bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extending the Collection Duration of Breath Samples for Enteric Methane Emission Estimation Using the SF6 Tracer Technique
Authors: Pinares-Patiño César , Gere José , Williams Karen , Gratton Roberto , Juliarena Paula , Molano German , MacLean Sarah , Sandoval Edgar , Taylor Grant , Koolaard John
Published: June 2012

The daily sample collection protocol of the sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) tracer technique for the estimation of methane (CH4) emissions from ruminants may not be practical under extensive grazing systems. Here, under controlled conditions, we evaluated extended periods of sampling as an alternative to daily sample collections. Eight rumen-fistulated cows were housed and fed lucerne silage to achieve common daily feed intakes of 6.4 kg dry matter per cow. Following SF6 permeation tube dosing, eight sampling lines were fitted to the breath collection harness, so that a common gas mix was available to each line. Half of the lines collected samples into PVC yokes using a modified capillary system as commonly used in New Zealand (NZL), and half collected samples into stainless steel cylinders using a ball-bearing flow restrictor as used in Argentina (ARG), all within a 10-day time frame, either daily, across two consecutive 5-day periods or across one 10-day period (in duplicate). The NZL system had greater sampling success (97.3 vs. 79.5%) and yielded more consistent CH4 emission estimates than the ARG system. Emission estimates from NZL daily, NZL 5-day and NZL 10-day samplings were 114, 110 and 111 g d−1, respectively. Extended sample collection protocol may be feasible, but definitive evaluation of this alternative as well as sample collection systems is required under grazing situations before a decision on recommendation can be made.
Classification Framework and Chemical Biology of Tetracycline-Structure-Based Drugs
Authors: Fuoco Domenico
Published: June 2012

By studying the literature about tetracyclines (TCs), it becomes clearly evident that TCs are very dynamic molecules. In some cases, their structure-activity-relationship (SAR) are well known, especially against bacteria, while against other targets, they are virtually unknown. In other diverse fields of research—such as neurology, oncology and virology—the utility and activity of the tetracyclines are being discovered and are also emerging as new technological fronts. The first aim of this paper is to classify the compounds already used in therapy and prepare the schematic structure that includes the next generation of TCs. The second aim of this work is to introduce a new framework for the classification of old and new TCs, using a medicinal chemistry approach to the structure of those drugs. A fully documented Structure-Activity-Relationship (SAR) is presented with the analysis data of antibacterial and nonantibacterial (antifungal, antiviral and anticancer) tetracyclines. The lipophilicity and the conformational interchangeability of the functional groups are employed to develop the rules for TC biological activity.
Non-Covalent Interactions in the Crystal Structure of Methyl 4-Hydroxy-3-Nitrobenzoate
Authors: Fu Xin-Ling , Li Jiang-Sheng , Simpson Jim
Published: June 2012

Methyl 4-hydroxy-3-nitrobenzoate, (I), C8H7NO5, crystallizes with two unique molecules, A and B, in the asymmetric unit of the triclinic unit cell. The space group was assigned as P-1, with lattice parameters a = 0.72831(15), b = 1.0522(2), c = 1.1410(2) nm, α = 83.38(3), β = 80.83(3), γ = 82.02(3)°, Z = 4, V = 0.8510(3) nm3, Mr = 197.15, Dc = 1.539 g/m3, µ= 0.131 mm−1, F(000) = 408, R = 0.1002 and wR = 0.2519. In the crystal structure, 12 hydrogen bonding and two p-stacking interactions link the molecules into infinite stacked sheets parallel to (101).
Genome-Wide DNA Methylation Changes between the Superficial and Deep Backfat Tissues of the Pig
Authors: Li Mingzhou , Wang Tao , Wu Honglong , Zhang Jie , Zhou Chaowei , Jiang Anan , Li Ruiqiang , Li Xuewei
Published: June 2012

Adipose tissue is not only a storage organ involved in fuel metabolism, but also an endocrine organ involved in the regulation of insulin sensitivity, thermogenesis, immunity, and inflammation. There are anatomical, cellular, molecular and physiological differences among adipose tissues deposited in different body sites. However, current understanding of the intrinsic differences between the sub-compartments of the subcutaneous adipose tissue remains rudimentary. Here, we analyzed the genome-wide DNA methylation differences between the porcine superficial and deep backfat tissues using methylated DNA immunoprecipitation combined with high-throughput sequencing. We show that the genes with differentially methylated regions in their promoter are mainly involved in the processes of “lipid metabolism” and “regulation of immune-related cytokines”. Compared with the deep backfat tissue, the promoters of genes related to the ‘positive regulation of cytokine production’ were significantly hypermethylated in the superficial backfat tissue, which reflects the intrinsic functional and metabolic differences between the sub-compartments of the subcutaneous adipose tissue. This study provides epigenetic evidence for functionally relevant methylation differences between different layers of porcine backfat tissues.
Comparison of the Chemical Composition and Pharmacological Effects of the Aqueous and Ethanolic Extracts from a Tibetan “Snow Lotus” (Saussurea laniceps) Herb
Authors: Yi Tao , Lo Hongwing , Zhao Zhongzhen , Yu Zhiling , Yang Zhijun , Chen Hubiao
Published: June 2012

To understand the impacts of different processing methods on the composition and effects of the herb Saussurea laniceps (SL), the present study report the first comparison of the chemical constituents of aqueous and ethanolic SL extracts using chromatographic analysis, and to compare their pharmacological effects in a mouse anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive model and an in vitro anti-oxidant test. Chemical comparison demonstrated that the types of chemicals in the two extracts were identical, but the contents of the main constituents in the aqueous extract were lower than those of the ethanolic extract. A transesterification of dicaffeoylquinic acids took place in the aqueous extract during boiling. As for pharmacological effects, oral administration of aqueous and ethanolic SL extracts significantly inhibited croton oil-induced mice ear edema, and significantly inhibited acetic acid-induced mice writhings, respectively. In the DPPH anti-oxidant activity test, the IC50 values were calculated as 409.6 mg/L and 523.4 mg/L for the ethanolic and aqueous extracts, respectively. The inhibitory effects of the ethanolic extract were more potent than those of the aqueous extract in all pharmacological tests, although there was no significant difference. This study suggests that the two preparations should be distinguished when used.
Atmospheric Correction and Vicarious Calibration of Oceansat-1 Ocean Color Monitor (OCM) Data in Coastal Case 2 Waters
Authors: Dash Padmanava , Walker Nan , Mishra Deepak , D’Sa Eurico , Ladner Sherwin
Published: June 2012

The Ocean Color Monitor (OCM) provides radiance measurements in eight visible and near-infrared bands, similar to the Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-View Sensor (SeaWiFS) but with higher spatial resolution. For small- to moderate-sized coastal lakes and estuaries, where the 1 × 1 km spatial resolution of SeaWiFS is inadequate, the OCM provides a good alternative because of its higher spatial resolution (240 × 360 m) and an exact repeat coverage of every two days. This paper describes a detailed step-by-step atmospheric correction procedure for OCM data applicable to coastal Case 2 waters. This development was necessary as accurate results could not be obtained for our Case 2 water study area in coastal Louisiana with OCM data by using existing atmospheric correction software packages. In addition, since OCM-retrieved radiances were abnormally low in the blue wavelength region, a vicarious calibration procedure was developed. The results of our combined vicarious calibration and atmospheric correction procedure for OCM data were compared with the results from the SeaWiFS Data Analysis System (SeaDAS) software package outputs for SeaWiFS and OCM data. For Case 1 waters, our results matched closely with SeaDAS results. For Case 2 waters, our results demonstrated closure with in situ radiometric measurements, while SeaDAS produced negative normalized water leaving radiance (nLw) and remote sensing reflectance (Rrs). In summary, our procedure resulted in valid nLw and Rrs values for Case 2 waters using OCM data, providing a reliable method for retrieving useful nLw and Rrs values which can be used to develop ocean color algorithms for in-water substances (e.g., pigments, suspended sediments, chromophoric dissolved organic matter, etc.) at relatively high spatial resolution in regions where other software packages and sensors such as SeaWiFS and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MODIS) have proven unsuccessful. The method described here can be applied to other sensors such as OCM-2 or other Case 2 water areas.
Design and Theoretical Analysis of a Resonant Sensor for Liquid Density Measurement
Authors: Zheng Dezhi , Shi Jiying , Fan Shangchun
Published: June 2012

In order to increase the accuracy of on-line liquid density measurements, a sensor equipped with a tuning fork as the resonant sensitive component is designed in this paper. It is a quasi-digital sensor with simple structure and high precision. The sensor is based on resonance theory and composed of a sensitive unit and a closed-loop control unit, where the sensitive unit consists of the actuator, the resonant tuning fork and the detector and the closed-loop control unit comprises precondition circuit, digital signal processing and control unit, analog-to-digital converter and digital-to-analog converter. An approximate parameters model of the tuning fork is established and the impact of liquid density, position of the tuning fork, temperature and structural parameters on the natural frequency of the tuning fork are also analyzed. On this basis, a tuning fork liquid density measurement sensor is developed. In addition, experimental testing on the sensor has been carried out on standard calibration facilities under constant 20 °C, and the sensor coefficients are calibrated. The experimental results show that the repeatability error is about 0.03% and the accuracy is about 0.4 kg/m3. The results also confirm that the method to increase the accuracy of liquid density measurement is feasible.
Accuracy and Precision of Equine Gait Event Detection during Walking with Limb and Trunk Mounted Inertial Sensors
Authors: Olsen Emil , Haubro Andersen Pia , Pfau Thilo
Published: June 2012

The increased variations of temporal gait events when pathology is present are good candidate features for objective diagnostic tests. We hypothesised that the gait events hoof-on/off and stance can be detected accurately and precisely using features from trunk and distal limb-mounted Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs). Four IMUs were mounted on the distal limb and five IMUs were attached to the skin over the dorsal spinous processes at the withers, fourth lumbar vertebrae and sacrum as well as left and right tuber coxae. IMU data were synchronised to a force plate array and a motion capture system. Accuracy (bias) and precision (SD of bias) was calculated to compare force plate and IMU timings for gait events. Data were collected from seven horses. One hundred and twenty three (123) front limb steps were analysed; hoof-on was detected with a bias (SD) of −7 (23) ms, hoof-off with 0.7 (37) ms and front limb stance with −0.02 (37) ms. A total of 119 hind limb steps were analysed; hoof-on was found with a bias (SD) of −4 (25) ms, hoof-off with 6 (21) ms and hind limb stance with 0.2 (28) ms. IMUs mounted on the distal limbs and sacrum can detect gait events accurately and precisely.
Les débuts de l'art roman dans le royaume franc (ca. 980-ca. 1020)
Authors: Vergnolle Éliane
Published: June 2012

Various regions of Capetian France witnessed a major shift in the years immediately before and after the year 1000. The scale and rapidity of these changes have been the subject of lively debate, over since the 19th century. The whole question is reviewed here, taking into account buildings which are lost, as well as the most important survivals, sometimes known to us only from excavation. From such a review emarges an artistic landscape of strong contrast : some regions boost very few new buildings, others such as Catalonia, or the area between Poitou and Burgundy, or the Basse-Auvergne, or Champagne, were highly original at this early date. Thus we see new solutions to the planning of the east end of the church (e.g. with Cluny II, apses in echelon ; with the cathedral of Clermont-Ferrand, with Saint-Philibert de Tournus and with Saint-Aignan d'Orléans, the ambulatory with radiating chapels) ; the elevation and mass of the wall, the supporting elements and vaulting are all rethought. The first experiments with monumental sculpture, rare though they are, do not appear before c. 1010-1020 : the lintel of Saint-Genis-des-Fontaines in the Roussillon, the capitals of Saint-Bénigne de Dijon, Saint-Philibert de Tournus and Saint-Aignan d'Orléans.
Donation pieuse et contrôle familial. Le cas de l'église Saint-Martin de Magrens, fin du Xe - début XII siècle
Authors: Couderc-Barraud Hélène
Published: June 2012

In this article, the A. examines a dossier of the cartulary of Lézat (Ariège), which deals with the particularities of a pious donation. From the end of the eleventh century on to the beginning of the twelfth, a family of the local middle aristocracy sets up a patrimonial strategy grounded on the donation of a share of its patrimony to the neighbouring abbey. The son of the donator, a monk, entrusts a monastic priest with the care of the donation. The clauses allow to the non-religious members of his family to perpetuate the memory of the donation, to further their relations with the religious institution and to settle the area through their close relations or through conflict when the situation requires it.
La Bible du roi : le Deutéronome et Josué dans les Bibles moralisées et les vitraux de la Sainte-Chapelle
Authors: Lini Gabriella
Published: June 2012

Sulla base di un serrato confronto iconografico si è potuto accertare, in questo studio, che le Bibbie moralizzate del primo terzo del tredicesimo secolo hanno esercitato un'influenza sull'illustrazione della vetrata della Sainte-Chapelle di Parigi dedicata al Deuteronomio e a Giosuè (finestra L). Ben due terzi dei pannelli istoriati mostrano delle affinità, più o meno manifeste, con i rispettivi cicli dei manoscritti. Il confronto permette inoltre di riconoscere degli episodi appartenenti all'uno o all'altro ciclio biblico su alcuni quadrilobi scartati dalle vetrate G, F e A durante i lavori di restauro del diciannovesimo secolo, e conservati in parte solo su disegno.

L'esame dettagliato della totalità dei vetri originali permette, in diversi casi, di convalidare o di precisare la loro identificazione attuale, in altri, esso impone una nuova lettura della scena rappresentata. Ne consegue una fondamentale revisione della disposizione dei pannelli. La ricerca evidenzia inoltre il messaggio politico trasmesso tramite il decoro figurato della vetrata. Nelle Bibbie moralizzate, conformemente al suo stato, Giosuè è rappresentato corne semplice conduttore del popolo d'Israele, alla Sainte-Chapelle invece, porta sistematicamente una corona, indossa abiti militari nelle azioni di guerra e un elegante mantello nelle altre occasioni. Traspare dunque da questo personaggio la figura di un re guerriero, di cui, tramite diverse digressioni dal testo biblico, sono evidenziati i poteri sacerdotali e la grande devozione. Si riconosce difatti, nella finestra L della Sainte-Chapelle, la figura ideale del sovrano crociato. Immagine, forse, che Luigi IX ha voluto lasciare di se stesso alla vigilia della partenza per la Terra santa.
Des images au service de la parole. Le programme iconographique des ambons de Rosciolo, Moscufo et Cugnoli (Abruzzes, 1157-1166)
Authors: Aventin Laurence
Published: June 2012

Les trois ambons en stuc de Rosciolo (1157), Moscufo (1159) et Cugnoli (1166) réalisés par l'atelier de Robert et Nicodème constituent des meubles liturgiques remarquables par leur qualité artistique. Ils proposent un unique programme décoratif, original et riche d'effets calculés, qui met en valeur la fonction liturgique de l'ambon et rappelle l'importance fondamentale de la prédication évangélique dans le cadre de la messe. Conçu pour des édifices monastiques modestes et une église rurale, ce programme complexe mais éphémère, se comprend difficilement. Il faut en chercher l'origine à San Clémente a Casauria où, dans les années quarante du XIIe s., on a vraisemblablement commissionné à Roger (père de Robert) un ambon de stuc et un ciborium (comme à San Clémente a Guardia al Vomano). Après les nombreuses déprédations subies par le monastère de Casauria, la lente renovatio poursuivie par l'abbé Oldrius devait aussi impliquer, pour l'ambon de l'abbaye, l'élaboration d'un programme articulé, à la portée didactique indéniable, destiné davantage aux clercs qu'aux fidèles.
Complexité sociale et simplification rationnelle : dire la stratification au Moyen Age
Authors: Aurell Martin
Published: June 2012

Any inductive method, starting from the individual and concrete and leading to the collective and the abstract, raises the problem of complexity. It's all the more true in history since the diachrony prevents from seeing social stratification in a set manner. In order to distinguish various categories, it's absolutly essential to dissociate the description that medieval people were themselves giving from that given by the medievalists today. On the one hand, the clerks used rather simple structures of binary, ternary or quaternary nature, but since the 12th century, they have increased the number of states to about a hundred, when they proposed more complete socio-professional analyses. Historians interpret today these medieval taxinomies from sociological, symbolical or rhetorical perspectives that endow some meaning to these medieval lectures of social reality. On the other hand, the classification made by medievalists today is based on a single criterion : blood or political activity for the nobility, for instance. But it's better to adopt a heterogeneous approach that multiplies views about the Weberian notion of « status » and its corollaries : rank and role. The outlook of the other and social recognition determine social codes and markers, which some documents, such as literary sources or oral investigations of the late Middle Âges, allow the reader to better comprehend.
L'histoire des expositions d'art médiéval. À propos du colloque de l'École Normale Supérieure de Pise (15-16 octobre 2004)
Authors: Moly-Mariotti Florence
Published: June 2012

II colloquio della Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa (15-16 ottobre 2004) ha trattato delle grandi esposizioni di arte medievale dall'Ottocento ad oggi. Qui, il tema viene evidenziato dallo studio della fase preparatoria ad un evento o anche dall'esame del pubblico oppure dall'analisi di mostre commemorative. Spesso la mostra riguardante un tema legato al medioevo privilegia la nozione di Europa. Anche altri punti vengono affrontati corne la dimensione dei cataloghi e la loro utilità oppure il rapporto con i musei (esposizioni permanenti). Senza dare maggior peso al caso tedesco piuttosto che francese o italiano, varie mostre vengono citate corne modello ma vengono segnalati anche alcuni aspetti negativi. Un altro argomento dovrebbe essere ancora meglio evidenziato, a proposito della storia degli allestimenti sui quali la documentazione è molto scarna. Durante la fase conclusiva, alcuni punti sono stati discussi come, ad esempio, la necessità di migliorare i cataloghi dei musei in Italia, particolarmente quelli municipali visto che questi ultimi sono quelli che contengono più opere medievali.
Espaces musico-poétiques dans le Tristan en prose
Authors: Haines John
Published: June 2012

Cet article passe en revue les témoins musicaux associés à la légende médiévale de Tristan et Iseut, avec un développement particulier sur les lais trouvés dans le Tristan en prose (c. 1230). Pour mettre en relief le fait que ces lais sont les réceptacles d'un répertoire plus précoce, j'analyse pour commencer des interprétations musico-littéraires plus tardives et mieux connues de la légende. Le rôle historiographique majeur de Tristan et Iseut dans l'histoire de la musique est perceptible en partant de l'opéra romantique de Richard Wagner et en remontant jusqu'aux aux compositions du siècle des Lumières. Que les lais du XIIIe s. aient été les interprétations mêmes du matériel tristanien plus précoce est clair quand on considère les chansonniers de l'époque, tout comme les aspects purement littéraires du roman de Tristan en prose et de ses lais. C'est également clair quand on envisage la forme musicale de ces lais. Néanmoins, je suggère en conclusion qu'un de ces lais en particulier, en raison de sa forme inhabituelle, reflète des pratiques musicales plus précoces. Comme tel, c'est un précieux indice de la musique de type litanique associée aux lais narratifs de Marie de France, à la chanson de geste et peut-être aux lais celtiques plus anciens.
L'alba dans le système des genres troubadouresques. Réflexions sur le rapport des troubadours à la production non troubadouresque
Authors: Chaguinian Christophe
Published: June 2012

As a consequence of the importance of the poetry of the troubadours for the literary history of Europe, and the almost exclusive interest of the chansonniers for this poetry, scholars tend to forget that the lyric production of medieval Occitania could not be limited to the troubadours. For the study of their genres shows that theirs was an artistic poetry whose public was made up of a minority of literary aficionados, a conclusion supported by narrative texts that depict courtly festivities from which troubadours are absent. It is therefore highly probable that other poets, whose repertory was more within reach of ordinary courtiers, possibly also of peasants and city-dwellers, were competing with the troubadours and their genres. Documentary evidence supports the hypothesis that, just as in the territories of langue d'oil and in the Iberian Peninsula, the lyric type of the woman's song (chanson de femme) must have been one of the popular genres in this parallel production. Since this type of composition is almost absent from the troubadour corpus, it appears that, unlike the trouveres and the Galician-Portuguese trobadores, the troubadours deliberately shunned a genre of traditional origin. Yet they made a surprising exception for the alba, a sub-genre of the woman's song. A comparison of the Occitan alba with the dawn-songs of other Romance traditions, however, shows important differences at both the formal and the thematic level : the alba had clearly undergone an intensive reworking which permitted the troubadours to include it in their System of genres.
Marcabru ou le mâle caprin
Authors: Zufferey François
Published: June 2012

The first part of this article consists in the critical analysis of Mrs Spaggiari's thesis, which claims that the nickname Marcabru is of Germanie origin and is borrowed from Beuve de Hantone's chanson de geste. The second part offers a new etymology for this nickname : Marcabru would mean « male caprine », that is « he-goat », just as Marcoat would mean « male having a tail », interpreted as « scorpion ». The last part examines the caprine element in the work of the Gascon troubadour, notably through the representation of the Chimera in song XLIV : the caprine head of the fabulous animal, which symbolizes lust, would be replaced in the allegory by the prostitute herself.
L'inscription OSSA TRIUM... à la cathédrale de Gniezno
Authors: Plóciennik Tomasz
Published: June 2012

In the late fifties, a sepulchral inscription was found on the site of the cathedral of Gniezno. It is composed of four hexameters engraved in mortar. Searches made about it seem to date it back to the XIth century and to relate it with the much popular cuit of the Five Brothers in Poland in the early XIth century. In this article, the meticulous study of this quatrain and the endeavour to repare the blanks, lead one to qualify the idea of a link to the cuit of the Five Brothers, without nullifying it yet.
Bone graft scintigraphy
Authors: Krohn T. , Ghassemi A. , Gerressen M. , Verburg F. A. , Mottaghy F. M. , Behrendt F. F.
Published: June 2012

Aim: To evaluate a scintigraphic tool for intra - operative assessment of vascularized bone graft perfusion before and after transplantation. Patients, methods: This pilot study included three patients scheduled for surgical segmental mandibulectomy followed by reconstruction with a vascularized iliac bone graft. A continuous 99mTc-pertechnetate infusion was applied selectively arterial into the blood vessel supplying the respective graft before osteotomy as well as after transplantation. Perfusion was analysed by scintigrams acquired using the intraoperative camera systems declipseSPECT and Sentinella. Results were compared qualitatively. Results: Before harvesting the graft, intraoperative scintigraphy revealed a clearly delineated area of the iliac crest with a relatively homogenous pertechnetate distribution representing good perfusion. After osteotomy, transplantation to the mandibula and re-anastomosis of the nutrient vessels, scintigraphy in all patients showed a moderately inhomogenous distribution pattern of the pertechnetate indicating an adequate perfusion of the bone transplant through the arterial anastomosis. Conclusion: Intraoperative assessment of bone graft perfusion is possible with the imaging systems Sentinella as well as with declipse SPECT using a continuous intra-arterial infusion of 99mTc-pertechnetate.
Why the European Food Safety Authority was right to reject health claims for probiotics
Authors: Katan M.B.
Published: June 2012

Probiotics are microbes that are claimed to promote health and well-being when added to foods. However, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has so far advised negatively about health claims for probiotics. Companies and scientists have protested against these rejections, sometimes in vigorous language. I argue that EFSA could not have acted differently, given EU regulations and the lack of convincing evidence for some of the claimed effects of probiotics on human health and well-being. One EU regulation that makes it hard to demonstrate the benefits of probiotics is the prohibition of medical claims, i.e. claims that a food prevents or cures a disease. If this prohibition did not exist, manufacturers of nutritional treatments might circumvent the costly procedures required for drugs, and market their products to ill people without thorough proof that they are effective and safe. However, the prohibition is also a legal fiction, because promotion of health and prevention of disease is largely the same thing. EFSA has recently indicated that it will allow health claims based on the ability of probiotics to reduce infections. To a certain extent, this abolishes the distinction between health claims and medical claims. It remains to be seen if probiotics producers can convince EFSA that their products prevent or cure infections and other diseases in humans.
Biologically Enhanced Healing of the Rotator Cuff
Authors: Gordon Nicole M. , Maxson Scott , Hoffman James K.
Published: June 2012

Failure of rotator cuff repair is a well-documented problem. Successful repair is impeded by muscle atrophy, fat infiltration, devascularization, and scar tissue formation throughout the fibrocartilagenous transition zone. This case study exemplifies a technique to biologically augment rotator cuff healing. Clinically, pain and function improved. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging evaluation confirmed construct integrity. Biological enhancement of the healing process and physiologically based alterations in rehabilitation protocols can successfully treat complicated rotator cuff tears. Prospective studies with larger sample sizes and continued follow-up are necessary to assess the definitive efficacy of this treatment modality.
End-stage Posttraumatic Osteoarthritis Treated With THA in Osteogenesis Imperfecta
Authors: Chaus George W. , Heare Travis
Published: June 2012

Osteogenesis imperfecta is an incurable genetic disorder manifested with altered bone quality that predisposes patients to a multitude of fractures throughout their lives, including acetabular fractures. The management of acetabular fractures in patients with osteogenesis imperfecta remains a challenging clinical problem, with a paucity of literature supporting treatments and their outcomes. Limited reports in the literature validate the use of total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with osteogenesis imperfecta, and they describe the adult population only.

This article describes a case of delayed diagnosis of a transverse acetabular fracture and femoral head impaction fracture that led to posttraumatic end-stage hip osteoarthritis in a 16-year-old boy with osteogenesis imperfecta (Sillence Type I) that was sustained after minimal trauma. Clinical examination 3 months postinjury revealed a significant pelvic obliquity, severe pain with hip range of motion, and limited hip range of motion. Imaging studies revealed a complete loss of articular cartilage and significant joint effusion.

The patient underwent THA. No postoperative complications occurred. Two-year follow-up showed an excellent clinical result. The patient’s hip was pain free, and he was able to walk with no limp.

The authors are unaware of any reported cases of children with osteogenesis imperfecta undergoing THA. Based on the reported literature and the authors’ experience, THA can be a reliable surgical option for patients with osteogenesis imperfecta.
Three-part Head-splitting Proximal Humerus Fracture Through a Unicameral Bone Cyst
Authors: Younghein John A. , Eskander Mark S. , DeAngelis Nicola A. , Wixted John J.
Published: June 2012

Unicameral bone cysts are rare in adults and are most often found incidentally on radiographs. However, they can persist from the adolescent period and may be present in locations that predispose to or exacerbate fractures.

This article describes a case of a healthy 40-year-old woman who sustained a proximal humerus trauma that involved a large unicameral bone cyst, resulting in a 3-part head-splitting fracture. The epiphyseal location of the cyst contributed to the severity and extent of the fracture that resulted from a simple fall. Given the age of the patient, open reduction and internal fixation with a locking plate and lag screws was performed. The patient chose open reduction and internal fixation to preserve a hemiarthroplasty procedure in case of future revision. Successful humeral head reconstruction was achieved, and the patient fully recovered. One year postoperatively, the patient underwent arthroscopic debridement to alleviate subjective stiffness and decreased range of motion.

Multipart head-splitting fractures require complex repair strategies. The gold standard for the treatment of these injuries is hemiarthroplasty. However, the decision process is difficult in a young patient given the average survival of autoplastic prostheses and the added difficulty of later revision. The current case demonstrates the complexity of decision making resulting from a rare injury in a young, healthy patient and shows that open reduction and internal fixation can provide acceptable reconstruction in such situations.
Simulated Effect of Corneal Asphericity Increase (Q-factor) as a Refractive Therapy for Presbyopia
Authors: Amigo Alfredo , Bonaque Sergio , López-Gil Norberto , Thibos Larry
Published: June 2012

PURPOSE:

To determine the theoretical effect of an increase in the negative Q-factor (hyperprolateness) on the refractive state and its effect on presbyopia treatment.

METHODS:

Ray tracing software was used to simulate the Navarro eye model. To simulate refractive therapy, corneal Q-factor ranged from 0 to −1.50. Refractive state of the model eye was defined as the target vergence required to maximize retinal image quality according to several image quality metrics. The change of refractive state produced by pupil constriction from 6 to 2 mm was estimated.

RESULTS:

For 0⩾Q⩾−0.6, spherical aberration of the model eye is positive, therefore, pupil miosis causes a hypermetropic shift in refractive state. Over the range −0.6⩾Q⩾−1.5, spherical aberration becomes negative and pupil constriction causes the eye’s far point to approach the eye, inducing a myopic shift. A maximum 0.60-diopter myopic shift in refractive state due to pupil constriction occurred for Q=−1.25.

CONCLUSIONS:

Optical modeling predicts that surgically induced negative corneal Q-value will produce a change in the refractive state of the eye after pupillary miosis.
Dust resuspension under weak wind conditions: direct observations and model
Authors: Chkhetiani O. G. , Gledzer E. B. , Artamonova M. S. , Iordanskii M. A.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. The results of direct observations of fine mineral dust aerosol (0.15–15 μm) were carried out on extensive sand areas in desertificated lands of Kalmykia in 2007, 2009, and 2010 under conditions of weak wind and strong heating of the surface, almost in the absence of saltation processes. These results show that the fine mineral dust aerosol (0.15–0.5 μm) in the region under consideration contributes considerably to the total aerosol content of the atmospheric surface layer. Data on the mass concentrations of fine aerosol are treated on the basis of physical model estimates obtained for fluid dynamic parameters in the viscous thermal boundary layer near the ground surface. Deviations of these mass concentrations from their background values are related to a temperature drop in the thermal layer at the surface and from the values of friction velocity. For small and moderate values of friction velocity, these mass concentrations increase proportionally to a temperature drop with an exponent of about 0.5, and, for high friction velocities, this exponent becomes negative (~−0.5), which implies a decrease in these concentrations with an increase in a temperature drop.
Construction of a REDD Monitoring System Using GIS and RS Techniques
Authors: Lee Jungsoo , Lee Kwangsoo
Published: June 2012

This study aimed to construct a MRV system for the REDD regions. The system was based on the GIS and Remote Sensing techniques, and it developed a method which could detect the land cover change area as well as evaluate its accuracy. GIS, the Remote Sensing technique and the statistical modelling technique were merged, and then we monitored areas of deforestation among the REDD regions. This study compared deforestation from administrative information (GIS deforestation1) with deforestation (RS deforestation) extracted from satellite imagery by vegetation indices (NDVI, NBR, NDWI). The highest extraction accuracy that applies filtering to NDVI with a threshold of 1.5 showed reliable accuracy 35.47% with a k-value of 0.20. However, one of the reasons for the accuracy error was due to the difference between land-use change and land-cover change. The actual rate of land-cover change deforestation was 32% on the administrative information. The other reason was a 7.52% error extraction of the forest management area. Finally, considering the deforestation of the changed land-cover region (GIS deforestation) and RS deforestation, the highest accuracy was observed at the NDVI threshold value interval of 2 and showed an extraction rate and k̂ index of 61.2% and 0.23, respectively. In comparison with the case of applying GIS deforestation I, it showed 36.7% and 0.03 improvements. The MRV monitoring system based on the GIS and Remote Sensing techniques would enable the monitoring of larger size areas regularly and with high reliability.
Synthesis of a Modified PC70BM and Its Application as an Electron Acceptor with Poly(3‐hexylthiophene) as an Electron Donor for Efficient Bulk Heterojunction Solar Cells
Authors: Singh Surya Prakash , Kumar CH. Pavan , Sharma G. D. , Kurchania Rajnish , Roy M. S.
Published: June 2012

A simple and effective modification of phenyl‐C70‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC70BM) is carried out in a single step after which the material is used as electron acceptor for bulk heterojunction polymer solar cells (PSCs). The modified PC70BM, namely CN‐PC70BM, showed broader and stronger absorption in the visible region (350–550 nm) of the solar spectrum than PC70BM because of the presence of a cyanovinylene 4‐nitrophenyl segment. The lowest unoccupied molecular energy level (LUMO) of CN‐PC70BM is higher than that of PC70BM by 0.15 eV. The PSC based on the blend (cast from tetrahydrofuran (THF) solution) consists of P3HT as the electron donor and CN‐PC70BM as the electron acceptor and shows a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 4.88%, which is higher than that of devices based on PC70BM as the electron acceptor (3.23%). The higher PCE of the solar cell based on P3HT:CN‐PC70BM is related to the increase in both the short circuit current (Jsc) and the open circuit voltage (Voc). The increase in Jsc is related to the stronger light absorption of CN‐PC70BM in the visible region of the solar spectrum as compared to that of PC70BM. In other words, more excitons are generated in the bulk heterojunction (BHJ) active layer. On the other hand, the higher difference between the LUMO of CN‐PC70BM and the HOMO of P3HT causes an enhancement in the Voc. The addition of 2% (v/v) 1‐chloronapthalene (CN) to the THF solvent during film deposition results in an overall improvement of the PCE up to 5.83%. This improvement in PCE can be attributed to the enhanced crystallinity of the blend (particularly of P3HT) and more balanced charge transport in the device.
Photothermally Sensitive Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide)/Graphene Oxide Nanocomposite Hydrogels as Remote Light‐Controlled Liquid Microvalves
Authors: Zhu Chun‐Hua , Lu Yang , Peng Jun , Chen Jia‐Fu , Yu Shu‐Hong
Published: June 2012

A photothermally sensitive poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide)/graphene oxide (PNIPAM/GO) nanocomposite hydrogel can be synthesized by in situ γ‐irradiation‐assisted polymerization of an aqueous solution of N‐isopropylacrylamide monomer in the presence of graphene oxide (GO). The colors and phase‐transition temperatures of the PNIPAM/GO hydrogels change with different GO doping levels. Due to the high optical absorbance of the GO, the nanocomposite hydrogel shows excellent photothermal properties, where its phase transitions can be controlled remotely by near‐infrared (NIR) laser irradiation, and it is completely reversible via laser exposure or non‐exposure. With a higher GO loading, the NIR‐induced temperature of the nanocomposite hydrogel increases more quickly than with a lower doping level and the temperature can be tuned effectively by the irradiation time. The nanocomposite hydrogel with its excellent photothermal properties will have great applications in the biomedical field, especially as microfluidic devices; this has been demonstrated in our experiments by way of remote microvalves to control fluidic flow. Such an “easy” and “clean” synthetic procedure initiated by γ‐irradiation can be extended for the efficient synthesis of other nanocomposite materials.
Cancer incidence in a chlorochemical plant in Isère, France: An occupational cohort study, 1979–2002
Authors: Bonneterre Vincent , Mathern Gérard , Pelen Odile , Balthazard Anne‐Laure , Delafosse Patricia , Mitton Nicolas , Colonna Marc
Published: June 2012

Background

A major French chlorine chemical plant (chlor‐alkali process with diaphragm cell and manufacturing of organochlorine chemicals) has used or produced known or suspected carcinogenic compounds.

Methods

A cohort study, based on the plant occupational health service and the regional cancer registry, analyzed the standardized incidence ratios of malignant tumors for the period 1979–2002. Individual exposures were estimated from workers' occupational histories in a dual division of jobs into 9 sectors and 115 workshops with known exposures.

Results

Men (2,742) were followed, corresponding to 52,794 person‐years. Primary tumors (304) were observed for 290 expected cases, a non‐significant 5% excess. A significant excess was found of pleural mesothelioma and bladder cancer in employees hired before 1964.

Conclusion

Excesses of mesothelioma and bladder cancer were found, whereas there was no excess of hematopoietic cancers despite high benzene and dioxin exposures. Surprisingly, mesothelioma cases did not include workers who were the most exposed to asbestos. Am. J. Ind. Med. 55:756–767, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
SODIUM NITROPRUSSIDE TOXICITY INDrosophila melanogaster: DELAYED PUPATION, REDUCED ADULT EMERGENCE, AND INDUCED OXIDATIVE/NITROSATIVE STRESS IN ECLOSED FLIES
Authors: Lozinsky Oleksandr V. , Lushchak Oleh V. , Storey Janet M. , Storey Kenneth B. , Lushchak Volodymyr I.
Published: June 2012

The toxicity of sodium nitroprusside (SNP) was tested on theDrosophila melanogastermodel system. Fly larvae were raised on food supplemented withSNPat concentrations of 0.01–1.5 mM. Food supplementation withSNPcaused a developmental delay in flies and reduced adult eclosion. Biochemical analyses such as levels of oxidative stress markers and activities of antioxidant and associated enzymes were carried out on 2‐day‐old flies emerged from control andSNP‐fed larvae. Larval exposure toSNPresulted in lower activities of aconitase and catalase in adult flies relative to the control cohort. However, larval treatment withSNPled to higher carbonyl protein content and higher activities of superoxide dismutase, glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase, thioredoxin reductase, and glutathione‐S‐transferase in flies. Among the parameters tested, aconitase activity and developmental end points may be useful early indicators of toxicity caused bySNP. The study also suggests that the toxicity ofSNPmay arise not just from its direct effects, but also from its decomposition products such as nitric oxide and iron ions.
Computational and mathematical models of chondrogenesis in vertebrate limbs
Authors: Glimm T. , Headon D. , Kiskowski M. A.
Published: June 2012

The production of cartilage (chondrogenic patterning) in the limb is one of the best‐studied examples of the emergence of form in developmental biology. At the core of the theoretical study is an effort to understand the mechanism that establishes the characteristic distribution of cartilage in the embryonic limb, which defines the future sites and shapes of bones that will be present in the mature limb. This review article gives an overview of the history and current state of a rich literature of mathematical and computational models that seek to contribute to this problem. We describe models for the mechanisms of limb growth and shaping via interaction with various chemical fields, as well as models addressing the intrinsic self‐organization capabilities of the embryonic mesenchymal tissue, such as reaction‐diffusion and mechanochemical models. We discuss the contributions of these models to the current understanding of chondrogenesis in vertebrate limbs, as well as their relation to the varied conceptual models that have been proposed by experimentalists. Birth Defects Research (Part C) 96:176–192, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Labeling Small RNAs through Chemical Ligation at the 5′ Terminus: Enzyme‐Free or Combined with Enzymatic 3′‐Labeling
Authors: Vogel Heike , Richert Clemens
Published: June 2012

The discovery of small RNAs such as microRNAs (miRNAs), small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), or Piwi‐associated RNAs (piRNAs) has led to new challenges in the selective detection of RNAs. Many noncoding RNAs act as post‐translational regulators of gene expression and are involved in the regulation of cell proliferation or apoptosis, but are difficult to amplify, label, and detect. Standard microarray detection procedures involve pre‐hybridization labeling or enzymatic 3′‐labeling by polymerase‐catalyzed extension. Dual labeling would improve the fidelity of detection, but no polymerases for 5′‐extension are known. Here we report a novel labeling method for RNAs bearing natural 5′‐phosphate groups, such as miRNAs, based on enzyme‐free ligation of a biotin‐ or fluorophore‐labeled oligonucleotide to the 5′ termini. The method uses in situ activation of the natural 5′‐phosphate groups in these RNAs and was optimized to give near‐quantitative conversion in solution. With use of biotin‐ or fluorophore‐bearing labeling strands, different miRNA sequences were detected on microarrays with little background fluorescence. In combination with an established method of enzymatic on‐chip labeling at the 3′ termini, highly selective detection of related miRNAs was achieved by dual recognition at both termini, even in the case of miRNAs differing in only one nucleotide.
AMG 386 in combination with sorafenib in patients with metastatic clear cell carcinoma of the kidney
Authors: Rini Brian , Szczylik Cezary , Tannir Nizar M. , Koralewski Piotr , Tomczak Piotr , Deptala Andrzej , Dirix Luc Y. , Fishman Mayer , Ramlau Rodryg , Ravaud Alain , Rogowski Wojciech , Kracht Karolyn , Sun Yu‐Nien , Bass Michael B. , Puhlmann Markus , Escudier Bernard
Published: June 2012

BACKGROUND:

This study evaluated the tolerability and antitumor activity of AMG 386, a peptibody (a peptide Fc fusion) that neutralizes the interaction of angiopoietin‐1 and angiopoietin‐2 with Tie2 (tyrosine kinase with immunoglobulin‐like and EGF‐like domains 2), plus sorafenib in patients with clear cell metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) in a randomized controlled study.

METHODS:

Previously untreated patients with mRCC were randomized 1:1:1 to receive sorafenib 400 mg orally twice daily plus intravenous AMG 386 at 10 mg/kg (arm A) or 3 mg/kg (arm B) or placebo (arm C) once weekly (qw). Patients in arm C could receive open‐label AMG 386 at 10 mg/kg qw plus sorafenib following disease progression. The primary endpoint was progression‐free survival (PFS).

RESULTS:

A total of 152 patients were randomized. Median PFS was 9.0, 8.5, and 9.0 months in arms A, B, and C, respectively (hazard ratio for arms A and B vs arm C, 0.88; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.60‐1.30; P = .523). The objective response rate (95% CI) for arms A, B, and C, respectively, was 38% (25%‐53%), 37% (24%‐52%), and 25% (14%‐40%). Among 30 patients in arm C who had disease progression and subsequently received open‐label AMG 386 at 10 mg/kg qw, the objective response rate was 3% (95% CI, 0%‐17%). Frequently occurring adverse events (AEs) included diarrhea (arms A/B/C, 70%/67%/56%), palmar‐plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome (52%/47%/54%), alopecia (50%/45%/50%), and hypertension (42%/49%/46%). Fifteen patients had grade 4 AEs (arms A/B/C, n = 3/7/5); 4 had fatal AEs (n = 2/1/1), with 1 (abdominal pain, arm B) considered possibly related to AMG 386.

CONCLUSIONS:

In patients with mRCC, AMG 386 plus sorafenib was tolerable but did not significantly improve PFS compared with placebo plus sorafenib. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Inherently Chiral Cyano‐Substituted Resorcin[4]arene: A Promising Starting Point for Further Functionalization
Authors: Wiegmann Sebastian , Neumann Beate , Stammler Hans‐Georg , Mattay Jochen
Published: June 2012

An inherently chiral cyano‐substituted resorcin[4]arene has been prepared by palladium‐catalyzed cyanation. Based on this reaction, the four cyano groups were converted into ketones, aldehydes, amides, and amines. The ketone derivative was converted into the corresponding macrocycle with four tertiary alcohol functionalities. Furthermore, demethylation of the methoxy groups to give the phenol groups was carried out in the presence of the keto groups. Single‐crystal X‐ray analysis was performed with the cyano, ketone, tertiary alcohol, and phenol compounds. Changing the methoxy to a phenoxy group also led to a distinct modification of the molecular assembly in the solid state. A study of the tertiary alcohol derivative thereby revealed a remarkable twist of the C2‐symmetrical molecule.