluating the risk of fraud. The following case is based on an actual company and demonstrates how an understanding of the relationship between operational factors and financial reporting can aid an auditor in assessing risk and identifying fraud. The case also gives students an opportunity to directly evaluate internal control in an operational setting. The case is intended to strengthen students' critical thinking and analytical skills and to give them exposure to the importance of internal controls in an operational setting.
It's What's Outside that Counts: Do Extracurricular Experiences Affect the Cognitive Moral Development of Undergraduate Accounting Students?
Authors: Brown-Liburd Helen L , Porco Barbara M
Published: May 2011

This study applies the psychological theories of Kohlberg (1969, 1979) and Rest (1986) and explores existing literature that investigates factors affecting the cognitive moral development of accountants (see Jones et al. [2003] for a review of this literature), while advancing discourse regarding the contributing factors of external classroom activities on the development of accounting students' moral growth. Using a sample of 396 undergraduate accounting students from across the United States, we examine the affect that internship experiences, prosocial behavior exhibited through volunteerism, Beta Alpha Psi Honor Society membership, and student government involvement have on their level of ethical development. Our results indicate that undergraduate accounting students who have interned with a public accounting firm, or participated in extracurricular activities involving volunteerism or membership in Beta Alpha Psi, demonstrate higher levels of cognitive moral development. Results with respect to involvement in student government and cognitive moral development are inconclusive, possibly due to the small number of participants who were involved in student government activities. We provide evidence that extracurricular activities have a positive impact on the ethical development of future accountants in that these activities prepare them to enter the industry with integrity, morals, and a solid grasp of professional ethics.
Force extension relaxation of medium force orthodontic latex elastics
Authors: Fernandes Daniel J. , Fernandes Gisele M. A. , Artese Flavia , Elias Carlos N. , Mendes Alvaro M.
Published: May 2011

Objective:

To evaluate the force extension relaxation of different manufacturers and diameters of latex elastics subjected to static tensile testing under dry and wet conditions.

Materials and Methods:

Sample sizes of 15 elastics from American Orthodontics (AO) (Sheboygan, Wis), TP (La Porte, Ind), and Morelli Orthodontics (Sorocaba SP, Brazil) were used. Equivalent medium force products were tested—3/16, 1/4, and 5/16 inch lumen size from each manufacturer—making a total of 1080 specimens. An apparatus was designed to simulate oral environments during elastics stretching. Forces were read after 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 hour periods using the Emic Testing Machine (Emic Co., Sao Paulo, Brazil) with 30 mm/min cross-head speed and load cell of 20 N (Emic Co). Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's tests were used to identify statistical significance.

Results:

Statistical differences between AO and the other brands were noted for all testing times. Significant variation in mechanical properties was observed in latex elastics from Morelli. Relationships among loads at the 0 hour time period were as follows: Morelli>AO>TP for 3/16 elastics (P  =  .0016), 1/4 elastics (P  =  .0016), and 5/16 elastics (P  =  .0087).

Conclusion:

Significant differences in force extension relaxation were noted for elastics from these manufacturers. Force relaxation over the 24 hour time period was AO>Morelli>TP for 3/16 elastics, AO>TP>Morelli for 1/4 elastics, and TP>AO>Morelli for 5/16 elastics. The force decay pattern showed a notable drop-off of forces during 0 to 3 hours, a slight increase in force values from 3 to 6 hours, and a progressive force reduction over 6 to 24 hours.
Efficacy of Metreleptin in Obese Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: Cellular and Molecular Pathways Underlying Leptin Tolerance
Authors: Moon Hyun-Seuk , Matarese Giuseppe , Brennan Aoife M. , Chamberland John P. , Liu Xiaowen , Fiorenza Christina G. , Mylvaganam Geetha H. , Abanni Luisa , Carbone Fortunata , Williams Catherine J. , De Paoli Alex M. , Schneider Benjamin E. , Mantzoros Christos S.
Published: May 2011

OBJECTIVE

Metreleptin has been efficacious in improving metabolic control in patients with lipodystrophy, but its efficacy has not been tested in obese patients with type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We studied the role of leptin in regulating the endocrine adaptation to long-term caloric deprivation and weight loss in obese diabetic subjects over 16 weeks in the context of a double-blinded, placebo–controlled, randomized trial. We then performed detailed interventional and mechanistic signaling studies in humans in vivo, ex vivo, and in vitro.

RESULTS

In obese patients with diabetes, metreleptin administration for 16 weeks did not alter body weight or circulating inflammatory markers but reduced HbA1c marginally (8.01 ± 0.93–7.96 ± 1.12, P = 0.03). Total leptin, leptin-binding protein, and antileptin antibody levels increased, limiting free leptin availability and resulting in circulating free leptin levels of ∼50 ng/mL. Consistent with clinical observations, all metreleptin signaling pathways studied in human adipose tissue and peripheral blood mononuclear cells were saturable at ∼50 ng/mL, with no major differences in timing or magnitude of leptin-activated STAT3 phosphorylation in tissues from male versus female or obese versus lean humans in vivo, ex vivo, or in vitro. We also observed for the first time that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in human primary adipocytes inhibits leptin signaling.

CONCLUSIONS

In obese patients with diabetes, metreleptin administration did not alter body weight or circulating inflammatory markers but reduced HbA1c marginally. ER stress and the saturable nature of leptin signaling pathways play a key role in the development of leptin tolerance in obese patients with diabetes.
Position Statement Executive Summary: Guidelines and Recommendations for Laboratory Analysis in the Diagnosis and Management of Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Sacks David B. , Arnold Mark , Bakris George L. , Bruns David E. , Horvath Andrea Rita , Kirkman M. Sue , Lernmark Ake , Metzger Boyd E. , Nathan David M.
Published: May 2011

BACKGROUND

Multiple laboratory tests are used in the diagnosis and management of patients with diabetes mellitus. The quality of the scientific evidence supporting the use of these assays varies substantially.

APPROACH

An expert committee compiled evidence-based recommendations for the use of laboratory analysis in patients with diabetes. A new system was developed to grade the overall quality of the evidence and the strength of the recommendations. A draft of the guidelines was posted on the Internet, and the document was modified in response to comments. The guidelines were reviewed by the joint Evidence-Based Laboratory Medicine Committee of the AACC and the National Academy of Clinical Biochemistry and were accepted after revisions by the Professional Practice Committee and subsequent approval by the Executive Committee of the American Diabetes Association.

CONTENT

In addition to the long-standing criteria based on measurement of venous plasma glucose, diabetes can be diagnosed by demonstrating increased hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) concentrations in the blood. Monitoring of glycemic control is performed by the patients measuring their own plasma or blood glucose with meters and by laboratory analysis of HbA1c. The potential roles of noninvasive glucose monitoring, genetic testing, and measurement of autoantibodies, urine albumin, insulin, proinsulin, C-peptide, and other analytes are addressed.

The guidelines provide specific recommendations based on published data or derived from expert consensus. Several analytes are found to have minimal clinical value at the present time, and measurement of them is not recommended.
Lossy double negative guiding layer optical sensors
Authors: Khozondar H. , Taya S. , Shabat M. , Mehjez E.
Published: May 2011

We proposed a three-layer waveguide as an optical sensor for homogeneous sensing applications. A guiding layer of the proposed structure is considered as lossy left-handed material (LHM) with simultaneously the complex negative electric permittivity ɛ and the complex negative magnetic permeability µ. We also assume a cladding layer to have an intensity-dependent refractive index. Sensitivity of the proposed optical waveguide sensor is derived and its dependence on different parameters of a waveguide is studied.
Preliminary results towards the equivalence of transformed continuous-wave Optically Stimulated Luminescence (CW-OSL) and linearly-modulated (LM-OSL) signals in quartz
Authors: Kitis George , Polymeris George , Kiyak Nafiye , Pagonis Vasilis
Published: May 2011

The present paper presents a comparative experimental study of two commonly measured Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) signals in quartz. The experimental study measures both the continuous wave OSL (CW-OSL) and the linearly modulated (LM-OSL) signals from the same quartz sample for a range of stimulation temperatures between 180 and 280°C, while the former is transformed to pseudo LM-OSL (ps LM-OSL). A computerized deconvolution curve analysis of the LM-OSL and ps LM-OSL signals was carried out, and the contributions of several OSL components to the initial OSL signal (0.1 s) were shown to be independent of the stimulation temperature used during the measurement. It was also found that the composite OSL (0.1 s) signal consists mainly of the first two OSL components present in the OSL curves. The equivalence of the ps LM-OSL (transformed CW-OSL) and of LM-OSL measurements was also examined by an appropriate choice of the experimental stimulation times, and of the stimulation power of the blue LEDs used during the measurement.
Forest Carbon Inventory
Authors: Editor The
Published: May 2011

DOI: 10.3126/banko.v20i2.4795Banko Janakari Vol.20(2) 2010 pp.1-2
Implications of fiscal policy instruments in community forest management of Nepal: Issues and challenges
Authors: Paudel A , Weiss G
Published: May 2011

Nepalese Community Forestry has unclear and inconsistent legal provisions related to fiscal policy instruments. Based on the review of forest policy documents, and semistructured interviews and group discussions with individuals from government units, community forest user groups and traders from Parbat, Baglung and Dolakha districts of Nepal, this paper demonstrates that there are a number of issues and challenges related to fiscal policy instruments that have affected the promotion of sustainable and market-oriented management of forest resources, co-ordination between local and central government authorities, benefit sharing of forest resources, and the overall financial situation of community forest user groups. As a result, local communities do not fully benefit from their forest resources. We argue that a good co-ordination among government units, CFUGs and non-governmental organizations, and their active participation in policy making process can help to make the fiscal policy consistent and unambiguous to mitigate the existing issues and challenges. Key words: Economic policy instrument; revenue sharing; multiple taxation; forest certification; income generation activities DOI: 10.3126/banko.v20i2.4802 Banko Janakari Vol.20(2) 2010 pp.41-47
New addition of Sida spinosa L. (Malvaceae) to the flora of Nepal
Authors: Bhatt GD , Kurmi PP
Published: May 2011

DOI: 10.3126/banko.v20i2.4804 Banko Janakari Vol.20(2) 2010 pp.53-54
An Ensemble of Arctic Simulations of the AOE-2001 Field Experiment
Authors: Axelsson Per , Tjernström Michael , Söderberg Stefan , Svensson Gunilla
Published: May 2011

An ensemble of model runs with the COAMPS© regional model is compared to observations in the central Arctic for August 2001 from the Arctic Ocean Experiment 2001 (AOE-2001). The results are from a 6-km horizontal resolution 2nd, inner, nest of the model while the outermost model domain covers the pan-Arctic region, including the marginal ice zone and some of the land areas around the Arctic Ocean. Sea surface temperature and ice cover were prescribed from satellite data while sea-ice surface properties were modeled with an energy balance model, assuming a constant ice thickness. Five ensemble members were generated by altering the initialization time for the innermost nest, the surface roughness and the turbulent mixing scheme for clouds. The large size of the outer domain means that the model simulations have substantial deviations from the observations at synoptic-scale time scales. Therefore the evaluation focuses on statistical measures, rather than in details of individual ensemble member performance as compared directly to observations. In this context, the ensemble members are surprisingly similar even though details differ significantly. The ensemble average results features two main systematic problems: a consistent temperature bias, with too low temperatures below 2–3 km and slightly high temperatures through the rest of the troposphere, and a significant underestimation of the lowest clouds. In terms of total cloud cover, however, the model produces a realistic result; it is the very lowest clouds that are essentially missing. The temperature bias initially appears to be related to an interaction between clouds and radiation; the shape of the mean radiative heating-rate profile is very similar to that of the temperature bias. The lack of the lowest clouds could be due to the too low temperatures in conjunction with a cloud scheme that overestimates the transfer of cloud droplets to ice particles that precipitate. The different terms in the surface energy balance as well as the surface stress has only small systematic errors and are surprisingly consistent between the members.
Characterization and Degradation Behavior of Agar–Carbomer Based Hydrogels for Drug Delivery Applications: Solute Effect
Authors: Rossi Filippo , Santoro Marco , Casalini Tommaso , Veglianese Pietro , Masi Maurizio , Perale Giuseppe
Published: May 2011

In this study hydrogels synthesized from agarose and carbomer 974P macromers were selected for their potential application in spinal cord injury (SCI) repair strategies following their ability to carry cells and drugs. Indeed, in drug delivery applications, one of the most important issues to be addressed concerns hydrogel ability to provide a finely controlled delivery of loaded drugs, together with a coherent degradation kinetic. Nevertheless, solute effects on drug delivery system are often neglected in the large body of literature, focusing only on the characterization of unloaded matrices. For this reason, in this work, hydrogels were loaded with a chromophoric salt able to mimic, in terms of steric hindrance, many steroids commonly used in SCI repair, and its effects were investigated both from a structural and a rheological point of view, considering the pH-sensitivity of the material. Additionally, degradation chemistry was assessed by means of infrared bond response (FT-IR) and mass loss.
Discovery of New Eunicellins from an Indonesian Octocoral Cladiella sp.
Authors: Chen Yung-Husan , Tai Chia-Ying , Su Yin-Di , Chang Yu-Chia , Lu Mei-Chin , Weng Ching-Feng , Su Jui-Hsin , Hwang Tsong-Long , Wu Yang-Chang , Sung Ping-Jyun
Published: May 2011

Two new 11-hydroxyeunicellin diterpenoids, cladieunicellin F (1) and (–)-solenopodin C (2), were isolated from an Indonesian octocoral Cladiella sp. The structures of eunicellins 1 and 2 were established by spectroscopic methods, and eunicellin 2 was found to be an enantiomer of the known eunicellin solenopodin C (3). Eunicellin 2 displayed inhibitory effects on the generation of superoxide anion and the release of elastase by human neutrophils. The previously reported structures of two eunicellin-based compounds, cladielloides A and B, are corrected in this study.
A Screening of a Library of T7 Phage-Displayed Peptide Identifies E2F-4 as an Etoposide-Binding Protein
Authors: Takami Mihoko , Takakusagi Yoichi , Kuramochi Kouji , Tsukuda Senko , Aoki Satoko , Morohashi Kengo , Ohta Keisuke , Kobayashi Susumu , Sakaguchi Kengo , Sugawara Fumio
Published: May 2011

Etoposide (VP-16) is an anti-tumor compound that targets topoisomerase II (top II). In this study, we have identified an alternative binding protein of etoposide by screening a library of T7 phage-displayed peptides. After four rounds of selection using a biotinylated etoposide derivative immobilized on a streptavidin-coated plate, T7 phage particles that display a 16-mer peptide NSSASSRGNSSSNSVY (ETBP16) or a 10-mer NSLRKYSKLK (ETBP10) were enriched with the ratio of 40 or 11 out of the 69 clones, respectively. Binding of etoposide to these peptides was confirmed by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis, which showed ETBP16 and ETBP10 to have a kinetic constant of 4.85 × 10−5 M or 6.45 × 10−5 M, respectively. ETBP16 displays similarity with the ser-rich domain in E2F-4, a transcription factor in cell cycle-regulated genes, suggesting that etoposide might interact with E2F-4 via this domain. SPR analysis confirmed the specific binding of etoposide to recombinant E2F-4 is in the order of 10−5 M. Furthermore, etoposide was shown to inhibit luciferase reporter gene expression mediated by the heterodimeric E2F-4/DP complex. Taken together, our results suggest that etoposide directly binds to E2F-4 and inhibits subsequent gene transcription mediated by heterodimeric E2F-4/DP complexes in the nucleus.
Brillouin Scattering in Polymer Optical Fibers: Fundamental Properties and Potential Use in Sensors
Authors: Mizuno Yosuke , Nakamura Kentaro
Published: May 2011

We review the fundamental properties of Brillouin scattering in a perfluorinated graded-index polymer optical fiber (PFGI-POF) with 120 μm core diameter. The experiments were performed at 1.55 μm telecommunication wavelength. The Brillouin frequency shift (BFS) and the Brillouin bandwidth were 2.83 GHz and 105 MHz, respectively. The Brillouin gain coefficient was calculated to be 3.09 × 10−11 m/W, which was comparable to that of fused silica fibers. The Brillouin threshold power of the 100 m POF was estimated to be as high as 24 W, which can be, for practical applications, reduced by using POFs with smaller cores. These properties were compared with those of silica-based graded-index multi-mode fibers. We also investigated the BFS dependences on strain and temperature. They showed negative dependences with coefficients of −121.8 MHz/% and −4.09 MHz/K, respectively, which are −0.2 and −3.5 times as large as those in silica fibers. These BFS dependences indicate that the Brillouin scattering in PFGI-POFs can be potentially applied to high-accuracy temperature sensing with reduced strain sensitivity.
Label-Free Electrochemical Detection of the Specific Oligonucleotide Sequence of Dengue Virus Type 1 on Pencil Graphite Electrodes
Authors: Souza Elaine , Nascimento Gustavo , Santana Nataly , Ferreira Danielly , Lima Manoel , Natividade Edna , Martins Danyelly , Lima-Filho José
Published: May 2011

A biosensor that relies on the adsorption immobilization of the 18-mer single-stranded nucleic acid related to dengue virus gene 1 on activated pencil graphite was developed. Hybridization between the probe and its complementary oligonucleotides (the target) was investigated by monitoring guanine oxidation by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The pencil graphite electrode was made of ordinary pencil lead (type 4B). The polished surface of the working electrode was activated by applying a potential of 1.8 V for 5 min. Afterward, the dengue oligonucleotides probe was immobilized on the activated electrode by applying 0.5 V to the electrode in 0.5 M acetate buffer (pH 5.0) for 5 min. The hybridization process was carried out by incubating at the annealing temperature of the oligonucleotides. A time of five minutes and concentration of 1 μM were found to be the optimal conditions for probe immobilization. The electrochemical detection of annealing between the DNA probe (TS-1P) immobilized on the modified electrode, and the target (TS-1T) was achieved. The target could be quantified in a range from 1 to 40 nM with good linearity and a detection limit of 0.92 nM. The specificity of the electrochemical biosensor was tested using non-complementary sequences of dengue virus 2 and 3.
A Simple Method to Improve Autonomous GPS Positioning for Tractors
Authors: Gomez-Gil Jaime , Alonso-Garcia Sergio , Gómez-Gil Francisco Javier , Stombaugh Tim
Published: May 2011

Error is always present in the GPS guidance of a tractor along a desired trajectory. One way to reduce GPS guidance error is by improving the tractor positioning. The most commonly used ways to do this are either by employing more precise GPS receivers and differential corrections or by employing GPS together with some other local positioning systems such as electronic compasses or Inertial Navigation Systems (INS). However, both are complex and expensive solutions. In contrast, this article presents a simple and low cost method to improve tractor positioning when only a GPS receiver is used as the positioning sensor. The method is based on placing the GPS receiver ahead of the tractor, and on applying kinematic laws of tractor movement, or a geometric approximation, to obtain the midpoint position and orientation of the tractor rear axle more precisely. This precision improvement is produced by the fusion of the GPS data with tractor kinematic control laws. Our results reveal that the proposed method effectively reduces the guidance GPS error along a straight trajectory.
A Cabled Acoustic Telemetry System for Detecting and Tracking Juvenile Salmon: Part 1. Engineering Design and Instrumentation
Authors: Weiland Mark A. , Deng Z. Daniel , Seim Tom A. , LaMarche Brian L. , Choi Eric Y. , Fu Tao , Carlson Thomas J. , Thronas Aaron I. , Eppard M. Brad
Published: May 2011

In 2001 the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District (OR, USA), started developing the Juvenile Salmon Acoustic Telemetry System, a nonproprietary sensing technology, to meet the needs for monitoring the survival of juvenile salmonids through eight large hydroelectric facilities within the Federal Columbia River Power System (FCRPS). Initial development focused on coded acoustic microtransmitters and autonomous receivers that could be deployed in open reaches of the river for detection of the juvenile salmonids implanted with microtransmitters as they passed the autonomous receiver arrays. In 2006, the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory began the development of an acoustic receiver system for deployment at hydropower facilities (cabled receiver) for detecting fish tagged with microtransmitters as well as tracking them in two or three dimensions for determining route of passage and behavior as the fish passed at the facility. The additional information on route of passage, combined with survival estimates, is used by the dam operators and managers to make structural and operational changes at the hydropower facilities to improve survival of fish as they pass the facilities through the FCRPS.
Using complementary techniques to distinguish cryptic species: A new Erysimum (Brassicaceae) species from North Africa
Authors: Abdelaziz Mohamed , Lorite Juan , Muñoz‐Pajares A. Jesús , Herrador M. Belén , Perfectti Francisco , Gómez José M.
Published: May 2011

• Premise of the study: Cryptic species are superficially morphologically indistinguishable and therefore erroneously classified under one single name. The identification and delimitation of these species is usually a difficult task. The main aim of this study is to provide an inclusive methodology that combines standard and new tools to allow accurate identification of cryptic species. We used Erysimum nervosum s.l. as a model system.

• Methods: Four populations belonging to E. nervosum s.l. were sampled at their two distribution ranges in Morocco (the Atlas Mountains and the Rif Mountains). Fifteen individuals per population were collected to assess standard taxonomic traits. Additionally, corolla color and shape were quantified in 30 individuals per population using spectrophotometry and geometric morphometrics, respectively. Finally, we collected tissue samples from each population per species to study the phylogenetic relationships among them.

• Key results: Using the standard taxonomic traits, we could not distinguish the four populations. Nonetheless, there were differences in corolla color and shape between plants from the two mountain ranges. The population differentiation based on quantitative morphological differences were confirmed and supported by the phylogenetic relationships obtained for these populations and the rest of the Moroccan Erysimum species.

• Conclusions: The joint use of the results obtained from standard taxonomic traits, quantitative analyses of plant phenotype, and molecular data suggests the occurrence of two species within E. nervosum s.l. in Morocco, one located in the Atlas Mountains (E. nervosum s.s.) and the other in the Rif Mountains (E. riphaeanum sp. nov.). Consequently, we suggest that combining quantitative and molecular approaches with standard taxonomy greatly benefits the identification of cryptic species.
Development of microsatellite markers in Kmeria septentrionalis (Magnoliaceae), an endangered Chinese tree
Authors: Lin Yanfang , Zeng Liyan , Zhang Qiwei , Wang Yaofang , Tang Shaoqing
Published: May 2011

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite markers were developed in an endangered plant, Kmeria septentrionalis, to investigate its population genetic structure, gene flow, and mating systems.

• Methods and Results: Using the combined biotin capture method, 14 microsatellite primer sets were isolated and characterized. All of these markers showed polymorphism, and the number of alleles per locus ranged from 3 to 15 across 60 individuals from two populations. The observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.2692 to 0.9667 and from 0.3271 to 0.8881, respectively.

• Conclusions: These markers will facilitate further studies on the genetic diversity and mating systems of K. septentrionalis.
Synthesis, reactivity and biological activity of 5-alkoxymethyluracil analogues
Authors: Brulikova Lucie , Hlavac Jan
Published: May 2011

This review article summarizes the results of a long-term investigation of 5-alkoxymethyluracil analogues and is aimed, in particular, at methods of syntheses. Most of the presented compounds were synthesized in order to evaluate their biological activity, therefore, a brief survey of biological activity, especially antiviral, cytotoxic and antibacterial, is also reported.
Les animaux domestiques, révélateurs du trans-générationnel
Authors: Durastante Richard , Drevon Martine
Published: May 2011

Résumé Dans certaines familles en souffrance, l’absence de repères et le manque d’assignation dans lesquels certains adolescents sont plongés les amènent parfois à se replier sur les animaux domestiques qui s’en retrouvent profondément investis. Ainsi ces derniers jouent-ils des rôles de soutien narcissique permettant de panser des carences affectives qui conduisent ces adolescents à avoir recours aux conduites à risques. Ces animaux, investis comme véritables doubles narcissiques, permettent la mise en place de scènes de figurations de zones d’ombre du trans-générationnel, mais permettent également au thérapeute, à partir de ces scènes évoquées, de mettre du sens sur une souffrance qui ne peut s’exprimer autrement que par le recours à l’acte.
Fonction mythopoïétique de la famille
Authors: Ruffiot André
Published: May 2011

Résumé Après avoir exposé le concept de mythe tel qu’il a été défini par les systémiciens, notamment d’un point de vue économique garantissant l’homéostasie, l’auteur s’attache à en préciser l’origine et les caractéristiques dans une perspective psychanalytique groupale et familiale. De par sa parenté avec le fantasme individuel conscient, le mythe familial apparaît comme une tentative de symbolisation des pulsions, une mise en représentation partagée de l’énigme des origines et de la filiation. Le couple et la famille sont considérés comme des espaces privilégiés pour l’élaboration de ces productions fantasmatiques structurantes. L’auteur explore les potentialités créatrices de ces co-constructions ; il en relève également les carences, plus particulièrement dans les familles psychotiques. Par les régressions qu’elle induit et l’interfantasmatisation qui s’y développe, la thérapie familiale psychanalytique s’offre comme un espace approprié permettant de mieux saisir l’origine des mythes familiaux.
La dynamique idéationnelle des conversations stratégiques fondée sur la théorie de l'activité
Authors: Magakian Jean-Louis
Published: May 2011

Résumé Cet article porte sur la façon dont se forment les idées stratégiques - la notion d’idéation - laquelle constitue une question de gestion en s’inscrivant très précisément dans le champ de la pratique et des micro-actions contribuant à la réalisation de la stratégie. Nous utilisons la Théorie de l’Activité, directement reliée avec la psychologie interactionniste de Vygotsky, pour montrer comment un dirigeant active une pensée volitive dans le cadre de la formation de la stratégie.
Le développement durable comme mode de prévention des risques énergétiques : une approche par les capacités d'absorption. Le cas de la voiture électrique chez Renault
Authors: Castellano Sylvaine , Maâlaoui Adnane , Schrempf Judith
Published: May 2011

Résumé Le développement durable, comme mode de prévention des risques énergétiques, représente l’enjeu essentiel de ces dix dernières années et pousse les firmes à reconsidérer leur modèle économique. Nous avons centré notre étude sur le développement de la voiture électrique chez Renault à travers le prisme des capacités dynamiques et capacités d’absorption.
Experiment@Portugal
Authors: Restivo Maria Teresa , Alves Jose Carlos , Cardoso Alberto
Published: May 2011

<span style="layout-grid-mode: line; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;" lang="EN-GB">The main goal of the Project Experiment@Portugal is to produce a complete survey of Portuguese developments in remote and virtual labs. This knowledge will provide the conditions for joining forces in order to organize a well structured national website integrating a database of available remote and virtual experiments, categorized for sharing purposes, and looking for delivering valuable contents for high schools and for higher education. It is expected that the final result will bring up a solid team able to offer in this domain a Portuguese partner at international level