bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Organometallic synthesis of n‐type π‐conjugated polymers with dopant cation trapping sites and stability of n‐doping state against air
Authors: Yamaguchi Isao , Uehara Ryohei
Published: September 2012

n‐Type π‐conjugated polymers comprising a 1,2,4‐triazole ring substituted by a benzo‐15‐crown 5‐ether (benzo15C5) subunit at the 4‐position of the 1,2,4‐triazole ring and n‐type aromatic rings such as pyridine‐2,5‐diyl and 2,1,3‐benzothiadiazole‐4,7‐diyl rings were synthesized by organometallic polycondensation. The UV‐visible spectra of the polymers exhibited absorption maxima (λmax values) at a longer wavelength than that exhibited by 3,5‐bis(2‐bromopyridyl)‐4‐benzo15C5‐1,2,4‐triazole, revealing that their π‐conjugation system was expanded along the polymer chain. The polymers with the benzo15C5 subunit underwent an electrochemical reduction (n‐doping), and the corresponding oxidation (n‐dedoping) occurred at an unusually high potential in an acetonitrile solution of NaClO4; the factor responsible for the unusually high oxidation potential was the stabilized n‐doping state that was attributed to the inclusion of Na+ in the 15C5 ring. The polymers with the benzo15C5 subunit exhibited a considerably higher stability of the n‐doping state in air than did those without this subunit. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Polyaniline doped with α, ω‐alkanedisulfonic acids: preparation and characterization
Authors: Bharti Sneh , Jacob Josemon , Ghosh Anup K
Published: September 2012

The use of α, ω‐alkanedisulfonic acid, HO3S(CH2)nSO3H (n = 1, 4, 6 and 12), as a dopant for polyaniline (PANi) was investigated. This series of disulfonic acids with varying chain lengths were synthesized and used in the doping of PANi. The doped polymers showed conductivity in the range 10−2 to 10−1 S cm−1. Thermal studies showed that the doped polymers, depending on the chain length of α,ω‐alkanedisulfonic acid, were stable up to ca 300 °C and the thermal stability decreased with increasing dopant chain length. The thermal stability of α,ω‐alkanedisulfonic acid‐doped PANi was higher than that of alkanesulfonic acid‐doped PANi which typically degrades around 250 °C, suggesting a moderately broader processing window for α,ω‐alkanedisulfonic acid‐doped PANi for blending with other thermoplastics. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Porphyrin–diindenothieno[2,3‐b]thiophene alternating copolymer—a blue‐light harvester in ternary‐blend polymer solar cells
Authors: Wu Yu‐Chun , Chao Yi‐Hsiang , Wang Chien‐Lung , Wu Chun‐Ta , Hsu Chain‐Shu , Zeng Yu‐Ling , Lin Ching‐Yao
Published: September 2012

Porphyrin, despite chosen by Nature as light harvesting units, hasn't revealed its full potentials as a structural unit in porphyrin‐incorporated polymers (PPors). A novel PPor was synthesized to investigate the origins of the low performances of PPor‐based polymer solar cells (PSCs). The polymer features broad absorption in the blue‐light region, because the diindenothieno[2,3‐b]thiophene (DITT) unit extended the conjugation in the polymer backbone. PPor‐DITT/PC71BM based PSCs have a high Voc (0.79 V). Their low Jsc and fill factor (FF) were attributed to the un‐optimized morphology, as indicated by the photoluminescence quenching and atomic force microscopy (AFM) experiments. Using PPor‐DITT as a blue‐light harvesting dopant in an amorphous host leverage the strong 400–550 nm absorption of PPor‐DITT and circumvent the difficulties in reaching optimized morphology in the PPor/PCBM thin films. An addition of 2 wt % of PPor‐DITT in ternary‐blend PSCs resulted in a 10 % increase of external quantum efficiency (EQE) in the blue‐light region. However, in a crystalline host, the dopant decreased the crystallinity of the host and led to large drops in FF and power conversion efficiencies (PCEs). The study provides an alternative route and expands the application of PPors in PSCs as a blue‐light harvester in ternary‐blend PSCs using amorphous polymers as host. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Preparation and properties of novel low dielectric constant benzoxazole‐based polybenzoxazine
Authors: Zhang Kan , Zhuang Qixin , Zhou Yunchao , Liu Xiaoyun , Yang Guang , Han Zhewen
Published: September 2012

A novel benzoxazine monomer containing a benzoxazole group was synthesized using a nonsolvent method and then named DAROH‐a. The structure of DAROH‐a was confirmed by FTIR, 1H NMR, elemental analysis, and mass spectrometry. The curing reaction activation energy was calculated at 140 kJ/mol. Its corresponding crosslinked polybenzoxazines, poly(DAROH‐a), displayed a higher glass transition temperature at 402 °C, a 9% weight loss at the said temperature, and a high char yield of 42 wt % (800 °C, in nitrogen). Moreover, the dielectric constants of poly(DAROH‐a) were low and changed only slightly at different temperatures. Furthermore, the dielectric constants and dielectric loss of poly(DAROH‐a) at the same frequency barely changed from room temperature to 150 °C. The photophysical properties of poly(DAROH‐a) film were also investigated. Poly(DAROH‐a) showed an absorption peak at 280 nm. The photoluminescent emission spectrum of poly(DAROH‐a) film displayed predominant emission peaks at 521 nm. It might have potential application as high‐performance materials because of its excellent dielectric constants stability and thermal stability under high temperature. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Psychological morbidity, burden, and the mediating effect of social support in adult children caregivers of oncological patients undergoing chemotherapy
Authors: Teixeira Ricardo J. , Pereira Maria Graça
Published: September 2012

Objectives

This study examines the association between psychological morbidity, social support, and demographic and clinical variables in adult children of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Special attention was given to the variable level of parental dependency. The main predictors of caregiving burden were tested, as well as the mediating role of social support in the relationship between psychological morbidity and burden.

Methods

A total of 214 adult children caregivers of parents with cancer were recruited in Northern Portugal central hospitals. Caregivers completed Portuguese versions of the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scales, Impact of Event Scale—Revised, Satisfaction with Social Support Scale, and Burden Assessment Scale.

Results

Significant associations among psychological, demographic, and clinical variables were found. Adult children with a greater perception of parent's dependency showed more distress, higher posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, greater caregiving burden, and less satisfaction with social support. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed the main predictors of caregiver burden to be as follows: being a woman, caregiving duration, having a dependent parent, more distress and PTSD symptoms, and poorer social support. Social support was found to be a partial mediator in the relationship between psychological morbidity and caregiver burden.

Conclusions

Results underscore the importance of perceived parental dependency in offspring's caregivers. Findings support the multidimensional issues associated to burden in this specific population, stressing satisfaction with social support as an important mediator between distress/PTSD and burden. Implications for further research as well as limitations of the present study are discussed. Psychosocial interventions should focus on caregivers' social resources to facilitate psychological well‐being. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Track by Track: The Structure of Single Tracks of Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Polymerized Hexamethyl Disiloxane (HMDSO) Analyzed by Infrared Microscopy
Authors: Merten Christian , Regula Christoph , Hartwig Andreas , Ihde Jörg , Wilken Ralph
Published: September 2012

A comprehensive infrared microscopic study of single tracks of atmospheric pressure plasma polymerised HMDSO is presented. The effects of different process parameters, i.e. the process gas, the nozzle setting (distance between discharge chamber and injection point of the monomer gas), and the nozzle speed, are investigated. It is shown that the chemical structure of singles tracks is not homogenous along the deposit. An increase of the oxygen content in the process gas or an increase of the excitation energy transferred to the monomer gas increase the relative content of SiOCH3 and SiOH units within the bulk polymer network. The deposition of superposed tracks is studied as well and it is revealed that the structure of the coating is changed compared to the first track.

magnified image
Gettering effect in grain boundaries of multi‐crystalline silicon
Authors: Nouri H. , Bouaïcha M. , Ben Rabha M. , Bessaïs B.
Published: September 2012

In this work, we analyze the effect of three gettering procedures on the variation of the grain boundaries (GBs) defect density in multicrystalline silicon (mc‐Si). The effective defect density (NB) was calculated using a theoretical model where we consider the potential barrier induced by the GB as being due to structural defects and impurities. Results are compared to those obtained from C‐V measurements. The potential barrier was evaluated from the dark current‐voltage (I‐V) characteristic performed across the GB. In addition to the Rapid Thermal Annealing (RTA), we use aluminum (Al) in the first gettering procedure, in the second we use porous silicon (PS), whereas in the third one, we realize a chemical damage (grooving). Mc‐Si wafers were annealed in an infrared furnace in the same conditions, at temperatures ranging from 600 °C to 1000 °C (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Phosphorous diffusion through silicon nitride thin film for selective emitter application
Authors: Crampette Laurent , Poulain Gilles , Cuminal Yvan , Foucaran Alain , Pellegrin Yvon , Semmache Bachir
Published: September 2012

In this paper, we present a concept of selective emitter silicon solar cells fabrication. The most common ways for selective emitter formation are using the laser processing after the phosphorous thermal diffusion step. In this work, we propose to start with PECVD deposition of a thin silicon nitride (SiNx) layer before performing the phosphorous diffusion process. The purpose is first to open the fingers area by laser ablation and then perform one diffusion step both through the SiNx barrier layer and directly on the ablated pattern. This ablated pattern is dedicated to the subsequent front metallic contacts. This way, selective emitter structures with various sheet resistance couples (Low, High) could be obtained. The high sheet resistance corresponds to the SiNx covered area and the low one is displayed on the ablated area. The phosphorous diffusion process through the SiNx barrier layer was controlled by emitter sheet resistance and QSSP lifetime measurements (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Intrathecal [6]‐Gingerol Administration Alleviates Peripherally induced Neuropathic Pain in Male Sprague–Dawley Rats
Authors: Gauthier Marie‐Lou , Beaudry Francis , Vachon Pascal
Published: September 2012

[6]‐Gingerol, a structural analog of capsaicin, is an agonist of the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 channel, which is known to have therapeutic properties for the treatment of pain and inflammation. The main objective of this study was to determine the central effect of [6]‐gingerol on neuropathic pain when injected intrathecally at the level of the lumbar spinal cord. [6]‐Gingerol distribution was evaluated following a 40 mg/kg intraperitoneal injection, and the brain‐to‐plasma and spinal cord‐to‐plasma ratios (0.73 and 1.7, respectively) suggest that [6]‐gingerol penetrates well the central nervous system of rats. Induction of pain was performed using the sciatic nerve ligation model on rats, and a 10‐µg intrathecal injections of [6]‐gingerol was performed to evaluate its central effect. The results suggest a significant decrease of secondary mechanical allodynia after 30 min, 2 h and 4 h (p < 0.05, p < 0.01 and p < 0.001) and thermal hyperalgesia after 30 min, 2 h and 4 h (p < 0.05, p < 0.01 and p < 0.01). These promising results illustrate that [6]‐gingerol could alleviate neuropathic pain by acting centrally at the level of the spinal cord. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In Vitro Cytotoxicity Assessment of Ulvan, a Polysaccharide Extracted from Green Algae
Authors: Alves Anabela , Sousa Rui A. , Reis Rui L.
Published: September 2012

Sustainable exploitation and valorization of natural marine resources represents a highly interesting platform for the development of novel biomaterials, with both economic and environmental benefits. In this context, toxicity data is regarded as a crucial and fundamental knowledge prior to any advances in the application development of natural derived polymers. In the present work, cytotoxicity of ulvan extracted from green algae Ulva lactuca was assessed by means of standard in vitro cytotoxicity assays. Fibroblast‐like cells were incubated in the presence of this green algae's polysaccharide, and cell viability was assayed through 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐5‐(3‐carboxymethoxyphenyl)‐2‐(4‐sulfophenyl)‐2H‐tetrazolium test. In addition, double stranded DNA and total protein were quantified in order to assess cell number. In order to establish ulvan's non‐cytotoxic behaviour, the effect of this polysaccharide on cellular metabolic activity and cell number was directly compared to hyaluronic acid (HA), used as a non‐cytotoxic control material. In this study, ulvan demonstrated promising results in terms of cytotoxicity, comparable to the currently used HA, which suggests that ulvan can be considered as non‐toxic in the range of concentrations studied. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A rapid oxygen exchange on prostaglandins in plasma represents plasma esterase activity that is inhibited by diethylumbelliferyl phosphate with high affinity
Authors: Brose Stephen A. , Golovko Mikhail Y.
Published: September 2012

RATIONALE

Fatty acids (FA) labeled with 18O at the carboxyl group, including oxidized species (FA18O), are a useful, low‐cost, and easy to prepare tool for quantitative and qualitative mass spectrometry (MS) analysis in biological systems. In addition, they are used to trace the fate of FAs in metabolic pathways including FA re‐esterification and lipid remodeling pathways. Although a rapid 18O exchange on FA18O in biological systems has been reported, the mechanism contributing to 18O exchange has not been fully evaluated. This gap in knowledge limits the use of FA18O as a standard for MS and complicates data interpretation for FA metabolism in biological systems.

METHODS

In the present study we have addressed a number of possible mechanisms for a rapid 18O exchange on prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) using rat plasma as a model. High‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization triple quadrupole MS in the multiple reaction monitoring mode was used for quantification.

RESULTS

The major mechanism for a rapid 18O exchange on PGE218O in rat plasma is PGE2 processing with esterases, while FA re‐esterification and non‐enzymatic mechanisms do not significantly contribute to this phenomenon. In addition, we report a highly effective inhibition of 18O exchange with diethylumbelliferyl phosphate that can be used to stabilize FA18O in biological samples.

CONCLUSIONS

These data indicate the necessity to consider esterase activity when FA18O are used to study FA metabolism, and the importance of esterase activity inhibition when FA18O are used as internal standards for MS analysis in biological systems. In addition, the results provide a rational for the development of new approaches to study esterase activities and affinity towards modified FA. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Conditional pseudolikelihood methods for clustered ordinal, multinomial, or count outcomes with complex survey data
Authors: Brumback Babette A. , Cai Zhuangyu , He Zhulin , Zheng Hao W. , Dailey Amy B.
Published: September 2012

In order to adjust individual‐level covariate effects for confounding due to unmeasured neighborhood characteristics, we have recently developed conditional pseudolikelihood methods to estimate the parameters of a proportional odds model for clustered ordinal outcomes with complex survey data. The methods require sampling design joint probabilities for each within‐neighborhood pair. In the present article, we develop a similar methodology for a baseline category logit model for clustered multinomial outcomes and for a loglinear model for clustered count outcomes. All of the estimators and asymptotic sampling distributions we present can be conveniently computed using standard logistic regression software for complex survey data, such as sas proc surveylogistic. We demonstrate validity of the methods theoretically and also empirically by using simulations. We apply the new method for clustered multinomial outcomes to data from the 2008 Florida Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey in order to investigate disparities in frequency of dental cleaning both unadjusted and adjusted for confounding by neighborhood. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of Self‐directed Stress Management Training and Home‐based Exercise on Stress Management Skills in Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy
Authors: Phillips Kristin M. , Jim Heather S. L. , Small Brent J. , Tanvetyanon Tawee , Roberts William S. , Jacobsen Paul B.
Published: September 2012

Although exercise may be used by some to decrease distress, little is known about how it may contribute to stress management (SM) among patients receiving chemotherapy. We evaluated whether exercise separately or in combination with SM training is effective at increasing perceived ability to manage stress. Patients receiving chemotherapy (N = 391) were randomized to receive usual care only (UCO), SM, exercise (EX), or stress management and exercise (SMEX). They completed the Measure of Current Status prior to receiving chemotherapy and 12 weeks after the first infusion. We hypothesized that participants randomized to an intervention condition would report improvements in relaxation, awareness of tension, getting needs met and coping confidence compared with those receiving UCO. Results indicated significant group‐by‐time interactions for the following: relaxation (UCO versus SM, p = 0.008), awareness of tension (UCO versus SMEX, p = 0.029 and UCO versus EX, p < 0.001), getting needs met (UCO versus SMEX, p = 0.020) and Measure of Current Status total score (UCO versus SMEX, p = 0.007 and UCO versus EX, p = 0.016). There were no group‐by‐time interactions for coping confidence (p‐values >0.05). This study provides support for including an exercise component in SM interventions for cancer patients receiving chemotherapy (clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT00740038). Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Temporal changes in N‐acylethanolamine content and metabolism throughout the peri‐adolescent period
Authors: Lee Tiffany T.‐Y. , Hill Matthew N. , Hillard Cecilia J. , Gorzalka Boris B.
Published: September 2012

Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) regulates tissue concentrations of N‐acylethanolamines (NAEs), including the endocannabinoid, N‐arachidonylethanolamide (anandamide, AEA). FAAH activity and NAEs are widely distributed throughout the brain and FAAH activity regulates an array of processes including emotion, cognition, inflammation, and feeding. However, there is relatively little research describing how this system develops throughout adolescence, particularly within limbic circuits regulating stress and reward processing. Thus, this study characterized temporal changes in NAE content (AEA, oleoylethanolamine [OEA], and palmitoylethanolamide [PEA]) and FAAH activity across the peri‐adolescent period, in four corticolimbic structures (amygdala, hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and hypothalamus). Brain tissue of male Sprague–Dawley rats was collected on postnatal days (PND) 25, 35, 45, and 70, representing pre‐adolescence, early‐ to mid‐adolescence, late adolescence, and adulthood, respectively. Tissue was analyzed for AEA, OEA, and PEA content as well as FAAH activity at each time point. AEA, OEA, and PEA exhibited a similar temporal pattern in all four brain regions. NAE concentrations were lowest at PND 25 and highest at PND 35. NAE concentrations decreased between PNDs 35 and 45 and increased between PNDs 45 and 70. FAAH activity mirrored the pattern of NAE content in which it decreased between PNDs 25 and 35, increased between PNDs 35 and 45, and decreased between PNDs 45 and 70. These age‐dependent patterns of NAE content and FAAH activity demonstrate temporal specificity to the development of this system and could contribute to alterations in stress sensitivity, emotionality, and executive function which also fluctuate during this developmental period. Synapse, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of the Manipulation of Cognitive Processes on EFL Writers' Text Quality
Authors: Ong Justina , Zhang Lawrence Jun
Published: September 2012

Little is known about the effects of various planning and revising conditions on composition quality in experimental orTESOLeducation research. This study examined the effects of planning conditions (planning, prolonged planning, free writing, and control), subplanning conditions (task‐given, task‐content‐given, and task‐content‐organization‐given), and revising conditions (initial‐essay‐accessible and initial‐essay‐removed) on the text quality of English as a foreign language (EFL) learners' argumentative writing. Participants were 108 19‐year‐old ChineseEFLlearners. The researchers assigned the participants to the experimental and control conditions through stratified random sampling. Results show that the free‐writing condition enhanced the quality of the learners' writing; the task‐content‐given condition and the task‐content‐organization‐given condition produced significantly better quality texts than the task‐given condition; and no significant difference in the text quality between the initial‐essay‐accessible and initial‐essay‐removed conditions was found. Free writing facilitated content retrieval, which enhanced the overall text quality. The task‐content‐given condition and the task‐content‐organization‐given condition successfully reduced the cognitive load of the task on theEFLwriters' working memory resources. The initial‐essay‐removed condition resulted in better quality final drafts, albeit with no statistically significant difference. Implications for further research are discussed.
Metalloaromaticity
Authors: Feixas Ferran , Matito Eduard , Poater Jordi , Solà Miquel
Published: September 2012

In the last decade, the study of aromaticity has experienced enormous progress. The new discoveries, which include species such as the metallabenzenes, heterometallabenzenes, metallabenzynes, metallabenzenoids, metallacyclopentadienes, metallacyclobutadienes, and all‐metal and semimetal clusters, have joined the classical organic aromatic molecules such as benzene, benzenoid and nonbenzenoid polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and heteroaromatic species to conform the current aromatic zoo. These new molecules, which are potentially useful for certain purposes as specific and very efficient catalysts, molecular electronic devices, molecular magnets, drugs, and other as yet unimagined applications, have brought a complete revolution in the field. At variance with the classical aromatic organic molecules that possess only π‐electron delocalization, aromaticity in these new species is much more complex. These compounds have σ‐, π‐, δ‐, and ϕ‐electron delocalization. In addition, they can combine different types of aromaticity thus giving rise to double or triple aromaticity, the so‐called multifold aromaticity. The new molecules can also have conflicting aromaticity, i.e., they can be aromatic in one component and antiaromatic in another. Moreover, most of the old indicators are not valid to discuss the complex aromaticity of these novel compounds. The lack of reliable measures of aromaticity for these systems has triggered the development of new and more general and reliable indices that can be applied to both classical organic and inorganic aromatic compounds. Among them, the use of multicenter electronic delocalization indices is advocated because they help to detect the different types of aromaticity and provide reasonable qualitative orderings of aromaticity. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

This article is categorized under:

Structure and Mechanism > Molecular Structures
The role of guidance in children's discovery learning
Authors: Honomichl Ryan D. , Chen Zhe
Published: September 2012

Discovery learning is an important, yet controversial topic in the fields of psychology, education, and cognitive science. Though traditional views emphasize a lack of instructional constraint or scaffolding, more recent evidence suggests that guidance should be included in the process of discovery learning. The present review summarizes three general approaches which have been shown to facilitate guided discovery learning: (1) strategic presentation of materials, (2) consequential feedback, and (3) probing questions and self‐explanations. Techniques for implementing approaches are discussed, as well as the underlying mechanisms that contribute to their effectiveness.WIREs Cogn Sci2012. doi: 10.1002/wcs.1199

This article is categorized under:

Psychology > Learning
Do Hernia Operations in African International Cooperation Programmes Provide Good Quality?
Authors: Gil J. , Rodríguez J. M. , Hernández Q. , Gil E. , Balsalobre M. D. , González M. , Torregrosa N. , Verdú T. , Alcaráz M. , Parrilla P.
Published: September 2012

Background

Hernia is especially prevalent in developing countries where the population is obliged to undertake strenuous work in order to survive, and International Cooperation Programmes are helping to solve this problem. However, the quality of surgical interventions is unknown. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the quality of hernia repair processes carried out by the Surgical Solidarity Charity in Central African States.

Materials and methods

A total of 524 cases of inguinal hernia repair carried out in Cameroon and Mali during 2005 to 2009 were compared with 386 cases treated in a Multicentre Spanish Study (2003). General data (clinical, demographic, etc.), type of surgery, complications, and effectiveness and efficiency indicators were collected.

Results

Preoperative studies in the Spanish group were greater in number than in the African group. The use of local anesthesia was similar. Antibiotic prophylaxis was higher in the African group (100 % to 75.4 %). The use of mesh was similar. The incidence of hematomas was higher in the Spanish group (11.61 % to 4.61 %), but the incidence of infection of the wound and of hernia recurrence was similar, although follow‐up was only carried out in 20.97 % in the African group (70 % in the Spanish group). Hospital stay of more than 24 h was higher in the Spanish group.

Conclusions

The standard quality of surgery for the treatment of hernia in developing countries with few instrumental means, and in sub‐optimal surgical conditions is similar to that provided in Spain.
Therapeutic Mammaplasty for Breast Cancer: Oncological and Aesthetic Outcomes
Authors: Grubnik Alexandra , Benn Carol , Edwards Gereth
Published: September 2012

Background

Therapeutic mammaplasty (TM) for breast cancer is a widely practiced oncoplastic technique. Patient selection criteria and method of margin assessment are not clearly established. The aim of our review was to analyse oncological and aesthetic outcomes over a 7 year period.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of 251 breast cancer patients who underwent TM from 2002 to 2009 at the Netcare Breast Care Centre, Johannesburg. Primary chemotherapy was used to downsize large tumours. Intraoperative margin assessment was performed. Statistical analysis was performed using Kaplan–Meier estimates. Cosmetic outcomes were assessed by an independent review panel using photographic material.

Results

Mean tumour size was 15.4 mm. Mean resection weight was 237 g. Sixty‐four (25.5 %) patients received primary chemotherapy. Mean margin taken was 15 mm. The back‐to‐theatre rate was 2 % (5 cases). A total of 222 patients underwent bilateral procedures. Contralateral occult disease was identified in six cases (2.4 %). The early (<2 months) complication rate was 3.2 %. Late complications were related to adjuvant radiotherapy (20.7 %). Mean follow‐up was 50 months. The recurrence rate was 4 %. Five of six patients with locoregional recurrence had DCIS at initial surgery. The mortality rate was 3.2 %. The overall survival rate was 96.4 % and the metastasis‐free survival rate was 94.6 %. Acceptable aesthetic results were achieved in 96 % of the patients.

Conclusions

Primary chemotherapy allowed for TM in patients with large tumours. Intraoperative margin assessment decreased reoperation rate. Contralateral matching procedures resulted in histological detection of occult disease. TM is an oncologically appropriate and cosmetically favourable technique.
Non‐physiological amino acid (NPAA) therapy targeting brain phenylalanine reduction: pilot studies in PAHENU2 mice
Authors: Vogel Kara R. , Arning Erland , Wasek Brandi L. , Bottiglieri Teodoro , Gibson K. Michael
Published: September 2012

Transport of large neutral amino acids (LNAA) across the blood brain barrier (BBB) is facilitated by the L‐type amino acid transporter, LAT1. Peripheral accumulation of one LNAA (e.g., phenylalanine (phe) in PKU) is predicted to increase uptake of the offending amino acid to the detriment of others, resulting in disruption of brain amino acid homeostasis. We hypothesized that selected non‐physiological amino acids (NPAAs) such as DL‐norleucine (NL), 2‐aminonorbornane (NB; 2‐aminobicyclo‐(2,1,1)‐heptane‐2‐carboxylic acid), 2‐aminoisobutyrate (AIB), and N‐methyl‐aminoisobutyrate (MAIB), acting as competitive inhibitors of various brain amino acid transporters, could reduce brain phe in Pahenu2 mice, a relevant murine model of PKU. Oral feeding of 5 % NL, 5 % AIB, 0.5 % NB and 3 % MAIB reduced brain phe by 56 % (p < 0.01), ‐1 % (p = NS), 27 % (p < 0.05) and 14 % (p < 0.01), respectively, compared to untreated subjects. Significant effects on other LNAAs (tyrosine, methionine, branched chain amino acids) were also observed, however, with MAIB displaying the mildest effects. Of interest, MAIB represents an inhibitor of the system A (alanine) transporter that primarily traffics small amino acids and not LNAAs. Our studies represent the first in vivo use of these NPAAs in Pahenu2 mice, and provide proof‐of‐principle for their further preclinical development, with the long‐term objective of identifying NPAA combinations and concentrations that selectively restrict brain phe transport while minimally impacting other LNAAs and downstream intermediates.
Retroviral‐vector‐mediated gene therapy to mucopolysaccharidosis I mice improves sensorimotor impairments and other behavioral deficits
Authors: Baldo Guilherme , Wozniak David F. , Ohlemiller Kevin K. , Zhang Yanming , Giugliani Roberto , Ponder Katherine P.
Published: September 2012

Mucopolysaccharidosis I (MPS I) is a lysosomal storage disease due to α‐L‐iduronidase (IDUA) deficiency that results in the accumulation of glycosaminoglycans (GAG). Systemic gene therapy to MPS I mice can reduce lysosomal storage in the brain, but few data are available regarding the effect upon behavioral function. We investigated the effect of gene therapy with a long‐terminal‐repeat (LTR)‐intact retroviral vector or a self‐inactivating (SIN) vector on behavioral function in MPS I mice. The LTR vector was injected intravenously to 6‐week‐old MPS I mice, and the SIN vector was given to neonatal or 6‐week‐old mice. Adult‐LTR, neonatal‐SIN, and adult‐SIN‐treated mice achieved serum IDUA activity of 235 ± 20 (84‐fold normal), 127 ± 10, and 71 ± 7 U/ml, respectively. All groups had reduction in histochemical evidence of lysosomal storage in the brain, with the adult‐LTR group showing the best response, while adult‐LTR mice had reductions in lysosomal storage in the cristae of the vestibular system. Behavioral evaluation was performed at 8 months. Untreated MPS I mice had a markedly reduced ability to hold onto an inverted screen or climb down a pole. LTR‐vector‐treated mice had marked improvements on both of these tests, whereas neonatal‐SIN mice showed improvement in the pole test. We conclude that both vectors can reduce brain disease in MPS I mice, with the LTR vector achieving higher serum IDUA levels and better correction. Vestibular abnormalities may contribute to mobility problems in patients with MPS I, and gene therapy may reduce symptoms.
Two‐year cycles of synchronous acorn and leaf production in biennial‐fruiting evergreen oaks of subgenus Cyclobalanopsis (Quercus, Fagaceae)
Authors: Hirayama Daisuke , Fujii Toshio , Nanami Satoshi , Itoh Akira , Yamakura Takuo
Published: September 2012

Many masting species switch resources between vegetative growth and reproduction in mast and non‐mast years. Although masting of oak species is well known, there have been few investigations of the relationship between vegetative growth and reproduction based on long‐term monitoring data, especially in evergreen oaks of subgenus Cyclobalanopsis. We investigated annual variations over 13 years in acorn and leaf production of three evergreen oak species in subgenus Cyclobalanopsis, genus Quercus (Fagaceae)—Q. acuta, Q. salicina and Q. sessilifolia—in western Japan. In these species, the maturation of acorns occurs in the second autumn after flowering, which is known as a biennial‐fruiting habit. We found a pattern of acorn production and masting in alternate years that was synchronized in all three species. Masting was not correlated with temperature and precipitation. Annual leaf‐fall also showed 2‐year cycle in the three oak species; peak years were synchronized between species and peak leaf‐fall alternated with acorn production in all three species. Furthermore, there was a significant negative correlation between acorn and leaf production in all three species. Data showing 2‐year cycles of acorn and leaf production and the negative correlation between them supports the hypothesis of resource switching between vegetative growth and reproduction. The 2‐year cycle might be the basic, intrinsic rhythm of resource allocation in biennial‐fruiting Cyclobalanopsis species.
EDC4 interacts with and regulates the dephospho‐CoA kinase activity of CoA synthase
Authors: Gudkova Daria , Panasyuk Ganna , Nemazanyy Ivan , Zhyvoloup Alexander , Monteil Pascale , Filonenko Valeriy , Gout Ivan
Published: September 2012

CoAsy
physically interacts with
EDC4
by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (View Interaction: 1, 2, 3)
Morbidity and pregnancy outcomes associated with sickle cell anemia among Saudi women
Authors: Al Kahtani Maryam A. , AlQahtani Mohammad , Alshebaily Mashael M. , Abd Elzaher Mohamed , Moawad Ashraf , AlJohani Naji
Published: September 2012

Objective

To identify morbidity and pregnancy outcomes associated with sickle cell disease (SCD) among pregnant Saudi women.

Methods

A 10‐year retrospective study was conducted at King Khalid University Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, that included 392 cases of SCD in pregnancy and 784 controls with normal hemoglobin phenotype, who were selected and matched for age, parity, and delivery outcome. The main outcome measures were morbidity, maternal outcomes, and fetal outcomes.

Results

The incidence of SCD was 1.1% among all deliveries, with 2 maternal deaths (0.5%) and a perinatal mortality rate of 77.7 per 1000 deliveries. The major maternal complications in the SCD group were anemia (86.2%); sickle cell crisis (64.8% overall, with 43.1% vaso‐occlusive, 21.2% hemolytic, and 0.5% sequestration or aplastic); bacterial infection (8.8%); preterm delivery (15.3%); and pre‐eclampsia (9.7%). Fetal growth restriction and stillbirths accounted for 65.6% of the perinatal mortality. Blood transfusion was indicated in 33.7% of pregnancies in the SCD group.

Conclusion

Pregnant Saudi women with SCD are at increased risk for pregnancy‐related complications, as well as fetal morbidity and mortality. A critical need exists among Saudi hospitals for a multidisciplinary approach to the management of pregnancies complicated by SCD.
Resetting Russian–Eastern European relations for the 21st century
Authors: Braun Aurel
Published: September 2012

Optimism and opportunity in Russian–East European relations just a couple of years ago, especially with the Obama government’s express desire to “press the reset button” with Moscow, generated much hope, but it seems now that this also camouflaged deep issues of structure and process. Beyond historical mistrust and fear, an increasing drift away from democracy by Russia, while Eastern Europe, (geographically more broadly defined than during the Cold War), largely has sought closer political, economic and military integration with their Western neighbors, appears to have created two solitudes that may be irrevocably moving in different directions.

Further, Russian ambitions and unrealistic expectations of regaining superpower status together with the belief that there may even be a shortcut to that restoration by manipulating the Western European powers, encouraging divisions within NATO and the European Union and isolating Eastern Europe or at least some of the states in the region, not only increases regional mistrust but ironically also diverts Russia away from the much needed fundamental economic and political changes that could transform it into a truly modern and successful state and a better neighbor and partner. Add issues such as the deployment of anti-ballistic missile defense systems in Eastern Europe over which Moscow continues to express vociferous military alarm but which in reality disguises Russian hegemonic ambitions or at best political fear, as well as Russia’s political use of energy and pipelines, and we have a combination that makes regional relations increasingly acrid and thus does not bode well for the future.
Sedimentation from binary suspensions in a turbulent gravity current along a V-shaped valley
Authors: Mériaux Catherine A. , Kurz-Besson Cathy B.
Published: September 2012

We present a study of bidispersed particulate gravity currents at high Reynolds numbers flowing along a V-shaped valley. The speed and width of the currents, the mass deposited by the currents and the density of the deposits were examined by both a box model and lock-exchange experiments in a 5 m long tank. Silicon carbide and glass beads were used for the bidispersed suspension models. The initial conditions of the currents were similar, except that the grain size of the glass beads was successively chosen to be 2, 2.5 and 4 times that of the silicon carbide. For all experiments a Stokes’ settling velocity model, assuming that both particles are spherical, gives a settling rate of the glass beads that is greater than that of the silicon carbide by a factor ranging from 1.6 to 16.5. When the ratio of the Stokes’ settling velocity of the glass beads to that of the silicon carbide is greater than ∼6, we find a complete agreement between the box model and the experiment. In particular, the deposit shows a substantial decline in the mass of the coarser glass beads in the first metre, so that it only contains the finer silicon carbide further downstream. By contrast, when the Stokes’ settling velocity ratio is less than ∼4, only the speed of the current and the total sedimented mass can be well described by the box model. The experimental deposit is otherwise characterized by a slightly increasing density, which the box model fails to match. There is no difference in the deposit density across the valley. For all experiments in the V-shaped valley, the width of the currents decreases with time $t$ according to ${t}^{\ensuremath{-} 2/ 7} $. Analogue experiments in a flat-bottom tank were also performed to assess the influence of the valley on the sedimentation dynamics described above. A similar behaviour with settling velocity ratios was found. This study eventually shows the need for considering particle interactions in even dilute gravity currents at high Reynolds numbers.
The Making of Public Labour Intermediation: Job Search, Job Placement, and the State in Europe, 1880–1940
Authors: Wadauer Sigrid , Buchner Thomas , Mejstrik Alexander
Published: September 2012

Since the late nineteenth century, job seeking has become increasingly linked to organizations and facilities that offer information on vacancies, offer placement services, or undertake recruiting. The present article focuses on how job placement became a concern for the emerging European welfare states, and how state-run systems of labour intermediation were established between 1880 and 1940. Even more important was the state's regulation of existing job placement practices, which resulted in a slow process of specialization, codification, and homogenization – in short, a slow process of normalization of practices at national levels. State labour exchanges thereby became the dominant reference point for seeking and finding work.
Women's Work and the Politics of Homespun in Socialist China, 1949–1980
Authors: Eyferth Jacob
Published: September 2012

For decades after the socialist revolution, people in rural China continued to wear homespun cloth, and millions of rural women continued to spend a large part of their waking hours producing cloth and clothing. This is puzzling because the state opposed manual cloth production as wasteful of labor and raw materials, and because state monopolies should have ensured that all cotton ended up in the hands of the state and that all rural people were supplied with rationed machine-made cloth. This article looks at the reasons for the long survival of handloom cloth. These include the ways in which manual cloth production was integrated with rural gender norms and with a gift economy that prescribed the exchange of cloth at major life cycle events, and the existence of interlocking scarcities (of grain, cash, cotton, and cloth) that forced rural people to sell their cloth rations and make their own cloth from whatever cotton they could scrape together.
MOVING TO STAY : IKLAN SPATIAL STRATEGIES TOWARDS SOCIOECONOMIC EMANCIPATION IN NORTHERN MALI, 1898–1960
Authors: MAUXION AURELIEN
Published: September 2012

This article explores the strategies of emancipation of former Tuareg slaves (iklan) in the Gao region of northern French Sudan (present-day Mali) during the late 1940s and 1950s. In the wake of the war effort and shifting colonial policy, and in spite of colonial tolerance toward vestiges of slavery, iklan engaged in local and long-distance migrations aimed at achieving emancipation. The article argues that the most successful spatial strategies were new migratory patterns in the Gao region through which iklan appropriated productive resources (herds and pastures) that were previously controlled by their ex-masters. More than labor migrations to cities, these local trajectories destabilized Tuareg hierarchies, forcing colonial administrators to address demands of the iklan emancipation movement.
An evidence-based framework for assessing the potential of mobile finance in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Duncombe Richard
Published: September 2012

This paper provides a framework-based approach for assessing the potential for mobile finance (m-finance) services to achieve greater financial inclusion in sub-Saharan Africa. The conceptual approach synthesises market and user perspectives, and constructs an evidence-based exploratory framework based on analysis of a single country, Uganda. Case evidence is used to inform four lifecycle stages for m-finance, moving from design to access, usage, and outcomes associated with differentiated m-finance applications. Based on analysis of published sources, findings from Uganda suggest that early adoption of m-finance has favoured those already financially included and market-driven solutions for the financially excluded are limited. Simple market modelling is found to be an insufficient basis on which to assess potential amongst the unbanked majority. The paper argues that the perception, behaviour and capability of users, and forms of user appropriation, should be a paramount concern, and potential for m-finance should be considered within a deeper understanding of a specified financial services context and within a defined market, regulatory and policy environment.
Women smuggling and the men who help them: gender, corruption and illicit networks in Senegal
Authors: Howson Cynthia
Published: September 2012

This paper investigates gendered patterns of corruption and access to illicit networks among female cross-border traders near the Senegambian border. Despite a discourse of generosity and solidarity, access to corrupt networks is mediated by class and gender, furthering social differentiation, especially insofar as it depends on geographic and socio-economic affinity with customs officers, state representatives and well-connected transporters. Issues of organisational culture, occupational identity and interpersonal negotiations of power represent important sources of corruption that require an understanding of the actual dynamics of public administration. While smuggling depends on contesting legal and social boundaries, the most successful traders (and transporters) strive to fulfil ideal gender roles as closely as possible. Ironically, trading on poverty and feminine vulnerability only works for relatively affluent women.
Benthic biodiversity off the eastern mouth of the Strait of Magellan (Argentina, south-west Atlantic)
Authors: Centurión Romina , López Gappa Juan
Published: September 2012

The analysis of changes in benthic community structure using multivariate techniques has been successfully applied to the detection and monitoring of impacts caused by oil related activities. A survey to assess the status of the benthos was performed prior to a scheduled exploratory drilling at Banco Sarmiento, a shoal located off the eastern mouth of the Strait of Magellan (south-west Atlantic). The aims of this study are to provide baseline data about the composition and structure of the subtidal macrobenthic assemblages, to analyse the relationships between biodiversity and environmental variables, and to compare its benthic assemblages with those of neighbouring areas. Multivariate analyses classified the stations in two major groups, one composed of relatively shallow stations with coarse sediments dominated by filter-feeders, and the other consisting of stations with a high proportion of sand and mud dominated by deposit-feeders. Poorly sorted sediments had higher species richness than well sorted sediments. Shallow stations showed the lowest taxonomic distinctness due to the occurrence of a high proportion of bryozoans encrusting hard substrata. A five-fold increase in biodiversity can occur at scales of tens of km, suggesting that generalizations on regional biodiversity patterns should be made with caution because of the different gears used during the collection of samples, and should be based on a thorough knowledge about the physical environment.