bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of terbium on structure and luminescence of nanocrystalline TiO2 thin films
Authors: Wojcieszak Damian , Kaczmarek Danuta , Domaradzki Jaroslaw , Lukowiak Anna , Strek Wieslaw
Published: November 2012

In this work analysis of the structural and optical properties of TiO2 thin films doped with terbium has been described. Samples were prepared by a high energy reactive magnetron sputtering process under low pressure of oxygen plasma. X-ray diffraction results have shown that different TiO2 crystal forms have been produced, depending on the amount of Tb dopant. The undoped matrix had rutile structure with crystallites with a size of 8.7 nm, while incorporation of 0.4 at. % of Tb into the film during the sputtering process resulted in anatase structure with bigger crystallites (11.7 nm). Increasing the amount of terbium up to 2 at. % and 2.6 at. % gave rutile structure with crystallites with a size of 6.6 nm for both films. However, Raman spectroscopy has revealed that in the case of TiO2:(2 at. % Tb), except for the rutile form, the presence of fine-crystalline anatase was observed. Moreover, the lack of Raman peaks shift attests to the lack of stress in the titania lattice of all of the TiO2:Tb films. This fact indicates localization of Tb3+ ions on the surface of TiO2 nanocrystals. In the case of optical investigation, results have shown that doping with terbium has a significant influence on the properties of TiO2, but it does not decrease the high transparency of the matrix. The observed changes of the transmission characteristics were produced only due to modification of the TiO2:Tb structure. Photoluminescence measurements have shown that emission of light from TiO2:Tb films occurs when the amount of terbium is 2.6 at. %. Based on the obtained results a scheme of direct energy transfer from titanium dioxide matrix (with rutile structure) to Tb3+ ions has been proposed.
Dynamic Nuclear Polarization and Other Magnetic Ideas at EPFL
Authors: Bornet Aurélien , Rey Martial , Ulzegaa Simone , Caporinia Marc , Jannin Sami , Carnevale Diego , Perez-Linde Angel J. , Chinthalapalli Srinivas , Miéville Pascal , Vitzthum Veronika , Segaw Takuya F. , Salvi Nicola , Buratto Roberto , Mammoli Daniele , Wang Shutao , Milani Jonas , Bodenhausen Geoffrey
Published: November 2012

Although nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) can provide a wealth of information, it often suffers from a lack of sensitivity. Dynamic Nuclear Polarization (DNP) provides a way to increase the polarization and hence the signal intensities in NMR spectra by transferring the favourable electron
spin polarization of paramagnetic centres to the surrounding nuclear spins through appropriate microwave irradiation. In our group at EPFL, two complementary DNP techniques are under investigation: the combination of DNP with magic angle spinning at temperatures near 100 K ('MAS-DNP'), and
the combination of DNP at 1.2 K with rapid heating followed by the transfer of the sample to a high-resolution magnet ('dissolution DNP'). Recent applications of MAS-DNP to surfaces, as well as new developments of magnetization transfer of 1H to 13C at 1.2 K prior to
dissolution will illustrate the work performed in our group. A second part of the paper will give an overview of some 'non-enhanced' activities of our laboratory in liquid- and solid-state NMR.
Automated Projection Spectroscopy (APSY) for the Assignment of NMR Resonances of Biological Macromolecules
Authors: Krähenbühl Barbara , Wider Gerhard
Published: November 2012

High resolution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy in solution is an established technique in structural biology. Detailed functional and structural studies of biological macromolecules by NMR require the assignment of the chemical shifts to specific nuclei. In biological
applications, the necessary data is usually obtained from a number of two- and three-dimensional (2D and 3D) NMR experiments. Often, these data cannot be fully analyzed by automated computer programs due to insufficient separation and resolution of the signals in the available spectra. Then,
complete resonance assignment requires manual interaction and can become a long and labor-intensive task. Automated projection spectroscopy (APSY) allows the substantial improvement of the resolution by providing spectral information from four and higher dimensional experiments without measuring
the full spectrum, which would by far exceed any acceptable measuring time. APSY only measures a series of projections of the high-dimensional spectrum which can be obtained in a much shorter time. Peak picking of the projection spectra provides the basis for the calculation of the high-dimensional
chemical shift correlation space by the algorithm GAPRO. The resulting high-dimensional peak lists are commonly artifact-free and of exceptional precision. Along with their high number of correlated nuclei they provide an ideal basis for reliable automated assignment. We will introduce the
basic concepts of APSY, illustrate them with an application of a 6D APSY-seq-HNCOCANH experiment, and discuss some practical aspects.
Approaches towards Structures of Y Receptors, Examples of Human G-Protein Coupled Receptors, by Solution NMR
Authors: Walser Reto , Zerbe Oliver
Published: November 2012

Despite recent advances no solution structure for a true G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) is available today due to biochemical and spectroscopic problems. Herein we review our attempts to obtain assignments of GPCRs based on fragments comprising 2-3 transmembrane helices. The fragments
are expressed in a heterologous system, and studied in detergent micelles using solution NMR spectroscopy. We report on the status of assignments of fragments from the Y4 receptor, a human GPCR. Assignments for the majority of the backbone resonances are available as well as sidechain assignments
for the first two TM helices. Residues of TM4 are largely invisible. We review technical issues in preparing these samples and in the data analysis. In addition we developed an approach in which we have grafted the extracellular loops of the Y1 receptor onto a beta-barrel scaffold derived
from the E. coli outer membrane protein OmpA. We could demonstrate that all loops can be successfully transferred, and that the resulting protein can be successfully refolded. The system is capable of recognizing the ligands from the neuropeptide Y family.
NMR Spectroscopy in Bioinorganic Chemistry
Authors: Donghi Daniela , Johannsen Silke , Sigel Roland K. O. , Freisinger Eva
Published: November 2012

Multinuclear and multidimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is applied in our groups to gain insights into the role of metal ions for the function and structure of large biomolecules. Specifically, NMR is used i) to investigate how metal ions bind to nucleic acids
and thereby control the folding and structure of RNAs, ii) to characterize how metal ions are able to stabilize modified nucleic acids to be used as potential nanowires, and iii) to characterize the formation, structure, and role of the diverse metal clusters within plant metallothioneins.
In this review we summarize the various NMR experiments applied and the information obtained, demonstrating the important and fascinating part NMR spectroscopy plays in the field of bioinorganic chemistry.
Biological Solid-state NMR at ETH Zurich
Authors: Zandomeneghi Giorgia , Maas Werner , Meier Beat H.
Published: November 2012

Solid-state Magnetic Resonance has been greatly developed over the past decade. Higher field spectrometers and other technical developments are expected to lead to further significant improvements.
Construction of a Peptide Microarray for Auto-anti- body Detection
Authors: Cosandey Vincent , Debrot Fabien , Kaeser Jérémy , Marti Roger , Passeraub Philippe , Pétremand Jannick , Prim Denis , Pfeifer Marc E.
Published: November 2012

Peptide and protein microarrays provide a multiplex approach to identification and quantification of protein–protein interactions (PPI), useful to study for instance antigen–antibody properties. Multivariate serology assays detecting multiple tumor auto-antibodies (TAA)
is an emerging class of blood tests for cancer detection. Here we describe the efficient coupling of peptide baits derived from the BRCA1-associated RING domain protein 1 (BARD1) to a solid surface and detection of a commercially available anti-BARD1 antibody with this newly designed peptide
microarray. Analytical sensitivity and specificity were shown to be comparable to a microtiter plate based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
Synthesizing the Evidence on Classroom Goal Structures in Middle and Secondary Schools
Authors: Givens Rolland Rebecca
Published: November 2012

This meta-analysis and narrative review synthesizes the literature on classroom goal structures and their relationships with student outcomes, focusing additionally on the ways in which these constructs are operationalized across research studies. Specifically, this study evaluates the relationships between students’ perceptions of mastery and performance classroom goal structures and secondarily of teacher support as related to academic achievement and motivational and psychological outcomes. The findings document that students’ perception of the mastery emphasis of their classrooms is related to a number of positive socio-emotional outcomes and to academic achievement measures and that extrinsically focused classroom goal structures have an overall negative effect on academic achievement. Also, teachers’ socio-emotional and instructional support was found to relate positively to students’ academic achievement, particularly to normed achievement measures rather than grades, as well as to socio-emotional factors including self-efficacy, interest in class, and prosocial behaviors and goals.
The Society of Women in the History of Othello from Shakespeare to Verdi
Authors: Levenson Jill L.
Published: November 2012

The roles of women change unpredictably as the story of Othello takes shape between the Renaissance and the late nineteenth century. Following the variations chronologically, this article concentrates on four key versions of the narrative in transition, two of them notable works of art: Giraldi Cinthio’s novella in his Hecatommithi (published 1565); Shakespeare’s Othello (c.1602–04); François-Victor Hugo’s translation of Shakespeare’s Othello in his Œuvres complètes de W. Shakespeare (published 1859–65); and Verdi’s Otello (first performed 1887).
Iphigénie à Paris: Gluck and thePhilosophes
Authors: Martin Nathan
Published: November 2012

Recent studies of Gluck’s opera reform have emphasized the range and breadth of its sources, as well as the existence of comparable reform movements in both Parma and Stuttgart. Though a welcome reprieve from earlier writers’ overemphasis on the influence of Rousseau in particular, such revisionist accounts nonetheless risk marginalizing the philosophes’ contributions entirely. In so doing, they ignore Gluck’s own careful cultivation of Rousseau and Diderot. By surveying Gluck’s interactions with these two figures and their ideas, this article offers an implicit plea for the reintegration of the philosophes into reform opera’s family tree.
Death in Veniceand Beyond: Benjamin Britten’s Late Works
Authors: Canton Kimberly Fairbrother , Defalco Amelia , Hutcheon Linda , Hutcheon Michael , Larson Katherine R. , Reichenbächer Helmut
Published: November 2012

This article analyzes Benjamin Britten’s late works through the lenses of late style discourse and theories of aging, showing how these final compositions can be read as a reflection of the ways in which Britten’s illness and physical disability in the last years of his life prematurely ushered the composer into ‘old age’ and its attendant physical and psychological difficulties. From Death in Venice on, Britten’s compositions display an unmistakable preoccupation with mortality, both in terms of subject matter and in terms of an even further finessed concision of musical style. While the stylistic decisions in these last works cannot be divorced from Britten’s very real sense and eventual acceptance of the nearness of his own death, neither can they be wholly accounted for by it, marking as they do an undiminished capacity for creative achievement in the midst of significantly diminished physical capabilities.
Developing Critical Thinking: A Case Study of Teaching a Hemingway Story
Authors: Sharif Mohd Yasmin
Published: November 2012

English Literature is generally taught at tertiary level in Bangladesh to develop the critical and analytical ability of students, so as to enable them to develop their own evaluation and assessment of texts studied in classrooms. Such assumption often proves in vain, because even tertiary level students depend more on their cognitive capacity rather than their creative ability. Thus the ability of a student to think critically seldom grows because critical thinking (ct) is a faculty which only increases with practice and concentration. This paper endeavors to explore critical thinking ability as an important aspect of pedagogy which further enables a learner to be self-confident and inspirational in using his/her acquired knowledge both in the academy as well as in real life situations. The main focus of the paper is the traditional or classical process of literature study in classroom situations we usually practice in this part of the world to develop the psychology, thought process, and maturity of a learner. Literature is thought to have the power to develop or to create curiosity in learners in finding out the critical situation of real world. Again literature is believed to be a collection of characters, reflection of real life, absurdity, and the hundreds and thousands of problems and solutions to be encountered by a learner everyday which develops the faculty in learners to adjust or overcome hurdles in real life. Thus the paper through the analysis of a popular American short story A Clean, Well-Lighted Place by Ernest Hemingway tries to address the problems and solutions related to the teaching/development of critical thinking ability. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/iiucs.v7i0.12255 IIUC Studies Vol.7 2011: 9-24
In vitro Study on Interaction of Ketotifen Fumerate with Paracetamol
Authors: Sayeed Mohammed Aktar , Rana Sohel
Published: November 2012

Interaction of ketotifen fumerate and paracetamol was studied in aqueous media. The ability of interaction of ketotifen with paracetamol is dependent on pH of the solution and it has been found that ketotifen forms 1:1 complexes at different pH. The stability constants have been calculated from the Ardons spectrophotomeric measurements of the reaction systems. When ketotifen was interacted with paracetamol and the absorbance was determined at 300 nm the stability constants were found of - 7.32 and -7.84 at pH 1.6 and 7.4 respectively. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/iiucs.v7i0.12258 IIUC Studies Vol.7 2011: 49-54
The Right to Information Act in Bangladesh: An Analysis in the Light of Johannesburg Principles of Freedom of Information Legislation
Authors: Murad Mohammad Hasan , Hoque Kazi Arshadul
Published: November 2012

Today's knowledge based world is now resonating with the call for meaningful democracy backed by transparency and accountability in the state engine and peoples right of access to information has gained a great importance. In a modern democratic state, the right to information, more popularly described as the right to know, is an indispensable prerequisite. There is no denying the fact that the notion of freedom of thought, of conscience, of speech and rule of law become worthless if the people are deprived of access to information. There appears to have been a universal recognition of the demand and necessity for the establishment of peoples right of access to information. The experience in other countries suggests that this scenario can be changed by empowering people with right to information or freedom of information. The translation of right to information into law has to be done considering a number of principles which are required to be addressed in the law. The article presents an overview of the concept of right to information and attempts to discuss the principles underpinning right to information along with an analysis of to what extent those principles are reflected in the right to information law of Bangladesh. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/iiucs.v7i0.12261 IIUC Studies Vol.7 2011: 73-90
The Tendency of Breaking Arranged Marriages in Indian Subcontinent and Ways of Peaceful Co-Existence in the light of Islam
Authors: Rahman Md Masudur
Published: November 2012

Breaking arranged marriage has become of late a common phenomenon in the Muslim society of the Indian sub continent. For this, misunderstanding, clash and quarrels break out inside the family and society. Family loses money, peace and tranquility. This is disgusting burden for the society and obstacles to development also. This article discusses the reasons of breaking arranged marriages and has given a suggestion to reduce the tendency of misunderstanding of the conjugal life in the light of the religion of Islam. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/iiucs.v7i0.12269 IIUC Studies Vol.7 2011: 221-240
Misyar Marriage between Shari`ah texts, Realities and scholars Fatawa: An Analysis
Authors: Osmani Noor Mohammad
Published: November 2012

Marriage is a sacred bond in Islam that ties a man and a woman into a lifelong relationship of love, compassion, mutual understanding, respect and security. It is a firm pledge that one makes in the name of Allah for one-another. Misyar marriage, Convenience marriage or Travelers marriage is a new form of marriage practiced widely in Saudi Arabia, Egypt and other gulf states. The Misyar bride sacrifices some of her marital rights, such as expenses, fixed duration, and an abode. The scholars in Islam have different opinions about this form of marriage. Some of them supported it vehemently, as it could reduce the number of ladies without husbands; while yet others strongly oppose it, as it sounds like part-time wives, which has no roots in Islamic heritage. The present study therefore aims to explore the real status of Misyar or convenience marriage in the texts from the Quran, Prophets Sunnah, the practices of his rightly guided Companions and the Fatawa of the traditional and modern scholars. It would analyze them in the light of the current realities and situations prevailing in many countries of the Muslim world. The study would adopt a critical yet objective approach in dealing with the issue. It is believed that the study would help the Muslim men and women to have clear insights on the issue based on the Shari`ah texts, scholars Fatawa and present day realities. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/iiucs.v7i0.12495 IIUC Studies Vol.7 2011: 297-320
The Objectives and Intents of Islamic Shari'ah As a Paradigm of Development Strategies and Policies
Authors: Monzur-E-Elahi Mohammad
Published: November 2012

The paper presents that the theory of objectives and intents of Islamic Shari'ah, which is termed as Maqasid al- Shari'ah al-Islamiyah, can provide a vision through which present and future changes and development of the Mankind can be proactively defined, negotiated, led and persuaded. It addresses the issue of the objectives of Islamic Shari'ah not only as a tool for the development within the traditional framework of our legal thought and practice, but within a more extended spectrum of thought that brings the concept of the objectives of Islamic Shari'ah to the overall development as well as the reconstruction of the Muslim thought, personality, culture and civilization. The theme showed in the paper is that the Knowledge of the Objectives of Islamic Shari'ah can play an important role as a universal paradigm in enhancing the abilities and qualities of the Ummah to reach a positive change and development from the present situation. But there is a need to review the Framework based on the Knowledge of the Objectives of Islamic Shari'ah in order to ensure its effectiveness in providing the necessary principles, methods and guidelines required in the processes of development strategy. Thus the paper suggests the ways of restoring back the sense of dynamism to the objective approach of Islamic Shari'ah in creating the methodological, social, educational, epistemological and cultural frameworks as a paradigm of development strategies, policies and processes for the betterment of the contemporary Muslim Ummah. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/iiucs.v7i0.12496 IIUC Studies Vol.7 2011: 321-336
Vulnerability to Climate Change of Mangroves: Assessment from Cameroon, Central Africa
Authors: Ellison Joanna , Zouh Isabella
Published: November 2012

Intertidal mangrove ecosystems are sensitive to climate change impacts, particularly to associated relative sea level rise. Human stressors and low tidal range add to vulnerability, both characteristics of the Doula Estuary, Cameroon. To investigate vulnerability, spatial techniques were combined with ground surveys to map distributions of mangrove zones, and compare with historical spatial records to quantify change over the last few decades. Low technology techniques were used to establish the tidal range and relative elevation of the mapped mangrove area. Stratigraphic coring and palaeobiological reconstruction were used to show the longer term biological history of mangroves and net sedimentation rate, and oral history surveys of local communities were used to provide evidence of recent change and identify possible causes. Results showed that the seaward edge of mangroves had over two thirds of the shoreline experienced dieback at up to 3 m per year over the last three decades, and an offshore mangrove island had suffered 89% loss. Results also showed low net sedimentation rates under seaward edge mangroves, and restricted intertidal elevation habitats of all mangroves, and Avicennia and Laguncularia in particular. To reduce vulnerability, adaptation planning can be improved by reducing the non-climate stressors on the mangrove area, particularly those resulting from human impacts. Other priorities for adaptation planning in mangrove areas that are located in such low tidal range regions are to plan inland migration areas and strategic protected areas for mangroves, and to undertake management activities that enhance accretion within the mangroves.
The Cousins of Stuxnet: Duqu, Flame, and Gauss
Authors: Bencsáth Boldizsár , Pék Gábor , Buttyán Levente , Félegyházi Márk
Published: November 2012

Stuxnet was the first targeted malware that received worldwide attention forcausing physical damage in an industrial infrastructure seemingly isolated from the onlineworld. Stuxnet was a powerful targeted cyber-attack, and soon other malware samples were discovered that belong to this family. In this paper, we will first present our analysis of Duqu, an information-collecting malware sharing striking similarities with Stuxnet. Wedescribe our contributions in the investigation ranging from the original detection of Duquvia finding the dropper file to the design of a Duqu detector toolkit. We then continue with the analysis of the Flame advanced information-gathering malware. Flame is unique in thesense that it used advanced cryptographic techniques to masquerade as a legitimate proxyfor the Windows Update service. We also present the newest member of the family, called Gauss, whose unique feature is that one of its modules is encrypted such that it can onlybe decrypted on its target system; hence, the research community has not yet been able to analyze this module. For this particular malware, we designed a Gauss detector serviceand we are currently collecting intelligence information to be able to break its very specialencryption mechanism. Besides explaining the operation of these pieces of malware, wealso examine if and how they could have been detected by vigilant system administrators manually or in a semi-automated manner using available tools. Finally, we discuss lessonsthat the community can learn from these incidents. We focus on technical issues, and avoidspeculations on the origin of these threats and other geopolitical questions.
Individual Oral Therapy with Immediate Release and Effervescent Formulations Delivered by the Solid Dosage Pen
Authors: Wening Klaus , Laukamp Eva , Thommes Markus , Breitkreutz Jörg
Published: November 2012

New devices enabling freely selectable dosing of solid oral medications are urgently needed for personalized medicine. One approach is the use of the recently published Solid Dosage Pen, allowing flexible dosing of tablet-like sustained release slices from drug loaded extruded strands. Slices were suitable for oral single dosed application. The aim of the present study was the development of immediate release dosage forms for applications of the device, especially for young children. Using two model drugs, two different concepts were investigated and evaluated. Effervescent formulations were manufactured by an organic wet-extrusion process and immediate release formulations by a melt-extrusion process. Dissolution experiments were performed for both formulations to ensure the immediate release behavior. Extruded strands were individually dosed by the Solid Dosage Pen. Various doses of the two formulations were analyzed regarding uniformity of mass and content according to pharmacopoeial specifications. Proof of concept was demonstrated in both approaches as results comply with the regulatory requirements. Furthermore, storing stress tests were performed and drug formulations were characterized after storing. The results show that suitable packaging material has been selected and storage stability is probable.
Azide-Alkyne Huisgen [3+2] Cycloaddition Using CuO Nanoparticles
Authors: Woo Hyunje , Kang Hyuntae , Kim Aram , Jang Seongwan , Park Ji Chan , Park Sungkyun , Kim Byeong-Su , Song Hyunjoon , Park Kang Hyun
Published: November 2012

Recent developments in the synthesis of CuO nanoparticles (NPs) and their application to the [3+2] cycloaddition of azides with terminal alkynes are reviewed. With respect to the importance of click chemistry, CuO hollow NPs, CuO hollow NPs on acetylene black, water-soluble double-hydrophilic block copolymer (DHBC) nanoreactors and ZnO–CuO hybrid NPs were synthesized. Non-conventional energy sources such as microwaves and ultrasound were also applied to these click reactions, and good catalytic activity with high regioselectivity was observed. CuO hollow NPs on acetylene black can be recycled nine times without any loss of activity, and water-soluble DHBC nanoreactors have been developed for an environmentally friendly process.
Vitamin D Interactions with Soy Isoflavones on Bone after Menopause: A Review
Authors: Park Clara , Weaver Connie
Published: November 2012

Vitamin D is known to increase Ca absorption in adults. However, the threshold vitamin D status to benefit Ca absorption is lower than the target vitamin D status for higher bone mineral density and lower fracture risk, pointing to another pathway for vitamin D to benefit bone. One possibility is by affecting osteoblast and osteoclasts directly. Vitamin D-related bone metabolism may also be affected by soy isoflavones, which selectively bind to the estrogen receptor β and may reduce bone loss in postmenopausal women. We discuss a possible synergistic effect of soy isoflavones and vitamin D on bone by affecting osteoblast and osteoclast formation and activity in postmenopausal women.
Tradition with a New Identity: Thomist Engagement with Non-Christian Thought as a Model for the New Comparative Theology in Europe
Authors: Ganeri Martin
Published: November 2012

British theologians have criticised contemporary comparative theology for privileging learning from other religions to the exclusion of challenge and transformation in the Christian encounter with the thought of other religions. Moreover, a wider concern in Britain about contemporary expressions of theology in the academy, including comparative theology, is about their accountability to the ecclesial communities to which theologians belong. This paper aims to retrieve the Thomist engagement with non-Christian thought as a model for contemporary comparative theology that also addresses these concerns. The paper outlines Aquinas’ understanding of Christian theology’s engagement with non-Christian thought as being one of transformation, using the Biblical image of water changing into wine to illustrate what is involved. The paper points to historical examples of Thomist encounters with Indian thought and suggests some new applications. Using the Thomist model for contemporary comparative theology is a case of tradition coming to have a new identity, one that balances learning with challenge and transformation, one that bridges the divide between the academic and the ecclesial exercise of theology.
Flow Injection Analysis of Mercury Using 4-(Dimethylamino) Benzaldehyde-4-Ethylthiosemicarbazone as the Ionophore of a Coated Wire Electrode
Authors: Tahir Tara , Salhin Abdussalam , Ghani Sulaiman
Published: November 2012

A flow injection analysis (FIA) incorporating a thiosemicarbazone-based coated wire electrode (CWE) was developed method for the determination of mercury(II). A 0.1 M KNO3 carrier stream with pH between 1 and 5 and flow rate of 1 mL·min−1 were used as optimum parameters. A linear plot within the concentration range of 5 × 10−6–0.1 M Hg(II), slope of 27.8 ± 1 mV per decade and correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.984 were obtained. The system was successfully applied for the determination of mercury(II) in dental amalgam solutions and spiked environmental water samples. Highly reproducible measurements with relative standard deviation (RSD < 1% (n = 3)) were obtained, giving a typical throughput of 30 samples·h−1.
Scanning Ion Conductance Microscopy for Studying Biological Samples
Authors: Happel Patrick , Thatenhorst Denis , Dietzel Irmgard D.
Published: November 2012

Scanning ion conductance microscopy (SICM) is a scanning probe technique that utilizes the increase in access resistance that occurs if an electrolyte filled glass micro-pipette is approached towards a poorly conducting surface. Since an increase in resistance can be monitored before the physical contact between scanning probe tip and sample, this technique is particularly useful to investigate the topography of delicate samples such as living cells. SICM has shown its potential in various applications such as high resolution and long-time imaging of living cells or the determination of local changes in cellular volume. Furthermore, SICM has been combined with various techniques such as fluorescence microscopy or patch clamping to reveal localized information about proteins or protein functions. This review details the various advantages and pitfalls of SICM and provides an overview of the recent developments and applications of SICM in biological imaging. Furthermore, we show that in principle, a combination of SICM and ion selective micro-electrodes enables one to monitor the local ion activity surrounding a living cell.
Interfacial Structures and Properties of Organic Materials for Biosensors: An Overview
Authors: Zhou Yan , Chiu Cheng-Wei , Liang Hong
Published: November 2012

The capabilities of biosensors for bio-environmental monitoring have profound influences on medical, pharmaceutical, and environmental applications. This paper provides an overview on the background and applications of the state-of-the-art biosensors. Different types of biosensors are summarized and sensing mechanisms are discussed. A review of organic materials used in biosensors is given. Specifically, this review focuses on self-assembled monolayers (SAM) due to their high sensitivity and high versatility. The kinetics, chemistry, and the immobilization strategies of biomolecules are discussed. Other representative organic materials, such as graphene, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and conductive polymers are also introduced in this review.
Indirect Determination of Mercury Ion by Inhibition of a Glucose Biosensor Based on ZnO Nanorods
Authors: Chey Chan , Ibupoto Zafar , Khun Kimleang , Nur Omer , Willander Magnus
Published: November 2012

A potentiometric glucose biosensor based on immobilization of glucose oxidase (GOD) on ZnO nanorods (ZnO-NRs) has been developed for the indirect determination of environmental mercury ions. The ZnO-NRs were grown on a gold coated glass substrate by using the low temperature aqueous chemical growth (ACG) approach. Glucose oxidase in conjunction with a chitosan membrane and a glutaraldehyde (GA) were immobilized on the surface of the ZnO-NRs using a simple physical adsorption method and then used as a potentiometric working electrode. The potential response of the biosensor between the working electrode and an Ag/AgCl reference electrode was measured in a 1mM phosphate buffer solution (PBS). The detection limit of the mercury ion sensor was found to be 0.5 nM. The experimental results provide two linear ranges of the inhibition from 0.5 × 10−6 mM to 0.5 × 10−4 mM, and from 0.5 × 10−4 mM to 20 mM of mercury ion for fixed 1 mM of glucose concentration in the solution. The linear range of the inhibition from 10−3 mM to 6 mM of mercury ion was also acquired for a fixed 10 mM of glucose concentration. The working electrode can be reactivated by more than 70% after inhibition by simply dipping the used electrode in a 10 mM PBS solution for 7 min. The electrodes retained their original enzyme activity by about 90% for more than three weeks. The response to mercury ions was highly sensitive, selective, stable, reproducible, and interference resistant, and exhibits a fast response time. The developed glucose biosensor has a great potential for detection of mercury with several advantages such as being inexpensive, requiring minimum hardware and being suitable for unskilled users.
Simple, Fast and Selective Detection of Adenosine Triphosphate at Physiological pH Using Unmodified Gold Nanoparticles as Colorimetric Probes and Metal Ions as Cross-Linkers
Authors: Deng Dehua , Xia Ning , Li Sujuan , Xu Chunying , Sun Ting , Pang Huan , Liu Lin
Published: November 2012

We report a simple, fast and selective colorimetric assay of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) using unmodified gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as probes and metal ions as cross-linkers. ATP can be assembled onto the surface of AuNPs through interaction between the electron-rich nitrogen atoms and the electron-deficient surface of AuNPs. Accordingly, Cu2+ ions induce a change in the color and UV/Vis absorbance of AuNPs by coordinating to the triphosphate groups and a ring nitrogen of ATP. A detection limit of 50 nM was achieved, which is comparable to or lower than that achievable by the currently used electrochemical, spectroscopic or chromatographic methods. The theoretical simplicity and high selectivity reported herein demonstrated that AuNPs-based colorimetric assay could be applied in a wide variety of fields by rationally designing the surface chemistry of AuNPs. In addition, our results indicate that ATP-modified AuNPs are less stable in Cu2+, Cd2+ or Zn2+-containing solutions due to the formation of the corresponding dimeric metal-ATP complexes.
Power Impact of Loop Buffer Schemes for Biomedical Wireless Sensor Nodes
Authors: Artes Antonio , Ayala Jose , Catthoor Francky
Published: November 2012

Instruction memory organisations are pointed out as one of the major sources of energy consumption in embedded systems. As these systems are characterised by restrictive resources and a low-energy budget, any enhancement in this component allows not only to decrease the energy consumption but also to have a better distribution of the energy budget throughout the system. Loop buffering is an effective scheme to reduce energy consumption in instruction memory organisations. In this paper, the loop buffer concept is applied in real-life embedded applications that are widely used in biomedical Wireless Sensor Nodes, to show which scheme of loop buffer is more suitable for applications with certain behaviour. Post-layout simulations demonstrate that a trade-off exists between the complexity of the loop buffer architecture and the energy savings of utilising it. Therefore, the use of loop buffer architectures in order to optimise the instructionmemory organisation from the energy efficiency point of view should be evaluated carefully, taking into account two factors: (1) the percentage of the execution time of the application that is related to the execution of the loops, and (2) the distribution of the execution time percentage over each one of the loops that form the application.
Immuno-MALDI-MS in Human Plasma and On-Chip Biomarker Characterizations at the Femtomole Level
Authors: Rouleau Alain , Osta Marven , Lucchi Géraldine , Ducoroy Patrick , Boireau Wilfrid
Published: November 2012

Immuno-SPR-MS is the combination of immuno-sensors in biochip format with mass spectrometry. This association of instrumentation allows the detection and the quantification of proteins of interest by SPR and their molecular characterization by additional MS analysis. However, two major bottlenecks must be overcome for a wide diffusion of the SPR-MS analytical platform: (i) To warrant all the potentialities of MS, an enzymatic digestion step must be developed taking into account the spot formats on the biochip and (ii) the biological relevancy of such an analytical solution requires that biosensing must be performed in complex media. In this study, we developed a procedure for the detection and the characterization at ~1 µg/mL of the LAG3 protein spiked in human plasma. The analytical performances of this new method was established, particularly its specificity (S/N > 9) and sensitivity (100% of LAG3 identification with high significant mascot score >68 at the femtomole level). The collective and automated on-chip MALDI-MS imaging and analysis based on peptidic fragments opens numerous applications in the fields of proteomics and diagnosis.
Creating Jobs That Reduce Poverty: A Research Agenda on Developing-Country Gazelles
Authors: Miliaras Chrysanthos
Published: November 2012

Can "gazelles" create jobs and reduce poverty in developing countries? Researchers at RTI International think they might be a key resource in generating the hundreds of millions of jobs needed to absorb new entrants to the global labor market over the next decade. The term "gazelles" refers to a special class of businesses -- most of which are small and medium enterprises (SMEs) -- that have been found to create a vastly disproportionate number of jobs in the United States. Although the link between SMEs and job creation in the US is well established, comparatively little is known about if and how they drive job creation in developing countries. This research report documents a research agenda that will give developing country governments and the donor community information they need to more effectively support SMEs that generate growth, create jobs, and, ultimately, reduce poverty.
L'échographie prénatale: quels enjeux dans la relation ?
Authors: Gourand Luc
Published: November 2012

Résumé En révélant ce qui demeurait jusque-là invisible, l’échographie fait brutalement irruption dans l’indispensable imaginaire parental. Il revient alors au médecin de trouver la parole juste pour accompagner les images, se mettre à l’écoute des parents et de leurs demandes éventuelles... tout en menant avec rigueur son investigation clinique. Un véritable travail de funambule.
L'imagerie médicale dans la relation de soin enjeux psychiques et éthiques
Authors: Potier Rémy
Published: November 2012

Résumé Les techniques d’imagerie médicale ont investi le langage contemporain sur le corps et modifié la perception que nous en avons. Un transfert s’opère du corps réel vers un corps construit, autre, qui nous est et nous demeure étranger. Psychanalyste, Rémy Potier montre comment l’image de soi peut être mise à l’épreuve par l’imagerie médicale.
Reliability of Fish Size Estimates Obtained From Multibeam Imaging Sonar
Authors: Hightower Joseph E. , Magowan Kevin J. , Brown Lori M. , Fox Dewayne A.
Published: November 2012

Multibeam imaging sonars have considerable potential for use in fisheries surveys because the video-like images are easy to interpret, and they contain information about fish size, shape, and swimming behavior, as well as characteristics of occupied habitats. We examined images obtained using a dual-frequency identification sonar (DIDSON) multibeam sonar for Atlantic sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus, striped bass Morone saxatilis, white perch M. americana, and channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus of known size (20–141 cm) to determine the reliability of length estimates. For ranges up to 11 m, percent measurement error (sonar estimate – total length)/total length × 100 varied by species but was not related to the fish's range or aspect angle (orientation relative to the sonar beam). Least-square mean percent error was significantly different from 0.0 for Atlantic sturgeon (x̄  =  −8.34, SE  =  2.39) and white perch (x̄  = 14.48, SE  =  3.99) but not striped bass (x̄  =  3.71, SE  =  2.58) or channel catfish (x̄  = 3.97, SE  =  5.16). Underestimating lengths of Atlantic sturgeon may be due to difficulty in detecting the snout or the longer dorsal lobe of the heterocercal tail. White perch was the smallest species tested, and it had the largest percent measurement errors (both positive and negative) and the lowest percentage of images classified as good or acceptable. Automated length estimates for the four species using Echoview software varied with position in the view-field. Estimates tended to be low at more extreme azimuthal angles (fish's angle off-axis within the view-field), but mean and maximum estimates were highly correlated with total length. Software estimates also were biased by fish images partially outside the view-field and when acoustic crosstalk occurred (when a fish perpendicular to the sonar and at relatively close range is detected in the side lobes of adjacent beams). These sources of bias are apparent when files are processed manually and can be filtered out when producing automated software estimates. Multibeam sonar estimates of fish size should be useful for research and management if these potential sources of bias and imprecision are addressed.
Les espaces verts urbains : étude exploratoire des pratiques et du ressenti des usagers
Authors: Long Nathalie , Tonini Brice
Published: November 2012

De nos jours la végétation, par opposition au minéral, occupe une place importante dans le tissu urbain des villes occidentales. Elle est de plus en plus désirée par les urbains pour leur permettre de supporter la ville, de l'accepter dans leurs pratiques et usages quotidiens. Les espaces verts sont des lieux de détente et de récréation, prisés par les citadins (Emelianoff, 2007; Da Cunha, 2009). Les apports de la végétation sont indéniables : elle est une source de bien-être et de plaisir, et son pouvoir apaisant contribue à la réduction de certains maux urbains comme la pollution de l'eau et de l'air ou l'îlot de chaleur urbain. (Akbari, 2002; Nowak et al., 2006; Matusoka et al., 2008). Si 7 Français sur 10 choisissent aujourd'hui leur lieu de vie en fonction de la présence d'espace vert à proximité de leur habitation (UNEP, 2008), les raisons de cet engouement sont diverses : relaxation, rencontre des autres habitants ou pratique d'un sport ou d'une activité récréative (Sanesi et al., 2006). D'après une enquête menée sur les pratiques et le ressenti de visiteurs de trois parcs urbains nantais et auprès d'habitants d'un quartier durable d'Angers, il en ressort une volonté réelle des usagers de faire une coupure avec la ville, de se retrouver dans un endroit calme ou de pratiquer une activité. L'ambiance du parc (entretenu/sauvage) ne semble pas avoir d'influence sur le ressenti des usagers. Ces résultats permettent de cerner les demandes de nature pour pouvoir mieux y répondre lors de futurs aménagements urbains.
« Marchands de nature » : 20 ans de communication institutionnelle dans la métropole lyonnaise de 1989 à 2009
Authors: Méliani Inès , Arnould Paul
Published: November 2012

Dans le débat sur « quelle place pour la nature dans les métropoles? », l’agglomération lyonnaise constitue un cas exemplaire. Dans le jeu concurrentiel qui l’oppose aux autres grandes métropoles européennes, les discours promotionnels véhiculés par les services de communication utilisent la nature comme une ressource au service de l’urbanisme et de l’aménagement pour donner l’image d’une métropole verte. La réflexion proposée repose sur l’analyse lexicométrique d’articles issus de la presse institutionnelle lyonnaise de 1989 à 2009. Une approche diachronique interroge le recours à la nature sous les mandats successifs de Michel Noir, Raymond Barre et Gérard Collomb. Une utilisation des techniques de traitement de données quantitatives et qualitatives contextualise et donne du sens aux contenus de ces articles. Le dépouillement de l’intégralité des journaux couvrant la période d’étude porte sur 441 articles. Les résultats montrent l’ambivalence de la thématique nature en milieu urbain. Au début des années 1990, la métropole lyonnaise met en place les modalités d’action et les outils de sa politique environnementale. Vingt ans plus tard, l’artificialisation des sols gagne pourtant toujours du terrain au détriment des espaces de nature. Entre actions concrètes et durables, nous postulons que la nature est de plus en plus instrumentalisée, c’est-à-dire utilisée de manière détournée à des fins de marketing territorial. La mobilisation des objets de nature mêle des références philosophiques, des préoccupations sociales, des objectifs écologiques et des aspects marchands.La nature des uns n’est pas forcément celle des autres.
Extension urbaine et protection naturelle : La difficile expérience d’Abidjan
Authors: Oura Raphaël Kouadio
Published: November 2012

Les métropoles, dans une dynamique spatiale accélérée, engendrent des effets néfastes sur la nature, comme c’est le cas d’Abidjan. Cette métropole africaine s’individualise par son urbanisation accélérée, hébergeant plus de trois millions de citadins. Pourtant, depuis son érection en capitale ivoirienne, les planificateurs ont prévu son développement. Pour ne pas mettre en péril la biodiversité face à la croissance économique, l’État adopta une politique au service de l’écosystème urbain avec la création d’un parc national à l’intérieur d’Abidjan et d’une forêt classée (Anguédédou) à la périphérie nord de la ville. Mais au-delà des retombées économiques, que de difficultés de gestion du croît démographique! Au niveau économique, l’activité informelle se développe dans l’anarchie. Les gouvernements tentent vainement de les réorganiser et les impacts environnementaux sont significatifs. Le développement des activités économiques en bordure des voies routières rend difficiles les tentatives de verdissement de la ville. À cela s’ajoute la réduction significative des espaces naturels au profit de l’immobilier. Abidjan s’étale pour répondre à la forte demande de logement des citadins quand l’agriculture périurbaine s’hypothèque continuellement. La dégradation du patrimoine naturel d’Abidjan est tellement préoccupante que les impacts de la pression démographique s’étendent aux aires protégées. Pour la pratique agricole, certaines populations ont infiltré ces dernières années la forêt classée d’Anguédédou et s’y sont même établies. La menace d’extinction de la forêt primaire de la périphérie abidjanaise est réelle alors que les mesures de lutte contre la dégradation de l’environnement urbain ne semblent pas prendre en compte le problème de l’étalement de la métropole.