bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Classificando ações de sustentabilidade: uma análise de conteúdo de entrevistas de líderes
Authors: Morais Neto Siqueira De , Fernandes Pereira Maurício , Maccari Emerson Antonio
Published: October 2012

This research aims to determine whether companies that present themselves as having social and environmental attitudes do it for law requirements, or by being proactive. Thus, this study identifies and classifies attitudes of sustainability in the various categories and constituent dimensions of corporate social responsibility. The approach adopted considers the information coming from the leaders of the organizations studied. The methodology utilized was the content analysis of interviews of the Exame Magazine Sustainability Annuals, being a descriptive research, based on literature review. For the set of categories of analysis and context, it was used the performance indicators of sustainability, developed by the NGO Global Reporting Initiative. According to the proposed goals, attitudes have been cataloged, observing a high concentration in only a few issues of corporate social responsibility. It was found that most of these companies are acting proactively to the benefit of humanity and nature, making more than the minimum to avoid penalties.
Belém do Pará, Maceió e a sobrevivência dos portadores do modelo de arquitetura
Authors: Rozestraten Artur Simoes
Published: October 2012

Este artigo apresenta pesquisa em andamento, apoiada pelo CNPq e pela Pró-reitoria de Pesquisa da Universidade de São Paulo, sobre as interações entre as expressões dos promesseiros do Círio de Nazaré em Belém do Pará, dos “brincantes” do auto-natalino do Guerreiro Alagoano e o motivo artístico do portador do modelo de arquitetura. Sobre estes bens culturais urbanos, a aproximação proposta fundamenta-se na noção de “survival”, “nachleben” ou sobrevivência, no entendimento de fenômenos de longa duração profundamente enraízados na memória coletiva, e no conceito de “pathosformeln”. Em termos metodológicos esta pesquisa propõe uma aproximação visual e antropológica aos fenômenos mencionados, contextualizando-os e articulando-os ao universo imaginário das representações da arquitetura.
Do Rio de Janeiro para a Sibéria tropical: prisões e desterros para o Acre nos anos 1904 e 1910
Authors: Silva Francisco Bento da
Published: October 2012

Neste artigo procuraremos trazer à tona alguns aspectos obscuros de dois acontecimentos que marcaram a nascente República brasileira no alvorecer do século XX: a Revolta da Vacina (1904) e a Revolta dos Marinheiros (1910). Alguns destes aspectos estão relacionados com as os desterros, que foram adotados como punição pelo Estado brasileiro após o fim destes eventos que ocorreram na cidade do Rio de Janeiro. O que permanece obscuro é o porquê daqueles homens e mulheres serem condenados ao desterro e o que levou o Estado brasileiro a enviá-los para o Território do Acre, na Amazônia. Objetivamos neste breve texto situar dentro das normas e enquadramentos jurídicos adotados na época, os intentos e sentidos de tais medidas. Discutindo também os significados das percepções das punições impostas aos desterrados na perspectiva da ordem republicana, bem como os propósitos — simbólicos e práticos — de serem enviados para os “confins” da Amazônia, no Acre.
Les représentations à l’égard des séniors
Authors: Hellemans Catherine
Published: October 2012

L’analyse de la littérature relève l’existence d’un double discours, plus ou moins valorisant, à l’égard des séniors. Le premier objet de cette contribution est d’analyser les représentations que les séniors ont d’eux-mêmes, ainsi que les représentations véhiculées par leurs collègues plus jeunes. Le second objet est de déterminer dans quelle mesure l’engagement au travail influe sur les valences des représentations à l’égard des séniors. La recherche s’est déroulée au moyen d’un questionnaire soumis à des travailleurs de différentes catégories d’âge, dans le secteur public. Les résultats principaux mettent en évidence les faits suivants : (1) les séniors n’ont pas tendance à se dévaloriser ; (2) plus les travailleurs sont jeunes, plus leurs représentations des séniors sont défavorables ; (3) les travailleurs plus engagés affectivement à l’égard de leur organisation ont des représentations plus favorables vis-à-vis des séniors et (4) les travailleurs qui considèrent leur travail comme instrumental voient les séniors comme moins efficaces, plus rigides, moins capables de s’adapter et moins dynamiques intellectuellement. Cet ensemble de résultats semble indiquer que l’usage de clichés à l’égard des séniors par les travailleurs plus jeunes pourrait être lié à l’existence d’un phénomène d’autoprojection dans l’avenir.
Nouvelles formes de masculinités dans les organisations
Authors: Murgia Annalisa , Poggio Barbara
Published: October 2012

Cet article porte sur la construction de la masculinité, ou mieux des masculinités, dans les organisations. Notre discussion sera basée sur une analyse de quatre-vingt-douze entretiens réalisés dans la province de Trente, au nord-est de l'Italie, entre 2006 et 2007. Les entretiens ont été menés avec des hommes appartenant à différentes organisations, tant publiques que privées, qui ont eu recours au congé parental. Les histoires recueillies narrent les expériences des hommes qui ont défié le modèle dominant de masculinité dans les organisations où ils travaillent. En particulier, l'utilisation d'une approche narrative nous a permis de souligner l'importance de la narration tant pour défier que pour reproduire l'ordre de genre dominant dans les organisations, comme clé d'analyse à la fois pour découvrir et pour déconstruire les pratiques hégémoniques. Cette approche permet aussi de mettre en évidence les positions des voix alternatives ou marginales, souvent cachées par une prétendue neutralité, uniformité et homogénéité de la culture de genre dans les organisations.
Automatic Identification System in Maritime Traffic and Error Analysis
Authors: Bošnjak Rino , Šimunović Ljupko , Kavran Zvonko
Published: October 2012

Automatic Identification System (AIS) is used for security of ships and ports, their identification and protection of marine environment. Correct installation of AIS device and integration with navigation equipment is of great importance for the correct functioning of the system. To increase system accuracy correct input of data to the system is significant. Correct data interpretation depends on seafarer’s ability to recognize errors. In order for the seafarer to get acquainted with the system as well as its advantages and disadvantages high-quality seafarer’s training in the use of AIS is of utmost importance. AIS is not a navigation aid, nevertheless it can be used as a device to facilitate navigation. In this paper the authors are analysing AIS errors and proposing measures for improvement of its functioning.
Arrest of Ships – The International Conventions on Arrest of Ships
Authors: Nikčević-Grdinić Jelena , Nikčević Gordana
Published: October 2012

This paper discusses the most important questions concerning the temporary arrest of seagoing ships through solutions given in the existing international conventions. Special attention is given to the changes contained in the International Convention on Arrest of Ships of 1999 that came into force on 14 September, 2011, compared to the previous Convention of 1952. The basic approach to the principle of temporary arrest of ships remained unchanged according to the Convention of 1999 compared to the 1952 Convention. Still, temporary arrest of ships can only be effected for maritime claims. Having in mind that the 1999 Convention increases the number of maritime claims in relation to the Convention of 1952, and in a way that certain maritime claims that were previously considered claims for purely business relationship, for which creditors had not been able to enjoy the protection relating to arrest of the ship, are deemed to be maritime claims. Changes were also made to the right of re-arrest and multiple arrest of the ship. Convention of 1999 does not greatly alter the existing international regulations as established by the previous Convention, but attempts to additionally specify certain solutions contained in both the Conventions, in terms of their improvement and modernization.
Quantitative and Qualitative Basis of Customer Relationship Management Concept Development in the Adriatic Ports
Authors: Šekularac-Ivošević Senka , Bauk Sanja
Published: October 2012

Quantitative-qualitative analyses of the marketing aspects of operation of the ports of Bar, Ploče and Rijeka as extremely competitively positioned on the common target market are considered in this paper. Therefore, market investigations have been carried out and users’ preferences have been established, an overview of the conditions has been made on the basis of which the actual positions of ports have been determined and represented by perception maps, while on the basis of Markov model a forecast has been made for consumer commitment in the following three time intervals, each of them one year long. The numerical results gained, as well as comments in the marketing sense, should contribute to creating a base of knowledge about target users, so as to support the development of CRM (Customer Relationship Management) concept in the ports analysed.
Synthesis of Faujasite from Fly Ash and its Applications for Hydrocracking of Petroleum Distillates
Authors: Sutarno Sutarno , Arryanto Yateman
Published: October 2012

The synthesis of faujasite from fly ash and its application for hydrocracking catalyst of heavy petroleum distillates have been performed. Faujasite was synthesized from fly ash by hydrothermal reaction in alkaline solution via combination of reflux pretreatment of fly ash with HCl and fusion with NaOH. The preparation of nickel containing catalysts by ion exchange method under similar initial concentration of nickel resulted higher amount of nickel loaded on faujasite than those on zeolite Y, however, the structural damage of faujasite was higher than those of zeolite Y. In the hydrocracking of heavy petroleum distillates over Ni-faujasite and Ni-zeolite Y catalysts, the conversion of heavy gas oil fraction was the most pronounced. The selectivity toward hydrocarbons in the range of gasoline and kerosene obtained over Ni-faujasite catalyst was lower compared to those of Ni-zeolite Y reference catalyst. © 2007 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)
Changes in Size of Populations and Level of Conflict Since World War II: Implications for Health and Health Services
Authors: Garfield Richard M. , Polonsky Jonathan , Burkle Frederick M.
Published: October 2012

Background: Armed conflicts include declared cross-border and internal wars and political, ethnic, and religious hostilities. The number of conflicts worldwide and their level of intensity have varied widely during the last 5 decades. Tracking conflicts throughout this period has focused predominantly on the number of individuals killed or displaced from these hostilities through count-based estimation systems, or establishing rates of excess mortality from demographic surveys. This report focuses on people living in areas with conflict by applying an estimated level of conflict intensity to data on the population of each territory with hostilities during 1946 to 2007.

Methods: Data from the Uppsala Conflict Data Program/Peace Research Institute Oslo (UCDP/PRIO) Armed Conflict project database on 324 conflicts of any type in countries with populations greater than 500 000 were combined with conflict-intensity estimates from the Center for Systemic Peace and population data from the US Census Bureau International Data Base.

Results: More than half a billion people lived in conflict-affected areas in 2007. An increasing proportion of those affected by conflict lived in early postconflict areas, where hostilities were judged or declared during the last 5 years. In the past 2 decades, the average intensity of conflict among those living in areas with a current conflict has gradually declined.

Conclusions: A burgeoning population lives in areas where conflict has recently ended, yet most of the world's large-scale medical responses to emergencies focus on high-intensity conflicts. Effective emergency and reconstruction activities in the health sector will depend on reorganizing services to increasingly focus on and transition to low-level and postconflict environments.

(Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2012;6:241–246)
Effects of Dynamic Temperature and Humidity Stresses on Point-of-Care Glucose Testing for Disaster Care
Authors: Louie Richard F. , Ferguson William J. , Sumner Stephanie L. , Yu Jimmy N. , Curtis Corbin M. , Kost Gerald J.
Published: October 2012

Objective: To characterize the performance of glucose meter test strips using simulated dynamic temperature and humidity disaster conditions.

Methods: Glucose oxidase- and glucose dehydrogenase-based test strips were dynamically stressed for up to 680 hours using an environmental chamber to simulate conditions during Hurricane Katrina. Paired measurements vs control were obtained using 3 aqueous reagent levels for GMS1 and 2 for GMS2.

Results: Stress affected the performance of GMS1 at level 1 (P <. 01); and GMS2 at both levels (P <. 001), lowering GMS1 results but elevating GMS2 results. Glucose median-paired differences were elevated at both levels on GMS2 after 72 hours. Median-paired differences (stress minus control) were as much as −10 mg/dL (range, −65 to 33) at level 3 with GMS1, with errors as large as 21.9%. Glucose median-paired differences were as high as 5 mg/dL (range, −1 to 10) for level 1 on GMS2, with absolute errors up to 24.4%.

Conclusions: The duration of dynamic stress affected the performance of both GMS1 and GMS2 glucose test strips. Therefore, proper monitoring, handling, and storage of point-of-care (POC) reagents are needed to ensure their integrity and quality of actionable results, thereby minimizing treatment errors in emergency and disaster settings.

(Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2012;6:232–240)
Rapid Disaster Victim Identification in Mass Fatality Incidents: Decision-Support Tool to Facilitate Human Remains Identification
Authors: de Cosmo Sergio , Barbera Joseph A.
Published: October 2012

Objectives:A quantitative decision-support tool (DST), using a combination of selected human physical attributes as identification elements, was developed to facilitate body identification in mass fatality incidents, particularly in settings with limited availability of technological resources and forensic expertise.

Methods:To construct the DST, the external biological attributes of interest were first selected. A process was then developed to guide collection of the selected categories of attributes and record them into objective antemortem (AM) and postmortem (PM) records. Finally, a framework for assessing the similarity between confronting PM-AM attribute records was established. The DST evaluates the similarities between each set of like attributes in the AM and PM records being compared. It then computes an overall similarity score for each evaluated AM record that was compared to a selected PM record. The AM record with the highest score represents the highest probable match, with the PM file selected for the comparison.

Results:Multiple simulations across a range of mass fatality situations demonstrated the effectiveness of the DST in the experimental setting.

Conclusions:The developed DST may provide authorities with a method for expediting body identification without completely eliminating any missing person file from consideration. Under specific circumstances, this method may reduce the need for technologically sophisticated forensic identification techniques (eg, dental records, fingerprints, and DNA). At a minimum, it should facilitate the efficiency of the current technological matching process.

(Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2012;6:277–290)
US Screening of International Travelers for Radioactive Contamination After the Japanese Nuclear Plant Disaster in March 2011
Authors: Wilson Todd , Chang Arthur , Berro Andre , Still Aaron , Brown Clive , Demma Andrew , Nemhauser Jeffrey , Martin Colleen , Salame-Alfie Adela , Fisher-Tyler Frieda , Smith Lee , Grady-Erickson Onalee , Alvarado-Ramy Francisco , Brunette Gary , Ansari Armin , McAdam David , Marano Nina
Published: October 2012

On March 11, 2011, a magnitude 9.0 earthquake and subsequent tsunami damaged nuclear reactors at the Fukushima Daiichi complex in Japan, resulting in radionuclide release. In response, US officials augmented existing radiological screening at its ports of entry (POEs) to detect and decontaminate travelers contaminated with radioactive materials. During March 12 to 16, radiation screening protocols detected 3 travelers from Japan with external radioactive material contamination at 2 air POEs. Beginning March 23, federal officials collaborated with state and local public health and radiation control authorities to enhance screening and decontamination protocols at POEs. Approximately 543 000 (99%) travelers arriving directly from Japan at 25 US airports were screened for radiation contamination from March 17 to April 30, and no traveler was detected with contamination sufficient to require a large-scale public health response. The response highlighted synergistic collaboration across government levels and leveraged screening methods already in place at POEs, leading to rapid protocol implementation. Policy development, planning, training, and exercising response protocols and the establishment of federal authority to compel decontamination of travelers are needed for future radiological responses. Comparison of resource-intensive screening costs with the public health yield should guide policy decisions, given the historically low frequency of contaminated travelers arriving during radiological disasters.

(Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2012;6:291–296)
Cryogenic Technology
Authors: Weisend J. G.
Published: October 2012

This chapter surveys aspects of cryogenic technology used in industry and research. Topics covered include: properties of cryogeinc fluids, cryogenic properties of materials, refrigeration techniques, equipment for cryogenics, cryostats and insulation systems, helium cryogenics and safety. A significant amount of material is presented on the application of cryogenics to the air separation and chemical engineering fields. A bibliography and an extensive reference list is provided to allow for further reading on this topic.
Understanding the Mechanism of Solvent‐Mediated Adhesion of Vacuum Deposited Au and Pt Thin Films onto PMMA Substrates
Authors: Mo Alan K. , Brown Victoria L. , Rugg Brandon K. , DeVore Thomas C. , Meyer Harry M. , Hu Xiaofeng , Hughes W. Christopher , Augustine Brian H.
Published: October 2012

The adhesion of vapor deposited Au and Pt thin films onto poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) substrates can be significantly enhanced by either spin‐casting or vapor‐exposure to hydrohalocarbon solvents prior to metal deposition. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and evolved gas analysis Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy detect residual halogenated solvent at the PMMA surface which chemically activates the surface. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations show that the solvent molecules form a Lewis acid‐base adduct with the ester oxygens in PMMA. DFT predicts that the deposited metal atom (M) inserts into the C–halogen (X) bond on either CHCl3 or CHBr3 to form a O–M–X interaction. This is consistent with M–X bonding observed in high resolution XPS. A model is proposed in which the bond energy of the C–X bond of the solvent must be weak enough so that it can be cleaved by the metal atom to form a M–X bond. A negative control of PMMA exposed to CHF3 is shown to have no effect on Au or Pt adhesion since the bond dissociation energy of the C–F bond is stronger than the C–Cl and C–Br bond energy compared to the metal halide bond energies.
Self‐Assembling Aryl‐Naphthalendiimide Derivatives with a Nitroxide Radical
Authors: Nakatsuji Shin'ichi , Aoki Kazunori , Kojoh Ayumi , Akutsu Hiroki , Yamada Jun‐ichi , Karakawa Makoto , Aso Yoshio
Published: October 2012

A series of aryl‐substituted naphthalenediimide derivatives that contain nitroxide radicals were prepared and their crystal structures were elucidated. Much stronger charge‐transfer interactions were present in the derivatives with perfluorobenzene substituents than those with phenyl or 4‐fluorophenyl substituents. These interactions result in the formation of single‐component charge‐transfer complexes by self‐assembly of the naphthalenediimide derivatives to provide black crystals. As a consequence, the naphthalenediimide derivatives with perfluorobenzene substituents have better field‐effect transistor (FET) properties than the other derivatives.
Cyclodextrin‐based molecularly imprinted polymers for the efficient recognition of pyrethroids in aqueous media
Authors: Guo Yirong , Liang Xiao , Wang Yangyang , Liu Yihua , Zhu Guonian , Gui Wenjun
Published: October 2012

Recent years have witnessed growing applications of the molecular imprinting technique for the detection of pesticide residues in environmental and food samples. In this study, molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) for pyrethroids, a class of popular insecticides, were synthesized by the crosslinking of β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) with 1,6‐hexamethylene diisocyanate (HMDI) or toluene‐2,4‐diisocyanate (TDI) in dimethyl sulfoxide, with lambda‐cyhalothrin (LCT) as a model template. Equilibrium batch‐rebinding tests were operated in different aqueous solutions. The results indicate that MIP prepared with TDI (MIP–TDI) possessed a much greater binding activity to LCT than MIP based on HMDI (MIP–HMDI), and MIP–TDI displayed a remarkably specific binding to LCT (with an imprinting factor of around 3) in an acetonitrile/water (4:7 v/v) mixture. The adsorption of LCT by MIP–TDI reached equilibrium after 3 h; this demonstrated comparatively rapid adsorption kinetics. Also, MIP–TDI could be regenerated eight times at least; this implied that the robust β‐CD polymer has the potential for practical applications. Furthermore, a cross‐selectivity study indicated that the high adsorption of LCT and its analogues by MIP–TDI in aqueous media must have been ascribed to the cooperative effects of CD inclusion interaction and stereoshape memory. This study paved the way for the use of β‐CD as a functional monomer for preparing smart artificial receptors for the efficient recognition of pyrethroids under aqueous conditions. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Modification of epoxy–anhydride thermosets with a hyperbranched poly(ester amide). II. Thermal, dynamic mechanical, and dielectric properties and thermal reworkability
Authors: Fernández‐Francos Xavier , Rybak Andrzej , Sekula Robert , Ramis Xavier , Ferrando Francesc , Okrasa Lidia , Serra Angels
Published: October 2012

An epoxy–anhydride formulation used for the coating electrical devices was modified with a commercially available hyperbranched poly(ester amide), Hybrane S2200, to improve the thermal degradability of the resulting thermoset and, thus, facilitate the recovery of substrate materials after the service life of the component. The thermomechanical, mechanical, and dielectric properties and thermal degradability were studied and interpreted in terms of the composition and network structure of the cured thermosets. Although the crosslinking density was significantly reduced with the incorporation of S2200, the glass transition temperature of the fully cured material (Tg∞) of the modified thermoset was hardly affected because of the enhancement of H‐bonding interactions in the presence of S2200. Despite the different network structures, the combined dielectric and dynamic mechanical analysis revealed that the relaxation dynamics of both networks were very similar. In terms of application, improvements in the dielectric and mechanical properties were observed. The incorporation of S2200 accelerated the thermal decomposition of the material and, thus, facilitated the recovery of the valuable parts from the substrate at the end of the service life of the apparatus. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Comparison of direct solvents for regenerated cellulosic fibers via the lyocell process and by means of ionic liquids
Authors: Ingildeev D. , Effenberger F. , Bredereck K. , Hermanutz F.
Published: October 2012

Because new technology using ionic liquids (ILs) for cellulose processing enables the spinning of cellulose with various techniques, the resulting fiber property profiles differ significantly, depending on the process parameters. ILs are thermally stable, nontoxic, environmentally friendly solvents and dissolve cellulose directly; this leads to a high flexibility in the complete process chain for man‐made cellulosics. A comparison of the manufacture of cellulosic fibers according to the Lyocell process and by means of ILs is presented. The rheological behavior of the spinning dopes, the structures, and the physical textile properties of the prepared fibers were determined. The fibers spun from solutions of cellulose in N‐methyl morpholin‐N‐oxide monohydrate, 1‐ethyl‐3‐methyl imidazolium acetate, and 1‐ethyl‐3‐methyl imidazolium diethyl phosphate were compared. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Wettability alteration of gas condensate reservoir rocks to gas wetness by sol–gel process using fluoroalkylsilane
Authors: Sharifzadeh S. , Hassanajili Sh. , Rahimpour M. R.
Published: October 2012

Natural gas is becoming a very important energy source in recent years. A sharp reduction has been observed in gas deliverability in many low permeability gas reservoirs due to bottom‐hole pressure drops below the dew point pressure. It is an established fact that altering the wettability of reservoir rocks from liquid wetness to gas wetness could improve the gas deliverability. In this study, a new polymeric surfactant coating for altering the wettability of Sarkhun reservoir rocks was prepared by using a sol–gel process. Perfluorodecylsilane (PFDS) and triethoxysilane (TEOS) were used to obtain an inorganic‐organic network via hydrolysis and polycondensation reactions. The effect of this method was examined by various characterization tests such as FTIR, SEM, and EDX, static contact angle and imbibition tests for wettability alteration. The experimental results revealed that, the prepared polymeric network including the terminal fluorine groups were effective and provided sufficient repelling characteristics towards oil and water. Static contact angles were raised from 30 to 130° for water, and from <5 to 60° for condensate after sol–gel treatment. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Measurements of size distribution nanoparticles in ultraviolet‐curable methacrylate‐based boehmite nanocomposites
Authors: Corcione Carola Esposito , Cataldi Annalisa , Frigione Mariaenrica
Published: October 2012

A deep study on the possibility to increase the quality of the dispersion of organically modified Boehmite nanoparticles into photo‐polymerizable methacrylic‐siloxane monomers, to be used as coatings, was conducted using unconventional indirect analyses. The nanocomposite were produced using two different procedures, starting from the conventional “solvent dispersion method.” The two procedures used differ for the technique used to obtain the dispersion of Boehmite, i.e., sonication or magnetic stirring and for the time used in each procedure. The efficiency of each method of preparation of nanostructured systems was analyzed, both in the liquid (uncured) and ultraviolet (UV) cured state. First, dynamic light scattering and rheological measurements were performed on the liquid suspensions, supplying experimental data used in proper theoretical models to estimate the dimensions and distribution of Boehmite particles. The suspensions obtained with the two different methods were, then, UV cured obtaining thin and thick films, on which scanning electron microscopy and transmittance measurements were performed. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Design and Synthesis of Aza‐Flavones as a New Class of Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitors
Authors: Dhiman Rajni , Sharma Sahil , Singh Gagandip , Nepali Kunal , Singh Bedi Preet Mohinder
Published: October 2012

In an attempt to develop non‐purine‐based xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitors, keeping in view the complications reported with the use of purine‐based XO inhibitors, the flavone framework (a class possessing XO inhibitory potential) was used as lead structure for further optimization. By means of structure‐based classical bioisosterism, quinolone was used as an isoster for chromone (a bicyclic unit present in flavones), owing to the bioactive potential and drug‐like properties of quinolones. This type of replacement does not alter the shape and structural features required for XO inhibition, and also provides some additional interaction sites, without the loss of hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic and arene–arene interactions. In the present study, a series of 2‐aryl/heteroaryl‐4‐quinolones (aza analogs of flavones) was rationally designed, synthesized and evaluated for in vitro XO inhibitory activity. Some notions about structure–activity relationships are presented indicating the influence of the nature of the 2‐aryl ring on the inhibitory activity. Important interactions of the most active compound 3l (IC50 = 6.24 µM) with the amino acid residues of the active site of XO were figured out by molecular modeling.
On the Two‐Inertia System: Analysis of the Asymptotic Behaviors to Multiple Feedback Position Control
Authors: Hu Jia‐Sheng , Hu Feng‐Rung , Kang Chung‐Hao
Published: October 2012

This paper presents a new analysis to explain the asymptotic behavior of the two‐inertia system on multiple feedback schemes with mechanism backlash. A linear pole placement controller for two‐inertia system position control is designed and is utilized for performance evaluation. Unlike the describing function approximation in nonlinear control, this paper presents an alternative analysis for evaluating system performance. This approach evaluates the asymptotic behaviors within semi/full/dual‐closed loop position controls that involve the effect of mechanism backlash in mechanical systems. The crucial lemmas to examine the compensation policies are formulated by theoretical discussion. The results provided by numerical simulation demonstrate the correctness and effectiveness of the analysis.
Predictive Direct Torque Control of Matrix Converter Fed Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machines
Authors: Ortega Carlos , Arias Antoni , Espina Jordi
Published: October 2012

This work presents a predictive direct torque control method for matrix converters fed permanent magnet synchronous machine drives. A new look‐up table for direct torque control using matrix converters has been developed. The new look‐up table delivers a set of three different vectors, every sample period, that fulfil the torque and flux demands. Based on a predictive algorithm, the voltage vector from the matrix converter ensuring the minimum torque ripple is selected. The system predicts the torque error for each of the three voltage vectors and selects the one that contributes with the minimum error. Simulation and experimental results, which confirm the good performance of the proposed predictive direct torque control using matrix converters are shown.
Statistical properties of the state obtained by solving a nonlinear multivariate inverse problem
Authors: Cressie Noel , Wang Rui
Published: October 2012

This article takes a statistical approach to solving a multivariate state‐space problem where many data are nonlinearly related to a state vector. The state is unknown and to be predicted, but the problem can be ill posed. A state‐space model quantifies the variability of the physical process (state equation) and of the measurements related to the process (measurement equation). The resulting posterior distribution is then maximized, yielding the predicted state vector. Statistical properties of the predicted state vector, in particular its first two moments with respect to the joint distribution, are approximated using the delta method. These are then applied to the problem of retrieving, from satellite data, a profile of CO2 values in a column of the atmosphere. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Resequencing of VAX1 in patients with nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate
Authors: Nasser Entessar , Mangold Elisabeth , Tradowsky Daniela C. , Fier Heide , Becker Jessica , Boehmer Anne C. , Herberz Ruth , Fricker Nadine , Barth Sandra , Wahle Philipp , Nowak Stefanie , Reutter Heiko , Reich Rudolf H. , Lauster Carola , Braumann Bert , Kreusch Thomas , Hemprich Alexander , Pötzsch Bernd , Hoffmann Per , Kramer Franz‐Josef , Knapp Michael , Lange Christoph , Nöthen Markus M. , Ludwig Kerstin U.
Published: October 2012

BACKGROUND: Nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCL/P) is one of the most common of all congenital anomalies, and has a multifactorial etiology involving both environmental and genetic factors. Recent genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) identified strong association between a locus on chromosome 10q25.3 and NSCL/P in European samples. One gene at 10q25.3, the ventral anterior homeobox 1 (VAX1) gene, is considered a strong candidate gene for craniofacial malformations. The purpose of the present study was to provide further evidence that VAX1 is the causal gene at the 10q25.3 locus through identification of an excess of rare mutations in patients with NSCL/P. METHODS: The 5′UTR, complete coding regions, and adjacent splice sites of the two known VAX1 isoforms were sequenced in 384 patients with NSCL/P and 384 controls of Central European descent. Observed variants were investigated with respect to familial cosegregation or de novo occurrence, and in silico analyses were performed to identify putative effects on the transcript or protein level. RESULTS: Eighteen single‐base variants were found, 15 of them rare and previously unreported. In the long VAX1 isoform, predicted functionally relevant variants were observed more often in NSCL/P cases, although this difference was not significant (p = 0.17). Analysis of family members demonstrated incomplete cosegregation in most pedigrees. CONCLUSION: Our data do not support the hypothesis that highly penetrant rare variants in VAX1 are a cause of NSCL/P. To determine whether VAX1 is the causative gene at 10q25.3 further research, in particular into the biologic function of its long isoform, is warranted. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Micellar‐mediated binding interaction between proflavine hemisulfate and salicylic acid: Spectroscopic insights and its analytical application
Authors: Patil Dhanshri T. , Mokashi Vidya V. , Kolekar Govind B. , Patil Shivajirao R.
Published: October 2012

The molecular interactions between salicylic acid (SA) and proflavin hemisulfate (PF) were investigated using fluorescence and UV–VIS absorption spectroscopy in an aqueous micellar environment. Changes in the absorption spectra of SA in the presence of PF indicate a ground state interaction between salicylate and proflavine hemisulfate ions to form a complex. The excitation bands of SA monitored at its emission wavelength reveal a red spectral shift of 8390.54 and 2037.75 cm‐1 when compared with absorption bands. The intensity of both excitation bands decreased in the presence of increasing amounts of PF. The absence of excitation bands of PF rules out the possibility of its direct excitation and suggests energy transfer from excited SA to PF, resulting in quenching of the SA fluorescence. The fluorescence quenching results were found to fit the well‐known Stern–Volmer (S–V) relation. S–V plots at different temperatures were used to further evaluate thermodynamic parameters such as ∆G, ∆H and ΔS. The thermodynamic and kinetic data obtained from the quenching results were used to investigate the possible mechanism of binding, the nature of the binding force and the distance between SA and PF molecules. The linear relation between SA fluorescence quenching and PF concentration used to develop an analytical method for the determination of PF from Lorexane (a veterinary cream) using a fluorescence quenching method. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bioactive Natural Products from Papua New Guinea Marine Sponges
Authors: Noro Jeffery C. , Kalaitzis John A. , Neilan Brett A.
Published: October 2012

The discovery of novel natural products for drug development relies heavily upon a rich biodiversity, of which the marine environment is an obvious example. Marine natural product research has spawned several drugs and many other candidates, some of which are the focus of current clinical trials. The sponge megadiversity of Papua New Guinea is a rich but underexplored source of bioactive natural products. Here, we review some of the many natural products derived from PNG sponges with an emphasis on those with interesting biological activity and, therefore, drug potential. Many bioactive natural products discussed here appear to be derived from non‐ribosomal peptide and polyketide biosynthesis pathways, strongly suggesting a microbial origin of these compounds. With this in mind, we also explore the notion of sponge‐symbiont biosynthesis of these bioactive compounds and present examples to support the working hypothesis.
Cytotoxic Tetraprenylated Alkaloids from the South China Sea Gorgonian Euplexaura robusta
Authors: Zhang Jin‐Rong , Li Ping‐Lin , Tang Xu‐Li , Qi Xin , Li Guo‐Qiang
Published: October 2012

Nine achiral tetraprenylated alkaloids, including three new compounds, named malonganenones I–K (1–3, resp.), together with six known analogs, 4–9, were isolated from the gorgonian Euplexaura robusta collected from Weizhou Island of Guangxi Province, China. The structures of compounds 1–3 were elucidated by extensive spectral analyses, especially of their 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR data. Compounds 1, 4, 6, and 7 showed moderate cytotoxicities against K562 and HeLa tumor cell lines with IC50 values ranging from 0.35 to 10.82 μM. Compound 6 also showed moderate inhibitory activity against c‐Met kinase at a concentration of 10 μM.
Chemical Diversity of Wild Growing Origanum majorana in Cyprus
Authors: Karousou Regina , Efstathiou Chrysa , Lazari Diamanto
Published: October 2012

The present work aims at tracing the essential‐oil diversity of wild growing Origanum majorana plants in Cyprus. The study of six populations scattered over the western part of the island has shown that the essential oils were rich either in trans‐sabinene hydrate/terpinen‐4‐ol or in α‐terpineol/trans‐sabinene hydrate. The former oil type is more common and responsible for the typical marjoram odor of the plants. The comparison of our results with published data concerning wild and cultivated O. majorana showed that the oil composition of the Cypriot populations had not been reported from wild plants from other parts of the Mediterranean region, while it is very common among the cultivated plants. Thus, it seems probable that the nowadays cultivated marjoram may originate from Cypriot wild populations.
Sulfur‐Containing Ferrocenyl Alcohols and Oximes: New Promising Antistaphylococcal Agents
Authors: Ilić Danijela , Damljanović Ivan , Stevanović Dragana , Vukićević Mirjana , Blagojević Polina , Radulović Niko , Vukićević Rastko D.
Published: October 2012

A small library containing four different series of new ferrocene derivatives, 2‐(alkylsulfanyl)‐1‐ferrocenylethan‐1‐ols, 3‐(alkylsulfanyl)‐1‐ferrocenylpropan‐1‐ols, (E)‐ and (Z)‐2‐(alkylsulfanyl)‐1‐ferrocenylethan‐1‐one oximes, and (E)‐ and (Z)‐3‐(alkylsulfanyl)‐1‐ferrocenylpropan‐1‐one oximes (36 different compounds in total) was synthesized starting from ferrocene and the corresponding sulfanyl acids. All compounds were spectrally (IR and NMR) and electrochemically characterized. In general, the obtained compounds were found to exhibit very strong antimicrobial activities (broth microdilution assay) against the tested microorganisms (six common human pathogens). For the majority of the tested compounds, the determined MIC values were either under the 10 μg/ml MIC limit recognized to delimit efficient antimicrobials or were comparable to/lower than those of the used positive controls (tetracycline/nystatin). The most susceptible organism was found to be Staphylococcus aureus with MIC values even reaching 0.001 μg/ml. The presence of CH(OH)(CH2)nS and CH(NOH)(CH2)nS (n=1 or 2) structural fragments seems to be essential for the observed strong activity (introduction of hydroxyimino and alcohol functionalities, instead of the keto function, resulted in a more than 105‐fold increase in antistaphylococcal activity in some instances). Nevertheless, a possible influence of the ferrocenyl‐core redox chemistry (Fe2+/Fe3+) should not be disregarded. The studied alcohols exhibited a reversible one‐electron redox couple at almost the same position as ferrocene, while the hydroxyimino group conjugated with cyclopentadienyl ring considerably shifted the redox potential of the ferrocene unit in oximes.
Variation in Terpene and Linear‐Chain Hydrocarbon Content in Yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.) Germplasm from the Rhaetian Alps, Italy
Authors: Pecetti Luciano , Tava Aldo , Romani Massimo , Cecotti Roberto , Mella Mariella
Published: October 2012

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.) is a herbaceous species common in the Alpine region of Europe and used in folk medicine since antiquity. Its organs are rich in monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, two subclasses of plant terpenoids with relevant ecological significance, which were reported as valuable markers for the traceability of mountain dairy products. The variability in chemical composition of yarrow germplasm may be related with its genetic diversity, accounting for possible differences in medical properties, and supporting its use as a specific territorial marker. Aim of this work was to assess the leaf chemical composition of 16 yarrow populations collected at altitudes exceeding 1600 m in three valleys of the Rhaetian Alps, Italy, and jointly evaluated in a lowland site. The most abundant compounds detected generally differed from those of the germplasm from other countries. A trend of valley‐specific pattern of composition was evident. However, the variability among individual populations was even more remarkable, regardless of their valley of origin. The concentrations of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, oxygenated monoterpenes, and oxygenated sesquiterpenes discriminated the populations in multivariate analysis. A few prevailing chemotypes were characterized, which differed from those previously reported in the literature. The geographic isolation from other germplasms, and the local ecotypization, likely originated a chemically distinct gene pool.
Studies on Chemical‐Structure Modification and StructureActivity Relationship of Gambogic Acid Derivatives at Carbon(34)
Authors: Zhang Xiao‐Jin , Li Xiang , Yang Ying‐Rui , Sun Hao‐Peng , Gao Yuan , Zhang Lei , Wang Jin‐Xin , Guo Qing‐Long , You Qi‐Dong
Published: October 2012

Gambogic acid (GA), a natural product, was identified as a promising antitumor agent. To further explore the structureactivity relationship of GA and discover novel GA derivatives as antitumor agents, 19 novel GA derivatives modified at C(34) were synthesized and evaluated against A549, BGC‐823, U251, HepG2, and MB‐231 cancer cell lines by cellular assays. Among them, 15 compounds were found to be more potent than GA against some cancer cell lines. Notably, compound 3 possessed potent inhibitory activities against five cell lines with IC50 values ranging between 0.24 and 1.09 μM. Compounds 9 and 18 were seven to eightfold more active than GA against A549 cell line. Chemical modification at C(34) of GA by introducing of hydrophilic aliphatic amines resulted in increased activity and improved drug‐like properties. These findings will enhance our understanding of the SAR of GA and can lead to the discovery of novel GA derivatives as potential antitumor agents.
Synthesis, and in vitro Enzymatic and Antiviral Evaluation of d4T Polyphosphate Derivatives as Chain Terminators
Authors: Yang Shiqiong , Pannecouque Christophe , Herdewijn Piet
Published: October 2012

A series of d4T di‐ or triphosphate derivatives have been synthesized and evaluated as effective substrates for HIV‐1 RT, and also tested for their in vitro anti‐HIV activity. The steady‐state kinetic study of compounds 1–4 in an enzymatic incorporation assay by HIV‐1 RT follows MichaelisMenten profile. In addition, compounds 2–4 are able to inhibit HIV‐1 replication to the same extent as d4T and d4TMP in MT‐4 cells, as well as in CEM/0 cells and CEM/TK− cells. The data suggests that these d4T polyphosphate derivatives are hydrolyzed to d4T and rephosphorylated to d4TTP before exerting their antiviral activity.
Phytochemical potential of Daphne gnidium in inhibiting growth of melanoma cells and enhancing melanogenesis of B16‐F0 melanoma
Authors: Chaabane Fadwa , Pinon Aline , Simon Alain , Ghedira Kamel , Chekir‐Ghedira Leila
Published: October 2012

In this study, we have investigated inhibitory capacity of ethyl acetate, total oligomer flavonoid (TOF), aqueous extracts and beta amyrin acetate, a triterpene isolated from ethyl acetate extract obtained from leaves of Daphne gnidium, on mouse melanoma (B16‐F0 and B16‐F10 cells) proliferation. Influence of these products on percentage cell distribution in cycle phases and melanogenesis was also studied. Cell viability was determined using the 3‐(4, 5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, and flow cytometry was used to analyse effects of tested compounds on progression through the cell cycle. In addition, amounts of melanin and tyrosinase were measured spectrophotometrically at 475 nm. Ethyl acetate, TOF and aqueous extracts exhibited significant anti‐proliferative activity after incubation with the two types of tumour skin cells B16‐F0 and B16‐F10. Furthermore, cell cycle analysis revealed that cells treated with ethyl acetate and TOF extracts were arrested predominantly in G2‐M phase. Ethyl acetate extract has also the ability to enhance melanogenesis and tyrosinase activity of B16‐F0 melanoma cells. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Doing the Right Thing: Ethical Leadership and Decision Making
Authors: Garza Mitchell Regina L.
Published: October 2012

This chapter explores the relationship between leadership style, ethical orientation, and the AACC competencies. A glimpse of the competencies in practices is provided through the results of interviews with thirteen community college presidents. The findings presented here are culled from a larger study of presidential decision making during difficult times (Garza Mitchell and Hornak, 2010; Hornak and Garza Mitchell, 2010) that was funded by a Faculty Research and Creative Endeavors grant from Central Michigan University.
A Highly Stereoselective Synthesis of Glycidic Amides Based on a New Class of Chiral Sulfonium Salts: Applications in Asymmetric Synthesis
Authors: Sarabia Francisco , Vivar‐García Carlos , García‐Castro Miguel , García‐Ruiz Cristina , Martín‐Gálvez Francisca , Sánchez‐Ruiz Antonio , Chammaa Samy
Published: October 2012

A new type of chiral sulfonium salts that are characterized by a bicyclic system has been designed and synthesized from α‐amino acids. Their corresponding ylides, which were prepared by basic treatment of the sulfonium salts, reacted smoothly with a broad array of simple and chiral aldehydes to provide trans‐epoxy amides in reasonable to very good yields and excellent stereoselectivities (>98 %). The obtained epoxy amides were found to be useful as synthetic building blocks. Thus, they were reduced into their corresponding epoxy alcohols and subjected to oxirane‐ring‐opening reactions with different types of nucleophiles.