bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trois gouvernements des démences Les biopolitiques à l'épreuve des réseaux d'action publique locaux
Authors: Lucas Barbara
Published: February 2012

Résumé Cet article compare les politiques de prise en charge des cas de démence dans trois cantons suisses. La première partie présente un cadre théorique permettant d’analyser les politiques du care en tant que biopolitiques et d’intégrer une réflexion sur la participation des personnes démentes et de leurs proches. La seconde partie compare les différentes réponses cantonales aux problèmes des démences. Sur cette base, la troisième partie met en lumière trois types de biopolitiques, dont les implications en termes de participation sont discutées au point suivant. En conclusion, je reviens sur l’intérêt de cette comparaison du point de vue de la critique foucaldienne de la nouvelle santé publique.
Trajectoires de réforme de la carte judiciaire et managérialisation de l'État. Analyse comparée des politiques de territorialisation de la Justice en France et en Belgique
Authors: Ficet Joël
Published: February 2012

Résumé L’organisation géographique de la Justice connaît en France et en Belgique d’importantes mutations, qui s’insèrent dans un mouvement plus large de modernisation de l’État. Il s’agit en effet aujourd’hui de constituer des « territoires de gestion » permettant l’application des méthodes du management public. Les tentatives gouvernementales en ce sens se sont toutefois heurtées aux résistances des professionnels de la Justice et des élus locaux. L’objet de cet article est d’analyser de manière comparée l’influence du contexte institutionnel et du degré de fragmentation des processus décisionnels sur la trajectoire et les résultats de ces deux entreprises de réforme de la carte judiciaire.
Transforming Engagement in Learning Through Innovative Technologies: Using an Audience Response System in Nursing Orientation
Authors: Woolforde Launette , Lopez-Zang Diana
Published: February 2012

This column discusses using an audience response system in nursing orientation to enhance participant engagement while increasing educator efficiency.
Asymmetry of Familial Exudative Vitreoretinopathy
Authors: Shukla Shripaad Y. , Kaliki Swathi , Shields Carol L.
Published: February 2012

A 2-month-old male infant presented with unilateral leukocoria suspected to be retinoblastoma. Fundus examination and fluorescein angiography confirmed the diagnosis of bilateral familial exudative vitreoretinopathy with markedly asymmetric presentation (Stage 3/Type 5 in the right eye and Stage 2/Type 3 in the left eye).
Intracranial Pathology in Young Children With Apparently Isolated Nystagmus
Authors: Shammari Mansoor A. , Elkhamary Sahar M. , Khan Arif O.
Published: February 2012

Purpose:

To assess the incidence of intracranial pathology in young children who had brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to investigate apparently isolated nystagmus noted within the first few years of life.

Methods:

Retrospective institutional review of such children (up to 5 years old).

Results:

Twenty-six patients (17 boys, 9 girls) were identified. Nystagmus was clinically bilateral in 22 (85%) and unilateral in 4 (15%). Seventeen cases (65%) were described as horizontal pendular nystagmus, 5 (19%) as horizontal jerk nystagmus, 2 (8%) as vertical pendular nystagmus, and 1 each as downbeat nystagmus and torsional nystagmus (8%). Three of the 26 patients (12%) had significant MRI findings and all three had temporal optic nerve head pallor noted during clinical examination. Nystagmus was horizontal pendular in two patients and rotary in the third.

Conclusion:

The optic nerve head should be carefully assessed for signs of pallor in young children with nystagmus and, if present, brain MRI should be performed. Otherwise, isolated early childhood nystagmus is unlikely to be associated with intracranial pathology. Clinical description of nystagmus did not predict intracranial pathology in this cohort.
Combining Zonal Refractive and Diffractive Aspheric Multifocal Intraocular Lenses
Authors: Muñoz Gonzalo , Albarrán-Diego César , Javaloy Jaime , Sakla Hani F. , Cerviño Alejandro
Published: February 2012

PURPOSE:

To assess visual performance with the combination of a zonal refractive aspheric multifocal intraocular lens (MIOL) (Lentis Mplus, Oculentis GmbH) and a diffractive aspheric MIOL (Acri.Lisa 366, Acri.Tech GmbH).

METHODS:

This prospective interventional cohort study comprised 80 eyes from 40 cataract patients (mean age: 65.5±7.3 years) who underwent implantation of the Lentis Mplus MIOL in one eye and Acri.Lisa 366 MIOL in the fellow eye. The main outcome measures were refraction; monocular and binocular uncorrected and corrected distance, intermediate, and near visual acuities; monocular and binocular defocus curves; binocular photopic contrast sensitivity function compared to a monofocal intraocular lens (IOL) control group (40 age-matched pseudophakic patients implanted with the AR-40e [Abbott Medical Optics]); and quality of vision questionnaire.

RESULTS:

Binocular uncorrected visual acuities were 0.12 logMAR (0.76 decimal) or better at all distances measured between 6 m and 33 cm. The Lentis Mplus provided statistically significant better vision than the Acri.Lisa at distances between 2 m and 40 cm, and the Acri.Lisa provided statistically significant better vision than the Lentis Mplus at 33 cm. Binocular defocus curve showed little drop-off at intermediate distances. Photopic contrast sensitivity function for distance and near were similar to the monofocal IOL control group except for higher frequencies. Moderate glare (15%), night vision problems (12.5%), and halos (10%) were reported. Complete independence of spectacles was achieved by 92.5% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS:

The combination of zonal refractive aspheric and diffractive aspheric MIOLs resulted in excellent uncorrected binocular distance, intermediate, and near vision, with low incidence of significant photic phenomena and high patient satisfaction.
E-Learning Readiness in Organizations
Authors: Schreurs Jeanne , Al-Huneidi Ahmad Mhammad
Published: February 2012

Many organizations failed in adopting e-learning. A primary reason for this failure is the lack of assessment of organizational readiness for e-learning. To reduce failure risk, organizations should assess their readiness for adopting e-learning to identify some weak points which have to be improved by taking some improvement actions. In the literature we can find a variety of e-learning readiness and measurement models. We developed a model to measure the readiness of organizations for e-learning. We have applied it on KBC bank to measure the readiness of KBC-ICT department for e-learning.
Monumentality in Western Amazonian formative societies: geometric ditched enclosures in the Brazilian state of Acre
Authors: Saunaluoma Sanna , Schaan Denise
Published: February 2012

In Amazonia, monumentality has traditionally been considered characteristic of the late pre-colonial densely populated complex societies. Recent archaeological fieldwork concerning the geometric earthworks in the Brazilian state of Acre has shown that the southwestern Amazonian interfluvial zone was a significant setting for long-term large landscape modifications. We describe the geometric ditched enclosure sites of Acre as early monumental public spaces reserved for ceremonial purposes, analogous to the central Andean ceremonial-civic centers of the Formative period. The geometric earthwork sites contain contiguous ditches and embankment structures of varying forms enclosing areas typically 3-10 hectares in size. Documented cultural features are sparse within the enclosed areas. Making use of satellite imagery, aerial photographs, and pedestrian surveys, 360 earthwork enclosures have been recorded in southwestern Amazonia. Our radiocarbon dates suggest that construction and use of geometric earthworks began at the latest around 1000 BC, and prevailed in the region until 1400 AD. The relatively small number of ceramics recovered from the geometric ditched enclosure sites appear to be local substyles of the same tradition, sharing certain attributes with contemporary ceramic traditions of the upper Amazonian region. This, and consistency in ceremonial earthwork architecture, indicate close cultural interaction between communities that built and used the earthwork sites, and imply probable relationships also with the central Andean area.
Dexamethasone and RU24858 Induce Survival and Growth Factor Receptor Bound protein 2, Leukotriene B4 Receptor 1 and Annexin-1 expression in primary Human Neutrophils
Authors: Janka-Junttila Mirkka , Hasala Hannele , Adcock Ian , Moilanen Eeva , Kankaanranta Hannu
Published: February 2012

Glucocorticoids are widely used anti-inflammatory medication in diseases like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Glucocorticoids can either activate (transactivation) or inhibit (transrepression) transcription. RU24858 was introduced as a “dissociated” glucocorticoid and it has been reported to transrepress but not to transactivate. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of RU24858 and dexamethasone in human neutrophils. RU24858 delayed spontaneous neutrophil apoptosis and further enhanced GM-CSF- induced neutrophil survival to a similar extent as dexamethasone. Like dexamethasone RU24858 also reduced CXCL8 and MIP-1α. Unexpectedly however, RU24858 increased the expression of the glucocorticoid-inducible genes BLT-1, Annexin-1 and Grb-2 in neutrophils to a similar level as seen with dexamethasone. We have shown here that dexamethasone and RU24858 both increase Grb-2, BLT1 and Annexin-1 expression and inhibit CXCL8 and MIP-1α production. This suggests that RU24858 was not able to dissociate between transactivation and transrepression in human neutrophils but enhanced neutrophil survival.
Plasma Copper and Zinc Concentration in Individuals with Autism Correlate with Selected Symptom Severity
Authors: Russo Anthony J. , Bazin Andrea P. , Bigega Richard , Carlson Robert S. , Cole Martin G. , Contreras Dilenia C. , Galvin Matthew B. , Gaydorus Sayde S. , Holik Sierra D. , Jenkins Gavin P. , Jones Brandon M. , Languell Penelope A. , Lyman Padraic J. , March Kareem P. , Meuer Katie A. , Peterson Serena R. , Piedmonte Matthew T. , Quinn Michael G. , Smaranda Nicole C. , Steves Patrick L. , Taylor Heather P. , Waddingham Teagan E. , Warren Janine S.
Published: February 2012

Aim

To assess plasma zinc and copper concentration in individuals with autism and correlate these levels with symptom severity.

Subjects and Methods

Plasma from 102 autistic individuals, and 18 neurotypical controls, were tested for plasma zinc and copper using inductively-coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Copper and zinc levels and Cu/Zn were analyzed for possible correlation with severity of 19 symptoms.

Results

Autistic individuals had elevated plasma levels of copper and Cu/Zn and lower, but not significantly lower, plasma Zn compared to neurotypical controls. There was a correlation between Cu/Zn and expressive language, receptive language, focus attention, hyperactivity, fine motor skills, gross motor skills and Tip Toeing. There was a negative correlation between plasma zinc concentration and hyperactivity, and fine motor skills severity.

Discussion

These results suggest an association between plasma Cu/Zn and severity of symptoms associated with autism.
Predicting decadal trends and transient responses of radiocarbon storage and fluxes in a temperate forest soil
Authors: Sierra C. A. , Trumbore S. E. , Davidson E. A. , Frey S. D. , Savage K. E. , Hopkins F. M.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. Representing the response of soil carbon dynamics to global environmental change requires the incorporation of multiple tools in the development of predictive models. An important tool to construct and test models is the incorporation of bomb radiocarbon in soil organic matter during the past decades. In this manuscript, we combined radiocarbon data and a previously developed empirical model to explore decade-scale soil carbon dynamics in a temperate forest ecosystem at the Harvard Forest, Massachusetts, USA. We evaluated the contribution of different soil C fractions to both total soil CO2 efflux and microbially-respired C. We tested the performance of the model based on measurable soil organic matter fractions against a decade of radiocarbon measurements. The model was then challenged with radiocarbon measurements from a warming and N addition experiment to test multiple hypotheses about the different response of soil C fractions to the experimental manipulations. Our results showed that the empirical model satisfactorily predicts the trends of radiocarbon in litter, density fractions, and respired CO2 observed over a decade in the soils not subjected to manipulation. However, the model, modified with prescribed relationships for temperature and decomposition rates, predicted most but not all the observations from the field experiment where soil temperatures and nitrogen levels were increased, suggesting that a larger degree of complexity and mechanistic relations need to be added to the model to predict short-term responses and transient dynamics.
HydroViz: evaluation of a web-based tool for improving hydrology education
Authors: Habib E. , Ma Y. , Williams D. , Sharif H. , Hossain F.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. HydroViz is a web-based, student-centered, highly visual educational tool designed to support active learning in the field of Engineering Hydrology. The development of HydroViz is informed by recent advances in hydrologic data, numerical simulations, visualization and web-based technologies. An evaluation study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of HydroViz, to examine the buy-in of the program, and to identify project components that need to be improved. A total of 182 students from seven freshmen and junior-/senior-level undergraduate classes in three universities participated in the study over the course of two semesters (spring 2010 and fall 2010). Data sources included homework assignments, online surveys, and informal interviews with students. Descriptive statistics were calculated for homework and the survey. Qualitative analysis of students' comments and informal interview notes were also conducted to identify ideas and patterns. HydroViz was effective in facilitating students' learning and understanding of hydrologic concepts and increasing related skills. Students had positive perceptions of various features of HydroViz and they believe that HydroViz fits well in the curriculum. The experience with HydroViz was somewhat effective in raising freshmen civil engineering students' interest in hydrology. In general, HydroViz tend to be more effective with students in junior- or senior-level classes than students in freshmen classes. There does not seem to be obvious differences between different universities. Students identified some issues that can be addressed to improve HydroViz. Future adaptation and expansion studies are under planning to scale-up the application and utility of HydroViz into various hydrology and water-resource engineering curriculum settings.
Synthesis and stereochemistry of 6-membered ring phosphonates
Authors: Pungente Michael D. , Weiler Larry
Published: February 2012

Background: Organophosphorus compounds have important industrial and biomedical applications as pharmaceutical and agrochemical agents, as well as transition state analogs for the production of monoclonal antibodies.

Methods: Two diastereomers of a 6-membered ring, cyclic phenyl phosphonate were synthesized in 8 steps from 1,3-butanediol.

Results: The stereochemistry of the diastereomers was elucidated on the basis of31P NMR signals, together with1H NMR nuclear Overhauser effects (NOE) difference experiments.

Conclusions: Such cyclic phosphonates may have utility serving as transition state analogs for the production of monoclonal antibodies.
Extraprensa (jul a dez/2007)
Authors: Ferreira Maria Nazareth
Published: February 2012

Edição de lançamento da revista Extraprensa, ANO I, NÚMERO I, dezembro, 2007Esta edição está sendo publicada em caráter ad-extra, pois  foi editada e finalizada antes da migração para a plataforma Open Journal System (OJS).Esta edição congrega os seguintes artigos (em destaque), escritos pelos respectivos autores (em itálico):ABYA-AYALA: A REFUNDAÇÃO DA PÁTRIA GRANDE (Maria Nazareth Ferreira), p. 04-13;OS CONTERRÂNEOS NORDESTINOS NA METRÓPOLE DE SÃO PAULO: seus símbolos, sua memória e seus mitos (Soledad Galhardo), p. 14-23;RECEPÇÃO CIDADÃ: UMA PROPOSTA METODOLÓGICA PARA LEITURA DOS MEIOS DE COMUNICAÇÃO (Dennis de Oliveira; Marta Regina Maia), p. 24-35;A IMPORTÂNCIA DA ORGANIZAÇÃO E DA INFORMAÇÃO NA PESQUISA JORNALÍSTICA (Moisés dos Santos), p. 36-43.Palavras-chave: América Latina; metodologia; estudo de caso; culturas populares. DOI: 10.5841/extraprensa.v1i1.1
Metastatic Crohn Disease: A Rare Cutaneous Entity
Authors: Siroy Alan , Wasman Jay
Published: February 2012

Metastatic Crohn disease is a rare cutaneous disorder characterized by noncaseating, granulomatous skin lesions present at sites anatomically separate from the gastrointestinal tract. It is the least common dermatologic manifestation of Crohn disease, and the differential diagnosis includes numerous similarly appearing, granulomatous skin entities. Males and females appear to be equally affected, and children tend to present with clinical lesions different from those of adults. An integration of clinical information, microscopic findings, and ancillary studies is necessary to accurately diagnose this rare cutaneous disease. Our objective is to review the clinical features, histopathologic characteristics, suggested pathogenesis, differential diagnosis, and current therapeutic options of metastatic Crohn disease.
Mesothelioma Not Associated With Asbestos Exposure
Authors: Jasani Bharat , Gibbs Allen
Published: February 2012

Context.—Despite asbestos being identified as the single most important cause of malignant mesothelioma, the tumor is known to occur in only 10% to 20% of heavily exposed individuals. In addition, about 20% of the patients have no history of asbestos exposure even after detailed assessment. Therefore, there has been speculation for some time that asbestos alone may not be sufficient to cause mesothelioma and that other factors may be involved either as cocarcinogens or as independent mechanisms of cancer causation.

Objective.—To give a brief review of nonasbestos fiber erionite and therapeutic radiation as 2 established examples of asbestos-independent mechanisms, of the potential emerging role of man-made fibers such as carbon nanotubes, and of polyoma virus SV40 (simian virus 40) as a potential example of the cocarcinogenic mode of involvement.

Data Sources.—Relevant recent literature has been surveyed to portray and provide the evidence in favor of the examples.

Conclusions.—Erionite has emerged as the most important example of nonasbestos-mediated cause of mesothelioma in regions such as Turkey where exposure to this type of fiber is highly prevalent. Recently, the polyoma virus SV40 has been unexpectedly discovered as an effective cocarcinogen of asbestos in the causation of animal mesothelioma, though despite considerable research, its potential role in human mesothelioma remains unproven.
Molecular Changes in Mesothelioma With an Impact on Prognosis and Treatment
Authors: Jean Didier , Daubriac Julien , Le Pimpec-Barthes Françoise , Galateau-Salle Françoise , Jaurand Marie-Claude
Published: February 2012

Context.—In recent decades, research on malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) has been developed to improve patients' outcomes by increasing the level of confidence in MPM diagnosis and prognosis.

Objective.—To summarize data on genetic and epigenetic abnormalities in MPM that may be of interest for a better management of patients with MPM.

Data Sources.—Data were obtained from scientific publications on genetic and epigenetic abnormalities in MPM by studying gene mutations, DNA methylation, and gene and microRNA expression profiling.

Conclusions.—Molecular changes in MPM consist in altered expression and in activation or inactivation of critical genes in oncogenesis, especially tumor suppressor genes at the INK4 and NF2 loci. Activation of membrane receptor tyrosine kinases and deregulation of signaling pathways related to differentiation, survival, proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle control, metabolism, migration, and invasion have been demonstrated. Alterations that could be targeted at a global level (methylation) have been recently reported. Experimental research has succeeded especially in abolishing proliferation and triggering apoptosis in MPM cells. So far, targeted clinical approaches focusing on receptor tyrosine kinases have had limited success. Molecular analyses of series of MPM cases have shown that defined alterations are present in MPM subsets, consistent with interindividual variations of molecular alterations, and suggesting that identification of patient subgroups will be essential to develop more specific therapies.
Media Clips: Election Campaign Expenses; 100 Percent—Not!
Authors: Hall Randy F. , Cibes Margaret , Greenwood James
Published: February 2012

Students analyze items from the media to answer mathematical questions related to the article. The mathematics involved in this month's clips include ratios and percents, proportional reasoning, and rounding errors.
Ponderings on Pocket-sized Polyhedra
Authors: Gould S. Louise
Published: February 2012

Pop-up polyhedra–three-dimensional models that can be stored for future reference–are easily constructed using The Geometer's Sketchpad and give students experience in using transformations in the plane.
Activities for Students: Filling Bottles with Water
Authors: Gómez Emiliano , Wolfson Risa A.
Published: February 2012

In this activity, students gradually fill bottles of different shapes and graph the water level (height) versus the volume of water inside the bottles. Then they explore the relationship between the shape of a bottle and the resulting graph.
Multicomponent Reactions of β‐Ketosulfones and Formaldehyde in a Bio‐Based Binary Mixture Solvent System Composed of Meglumine and Gluconic Acid Aqueous Solution
Authors: Yang Jie , Li Haoquan , Li Minghao , Peng Jiajian , Gu Yanlong
Published: February 2012

A mixture of two bio‐based chemicals, meglumine and gluconic acid aqueous solution (GAAS, 50 wt%), was demonstrated to be a task‐specific bio‐based solvent for performing the hydroxymethylation of β‐ketosulfones with formaldehyde. The formed hydroxymethylation product could further react with a nucleophile, which allowed us to develop some one‐pot, stepwise, three‐component reactions of β‐ketosulfones and formaldehyde in this binary mixture. Particularly, a one‐pot, two‐step, sequential four‐component reaction of α‐bromo ketone, sodium benzenesulfinate, thiophenol and formaldehyde was also developed. These results not only demonstrate that it is possible to develop a new bio‐based system by mixing two or more bio‐based chemicals together, but also confer us a convenient means for controlling the selectivity of some multicomponent reactions of formaldehyde. Because GAAS and meglumine are both highly hydrophilic, the mixed solvent system could thus be recovered after extraction of organic products. In a three‐component reaction of β‐ketosulfone, paraformaldehyde and α‐methylstyrene, the GAAS/meglumine system could be reused at least four times without significant loss of activity.
Improving the Processability of Conductive Polymers: The Case of Polyaniline
Authors: Ruiz J. , Gonzalo B. , Dios J. R. , Laza J. M. , Vilas J. L. , León L. M.
Published: February 2012

Polyaniline (PANI) is one of the most widely used conductive polymers because of its ease of synthesis in addition to its good electrical properties. However, the difficulty in its processability limits its potential applications. In this work, conductive emeraldine salt (i.e., one of the different oxidation states of PANI) was synthesized by oxidative chemical polymerization. Different techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and dynamical mechanical thermal analysis were used to characterize the synthesized PANI. The processability of PANI has been improved by processing it, both by compression and extrusion methods, with different thermoplastic matrices such as polycaprolactone and polybutylene terephthalate. The obtained compounds have not only better processability but also improved thermal and mechanical properties. However, their conductivity decreases with respect to PANI, to a greater extent, for the compounds synthesized by the extrusion method. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 32: E180–E188, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/adv.21261
Advances in Membrane Development Based on Electrically Conducting Polymers
Authors: Alam Javed , Dass Lawrence Arockiasamy , Alhoshan Mansour Saleh , Mohammad Abdul Wahab
Published: February 2012

The use of electrically conducting polymers for membrane development is an interesting research area of membrane science and technology. Electrically conducting polymers have been identified as a promising class of materials for membrane development owing to their unique electroactive properties, reversible redox behavior, and the potential for ease of processing. In the present review, an attempt has been made to describe the advances in the use of electrically conducting polymers to membrane development and to understand their salient features and how these features can be optimized to exhibit advanced or novel functions in membrane development. This article also presents significant literature detailing the scientific interest in electrically conducting polymers for membrane development. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 32: E189–E197, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/adv.21262
Hydrogenolysis Goes Bio: From Carbohydrates and Sugar Alcohols to Platform Chemicals
Authors: Ruppert Agnieszka M. , Weinberg Kamil , Palkovits Regina
Published: February 2012

In view of the diminishing oil resources and the ongoing climate change, the use of efficient and environmentally benign technologies for the utilization of renewable resources has become indispensible. Therein, hydrogenolysis reactions offer a promising possibility for future biorefinery concepts. These reactions result in the cleavage of CC and CO bonds by hydrogen and allow direct access to valuable platform chemicals already integrated in today’s value chains. Thus, hydrogenolysis bears the potential to bridge currently available technologies and future biomass‐based refinery concepts. This Review highlights past and present developments in this field, with special emphasis on the direct utilization of cellulosic feedstocks.
An organic solar cell theoretical model with two concepts of excitonic and bipolar transport
Authors: Shahini Ali
Published: February 2012

This paper models the interplay between the detailed radiation balance and the charge carrier transport of organic solar cells. By incorporating the so‐called photon recycling (self‐absorption) into the continuity equation of minority carriers, this model can describe the radiative efficiency of existing cells as well as the radiative recombination limited ones. For high mobilities, the model reproduces the Shockley Queisser efficiency limit. Therefore, the model connects the classical diode theory and the Shockley Queisser detailed balance efficiency limit. The effect of adding nanoparticles into such cells is to increase the absorption coefficient by providing higher absorption probability at the region with high concentration of nanoparticles. To model this effect, the exponential integral term is used. The paper shows that even in case of the radiative recombination limit, charge carrier transport is extremely important. Finally, it discusses the effect of excitons and charge carrier mobilities on transport. © 2012 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
One‐pot in situ ball milling preparation of polymer/graphene nanocomposites
Authors: Wu Hang , Zhao Weifeng , Chen Guohua
Published: February 2012

A one‐pot method which involves peeling graphite nanosheets (GNs) off into graphenes in polymer solution and in situ forming polymer/graphene sheets nanocomposites by using ball milling is presented. Via this approach, nanocomposites based on maleic anhydride grafted poly (ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate) (EVA‐g‐MAH) and graphene sheets comprising one to five layers were accomplished. The resulted EVA‐g‐MAH/graphene nanocomposites displayed a percolation threshold around 5.0 wt %, much lower than that of the EVA‐g‐MAH/GNs nanocomposites prepared by direct solution blending (∼ 13.0 wt %). The nanocomposite containing 10 wt % of graphene sheets exhibited a higher maximum decomposition temperature by ∼ 10°C when compared with the virgin polymer and the corresponding nanocomposite loaded with 10 wt % of GNs. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Traffic flow model of network simulators for estimation of CO2 emissions
Authors: Mori Hiroko , Kitaoka Hironobu , Ishida Masaya , Asakura Yasuo
Published: February 2012

This paper describes a new approach to developing a traffic flow model of traffic network simulators for the estimation of CO2 emissions by considering various measures such as the use of vehicle control systems and transportation demand management (TDM) strategies. Thus far, we have developed the traffic network simulator NETSTREAM (NETwork Simulator for TRaffic Efficiency And Mobility), which has been able to reproduce traffic congestion in large‐scale networks because of its unique traffic flow model. This paper proposes an enhancement of this model: acceleration is also considered because it has a significant effect on the calculation of CO2 emissions. The proposed model is then verified and validated. The results indicate that it can reproduce acceleration in a way that closely agrees with the actual data, while maintaining the Q–K and K–V relationships. Finally, this paper presents an example evaluation of an acceleration control system. We confirm that the proposed traffic flow model can evaluate environmental improvements in large‐scale networks. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A case study on the in silico absorption simulations of levothyroxine sodium immediate‐release tablets
Authors: Kocic Ivana , Homsek Irena , Dacevic Mirjana , Grbic Sandra , Parojcic Jelena , Vucicevic Katarina , Prostran Milica , Miljkovic Branislava
Published: February 2012

The aim of this case study was to develop a drug‐specific absorption model for levothyroxine (LT4) using mechanistic gastrointestinal simulation technology (GIST) implemented in the GastroPlus™ software package. The required input parameters were determined experimentally, in silico predicted and/or taken from the literature. The simulated plasma profile was similar and in a good agreement with the data observed in the in vivo bioequivalence study, indicating that the GIST model gave an accurate prediction of LT4 oral absorption. Additionally, plasma concentration–time profiles were simulated based on a set of experimental and virtual in vitro dissolution data in order to estimate the influence of different in vitro drug dissolution kinetics on the simulated plasma profiles and to identify biorelevant dissolution specification for LT4 immediate‐release (IR) tablets. A set of experimental and virtual in vitro data was also used for correlation purposes. In vitro–in vivo correlation model based on the convolution approach was applied in order to assess the relationship between the in vitro and in vivo data. The obtained results suggest that dissolution specification of more than 85% LT4 dissolved in 60 min might be considered as biorelevant dissolution specification criteria for LT4 IR tablets. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pharmacokinetics, distribution and excretion of YM155 monobromide, a novel small‐molecule survivin suppressant, in male and pregnant or lactating female rats
Authors: Minematsu Tsuyoshi , Sonoda Takuya , Hashimoto Tadashi , Iwai Megumi , Oppeneer Todd , Felder Laurie , Shirai Nobuaki , Miyashita Aiji , Usui Takashi
Published: February 2012

YM155 monobromide is a novel small‐molecule survivin suppressant. The pharmacokinetics, distribution and excretion of YM155/[14C]YM155 were investigated using males and pregnant or lactating female rats after a single intravenous bolus administration. For the 0.1, 0.3 and 1 mg/kg YM155 doses given to male rats, increases in area under the plasma concentration–time curves were approximately proportional to the increase in the dose level. After administering [14C]YM155, radioactivity concentrations in the kidney and liver were highest among the tissues in both male and pregnant rats: e.g. 14.8‐ and 5.24‐fold, respectively, and higher than in plasma at 0.1 h after dosing to male rats. The YM155 concentrations in the brain were lowest: 25‐fold lower than in plasma. The transfer of radioactivity into fetuses was low (about 2‐fold lower than in plasma). In lactating rats, the radioactivity was transferred into milk at a level 8‐ to 21‐fold higher than for plasma. Radioactivity was primarily excreted in feces (64.0%) and urine (35.2%). The fecal excretion was considered to have occurred mainly by biliary excretion and partly by secretion across the gastrointestinal membrane from the blood to the lumen. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cryo‐Electron Microscopy Modeling by the Molecular Dynamics Flexible Fitting Method
Authors: Chan Kwok‐Yan , Trabuco Leonardo G. , Schreiner Eduard , Schulten Klaus
Published: February 2012

The increasing power and popularity of cryo‐electron microscopy (cryo‐EM) in structural biology brought about the development of so‐called hybrid methods, which permit the interpretation of cryo‐EM density maps beyond their nominal resolution in terms of atomic models. The Cryo‐EM Modeling Challenge 2010 is the first community effort to bring together developers of hybrid methods as well as cryo‐EM experimentalists. Participating in the challenge, the molecular dynamics flexible fitting (MDFF) method was applied to a number of cryo‐EM density maps. The results are described here with special emphasis on the use of symmetry‐based restraints to improve the quality of atomic models derived from density maps of symmetric complexes; on a comparison of the stereochemical quality of atomic models resulting from different hybrid methods; and on application of MDFF to electron crystallography data. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 97: 678–686, 2012.
Using graph‐based assessments within socratic tutorials to reveal and refine students' analytical thinking about molecular networks
Authors: Trujillo Caleb , Cooper Melanie M. , Klymkowsky Michael W.
Published: February 2012

Biological systems, from the molecular to the ecological, involve dynamic interaction networks. To examine student thinking about networks we used graphical responses, since they are easier to evaluate for implied, but unarticulated assumptions. Senior college level molecular biology students were presented with simple molecular level scenarios; surprisingly, most students failed to articulate the basic assumptions needed to generate reasonable graphical representations; their graphs often contradicted their explicit assumptions. We then developed a tiered Socratic tutorial based on leading questions designed to provoke metacognitive reflection. The activity is characterized by leading questions (prompts) designed to provoke meta‐cognitive reflection. When applied in a group or individual setting, there was clear improvement in targeted areas. Our results highlight the promise of using graphical responses and Socratic prompts in a tutorial context as both a formative assessment for students and an informative feedback system for instructors, in part because graphical responses are relatively easy to evaluate for implied, but unarticulated assumptions.
An inquiry‐based practical for a large, foundation‐level undergraduate laboratory that enhances student understanding of basic cellular concepts and scientific experimental design
Authors: Bugarcic A. , Zimbardi K. , Macaranas J. , Thorn P.
Published: February 2012

Student‐centered education involving research experiences or inquiry have been shown to help undergraduate students understand, and become excited about, the process of scientific investigation. These benefits are particularly important for students in the early stages of their degree (Report and Kenny, http://naplesccsunysbedu/Pres/boyernsf/1998). However, embedding such experiences into the curriculum is particularly difficult when dealing with early stage students, who are in larger cohorts and often lack the background content knowledge necessary to engage with primary research literature and research level methods and equipment. We report here the design, delivery, assessment, and subsequent student learning outcomes of a 4‐week practical module for 120 students at the beginning of their second year of university, which successfully engages students in designing cell culture experiments and in understanding the molecular processes and machinery involved in the basic cellular process of macropinocytosis.
ADHD and Delinquency – a Developmental Perspective
Authors: von Polier G. G. , Vloet T. D. , Herpertz‐Dahlmann B.
Published: February 2012

Attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most prevalent psychiatric disorders of childhood and adolescence. Until now, it has been unclear whether ADHD by itself constitutes a risk factor for later delinquency or does so only in combination with other disruptive symptoms. This article seeks to give a comprehensive account of the literature to shed light on the developmental pathway from childhood ADHD to adult criminality. Comorbid ADHD and conduct disorder (CD) are significantly related to a range of biological and environmental risk factors such as neurocognitive impairment, high parental psychopathology, poor social functioning, and other comorbid mental disorders, particularly substance abuse, that are described in this review. In addition, the results of treatment studies are presented, with a special focus on the results of the Multimodal Treatment Study of Children with ADHD (MTA). Although treatment programs, including medication and psychosocial treatment, can be very effective in improving the functioning of children with ADHD in the social and academic domains in the short term, there is no conclusive evidence that such treatments lower the risk for developing delinquency in adulthood. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cascade Coupling of Ene Reductases with Alcohol Dehydrogenases: Enantioselective Reduction of Prochiral Unsaturated Aldehydes
Authors: Brenna Elisabetta , Gatti Francesco G. , Monti Daniela , Parmeggiani Fabio , Sacchetti Alessandro
Published: February 2012

The baker’s yeast (BY)‐mediated reduction of a set of α‐substituted derivatives of cinnamaldehyde to give the corresponding saturated alcohols was investigated. Our study demonstrates that the ene reductases of BY (OYE 2 or OYE 3) preferentially reduce the CC double bond of stereoisomers with the phenyl group trans to the carbonyl group. Moreover, the alcohol dehydrogenases (ADHs) chemoselectively reduce (oxidise) the carbonyl group (hydroxyl group) of saturated aldehydes (alcohols) if the side chain does not contain a heteroatom such as oxygen or sulphur and is longer than an ethyl group. Using isolated OYEs instead of BY, the saturated aldehydes partially lost their optical purity during the biotransformation, even with the in situ substrate feeding product removal (SFPR) technology. This limitation can be overcome by the combination of an isolated ene reductase (OYE 2 or OYE 3) together with an ADH (horse liver alcohol dehydrogenase) in a cascade system which allowed both yields and enantioselectivities to improve.
Galvanic Replacement Reactions of Active‐Metal Nanoparticles
Authors: Niu Kai‐Yang , Kulinich Sergei A. , Yang Jing , Zhu Aaron L. , Du Xi‐Wen
Published: February 2012

We present a systemic investigation of a galvanic replacement technique in which active‐metal nanoparticles are used as sacrificial seeds. We found that different nanostructures can be controllably synthesized by varying the type of more noble‐metal ions and liquid medium. Specifically, nano‐heterostructures of noble metal (Ag, Au) or Cu nanocrystals on active‐metal (Mg, Zn) cores were obtained by the reaction of active‐metal nanoparticles with more noble‐metal ions in ethanol; Ag nanocrystal arrays were produced by the reaction of active‐metal nanoparticles with Ag+ ions in water; spongy Au nanospheres were generated by the reaction of active‐metal nanoparticles with AuCl4− ions in water; and SnO2 nanoparticles were prepared when Sn2+ were used as the oxidant ions. The key factors determining the product morphology are shown to be the reactivity of the liquid medium and the nature of the oxidant–reductant couple, whereas Mg and Zn nanoparticles played similar roles in achieving various nanostructures. When microsized Mg and Zn particles were used as seeds in similar reactions, the products were mainly noble‐metal dendrites. The new approach proposed in this study expands the capability of the conventional nanoscale galvanic replacement method and provides new avenues to various structures, which are expected to have many potential applications in catalysis, optoelectronics, and biomedicine.
Unifying Metal‐ and Organocatalysis for Asymmetric Oxidative Iminium Activation: A Relay Catalytic System Enabling the Combined Allylic Oxidation of Alcohols and Prolinol Ether Catalyzed Iminium Reactions
Authors: Rueping Magnus , Sundén Henrik , Sugiono Erli
Published: February 2012

A multicatalytic system consisting of tetrapropylammonium perruthenate/N‐methylmorpholine N‐oxide (TPAP/NMO) as oxidant, and diarylprolinol TMS‐ether as chiral amine catalyst, has been developed and applied in the efficient construction of valuable chiral molecules. The one‐pot domino reactions elaborated in the present study are based on the in situ generation of α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes from allylic alcohols and their subsequent use in various asymmetric transformations (e.g., cyclopropanation, Michael addition, Michael addition/acetalization). TPAP as a substrate‐selective redox catalyst is well tolerated by the amine catalyst and the domino reactions proceed in good yields and high enantioselectivities. The compatibility of metal and organocatalysis presented herein widens the scope of asymmetric iminium catalysis.
A Chemo‐Mechanical Tweezer for Single‐Molecular Characterization of Soft Materials
Authors: Guo Jun , Chen Guojun , Ning Xinghai , Li Xiuru , Zhou Jianfeng , Jagielska Anna , Xu Bingqian , Boons Geert‐Jan
Published: February 2012

A new atomic force microscopy (AFM)‐based chemo‐mechanical tweezer has been developed that can measure mechanical properties of individual macromolecules in supramolecular assembly and reveal positions of azide‐containing polymers. A key feature of the new technology is the use of an AFM tip densely modified with 4‐dibenzocyclooctynols (chemo‐mechanical tweezer) that can react with multiple azide containing macromolecules of micelles to give triazole “clicked” compounds, which during retracting phases of AFM imaging are removed from the macromolecular assembly thereby providing a surface topographical image and positions of azide‐containing polymers. The force–distance curves gave mechanical properties of removal of individual molecules from a supramolecular assembly. The new chemo‐mechanical tweezer will make it possible to characterize molecular details of macromolecular assemblies thereby offering new avenues to tailor properties of such assemblies.
High‐Pressure Synthesis and Structural Investigation of H3P8O8N9: A New Phosphorus(V) Oxonitride Imide with an Interrupted Framework Structure
Authors: Sedlmaier Stefan J. , Celinski Vinicius R. , Schmedt auf der Günne Jörn , Schnick Wolfgang
Published: February 2012

The first crystalline phosphorus oxonitride imide H3P8O8N9 (=P8O8N6(NH)3) has been synthesized under high‐pressure and high‐temperature conditions. To this end, a new, highly reactive phosphorus oxonitride imide precursor compound was prepared and treated at 12 GPa and 750 °C by using a multianvil assembly. H3P8O8N9 was obtained as a colorless, microcrystalline solid. The crystal structure of H3P8O8N9 was solved ab initio by powder X‐ray diffraction analysis, applying the charge‐flipping algorithm, and refined by the Rietveld method (C2/c (no. 15), a=1352.11(7), b=479.83(3), c=1820.42(9) pm, β=96.955(4)°, Z=4). H3P8O8N9 exhibits a highly condensed (κ=0.47), 3D, but interrupted network that is composed of all‐side vertex‐sharing (Q4) and only threefold‐linking (Q3) P(O,N)4 tetrahedra in a Q4/Q3 ratio of 3:1. The structure, which includes 4‐ring assemblies as the smallest ring size, can be subdivided into alternating open‐branched zweier double layers {oB,${2{{2\hfill \atop \infty \hfill}}}$}[2P3(O,N)7] and layers containing pairwise‐linked Q3 tetrahedra parallel (001). Information on the hydrogen atoms in H3P8O8N9 was obtained by 1D 1H MAS, 2D homo‐ and heteronuclear (together with 31P) correlation NMR spectroscopy, and a 1H spin‐diffusion experiment with a hard‐pulse sequence designed for selective excitation of a single peak. Two hydrogen sites with a multiplicity ratio of 2:1 were identified and thus the formula of H3P8O8N9 was unambiguously determined. The protons were assigned to Wyckoff positions 8f and 4e, the latter located within the Q3 tetrahedra layers.
Preparation and Photophysical and Photoelectrochemical Properties of a Covalently Fixed Porphyrin–Chemically Converted Graphene Composite
Authors: Umeyama Tomokazu , Mihara Junya , Tezuka Noriyasu , Matano Yoshihiro , Stranius Kati , Chukharev Vladimir , Tkachenko Nikolai V. , Lemmetyinen Helge , Noda Kei , Matsushige Kazumi , Shishido Tetsuya , Liu Zheng , Hirose‐Takai Kaori , Suenaga Kazu , Imahori Hiroshi
Published: February 2012

Chemically converted graphene (CCG) covalently linked with porphyrins has been prepared by a Suzuki coupling reaction between iodophenyl‐functionalized CCG and porphyrin boronic ester. The covalently linked CCG–porphyrin composite was designed to possess a short, rigid phenylene spacer between the porphyrin and the CCG. The composite material formed stable dispersions in DMF and the structure was characterized by spectroscopic, thermal, and microscopic measurements. In steady‐state photoluminescence spectra, the emission from the porphyrin linked to the CCG was quenched strongly relative to that of the porphyrin reference. Fluorescence lifetime and femtosecond transient absorption measurements of the porphyrin‐linked CCG revealed a short‐lived porphyrin singlet excited state (38 ps) without yielding the porphyrin radical cation, thereby substantiating the occurrence of energy transfer from the porphyrin excited state to the CCG and subsequent rapid decay of the CCG excited state to the ground state. Consistently, the photocurrent action spectrum of a photoelectrochemical device with a SnO2 electrode coated with the porphyrin‐linked CCG exhibited no photocurrent response from the porphyrin absorption. The results obtained here provide deep insight into the interaction between graphenes and π‐conjugated systems in the excited and ground states.