bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hypothalamic neuropeptides, not leptin sensitivity, contributes to the hyperphagia in lactating Brandt's voles, Lasiopodomys brandtii
Authors: Cui Jian-Guo , Tang Gang-Bing , Wang De-Hua
Published: June 2011

Both pregnancy and lactation are associated with hyperphagia, and circulating leptin levels are elevated during pregnancy but decreased during lactation in Brandt's voles, Lasiopodomys brandtii. Previous findings suggest that impaired leptin sensitivity contributes to hyperphagia during pregnancy. The present study aimed to examine whether the decreased circulating leptin level and/or hypothalamic leptin sensitivity contributed to the hyperphagia during lactation in Brandt's voles. The serum leptin level and mRNA expression of the long form of the leptin receptor (Ob-Rb), suppressor-of-cytokine-signalling-3 (SOCS-3), neuropeptide Y (NPY), agouti-related protein (AgRP), pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) and cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) in the hypothalamus were examined on dioestrous, day 5, day 17 of lactation and day 27 (1 week after weaning) in Brandt's voles. Compared with controls, hypothalamic Ob-Rb and SOCS-3 mRNA expression was not significantly changed during lactation. The serum leptin level was significantly lower in lactating females than in the non-reproductive group. Hypothalamic NPY and AgRP mRNA expression significantly increased whereas POMC mRNA expression was significantly decreased during lactation compared with controls. However, there were no significant changes in hypothalamic CART mRNA expression. Food intake was positively correlated with NPY and AgRP mRNA expression but negatively correlated with POMC mRNA expression during lactation. These data suggest that hyperphagia during lactation was associated with low leptin levels, but not impaired leptin sensitivity, and that the hypothalamic neuropeptides NPY, AgRP and POMC are involved in mediating the role of leptin in food intake regulation in lactating Brandt's voles.
Constraints on the adhesion of viscous threads spun by orb-weaving spiders: the tensile strength of glycoprotein glue exceeds its adhesion
Authors: Opell Brent D. , Schwend Harold S. , Vito Stephen T.
Published: June 2011

In this study we tested the hypothesis that a viscous thread releases its hold on a surface because its glycoprotein glue pulls from the surface and not because its elongating droplets break near their attachment to the surface. We compared the values obtained when three species' viscous threads adhered to four smooth surfaces, which differed in their total surface energy and in the proportions of their dispersion and polar energy components. Although water comprised 43–70% of the volume of these viscous droplets, only the dispersion surface energies of test materials and not their polar surface energies impacted thread adhesion. These results support the droplet pull-off hypothesis and are consistent with a previous finding that capillary force contributes little to thread adhesion. Just as a viscous thread's stickiness is constrained by the tensile strength of its supporting axial fibers, our findings suggest that glycoprotein adhesion is constrained by glycoprotein tensile strength.
Teaching Decision Tree Classification Using Microsoft Excel
Authors: Ataman Kaan , Kulick George , Sim Thaddeus
Published: June 2011

Data mining is concerned with the extraction of useful patterns from data. With the collection, storage, and processing of data becoming easier and more affordable by the day, decision makers increasingly view data mining as an essential analytical tool. Unfortunately, data mining does not get as much attention in the OR/MS curriculum as other more popular areas such as linear programming and decision theory. In this paper, we discuss our experiences in teaching a popular data mining method (decision tree classification) in an undergraduate management science course, and we outline a procedure to implement the decision tree algorithm in Microsoft Excel.
Comparison of an Introductory Level Undergraduate Statistics Course Taught with Traditional, Hybrid, and Online Delivery Methods
Authors: Scherrer Christina R.
Published: June 2011

In light of the lack of consensus on the effectiveness of online education, there continues to be a need for more quantitative studies comparing hybrid, online, and traditional delivery methods. This paper compares and contrasts the three delivery methods to determine what differences exist in student completion, performance, effort, and satisfaction. Our results show better performance from the traditional section when compared to the others. We do not find statistically significant differences in student effort or in student completion. Student satisfaction was high in all sections.
Total mass balances of SO2-ethanol-water (SEW) fractionation of forest biomass
Authors: Yamamoto Minna , Iakovlev Mikhail , van Heiningen Adriaan
Published: June 2011

The overall target of this project, called Bioforest, is to develop an economic process for the production of commodity chemicals from mixed forest biomass, consisting of logging residues of hardwoods (HW) and softwoods (SW) and also from recycled fibers. The aim is to dissolve the biomass lignin and to produce monosugars based on hemicelluloses and hydrolyzed cellulose in high yield. The hydrolyzate could subsequently be converted into chemicals by modified acetone-butanol-ethanol fermentation. Here, the total mass balances of SO2-ethanol-water fractionation of different types of biomass feedstocks, such as SW and HW biomass, and deinked pulp are presented. Chemical composition of the feedstocks, solid residues (pulps) and spent liquors of fractionation were analyzed to gain more understanding about the fractionation procedure. The analysis was focused on carbohydrates, lignin, ash, acetyl groups and sugar degradation products. It was also examined if all feedstocks could be treated simultaneously in one digester because a larger feedstock supply within an economic transport radius improves the viability of the process. The fractionation approach was successful and it can be concluded that the method presented is very versatile for future applications in lignocellulosic biorefineries.
Lignin oxidation mechanisms under oxygen delignification conditions. Part 3. Reaction pathways and modeling
Authors: Kuitunen Susanna , Kalliola Anna , Tarvo Ville , Tamminen Tarja , Rovio Stella , Liitiä Tiina , Ohra-aho Taina , Lehtimaa Tuula , Vuorinen Tapani , Alopaeus Ville
Published: June 2011

A detailed kinetic model for the lignin oxidation chemistry is presented. It is based mainly on the mechanisms and kinetics presented in the literature. Parameters that could not be found in the literature were regressed against the experimental data obtained from oxidation experiments with softwood kraft lignin. In addition to the detailed model for the chemistry, acid-base equilibrium reactions and gas-liquid mass transfer were modeled. Most of the experimental observations could be reproduced with the developed model. The reasons behind the behavior of guaiacyl and condensed phenols are discussed. The reaction routes affecting lignin solubilization and chemical consumption are presented. Model-ing of acid-base equilibria proved to be important because acid-base pairs of reactants react differently. Carbon dioxide buffers the pH and in this way affects the chemical reactions through the pH. A similar model could also be developed for other lignin treatments; for example, waste water purification or chemicals production in new biorefinery concepts. The developed reaction scheme will be used as a part of oxygen delignification model.
EWLP 2010, 16th–19th August 2010, Hamburg, Germany
Authors: Puls Jürgen , Saake Bodo
Published: June 2011

No abstract available
Bioaccumulation of U(VI) by Sulfolobus acidocaldarius under moderate acidic conditions
Authors: Reitz T. , Merroun M. L. , Rossberg A. , Steudtner Robin , Selenska-Pobell Sonja
Published: June 2011

U(VI) accumulation by the acidothermophilic archaeon Sulfolobus acidocaldarius at a moderate acidic pH of 4.5 was investigated. This pH value is relevant for some heavy metal and uranium polluted environments where populations of S. acidocaldarius were found to persist. We demonstrate that U(VI) is rapidly complexed by the archaeal cells. A combination of X-ray absorption spectroscopy and time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy revealed that at pH 4.5 organic phosphate and carboxylic groups are involved in the U(VI) complexation. These results are in contrast to those published for most bacteria which at this pH precipitate U(VI) mainly in inorganic uranyl phosphate phases. As demonstrated by TEM only a limited part of the added U(VI) was biomineralized extracellularly in the case of the studied archaeon. Most of the U(VI) accumulates were localized in a form of intracellular deposits which were associated with the inner side of the cytoplasma membrane. Observed differences in U(VI) bioaccumulation between the studied archaeon and bacteria can be explained by the significant differences in their cell wall structures as well as by their different physiological characteristics.
Ternary uranium(VI) carbonato humate complex studied by cryo-TRLFS
Authors: Steudtner Robin , Sachs S. , Schmeide K. , Brendler V. , Bernhard Gert
Published: June 2011

The complex formation of U(VI) with humic acid (HA) in the presence of carbonate was studied by time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy at low temperature (cryo-TRLFS) at pH 8.5. In the presence of HA, a decrease of the luminescence intensity of U(VI) and no shift of the emission band maxima in comparison to the luminescence spectrum of the UO2(CO3)34−complex, the dominating U(VI) species under the applied experimental conditions in the absence of HA, was observed. The formation of a ternary U(VI) carbonato humate complex of the type UO2(CO3)2HA(II)4−starting from UO2(CO3)34−was concluded from the luminescence data. For this complex a complex stability constant of logK=2.83 ± 0.17 was determined. Slope analysis resulted in a slope of 1.12 ± 0.11, which verifies the postulated complexation reaction. The results agree very well with literature data. Speciation calculations show that the formation of the ternary U(VI) carbonato humate complex can significantly influence the U(VI) speciation under environmental conditions.
Evidence for the conservation of biological activity of ovulation-inducing factor in seminal plasma
Authors: Bogle O A , Ratto M H , Adams G P
Published: June 2011

An ovulation-inducing factor (OIF) in the seminal plasma of llamas and alpacas (induced ovulators) and cattle (spontaneous ovulators) suggests that OIF is a conserved constituent of seminal plasma among mammals. In this study, three experiments were designed to determine the biological effects of OIF in different species. In experiment 1, superstimulated prepubertal female CD-1 mice (n=36 per group) were given a single 0.1 ml i.p. dose of 1) phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), 2) 5 μg gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GNRH), 3) 5 IU hCG, or 4) llama seminal plasma. The proportion of mice that ovulated was similar among groups treated with GNRH, hCG, or seminal plasma, and all were higher than the saline-treated group (P<0.001). In experiment 2, female llamas (n=8 or 9 per group) were intramuscularly treated with 1) 2 ml PBS, 2) 1 ml diluted llama seminal plasma, 3) 3 ml equine seminal plasma, or 4) 3 ml porcine seminal plasma. Experiment 3 was the same as experiment 2 except that the dose of equine and porcine seminal plasma was increased to 8 and 10 ml respectively. All llamas that were treated with llama seminal plasma ovulated and none that were treated with saline ovulated (P<0.0001). The proportion of llamas that ovulated in response to equine and porcine seminal plasma was intermediate. We conclude that the mechanism for the biological response to OIF is present in prepubertal CD-1 mice and that OIF is present in equine and porcine seminal plasma.
Correlates of eating behavior among female college students
Authors: Czeglédi Edit , Bartha Enikő , Urbán Róbert
Published: June 2011

Az életmód (fokozott kalóriabevitel, fizikai inaktivitás) jelentős szerepet játszik a súlyfelesleg kialakulásában. Az evési magatartás feltárása és megértése elősegíti a megfelelő táplálkozási prevenciós programok kidolgozását az elhízás világjárványának kontextusában. Vizsgálatunk célja az evési magatartás három aspektusának (kognitív korlátozás, kontrollálatlan evés, érzelmi evés) és korrelátumainak (tápláltsági állapot, ételpreferencia, fizikai aktivitás, szorongás, testképpel való elégedetlenség) felmérése volt főiskolai hallgatónők (n = 295) körében. Alkalmazott mérőeszközök: Háromfaktoros Evési Kérdőív (TFEQ-R21), Testi Attitűdök Tesztje, Vonásszorongás skála, Testgyakorlás: A változás stádiumai (rövidített forma), valamint a különböző étel- és italfajták fogyasztási gyakoriságára vonatkozó kérdéssor. Az eredmények szerint a testtömeg-index növekedése az evés tudatos korlátozására való törekvés fokozódásával jár együtt. E kapcsolatban a test méretével való elégedetlenség jelentős közvetítő szerepet játszik. A testsúly kontrollálására irányuló evési magatartás kapcsolatot mutat az egészségmagatartás egy további aspektusával, a fizikai aktivitással is. A rendszeres testedzést végzők szignifikánsan magasabb pontszámot érnek el a kognitív korlátozás skálán, mint az e tekintetben inaktívnak mondhatók. A vonásszorongás pozitív irányú kapcsolatot mutat a maladaptív evési magatartásokkal, úgymint a kontrollálatlan, illetve az érzelmi evéssel. Az érzelmi evés részleges közvetítő szerepet játszik a vonásszorongás és a kontrollálatlan evés közötti kapcsolat alakulásában. A különböző evési magatartások és egyes ételek preferenciái csak gyenge kapcsolatot mutatnak, az összefüggések azonban a várt iránynak megfelelően alakulnak: a kognitív korlátozás az energiában gazdag ételek kerülésével, a kontrollálatlan evés és az érzelmi evés viszont ezzel ellentétben az energiadús ételek preferenciájával jár együtt. Az evési magatartás korrelátumainak megértése hozzájárul az egészségtudatos táplálkozást és a testsúlyrendezést elősegítő programok kidolgozásához.
Modeling cognition in autism: a brief review of connectionist simulations
Authors: Várnagy Zsombor , Győri Miklós , Bérdi Márk
Published: June 2011

Az autizmus az egyik legtöbbet vizsgált humán neurokognitív fejlődési zavar. Ezt a fokozott érdeklődést számos ok motiválja, így az érintett kognitív mechanizmusok alapvető jelentősége, a viszonylag magas előfordulási gyakoriság, a zavar komplexitása s a várakozás, hogy az autizmussal kapcsolatos eredmények sokat adhatnak a tipikus kognitív fejlődés és működés megértéséhez is. A konnekcionizmus egy sajátos, idegrendszeri ihletettségű matematikai eszköztár alkalmazása kognitív funkciók modellezésére, különös hangsúllyal a fejlődési-elsajátítási aspektusokon. Tanulmányunk célja röviden áttekinteni, milyen próbálkozások történtek az autizmus különféle kognitív jellemzőinek konnekcionista eszközökkel történő modellezésére, ezek milyen specifikusabb eszköztárra épültek, s mik legfontosabb eredményeik. Külön figyelmet szentelünk az e zavarban megfigyelhető atipikus kategóriaképzési folyamatok modellezésének, illetve e modellezési megközelítés átfogó perspektíváinak és korlátainak az autizmus kapcsán.
The research of group-based emotions in social psychology: A review
Authors: Szabó Zsolt Péter , Banga Csilla , Fülöp Éva , László János
Published: June 2011

Összefoglalónkban a csoportalapú érzelmek szociálpszichológiai kutatását kívánjuk bemutatni. Csoportalapú érzelmeknek azokat az érzelmeket nevezzük, amelyek a csoporttagként való kategorizálást követően a csoport perspektívájának átvételével keletkeznek az egyénben. A csoportalapú érzelmek két nagyobb elméleti paradigmájára térünk ki: a csoportközi érzelmek elméletére és a kollektív érzelmek kutatására. A csoportközi érzelmek elmélete az érzelmek értékelési elméleteire, valamint a társas identitás, szelfkategorizációs elméletre épít. Részletesen tárgyaljuk a csoportközi érzelmekkel kapcsolatos kutatásokat, valamint bemutatjuk az úgynevezett azonosulási paradoxont és a csoportközi érzelmek funkcionalitásával kapcsolatos problémákat. A kollektív érzelmi kutatások elsősorban az egyén és a saját csoport önmeghatározásával foglalkoznak, a múlt és a jelen közötti kapcsolatot vizsgálják. Bemutatjuk a kollektív bűntudat és a kollektív szégyen kutatását, valamint az egyes csoportok érzelmi irányultságára vonatkozó új elképzeléseket.
New anticoagulants in the prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolism
Authors: Keltai Mátyás , Keltai Katalin
Published: June 2011

Clinical data on the risk factors, incidence, consequences and current treatment options of venous thromboembolism are reviewed. Current guidelines advise anticoagulant treatment for a few weeks or months in immobilized patients treated in hospital, and after major surgery. The initial treatment is based on heparin, followed by vitamin K antagonist treatment. Recently a number of new, partially orally administered medications have undergone clinical investigations and based on the results three of them were also registered for the prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolism. Direct thrombin inhibitors, direct and indirect Factor Xa inhibitors exhibited proven non-inferiority or superiority compared with traditional treatment options. The superior efficacy or non-inferiority was not accompanied with an increase in the bleeding risk. Results of the most important clinical trials are reviewed. Based on these results, prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolism will change substantially in the next future. Orv. Hetil., 2011, 152, 983–992.
Epidemiology of malignant melanoma (Clinical experience at the National Institute of Oncology in Hungary)
Authors: Balatoni Tímea , Liszkay Gabriella , Miklós Zoltánné , Kásler Miklós
Published: June 2011

The National Cancer Registry, which has been running since 1999 in Hungary, supplies more and more precise data about the growing incidence of malignant melanoma although nationwide melanoma database currently does not exist. As in the National Institute of Oncology a notable percentage of patients (20-25%) were treated with newly diagnosed melanoma, conclusions may be drawn for the efficacy of primary prevention for the whole country. Methods: The recent study compares the data of patients presented in the Institute with cutaneous malignant melanoma in 1998 and ten years later, in 2008. The histology parameters of tumors were also analyzed. The two groups were compared according to age, gender, localization and histology parameters (histological types Breslow and Clark numbers). In case of continuous variables the Mann-Whitney test were used to determine significant differences. Categorical variables were checked by χ2 test. Results: 149 and 377 cutaneous melanomas were diagnosed in 1998 and in 2008, respectively, which accounts for 153% increase in ten years. The mean age of patients was 56.3 and 57.2 years in 1998 and in 2008, respectively. The per cent of males was 43% in 1998 and 49% in 2008. Trunk was the most frequent localization in both years: 39% and 46%, then lower limbs (28% and 22%), upper limbs (21% and 18%) and the head and neck region (12% and 14%). Superficial melanoma was found the most frequent histological type (52 and 54%) followed by nodular melanoma (31% and 23%). Rate of in situ melanoma changed from 10% to 15%. The mean of Breslow numbers was 2.2 mm in 1998 and 1.6 mm in 2008, the difference was highly significant (p = 0.0002). Clark numbers were also decreasing, although the difference was not significant (p = 0.08). The majority of patients were presented with Clark III depth melanoma in both years (38% and 32%). Conclusions: It seems that forces emphasizing the importance of early recognition in medical education and in media are not futile considering that principally the early diagnosis can improve the melanoma’s prognosis – which is represented mainly by Breslow tumor depth. Orv. Hetil., 2011, 152, 1000–1006.
Landlubbers to leviathans: evolution of swimming in mosasaurine mosasaurs
Authors: Lindgren Johan , Polcyn Michael J. , Young Bruce A.
Published: June 2011

Incremental stages of major evolutionary transitions within a single animal lineage are rarely observed in the fossil record. However, the extraordinarily complete sequence of well preserved material spanning the 27-Myr existence of the marine squamate subfamily Mosasaurinae provides a unique exception. By comparison with extant and extinct analogs, the tail morphology of four mosasaurine genera is examined, revealing a pattern of evolution that begins with the generalized varanoid anatomy and culminates in a high-aspect-ratio fin, similar to that of sharks. However, unlike the epicercal caudal fluke of selachians in which the tail bends dorsocaudally, derived mosasaurs develop a hypocercal tail with a ventrocaudal bend. Progressive caudal regionalization, reduced intervertebral mobility, increased tail depth due to a marked downturn of the posterior caudal segment, and the development of finlike paired appendages reveal a pattern of adaptation toward an optimized marine existence. This change in morphology reflects a transition from anguilliform or sub-carangiform locomotion to carangiform locomotion, and indicates a progressive shift from nearshore dwellers to pelagic cruisers—a change in foraging habitat independently corroborated by paleobiogeographic, stable isotope, osteohistological, and paleopathological data. Evolutionary patterns similar to those observed in mosasaurine mosasaurs are seen in other secondarily aquatically adapted amniotes, notably metriorhynchid crocodyliforms, cetaceans, and ichthyosaurs, and may be explained by developmental modularity governing the observed phenotypic expression.
Consumer-inclusive economic regulation: water pricing under different regulatory regimes
Authors: Sanz María Pascual , Schouten Marco , Hantke-Domas Michael
Published: June 2011

This paper investigates whether and how different regulatory regimes for water pricing incorporate mechanisms for consumer inclusion. A literature review suggests that the more separation between policymaking and economic regulation, the higher the incorporation of regulatory governance principles such as transparency, accountability and participation. Our comparative case studies of the system of self-regulation in The Netherlands, the bipartite negotiation model in Spain, and the Scottish model of independent regulation provides additional empirical evidence to this hypothesis.
Disposable Cameras, Humour and Children's Abilities
Authors: Loizou Eleni
Published: June 2011

This was a two-phase qualitative study that investigated the humorous aspects of humorous photographs young children took in their school and home environment, which were examined in the context of the theory of the absurd and the empowerment theory. The participants in the study were six children — three boys and three girls — between the ages of four years, eight months and five years, eight months. During phase one, the children were given a disposable camera and were asked to take photographs of whatever they considered humorous and made them laugh in their school and home environment. Semi-structured interviews and the photographs were the main data sources. During the interviews, the children described the photographs and reasoned about their funniness. After six months, during phase two, the children revisited their humorous photographs and talked about them. This study asserts that kindergartners' humour definitions as presented in their photographs can be regarded within the framework of the two theories. More specifically, the children refer to incongruity, something out of the ordinary (a cognitive process), and act as social agents utilising relationships within their social milieu to produce and appreciate humour (communities of practice). The use of a camera is considered as a creative and empowering tool which involves children in research.
Aluminous porcelain degradation study using mechanoacoustic and microscopic methods
Authors: Ranachowski Przemysław , Rejmund Feliks , Ranachowski Zbigniew , Pawełek Andrzej , Piątkowski Andrzej
Published: June 2011

Aluminous porcelain degradation study using mechanoacoustic and microscopic methods

This experimental paper comprises the results of acoustic emission (AE), microscopic and ultrasonic measurements of samples subjected to slowly increasing compressive stress. On the basis of conducted measurements the successive stages of the material structural degradation have been recognized. The objects of study were samples made of C 120 aluminous porcelain. The investigated material has found at present the application in the fabrication of technical elements like overhead power line insulators. In the case of such objects, not only high mechanical strength, but especially elevated durability as well as operational reliability are required. The expected "life time" of net insulators during exploitation is about 40 years. The analysis of obtained mechanoacoustic dependences pointed out a complex mechanism of degradation of the material. Microscopic investigation of samples, which were stressed to different levels of load, enabled to specify the development of gradual growth of microcracks and successive crushing out of elements of the structure. These processes appear to be similar to the ageing processes occurring in the material during long period of exploitation under a working load. Three stages of the structure degradation were distinguished. The preliminary and subcritical ones show low or moderate intensity of AE signals and considerable variety for the particular samples. The critical stage directly precedes the destructtion of samples. Its range is relatively narrow and reveals the AE activity of high energy. The effectiveness of dispersive and fibrous reinforcement of modern aluminous porcelain C 120 type has been described. Structural strengthening by corundum grains and mullite needle shaped crystals improves mechanical parameters and distinguishes this material from typical aluminosilicate ceramics. The presented results enable drawing up the conclusions concerning the resistance of investigated material to the ageing degradation process development during long term operation.
Investigation of the skull melting method for the generation of particulate material of inorganic compounds
Authors: Riemer Björn , Lange Enno , Hameyer Kay
Published: June 2011

Investigation of the skull melting method for the generation of particulate material of inorganic compounds

This paper describes the application of the skull melting method for an artificial generation of particulate material of inorganic compounds like CsOH, NaOH, SnO2and UO2. The skull melting process is analyzed analytically. Thereby the electromagnetic field is calculated by a one dimensional time harmonic model. Thermal losses are estimated by simple analytical formulas. Finally an electromagnetic thermal field coupling is performed to calculate the temperature distribution inside the crucible, considering transient thermal effects. The skull melting process is simulated for the example of UO2. Under consideration of the given material properties it is shown that the skull melting method can be applied to fuse UO2.
The effect of the conditions of a landscape on its retention capacity
Authors: Vrána K. , Dostál T. , Koudelka P. , David V. , Uuléřová K.
Published: June 2011

The effect of the conditions of a landscape on its retention capacity

Questions related to the occurrence, frequency, intensity, duration, characteristics and causes of floods have been discussed more in recent years. Two basic approaches to flood control often conflict. The first is based on the assumption of the considerable effect of a landscape's retention capacity, which can in fact prevent surface runoff generation and flood formation and can significantly transform flood wave. The second approach asserts that the retention capacity of a landscape is nearly negligible and that the only reliable flood protection can be provided by extending the technical structures of flood control measures mainly and directly on water courses. Two different approaches were applied to assess the effect of landscape conditions and revitalization measures on surface runoff and flood formation within a catchment and floodplain. The conclusion shows that the effect of landscape revitalization is very important, but mainly for low return periods of flood events, while for extreme events, the effect on landscapes and floodplains becomes less important and even negligible.
Kaleidoscope
Authors: Wiseman Boris
Published: June 2011

Imbert's philosophical writings return time and time again to the question of the image. What follows will explore in what terms she does so. The means I will adopt are a lateral exploration of a series of fragments, an assemblage of sorts, which follows the thread provided by a number of images themselves. Steering a path between logic, anthropology and an expanded aesthetics, I will take up the thread of an ongoing concern in Imbert's philosophical project with what she calls the ‘metamorphoses of the visual’. Philosophically speaking, what is at stake, in these metamorphoses, is the kind of realism for which we opt. This question, as I will show, is also the key to Imbert's understanding of modernism.
From the Tower of Babel to the Ladder of Jacob: Claude Imbert Reading Merleau-Ponty
Authors: Diagne Souleymane Bachir
Published: June 2011

Claude Imbert often declares that the activity of philosophy now needs to be in line with the teachings of anthropology. In her book Maurice Merleau-Ponty, the very fact that the last course of the author of Phenomenology of Perception, questioning ‘The Possibility of Philosophy’, sketched out ‘the anthropological outline of an intellectual activity unburdened by any a priori’ [les contours anthropologiques d'un activité intellectuelle délestée de tout a priori] is considered by her as more evidence for such a necessity. My contribution explores the meaning of Claude Imbert's affirmation that today the possibility of philosophy is deeply connected with anthropological knowledge. It will, in particular, confront such an affirmation with the debate among African philosophers, concerning the relationship between philosophical activity and ethnography.
Tumor Cell Seeding During Surgery—Possible Contribution to Metastasis Formations
Authors: Katharina Pachmann
Published: June 2011

In spite of optimal local control in breast cancer, distant metastases can develop as a systemic part of this disease. Surgery is suspected to contribute to metastasis formation activating dormant tumor cells. Here we add data that seeding of cells during surgery may add to the risk of metastasis formation. The change in circulating epithelial tumor cells (CETC) was monitored in 66 breast cancer patients operated on with breast conserving surgery or mastectomy and during the further course of the disease, analyzing CETC from unseparated white blood cells stained with FITC-anti-EpCAM. An increase in cell numbers lasting until the start of chemotherapy was observed in about one third of patients. It was more preeminent in patients with low numbers of CETC before surgery and, surprisingly, in patients without involved lymph nodes. Patients with the previously reported behavior—Reincrease in cell numbers during adjuvant chemotherapy and subsequent further increase during maintenance therapy—were at increased risk of relapse. In addition to tumor cells already released during growth of the tumor, cell seeding during surgery may contribute to the early peak of relapses observed after removal of the primary tumor and chemotherapy may only marginally postpone relapse in patients with aggressively growing tumors.
Short Intramolecular N–H⋯C(carbonyl) Interactions in Mixed-Ligand Molybdenum Hexacarbonyl Derivatives
Authors: Budge Matthew G. , Muir Kathleen J. , McQuillan Geoffrey P. , Harrison William T.A.
Published: June 2011

The syntheses and single-crystal structures of Mo(CO)3(phen)(dipy) (1), Mo(CO)3(biquin)(dipy) (2) and Mo(CO)3(dpme)(dipy) (3), (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, C12H8N2; dipy = 2,2'-dipyridylamine, C10H9N3; biquin = 2,2'-biquinoline, C18H12N2; dpme = 2,2'-dipyridylmethane, C11H10N2) are described. In each case, distorted fac-MoC3N3 octahedral coordination geometries arise for the metal atoms. Short intramolecular N–H…C interactions from the dipy N–H group to a carbonyl carbon atom occur in each structure. Crystal data: 1 (C25H17MoN5O3), Mr = 531.38, monoclinic, P21/n (No. 14), Z = 4, a = 11.0965 (5) Å, b = 13.0586 (6) Å, c = 16.6138 (8) Å, b = 108.324 (1)°, V = 2285.31 (18) Å3, R(F) = 0.035, wR(F2) = 0.070. 2 (C31H21MoN5O3), Mr = 607.47, monoclinic, P21/n (No. 14), Z = 4, a = 11.4788 (6) Å, b = 19.073 (1) Å, c = 11.9881 (6) Å, b = 95.179 (1)°, V = 2613.9 (2) Å3, R(F) = 0.030, wR(F2) = 0.076. 3 (C24H19MoN5O3), Mr = 521.38, monoclinic, P21/n (No. 14), Z = 4, a = 8.4222 (3) Å, b = 21.5966 (9) Å, c = 12.5011 (5) Å, b = 94.065 (1)°, V = 2268.12 (15) Å3, R(F) = 0.025, wR(F2) = 0.065.
Non-Chemical Stressors and Cumulative Risk Assessment: An Overview of Current Initiatives and Potential Air Pollutant Interactions
Authors: Lewis Ari S. , Sax Sonja N. , Wason Susan C. , Campleman Sharan L.
Published: June 2011

Regulatory agencies are under increased pressure to consider broader public health concerns that extend to multiple pollutant exposures, multiple exposure pathways, and vulnerable populations. Specifically, cumulative risk assessment initiatives have stressed the importance of considering both chemical and non-chemical stressors, such as socioeconomic status (SES) and related psychosocial stress, in evaluating health risks. The integration of non-chemical stressors into a cumulative risk assessment framework has been largely driven by evidence of health disparities across different segments of society that may also bear a disproportionate risk from chemical exposures. This review will discuss current efforts to advance the field of cumulative risk assessment, highlighting some of the major challenges, discussed within the construct of the traditional risk assessment paradigm. Additionally, we present a summary of studies of potential interactions between social stressors and air pollutants on health as an example of current research that supports the incorporation of non-chemical stressors into risk assessment. The results from these studies, while suggestive of possible interactions, are mixed and hindered by inconsistent application of social stress indicators. Overall, while there have been significant advances, further developments across all of the risk assessment stages (i.e., hazard identification, exposure assessment, dose-response, and risk characterization) are necessary to provide a scientific basis for regulatory actions and effective community interventions, particularly when considering non-chemical stressors. A better understanding of the biological underpinnings of social stress on disease and implications for chemical-based dose-response relationships is needed. Furthermore, when considering non-chemical stressors, an appropriate metric, or series of metrics, for risk characterization is also needed. Cumulative risk assessment research will benefit from coordination of information from several different scientific disciplines, including, for example, toxicology, epidemiology, nutrition, neurotoxicology, and the social sciences.
Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activity of Some Novel 5-Alkyl-6-Substituted Uracils and Related Derivatives
Authors: Al-Turkistani Abdulghafoor A. , Al-Deeb Omar A. , El-Brollosy Nasser R. , El-Emam Ali A.
Published: June 2011

6-Chloro-5-ethyl-, n-propyl- and isopropyluracils 5a-c were efficiently prepared from the corresponding 5-alkybarbituric acids 3a-c via treatment with phosphorus oxychloride and N,N-dimethylaniline to yield the corresponding 5-alkyl-2,4,6-trichloro-pyrimidines 4a-c, which were selectively hydrolyzed by heating in 10% aqueous sodium hydroxide for 30 minutes. The reaction of compounds 5a-c with 1-substituted piperazines yielded the corresponding 5-alkyl-6-(4-substituted-1-piperazinyl)uracils 6a-j. The target 8-alkyltetrazolo[1,5-f]pyrimidine-5,7(3H,6H)-diones 7a-c were prepared via the reaction of 5a-c with sodium azide. Compounds 6a-j and 7a-c were tested for in vitro activities against a panel of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and the yeast-like pathogenic fungus Candida albicans. Compound 6h displayed potent broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, while compound 6b showed moderate activity against the Gram-positive bacteria. All the tested compounds were practically inactive against Candida albicans.
Modern Biotechnology—Potential Contribution and Challenges for Sustainable Food Production in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Morris E. Jane
Published: June 2011

Modern biotechnology, including the application of transgenic techniques to produce Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), can play a significant role in increasing agricultural production in a sustainable way, but its products need to be tailored for the developing world. In sub-Saharan Africa, the capacity to develop GMOs and ensure they meet stringent regulatory requirements is somewhat limited. Most African governments contribute little to science and technology either financially or through strong policies. This leaves the determination of research and development priorities in the hands of international funding agencies. Whereas funding from the United States is generally supportive of GM technology, the opposite is true of funding from European sources. African countries are thus pulled in two different directions. One alternative to this dilemma might be for countries in the sub-Saharan Africa region to develop stronger South-South collaborations, but these need to be supported with adequate funding. African governments as well as external funding agencies are urged to consider the important role that biotechnology, including GM technology, can play in contributing to sustainable development in Africa, and to provide adequate support to the development of capacity to research, develop and commercialize GMOs in the region.
Highly efficient gold(I)-catalyzed Overman rearrangement in water
Authors: Xing Dong , Yang Dan
Published: June 2011

A highly efficient gold(I)-catalyzed Overman rearrangement of allylic trichloroacetimidates to allylic trichloroacetamides in water is reported. With this environmentally benign and scalable protocol, a series of C3-alkyl substituted allylic trichloroacetamides were synthesized in good to high yields.
COX-2 Inhibitors for the Prevention of Heterotopic Ossification After THA
Authors: Vasileiadis George I. , Sioutis Ioannis C. , Mavrogenis Andreas F. , Vlasis Konstantinos , Babis George C. , Papagelopoulos Panayiotis J.
Published: June 2011

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may prevent heterotopic ossification after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) inhibitors may minimize side effects. The goal of this review was to compare the effectiveness and side effects of the perioperative use of selective COX-2 inhibitors with those of conventional NSAIDs in patients undergoing THA. We followed the systematic reviews’ updated methods of the Cochrane Collaboration Back Review Group and searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. We identified all randomized controlled trials until April 2009 enrolling THA patients and comparing COX-2 inhibitors to NSAIDs. We assessed their methodological quality and extracted data. Five randomized controlled trials were included. Prevention of heterotopic ossification and side effects with COX-2 inhibitors were significant in 2 studies. Discontinuation for side effects was not significant. COX-2 inhibitors do not prevent heterotopic ossification after THA significantly better than conventional NSAIDs, while they are advantageous regarding side effects.
Morcellized Bone Grafting for Acetabular Deficiency in Cementless Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Ogawa Hiroyasu , Ito Yoshiki , Itokazu Mansho , Mori Nobuyuki , Shimizu Takashi , Terabayashi Nobuo , Ishimaru Daichi , Shimizu Katsuji
Published: June 2011

Morcellized bone grafting was performed to significant acetabular deficiency in 35 hips of 29 patients in cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA). Bridging trabeculation across the graft–host interface, remodeling of the graft, and trabecular reorientation were observed at 4 weeks, 3.7 months, and 10.7 months postoperatively, respectively. These remodeling processes were observed in all cases. Morcellized bone grafting for acetabular deficiency in cementless THA stock, which is necessary to make the cup stable, revealed encouraging early trabecular reorientation and recovery of acetabular bone even in cases in which structural bone grafting is needed.
E-Training Acceptance Factors in Business Organizations
Authors: Harfoushi Osama , Obiedat Ruba
Published: June 2011

E-training is considered nowadays as a very important issue for business organization because of the benefits it can bring. Unfortunately, e-training is not fit well in most of Jordanian organization. In order to implement e-training successfully in an organization, you need the right people at the right place using the right resources. Furthermore, it is essential to measure the organizationâ??s acceptance for the new e-training system before implementing it in order to gain its full potential. This research proposes a model to measure an organizationâ??s acceptance for a new e-training system. This model has been developed from various previous studies and then it has been tested using quantitative methods (Questionnaire). The studied factors which are believed to affect the e-training acceptance are: System Functionality, Finance Resources and Human capabilities.
Theory of Digital Natives in the Light of Current and Future E-Learning Concepts
Authors: Von der Heiden Bodo , Fleischer Stella , Richert Anja , Jeschke Sabina
Published: June 2011

The digital generation has many names: Net Generation, Generation@ or Digital Natives. The meaning behind these terms is, that the current generation of students is digitally and media literate, technology-savvy and are able to use other learning approaches than former generations. But these topics are discussed controversial and even the cause-effect-relationship is not as clear as it seems. Did the digital generation really have other learning approaches, or do they have only the possibility to live other learning modes? Against this background this article tries to shed some light on this debate. Therefore we use current and future projects performed at RWTH Aachen University to illustrate the relevance, value and significance due to the theory of the digital natives.
Adaptive Exercises Generation Using an Automated Evaluation and a Domain Ontology: The ODALA+ Approach
Authors: Farida Bouarab Dahmani , Malik Si Mohammed , Catherine Comparot , Pierre Jean Charrel
Published: June 2011

Generating adapted learning contents is one of the most important activity that can give the best progression of a learner. This is why research on personalization of learning is growing to get learning environments able to adapt the learning activities and contents to the learnerâ??s profile. This last contains information about knowledge, skills, behavior, of the learner, at a given time of the learning process and for given domains. This information, to be effective, must be collected directly from an evaluation module that the learning system will systematically integrate in particular with the learning by doing mode.

After the satisfactory results of our research on teaching domain modeling and automated evaluation of learnerâ??s in the case of learning by doing exercises, we propose in this paper the ODALA+ approach which is an extension of the already proposed approach called ODALA (Ontology Driven Auto-evaluation Learning Approach) by adding two steps for learnerâ??s profile calculation using the evaluation results and for generating adapted exercises.
Application of Cognitive and Socio-Cultural Theories in CALL
Authors: Güngör Mustafa Akın , Demirbaş Muzeyyen Nazlı
Published: June 2011

Since it is quite difficult in traditional learning atmospheres for the learners to be exposed to the target language adequately in foreign language acquisition, CALL in which virtual environment is designed in more appropriate way has given rise. Two main paradigms, cognitive model and socio-cultural theory, have also been adopted in CALL. Moreover, rather than applying one theory, combination of these paradigms is unavoidable. However, application of this combination is challenging in practice, as these two theories have different principles. Furthermore, when it comes to online education, it turns into more challenging process. In this poster this combination is presented with the help of sample applications from Gazi University.
Relationship between Microstructure and Photoelectron Behaviors of CdTe/Ligand Self-Assembly Quantum Dots
Authors: Yang Wei Yong , Li Kui Ying , Wei Sai Ling , Song Guang Jing , Zhang Jan
Published: June 2011

A water-soluble CdTe QDs capped by 3-Mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) were synthesized. The results confirmed that the grain size of the QDs was controlled by changing the reflux time of precursor solution and that the QDs possessed obviously quantum size effect. The results showed that a depletion layer CdTe1-xSx(0£x≤1) formed in between CdTe nanoparticle and ligand MPA. It is believed that two heterojunction-like structures possess quite distinct surface photovoltaic characteristic excited between the core-CdTe and the shell-CdS, and between CdTe/CdS and the ligand MPA, respectively, according to the EFISPS results of the MPA-capped CdTe QDs.
Components of Cunninghamia lanceolata Heartwood Extracts
Authors: Wang Jing , Li Jian , Li Shu Jun
Published: June 2011

China-fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) has a reputation for producing naturally durable heartwood. This species is native in China and has been extensive planted there. Mainly, extractives are responsible for the wood resistance to decay fungi. Compared with the number of studies on China fir focused only on essential oil, studies on other China fir wood extracts is few. In this report, different Cunninghamia lanceolata heartwood extracts were studied. Ground wood was sequentially extracted by solvents with different polarities, hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol. The components of the extracts were identified by Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Both of FTIR and HPLC revealed that the hexane extract was primarily aliphatic compounds, the methanol extract was rich in phenols in nature and the ethyl acetate extract contained phenols and aliphatic compounds. The GC-MS analysis of the hexane extract and the ethyl acetate extract led to the identification and quantification of a total of 16 components accounting for 48.29% of the hexane extract and 18 components accounting for 66.06% of the ethyl acetate extract. Total phenolic contents (TPCs) and antioxidant capacity of the ethyl acetate extract and the methanol extract were evaluated using the Folin–Ciocalteau colorimetric method and DPPH· assay, respectively. TPCs analysis showed that phenols took up 6.66 % of the ethyl acetate extract and 22.8% of the methanol extract. ED50values of the ethyl acetate extract and the methanol extract were 4.25 mg mL-1and 0.19 mg mL-1, respectively. When the methanol extract of 0.145 mg mL-1, its percent DPPH· remaining at steady state (57.92%) was close to that of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) (48.5%).