bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Paradoxical impairment of angiogenesis, endothelial function and circulating number of endothelial progenitor cells in DPP4-deficient rat after critical limb ischemia
Authors: Sun Cheuk-Kwan , Leu Steve , Sheu Jiunn-Jye , Tsai Tzu-Hsien , Sung Hsin-Chin , Chen Yung-Lung , Chung Sheng-Ying , Ko Sheung-Fat , Chang Hsueh-Wen , Yip Hon-Kan
Published: March 2013

Introduction

We hypothesized that dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP4) may impair angiogenesis, endothelial function, and the circulating number of endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) in a model of critical limb ischemia (CLI) through ligating the left femoral artery using DPP4-deficient rats.

Methods

Adult male DPP4-deficient (DPP4D) rats (n = 18) were equally divided into CLI only (DPP4D-CLI) and CLI treated by granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (GCSF) (DPP4D-CLI-GCSF). For comparison, age-matched wild-type (WT) Fischer 344 rats (n = 18) were randomized into two groups receiving identical treatment compared to their DPP4-deficient counterparts and labeled as WT-CLI (n = 9) and WT-CLI-GCSF (n = 9), respectively.

Results

The circulating number of EPCs (CD31+, CD34+, CD133, C-kit+) was significantly lower in DPP4-deficient than in WT rats on post-CLI days 1 and 4 (all P < 0.01). The ratio of ischemia/normal blood flow was remarkably lower in DPP4D-CLI-GCSF rats than in WT-CLI-GCSF animals on post-CLI Day 14 (all P < 0.01). Protein expressions of pro-angiogenic factors (endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), CXCR4, SDF-1α, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)) were remarkably higher in WT-CLI than in DPP4D-CLI rats, and higher in WT-CLI-GCSF than in DPP4D-CLI-GCSF animals (all P < 0.01). Moreover, the numbers of small vessel in the ischemic area were substantially higher in WT-CLI-GCSF than in DPP4D-CLI-GCSF rats (P < 0.001). Furthermore, vasorelaxation and nitric oxide production of the normal femoral artery were significantly reduced in DPP4-deficient than in WT Fischer rats (all P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Contrary to our hypothesis, DPP4-deficient rats were inferior to age-matched WT Fischer rats in terms of angiogenesis, endothelial function, circulating EPC number and response to GCSF, suggesting a positive role of DPP4 in maintaining vascular function and tissue perfusion in this experimental setting.
Adjoint-state reverse time migration of 4C data: Finite-frequency map migration for marine seismic imaging
Authors: Fleury Clement , Vasconcelos Ivan
Published: March 2013

Recent advances in marine seismic acquisition allow for the recording of vector-acoustic ([VA] pressure and particle velocity) seismic data from dual-source configurations, i.e., using monopole as well as dipole sources. VA reverse time migration (RTM) can be custom designed to accurately handle amplitude and directivity information from 4C seismic data. We present a method for multicomponent RTM that is based on an adjoint-state formulation using the full VA wave equations for pressure and corresponding displacement fields. This method takes advantage of the directional finite-frequency information contained in the 4C acoustic fields by using source and receiver weighting operators in the adjoint-state imaging scheme. With this adjoint-state method, the source and receiver radiation properties are tailored by choosing specific weighting operators. Weighting operators were chosen so that source- and receiver-side ghost arrivals are jointly migrated with primary energy. Because the dipole field components (e.g., components of particle displacement or acceleration) are proportional to the spatial gradient components of the pressure field, our method is in fact a formulation for reverse-time map migration that images pressure fields while jointly using the directional information contained in its full 3C gradients. As a result, our reverse time 4C map migration method yields less aperture- and sampling-related artifacts when compared to imaging of the pressure-only or 2C seismic data. In addition, our method sets a framework for full-waveform inversion using dual-source 4C seismic data. We demonstrated our findings with synthetic data, including a subsalt imaging example.
On the generation of low frequencies with modern seismic vibrators
Authors: Wei Zhouhong , Phillips Thomas F.
Published: March 2013

Acquiring low-frequency seismic data using Vibroseis techniques has gained attention in recent years. Successful application of low-frequency Vibroseis acquisition requires evaluating each element of the data acquisition system and ensuring that each part of the system contributes to the success of the method. We focus on generating low frequencies with Vibroseis sources rather than recording and preserving them. To generate the low-frequency signals using seismic vibrators, it is better to know (1) the hydraulic and mechanical system of the vibrator; (2) the design of a low-frequency sweep that can deliver the vibrator ground force maximally; and (3) the vibrator control system that can minimize the harmonic distortion of the vibrator ground force output at low frequencies. Field tests show that hydraulic pump flow is not a limiting factor for the generation of the low frequencies for most modern seismic vibrators. In addition, with harmonic distortion reduction control, the vibrator performance at low frequencies is improved.
Risk assessment and shared care planning in out-patient forensic psychiatry: cluster randomised controlled trial
Authors: Troquete Nadine A. C. , van den Brink Rob H. S. , Beintema Harry , Mulder Tamara , van Os Titus W. D. P. , Schoevers Robert A. , Wiersma Durk
Published: March 2013

Background

Forensic psychiatry aims to reduce recidivism and makes use of risk assessment tools to achieve this goal. Various studies have reported on the predictive qualities of these instruments, but it remains unclear whether their use is associated with actual prevention of recidivism in clinical care.

Aims

To test whether an intervention combining risk assessment and shared care planning is associated with a reduction in violent and criminal behaviour.

Method

A cluster randomised controlled trial (Netherlands Trial Register number NTR1042) was conducted in three outpatient forensic psychiatric clinics. The intervention comprised risk assessment with the Short Term Assessment of Risk and Treatability (START) and a shared care planning protocol formulated according to shared decision-making principles. The control group received usual care. The outcome consisted of the proportion of clients with violent or criminal incidents at follow-up.

Results

In total 58 case managers and 632 of their clients were included, in the intervention group (n=310), 65% received the intervention at least once. Findings showed a general treatment effect (22% of clients with an incident at baselinev.15% at follow-up,P<0.01) but no significant difference between the two treatment conditions (odds ratio (OR)=1.46, 95% CI 0.89-2.44,P= 0.15).

Conclusions

Although risk assessment is common practice in forensic psychiatry, our results indicate that the primary goal of preventing recidivism was not reached through risk assessment embedded in shared decision-making.
Concanavalin-A Induces Granulosa Cell Death and Inhibits FSH-Mediated Follicular Growth and Ovarian Maturation in Female Rats
Authors: Velasquez Ethel V. , Ríos Mariana , Ortiz María Elena , Lizama Carlos , Nuñez Elizabeth , Abramovich Dalhia , Orge Felipe , Oliva Barbara , Orellana Renán , Villalon Manuel , Moreno Ricardo D. , Tesone Marta , Rokka Anne , Corthals Garry , Croxatto Horacio B. , Parborell Fernanda , Owen Gareth I.
Published: March 2013

Reproductive success stems from a finely regulated balance between follicular maturation and atresia, in which the role of carbohydrate structure is poorly understood. Here, we describe for the first time a fraction of purified recombinant human FSH that is capable of bringing about the cell death of granulosa cells and preventing follicular maturation in a rat model. Further analysis by mass spectrometry revealed the presence of the lectin Concanavalin-A (Con-A) within this fraction of recombinant FSH. Using both the fractionated FSH and Con-A, the observed cell death was predominantly located to the granulosa cells. Ex vivo culture of rat follicles demonstrated that follicle degeneration occurred and resulted in the release of a denuded and deteriorated oocyte. Moreover, in vivo experiments confirmed an increase in atresia and a corresponding reduction confined to follicle in early antral stage. As a mechanism of action, Con-A reduces ovarian proliferation, Von Willebrand staining, and angiogenesis. Based on the observation that Con-A may induce granulosa cell death followed by follicle death, our results further demonstrate that follicular carbohydrate moiety is changing under the influence of FSH, which may allow a carbohydrate-binding lectin to increase granulosa cell death. The physiological consequences of circulating lectin-like molecules remain to be determined. However, our results suggest a potential exploitation of carbohydrate binding in fertility and ovarian cancer treatment. This work may shed light on a key role of carbohydrates in the still obscure physiological process of follicular selection and atresia.
Excessive Sympathoactivation and Deteriorated Heart Function After Myocardial Infarction in Male Ghrelin Knockout Mice
Authors: Mao Yuanjie , Tokudome Takeshi , Otani Kentaro , Kishimoto Ichiro , Miyazato Mikiya , Kangawa Kenji
Published: March 2013

We have previously demonstrated the protective role of endogenous ghrelin against malignant arrhythmias in the very acute phase of myocardial infarction (MI). However, the role of endogenous ghrelin in the chronic phase is unknown. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to focus on the effects of endogenous ghrelin on cardiac function and sympathetic activation after acute MI. In 46 ghrelin-knockout (KO) and 41 wild-type (WT) male mice, MI was produced by left coronary artery ligation. The mortality due to heart failure within 2 weeks was 0% in WT and 10.9% in KO (P < 0.05). At the end of this period, lung weight/tibial length, atrial natriuretic peptide and brain natriuretic peptide transcripts, end-systolic and end-diastolic volumes were all significantly greater in KO mice, whereas systolic function, represented by ejection fraction (16.4 ± 4.7% vs 25.3 ± 5.1%), end-systolic elastance, and preload-recruitable stroke work, was significantly inferior to that in WT mice (P < 0.05). Telemetry recording and heart rate variability analysis showed that KO mice had stronger sympathetic activation after MI than did WT mice. Metoprolol treatment and ghrelin treatment in KO mice prevented excessive sympathetic activation, decreased plasma epinephrine and norepinephrine levels, and improved heart function and survival rate after MI. Our data demonstrate that endogenous ghrelin plays a crucial role in protecting heart function and reducing mortality after myocardial infarction, and that these effects seem to be partly the result of sympathetic inhibition.
Nanoceria-catalyzed Highly Efficient Procedure for N-Formylation of Amines at Room Temperature under Solvent-free Conditions
Authors: Patil Umakant B , Singh Abhilash S , Nagarkar Jayashree M
Published: March 2013

Nanoceria-catalyzed simple and efficient protocol for the N-formylation of amines using formic acid at room temperature under solvent-free conditions shows high yield of desired product chemoselectivity and improvement in reaction time.
Microstructure and Room-temperature H2 Sensing Properties of Undoped and Impurity-doped SnO2 Nanowires
Authors: Shen Yanbai , Wei Dezhou , Li Mingyang , Liu Wengang , Gao Shuling , Han Cong , Cui Baoyu
Published: March 2013

We demonstrate the microstructure and room-temperature H2 sensing properties of undoped, Pt-doped, and Pd-doped SnO2 nanowires (SNWs). SNWs with a tetragonal structure were synthesized by thermal evaporation of tin grains at 900 °C. Gas sensors based on undoped, Pt-doped, and Pd-doped SNWs showed a reversible response to H2 at room temperature. The response was improved in the order undoped < Pt-doped < Pd-doped SNWs under the same conditions.
Controlled Formation of Microspheres from Ferrocene-derivatized Amino Acids in Binary Aqueous/Organic Media
Authors: Morikawa Masa-aki , Murata Ken , Yamada Kazuo , Kimizuka Nobuo
Published: March 2013

A novel amino acid derivative having two ferrocene units spontaneously forms regular microspheres in binary aqueous/tetrahydrofuran (THF) media. The size of the microspheres is controllable from nano to micro dimensions depending on the concentration and composition of the binary solvent. These microspheres display reversible redox properties, as characterized by cyclic voltammetry.
Copper-catalyzed 1,4-Addition Reaction of Grignard Reagent to Enones Using Microflow System
Authors: Katayama Haruo , Matsubara Seijiro
Published: March 2013

The copper-catalyzed conjugate addition of a Grignard reagent to an α,β-unsaturated ketone was performed in a microflow system. In the reaction using the microflow system, a chemoselective 1,4-addition reaction to an enone in the presence of a saturated ketone group proceeded successfully.
A kinetic framework for tRNA ligase and enforcement of a 2′-phosphate requirement for ligation highlights the design logic of an RNA repair machine
Authors: Remus Barbara S. , Shuman Stewart
Published: March 2013

tRNA ligases are essential components of informational and stress-response pathways entailing repair of RNA breaks with 2′,3′-cyclic phosphate and 5′-OH ends. Plant and fungal tRNA ligases comprise three catalytic domains. Phosphodiesterase and kinase modules heal the broken ends to generate the 3′-OH, 2′-PO4, and 5′-PO4 required for sealing by the ligase. We exploit RNA substrates with different termini to define rates of individual steps or subsets of steps along the repair pathway of plant ligase AtRNL. The results highlight rate-limiting transactions, how repair is affected by active-site mutations, and how mutations are bypassed by RNA alterations. We gain insights to 2′-PO4 specificity by showing that AtRNL is deficient in transferring AMP to pRNAOH to form AppRNAOH but proficient at sealing pre-adenylylated AppRNAOH. This strategy for discriminating 2′-PO4 versus 2′-OH ends provides a quality-control checkpoint to ensure that only purposeful RNA breaks are sealed and to avoid nonspecific “capping” of 5′-PO4 ends.
Dared to Care: Organizational Vulnerability, Institutional Logics, and MNCs’ Social Responsiveness in Emerging Markets
Authors: Zhang Jianjun , Luo Xiaowei Rose
Published: March 2013

A significant gap exists in our understanding of what explains the varying responses of multinational corporations (MNCs) to social issues in emerging markets. Arguably, in a setting where both market institutions and regulations and norms of corporate social responsibility are underdeveloped, it is more difficult for corporations to take actions beyond those that serve their immediate economic interests. Proposing a social movement perspective on MNCs’ responsiveness to social issues in emerging markets, we identify the mechanisms by which online activists grab firms’ attention and force them to become more socially responsive. A perception of organizational vulnerability and a home-country institutional logic that is consistent with the demands of the online campaign provide political opportunity structures that hasten the corporate response but affect the magnitude of firm response differently. We test our framework in the empirical context of corporate philanthropic action following the 2008 earthquake in Sichuan province in China, which triggered an online campaign that questioned MNCs’ donations to the disaster relief effort. Our study contributes to the literature on heterogeneous organizational responses to social movements, a better understanding of the antecedents for MNCs’ social responsiveness in emerging markets, and research on MNCs.
On Becoming (Un)Committed: A Taxonomy and Test of Newcomer Onboarding Scenarios
Authors: Solinger Omar N. , van Olffen Woody , Roe Robert A. , Hofmans Joeri
Published: March 2013

How does the bond between the newcomer and the organization develop over time? Process research on temporal patterns of newcomer’s early commitment formation has been very scarce because theory and appropriate longitudinal research designs in this area are lacking. From extant research we extract three process-theoretical accounts regarding how the newcomer adjustment process evolves over time: (1) Learning to Love; (2) Honeymoon Hangover; and (3) High Match, Moderate Match, or Low Match. From these scenarios we develop a taxonomy of newcomer adjustment scenarios. Further, we empirically verify these different scenarios by examining naturally occurring “trajectory classes,” which are found to display strengthening, weakening, or stabilizing of the employee–organization linkage. For this, we use a sample of 72 Ph.D. graduates whose organizational commitment history was recorded in their first 25 consecutive weeks of new employment. In closing, we discuss the theoretical and practical implications of the scenario-based approach.
In Vitro Stability of Free and Glucuronidated Cannabinoids in Blood and Plasma Following Controlled Smoked Cannabis
Authors: Scheidweiler Karl B , Schwope David M , Karschner Erin L , Desrosiers Nathalie A , Gorelick David A , Huestis Marilyn A
Published: March 2013

BACKGROUND

Blood and plasma cannabinoid stability is important for test interpretation and is best studied in authentic rather than fortified samples.

METHODS

Low and high blood and plasma pools were created for each of 10 participants after they smoked a cannabis cigarette. The stabilities of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), 11-hydroxy-THC (11-OH-THC), 11-nor-9-carboxy-THC (THCCOOH), cannabidiol (CBD), cannabinol (CBN), THC-glucuronide, and THCCOOH-glucuronide were determined after 1 week at room temperature; 1, 2, 4, 12, and 26 (±2) weeks at 4 °C; and 1, 2, 4, 12, 26 (±2), and 52 (±4) weeks at −20 °C. Stability was assessed by Friedman test.

RESULTS

Numbers of THC-glucuronide and CBD-positive blood samples were insufficient to assess stability. In blood, 11-OH-THC and CBN were stable for 1 week at room temperature, whereas THC and THCCOOH-glucuronide decreased and THCCOOH increased. In blood, THC, THCCOOH-glucuronide, THCCOOH, 11-OH-THC, and CBN were stable for 12, 4, 4, 12, and 26 weeks, respectively, at 4 °C and 12, 12, 26, 26, and 52 weeks at −20 °C. In plasma, THC-glucuronide, THC, CBN, and CBD were stable for 1 week at room temperature, whereas THCCOOH-glucuronide and 11-OH-THC decreased and THCCOOH increased. In plasma, THC-glucuronide, THC, THCCOOH-glucuronide, THCCOOH, 11-OH-THC, CBN, and CBD were stable for 26, 26, 2, 2, 26, 12, and 26 weeks, respectively, at 4 °C and 52, 52, 26, 26, 52, 52, and 52 weeks, respectively, at −20 °C.

CONCLUSIONS

Blood and plasma samples should be stored at −20 °C for no more than 3 and 6 months, respectively, to assure accurate cannabinoid quantitative results.
Clinical Utility and Analytical Challenges in Measurement of Cerebrospinal Fluid Amyloid-β1–42 and τ Proteins as Alzheimer Disease Biomarkers
Authors: Kang Ju-Hee , Korecka Magdalena , Toledo Jon B , Trojanowski John Q , Shaw Leslie M
Published: March 2013

BACKGROUND

Over the past 2 decades, clinical studies have provided evidence that cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) amyloid β1–42 (Aβ1–42), total τ (t-τ), and τ phosphorylated at Thr181 (p-τ181) are reliable biochemical markers of Alzheimer disease (AD) neuropathology.

CONTENT

In this review, we summarize the clinical performance and describe the major challenges for the analytical performance of the most widely used immunoassay platforms [based on ELISA or microbead-based multianalyte profiling (xMAP) technology] for the measurement of CSF AD biomarkers (Aβ1–42, t-τ, and p-τ181). With foundational immunoassay data providing the diagnostic and prognostic values of CSF AD biomarkers, the newly revised criteria for the diagnosis of AD include CSF AD biomarkers for use in research settings. In addition, it has been suggested that the selection of AD patients at the predementia stage by use of CSF AD biomarkers can improve the statistical power of clinical trial design. Owing to the lack of a replenishable and commutable human CSF-based standardized reference material (SRM) and significant differences across different immunoassay platforms, the diagnostic–prognostic cutpoints of CSF AD biomarker concentrations are not universal at this time. These challenges can be effectively met in the future, however, through collaborative ongoing standardization efforts to minimize the sources of analytical variability and to develop reference methods and SRMs.

Measurements of CSF Aβ1–42, t-τ, and p-τ181 with analytically qualified immunoassays reliably reflect the neuropathologic hallmarks of AD in patients at the early predementia stage of the disease and even in presymptomatic patients. Thus these CSF biomarker tests are useful for early diagnosis of AD, prediction of disease progression, and efficient design of drug intervention clinical trials.
Mental Representation and Perceived Similarity: How Abstract Mindset Aids Choice from Large Assortments
Authors: Xu Jing , Jiang Zixi , Dhar Ravi
Published: March 2013

A recent meta-analysis has found that an increase in the size of an assortment has no reliable impact on choice difficulty. Building on a fundamental property of cognition, the authors investigate the link between mental representation and the choice overload effect based on the size of the assortment. They propose that the mental representation of a large assortment changes the perceived similarity of the assortment and consequently affects the degree of choice difficulty. Specifically, when choosing from a large assortment, consumers with an abstract representation perceive the options in the assortment as being more similar and accordingly experience less choice difficulty than those with a concrete representation of the assortment. The authors discuss theoretical and practical implications of the findings.
Yoga for the New Woman and the New Man: The Role of Pierre Bernard and Blanche DeVries in the Creation of Modern Postural Yoga
Authors: Laycock Joseph
Published: March 2013

Pierre Bernard and his wife, Blanche DeVries, were among the earliest proponents of postural yoga in America. In 1924, they created the Clarkstown Country Club, where yoga was taught to affluent and influential clientele. The network created through this endeavor not only popularized yoga in the West but also advanced the reinvention of yoga as a science of health and well-being rather than as a religious practice.

This article suggests that the pair's success in marketing yoga coincided with a shift in gender roles underway at the turn of the century. Economic and cultural changes led to the rise of a “New Woman” who was not only more financially independent but also more socially and sexually autonomous. At the same time, a crisis of masculinity led to the rise of the “New Man” as men sought out new cultural forms through which to restore their sense of manhood. Bernard's success depended largely on his ability to capitalize on the perceived “otherness” of yoga, presenting it as a resource for Americans seeking to construct new forms of gender identity. Bernard borrowed from the physical culture movement and presented yoga as an antidote to the emasculating effects of modern society. DeVries taught a combination of yoga and sensual Orientalist dances that offered women a form of sexual autonomy and embodied empowerment. By utilizing these strategies, Bernard and DeVries helped lay important foundations for modern postural yoga and its associations with athleticism, physical beauty, and sexuality.
Promoting the Well-Being of Children Whose Parents Are Gay or Lesbian
Authors:   COMMITTEE ON PSYCHOSOCIAL ASPECTS OF CHILD AND FAMILY HEALTH, Siegel Benjamin S. , Perrin Ellen C. , Pawelski James G. , Siegel Benjamin S. , Dobbins Mary I. , Lavin Arthur , Mattson Gerri , Pascoe John , Yogman Michael , Siegel Benjamin S. , Perrin Ellen C. , Pawelski James G. , Siegel Benjamin S. , Dobbins Mary I. , Lavin Arthur , Mattson Gerri , Pascoe John , Yogman Michael , Brown Ronald T. ,   Society of Pediatric Psychology, Kupst Mary Jo ,   Society of Pediatric Psychology, Martini D. Richard ,   American Academy of Child, Psychiatry Adolescent , Blue Barbara ,   PMHNP-BC,   National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, Carmichael Terry ,   National Association of Social Workers, Cohen George J. , Domain Stephanie , Smith Karen
Published: March 2013

This Policy Statement was reaffirmed September 2022.

To promote optimal health and well-being of all children, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) supports access for all children to (1) civil marriage rights for their parents and (2) willing and capable foster and adoptive parents, regardless of the parents’ sexual orientation. The AAP has always been an advocate for, and has developed policies to support, the optimal physical, mental, and social health and well-being of all infants, children, adolescents, and young adults. In so doing, the AAP has supported families in all their diversity, because the family has always been the basic social unit in which children develop the supporting and nurturing relationships with adults that they need to thrive. Children may be born to, adopted by, or cared for temporarily by married couples, nonmarried couples, single parents, grandparents, or legal guardians, and any of these may be heterosexual, gay or lesbian, or of another orientation. Children need secure and enduring relationships with committed and nurturing adults to enhance their life experiences for optimal social-emotional and cognitive development. Scientific evidence affirms that children have similar developmental and emotional needs and receive similar parenting whether they are raised by parents of the same or different genders. If a child has 2 living and capable parents who choose to create a permanent bond by way of civil marriage, it is in the best interests of their child(ren) that legal and social institutions allow and support them to do so, irrespective of their sexual orientation. If 2 parents are not available to the child, adoption or foster parenting remain acceptable options to provide a loving home for a child and should be available without regard to the sexual orientation of the parent(s).
Study of Optical Vibrations Modes of Mineral Graphite by Micro Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Silva-Molina R. A. , Gámez-Corrales R. , Hernández-Cazares J. M. , Espinoza-Maldonado I. G.
Published: March 2013

We present experimental and theoretical Raman spectra of natural graphite mineral of Sonora, Mexico. In this work, we take the advantage of the utility of the RAMAN spectroscopy as a technique to determine the crystallinity and structure of graphite mineral. The RAMAN spectroscopy provides information that can be used to determine the degree of graphitization, which in turn can be used to know the metamorphic degree of the host rock. The resulting RAMAN spectra of graphite were divided in first and second order regions, in the first region (1100-1800cm-1) the E2gvibration mode with D6hcrystal symmetry occurs at 1580cm-1(G band) that indicates poorly organized graphite, additional bands appears in the first order region at 1350 cm-1(D band) called the defect band, and another at 1620 cm-1(D* band). The second-order region (2200-3400cm-1) shows several bands at ~2400 ~2700 ~2900 ~3300cm-1, all of them attributed to electron-phonon interactions or combination scattering. The density functional theory calculations were applied to determine the vibrational properties and the stacking layers of graphite.
Study of the Thermoluminescent Characteristics of Ceramic Roof Tiles Exposed to Beta Radiation
Authors: García-Haro A. R. , Bernal R. , Cruz-Vázquez C. , Burruel-Ibarra S.E. , Orante-Barrón V.R. , Brown F.
Published: March 2013

In this work, thermoluminescence (TL) characteristics of roof tile ceramic samples previously exposed to beta radiation are reported for the very first time. TL measurements were carried out using powdered samples obtained by the the fine-grained method, with grain size ranged from 300 nm to 5 μm. Characteristic thermoluminescence glow curves showed a complex structure with a dosimetric maximum located at ~ 200 °C. TL response of roof tile samples increases as the radiation dose increases in the 25 Gy to 1.6 kGy range. One response showed a linear behaviour, with no evidence of saturation within the dose interval investigated. The entire TL glow curve exhibited a remarkable reusability during 10 consecutive irradiation-TL readout cycles. The total TL signal showed a very low fading and remained almost constant after 3 h of irradiation and the corresponding TL readout. TL dosimetry features of powdered roof tile place it as a promising material in retrospective dosimetry as well as in possible TL dating applications.
Evaluation of Resistance Spot Welding Conditions Using Experimental Design
Authors: Medina D.Y. , Bermejo R. , Hernandez R.T. , Hernandez I. , Orozco S.
Published: March 2013

The breaking strength that can withstand solder is known as resistance welding, low resistance welding will cause a failure of the weld. This study optimized the effect of the main variables in a welding steel proceess on the mechanical propierties of the steel like the resistance welding. The main variables studied were electrode, machine, post induction, and dotted pressure. The factors that have the most influence in the resistance welding are the post induction, and the combination of post induction and the raw material.The statistical model used for the evaluation process was an analysis of variance (ANOVA) in a full crossing factorial design 2k with a second order of interaction.
Diffusion of Hard Coatings on Ductile Cast Iron
Authors: Perrusquia N. López , Doñu Ruiz M. Antonio , Oliva E. Y. Vargas , Suarez V. Cortez
Published: March 2013

This work estimate the growth kinetics of Fe2B coatings created on surface nodular cast iron ASTM A-536 class 80-56-06. The Fe2B coatings were formed by power packaging boriding process, considering three temperatures and exposure times different treatment. The hard coatings were evaluated through X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The model of diffusion employs the mass balance equation at the (Fe2B/substrate) interface to evaluate the boron diffusion coefficient in the Fe2B coatingDFe2B, an expression of the parabolic growth constant, the instantaneous velocity of the Fe2B/substrate interface, and the weight gain in the boriding sample were establish as a function of the parameter ε(T) and η(T), dependents of boriding process in function of the temperature related and the time of boridingt0(T), respectively in the Fe2B coating. Model validation was extended considering the treatment of 1273 and 1123 K for 10 h respectively, obtaining a good correlation with experimental data.
Effects of Bio-conjugation and Annealing on the Photoluminescence and Raman Spectra of CdSe/ZnS Quantum Dots
Authors: Borkovska L. , Korsunska N. , Stara T. , Kolomys O. , Strelchuk V. , Rachkov O. , Kryshtab T.
Published: March 2013

Papers in the Appendix were published in electronic format as Volume 1534
Erbium boride composites with high ZT values at 800 K
Authors: Stober Frederick C. , Albert Barbara R.
Published: March 2013

Single phase erbium borides ErB2, ErB4, and ErB12 show Seebeck coefficients and power factors with absolute values that are significantly lower than those of a stable Er-B multi phase composite obtained through high temperature solid-solid reaction from the elements (molar ratio Er:B = 1:6). According to quantitative Rietveld analysis the composite consists of erbium diboride (1 %), tetraboride (83 %), and dodecaboride (16 %), and the measurement of the electrical conductivities, Seebeck coefficients, and thermal conductivities leads to ZT values as high as 0.53 at 830 K. Such refractory materials can be used for energy conversion in a range of high temperatures that are otherwise difficult to address.
Governança para a territorialidade e sustentabilidade: a construção do senso de regionalidade
Authors: França Luciano Marcelo , Mantovaneli Júnior Oklinger , Sampaio Carlos Alberto C.
Published: March 2013

No atual contexto das abordagens multiescalares, espacial e setorial das propostas de gestão pública, a regionalidade vêm ganhando destaque na medida em que a complexidade administrativa aumenta por conta da modificação das demandas sociais. Neste contexto, torna-se desafiadora a correlação entre governança, territorialidade e sustentabilidade. Inspirados neste contexto e a partir de uma pesquisa bibliográfica sobre os temas, realizou-se uma análise das relações políticas entre os integrantes do Conselho de Desenvolvimento da Secretaria de Desenvolvimento Regional (SDR) de Blumenau. A pesquisa é descritiva, baseada em entrevistas semiestruturadas realizadas com membros do conselho da SDR no período de sua criação, 2003, até 2008. O modo como a SDR está estruturada, bem como a forma que seus municípios enxergam a si mesmos e aos outros neste contexto, produzem propostas de intervenção e prática institucional que assimilam demandas individuais e coletivas, mas também transformam em certo grau a organização política e econômica da região de sua abrangência. Como uma política que se declara em busca da descentralização, inicia-se em Santa Catarina a experimentação de uma dinâmica desenvolvimentista que busca a homogeneidade e o nivelamento da região em questão esta lógica é perceptível na medida em que os municípios pertencentes a uma regional assumem seus problemas, sobretudo de educação e saúde, por tratarem de atividades de natureza pública, e aqueles dos municípios vizinhos com potencialidades e representatividades políticas diversas. Isto foi explorado a partir das ideias de sustentabilidade política e administrativa que conduza a um desenvolvimento inclusivo e harmonizador propiciado pelas instâncias formalizadas e legitimadas pela institucionalidade que os suporta.
Filosofia da educação e imagens de docência: o professor viajante ou alquimista?
Authors: Trevisan Amarildo Luiz , Ourique Maiane Liana Hatschbach , Fagundes André Luiz de Oliveira , Pedroso Eliana Regina Fritzen
Published: March 2013

O artigo visa relacionar o problema da formação com as imagens de professor fomentadas nos últimos trabalhos apresentados no Grupo de Trabalho Filosofia da Educação (GT-17) da Associação Nacional de Pós-Graduação e Pesquisa em Educação (ANPEd), para entender melhor os modelos de docência propostos. Entre as imagens que emergem dessas produções, duas configurações distintas de docência destacam-se: o "professor alquimista" e o "professor viajante". A primeira está intimamente ligada às narrativas que dão sustento ao projeto de formação da modernidade, quais sejam, da transformação, da emancipação, da consciência, entre outras; a segunda relaciona-se a uma imagem de professor em que os processos formativos vão se ampliando na própria relação pedagógica. Essas duas perspectivas, de alguma forma, ancoram as discussões sobre a formação docente, fomentando, em consequência, a construção de imagens-modelo de professor. Suas características fundamentais delineiam diferentes caminhos para a constituição e o exercício da docência.
Contexto escolar e indicadores educacionais: condições desiguais para a efetivação de uma política de avaliação educacional
Authors: Alves Maria Teresa Gonzaga , Soares José Francisco
Published: March 2013

A introdução do Índice de Desenvolvimento da Educação Básica (Ideb) pelo governo federal representou uma mudança significativa na forma como a educação passou a ser acompanhada no Brasil. O Ideb é o indicador de qualidade desenvolvido para avaliar a educação oferecida no país e em cada unidade da federação, município e escola pública. Ele serve também para acompanhar a melhoria da qualidade educacional segundo metas preestabelecidas. Seu uso para essas finalidades tem suscitado debates sobre o tipo de política de responsabilização que o indicador engendra. Argumenta-se, neste artigo, que o Ideb coloca foco em resultados finalísticos, sem considerar as condições que propiciam a obtenção de tais resultados. O trabalho analisa a relação entre o indicador e o contexto escolar, considerando para tal o perfil de seus alunos e as características do estabelecimento de ensino. A análise empírica utiliza dados da Prova Brasil, do Censo Escolar e do próprio Ideb, por meio de modelos de regressão linear múltipla. Os resultados mostram que as escolas que atendem a alunos de menor nível socioeconômico, como esperado, têm piores resultados, mesmo com o controle de outras características. Para essas escolas, é muito mais difícil elevar o valor do indicador. Além disso, as condições de infraestrutura e de complexidade da instituição também guardam relação com o Ideb. Por fim, os resultados indicam que são necessárias políticas de superação dessas limitações e que tais condições não podem ser ignoradas na análise do Ideb.
Evolución de los modelos metodológicos y su relación con la política educativa en España
Authors: Gago Sonsoles San Román
Published: March 2013

Con base en investigación realizada sobre los marcos institucionales del proceso de cambio social de transición democrática en España y los contextos motivacionales de la participación de las maestras en el actual proceso educativo, este artículo tiene por objetivo esbozar, desde la perspectiva de la sociología, un recorrido histórico del sistema educativo en España desde el comienzo de la escuela pública para comprender la evolución de los modelos culturales, ideológicos, metodológicos y curriculares y su relación con los cambios en las política educativa. Está centrado en señalar que, más allá de las cuestiones económicas que implican recortes en educación, se esconde un modelo ideológico interesado o no por dotar a la población de un mayor o menor nivel cultural. La intención es destapar la relación entre cultura, educación y metodología empleada en función de las demandas políticas y comprender el tipo de normas ideadas para producir valores y obtener conductas acordes con los intereses políticos en cada uno de los contextos históricos que se suceden en la evolución de la escuela pública en España. Fue posible percibir que en España no ha habido ni un solo momento en la historia de la escuela pública en el cual los políticos, y en muchas ocasiones la propia Iglesia, no hayan sido los encargados de diseñar los contenidos, currículos y metodologías que dan forma a las políticas educativas.
Finding the depth of radioactivity in construction materials
Authors: Joyce Malcolm J. , Adams Jamie C. , Heathcote John A. , Mellor Matthew
Published: March 2013

A key challenge in disposing of nuclear legacy facilities and planning a new nuclear plant is how to assess the extent or likelihood of radioactive contamination in construction materials and the ground. This paper summarises the status of two techniques based on the analysis of emitted radiation from materials that comprise such structures, and describes how this analysis can be used to infer the depth of contamination without the need to penetrate the structure or to destroy it in the process. Two experimental facilities have been developed to test the efficacy of these techniques, and data are provided for the most widespread contaminant experienced in the sector: caesium-137. Finally, the influence on the technique of the likely variety of silica-based media to be encountered in the nuclear industry is described, together with a summary of challenges to be addressed in future research.
Validating the BERMS in situ Soil Water Content Data Record with a Large Scale Temporary Network
Authors: Cosh Michael H. , Jackson Thomas J. , Smith Craig , Toth Brenda , Berg Aaron A.
Published: March 2013

Calibration and validation of soil moisture satellite products requires data records of large spatial and temporal extent and for diverse land cover types. Obtaining these data, especially for forests, can be challenging. These challenges can include the remoteness of the locations and expense of equipment. The Boreal Ecosystem Research and Monitoring Sites (BERMS) network in Saskatchewan, Canada, is a long‐term ecosystem network which includes five soil water content profile stations. These stations provide a critical but incomplete view of the soil water content patterns across a study domain of 10,000 square km; however, the representativeness of these observations for this purpose has not yet been evaluated. In coordination with the Canadian Experiment‐Soil Moisture 2010 (CANEX‐SM10), a temporary network of surface soil water content sensors was installed during the summer of 2010 to enhance the data resources of the BERMS network. This short term data record was then used as a basis for up‐scaling and validating the BERMS network. This large domain is approximately 1200 square km and provides a higher confidence because of the increased number of sampling sites. Using temporal stability analysis, this network verified that the BERMS network could be scaled to a satellite scale footprint with a root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.025 m3 m−3, and applied to the entire period of record.
Adherence to a Healthy Lifestyle and All-Cause Mortality in CKD
Authors: Ricardo Ana C. , Madero Magdalena , Yang Wei , Anderson Cheryl , Menezes Matthew , Fischer Michael J. , Turyk Mary , Daviglus Martha L. , Lash James P.
Published: March 2013

Background and objective

Among general populations, a healthy lifestyle has been associated with lower risk of death. This study evaluated this association in individuals with CKD.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

A total of 2288 participants with CKD (estimated GFR < 60 ml/min per 1.73 m2 or microalbuminuria) in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were included. A weighted healthy lifestyle score was calculated (range, −4 to 15, with 15 indicating healthiest lifestyle) on the basis of the multivariable Cox proportional hazards model regression coefficients of the following lifestyle factors: smoking habit, body mass index (BMI), physical activity, and diet. Main outcome was all-cause mortality, ascertained through December 31, 2006.

Results

After median follow-up of 13 years, 1319 participants had died. Compared with individuals in the lowest quartile of weighted healthy lifestyle score, adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) of all-cause mortality were 0.53 (0.41–0.68), 0.52 (0.42–0.63), and 0.47 (0.38–0.60) for individuals in the second, third, and fourth quartiles, respectively. Mortality increased 30% among individuals with a BMI of 18.5 to <22 kg/m2 versus 22 to <25 kg/m2 (P<0.05); decreased mortality was associated with never-smoking versus current smoking (0.54 [0.41–0.70]) and regular versus no physical activity (0.80 [0.65–0.99]). Diet was not significantly associated with mortality.

Conclusions

Compared with nonadherence, adherence to a healthy lifestyle was associated with lower all-cause mortality risk in CKD. Examination of individual components of the healthy lifestyle score, with adjustment for other components, suggested that the greatest reduction in all-cause mortality was related to nonsmoking.
Post-Fordist Illusions: Knowledge-Based Economies and Transformation
Authors: Avis James
Published: March 2013

The argument that post-Fordism was able to overcome the oppressions and exploitations embedded within Fordist work relations has been subject to extensive critique for its evasion of capitalist antagonisms. However, there are particular analytic currents in radical thought which assert that knowledge-based economies hold within them not only radical, but also transformative possibilities. Such possibilities flow from developments in the forces of production and changes in the way in which surplus value is generated. These arguments tend to be located within what could be described as the knowledge economy as well as the creative industries. This article seeks to interrogate these arguments and suggests that, as with earlier discussions of post-Fordism, they are amenable to capitalist appropriation.
Methods for Assessing Mitochondrial Function in Diabetes
Authors: Perry Christopher G.R. , Kane Daniel A. , Lanza Ian R. , Neufer P. Darrell
Published: March 2013

A growing body of research is investigating the potential contribution of mitochondrial function to the etiology of type 2 diabetes. Numerous in vitro, in situ, and in vivo methodologies are available to examine various aspects of mitochondrial function, each requiring an understanding of their principles, advantages, and limitations. This review provides investigators with a critical overview of the strengths, limitations and critical experimental parameters to consider when selecting and conducting studies on mitochondrial function. In vitro (isolated mitochondria) and in situ (permeabilized cells/tissue) approaches provide direct access to the mitochondria, allowing for study of mitochondrial bioenergetics and redox function under defined substrate conditions. Several experimental parameters must be tightly controlled, including assay media, temperature, oxygen concentration, and in the case of permeabilized skeletal muscle, the contractile state of the fibers. Recently developed technology now offers the opportunity to measure oxygen consumption in intact cultured cells. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy provides the most direct way of assessing mitochondrial function in vivo with interpretations based on specific modeling approaches. The continuing rapid evolution of these technologies offers new and exciting opportunities for deciphering the potential role of mitochondrial function in the etiology and treatment of diabetes.
La responsabilité sociale de l'entreprise et ses relations avec le système juridique
Authors: Mazuyer Emmanuelle
Published: March 2013

La Responsabilité Sociale de l'Entreprise (RSE) est un phénomène à la mode qui naît en marge du système juridique. Comment le droit et les pratiques de la RSE interagissent-ils? Devant la multiplication des instruments de la RSE, le droit a du mal à les appréhender alors qu'il favorise l'application effective des codes de conduite. Pourtant, les motivations des démarches de RSE sont d'abord liées à la volonté de diminuer le risque juridique, avant celle de conférer une bonne image à l'entreprise. Le statut juridique des codes est variable et les juridictions participent à une «mise en ordre» de ces normes de régulation des relations d'entreprise. Ces actes censés protéger les droits sociaux fondamentaux des salariés deviennent parfois de nouveaux outils juridiques de subordination à l'éthique de l'entreprise. Est-il alors souhaitable de proposer un encadrement par le droit de ce phénomène social purement spontané et volontaire?
Introduction: The Disenchantment of Critical Legal Thought?
Authors: Coutu Michel , Guibentif Pierre
Published: March 2013

The topic of legal pluralism has puzzled the sociology of law since its origins. To quote an early example, the aim of Eugen Ehrlich was to grasp the “colourful diversity of living law.” Max Weber, too, made a distinction between law beyond the state, on the one hand, and state law, on the other, the latter being the formal object of normative legal science. The concept of legal pluralism, later formulated in order to capture this diversity, gave rise, as is well known, to a specific line of inquiry in the domain of law and society; it has found concrete expression particularly in the Journal of Legal Pluralism, published under this title since 1981, and has triggered energetic debates. Jean-Guy Belley has made a crucial contribution to these debates, in particular by writing the entry on “pluralisme juridique” for the Dictionnaire encyclopédique de théorie et de sociologie du droit, published 1988. Years before, he had begun an ambitious research undertaking centred on legal pluralism as a fundamental paradigm for jurisprudence, first with a doctoral dissertation under the supervision of Jean Carbonnier and later as a professor in contract law and sociology of law at McGill University. This scholarly relationship to legal pluralism developed first in the domain of sociology of law, through a comprehensive approach that culminated in 1998 with the publication of Le contrat entre droit, économie et société.