bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relevant factors in the treatment of digital nerve injury of the hand
Authors: Andjelkovic Sladjana , Lesic Aleksandar , Vuckovic Cedo , Sudjic Vojo , Bumbasirevic Marko
Published: January 2012

Introduction. In his work the orthopaedic surgeon deals with a large number
of peripheral nerve injuries, especially of the upper extremity. Most of
these injuries involve the hand (30%). Objective. The aim of the study was to
analyze the influence of some factors (age, aetiology, level of injury,
associated injuries) on surgical treatment outcome of digital nerve injury of
the hand. Methods. At the Department for Microsurgery 72 hospitalized
patients were operated on due to the injury of common palmar digital nerves
and proper palmar digital nerves. All operations were performed within the
first 48h after injury and primary neurosuture was done in all. Beside the
evaluation of demographic parameters, we also assessed aetiology of injury,
associated injuries, level of injury, as well as the vascular status of the
injured finger. Functional recovery was measured by the Medical Research
Council (MCR) scale (S0-S4). Results. We found a statistically significant
difference in sensory recovery according to age and aetiology of injury
(p<0.05). Better results of sensory recovery were detected in cases with
undamaged artery or where anastomosis was done, but without statistical
significance. There was no statistical significance difference regarding the
level and associated injuries. Conclusion. Two major factors in the recovery
of digital nerve function are patient?s age and mechanism of injury. Having
in mind the limited degree of recovery, the patient should be precisely
informed preoperatively on the nature of injury and realistically expected
results.
Association of TNF-alpha polymorphism (-308 A/G) with high activity of rheumatoid arthritis and therapy response to etanercept
Authors: Stojanovic Sonja , Jevtovic-Stoimenov Tatjana , Stankovic Aleksandra , Pavlovic Dusica , Nedovic Jovan , Stamenkovic Bojana , Dimic Aleksandar , Marinkovic Milena
Published: January 2012

Introduction. Genetic markers are significant predictive factors in the
assessment of therapeutic response of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to
biological medication. Objective. The aim of the study was to determinate
the association of TNF-? -308 G/A polymorphism with a high RA activity and
its predictive value in therapeutic response after 12 months of treatment
with Etanercept. Methods. The study enrolled 132 patients with RA treated
with Methotrexate (MTX) and 58 control subjects. The -308 TNF polymorphism
was examined using the polymerase chain reaction - restriction fragment
length polymorphism (PCR- RFLP). The patients were divided into two groups:
group A with A/A and A/G genotype and group G with G/G genotype. After 12
months, beside MTX, Etanercept was introduced in 36 patients. We compared
clinical activity among the groups at the beginning and after one year of
therapy by using DAS28 SE (Disease activity score with sedimentation).
Results. There was no significant difference found in the distribution of G
and A allele in the RA group compared to the control group. A significantly
higher disease activity was noticed in A compared to the G group (DAS28 SE:
6.31 to 5.81; p<0.05). The patients with A allele kept the majority of the
disease activity even after a year of study (DAS28 SE: 5.25 to 3.89). After
a year of MTX and Etanercept therapy, a significantly larger proportion of
patients in the G group displayed a good clinical response to treatment
compared to the A group (81.5% to 25%; p<0.05). The average change of DAS28
SE in G group was 2.24, while in the A group DAS 28 reduction was
significantly lower (1.17; p=0.005). Conclusion. There was no significant
difference in the frequency of A in the patients with RA compared to healthy
subjects. The presence of A allele is associated with more serious clinical
presentation of the disease and lower therapeutic response to Etanercept.
Erythroleukemia in a retrovirus-negative cat
Authors: Fischer Catherine , Tan Emmeline , Bienzle Dorothee
Published: January 2012

Case Description—A 5-year-old spayed female cat was evaluated because of lethargy of 3 days' duration, acute respiratory distress, and anemia.

Clinical Findings—Physical examination revealed the cat was in good body condition but had pale mucous membranes and elevated heart and respiratory rates. Results of hematologic analysis indicated the cat had severe anemia (Hct, 0.07 L/L; reference range, 0.28 to 0.49 L/L) and marked rubricytosis (19.0 × 109 cells/L; reference value, 0 cells/L). Results of serologic and PCR assays for detection of FeLV and FIV and PCR assays for detection of Mycoplasma spp were negative. Cytologic evaluation of a bone marrow aspirate and histologic evaluation of a biopsy specimen revealed a predominance of rubriblasts and rubricytes with granulocytopenia. Cytologic evaluation of fine-needle aspirates of the spleen and liver also revealed numerous rubriblasts.

Treatment and Outcome—The cat received transfusions of packed RBCs, and supportive treatment was administered. Analysis of test results yielded a diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia (erythroid subtype). Because of continued hemolysis and anemia in combination with the diagnosis of erythroleukemia (which has a poor prognosis), the cat was euthanized.

Clinical Relevance—To the authors' knowledge, erythroleukemia has only been reported in cats infected with FeLV. However, results of all diagnostic assays for FeLV were negative in the cat reported here, which suggested that erythroleukemia can develop in cats in the absence of FeLV infection.
Use of end-to-side arterial and venous anastomosis techniques for renal transplantation in two dogs
Authors: Phillips Heidi , Aronson Lillian R.
Published: January 2012

Case Description—A sexually intact male Old English Sheepdog and a sexually intact female Bull Terrier were evaluated for renal dysplasia and chronic renal failure, respectively.

Clinical Findings—Both dogs were anemic and had high serum concentrations of urea nitrogen and creatinine. Electrolyte abnormalities (calcium and phosphorus) were also evident. The decision was made to pursue renal transplantation, and donor dogs were identified.

Treatment and Outcome—End-to-side anastomosis of the renal artery and vein of each donor's left kidney to the recipient's ipsilateral external iliac artery and vein, respectively, was performed. The left caudal abdominal musculature was scarified by making an incision, and nephropexy to that musculature was performed with a simple interrupted pattern of polypropylene sutures. No intraoperative or postoperative complications associated with the vascular anastomoses were encountered. Azotemia, anemia, and electrolyte imbalances resolved after transplantation.

Clinical Relevance—The end-to-side anastomosis technique described here, which is a preferred method in human medicine, was successful, providing an alternative to other renal transplantation techniques in dogs. Additional studies are needed to determine whether any vascular anastomosis technique is preferable for use in dogs requiring renal transplantation.
Development of a diagnostic diagram for rapid field assessment of acidosis severity in diarrheic calves
Authors: Bellino Claudio , Arnaudo Fabrizio , Biolatti Cristina , Borrelli Antonio , Gianella Paola , Maurella Cristiana , Zabaldano Giuseppe , Cagnasso Aurelio , D'Angelo Antonio
Published: January 2012

Objective—To develop a diagnostic diagram for rapid field assessment of acidosis severity in diarrheic calves.

Design—Prospective cross-sectional study.

Animals—148 Piedmontese calves (38 calves in preliminary experiments; 83 diarrheic calves and 27 healthy control calves in the primary experiment).

Procedures—Physical examination was performed and a standard data collection form was completed for each calf. Blood samples were obtained and submitted for evaluation of acid-base balance, performance of a CBC, and measurement of electrolyte and total protein concentrations.

Results—Severe metabolic acidosis (extracellular base excess more negative than −10 mmol/L) was associated with abnormal mental status, delayed or absent suckle reflex, abnormal posture or gait, enophthalmos, and cold oral mucosal membranes. Clinical signs associated with severe metabolic acidosis were arranged into a grid to create a diagnostic diagram. Sensitivity and specificity of the diagnostic diagram for the prediction of severe metabolic acidosis were 88% and 79%, respectively.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Use of the diagnostic diagram may aid differentiation between severe and nonsevere acidosis patterns as determined on the basis of clinical signs.
Diagnosis and treatment of Sarcocystis neurona–induced myositis in a free-ranging California sea lion
Authors: Carlson-Bremer Daphne P. , Gulland Frances M. D. , Johnson Christine K. , Colegrove Kathleen M. , Van Bonn William G.
Published: January 2012

Case Description—An underweight, lethargic adult female California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) became stranded along the California shore and was captured and transported to a rehabilitation hospital for assessment and care.

Clinical Findings—Initial physical assessment revealed the sea lion was lethargic and in poor body condition. Active myositis was diagnosed on the basis of concurrent elevations in activities of alanine aminotransferase and creatine kinase detected during serum biochemical analysis. Infection with Sarcocystis neurona was diagnosed after serologic titers increased 4-fold over a 3-week period. Diagnosis was confirmed on the basis of histopathologic findings, positive results on immunohistochemical staining, and results of quantitative PCR assay on biopsy specimens obtained from the diaphragm and muscles of the dorsal cervical region.

Treatment and Outcome—Anticoccidial treatment was instituted with ponazuril (10 mg/kg [4.5 mg/lb], PO, q 24 h) and continued for 28 days. Prednisone (0.2 mg/kg [0.09 mg/lb], PO, q 12 h) was administered for 2 days and then every 24 hours for 5 days to treat associated inflammation. At the end of treatment, the sea lion was clinically normal, alanine aminotransferase and creatine kinase values were within reference limits, and antibody titers against S neurona had decreased 6-fold. The sea lion was released approximately 3 months after becoming stranded.

Clinical Relevance—S neurona–induced myositis was diagnosed in a free-ranging California sea lion. On the basis of the successful treatment and release of this sea lion, anticoccidial treatment should be considered for marine mammals in which protozoal disease is diagnosed.
Relationships between Muscular Performance and Markers of Well-Being in Elite Rugby Union Players
Authors: Kavaliauskas Mykolas
Published: January 2012

Relationships between Muscular Performance and Markers of Well-Being in Elite Rugby Union Players

Regular testing can be used to track athletes' changes in performance over time. However, testing should not be limited to physiological characteristics alone, but also encompass perceived psychological status and well-being. Foster (1998) suggests monitoring of subjective well-being may serve to prevent deterioration in the practice of physical tasks. The relationship between psychological and physiological measures in professional team sport is not fully investigated. St Clair Gibson et al. (2003) proposed that fatigue may be the mental representation of physiological changes characterizing emotions. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine relationship between psychological self-assessment of well-being and physiological parameters related to muscular performance in a professional rugby union team. 15 male professional rugby union players (26.5 ± 5.8 years; 102.6 ± 13.4 kg; 186.1 ± 9.5 cm) participated. On a weekly basis over a competitive season players completed a perceived well-being questionnaire related to manifestations of fatigue, and 3 jump squats. Vertical displacement, velocity, power, force and force impulse were calculated for each jump. Time series analysis indicates no relationship between measures of well-being and muscular performance on an individual basis. However, analysis of mean team data does show the existence of a relationship in some cases.
1971–1976 – Profiting from a New Beginning in Geneva
Authors: Schaffner Kurt
Published: January 2012

A few projects of organic photochemistry, which have been investigated in Geneva in 1971–76, are reviewed summarily. They include excited state-selective processes from the n,?* and ?,?* triplets and selectively occurring ? ? ?* induced reactions of
?,?-unsaturated cyclic ketones, oxadi-?-methane rearrangements and 1,3-acetyl shifts of ?,?-unsaturated methyl ketones, and di-?-methane rearrangements of benzoylnaphthobarrelene compounds. Furthermore, intramolecular triplet energy transfer dependence on rigid
donor–acceptor syn-anti topologies between indanone and naphthalene moieties most likely reflects competition between radiationless energy dissipation by through-space aromatic ? interaction (amounting to intramolecular exciplex action) and through-?-bond exchange transfer.
Finally, electronically integrating actinometry and time-resolved IR spectroscopy of excited states and reaction intermediates are mentioned.
Thirty-three Years of Synthetic Organic Chemistry in Geneva: Reminiscences
Authors: Snowden Roger L.
Published: January 2012

After thirty-three years of synthetic organic chemistry research in Geneva, three years as a postdoc at the Université de Genève and over thirty years working at Firmenich, a world-renowned flavour and fragrance company, Dr. Roger L. Snowden, Vice President Synthesis,
Corporate R&D Division, Firmenich retraces his career back to 1975 when he arrived in Switzerland. A brief autobiographical sketch of this British national is presented, together with the reasons why Geneva turned out to be where he was to effect the major part of his scientific career.
A New Capillary Electrophoresis Device with Deep UV Detector Based on LED Technology
Authors: Rohrbasser Claude , Rhême Dominique , Décastel Sylvain , Roth Samuel , Montes Maria de Lourdes Aja , Veuthey Jean-Luc , Rudaz Serge
Published: January 2012

During the last three years, the College of Engineering and Architecture of Fribourg has developed, in collaboration with the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva - Lausanne, a low-cost analytical capillary electrophoresis (CE) device, equipped with a new deep UV
detector based on LED technology. The aim is to use it for educational purposes and/or basic pharmaceutical-analytical services, including identification or quality control assays in developing countries.
Fluorometric Method to Assess Lipase Inhibition Activity
Authors: Andlauer Wilfried , Prunier Patrice , Prim Denis
Published: January 2012

Obesity and excess weight have become serious health problems in our developed societies today. Increased blood pressure, blood glucose levels and abnormal blood lipids are frequent consequences. Inhibition of digestive enzymes by pharmacological or nutritional intervention are one
avenue to be considered to treat this population. In the present study a robust assay to screen biologically active materials for their ability to inhibit pancreatic lipase, the most important enzyme in fat digestion, has been developed. Methyl-umbelliferyl butyrate was used as an artificial
substrate, enabling assessment of lipase activity via specific fluorescence emission. Applicability of the assay was shown by assessment of lipase inhibition activity of wild plants from Switzerland and France. Testing showed some plants to have a high inhibition rate of about 70%.
In further projects, this lipase inhibition assay could be used for a scientific proof of biological activity of raw materials with the intention to develop functional foods for weight reduction.
Microencapsulated Fragrances in Melamine Formaldehyde Resins
Authors: Bône Stéphane , Vautrin Claire , Barbesant Virginie , Truchon Stéphane , Harrison Ian , Geffroy Cédric
Published: January 2012

The process for making melamine formaldehyde microcapsules containing fragrant oil is well-known. Recently, this technology has been used to enhance the olfactory performance on fabrics. However keeping the fragrance in the capsule during storage, improving the olfactory benefit and
releasing a low amount of formaldehyde is highly challenging. To answer these challenges, Givaudan has developed its own melamine formaldehyde microcapsule, called Mechacaps™, which is described in this article.
Impact of Soil Temperature and Moisture on Soil Respiration under Different Cropping Patterns in Arid Oasis Area
Authors: Qin A.Z. , Huang G.B. , Chai Q. , Yu A.Z. , Liu S.B.
Published: January 2012

A dynamic chamber method was used to measure soil respiration under four intercropping patterns and five monocropping patterns from April to September, 2009 and 2010. Soil temperature and moisture were measured to analyze correlations to soil respiration. Q10 values varied from 1.23 to 2.18, with minimum value for sole wheat and maximum value for maize//pea; optimum moisture for soil respiration ranging from 0.13 to 0.21m3m-3. Soil respiration of summer harvesting crops (wheat, rape and pea) was more sensitive to moisture while that of autumn harvesting crops (maize and Soyabean) was more to temperature. Ratios of biomass and yield to seasonal CO2 fluxes for sole wheat were 32.6-40.1 kg/kg and 13.2-14.5 kg/kg, respectively, showing wheat was the crop that emitted less CO2 but had good productivity. It was concluded that wheat//maize was recommended cropping pattern considering both lower CO2 fluxes and higher production.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/on.v9i1.5723
GIS Application for Estimating the Current Status of Municipal Solid Waste Management System: Case Study of Chandigarh City, India
Authors: Khajuria A. , Matsui T. , Machimura T.
Published: January 2012

The population growth in many urban cities and its urban activities in developing countries have resulted in an increased generation rate of municipal solid waste(MSW), an important issue. In the process of municipal solid waste management (MSWM) system in which, collection activities contributed the most of total cost that is paid for MSW collection activities by city’s citizen; and transport activities are required 60-70% of total cost that is the total expenditures spent on the transport, transfer, disposal and treatment of MSW by city authorities. Hence optimization of routing system, systematization of collection, transport and transfer activities is the important components for an effective MSWM system. This article describes the current problems and the improvement of the management activities in a city of Chandigarh. An integrated MSWM assessment model is proposed and used as a decision support tool for daily efficient operations such as collection/ transport path management, load balancing within vehicles, fuel consumption management by using GIS application. In addition, a simple optimal routing model is proposed to achieve the minimum cost/distance/time efficient collection and transport path for MSWM.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/on.v9i1.5729
Effect of Cadmium Chloride on the Histoarchitecture of Certain Organs of a Freshwater Catfish, Clarias batrachus
Authors: Dar B.A. , Qureshi T.A. , Khaliq R.
Published: January 2012

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of cadmium chloride induced histological alterations in the liver and kidney of a freshwater catfish, Clarias batrachus. The fishes were exposed to 4 ppm (4% of 96 h LC50) and 8 ppm (8% of 96 h LC50) of cadmium chloride for 60 days. The most common changes in liver at all doses of cadmium chloride were loosening of hepatic tissue, vacuolated cell cytoplasm, enucleation and eccentric nuclei. In the kidney of fish exposed cadmium chloride were characterized by loosening of haemopoietic tissue, uriniferous tubules have lost their original appearance, vacuolated cytoplasm, degeneration in the epithelial cells of renal tubule, narrowing of the tubular lumen and damaged glomeruli.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/on.v9i1.5737
Above-ground and Below-ground Biomass situation of Milke-Jaljale Rangeland at Different Altitudinal Gradient
Authors: Limbu D.K. , Koirala M.
Published: January 2012

Rangeland conservation has been increasingly interested for carbon reduction and mitigation of climate change, because of carbon storage. Thus, biomass of the rangeland remains pivotal regarding carbon sequestration on rangeland. Present study was conducted in high altitude rangeland at Jaljale (4000 m), Gorujure (3500 m) and Milke (3000 m) on September, 2010 with an objective to estimate rangeland biomass following the total harvesting method. Result revealed that biomass of high altitude rangeland has relatively high value (1.50 t/ha for both above ground biomass and 43.48 t/ha for below ground biomass) compared to low altitude rangeland (0.35 t/ha for above ground biomass and 16.93 t/ha for below ground biomass). Similarly, monocot plant density play crucial role for biomass contribution of rangeland.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/on.v9i1.5740
Snow Leopard (Uncia uncia), Prey Species and Outreach in Langtang National, Park, Nepal
Authors: Chalise M.K.
Published: January 2012

Presence of snow leopard (Uncia uncia) in Langtang National Park was obscure till 2003. It was confirmed by a research team trained for the wildlife biology in the field. Along with the study of ecology and behavior of snow leopard sufficient effort were made to generate data on pre species. The study also dealt with threat perceived for the leopard survival while basic unit of conservation- local outreach programs were also initiated.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/on.v9i1.5744
Role of Zinc, Copper and Manganese Concentration in Neural Tube Defects
Authors: Vats R. , Sharma R.K. , Sharma A.
Published: January 2012

Trace minerals are required by the body in minute quantities ranging from as little microgram to milligram per day. The trace elements known to be essential for humans and unquestionably associated with deficiency system.  Zinc is a component of all cells; it is needed for the growth and repair of tissues and is a cofactor for at least 70 different enzymes (Baumgartner, 1993). There is experimental evidences for zinc deficiency as a teratogenic agent and in humans the high rates of neural tube defects (NTD) in some regions where zinc deficiency is common (Hurley, 1981; Sever, 1989).  In animals zinc deficiency has been shown to cause central nervous system defects (Keen and Hurley, 1989). It is well known that there are interactions between zinc and other trace minerals.  Normal levels of these and good relation between them are factors conditioning human health (Janicki, 1991). The present study aims at assessing blood, serum zinc, copper and manganese levels and zinc/copper, zinc/manganese ratios of mother and their babies having NTD.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/on.v9i1.5749
Perspectives on Postwar Silence: Psychoanalysis, Political Philosophy, and Economic Theory
Authors: Norberg Jakob
Published: January 2012

Hannah Arendt and Alexander and Margarete Mitscherlich produced influential accounts of the postwar West-German population's silence or inarticuleteness. The Mitscherlichs claimed that this silence was symptomatic of a blocked process of mourning; Arendt saw it as a legacy of brutal totalitarian rule. However, both viewed the rapid economic recovery as evidence of the German inability to engage in discursively mediated therapeutic and political processes. Frantic busyness was a form of silence. This paper presents a critical reassessment of these approaches. By drawing on Albert Hirschman's theory of exit and voice, it argues that economic activity possesses a communicative dimension. The alleged retreat from politics is not a symptom of muteness but rather indicates people's preference for an alternative mode of communication. Arendt and the Mitscherlich may be right in assuming a correlation between the postwar economic recovery and ostensible political apathy, but lack the conceptual means to clarify the relationship.
Heimat without Qualities: Sprachkritik in the “Miracle Years”
Authors: Komska Yuliya
Published: January 2012

Heimat is commonly theorized as an entity both co-extensive with the nation and easily describable in terms of its regional peculiarities (Eigenart). To challenge this view, this article turns to sociolinguistic discussions in the press of Sudeten German expellees in the early 1950s. Rather than speaking as experts on local dialects or folklore, these newcomers resorted to Sprachkritik, a widespread postwar public form of sociolinguistic criticism, to fashion Heimat into a prescriptive, normative authority over the High German standard that they found missing in the Federal Republic. Their attacks on the West German parlance focused on inability of its consumerist diminutives to produce a coherent narrative of the period. By suggesting that Heimat's parameters superseded those of the nation, their interventions countered the widespread cliché of inarticulate, rural expellees at the same time as they put Sprachkritik on the map of West Germany's “miracle years.“
Perennial Anti-Americanism in Germany? Critical comments on Ruth Hatlapa’s and Andrei S. Markovits’ “Obamamania and Anti-Americanism as Complementary Concepts”
Authors: Immerfall Stefan
Published: January 2012

The transatlantic fallout preceding and immediately following the opening

of the Second Iraq War in 2003 was accompanied by an unusually

widespread public contempt for U.S. President George W. Bush. No doubt,

vast majorities in Germany (and in many other European countries)

rejected the Iraq invasion. But how should we interpret their motives?

Was criticism levelled against a specific policy or was it based on negative

stereotyping of America? Three kinds of arguments have been brought

forward as to why the latter should be the case.
Les services environnementaux fournis par l’agriculture et leurs modes de gouvernance : un cadre d’analyse économique
Authors: Jeanneaux Philippe , Aznar Olivier , Déprés Christophe
Published: January 2012

This paper proposes to analyze the environmental services provided by farmers in order to clarify the diversity of transactions within the same field. We distinguish two main categories of services: “Service internalization“ corresponding to the internalization of an externality by seeking to modify the joint product, and “Service Delivery“ corresponding to a contract to provide the service. We then cross this characterization with the modes of governance (sectorial vs. territorial) of the environmental services. This analysis allows us, first, to have a better understanding of the dynamics of environmental service supply, and second, to highlight the poor integration of environmental issues in agriculture. The categories generated are illustrated from several empirical studies carried out between 2002 and 2010 in the framework of three research programs.

Spanish
Este documento propone caracterizar los servicios ambientales provistos por los agricultores con el fin de clarificar la diversidad de transacciones dentro de la misma denominación. El artículo distingue dos categorías principales de servicios: “la internalización de servicios“ correspondiente a la internalización de una externalidad a través de modificar el producto conjunto, y “la prestación de servicios“ que corresponde a un contrato de prestación de servicio. Los autores cruzan entonces esta caracterización con los modos de gobierno (sectorial vs. territorial) en el que los servicios ambientales se inscriben; cruce que permite, por un lado, comprender la dinámica de la oferta de servicios ambientales, y por otra parte, remarcar la escasa integración de los problemas ambientales en el sector agrícola. Las categorías producidas son ilustradas a partir de varias investigaciones empíricas llevadas a cabo entre 2002 y 2010 en tres programas de investigación.

French
Cet article propose de caractériser les services environnementaux fournis par les agriculteurs dans le but de clarifier la diversité des transactions qui relèvent d'une même dénomination. Deux catégories principales de services avec quelques déclinaisons ressortent : le « service d'internalisation » visant à internaliser une externalité en cherchant à modifier le produit joint ; le « service prestation » correspondant à un contrat de prestation de service. Nous croisons alors cette caractérisation avec les modes de gouvernance (sectorielle vs territoriale) dans lesquels les services environnementaux s'inscrivent, croisement qui permet, d'une part, de comprendre les dynamiques d'off re de services environnementaux, et d'autre part, de remarquer la faible intégration des problèmes environnementaux dans le secteur agricole. Les catégories produites sont illustrées à partir de plusieurs investigations empiriques réalisées entre 2002 et 2010 dans trois programmes de recherche.
The Concept of Equivalent Radon Concentration for Practical Consideration of Indoor Exposure to Thoron
Authors: Chen Jing , Moir Deborah
Published: January 2012

To consider the total exposure to indoor radon and thoron, a concept of equivalent radon concentration for thoron is introduced, defined as the radon concentration that delivers the same annual effective dose as that resulting from the thoron concentration. The total indoor exposure to radon and thoron is then the sum of the radon concentration and the equivalent radon concentration for thoron. The total exposure should be compared to the radon guideline value, and if it exceeds the guideline value, appropriate remedial action is required. With this concept, a separate guideline for indoor thoron exposure is not necessary. For homes already tested for radon with radon detectors, Health Canada’s recommendation of a 3-month radon test performed during the fall/winter heating season not only ensures a conservative estimate of the annual average radon concentration but also covers well any potentially missing contribution from thoron exposure. In addition, because the thoron concentration is much lower than the radon concentration in most homes in Canada, there is no real need to re-test homes for thoron.
Generalized Fractional Derivative Anisotropic Viscoelastic Characterization
Authors: Hilton Harry H.
Published: January 2012

Isotropic linear and nonlinear fractional derivative constitutive relations are formulated and examined in terms of many parameter generalized Kelvin models and are analytically extended to cover general anisotropic homogeneous or non-homogeneous as well as functionally graded viscoelastic material behavior. Equivalent integral constitutive relations, which are computationally more powerful, are derived from fractional differential ones and the associated anisotropic temperature-moisture-degree-of-cure shift functions and reduced times are established. Approximate Fourier transform inversions for fractional derivative relations are formulated and their accuracy is evaluated. The efficacy of integer and fractional derivative constitutive relations is compared and the preferential use of either characterization in analyzing isotropic and anisotropic real materials must be examined on a case-by-case basis. Approximate protocols for curve fitting analytical fractional derivative results to experimental data are formulated and evaluated.
The Effect of LC-MS Data Preprocessing Methods on the Selection of Plasma Biomarkers in Fed vs. Fasted Rats
Authors: Gürdeniz Gözde , Kristensen Mette , Skov Thomas , Dragsted Lars O.
Published: January 2012

The metabolic composition of plasma is affected by time passed since the last meal and by individual variation in metabolite clearance rates. Rat plasma in fed and fasted states was analyzed with liquid chromatography quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF) for an untargeted investigation of these metabolite patterns. The dataset was used to investigate the effect of data preprocessing on biomarker selection using three different softwares, MarkerLynxTM, MZmine, XCMS along with a customized preprocessing method that performs binning of m/z channels followed by summation through retention time. Direct comparison of selected features representing the fed or fasted state showed large differences between the softwares. Many false positive markers were obtained from custom data preprocessing compared with dedicated softwares while MarkerLynxTM provided better coverage of markers. However, marker selection was more reliable with the gap filling (or peak finding) algorithms present in MZmine and XCMS. Further identification of the putative markers revealed that many of the differences between the markers selected were due to variations in features representing adducts or daughter ions of the same metabolites or of compounds from the same chemical subclasses, e.g., lyso-phosphatidylcholines (LPCs) and lyso-phosphatidylethanolamines (LPEs). We conclude that despite considerable differences in the performance of the preprocessing tools we could extract the same biological information by any of them. Carnitine, branched-chain amino acids, LPCs and LPEs were identified by all methods as markers of the fed state whereas acetylcarnitine was abundant during fasting in rats.
Oligothiophenes as Fluorescent Markers for Biological Applications
Authors: Capobianco Massimo L. , Barbarella Giovanna , Manetto Antonio
Published: January 2012

This paper summarizes some of our results on the application of oligothiophenes as fluorescent markers for biological studies. The oligomers of thiophene, widely known for their semiconductor properties in organic electronics, are also fluorescent compounds characterized by chemical and optical stability, high absorbance and quantum yield. Their fluorescent emission can be easily modulated via organic synthesis by changing the number of thiophene rings and the nature of side-chains. This review shows how oligothiophenes can be derivatized with active groups such as phosphoramidite, N-hydroxysuccinimidyl and 4-sulfotetrafluorophenyl esters, isothiocyanate and azide by which the (bio)molecules of interest can be covalently bound. This paper also describes how molecules such as oligonucleotides, proteins and even nanoparticles, tagged with oligothiophenes, can be used in experiments ranging from hybridization studies to imaging of fixed and living cells. Finally, a few multilabeling experiments are described.
Antioxidant Effect of Stryphnodendron rotundifolium Martius Extracts from Cariri-Ceará State (Brazil): Potential Involvement in Its Therapeutic Use
Authors: Costa José Galberto Martins da , Leite Gerlânia de Oliveira , Dubois Albys Ferrer , Seeger Rodrigo Lopes , Boligon Aline Augusti , Athayde Margareth Linde , Campos Adriana Rolim , Rocha João Batista Teixeira da
Published: January 2012

Stryphnodendron rotundifolium is a phytotherapic used in the northeast of Brazil for the treatment of inflammatory processes which normally are associated with oxidative stress. Consequently, we have tested the antioxidant properties of hydroalcoholic (HAB) and aqueous extracts (AB) from the bark and aqueous extract (AL) from the leaves of Stryphnodendron rotundifolium to determine a possible association between antioxidant activity and the popular use of this plant. Free radical scavenger properties were assessed by the quenching of 1′,1′-diphenil-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and the calculated IC50 were: HAB = 5.4 ± 0.7, AB = 12.0 ± 2.6, and AL = 46.3 ± 12.3 µg/mL. Total phenolic contents were: HAB = 102.7 ± 2.8, AB = 114.4 ± 14.6, and AL = 93.8 ± 9.1 µg/mg plant). HPLC/DAD analyses indicated that gallic acid, catechin, rutin and caffeic acid were the major components of the crude extracts of S. rotundifolium. Plant extracts inhibited Fe(II)-induced lipid peroxidation in brain homogenates. Iron chelation was also investigated and only HBA exhibited a weak activity. Taken together, the results suggest that S. rotundifolium could be considered an effective agent in the prevention of diseases associated with oxidative stress.
Synthesis, Reactions and Antimicrobial Activities of 8-Ethoxycoumarin Derivatives
Authors: Mohamed Hany M. , El-Wahab Ashraf H. F. Abd , Ahmed Kamal A. , El-Agrody Ahmed M. , Bedair Ahmed H. , Eid Fathy A. , Khafagy Mostafa M.
Published: January 2012

Condensation of 3-acetyl-8-ethoxycoumarin (3) with thiosemicarbazide gave ethylidenehydrazinecarbothioamide 5, which was transformed into the thiazolidin-4-one derivatives 6,7. Interaction of 3 with DMF/POCl3 gave b-chloroacroline derivative 8. Treatment of 3 with malononitrile gave benzo[c]chromone and 2-aminobenzonitrile derivatives 9 and 10, respectively with respect to the reaction conditions. Condensation of 3-(2-bromoacetyl)-8-ethoxycoumarin (4) with o-phenylenediamine gave 3-(quioxaline-2-yl)-8-ethoxycoumarin hydrobromide (11), while 4 reacted with 2-aminopyridine to give chromenopyridopyrimidine derivative 12. Condensation of 4 with potassium thio-cyanate/methanol gave an unexpected derivative, 2H-chromeno-3-carboxy(methyl-carbonimidic)thioanhydride 16, which upon treatment with (NH2)2·H2O gave 3-ethoxy-2-hydroxybenzaldehyde azine 19. Interaction of 4 with thiourea derivatives gave thiazole derivatives 20a–c. The structures of the newly synthesized compounds were confirmed by their spectra data. The newly synthesized compounds were also screened for their antimicrobial activity.
DNA Methylation as Clinically Useful Biomarkers—Light at the End of the Tunnel
Authors: Levenson Victor V. , Melnikov Anatoliy A.
Published: January 2012

A recent expansion of our knowledge about epigenetic changes strongly suggests that epigenetic rather than genetic features better reflect disease development, and consequently, can become more conclusive biomarkers for the detection and diagnosis of different diseases. In this paper we will concentrate on the current advances in DNA methylation studies that demonstrate a direct link between abnormal DNA methylation and a disease. This link can be used to develop diagnostic biomarkers that will precisely identify a particular disease. It also appears that disease-specific DNA methylation patterns undergo unique changes in response to treatment with a particular drug, thus raising the possibility of DNA methylation-based biomarkers for the monitoring of treatment efficacy, for prediction of response to treatment, and for the prognosis of outcome. While biomarkers for oncology are the most obvious applications, other fields of medicine are likely to benefit as well. This potential is demonstrated by DNA methylation-based biomarkers for neurological and psychiatric diseases. A special requirement for a biomarker is the possibility of longitudinal testing. In this regard cell-free circulating DNA from blood is especially interesting because it carries methylation markers specific for a particular disease. Although only a few DNA methylation-based biomarkers have attained clinical relevance, the ongoing efforts to decipher disease-specific methylation patterns are likely to produce additional biomarkers for detection, diagnosis, and monitoring of different diseases in the near future.
Shrinkage Characteristics of Experimental Polymer Containing Composites under Controlled Light Curing Modes
Authors: Pefferkorn Alain
Published: January 2012

The adsorption of polymethylmethacrylate polymer of different molecular weight at the aerosil/ethyleneglycol- or 1,3 butanediol-dimethacrylate interfaces was determined to provide microstructured networks. Their structural characteristics were determined to be controlled by the amount of polymer initially supplied to the system. The sediment (the settled phase) characteristics, determined as a function of the polymer concentration and the rate of the polymerization shrinkage determined for composite resins, obtained by extrusion of the sediment after centrifugation, were found to be correlated. The specific role of the adsorbed polymer was found to be differently perturbed with the supplementary supply of dimethacrylate based monomer additives. Particularly, the bisphenol A dimethacrylate that generated crystals within the sediment was found to impede the shrinkage along the crystal lateral faces and strongly limit the shrinkage along its basal faces. Addition of ethyleneglycol- or polyethylene-glycoldimethacrylate monomers was determined to modify the sedimentation characteristics of the aerosil suspension and the shrinkage properties of the composites. Finally, the effects of stepwise light curing methods with prolonged lighting-off periods were investigated and found to modify the development and the final values of the composite shrinkage.
Electronic Voltage and Current Transformers Testing Device
Authors: Pan Feng , Chen Ruimin , Xiao Yong , Sun Weiming
Published: January 2012

A method for testing electronic instrument transformers is described, including electronic voltage and current transformers (EVTs, ECTs) with both analog and digital outputs. A testing device prototype is developed. It is based on digital signal processing of the signals that are measured at the secondary outputs of the tested transformer and the reference transformer when the same excitation signal is fed to their primaries. The test that estimates the performance of the prototype has been carried out at the National Centre for High Voltage Measurement and the prototype is approved for testing transformers with precision class up to 0.2 at the industrial frequency (50 Hz or 60 Hz). The device is suitable for on-site testing due to its high accuracy, simple structure and low-cost hardware.
Sustainable Manufacturing and Design: Concepts, Practices and Needs
Authors: Rosen Marc A. , Kishawy Hossam A.
Published: January 2012

An investigation is reported on the importance of integrating sustainability with manufacturing and design, along with other objectives such as function, competitiveness, profitability and productivity. The need of utilizing appropriate tools like design for environment, life cycle assessment and other environmentally sound practices that are cognizant of the entire life cycle of a process or product is highlighted. It is likely that sustainability and environmental stewardship will be increasingly important considerations in manufacturing and design in the future and are likely to influence the main priorities for advancing manufacturing operations and technologies. Designers and manufacturing decision makers who adopt a sustainability focus and establish a sustainability culture within companies are more likely to be successful in enhancing design and manufacturing. It is concluded that more extensive research and collaboration is needed to improve understanding of sustainability in manufacturing and design, and to enhance technology transfer and applications of sustainability.
Understanding Cambodian Tourism Development Through Contextual Education
Authors: Portegies Ariane , De Haan Theo , Isaac Rami , Roovers Lucette
Published: January 2012

Within a field that has prioritized ideas of a global tourism industry impacting on a local environment, less attention has been given to regional, cultural, and geographic differences and parallels. A problematic concern in the study of tourism was perhaps the lack of contextualization
and the integration of the units of analysis (e.g., tourist destinations) to the larger regional structures and societal processes. We wish to take up the challenge to further disturb the foundations of the field and, more importantly, to participate in the advancement of a more pluralist
discourse. A central component in this article is a 5-day study visit in Siem reap, Cambodia as part of an Asia-based fieldwork of bachelor students in tourism development at NHTV University of Applied Sciences in Breda, the netherlands. this study visit serves as an illustration of the contextual
education approach developed in the tourism course and facilitated by the international classroom setting. this fieldwork's philosophy and the inspirational encounters made possible by it is an attempt to address the challenges posed by the study of the dynamism and changing character of destinations.
to conclude we will bring forward selected student experiences as well as dimensions of Cambodian history and society that have enriched our understanding of Siem reap as a destination. this experience will fuel a discussion on knowledge production in tourism and on the added value of this
contextual education approach. the repeated opportunity for our students to meet, think, and reflect on what they were confronted with created a possibility to uncover more than would have been possible via standard research methods using surveys and interviews.
Improved syntheses of high hole mobility phthalocyanines: A case of steric assistance in the cyclo-oligomerisation of phthalonitriles
Authors: Tate Daniel J , Anémian Rémi , Bushby Richard J , Nanan Suwat , Warriner Stuart L , Whitaker and Benjamin J
Published: January 2012

It has been shown that the base-initiated cyclo-oligomerisation of phthalonitriles is favoured by bulky α-substituents making it possible to obtain the metal-free phthalocyanine directly and in high yield. The phthalocyanine with eight α-isoheptyl substituents gives a high time-of-flight hole mobility of 0.14 cm2·V−1·s−1 within the temperature range of the columnar hexagonal phase, that is 169–189 °C.
HOW IMPORTANT IS HUMAN CAPITAL FOR GROWTH IN REFORMING ECONOMIES? / ŽMOGIŠKOJO KAPITALO SVARBA PEREINAMOSIOS EKONOMIKOS AUGIMUI
Authors: Škare Marinko
Published: January 2012

The aim of the paper is to broaden the research on human capital providing new evidence that human capital matters for economic growth in reforming economies. We propose a new model for measuring human capital. An advantage of the proposed model consists in international comparability; money metric scale and more importantly provide solid evidence on human capital significance for economic growth. This new approach in measuring human capital proved robust to the spurious regression problem involving human capital. Study results shows that human capital is important for growth and that large educational investments are essential to boost accumulation. Santrauka Šio straipsnio tikslas – išplėsti mokslinius tyrimus apie žmogiškąjį kapitalą ir pateikti įrodymų, kad jis yra svarbus reformuojamos ekonomikos augimui. Siūloma nauja žmogiškojo kapitalo vertinimo metodologija, kurios pranašumai – tarptautinis lyginamumas, monetarinis vertinimas ir žmogiškojo kapitalo reikšmės ekonomikos augimui akcentavimas. Naujoji metodologija įrodė savo patikimumą vertinant žmogiškojo kapitalo kintamuosius. Empiriniai rezultatai rodo, kad žmogiškasis kapitalas yra svarbus augimui, ir tam reikia didelių investicijų švietimo srityje.