bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Local knowledge of traditional fishermen on economically important crabs (Decapoda: Brachyura) in the city of Conde, Bahia State, Northeastern Brazil
Authors: de Magalhães Henrique Fernandes , Neto Eraldo Medeiros Costa , Schiavetti Alexandre
Published: March 2012

Background

This article records the traditional knowledge of crab gatherers in the city of Conde, in the North Coast Region of Bahia State, Northeastern Brazil.

Methods

Data on biological and ecological aspects of economically important brachyuran crustaceans have been obtained from semi-structured interviews andin locoobservations conducted from September 2007 to December 2009. A total of 57 fishermen of both genders, aged between 10 and 78 years have been interviewed (individually or collectively) in different contexts; interviewees were asked about aspects such as external morphology, life cycle, trophic ecology, and spatial and temporal distribution of the major economically important brachyuran crustaceans in the region. Seven fishing communities were visited: Siribinha, Sítio do Conde, Poças, Ilha das Ostras, Cobó, Buri and Sempre Viva. Data were analyzed by comparing the information provided by participants with those from the specialized academic literature.

Results

The results show that artisanal fishermen have a wide ranging and well-grounded knowledge on the ecological and biological aspects of crustaceans. Crab gatherers of Conde know about growth and reproductive behavior of the animals they interact with, especially with regard to the three major biological aspects: “molt”, “walking dance” and “spawning”.

Conclusion

This knowledge constitutes an important source of information that should be considered in studies of management and sustainable use of fishery resources in the North Coast Region of Bahia State.
Early post-operative thrombosis of the prosthetic mitral valve in patient with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia
Authors: Cziráki Attila , Ajtay Zénó , Nagy Ágnes , Márton László , Verzár Zsófia , Szabados Sándor
Published: March 2012

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is one of the most common immune-mediated adverse drug reactions, with frequencies as high as 2-3% for certain groups of post-cardiac surgery patients. We report on an 50-year-old woman with early post-operative thrombosis of the prosthetic mitral valve due to heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Non-invasive imaging (two-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography; 2D-TEE) allowed the exact localisation of thrombotic masses and revealed the increase of the mean diastolic mitral gradient. The HIT diagnosis was proved by the clinical scoring system, and with the identification of heparin platelet factor 4-induced antibodies. After the withdrawal of LMWH therapy and the start of intravenous lepirudin treatment, the patient's medical condition improved continuously. Follow-up echocardiography showed a step-wise decrease in the severity of the mean diastolic mitral valve gradient and a complete resolution of thrombus formations. Perhaps we may remind ourselves that, whilst HIT is one of the most common immune-mediated adverse drug reactions for certain groups of post-cardiac surgery patients, it can be managed successfully. We would also stress the importance of serial 2D-TEE examinations in the early post-operative period.
A multilevel layout algorithm for visualizing physical and genetic interaction networks, with emphasis on their modular organization
Authors: Tuikkala Johannes , Vähämaa Heidi , Salmela Pekka , Nevalainen Olli S , Aittokallio Tero
Published: March 2012

Background

Graph drawing is an integral part of many systems biology studies, enabling visual exploration and mining of large-scale biological networks. While a number of layout algorithms are available in popular network analysis platforms, such as Cytoscape, it remains poorly understood how well their solutions reflect the underlying biological processes that give rise to the network connectivity structure. Moreover, visualizations obtained using conventional layout algorithms, such as those based on the force-directed drawing approach, may become uninformative when applied to larger networks with dense or clustered connectivity structure.

Methods

We implemented a modified layout plug-in, named Multilevel Layout, which applies the conventional layout algorithms within a multilevel optimization framework to better capture the hierarchical modularity of many biological networks. Using a wide variety of real life biological networks, we carried out a systematic evaluation of the method in comparison with other layout algorithms in Cytoscape.

Results

The multilevel approach provided both biologically relevant and visually pleasant layout solutions in most network types, hence complementing the layout options available in Cytoscape. In particular, it could improve drawing of large-scale networks of yeast genetic interactions and human physical interactions. In more general terms, the biological evaluation framework developed here enables one to assess the layout solutions from any existing or future graph drawing algorithm as well as to optimize their performance for a given network type or structure.

Conclusions

By making use of the multilevel modular organization when visualizing biological networks, together with the biological evaluation of the layout solutions, one can generate convenient visualizations for many network biology applications.
Real-Time PCR in faecal samples of Triatoma infestans obtained by xenodiagnosis: proposal for an exogenous internal control
Authors: Bravo Nicolás , Muñoz Catalina , Nazal Nicolás , Saavedra Miguel , Martínez Gabriela , Araya Eduardo , Apt Werner , Zulantay Inés
Published: March 2012

Background

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has proved to be a sensitive technique to detect Trypanosoma cruzi in the chronic phase of Chagas disease, which is characterized by low and fluctuating parasitemia. Another technique proposed for parasitological diagnosis in this phase of infection combines a microscopic search for motile trypomastigote forms in faecal samples (FS) obtained by xenodiagnosis (XD) with conventional PCR (XD-PCR). In this study we evaluate the use of human blood DNA as an exogenous internal control (EIC) for real time PCR (qPCR) combined with XD (XD-qPCR) using chromosome 12 (X12) detection.

Findings

None of the FS-XD evaluated by qPCR amplified for X12. Nevertheless, all the EIC-FS-XD mixtures amplified for X12.

Conclusions

We determined that X12 is useful as an EIC for XD-qPCR because we showed that the FS-XD does not contain human DNA after 30 or more days of XD incubation. This information is relevant for research on T. cruzi by XD-qPCR since it allows ruling out inhibition and false negative results due to DNA loss during the process of extraction and purification.
Celiac disease in type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Camarca Maria Erminia , Mozzillo Enza , Nugnes Rosa , Zito Eugenio , Falco Mariateresa , Fattorusso Valentina , Mobilia Sara , Buono Pietro , Valerio Giuliana , Troncone Riccardo , Franzese Adriana
Published: March 2012

Celiac Disease (CD) occurs in patients with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) ranging the prevalence of 4.4-11.1% versus 0.5% of the general population. The mechanism of association of these two diseases involves a shared genetic background: HLA genotype DR3-DQ2 and DR4-DQ8 are strongly associated with T1D, DR3-DQ2 with CD. The classical severe presentation of CD rarely occurs in T1D patients, but more often patients have few/mild symptoms of CD or are completely asymptomatic (silent CD). In fact diagnosis of CD is regularly performed by means of the screening in T1D patients. The effects of gluten-free diet (GFD) on the growth and T1D metabolic control in CD/T1D patient are controversial. Regarding of the GFD composition, there is a debate on the higher glycaemic index of gluten-free foods respect to gluten-containing foods; furthermore GFD could be poorer of fibers and richer of fat. The adherence to GFD by children with CD-T1D has been reported generally below 50%, lower respect to the 73% of CD patients, a lower compliance being more frequent among asymptomatic patients. The more severe problems of GFD adherence usually occur during adolescence when in GFD non compliant subjects the lowest quality of life is reported. A psychological and educational support should be provided for these patients.
Oxidative stress and redox state-regulating enzymes have prognostic relevance in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Peroja Pekka , Pasanen Anna Kaisa , Haapasaari Kirsi-Maria , Jantunen Esa , Soini Ylermi , Turpeenniemi-Hujanen Taina , Bloigu Risto , Lilja Laura , Kuittinen Outi , Karihtala Peeter
Published: March 2012

Background

Oxidative stress and redox-regulating enzymes may have roles both in lymphomagenesis and resistance to lymphoma therapy. Previous studies from the pre-rituximab era suggest that antioxidant enzyme expression is related to prognosis in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), although these results cannot be extrapolated to patient populations undergoing modern treatment modalities. In this study we assessed expression of the oxidative stress markers 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and nitrotyrosine and the antioxidant enzymes thioredoxin (Trx), manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) and glutamate-cysteine ligase (GCL) via immunohistochemistry in 106 patients with DLBCL. All patients were treated with CHOP-like therapy combined with rituximab. Immunostaining results were correlated with progression-free survival, disease-specific survival and traditional prognostic factors of DLBCL.

Results

Strong 8-OHdG immunostaining intensity was associated with extranodal involvement (p = 0.00002), a high International Prognostic Index (p = 0.002) and strong Trx (p = 0.011) and GCL (p = 0.0003) expression. Strong Trx staining intensity was associated with poor progression-free survival (p = 0.046) and poor disease-specific survival (p = 0.015). Strong GCL immunostaining intensity predicted poor progression-free survival (p = 0.049). Patients with either strong Trx or strong nitrotyrosine expression showed significantly poorer progression-free survival (p = 0.003) and disease-specific survival (p = 0.031) compared with the other patients.

Conclusions

The redox state-regulating enzymes GCL and Trx are promising markers in the evaluation of DLBCL prognosis in the era of modern immunochemotherapy.
Facile Fabrication of CuS Concaved Polyhedral Superstructures
Authors: He Weiwei , Jia Huimin , Zhao Hongxiao , Lei Yan , Zheng Zhi
Published: March 2012

CuS concaved polyhedral superstructures have been successfully prepared by a simple solvothermal reaction without using any additional surfactants and template. CuS superstructures composed of single crystalline CuS nanoplates were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and UV–vis spectroscopy. A possible formation mechanism of CuS superstructures is discussed.
Benzenedithiolate-bridged Rh2W and RhW Cluster Complexes: Synthesis, Properties, and Formation Mechanism
Authors: Tsukada Satoru , Sakamoto Ryota , Nishihara Hiroshi
Published: March 2012

[{Cp*Rh(S2C6H4)}2W(CO)2] (Cp*: η5-C5Me5) (1) and [{Cp*Rh(S2C6H4)}(S2C6H4)W(CO)2] (2) were synthesized by the reaction of rhodadithiolene [Cp*Rh(S2C6H4)] with [W(CO)3(py)3], and their crystal structures and physical properties were investigated. The formation mechanism of 2 from 1 was pursued by 1H NMR spectroscopy. 1 reacted with an excess amount of BF3·Et2O to furnish 2, indicating that a Lewis acid assisted the demetalation reaction.
Structural Change of Pheophorbide a Methyl Ester by Contact with Titanium Oxide Particles
Authors: Saga Yoshitaka , Otono Tae
Published: March 2012

Pheophorbide a methyl ester, which was derived from natural chlorophyll a, was converted to purpurin-18 methyl ester by contact with titanium oxide particles in the presence of oxygen under mild conditions in the dark.
Novel Phenylene–Thiophene Oligomer Derivatives with Dibenzothiophene 5,5-Dioxide Core: Synthesis, Characterization, and Applications in Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Duan Zongfan , Huang Xianqiang , Fujii Shunjiro , Kataura Hiromichi , Nishioka Yasushiro
Published: March 2012

Donor–acceptor–donor oligomers with dibenzothiophene 5,5-dioxide core and end-cap phenylene–thiophene substitutes were newly synthesized. New oligomers were characterized by UV–vis absorption and photoluminescence spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and applied as electron donor in bulk-heterojunction solar cells. The results indicate that phenylene–thiophene oligomer derivatives containing dibenzothiophene 5,5-dioxide moiety are appraised to be valuable electron donors.
Vibrational Transition Frequency Fluctuation of the NO Stretching Mode of Sodium Nitroprusside in Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Tayama Jumpei , Ohta Kaoru , Tominaga Keisuke
Published: March 2012

Frequency fluctuation of the NO stretching mode of the sodium nitroprusside, [Fe(CN)5NO]2−, in H2O and D2O was studied by three-pulse infrared photon echo spectroscopy. It is found that the time-correlation function of the frequency fluctuation of this mode is characterized by time constants similar to those of the triply degenerate T1u mode of the CN stretching of [Fe(CN)6]4−, showing that the vibrational frequency fluctuation is not dominated by the time-dependent anisotropic solute–solvent interaction.
One-pot Synthesis of Phenols by Hydroxylation of Aromatics with Hydroxylamine
Authors: Zhang Dongsheng , Gao Liya , Xue Wei , Zhao Xinqiang , Wang Shufang , Wang Yanji
Published: March 2012

In this study, a new approach for one-pot synthesis of phenols is presented, i.e., benzene, ethylbenzene, and xylene were hydroxylated with hydroxylamine to give the corresponding phenols in good yield using molybdenum as a key catalyst.
Two New Norursane-type Triterpenoids from Dipsacus chinensis Collected in China
Authors: Saito Yoshinori , Takashima Yuriko , Okamoto Yasuko , Komiyama Teppei , Ohsaki Ayumi , Gong Xun , Tori Motoo
Published: March 2012

Two new norursane-type triterpenoids were isolated from Dipsacus chinensis (Dipsacaceae) collected in China. The structures were determined based on the spectroscopic data to have enol forms of ene-dione and dione structures in ring A, respectively.
XRD and HRTEM Evidence for Fixation of Cesium Ions in Vermiculite Clay
Authors: Kogure Toshihiro , Morimoto Kazuya , Tamura Kenji , Sato Hisako , Yamagishi Akihiko
Published: March 2012

X-ray diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy showed that cesium ions (Cs+’s) in a vermiculite clay formed a segregated monoionic layer in the interlayer spaces. Each ion was fixed simultaneously at the centers of hexagonal rings in the upper and lower silicate tetrahedral sheets. No Cs+ was eluted even when Cs+–vermiculite was kept at 80 °C for 48 h in the presence of a large excess of Al(NO3)3 or [Co(NH3)6]Cl3.
The Crystal to Plastic Crystal Phase Transition of Tetraethylammonium Difluorophosphate and Tetrafluoroborate
Authors: Matsumoto Kazuhiko , Okawa Takeshi , Hagiwara Rika
Published: March 2012

Ion configuration in the crystal structure of tetraethylammonium difluorophosphate ([TEA][PO2F2]) is highly related to that in tetraethylammonium tetrafluoroborate ([TEA][BF4]). Both [TEA][PO2F2] and [TEA][BF4] exhibit a crystal–plastic crystal phase transition above room temperature (323 and 340 K, respectively), and the plastic crystal phase has a NaCl-type structure. The TEA+ cation in both the salts adopts a trans–gauche conformer in the crystal structure, whereas the trans–trans conformer is dominant in the plastic crystal structure.
Influence of Boric Acid on Electrospray Ionization Efficiency
Authors: Rebane Riin , Herodes Koit
Published: March 2012

Liquid chromatography electrospray ionization mass-spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS) was used to analyze 9-fluorenylmethylmethoxy-carbonyl chloride (Fmoc-Cl) and diethyl ethoxymethylenemalonate (Deemm) derivatives of three amino acids and five other compounds. Influence of boric acid on their ionization was investigated and dramatic impact on the signal was observed. The strongest signal suppression (6% of signal remains) was observed for the Deemm derivative of β-Alanine (with ammonium acetate in eluent). With only formic acid as the eluent pH modifier, signal enhancement was observed, being largest for Fmoc-Cl derivative of Phenylalanine, 267%. Investigation of the influence of boric acid shows that it is a possible signal enhancer for LC-ESI-MS analysis.
Mass Spectrometry in India
Authors: Vairamani M. , Prabhakar S.
Published: March 2012

This review emphasizes the mass spectrometry research being performed at academic and established research institutions in India. It consists of three main parts covering the work done in organic, atomic and biological mass spectrometry. The review reveals that the use of mass spectrometry techniques started in the middle of the 20th century and was applied to research in the fields of organic, nuclear, geographical and atomic chemistry. Later, with the advent of soft and atmospheric ionization techniques it has been applied to pharmaceutical and biological research. In due course, several research centers with advanced mass spectrometry facilities have been established for specific areas of research such as gas-phase ion chemistry, ion–molecule reactions, proscribed chemicals, pesticide residues, pharmacokinetics, protein/peptide chemistry, nuclear chemistry, geochronological studies, archeology, petroleum industry, proteomics, lipidomics and metabolomics. Day-by-day the mass spectrometry centers/facilities in India have attracted young students for their doctoral research and other advanced research applications.
Formation of Diclofenac Molecular Ions as the Effect of Cu2+—π Interaction under Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry Conditions
Authors: Ostrowski Wojciech , Linko Katarzyna , Frański Rafał
Published: March 2012

Solutions containing diclofenac (M) and a copper salt [CuCl2, Cu(ClO4)2, Cu(NO3)2, CuSO4) were analysed by electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). Because of the cation–π interactions in diclofenac-Cu(II) complexes, the diclofenac molecular ion M+* at m/z 295 was formed. It was found that the solvent composition (methanol versus water/methanol) and counter ion strongly affect the M+* ion formation. Formation pathways of ion M+* are discussed.
A Modified Homotopy Perturbation Method and the Axial Secular Frequencies of a Non-Linear Ion Trap
Authors: Doroudi Alireza
Published: March 2012

In this paper, a modified version of the homotopy perturbation method, which has been applied to non-linear oscillations by V. Marinca, is used for calculation of axial secular frequencies of a non-linear ion trap with hexapole and octopole superpositions. The axial equation of ion motion in a rapidly oscillating field of an ion trap can be transformed to a Duffing-like equation. With only octopole superposition the resulted non-linear equation is symmetric; however, in the presence of hexapole and octopole superpositions, it is asymmetric. This modified homotopy perturbation method is used for solving the resulting non-linear equations. As a result, the ion secular frequencies as a function of non-linear field parameters are obtained. The calculated secular frequencies are compared with the results of the homotopy perturbation method and the exact results. With only hexapole superposition, the results of this paper and the homotopy perturbation method are the same and with hexapole and octopole superpositions, the results of this paper are much more closer to the exact results compared with the results of the homotopy perturbation method.
Value Cocreation in Service Platform Business Models
Authors: Smedlund Anssi
Published: March 2012

This conceptual paper aims to connect the concept of service platform business models to current theories in service science. The paper does this by first dividing the business models into four types according to their combinations of investments in front-end information and communications technology (ICT) and in interfirm collaboration, and second, by introducing a model of capability-based value cocreation. The model serves to explain the value creation logics of different service platform business models. Based on the service cases, the causal mechanisms between the core actors in value cocreation are explicated. It furthermore becomes clear that banking and retail services have gone through a transformation from a customer service platform business model towards closed and open models. The case drawn from the video game industry illustrates value cocreation in a service platform complementor model. The results suggest that an open service platform business model involves high levels of interaction among the actors in the value system, and that the locus of value creation lies with the end user, enabled by flexible front-end ICT. One managerial implication of this is that the capability-based value cocreation model can be used as a tool to gather and classify information on the basis of which new services can be designed.
Enterprise Transformation to Enable University–Industry Collaboration: A Case Study in Complexity and Usability
Authors: Cheng Chen-Yang , Pugh Tanna , Rothrock Ling , Prabhu Vittal
Published: March 2012

Enterprises need to make continuous fundamental transformations—such as improving current business processes, performing entirely different tasks, and conducting automated business processes—to maintain or gain competitive advantage. These transformations may increase value or decrease time, costs, and uncertainties. However, it is difficult to choose transformations that deserve major investment without assessing the relative value of alternative transformations. Analyzing and redesigning business processes to ensure consistency with business requirements and information technology (IT) specifications is a critical factor for successful enterprise transformation. This paper provides an evolution methodology based on process complexity to implement effective and efficient best practices for enterprise transformation. This paper uses a process complexity and usability metrics, combining software science and cognitive science, to evaluate the cognitive loading of the business processes. Furthermore, to illustrate the metric, this paper describes an IT-driven enterprise transformation to enable university–industry collaboration. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the need for conducting operations with and without the use of information technology. The complexity model shows a more than 60% decrease in the complexity, suggesting that the IT-integrated process is less complex than earlier processes.
An ethic of care and sibling care in older age
Authors: Barnes Marian
Published: March 2012

Feminist care ethics emphasises the relational nature of care. This suggests the importance of understanding the different dynamics of care in different relational contexts. This article applies such a perspective to exploratory interviews with carers looking after siblings in older age. While some attention has been given to sibling care following the death of parents of people with learning difficulties and, to a lesser extent, those with enduring mental health problems, older sibling care can take place when siblings become ill, or when they have had close contact over a lifetime. Motivations to care are strongly embedded in family responsibility, but the precise meaning and consequences of this vary. Such relationships may not be more egalitarian than other familial caring relationships, although caregiving can bring siblings closer together.
Farewell to family? Notes on an argument for retaining the concept
Authors: Edwards Rosalind , Gillies Val
Published: March 2012

Recent conceptual and in-depth research discussions have seen a shift away from use of the term ‘family’, towards ideas focusing on personal life, intimacy and kinship. In this article we argue for retention of the concept. We consider the implications of this conceptual withdrawal in terms of family researchers’ ability to engage with how families are invoked in ever-intensifying ways in the public political, and the importance of being able to address how this interacts with and shapes everyday family lives and experiences.
The effectiveness of interventions aimed at improving access to health and mental health services for looked-after children and young people: a systematic review
Authors: Jones Roy , Everson-Hock Emma , Guillaume Louise , Clapton Janet , Goyder Elizabeth , Chilcott Jim , Payne Nick , Duenas Duenas , Sheppard Linda , Swann Catherine
Published: March 2012

Compared with children and young people in the general population, looked-after children and young people (LACYP) are more likely to experience behavioural, physical and psychological problems. Consequently, LACYP are likely to have greater need of health and mental health services to address any specific problems.. However, LACYP do not always have the same access to general health and mental health care as other children and young people, nor do they always receive treatment or support that is appropriate to their needs. Several factors may contribute to this mismatch between need and service access. LACYP may not have advocates who can request assessment and treatment when it is needed, and professionals who could act on their behalf may be absent at times of placement breakdown and transition. This systematic review aimed to identify and synthesise evidence on the effectiveness of interventions to improve access to services accessed by LACYP.
Selection of Haploid Maize Kernels from Hybrid Kernels for Plant Breeding Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy and SIMCA Analysis
Authors: Jones Roger W. , Reinot Tonu , Frei Ursula K. , Tseng Yichia , Lübberstedt Thomas , Mcclelland John F.
Published: March 2012

Samples of haploid and hybrid seed from three different maize donor genotypes after maternal haploid induction were used to test the capability of automated near-infrared transmission spectroscopy to individually differentiate haploid from hybrid seeds. Using a two-step chemometric analysis in which the seeds were first classified according to genotype and then the haploid or hybrid status was determined proved to be the most successful approach. This approach allowed 11 of 13 haploid and 25 of 25 hybrid kernels to be correctly identified from a mixture that included seeds of all the genotypes.
Minimizing the Effect of Extraneous Spikes in Open-Path Fourier Transform Infrared Interferograms
Authors: Shao Limin , Griffiths Peter R.
Published: March 2012

Intense spikes caused by extraneous factors are sometimes found in the interferograms of open-path Fourier transform infrared (OP/FT-IR) measurements. Those spikes result in dominant oscillations in the corresponding spectra and make the true spectral features indistinguishable from the noise. Three techniques were designed to remove the spikes: replacing the affected region by zeroes; grafting the data from the corresponding region on the other side of the centerburst (“homografting“); and grafting the data from the same region on the same side of the centerburst from a neighboring interferogram (“heterografting”). Results showed that all three techniques were effective to remove the spikes, but at the cost of introducing more noise into the corresponding spectrum. The performance of the heterograft technique was the best in terms of noise reduction. The factors affecting the noise level of spectra computed from spike-removed interferograms were also explored. A procedure was proposed to minimize the effect of spikes on OP/FT-IR spectra, and a Matlab program with a graphical user interface is available upon request to facilitate the implementation.
Silica Crystalline Colloidal Array Deep Ultraviolet Narrow-Band Diffraction Devices
Authors: Wang Luling , Tikhonov Alexander , Asher Sanford A.
Published: March 2012

We developed a facile method to fabricate deep ultraviolet (UV) photonic crystal crystalline colloidal array (CCA) Bragg diffraction devices. The CCAs were prepared through the self-assembly of small, monodisperse, highly surface charged silica particles (~50 nm diameter) that were synthesized by using a modified Stöber process. The particle surfaces were charged by functionalizing them with the strong acid, non-UV absorbing silane coupling agent 3-(trihydroxylsilyl)-1-propane-sulfonic acid (THOPS). These highly charged, monodisperse silica particles self assemble into a face-centered cubic CCA that efficiently Bragg diffracts light in the deep UV. The diffracted wavelength was varied between 237 nm to 227 nm by tilting the CCA orientation relative to the incident beam between glancing angles from 90° to ~66°. Theoretical calculations predict that the silica CCA diffraction will have a full width at half-maximum (FWHM) of 2 nm with a transmission of ~10−11 at the band center. We demonstrate the utility of this silica CCA filter to reject the Rayleigh scattering in 229 nm deep UV Raman measurements of highly scattering Teflon.
Accelerated Weathering-Induced Degradation of Poly(Lactic Acid) Fiber Studied by Near-Infrared (NIR) Hyperspectral Imaging
Authors: Shinzawa Hideyuki , Nishida Masakazu , Tanaka Toshiyuki , Kanematsu Wataru
Published: March 2012

Hydrolysis degradation of a set of drawn poly(lactic acid) (PLA) fibers was induced by an accelerated weathering test, radiating ultraviolet (UV) light under a certain temperature and humidity. The fine features of the transient behavior of the PLA fibers were captured by near-infrared (NIR) hyperspectral imaging. The PLA fibers showed a gradual decrease in mechanical property (e.g., tensile strength), indicating hydrolysis degradation. Thus, the detailed analysis of the spectral variation, in turn, offers useful information on the molecular-level degradation behavior of the drawn PLA fibers. The variation of the spectral intensity as well as band position shift of the crystalline band of PLA was analyzed. The spectral intensity of the crystalline band of PLA showed gradual decrease, suggesting the decrease in molecular weight induced by the hydrolysis degradation. In addition, the crystalline band also exhibited a coinciding shift to the lower wavenumber direction with the weathering test, revealing cleavage-induced crystallization of the PLA samples. Consequently, the hydrolysis degradation induced by the weathering test substantially accelerates predominant degradation of the amorphous structure of the PLA and such variation of the molecular structure, in turn, brings less ductility to the PLA fiber.
Clinical Measurement of von Willebrand Factor by Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy
Authors: Torres Richard , Genzen Jonathan R , Levene Michael J
Published: March 2012

BACKGROUND

Identification of von Willebrand factor (vWF) abnormalities in a variety of conditions is hampered by the limitations of currently available diagnostic tests. Although direct multimer visualization by immunoelectrophoresis is a commonly used method, it is impractical as a routine clinical test. In this study, we used a biophysical analysis tool, fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS), to measure vWF distributions. The goals were to develop a method that is quicker and simpler than vWF gel electrophoresis and to evaluate the potential of FCS as a clinical diagnostic technique.

METHODS

We analyzed plasma from 12 patients with type 1 von Willebrand disease (vWD), 14 patients with type 2 vWD, and 10 healthy controls using a fluctuation-based immunoassay approach.

RESULTS

FCS enabled identification and proper classification of type 1 and type 2 vWD, producing quantitative results that correspond to qualitative gel multimer patterns. FCS required minimal sample preparation and only a 5-min analysis time.

CONCLUSIONS

This study represents the first implementation of FCS for clinical diagnostics directly on human plasma. The technique shows potential for further vWF studies and as a generally applicable laboratory test method.
‘We Are All Khaled Said’: The potentials and limitations of cyberactivism in triggering public mobilization and promoting political change
Authors: Khamis Sahar , Vaughn Katherine
Published: March 2012

The Egyptian uprising of 2011 was characterized by the instrumental use of social media, especially Facebook, as well as Twitter, YouTube and text messaging by protesters. Facebook, in particular, was hailed as a key mobilizing tool for the protest movement, spurring the mass demonstrations
of young protesters converging on Cairo’s Tahrir Square during the uprising. Of the Facebook pages that gained popularity in the Egyptian online community, one page in particular, ‘We Are All Khaled Said’, was credited with mobilizing and organizing the largest number of
protesters. An English-language sister page with the same name was launched approximately at the same time, but was geared more towards spreading awareness in the international community of human rights violations and ongoing events in Egypt, rather than organizing protests on the ground.
This article will discuss the multiple roles and changing functions of this particular Facebook page during different phases: namely before, during and after the Egyptian revolution, as well as its potentials and limitations in acting as an effective tool for public mobilization, civic engagement
and political change.
Framing the Egyptian Revolution: A content analysis of Al Jazeera English and the BBC
Authors: Fornaciari Federica
Published: March 2012

This article uses content analysis to investigate how Al Jazeera English (AJE) and the BBC framed the Egyptian revolution that took place in Cairo at the beginning of 2011. It analyzes a sample of 250 articles to understand how AJE and the BBC implemented five frames: attribution of
responsibility; conflict; human interest; economic; and morality. As a result, AJE and the BBC had the similar tendency to focus on the first two frames, although the BBC was also somewhat likely to use the human interest frame. AJE reported more on different groups reproaching one another,
and the BBC referred more to winners and losers. Most news articles were predominantly episodic, portraying the government as mainly responsible. In conclusion, AJE and the BBC tended to provide slightly different versions of reality.
On the Road to Democracy: Egyptian Bloggers and the Internet 2010
Authors: Mohamed Ali Sayed
Published: March 2012

In authoritarian-ruled Arab societies, new media, exemplified by the Internet, are perceived as the harbinger of democracy. In interviews conducted in Egypt in 2009, I asked bloggers, human rights activists and journalists about their motivations for blogging, the nature of the relationship
between blogging and traditional media practitioners and the challenges that hinder the efficacy of blogging as a social and political force. It seems clear that Egyptian blogs have been used to criticize the political order and mobilize public opinion against the regime. Moreover, the Internet
and blogs are helping to transform traditional journalism, making it less susceptible to conservativism and state manipulation, enhancing political activism and expanding the reach of the public sphere.
Towards the Egyptian Revolution: Activists’ perceptions of social media for mobilization
Authors: Sayed Nermeen
Published: March 2012

The role that social media could play in engaging people in the democratic process has recently gained more attention following the series of mass protests and revolutions that has swept the Arab region starting with Tunisia, then emulated in Egypt, and now taking place in Libya. It
has been argued that those revolutions were linked, at least in the preliminary stages, to the active use of social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter. This article attempts to shed light on these assertions by reporting some early observations from a study which was conducted immediately
prior to the revolution in Egypt. In particular it explores the young activists’ perceptions of the potential of social media for mobilizing activism in authoritarian regimes. It thus helps situating social media (SM) in the spectrum of political engagement by gauging young activists’
motivations for utilizing those outlets for political participation aimed at social and political change. This article relies on a survey of a snowball sample of young Egyptian activists, along with focus group discussions (FGD) also, to seek answers to questions about contextual factors such
as media scepticism, political efficacy and fear of authority, which are expected to relate to social media motivations and users’ tendencies to engage in forms of online and offline political participation. The findings indicate that young activists were mainly driven by guidance and
surveillance needs in their political utilization of social networking sites. A strong positive correlation between online and offline political participation was also detected.
Unsicherheit bei der Datenfusion dimensioneller Messungen
Authors: Galovska Maryna , Petz Marcus , Tutsch Rainer
Published: March 2012

Bei der Auswertung von Messdaten wird eine detaillierte Analyse der Messunsicherheit gefordert. Werden dimensionelle Daten mehrerer Sensoren fusioniert, so umfasst dieser Prozess üblicherweise Transformationen und Ausgleichsrechnungen. Die daraus resultierende Messunsicherheit ist häufig nicht direkt bestimmbar, kann aber mittels Monte-Carlo-Methoden abgeschätzt werden. Das grundlegende Normungsdokument dafür ist GUM Supplement 2. Anhand mehrerer Simulationsrechnungen zur Datenfusion für die Formmessung zylinderischer Werkstücke werden Effekte aufgezeigt, welche die resultierende Unsicherheit entweder erhöhen oder verringern können.
Practical Considerations for Medical Applications using Biological Grafts and their Derivatives
Authors: Mukherjee Shayanti , Jayarama Reddy Venugopal , Ravichandran Rajeswari , Mathapati Santosh , Guhathakurta Soma , Raghunath Michael , Ramakrishna Seeram
Published: March 2012

The art and science of using biological tissue grafts from animal and human sources for various ailments is nascent. Various research groups around the world are actively investigating the potential prostheses of biological origin. Biological tissue grafts are rendered acellular through various methods of processing and fabrication before they are used for the specific purpose. The remainder is a scaffold that offers framework for host cellular repopulation and revascularization. Different methods of fixation have been explored over several decades to render the biological grafts suitable for use with or without extraction of cells. Therefore, methods such as glutaraldehyde and polyepoxide crosslinking treatments and dye-mediated photooxidation have been developed to stabilize and deantigenize the tissue while attempting to maintain its natural mechanical properties. Also, residual cellular components in a bioprosthetic material have been associated with undesired effects, such as calcification and immunological recognition, and thus have been the motivation for various decellularization processes. The effects of these stabilization and decellularization treatments on mechanical, biological and chemical properties of treated tissues have been investigated, specifically with regard to calcification, immunogenicity, and cytotoxicity concerns. Naturally derived biological scaffolds offer many mechanical, chemical and biological advantages over synthetic materials, and thus hold tremendous potential for use in tissue engineering therapies. Therefore the rationale of using biological grafts in usable forms is gaining importance in order to avoid unwanted chronic inflammatory reactions. This review article discusses the need for such bioprosthetics and the potential role for natural tissues in various applications.
Two sides of the same coin? Rare and pest plants native to the United States and Canada
Authors: Schmidt John Paul , Stephens Patrick R. , Drake John M.
Published: March 2012

Plant biodiversity is at risk, with as many as 10% of native species in the United States being threatened with extinction. Habitat loss has led a growing number of plant species to become rare or threatened, while the introduction or expansion of pest species has led some habitats to be dominated by relatively few, mostly nonindigenous, species. As humans continue to alter many landscapes and vegetation types, understanding how biological traits determine the location of species along a spectrum from vulnerability to pest status is critical to designing risk assessment protocols, setting conservation priorities, and developing monitoring programs.

We used boosted regression trees to predict rarity (based on The Nature Conservancy global rankings) and pest status (defined as legal pest status) from data on traits for the native vascular flora of the United States and Canada including Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands (n ≈ 15 000). Categories were moderately to highly predictable (AUCpest = 0.87 on 25% holdout test set, AUCrarity = 0.80 on 25% holdout test set). Key predictors were chromosome number, ploidy, seed mass, and a suite of traits suggestive of specialist vs. generalist adaptations (e.g., facultative wetland habitat association and phenotypic variability in growth form and life history). Specifically, pests were associated with high chromosome numbers, polyploidy, and seed masses ranging from 0.1 to 100 mg, whereas rare species were associated with low chromosome numbers, low ploidy, and large (>1000 mg) seed masses. In addition, pest species were disproportionately likely to be facultatively associated with wetlands, and variable in growth form and life history, whereas rare species exhibited an opposite pattern. These results suggest that rare and pest species contrast along trait axes related to dispersal and performance in disturbed or novel habitats.
The role of organ preservation in the surgical therapy of traumatic spleen injury
Authors: Hildebrand P. , Roblick U.J. , Schlöricke E. , Czymek R. , Bruch H.P. , Bürk C.
Published: March 2012

Background: New findings on immunological und haematological functions of the
spleen, the postoperative risks following splenectomy, as well as improved
surgical techniques resulted in an increased interest in organ preservative
surgery after traumatic spleen injury in recent years. Material and Methods:
The data of all patients who un-derwent surgery for traumatic spleen injuries
between 1995 - 2009 were recorded prospectively and analyzed concerning type
of operation, intra-and postoperative complications and the postoperative
course. Results: A total of 214 patients with splenic trauma underwent
surgery. The spleen could be preserved in 80 patients (37,4 %, group 1),
using thermocoagulation, suture, glue sealant, splenorhaphy and partial
spleen resection or combined techniques. 4 of those patients (5 %) required a
revision operation, in which two spleens co-uld be salvaged by application of
glue sealant. Eight of the patients of group 1 could be treated
laparoscopically (10 %). Conclusion: Under consideration of the surgical
segment anatomy of the spleen and the surgical techniques presented, organ
preservation is possible with high success rates, even in patients with
severe splenic damage. In stable patients with minor splenic injury,
laparoscopic or conservative treatment can be considered. Splenectomy should
be reserved for patients with complete shattering of the spleen or instable
patients.
Minimally invasive esophagectomy in the treatment of esophageal cancer
Authors: Bjelovic Milos , Stojakov Dejan , Spica Bratislav , Velickovic Dejan , Gunjic Dragan , Skrobic Ognjen , Djurasic Ljubomir , Grujic Danko , Pesko Predrag
Published: March 2012

In the Western countries, the incidence of esophageal carcinoma is 3-6 cases
per 100.000 persons. Despite tremendous success of other therapeutic options,
surgical treatment still represents the best therapeutic option whenever
possible. For the long period, debate has centered on which of the available
surgical procedures is superior - transhiatal or transthoracic esophagectomy.
Minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) could offer both minimally invasive
approach and proper mediastinal lymph node dissection. Minimally invasive
esophagectomy is safe and adequate, but time consuming and technically
demanding procedure. It is procedure reserved for the surgeons experienced in
open esophagectomy for cancer, and specially trained in advanced minimally
invasive procedures. Even in that case, learning curve is steep.
Dietary habits as a risk factor of gallstone disease in Serbia
Authors: Davidovic Dragana , Tomic Dragan , Jorga Jagoda
Published: March 2012

Gallstone formation is a multifactorial disease, caused by the interaction of
genetic and environmental factors. In order to prevent gallbladder stone
disease, it is useful to detect modifable risk factors, which contribute to
its development. The aim of this study is to analyze the potential
relationship between nutrition and the development of gallstone disease, and
to establish the possibility for its prevention. The study examined 114
patients; 55 of them suffered from gallstone disease, while 59 were healthy
controls who were age- and sex- matched. Diagnosis of gallbladder stone
disease was made by ultrasonography. Diet was established using a 24-hour
dietary recall method. In the multivariate model, high energy intake
(OR=9.720, p<0.001) and overnight fasting period (12 hours and longer)
(OR=4.285, p=0.005) were the most important predictors of gallstone disease,
after adjustment for Body Mass Index. These factors can be altered in order
to prevent gallstone disease.
Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia with iliacofemoropopliteal thrombosis in a patient operated for colorectal carcinoma liver metastases
Authors: Vucelic Dragica , Antonijevic Nebojsa , Galun Danijel , Bulajic Predrag , Basaric Dragan , Milicevic Miroslav
Published: March 2012

We report a case of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia thrombosis (HITT)
syndrome in a patient prophylactically treated with low molecular weight
heparin. A 66-year-old men underwent radiofrequency-assisted partial liver
resection for colorectal carcinoma liver metastases a year-and-ahalf after he
had been operated for rectal cancer. In the postoperative period, patient was
prophilactically treated with reviparin sodium. On the 8th postoperative day,
the platelet count decreased by more than 50% without clinical signs of
thrombosis. HITT syndrome was suspected on the 19th postoperative day, after
iliacofemoropopliteal thrombosis had developed, and related diagnosis was
supported by the strongly positive particle gel agglutination technique
immunoassay. Heparin was withdrawn and alternative anticoagulant, danaparoid
sodium, was introduced in therapeutic doses. Despite delayed recognition,
favorable clinical outcome was achieved. HITT syndrome should be considered
with priority among the possible causes of thrombocytopenia in a surgical
patient on heparin.
Costovertebral RIB disarticulation and pleurectomy in Askin’s tumor: A mandatory approach to radical surgery in children? Case report and guiedelines to surgical treatment
Authors: Milovic Ivan , Stajevic Mila , Sehic Igor
Published: March 2012

The case report of Askin?s tumor in a 16-year-old girl is focused on the
still debatable surgical controversy in the treatment of PNET tumor, i.e.
whether disarticulation of involved rib at the costovertabral joint should be
accepted as the mandatory surgical procedure. It was concluded that the
procedure, if feasible, may offer better prognosis of PNET because
progression-free survival rate of patients without costovertebral junction
involvement reported in multicenter studies was statistically significantly
better than in patients in whom PNET has involved the costovertebral junction
or bone metastases were present at the diagnosis. The cartilage is a natural
barrier for tumor spread and this property should be augmented by radical
surgery. Disarticulation of involved rib or ribs and pleurectomy should be
routinely performed if the surgery is contemplated with proper timing between
the cycles of induction chemotherapy.