bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pol IV-Dependent siRNA Production is Reduced in Brassica rapa
Authors: Huang Yi , Kendall Timmy , Mosher Rebecca
Published: September 2013

Plants produce a diverse array of small RNA molecules capable of gene regulation, including Pol IV-dependent short interfering (p4-si)RNAs that trigger transcriptional gene silencing. Small RNA transcriptomes are available for many plant species, but mutations affecting the synthesis of Pol IV-dependent siRNAs are characterized only in Arabidopsis and maize, leading to assumptions regarding nature of p4-siRNAs in all other species. We have identified a mutation in the largest subunit of Pol IV, NRPD1, that impacts Pol IV activity in Brassica rapa, an agriculturally important relative of the reference plant Arabidopsis. Using this mutation we characterized the Pol IV-dependent and Pol IV-independent small RNA populations in B. rapa. In addition, our analysis demonstrates reduced production of p4-siRNAs in B. rapa relative to Arabidopsis. B. rapa genomic regions are less likely to generate p4-siRNAs than Arabidopsis but more likely to generate Pol IV-independent siRNAs, including 24 nt RNAs mapping to transposable elements. These observations underscore the diversity of small RNAs produced by plants and highlight the importance of genetic studies during small RNA analysis.
Effect of Hydrophobic Pollution on Response of Thermo-Sensitive Hydrogel
Authors: Tajima Hideo , Sato Fumiaki , Yamagiwa Kazuaki
Published: September 2013

Hydrogels are widely studied for chemical sensors. However, they are known to adsorb organic compound and metal ions. The adsorption abilities of hydrogels against organic compounds and metal ions will negatively affect the performance of a hydrogel based chemical sensor. To clarify the effect of hydrophobic pollution on swelling behavior of temperature-sensitive gel, the temperature-responses of spherical N,N-diethylacrylamide (DEAA) gel in phenol solution were evaluated using the collective polymer diffusion constant. Phenol was selected as a model hydrophobic pollution. The equilibrium radius of DEAA gel changed discontinuously at about 874 g/m3 phenol solution, and the collective polymer diffusion constant decreased sharply between 874 and 916 g/m3, suggesting a “critical slowing down”. The phenol concentration difference EC was successfully used to correlate phenol concentration with the collective polymer diffusion constant. The correlation will be useful as an estimation of hydrogel response reduction associated with hydrophobic pollution.
Oviposition Decision of the Weevil Exapion ulicis on Ulex europaeus Depends on External and Internal Pod Cues
Authors: Hornoy Benjamin , Tarayre Michèle , Pierre Jean-Sébastien , Atlan Anne
Published: September 2013

Understanding mechanisms underlying insects’ host choice and plant susceptibility is important to the study of plant-insect interactions in general, and in the context of plant invasions. This study investigates the oviposition and feeding choices of the specialist weevil Exapion ulicis on the invasive plant species Ulex europaeus, gorse. To do so, we studied the oviposition and feeding preferences of the weevil in choice experiments, using pods and flowers, respectively, from gorses grown in a common garden. The plants used came from regions with different infestation histories: Brittany and Scotland belong to the native range, where the weevil is present, while Reunion and New Zealand belong to the invasive range, where the weevil was not initially introduced with gorse. Results of these experiments suggest that the oviposition choice of E. ulicis females is driven by cues located at the surface of pods and inside them, including pod size and pod seed content. Feeding-choice experiments showed a different pattern of preference compared to oviposition. Taken together with previous studies, our results reveal that E. ulicis uses several traits to choose its host, including whole-plant traits, flower traits and pod traits.
Assessing the Potential Stem Growth and Quality of Yellow Birch Prior to Restoration: A Case Study in Eastern Canada
Authors: Gagné Louis-Vincent , Genet Astrid , Weiskittel Aaron , Achim Alexis
Published: September 2013

Past silvicultural treatments have resulted in the high-grading mixed temperate forests of Québec, Canada. Despite recognition of this issue, the low occurrence of yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis Britton) within current stands raises questions about the potential of the species to grow and eventually constitute a high-quality forest resource. The objective of this study was to assess this potential using tree characteristics, forest structure and additional site and climatic conditions as predictors. A total of 145 trees were sampled in two areas located in the same bioclimatic zone. Lower-Saguenay-Charlevoix was chosen as an area where a restoration plan could be implemented, whereas Portneuf was selected as a reference. We used nonlinear mixed models to investigate which environmental factors are likely to influence the radial growth and stem quality of yellow birch sample trees. Our results suggest that topographic and climatic conditions, as well as the competitive environment of the trees, are important factors to consider in the evaluation of yellow birch production. Despite the limited occurrence of yellow birch, the potential for growth and quality was high in the Lower-Saguenay-Charlevoix area. For equivalent topographic, climatic, and competitive environment conditions, there was no significant difference in either radial growth or stem quality with Portneuf. We suggest that the economic interest of producing high quality timber should be used to justify the implementation of a restoration strategy in the Lower-Saguenay-Charlevoix area.
Practical Attacks on Mobile Cellular Networks and Possible Countermeasures
Authors: Oğul Murat , Baktır Selçuk
Published: September 2013

Due to widespread adoption of mobile communications devices and increasingly high throughput capacity of cellular networks, Third-Generation (3G) and Long Term Evolution (LTE) are becoming ever more popular. Millions of smart phones with 3G capabilities are sold every year and used for mostly browsing the Internet. Hence, mobile operators have been heavily investing in their packet switched networks to meet customer demand and stay ahead in the market. The widespread use of broadband mobile Internet bring along also some IP based threats such as the Denial of Service (DoS) attacks, botnets and malwares. In this paper, we performed DoS and flooding attacks on 3G mobile networks and measured their effect on the most critical elements of a network such as the Radio Network Controller (RNC) and the Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) devices. We carried out our experiments on a real mobile network, not just a simulation environment, and hence our findings depict a realistic picture of the vulnerabilities existent in 3G mobile networks. We propose alternative solutions to avoid these vulnerabilities and mitigate the issues raised.
Use or Non-Use of Gerontechnology—A Qualitative Study
Authors: Chen Ke , Chan Alan
Published: September 2013

This study employed a qualitative approach to explore the attitudes and experiences of older people towards using gerontechnology, and to determine the underlying reasons that might account for their use and non-use of gerontechnology. Four focus group discussions and 26 individual interviews were undertaken. Qualitative data were analyzed using NVivo software and were categorized using coding and grounded theory techniques. The result indicated that old people in Hong Kong had an overall positive attitude toward technology. Positive attitudes were most frequently related to enhanced convenience and advanced features. Negative attitudes were most frequently associated with health risks and social problems arising from using technology (e.g., social isolation and addiction). Usage of technology is driven by outcome expectations and social influences, and supported by facilitators, whereas non-use of gerontechnology relates to the personal (e.g., health and functional capacities), technological (e.g., cost and complexity), and environmental barriers experienced. Use of gerontechnology is a synthesis of person, technology, and environment. To encourage non-users to adopt technology, there is a need to remove barriers at personal, technological, and environmental levels.
Non-Coding RNAs in Muscle Dystrophies
Authors: Erriquez Daniela , Perini Giovanni , Ferlini Alessandra
Published: September 2013

ncRNAs are the most recently identified class of regulatory RNAs with vital functions in gene expression regulation and cell development. Among the variety of roles they play, their involvement in human diseases has opened new avenues of research towards the discovery and development of novel therapeutic approaches. Important data come from the field of hereditary muscle dystrophies, like Duchenne muscle dystrophy and Myotonic dystrophies, rare diseases affecting 1 in 7000–15,000 newborns and is characterized by severe to mild muscle weakness associated with cardiac involvement. Novel therapeutic approaches are now ongoing for these diseases, also based on splicing modulation. In this review we provide an overview about ncRNAs and their behavior in muscular dystrophy and explore their links with diagnosis, prognosis and treatments, highlighting the role of regulatory RNAs in these pathologies.
Relationship between Serum Osteocalcin Levels and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Adult Males, South China
Authors: Liu Jun-Jie , Chen Yuan-Yuan , Mo Zeng-Nan , Tian Gui-Xiang , Tan Ai-Hua , Gao Yong , Yang Xiao-Bo , Zhang Hai-Ying , Li Zhi-Xian
Published: September 2013

AIM: To determine serum osteocalcin levels in South Chinese males with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and to examine the relation between serum osteocalcin and NAFLD. METHODS: Data were collected from 1683 men attending the Fangchenggang Area Male Healthy and Examination Survey (FAMHES) from September 2009 to December 2009. Serum osteocalcin was measured with electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. An abdominal ultrasonographic examination for all individuals was performed by two experienced ultrasonographers. The associations of serum osteocalcin with NAFLD were evaluated. RESULTS: The levels of serum osteocalcin were lower in 364 NAFLD participants than in 1319 non-NAFLD participants (24.51 ± 1.38 ng/mL vs. 20.81 ± 1.33 ng/mL, p < 0.001). Serum osteocalin level was associated with the scale of NAFLD (r = −0.150, p < 0.01). Serum osteocalin level tended to decrease with the scale of NAFLD. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that decreased ORs for NAFLD were observed from the first to the fourth osteocalcin quartiles. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that a lower serum osteocalcin level is associated with the presence of NAFLD.
An Ontology-Based Context Model for Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) Management in the Internet of Things
Authors: Liu Yang , Seet Boon-Chong , Al-Anbuky Adnan
Published: September 2013

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are an enabling technology of context-aware systems. The Internet of Things (IoT), which has attracted much attention in recent years, is an emerging paradigm where everyday objects and spaces are made context-aware and interconnected through heterogeneous networks on a global scale. However, the IoT system can suffer from poor performances when its underlying networks are not optimized. In this paper, an ontology model for representing and facilitating context sharing between network entities in WSNs is proposed for the first time. The context model aims to enable optimal context-aware management of WSNs in IoT, which will also harness the rich context knowledge of IoT systems.
Gaultheria: Phytochemical and Pharmacological Characteristics
Authors: Liu Wei-Rui , Qiao Wen-Lin , Liu Zi-Zhen , Wang Xiao-Hong , Jiang Rui , Li Shu-Yi , Shi Ren-Bing , She Gai-Mei
Published: September 2013

The genus Gaultheria, comprised of approximately 134 species, is mostly used in ethnic drugs to cure rheumatism and relieve pain. Phytochemical investigations of the genus Gaultheria have revealed the presence of methyl salicylate derivatives, C6-C3 constituents, organic acids, terpenoids, steroids, and other compounds. Methyl salicylate glycoside is considered as a characteristic ingredient in this genus, whose anti-rheumatic effects may have a new mechanism of action. In this review, comprehensive information on the phytochemistry, volatile components and the pharmacology of the genus Gaultheria is provided to explore its potential and advance research.
Safety of Immunosuppressive Drugs Used as Maintenance Therapy in Kidney Transplantation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Almeida Celline , Silveira Micheline , De Araújo Vânia , De Lemos Livia , De Oliveira Costa Juliana , Reis Carlos , De Assis Acurcio Francisco , Das Gracas Braga Ceccato Maria
Published: September 2013

To evaluate the safety of regimens containing calcineurin inhibitors (CNI), proliferation signal inhibitors (TOR-I) and antimetabolites, we conducted a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and observational studies. A total of 4,960 citations were identified in our electronic search and 14 additional articles were identified through hand searching. Forty-eight articles (11,432 participants) from 42 studies (38 RCTs and four cohorts) met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis results revealed the following: (i) tacrolimus was associated with an increased risk for diabetes and lower risk of dyslipidemia, compared to cyclosporine; (ii) mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) was associated with increased risk for total infections, abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomiting, compared with azathioprine; (iii) sirolimus was associated with higher risk of anemia, diabetes, dyslipidemia, lymphoceles and withdrawal compared to tacrolimus or cyclosporine, and cyclosporine was associated with an increased risk of CMV infection; (iv) the combination of CNI with antimetabolites was associated with more adverse events than CNI alone; (v) TOR-I was related to more adverse events than MMF. The data observed in this meta-analysis are similar to those describe by others authors; thus, the choice of treatment must be made by the clinical staff based on specific patient characteristics.
MicroRNAs as Molecular Targets for Cancer Therapy: On the Modulation of MicroRNA Expression
Authors: Costa Pedro , Pedroso de Lima Maria
Published: September 2013

The discovery of small RNA molecules with the capacity to regulate messenger RNA (mRNA) stability and translation (and consequently protein synthesis) has revealed an additional level of post-transcriptional gene control. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), an evolutionarily conserved class of small noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally by base pairing to complementary sequences in the 3' untranslated regions of target mRNAs, are part of this modulatory RNA network playing a pivotal role in cell fate. Functional studies indicate that miRNAs are involved in the regulation of almost every biological pathway, while changes in miRNA expression are associated with several human pathologies, including cancer. By targeting oncogenes and tumor suppressors, miRNAs have the ability to modulate key cellular processes that define the cell phenotype, making them highly promising therapeutic targets. Over the last few years, miRNA-based anti-cancer therapeutic approaches have been exploited, either alone or in combination with standard targeted therapies, aiming at enhancing tumor cell killing and, ideally, promoting tumor regression and disease remission. Here we provide an overview on the involvement of miRNAs in cancer pathology, emphasizing the mechanisms of miRNA regulation. Strategies for modulating miRNA expression are presented and illustrated with representative examples of their application in a therapeutic context.
Viruses Challenge Selectivity Barrier of Nuclear Pores
Authors: Labokha Aksana , Fassati Ariberto
Published: September 2013

Exchange between the nucleus and the cytoplasm occurs through nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) embedded in the double membrane of the nuclear envelope. NPC permeability barrier restricts the entry of inert molecules larger than 5 nm in diameter but allows facilitated entry of selected cargos, whose size can reach up to 39 nm. The translocation of large molecules is facilitated by nuclear transport receptors (NTRs) that have affinity to proteins of NPC permeability barrier. Viruses that enter the nucleus replicate evolved strategies to overcome this barrier. In this review, we will discuss the functional principles of NPC barrier and nuclear transport machinery, as well as the various strategies viruses use to cross the selective barrier of NPCs.
One-step synthesis of pyridines and dihydropyridines in a continuous flow microwave reactor
Authors: Bagley Mark C , Fusillo Vincenzo , Jenkins Robert L , Lubinu M Caterina , Mason Christopher
Published: September 2013

The Bohlmann–Rahtz pyridine synthesis and the Hantzsch dihydropyridine synthesis can be carried out in a microwave flow reactor or using a conductive heating flow platform for the continuous processing of material. In the Bohlmann–Rahtz reaction, the use of a Brønsted acid catalyst allows Michael addition and cyclodehydration to be carried out in a single step without isolation of intermediates to give the corresponding trisubstituted pyridine as a single regioisomer in good yield. Furthermore, 3-substituted propargyl aldehydes undergo Hantzsch dihydropyridine synthesis in preference to Bohlmann–Rahtz reaction in a very high yielding process that is readily transferred to continuous flow processing.
Análisis de la producción científica y de la especialización temática de la Universidad Politécnica de Valencia. Scopus (2003-2010)
Authors: Codina-Canet María Adelina , Olmeda-Gómez Carlos , Perianes-Rodríguez Antonio
Published: September 2013

Se analiza la producción científica con visibilidad internacional de la Universidad Politécnica de Valencia (UPV) recogida en las bases de datos de SCOPUS durante el período 2003-2010. Los 11.126 documentos publicados representan el 23% de la producción valenciana y el 2,8% de la producción española. La caracterización de la especialización temática y su evolución a lo largo del período analizado muestra que más de la mitad de la producción se adscribe a las áreas de Ingeniería, Informática, Química y Matemáticas, mostrándose como las principales áreas del desarrollo científico institucional. Además, un tercio de los trabajos se publican en forma de comunicaciones a congresos. Si a ello se unen los publicados en forma de artículos, ambas tipologías representan el 95% de la producción. A su vez, el 95% de los trabajos se publican en inglés y reciben más del 99,5% de las citas totales.
Por otro lado, y derivado de su comparación con el resto de politécnicas nacionales, la UPV es la segunda en producción y citación absolutas, por detrás de la de Cataluña. Mantiene una posición predominante en Agricultura, Biología Molecular, Química, Ciencias de la Decisión, Ciencias Sociales y Química. Aunque sus principales especialidades son de carácter politécnico, son otras áreas menos técnicas las que presentan mayor representatividad y visibilidad, evidenciando señas de identidad distintivas respecto de sus homólogas.
Por último, y desde la perspectiva del impacto, el retroceso observado de la visibilidad esperada se corresponde con un aumento de los trabajos publicados en revistas de tercer y cuarto cuartil. A pesar de ese descenso, la UPV cuenta con visibilidades esperadas superiores a las obtenidas por las principales politécnicas nacionales.
Del acceso a la reutilización, del dato al documento: una visión conceptual de la información pública
Authors: Mendo Concepción , Fernando Ramos L. , Arquero Rosario , Del Valle-Gastaminza Félix , Botezán Iuliana , Sánchez Rodrigo , Tejada Carlos , Peón Jaime L. , Cobo Silvia , Sala Andrea
Published: September 2013

El artículo analiza los cambios experimentados en la manera en que el sector público gestiona la información, hasta ahora la acumulaba para su uso exclusivo, ahora la produce con el fin de ponerla a disposición de los ciudadanos. Esta transformación es resultado de las Tecnologías de la Información y de las Comunicaciones, su uso ha cambiado las relaciones entre instituciones y ciudadanos, estos son ahora demandantes de información, y el Gobierno es uno de sus mejores proveedores. Asimismo, la posibilidad de ofrecer los datos públicos abiertos convierte esa información en un activo abundante y barato. Esa versatilidad de la información supone una modificación de la definición tradicional de documento y dibuja una clara diferencia entre los conceptos de documentación e información.
Acceso a datos de investigación e información científica en Chile
Authors: Padilla Navarro Patricio Andrés , Curaqueo Pichihueche Osvaldo José , Cancino Salas Ronald Domingo , Gatica Álvarez Mario Hernán
Published: September 2013

En el siguiente artículo se presentan los principales análisis y resultados del primer estudio desarrollado en Chile para medir las capacidades en gestión de datos de investigación e información científica generada con fondos públicos. Los resultados se presentan de acuerdo a diez principios y directrices elaborados por la OCDE, para orientar a los países a tomar medidas que permitan materializar políticas y procedimientos de gestión estandarizados y consensuados entre los distintos actores involucrados en su generación.
Evolución de las revistas españolas de Ciencias Sociales en el Journal Citation Reports (2006-2010) y su valoración como indicio de calidad en la normativa evaluadora española
Authors: Moreno-Pulido Alexis , López-González M. Ángeles , Rubio-Garay Fernando , Saúl Luis Ángel , Sánchez-Elvira-Paniagua Ángeles
Published: September 2013

La evaluación de la actividad investigadora de acuerdo a criterios internacionales ha contribuido a la internacionalización de la investigación española. Como consecuencia de esta política evaluativa se ha incrementado el número de revistas españolas de Ciencias Sociales presentes en el Journal Citation Reports (JCR). En este trabajo se realiza un análisis descriptivo de la presencia de estas revistas en el JCR entre 2006 y 2010, comparando los datos obtenidos con los alcanzados por otros países hispanoamericanos en el mismo periodo. Se estudia la evolución histórica, la distribución por países, cuartiles, área temática y se analiza la evolución del impacto de las principales revistas. En total, se identificaron 52 revistas españolas en la edición de Ciencias Sociales del JCR en el año 2010. En cuanto a la temática, el 40% corresponde a Economía y Psicología. En el período de estudio, el número de revistas indexadas en el JCR se ha incrementado en un 2500%. Finalmente, se analiza la valoración de estas revistas como indicio de calidad por parte de las agencias de evaluación nacionales, y se concluye que la publicación en revistas indexadas en el JCR es un indicio mencionado expresamente en Ciencias Sociales.
English and psychiatry
Authors: O’Connell Kelsey
Published: September 2013

The writers who capture the minds and ears of the psychiatric community have a variety of motivations. They could want you to endorse a drug, a diagnosis, or a theory. In their efforts to persuade you, they will use rhetorical strategies. Rhetorical strategies are methods of writing to persuade a reader of an over-arching conclusion. With training in these strategies, it becomes easier for members of all disciplines, including psychiatry, to understand what methods of persuasion are being used on them.
Confessional Lutheran commitment in the International Lutheran Council – A conservative contribution of Lutheranism to the Ecumenical Age
Authors: Klän Werner R.A.
Published: September 2013

The contribution of confessional Lutheran churches, especially those affiliated to the International Lutheran Council of the ecumenical movement was regarded more or less as marginal, compared to the mainstream Protestant churches. Rooted in the 16th century Reformation, relating to the confessional writings of the Lutheran Church as comprised in the Book of Concord (1580), these churches in the 19th century rediscovered what might be labelled ‘confessional identity’. Looking at the European scene as a paradigm of secularisation (in spite of necessary differentiations), it is observed how traditional faith, trying not to sever its biblical and confessional roots, approached and reacted to ‘modern’ developments in society and the church. A historical survey, combined with a systematic reflection on Lutheran identity in a post-Christian context, served to diagnose the problems of Christian responsibility in a globalising world. Through the changes and challenges that confront Christianity at the beginning of the 21st century, the confessional Lutheran churches – affiliated to the International Lutheran Council – came to face their ecumenical responsibility. The mission of the Church ought to be reconsidered in terms of its biblical foundation, its historical identity, its confessional self-understanding, and its ecumenical obligation.
Contingency planning in southern Africa: Events rather than processes?
Authors: Mabaso Elias , Manyena Siambabala B.
Published: September 2013

With the increasing frequency, magnitude and impact of disasters, there is growing focus on contingency planning as a tool for enhancing resilience. Yet, there is little empirical evidence that reflects on the practice of contingency planning systems within the context of disaster risk reduction. This article explores the practice of contingency planning in southern Africa, focussing on Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. A qualitative comparative analysis informed by fieldwork was used. The findings show that (1) there was a wide gap between theory and practice in contingency planning, (2) response activities rarely reflected projected scenarios and (3) resources were inadequate for effective contingency planning. We conclude that unless these issues are addressed, contingency planning is likely to remain a theoretical rather than a practical tool for building disaster-resilient communities in southern African countries. Although a generalisation cannot be made on the status of contingency planning and practice in southern Africa without a wider analysis of more examples, the findings may apply beyond the examined contexts and also offer insights into research gaps.
A global historical ozone data set and prominent features of stratospheric variability prior to 1979
Authors: Brönnimann S. , Bhend J. , Franke J. , Flückiger S. , Fischer A. M. , Bleisch R. , Bodeker G. , Hassler B. , Rozanov E. , Schraner M.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. We present a vertically resolved zonal mean monthly mean global ozone data set spanning the period 1901 to 2007, called HISTOZ.1.0. It is based on a new approach that combines information from an ensemble of chemistry climate model (CCM) simulations with historical total column ozone information. The CCM simulations incorporate important external drivers of stratospheric chemistry and dynamics (in particular solar and volcanic effects, greenhouse gases and ozone depleting substances, sea surface temperatures, and the quasi-biennial oscillation). The historical total column ozone observations include ground-based measurements from the 1920s onward and satellite observations from 1970 to 1976. An off-line data assimilation approach is used to combine model simulations, observations, and information on the observation error. The period starting in 1979 was used for validation with existing ozone data sets and therefore only ground-based measurements were assimilated. Results demonstrate considerable skill from the CCM simulations alone. Assimilating observations provides additional skill for total column ozone. With respect to the vertical ozone distribution, assimilating observations increases on average the correlation with a reference data set, but does not decrease the mean squared error. Analyses of HISTOZ.1.0 with respect to the effects of El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and of the 11 yr solar cycle on stratospheric ozone from 1934 to 1979 qualitatively confirm previous studies that focussed on the post-1979 period. The ENSO signature exhibits a much clearer imprint of a change in strength of the Brewer–Dobson circulation compared to the post-1979 period. The imprint of the 11 yr solar cycle is slightly weaker in the earlier period. Furthermore, the total column ozone increase from the 1950s to around 1970 at northern mid-latitudes is briefly discussed. Indications for contributions of a tropospheric ozone increase, greenhouse gases, and changes in atmospheric circulation are found. Finally, the paper points at several possible future improvements of HISTOZ.1.0.
Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 Expression Is Associated With Metastasis and Adverse Clinical Outcome in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Comparative Study and Review of the Literature
Authors: Xu Bin , Abourbih Samuel , Sircar Kanishka , Kassouf Wassim , Mansure Jose Joao , Aprikian Armen , Tanguay Simon , Brimo Fadi
Published: September 2013

Context.—Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), a histone methyltransferase mediating chromatin condensation and epigenetic modulation, is overexpressed in various human carcinomas and is associated with adverse clinicopathologic characteristics and biologic behavior. The expression of EZH2 in renal cell carcinomas (RCCs) has not been fully characterized yet.

Objective.—To evaluate the prognostic role of EZH2 in RCC by analyzing the immunohistochemical staining pattern of the marker in relation to pathologic features and clinical outcome.

Design.—We correlated the immunolabeling of EZH2 with multiple clinicopathologic features, including Fuhrman nuclear grade, pathologic stage, metastatic status, and clinical outcome in 223 clear cell RCCs (CRCCs) and 21 papillary RCCs, by using tissue microarrays of primary and metastatic cases.

Results.—Most CRCCs (75%) showed positive EZH2 staining, with most primary tumors showing focal staining in comparison to nonfocal staining in metastatic cases. In primary tumors, EZH2 expression was associated with higher nuclear grade and lower pathologic stage. Metastatic tumors showed a higher number of positive cases (81% versus 67%) and a more diffuse and more intense pattern of staining than primary CRCCs. For the 22 locally advanced primary tumors (T3/4) and 43 metastatic RCCs, patients who experienced RCC-related deaths significantly overexpressed the marker in comparison to patients who did not experience RCC-related mortality.

Conclusions.—By showing that EZH2 expression is associated with increased metastatic potential and a worse clinical outcome, this study suggests that EZH2 can serve as a prognostic biomarker for RCC, thus confirming it as a key molecule driving oncogenesis and metastasis.
The Historical Linguistics of the Intrusive *-n in Arabic and West Semitic
Authors: Owens Jonathan
Published: September 2013

A much discussed morpheme in Semitic historical linguistics is the suffix *-n. Its reflexes include the energic in Classical Arabic, the ventive in Akkadian, and many languages with a [V – n – object pronoun] reflex. Explanations of its origins fall broadly into two camps. One sees it originally as a proto-Semitic verbal suffix, while the other derives it from a grammaticalization of an originally independent [deictic/presentative + object pronoun] element. This paper argues for the correctness of the second explanation, to which end a general reconstruction of the historical development of the morpheme in West Semitic is developed, with particular attention given to Arabic. Although a modest and unobtrusive morpheme, it is argued that the linguistics of *-n is of considerable significance for conceptualizations of Arabic and Semitic historical linguistics.
Indo-Iranian cákri-type
Authors: Grestenberger Laura
Published: September 2013

This paper discusses the Indo-Iranian reduplicated i-adjectives of the type Ved. cákri-, Av. caxri- ‘doing’. These adjectives are formally associated with the weak stem of the corresponding perfect, but their lexical semantics are not always those expected of an adjectival derivative of the perfect stem. A subgroup of forms is associated with synchronically resultative perfects (cákri-: cakā́ra, jágmi-: jagā́ma, etc.), but pattern functionally as present participles, often with iterative or intensive readings. I show that these “form-meaning mismatch” formations share a number of syntactic properties (accusative case objects, adverbial modification) both in Vedic and in Avestan and are likely to be the starting point of the type. I conclude from this that the synchronic association of the cákri-type with the perfect stem is secondary, and that its original derivational basis must have been a different reduplicated verbal (or nominal) category. I furthermore provide arguments that this cannot be one of the synchronic Indo-Iranian reduplicated verbal categories (e.g., the reduplicated present).
Studies in Hindu Law and Dharmaśāstra. By Ludo Rocher. Edited with an introduction by Donald R. Davis, Jr
Authors: Michaels Axel
Published: September 2013

Studies in Hindu Law and Dharmaśāstra. By Ludo Rocher. Edited with an introduction by Donald R. Davis, Jr. Anthem South Asian Normative Traditions Studies. London: Anthem Press, 2012. Pp. 759. £80, $130.
Neo-Sumerian Administrative Tablets from the Yale Babylonian Collection, Parts One and Two. By Marcel Sigrist and Tohru Ozaki
Authors: Allred Lance
Published: September 2013

Neo-Sumerian Administrative Tablets from the Yale Babylonian Collection, Parts One and Two. By Marcel Sigrist and Tohru Ozaki. Biblioteca del Próximo Oriente Antiguo, vols. 6–7. Madrid: Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 2009. Pp. 613, 601.
Jewish Travel in Antiquity. By Catherine Hezser
Authors: Eliav Yaron
Published: September 2013

Jewish Travel in Antiquity. By Catherine Hezser. Texts and Studies in Ancient Judaism, vol. 144. Tübingen: Mohr Siebeck, 2011. Pp. x + 529. €139.
Millionenjahrhaus: Zur Konzeption des Raumes der Ewigkeit im konstellativen Königtum in Sprache, Architektur und Theologie. By Stefanie Schröder
Authors: Waitkus Wolfgang
Published: September 2013

Millionenjahrhaus: Zur Konzeption des Raumes der Ewigkeit im konstellativen Königtum in Sprache, Architektur und Theologie. By Stefanie Schröder. Wiesbaden: Harrassowitz Verlag, 2010. Pp. 396, plates. €84.
Qurʾān and Its Biblical Subtext. By Gabriel Said Reynolds
Authors: Madigan Daniel A.
Published: September 2013

The Qurʾān and Its Biblical Subtext. By Gabriel Said Reynolds. Routledge Studies in the Qurʾan, vol. 10. London: Routledge, 2010. Pp. xi + 304. $130.
Perfect Guide to the Sciences of the Qurʾān (al-Itqān fī ʿUlūm al-Qurʾān), by Imām Jalāl-al-Dīn ʿAbd al-Raḥmān al-Suyūṭī, vol. 1. Translated by Ḥamid Algar, Michael Schub, and Ayman Abdel Ḥaleem
Authors: Rippin Andrew
Published: September 2013

The Perfect Guide to the Sciences of the Qurʾān (al-Itqān fī ʿUlūm al-Qurʾān), by Imām Jalāl-al-Dīn ʿAbd al-Raḥmān al-Suyūṭī, vol. 1. Translated by Ḥamid Algar, Michael Schub, and Ayman Abdel Ḥaleem; reviewed by Osman S. A. Ismaʿīl A. al-Bīlī. The Great Books of Islamic Civilization. Reading, UK: Garnett Publishing, 2011. Pp. xxxiii + 301. £60.
Fondations pieuses en mouvement: De la transformation du statut de propriété des biens waqf-s à Jérusalem, 1858–1917. By Musa Sroor
Authors: Meier Astrid
Published: September 2013

Fondations pieuses en mouvement: De la transformation du statut de propriété des biens waqf-s à Jérusalem, 1858–1917. By Musa Sroor. Damascus: Institut Français du Proche Orient, 2010. Pp. 461, maps. €30.
Theology and Creed in Sunni Islam: The Muslim Brotherhood, Ashʻarism, and Political Sunnism. By Jeffry R. Halverson
Authors: Voll John O.
Published: September 2013

Theology and Creed in Sunni Islam: The Muslim Brotherhood, Ashʻarism, and Political Sunnism. By Jeffry R. Halverson. New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2010. Pp. vii + 188. $75.
Poet of the Abbasid Period, Abū al-Qāsim al-Zāhī (ʿAlī b. Isḥāq b. Khalaf al-Zāhī) 313–352 AH/925– 963 CE: His Life and Poetry. By Khalid Sindawi
Authors: Qutbuddin Tahera
Published: September 2013

A Poet of the Abbasid Period, Abū al-Qāsim al-Zāhī (ʿAlī b. Isḥāq b. Khalaf al-Zāhī) 313–352 AH/925– 963 CE: His Life and Poetry. By Khalid Sindawi. Codices Arabici Antiqui, vol. 12. Wiesbaden: Harrassowitz, 2010. Pp. 59 + 180 (Arabic). €54 (paper).
Wathāʾiq madīnat al-Qaṣr bi-l-wāḥāt al-Dakhla: Maṣdarān li-taʾrīkh Miṣr fī l-ʿaṣr al-ʿuthmānī. Silsilat Dirāsāt Wathāʾiqiyya. By Rudolph Peters
Authors: Varisco Daniel Martin
Published: September 2013

Wathāʾiq madīnat al-Qaṣr bi-l-wāḥāt al-Dakhla: Maṣdarān li-taʾrīkh Miṣr fī l-ʿaṣr al-ʿuthmānī. Silsilat Dirāsāt Wathāʾiqiyya. By Rudolph Peters. Cairo: Maṭbaʿat al-ʿĀmma li-Dār al-Kutub wa-l-Wathāʾiq al-Qawmiyya, 2011. Pp. 610.
Lucrările Simpozionului Internaţional Cartea, România, Europa. Ediţia a II-1, 20–24 septembrie 2009; and Travaux de Symposium International Le Livre, la Roumanie, l’Europe. Troisième édition, 20–24 septembre 2010
Authors: Jamison Stephanie W.
Published: September 2013

Lucrările Simpozionului Internaţional Cartea, România, Europa. Ediţia a II-1, 20–24 septembrie 2009. Edited by Julieta Rotaru. Secţiunea a treia: Studii Euroasiatice şi Afroasiatice—De la mit la ritual. Bucharest: Editura Biblioteca Bucureştilor, 2010. Pp. 461–738.

Travaux de Symposium International Le Livre, la Roumanie, l’Europe. Troisième édition, 20–24 septembre 2010. Vol. 3: Études euro- et afro-asiatiques, III A: La Veda-Vedāṅga et l’Avesta entre oralité et écriture. Edited by Jan E. M. Houben and Julieta Rotaru. Bucharest: Éditeur Bibliothèque de Bucarest, 2011. Pp. 11–532.
Back Matter
Authors: Editors
Published: September 2013

Back matter
Front Matter
Authors: Editors
Published: September 2013

Front matter
Mixed‐Matrix Membranes
Authors: Adams Ryan , Johnson Justin R. , Zhang Chen , Lively Ryan , Dai Ying , Esekhile Omoyen , Liu Junqiang , Koros William J.
Published: September 2013

Mixed matrix or hybrid membranes combine the ease and experience of processing traditional polymeric materials with the desirable separation properties of inorganic or liquid materials. Since the initial demonstration of these hybrid materials over 50 years ago, there has been a significant growth in research by academia and industry alike. The potential application of these membranes covers a vast array of gas and liquid separations in theory; however, the focus of many researchers to date has been the preparation and characterization of these membranes as they introduce unique challenges that are not encountered when processing polymeric membranes. This article focuses on the theory and practice of mixed matrix membrane preparation as well as the impact of preparation on transport properties.
Ionic Liquids in Gas Separation Membranes
Authors: Bara Jason E.
Published: September 2013

Ionic liquids (ILs) have emerged as a versatile class of materials for building novel gas separation membranes that can be composed of liquids, polymers, and polymer‐liquid composites. Extremely low volatilities and tunable structures are the two essential features of the IL platform that have driven the growth of research in these unique materials for gas separations. Most of the work to date on ILs in gas separation membranes has focused on the separation of carbon dioxide from methane (CO
2
/CH
4
, natural gas sweetening) and carbon dioxide from nitrogen (CO
2
/N
2
, postcombustion CO
2
capture). While the majority of IL‐based membranes operate via the solution‐diffusion mechanism, facilitated transport has also been examined. The inclusion of reactive groups (e.g., silver salts) within ILs has opened additional applications such as olefin/paraffin separations. This article focuses on the history of IL development for gas separations, and the different ways in which ILs have been applied in membranes: as supported liquids, polymeric ILs, and composite materials. Relative performances of these different approaches are discussed, with an emphasis on understanding the underlying physicochemical properties of ILs and IL‐containing materials as a means of developing meaningful models that can be used to rationally design IL‐containing membranes with improved performances. Additionally, the general state of the art is assessed with respect to the progress made over the past decade and recommendations for future work are provided.
Carbon Membranes
Authors: Ismail Ahmad Fauzi , Salleh Wan Norharyati Wan
Published: September 2013

Carbon membranes are considered a relatively new addition to the mainstream of membrane material research. The significant number of publications in recent years shows the tremendous growth and development efforts in this research field. Carbon membranes can be fabricated by heat treatment from various types of polymeric precursor membranes such as polyimides and derivatives, polyacrylonitrile, phenolic resin, polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polyfurfuryl alcohol (PFA), polyetherimide (PEI), polyphenylene oxide (PPO), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), and polyphthalazinone ether sulfone ketone (PPESK). Carbon membranes can be divided into two categories, namely, supported and unsupported. The typical characterization methods used for carbon membranes can be classified into membrane performance evaluation and physical characterization. Physical characterization includes thermogravimetry analysis (TGA), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), adsorption and sorption experiments, and elemental analysis. A further explanation of each process parameter to obtain carbon membranes of highest quality is provided. In addition, the performances of various types of carbon membranes developed by previous researchers for different gas separation applications are also summarized. Furthermore, the potential applications and future directions of carbon membranes in gas separation processes are identified in this review. Other potential processes for carbon membranes including pervaporation, water treatment, and membrane reactor are also emphasized. Although significant research has been conducted since the development of carbon membranes, the need to extensively improve the gas permeation properties of these membranes still remains important if it is to become a viable membrane material for industrial applications.
Membrane Electrolysis
Authors: Millet Pierre
Published: September 2013

Ion‐conducting membrane materials are used in electrolysis cells for the double purpose of carrying electric charges between electrodes and separating the products formed at each electrode. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of main electrolysis technologies and to describe the main characteristics of membrane materials used in such processes. Following a brief introduction, a summary of the fundamental aspects of electrochemistry is presented in Section 2. Main membrane electrolysis processes are described in Section 3 and main membrane materials (chemical composition and ion transport properties) are presented in Section 4. In Section 5, different emerging membrane technologies are described and some emerging materials are presented.
Asymmetric Hydroformylation, Hydroxycarbonylation, and Alkoxycarbonylation for Stereoselective Synthesis
Authors: Durrani Jamie T. , Clarke Matthew L.
Published: October 2013

This chapter seeks to provide the nonspecialist chemist with information regarding the potential scope of the title reactions in asymmetric synthesis. Hydroformylation of alkenes is discussed in detail, and a description of the reactivity and regioselectivity patterns is provided and illustrated with examples that produce chiral intermediates used in the synthesis of drugs and natural products. A short review of the emerging area where Pd‐catalyzed hydroxy‐ or alkoxycarbonylation is used in target synthesis is also provided. Although a few examples of these latter reactions are being actively pursued as methodology in medicinal chemistry laboratories, recent developments in the catalysts available mean that this is anticipated in the near future. The chapter closes with some useful practical information for those wishing to conduct an asymmetric hydroformylation for the first time and three experimental procedures from the authors' laboratories.
Transannular Cyclization in Natural Product Total Synthesis
Authors: Yang Jiong , Xue Haoran
Published: October 2013

Transannular reactions are unique in that they take advantage of the conformational constraint imposed by the medium‐ or macro‐cyclic substrates to bring reaction centers close to each other. The results are that reactions with a high activation barrier at intermolecular settings are made possible, and more importantly, the often well‐defined conformational bias of cyclic substrates is translated into high regioselectivity and stereoselectivity of the reactions. This tutorial review gives an overview of transannular cyclizations organized by reaction type with an emphasis on applications in natural product synthesis. A section on “memory of chirality,” which focuses on asymmetric transannular transformations with “chiral center‐free” transition states, is also given.
Asymmetric Epoxidation in Stereoselective Synthesis
Authors: Yang Zhicai
Published: October 2013

Asymmetric epoxidation of olefins has been proven to be one of the most important methods to generate chiral epoxides, which are highly useful intermediates in the stereoselective synthesis of biologically interesting compounds. In this chapter, several powerful and practical asymmetric epoxidation methods and their utilities for the stereoselective synthesis of drug substances and natural products are described. The representative asymmetric epoxidation methods that are described in the chapter include directed epoxidations, metal oxo‐catalyzed epoxidations, dioxirane‐catalyzed epoxidations, nucleophilic epoxidations, and asymmetric phase‐transfer–catalyzed epoxidations.
Effect of Linker Length and Composition on Heterobivalent Ligand‐Mediated Receptor Cross‐Talk between the A1 Adenosine and β2 Adrenergic Receptors
Authors: Barlow Nicholas , Baker Stephen P. , Scammells Peter J.
Published: October 2013

Heterobivalent ligands that possess pharmacophores designed to interact with both the A1 adenosine receptor (A1AR) and the β2 adrenergic receptor (β2AR) were prepared. More specifically, these ligands contain an adenosine moiety that is linked via its N6‐position to the amino group of the saligenin‐substituted ethanolamine moiety present in the well‐known β2AR agonist, salbutamol. The affinities of these ligands were determined at both receptors and found to vary with linker length and composition. With all compounds, affinity and functional potencies were found to have selectivity for the A1AR over the β2AR. In all cases, cAMP accumulation (a β2AR‐mediated response) was mainly observed when the A1AR was blocked or its function decreased by pertussis toxin or chronic agonist treatment. This suggests that heterobivalent compounds for receptors that mediate opposite responses might be useful for elucidating the mechanisms of receptor cross‐talk and how this interaction, in terms of responsiveness, may change under pathophysiological conditions.