bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Habermas sobre a comunicação sistematicamente distorcida
Authors: Barbieri Durão Aylton , Balbino de Amorim Barbieri Durão Adja
Published: September 2012

Habermas desenvolveu a teoria da ação comunicativa mostrando como os problemas de comunicação entre os falantes podem ser resolvidos a partir da própria autorreferencialidade inerente à linguagem ordinária ou, em casos mais graves, mediante os discursos racionais. Contudo, ele mostrou também que existem formas de comunicação sistematicamente distorcidas como a neurose e a ideologia, nas quais, ao contrário de Wittgenstein,que considerava não existir uma linguagem privada. Tratava-se somente de um mal entendimento sobre o correto funcionamento de nossa linguagem, pois são formas reais da linguagem privada porque a reconstrução linguística da Psicanálise demonstrou que o neurótico, diante de uma situação insustentável da primeira infância, substitui o símbolo reprimido por um símbolo insuspeito que passa a ocupar o seu lugar. Origina o comportamento repetitivo do enfermo, mas que pode ser recordado de maneira constante,o que desmente também o primado que Gadamer atribuiu à hermenêutica. A comunicação sistematicamente distorcida não pode ser superada simplesmente pelo adestramento da habilidade de interpretação a partir do contexto, mas requer a passagem para discursos clínicos em que o paciente deve fazer a experiência da autorreflexão
Kant e a noção de pessoa
Authors: Menezes Edmilson
Published: September 2012

Uma perspectiva importante da filosofia prática kantiana é: somente os seres racionais são passíveis de dignidade, e o homem torna-se o marco desse valor. A razão relaciona cada máxima da vontade com todas as outras vontades e todas as ações para conosco.Isto não se dá em virtude de qualquer outro motivo ou vantagem futura, mas por causada própria ideia de dignidade de um ser que não obedece à outra lei senão a autolegislada.Nada equivale a um homem, salvo outro homem. Por isso, no convívio das liberdades, os homens se devem o respeito em toda individualidade. A moralidade é a única condição que pode fazer de um ser racional um fim em si mesmo. Portanto, a moral e humanidade são as únicas coisas que têm dignidade. O objetivo deste trabalho é entender a formulação prática desenvolvida pelo filósofo na atribuição exclusiva da dignidade ao estatuto de pessoa
The second analogy and the kantian answer to Hume: why “cause” has to be an a priori concept
Authors: Faggion Andrea
Published: September 2012

The main goal of Kant’s Second Analogy of Experience was to answer Humean objectionsconcerning the aprioricity of the principle of “every-event-some-cause”. This paper intendsto suggest an interpretation of the Kantian argument that, even though cannot show thatHume should be satisfied with the answer, makes clear Kant’s reasons for that anti-Humeangoal. In the first part of this paper, I intend to discuss summarily Hume’s objection againstthe possibility of a demonstration of the principle “every-event-some-cause” and his thesisconcerning its validity. In the second part, it is the turn of the Kantian answer to thesame question concerning the validity of the principle of “every-event-some-cause”.
Estética orteguiana: raízes kantianas
Authors: João dos Santos das Neves Maria
Published: September 2012

Ortega y Gasset enriqueceu os seus estudos na Alemanha entre 1905 e 1908, nas cidades de Leipzig, Berlim e Marburgo, tendo sido aqui discípulo do neokantiano HermannCohen. Tomando essa circunstância como ponto de partida, propõe-se, neste artigo,levar a cabo uma indagação sobre as ideias estéticas de Ortega, contrastando com os fundamentos das fontes kantianas ou neokantianas da sua formação universitária alemã,traçar uma linha que permita demarcar claramente até onde Ortega segue Kant e onde,pelo contrário, o filósofo espanhol trilha o seu solitário e original caminho. Tomam-se como baluartes desta análise os quatro momentos do juízo de gosto inerentes à terceira crítica kantiana e a questão da genialidade.
Study of the Catechol‐O‐Methyltransferase (COMT) Gene with High Aggression in Children
Authors: Hirata Yuko , Zai Clement C. , Nowrouzi Behdin , Beitchman Joseph H. , Kennedy James L.
Published: September 2012

The etiology of childhood‐onset aggression (COA) is poorly understood, but early COA can be considered as a strong risk factor for adult delinquency and criminal behavior. Callous‐unemotional (CU) traits have been proposed as a developmental model of antisocial behavior. Catechol O‐methyltransferase (COMT) has been associated with aggression, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and other psychiatric disorders. We report an association study between COMT single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), childhood aggression, and the CU trait in our sample of 144 children with scores at or exceeding the 90th percentile on the aggression subscale of the parent‐reported Child Behavior Checklist and the Teacher's Report Form. The genotype analysis of rs6269 showed nominally significant association (P = .019) and rs4818 showed a trend (P = .064) with COA. Trends were observed for rs6269 and rs4818 with CU scores (P < .10) as well. The analyses stratified by ADHD, or gender showed no significant results. This is the first report to our knowledge evaluating COMT SNPs with the phenotype of high aggression in children with a possible role for the COMT marker in CU traits. Given the importance of CU traits in antisocial behavior, further investigation of COMT is warranted. Aggr. Behav. 39:45‐51, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Advances in Supramolecular Electronics – From Randomly Self‐assembled Nanostructures to Addressable Self‐Organized Interconnects
Authors: Moulin Emilie , Cid Juan‐José , Giuseppone Nicolas
Published: September 2012

Supramolecular organic electronics rests on the use of bottom‐up chemical self‐assembly processes in order to design conducting components on the 5–100 nm scale. The challenges in this field are both the construction of 1D‐nanostructures displaying optimized transport properties and their precise connections to electrodes. The present Research News highlights important advances in such materials regarding their electrical performances, from semiconductors to organic metals, but also regarding their processability. In particular, by externally controlling light‐responsive supramolecular polymerization processes, and by using appropriate methods of casting with an applied electric field, it becomes possible to pre‐determine the accurate positioning of organic interconnects within patterned nano‐circuitry. These strategies using external stimuli to obtain addressability, thus hold promising alternatives to other conducting materials such as carbon nanotubes for further technological applications in nanosciences.
Hydration shells with a pinch of salt
Authors: Zaccai Giuseppe
Published: September 2012

The discovery of extreme halophile microorganisms in the Dead Sea, which are specifically dependent on a multimolar salt environment to survive, stimulated major developments in biology and physical chemistry. The minireview focuses on the molecular level. After a brief introduction to the history of halophile studies, protein and nucleic acid solvent interactions and their influence on macromolecular structure stabilization and dynamics are discussed. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 99: 233–238, 2013.
Ultrathin Ca‐PO4‐CO3 Solid‐Solution Nanowires: A Controllable Synthesis and Full‐Color Emission by Rare‐Earth Doping
Authors: Hui Junfeng , Yu Qiyu , Long Yong , Zhang Zhicheng , Yang Yong , Wang Pengpeng , Xu Biao , Wang Xun
Published: September 2012

It was found that calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and hydroxyapatite (Ca10(OH)2(PO4)6), which are two crucial constituents of the most abundant minerals in nature and very important bioinorganic components in the tissues of mineralizing organisms, can form solid solutions in a wide range of PO43−/CO32− (P/C) ratios at low temperature when prepared as ultrathin nanowire structures. This is due to the special reactivity of ultrasmall nanocrystals, which can effectively lower the synthetic temperature and promote the formation of solid solutions. The as‐prepared ultrathin nanowires with suitable P/C ratios presented strong blue luminescence due to the existence of abundant defects strengthened by CO32−. If used as the matrix, the as‐prepared ultrathin nanowires demonstrated bright green or red luminescent properties when doped with Tb3+ or Eu3+ ions, and simultaneously retained their original morphologies. These three kinds of fluorescent nanowires could reproduce a full range of luminescence colors based on additive color mixtures of the three primary colors (red, green, and blue). In addition, under the same reaction system, ultrafine rare‐earth‐doped (Ce3+, Tb3+, Eu3+) nanowires (about 1 nm in diameter) were synthesized by using a one‐step hydrothermal process, which further pushed the size of the Ca‐PO4‐CO3 nanobuilding blocks to one unit cell region. These ultrafine nanowires displayed excellent film‐forming properties and the ability to absorb UV radiation.
A Thorough Investigation of the Active Titanium Species in TS‐1 Zeolite by In Situ UV Resonance Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Guo Qiang , Sun Keju , Feng Zhaochi , Li Guanna , Guo Meiling , Fan Fengtao , Li Can
Published: September 2012

A thorough investigation of the active titanium species in TS‐1 zeolite was conducted by in situ UV resonance Raman spectroscopy combined with UV/Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, DFT calculations, and epoxidation experiments. A new titanium species was identified with a characteristic Raman band at 695 cm−1 when excited at the 266 nm laser line. It is shown that the newly found titanium species is active in the epoxidation reactions in addition to the tetrahedrally coordinated titanium species. However, the acidity of the new titanium species could catalyze the ring‐opening reactions of the epoxy products. It results in a lower selectivity toward the epoxy products relative to that of the tetrahedrally coordinated titanium species. The side reaction can be suppressed by the addition of a weak basic reagent.
Clinical responses to selumetinib (AZD6244; ARRY‐142886)‐based combination therapy stratified by gene mutations in patients with metastatic melanoma
Authors: Patel Sapna P. , Lazar Alexander J. , Papadopoulos Nicholas E. , Liu Ping , Infante Jeffrey R. , Glass Michelle R. , Vaughn Carol S. , LoRusso Patricia M. , Cohen Roger B. , Davies Michael A. , Kim Kevin B.
Published: September 2012

BACKGROUND:

The high prevalence of v‐raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B1 (BRAF) and neuroblastoma v‐ras oncogene homolog (NRAS) mutations in melanoma provides a strong rationale to test the clinical efficacy of mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) inhibition in this disease. The authors hypothesized that the presence of BRAF or NRAS mutations would correlate with clinical benefit among patients who received treatment with combination regimens that included the MEK inhibitor selumetinib.

METHODS:

BRAF and NRAS mutation status was determined retrospectively in available tissue specimens from patients with melanoma who were enrolled in a phase 1 trial of selumetinib in combination with 1 of 4 drugs (dacarbazine, docetaxel, temsirolimus, or erlotinib). The clinical response rate and the time to progression (TTP) were assessed as a function of BRAF and NRAS mutation status.

RESULTS:

Among 18 patients analyzed, 9 patients (50%) harbored a BRAF mutation (8 had a valine‐to‐glutamic acid substitution at residue 600 [V600E]; 1 had an arginine nonsense mutation at residue 603 [R603]), 4 patients (22%) harbored an NRAS mutation (2 had a glutamine‐to‐arginine substitution at residue 61 [Q61R], 1 had a glutamine‐to‐lysine substitution at residue 61 [Q61K], and 1 had a glycine‐to‐lysine substitution at residue 12 [G12S]), and 5 patient (28%) had the wild type of both genes. These mutations were mutually exclusive. Among the 9 patients who had BRAF mutations, 5 patients (56%) achieved a partial response, and 4 patients (44%) achieved stable disease for at least 6 weeks. No patient with the wild‐type BRAF gene achieved a clinical response (P = .01 vs patients with BRAF mutations). The presence of an NRAS mutation did not correlate with the clinical response rate. The presence of a BRAF mutation was correlated significantly with the TTP in a multivariate model (hazard ratio, 0.22; P = .02 vs wild‐type BRAF).

CONCLUSIONS:

Higher response rates and longer TTP were observed with selumetinib‐containing regimens in patients who had tumors that harbored a BRAF mutation compared with patients who had wild‐type BRAF. Cancer 2013. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Assessing the critical period for Rho kinase activity during Drosophila ventral furrow formation
Authors: Krajcovic Melissa M. , Minden Jonathan S.
Published: September 2012

Background: Drosophila ventral furrow formation (VFF), which is the first morphogenetic event during embryo development, serves as a model for epithelial sheet folding. VFF can be subdivided into five cell shape changes: apical membrane flattening, apicobasal nuclear migration, apicobasal cell shortening, random apical constriction, and concerted apical constriction. These processes are generally believed to be driven by Rho kinase (Rok) activation of myosin II to stimulate the constriction of the apical actomyosin network. To test the role of Rok and its downstream target myosin II in VFF, timed injections of the Rok inhibitor, Y‐27632, were performed. Results: Embryos injected with Y‐27632 before the concerted apical constriction phase of VFF were able to execute apicobasal nuclear migration and random apical constriction, but were unable to enter the concerted apical constriction phase. Embryos injected with Y‐27632 during concerted apical constriction reverted to the transition point between random apical constriction and concerted apical constriction. Finally, embryos injected with Y‐27632 upon the initiation of furrow ingression were able to complete VFF. Conclusions: Together these results suggest a critical period for Rok activity and presumably myosin II activation during the initiation of the concerted apical constriction phase of VFF. Developmental Dynamics 241:1729–1743, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Bis(pyrrole) Schiff Base Containing a Flexible Siloxane Bridge and Its NiII Complex
Authors: Vlad Angelica , Turta Constantin , Cazacu Maria , Rusu Elena , Shova Sergiu
Published: September 2012

A Schiff base, H2L, containing a siloxane bridge was prepared by condensation of pyrrole‐2‐carboxaldehyde with a siloxane diamine, 1,3‐bis(3‐aminopropyl)tetramethyldisiloxane. The proper nickel(II) complex, NiL, was obtained by in situ generation of the ligand in the presence of nickel chloride. The synthesized compounds were characterized by elemental analysis and common spectroscopic (FTIR, 1H NMR, UV/Vis) techniques. Both compounds were structurally characterized by X‐ray crystallography. NiL is a discrete mononuclear nickel complex with a tetrahedrally distorted square‐planar N4 environment. The thermal behavior of the ligand and nickel complex was studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).
Transformation of terpenes into fine chemicals
Authors: Schwab Wilfried , Fuchs Christopher , Huang Fong‐Chin
Published: September 2012

The chemical industry has flourished in the 20th century due to the massive supply of cheap crude oil. However, growing concerns about the dependence on imported oil and the awareness that the world's oil supplies are limited have prompted interest in exploring nature's richness of plant sources. Plants offer enormous potential as cost‐effective, unlimited, environmentally friendly production systems that make efficient use of light energy and supply raw materials for the production of fuels, bulk, and fine chemicals. Terpenes are one of the largest and most diverse classes of organic compounds produced by all plants. They are derived biosynthetically from isoprene units, which consist of five carbon atoms. Due to their high abundance they have attracted attention as a class of natural products that can be converted into novel and valuable compounds commercially important for the industrial production of fragrances, perfumes, flavors, and pharmaceuticals as well as useful synthetic intermediates and chiral building blocks. The review focuses on the use of terpenes available from renewable resources in the fine chemicals industry. Chemical and biotechnological approaches are highlighted.
Resins that reversibly bind algae for harvesting and concentration
Authors: Jones Jessica , Beran Christine , Beach James , Poenie Martin
Published: September 2012

Algae have great potential to address a number of important needs such as water remediation and as a feedstock for biofuel and biochemicals. At present, harvesting or removing algae is expensive, especially in terms of the cost of making biofuel. The expense of harvesting algae arises from the cost of pumping and processing large amounts of water. In an effort to explore less expensive methods for harvesting, a series of weak anion exchange resins incorporating various weak bases with different pKa values were developed to bind and release algae as a function of pH. The best of these resins bind about 10% of their weight in algae, show 100% reversibility and reusability, and the ability to concentrate algae from dilute suspension to 30 g L−1. Furthermore, they have the potential for desalting algae grown in high salt media. These resins provide a low cost method for harvesting algae without pumping water or introducing large amounts of chemicals into the feedwater, harvested algae, or the environment. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 32: 1143–1149, 2013
Annual to decadal morphodynamics of the foredune system at Greenwich Dunes, Prince Edward Island, Canada
Authors: Ollerhead Jeff , Davidson‐Arnott Robin , Walker Ian J. , Mathew Sojan
Published: September 2012

The purpose of this study was to quantify relationships between season, sediment availability, sediment transport pathways, and beach/foredune morphology at Greenwich Dunes, PEI. This was done for periods ranging from a few days to multiple decades using erosion pins, bedframe measurements, annual surveys, and digital photogrammetry using historical aerial photographs. The relative significance of seasonal/annual processes versus response of the foredune system to broader geomorphic controls (e.g. relative sea level rise, storms, etc.) was also assessed.

The data show that there are clear seasonal differences in the patterns of sand supply from the beach to the foredune at Greenwich and that there are differences in sediment supply to the foredune between the east and west reaches of the study area, resulting in ongoing differences in foredune morphology. They also demonstrate that models that incorporate wind climate alone, or even models that include other factors like beach moisture, would not be able to predict the amount of sediment movement from the beach to the foredune in this environment unless there were some way to parameterize system morphology, especially the presence or absence of a dune ramp.

Finally, the data suggest that the foredune can migrate landward while maintaining its form via transfers of sediment from the stoss slope, over the crest, and onto the lee slope. Although the rate of foredune development or recovery after disturbance changes over time due to morphological feedback, the overall decadal evolution of the foredune system at Greenwich is consistent with, and supports, the Davidson‐Arnott (2005) conceptual model of dune transgression under rising sea level. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
EcoWellness: The Missing Factor in Holistic Wellness Models
Authors: Reese Ryan F. , Myers Jane E.
Published: September 2012

A growing body of multidisciplinary literature has delineated the benefits that natural environments have on physical and mental health. Current wellness models in counseling do not specifically address the impact of nature on wellness or how the natural world can be integrated into counseling. The concept of EcoWellness is presented as the missing link in wellness models and counseling. Integrating EcoWellness in counseling provides new and potentially powerful interventions to enhance wellness across the life span.
The Counseling Profession in Russia: Historical Roots, Current Trends, and Future Perspectives
Authors: Currie Christine L. , Kuzmina Marina V. , Nadyuk Ruslan I.
Published: September 2012

Psychology was established in Russia before the Communist era. The social work profession was created in 1991 for a society in turmoil after the collapse of the Soviet Union. In 2011, the counseling profession officially emerged as a branch of social work called social psychological help. Professional counseling associations are in the formative stage. Concern about mental health issues, particularly substance abuse, suggests that the counseling profession could continue to grow in Russia.
“I Am the Rock Goddess of Lyrics”: Writerly Identities of Adolescents Returning to School
Authors: Bickerstaff Susan
Published: September 2012

While a long tradition of sociocultural literacy research suggests that out‐of‐school youth engage in a range of meaningful literacy practices, we know little about how programs for returning students foster or constrain students’ literate identities. Drawing on data from a qualitative study conducted in a community college‐based program for out‐of‐school youth, this paper explores the literacy practices and identities of adolescents returning to school. The data indicate that participants have active out‐of‐school writing lives and robust writerly identities enacted in relationship with peers and literacy mentors. However, for most students, the return to school resulted in a disruption to those writerly identities as they struggled to meet the program's expectations for academic literacy. This paper suggests opportunities for educators to capitalize on students’ out‐of‐school literacy practices and the fullness of their identities as shaped by their experiences in and out of high school.
1H‐MR spectroscopy and diffusion tensor imaging of normal‐appearing temporal white matter in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma after irradiation: Initial experience
Authors: Xiong Wei Feng , Qiu Shi Jun , Wang Hong Zhuo , Lv Xiao Fei
Published: September 2012

Purpose:

To detect radiation‐induced changes of temporal lobe normal‐appearing white mater (NAWM) following radiation therapy (RT) for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

Materials and Methods:

Seventy‐five H1‐MR spectroscopy and diffusion‐tensor imaging (DTI) examinations were performed in 55 patients before and after receiving fractionated radiation therapy (total dose; 66–75GY). We divided the dataset into six groups, a pre‐RT control group and five other groups based on time after completion of RT. N‐acetylaspartic acid (NAA)/choline (Cho), NAA/creatine (Cr), Cho/Cr, mean diffusibility (MD), functional anisotropy (FA), radial diffusibility (λ⟂), and axial diffusibility (λ||) were calculated.

Results:

NAA/Cho and NAA/Cr decreased and λ⟂ increased significantly within 1 year after RT compared with pre‐RT. After 1 year, NAA/Cho, NAA/Cr, and λ⟂ were not significantly different from pre‐RT. In all post‐RT groups, FA decreased significantly. λ|| decreased within 9 months after RT compared with pre‐RT, but was not significantly different from pre‐RT more than 9 months after RT.

Conclusion:

DTI and H1‐MR spectroscopy can be used to detect early radiation‐induced changes of temporal lobe NAWM following radiation therapy for NPC. Metabolic alterations and water diffusion characteristics of temporal lobe NAWM in patients with NPC after RT were dynamic and transient. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;37:101–108. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Clonal differences in antioxidant activity and bioactive constituents of hardy kiwifruit (Actinidia arguta) and its year‐to‐year variability
Authors: Latocha Piotr , Wołosiak Rafał , Worobiej Elwira , Krupa Tomasz
Published: September 2012

Background

Hardy kiwifruit (Actinidia arguta) is a new species, commercially grown in recent years. Total phenolics (TPC), vitamin C (TAA) content, antioxidant activity (AA) and their year‐to‐year variability in seven hardy kiwifruit clones were evaluated. TPC was determined using the Folin–Ciocalteu reagent assay. TAA was estimated by determination of l‐ascorbic acid and l‐dehydroascorbic acid levels using high‐performance liquid chromatography. AA was measured using diphenyl‐1‐picryl‐hydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and OH radicals.

Results

The highest content of vitamin C, in all seasons, was found in D11 (1447–2181 mg kg−1 fresh weight) and phenolics for D11 and M1 clones (2583–3312 and 2228–3414 mg gallic acid equivalents kg−1 fresh weight, respectively). TPC and TAA content showed significant differences between hardy kiwifruit clones and showed significant year‐to‐year variability. Each year, the level of AA was significantly higher for D11 (DPPH, ABTS). AA was strongly correlated with TPC and TAA content in Actinidia fruit.

Conclusion

Hardy kiwifruit are an important source of vitamin C and phenolics, which resulted in their good antioxidant potential. A significantly higher content of these compounds was found in fruit of hybrid origin, which suggests that A. purpurea × A. arguta clones may be useful genetic resources for further interspecific hybridization. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Yield, physicochemical traits, antioxidant pattern, polyphenol oxidase activity and total visual quality of field‐grown processing tomato cv. Brigade as affected by water stress in Mediterranean climate
Authors: Barbagallo Riccardo N , Di Silvestro Isabella , Patanè Cristina
Published: September 2012

Background

The ‘processing tomato’ is an important source of natural antioxidants whose concentration depends, along with other parameters, on water availability. In order to better understand the mechanisms that regulate the response to water stress, a study was carried out in a typically semi‐arid Mediterranean environment to investigate the yield, chemical composition and visual quality of tomato cv. ‘Brigade’ field grown under no irrigation (V0) in comparison with those of the conventional fully irrigated crop (V100).

Results

The stressful conditions of V0 affected the total yield. Nevertheless, fruits exhibited an increase in firmness (+27%), total solids (+23%) and total soluble solids (+5%). The dynamic balance between the antioxidant pattern and polyphenol oxidase activity under water stress conditions resulted in fruits with increased antioxidant activity (+12%), due to a decline in enzyme activity (−48%) and a rise in vitamin C (+20%) and total phenolic (+13%) contents.

Conclusion

It is possible to manage water stress by applying water‐saving irrigation strategies in order to promote the quality and nutritional properties of tomatoes while also contributing to saving water. This is a relevant aspect in processing tomato cultivation in semi‐arid environments, where both the cost and availability of irrigation water represent a rising problem in agricultural activities.© 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Mycorrhizal technology and phosphorus in the production of primary and secondary metabolites in cebil (Anadenanthera colubrina (Vell.) Brenan) seedlings
Authors: Pedone‐Bonfim Maria VL , Lins Márlon A , Coelho Ieda R , Santana Angelo S , Silva Fábio SB , Maia Leonor C
Published: September 2012

Background

The application of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can increase the growth and concentration of primary and secondary metabolites in several plant species. Cebil (Anadenanthera colubrina), a medicinal plant, benefits from mycorrhizal association, but the influence of the symbiosis on the production of its bioactive compounds is unknown. In this study the effect of mycorrhizal inoculation and phosphorus (P) supply on the production of primary and secondary metabolites in cebil seedlings was determined.

Results

The production of proteins and carbohydrates in terms of both concentration and content was enhanced by inoculation with AMF, but this benefit was mitigated at higher levels of P (30 and 50 mg dm−3 soil). The concentration of phenols, flavonoids and total tannins was favoured by mycorrhizal inoculation even at the highest levels of P (30 and 50 mg dm−3 soil).

Conclusion

The production of primary and secondary metabolites in leaves of A. colubrina can be maximised by mycorrhization, with the benefit depending on supplementation of soil phosphate.© 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
What Does this Gift Say about Me, You, and Us? The Role of Adolescents’ Gift Giving in Managing their Impressions among their Peers
Authors: Segev Ruthie , Shoham Aviv , Ruvio Ayalla
Published: September 2012

This study examines adolescents’ gift giving using a qualitative methodology, based on impression management theory. Gift‐giving motives and the characteristics of the chosen gifts indicated that adolescents use gift giving instrumentally to manage and protect their impressions among their peers. The study extends the literature on adolescents’ gift giving, and provides evidence regarding different types of gifts such as joint, neutral, and twofold gifts. Additionally, some gifts are aimed at strengthening similarity and bind the extended selves of givers and receivers.
The enzymes of biotin dependent CO2 metabolism: What structures reveal about their reaction mechanisms
Authors: Waldrop Grover L. , Holden Hazel M. , Maurice Martin St.
Published: September 2012

Biotin is the major cofactor involved in carbon dioxide metabolism. Indeed, biotin‐dependent enzymes are ubiquitous in nature and are involved in a myriad of metabolic processes including fatty acid synthesis and gluconeogenesis. The cofactor, itself, is composed of a ureido ring, a tetrahydrothiophene ring, and a valeric acid side chain. It is the ureido ring that functions as the CO2 carrier. A complete understanding of biotin‐dependent enzymes is critically important for translational research in light of the fact that some of these enzymes serve as targets for anti‐obesity agents, antibiotics, and herbicides. Prior to 1990, however, there was a dearth of information regarding the molecular architectures of biotin‐dependent enzymes. In recent years there has been an explosion in the number of three‐dimensional structures reported for these proteins. Here we review our current understanding of the structures and functions of biotin‐dependent enzymes. In addition, we provide a critical analysis of what these structures have and have not revealed about biotin‐dependent catalysis.
Spin beam splitter based on Goos–Hänchen shifts in two‐dimensional electron gas modulated by ferromagnetic and Schottky metal stripes
Authors: Lu Mao‐Wang , Huang Xin‐Hong , Zhang Gui‐Lin , Chen Sai‐Yan
Published: September 2012

We present a theoretical study on the spin‐dependent Goos–Hänchen (GH) effect in a two‐dimensional electron gas modulated by ferromagnetic and Schottky metal (SM) stripes. The GH shifts for spin electron beams across this device are calculated with the help of the stationary phase method. It is shown that the GH shift of spin‐up beam is significantly different from that of spin‐down beam, i.e., this device shows up a considerable spin polarization effect in GH shifts of electron beams. It also is shown that both magnitude and sign of spin polarization of GH shifts are closely related to the stripe width, the magnetic strength and the gated voltage under SM stripe. These interesting properties not only provide an effective method of spin injection for spintronics application, but also give rise to a tunable spin beam splitter.
Antiulcer Effect of Bark Extract of Tabebuia avellanedae: Activation of Cell Proliferation in Gastric Mucosa During the Healing Process
Authors: Pereira Isabela Tiemy , Burci Lígia Moura , da Silva Luisa Mota , Baggio Cristiane Hatsuko , Heller Melina , Micke Gustavo Amadeu , Pizzolatti Moacir Geraldo , Marques Maria Consuelo Andrade , de Paula Werner Maria Fernanda
Published: September 2012

Tabebuia avellanedae (syn. Handroanthus impetiginosus) is popularly known as ‘ipê‐roxo’ and has been used in folk medicine as anti‐inflammatory and in the treatment of ulcers, bacterial and fungal infections. This study evaluated the gastric ulcer healing property of the ethanolic extract (EET) of barks from Tabebuia avellanedae and investigated the mechanisms that may underlie this effect. Rats were treated with EET (twice a day for 7 days) after induction of chronic gastric ulcers by 80% acetic acid. Following treatment, histological and immunohistochemical analysis were performed in gastric ulcer tissues. Oral administration of EET (100 and 300 mg/kg) significantly reduced the gastric lesion induced by acetic acid in 44 and 36%, respectively. Histopathological evaluation demonstrated a contraction of gastric ulcer size, increase of mucus layer (periodic acid‐Schiff stained mucin‐like glycoproteins) and cell proliferation (proliferating cell nuclear antigen immunohistochemistry) in animals treated with EET (100 and 300 mg/kg). The results demonstrate that EET significantly accelerates healing of acetic acid induced gastric ulcer in rats through increase of mucus content and cell proliferation, indicating a potential usefulness for treatment of peptic ulcer diseases. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MHC Mismatch Results in Neural Progenitor Cell Rejection Following Spinal Cord Transplantation in a Model of Viral-Induced Demyelination
Authors: Weinger Jason G. , Weist Brian M. , Plaisted Warren C. , Klaus Suzi M. , Walsh Craig M. , Lane Thomas E.
Published: September 2012

Transplantation of syngeneic neural progenitor cells (NPCs) into mice persistently infected with the JHM strain of mouse hepatitis virus (JHMV) results in enhanced differentiation into oligodendrocyte progenitor cells that is associated with remyelination, axonal sparing, and clinical improvement. Whether allogeneic NPCs are tolerated or induce immune-mediated rejection is controversial and poorly defined under neuroinflammatory demyelinating conditions. We have used the JHMV-induced demyelination model to evaluate the antigenicity of transplanted allogeneic NPCs within the central nervous system (CNS) of mice with established immune-mediated demyelination. Cultured NPCs constitutively expressed the costimulatory molecules CD80/CD86, and IFN-γ treatment induced expression of MHC class I and II antigens. Injection of allogeneic C57BL/6 NPCs (H-2b background) led to a delayed type hypersensitivity response in BALB/c (H-2d background) mice associated with T-cell proliferation and IFN-γ secretion following coculture with allogeneic NPCs. Transplantation of MHC-mismatched NPCs into JHMV-infected mice resulted in increased transcripts encoding the T-cell chemoattractant chemokines CXCL9 and CXCL10 that correlated with increased T-cell infiltration that was associated with NPC rejection. Treatment of MHC-mismatched mice with T-cell subset-specific depleting antibodies increased survival of allogeneic NPCs without affecting commitment to an oligodendrocyte lineage. Collectively, these results show that allogeneic NPCs are antigenic, and T-cells contribute to rejection following transplantation into an inflamed CNS suggesting that immunomodulatory treatments may be necessary to prolong survival of allogeneic cells.
Nanostructured electrode materials for electrochemical energy storage and conversion
Authors: Shukla A.K. , Prem Kumar T.
Published: September 2012

Manipulation of matter at the nanoscale is a way forward to move beyond our current choices in electrochemical energy storage and conversion technologies with promise of higher efficiency, environmental benignity, and cost‐effectiveness. Electrochemical processes being basically surface phenomena, tailored multifunctional nanoarchitecturing can lead to improvements in terms of electronic and ionic conductivities, diffusion and mass transport, and electron transfer and electrocatalysis. The nanoscale is also a domain in which queer properties surface: those associated with conversion electrodes, ceramic particles enhancing the conductivity of polymer electrolytes, and transition metal oxide powders catalyzing fuel cell reactions, to cite a few. Although this review attempts to present a bird's eye view of the vast literature that has accumulated in this rather infant field, it also lists a few representative studies that establish the beneficial effects of going ‘nano’. Investigations on nanostructuring and use of nanoparticles and nanoarchitectures related to lithium‐ion batteries (active materials and electrolytes), supercapacitors (electrical double‐layer capacitors, supercapacitors based on pseudo‐capacitance, and hybrid supercapacitors), and fuel cells (electrocatalysts, membranes and hydrogen storage materials) are highlighted.

This article is categorized under:

Fuel Cells and Hydrogen > Science and Materials

Energy Infrastructure > Science and Materials

Energy Research & Innovation > Science and Materials
Incidence and Localization of Ectopic Parathyroid Adenomas in Previously Unexplored Patients
Authors: Roy Madhuchhanda , Mazeh Haggi , Chen Herbert , Sippel Rebecca S.
Published: September 2012

Background

Parathyroidectomy has a success rate of >95 % for cure of primary hyperparathyroidism. In about 6–16 % of cases, one or more hyperfunctioning parathyroid gland(s) are found in an ectopic location. Accurate preoperative imaging can aid in detecting these ectopically located glands and allow a focused surgical approach with an even higher success rate. The objective of this study was to assess the utility of ultrasonography (US) and technetium‐99m‐sestamibi (MIBI) scans in locating ectopic parathyroid glands in previously unexplored patients who presented with primary hyperparathyroidism.

Methods

We analyzed a total of 1,562 patients who underwent surgery for hyperparathyroidism at our institution from 2000 to 2010. Ectopic parathyroid adenomas were identified in 346 of the patients (22 %). Of the 346 patients, we excluded 144 who underwent reoperations, had four‐gland hyperplasia or were missing imaging details. We carefully reviewed the data, including demographics, laboratory values, preoperative localizing imaging details, and operative findings. Preoperative US and MIBI results were compared to the intraoperative findings.

Results

We analyzed 202 patients with ectopic glands for accuracy of preoperative localization. Of these 202 patients, a single adenoma was the most common (89 %) followed by double adenoma (11 %). The ectopic parathyroid glands were predominantly located in the thymus (38 %) followed by 31 % in the retroesophageal region; 18 % were intrathyroidal. Preoperative MIBI scans had a sensitivity of 89 % (161/197), whereas US had a sensitivity of 59 % (35/63) for detecting ectopic glands. Overall, both imaging modalities had a positive predictive value of 90 %, with MIBI correctly predicting ectopic glands best in the thymus, mediastinum, or the retroesophageal space, and US was most accurate at detecting intrathyroidal glands.

Conclusions

Based on the data available at our institution, MIBI has a higher sensitivity than US in correctly localizing ectopic parathyroid adenomas, but the accuracy of detection varies based on location. Both imaging techniques have a high PPV for detecting an ectopic gland. Therefore, imaging with MIBI and US can be complementary, and positive localization of an ectopic gland with either modality is highly accurate and can facilitate a more focused surgical approach.
Sustained high plasma mannose less sensitive to fluctuating blood glucose in glycogen storage disease type Ia children
Authors: Nagasaka Hironori , Yorifuji Tohru , Bandsma Robert H. J. , Takatani Tomozumi , Asano Hisaki , Mochizuki Hiroshi , Takuwa Mayuko , Tsukahara Hirokazu , Inui Ayano , Tsunoda Tomoyuki , Komatsu Haruki , Hiejima Eitaro , Fujisawa Tomoo , Hirano Ken‐ichi , Miida Takashi , Ohtake Akira , Taguchi Tadao , Miwa Ichitomo
Published: September 2012

Plasma mannose is suggested to be largely generated from liver glycogen‐oriented glucose‐6‐phosphate. This study examined plasma mannose in glycogen storage disease type Ia (GSD Ia) lacking conversion of glucose‐6‐phosphate to glucose in the liver. We initially examined fasting—and postprandial 2 h—plasma mannose and other blood carbohydrates and lipids for seven GSD Ia children receiving dietary interventions using cornstarch and six healthy age‐matched children. Next, one‐day successive intra‐individual parameter changes were examined for six affected and two control children. Although there were no significant differences in fasting—and postprandial 2 h—glucose and insulin levels, the mannose level of the affected group was invariably much higher than that of the control group (p < 0.001): the fasting level of the affected group was about two‐fold that of the control group; the postprandial‐2 h level remained almost unchanged in the affected group, although it was one‐half of the fasting level in the control group. Inter‐individual analyses revealed that the GSD Ia group mannose level was significantly and positively correlated with lactate and triglycerides levels at both time points (p < 0.01). In each control, mannose levels fluctuated greatly, maintaining strong and significant negative correlations with glucose and insulin levels (p < 0.001). Correlations were lower or nonexistent in GSD Ia children. In individuals with high lactate and triglycerides levels, strikingly high mannose levels never changed against glucose and insulin fluctuations. Plasma mannose is less sensitive to blood glucose and insulin in GSD Ia children. Its basal level and the fluctuation pattern differ by their metabolic activity.
Human Evolution and Education in Slovene Schools
Authors: Bajd Barbara
Published: September 2012

This article discusses the importance and benefits of providing lower secondary school students with some knowledge of human evolution and its educational context. The author surveyed science teaching in secondary and upper secondary schools in Slovenia and concluded that evolution in general, and human evolution in particular, do not feature prominently in the curriculum and so are not represented by many teaching contact hours. Neither are popular, well-designed, and up-to-date books on the subject--whether by Slovene authors or in translation--readily available to interested students. And yet, paleoanthropology—the study of human evolution in its wider context—is a rapidly developing, high-profile branch of science with major popular appeal. Recent discoveries—many of them spectacular—have provided a much more detailed picture of human evolutionary history, significantly modifying earlier ideas about our ancestry. The subject not only attracts much public interest but also has major educational benefits: human evolution exemplifies many general evolutionary principles, illustrates the synergy of focused multidisciplinary approaches in the life sciences, and reinforces teaching of environmental conservation, human relations, and social responsibility. Because of the subject’s importance, the author provides some suggestions on how the teaching of human evolution might be incorporated into the school curriculum and considers some of the educational resources available to support its teaching.
Risk of lung cancer from radon exposure: contribution of recently published studies of uranium miners
Authors: Tirmarche M. , Harrison J. , Laurier D. , Blanchardon E. , Paquet F. , Marsh J.
Published: September 2012

The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) recently estimated the risk of lung cancer associated with radon exposure, and a statement was issued in ICRP Publication 115. This was based on recent epidemiological studies and the results from a joint analysis of cohorts of Czech, French, and German uranium miners, and indicated that the excess relative risk of lung cancer per unit of exposure should be expressed with consideration of chronic exposure over more than 10 years, by modelling time since median exposure, age attained or age at exposure, and taking in account, if possible, interaction between radon and tobacco.

The lifetime excess absolute risk (LEAR) calculated from occupational exposure studies is close to 5 × 10−4 per working level month (WLM) (14 × 10−5 per hm J/m3). LEAR values estimated using risk models derived from both miners and domestic exposure studies are in good agreement after accounting for factors such as sex, attained age, and exposure scenario. A sensitivity analysis highlighted the high dependence of background mortality rates on LEAR estimates. Using lung cancer rates among Euro-American males instead of the ICRP reference rates (males and females, and Euro-American and Asian populations), the estimated LEAR is close to 7 × 10−4 per WLM (20 × 10−5 per hm J/m3).
Radiological protection in medicine: work of ICRP Committee 3
Authors: Vañó E. , Cosset J.M. , Rehani M.M.
Published: September 2012

Committee 3 of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) is concerned with protection in medicine, and develops recommendations and guidance on the protection of patients, staff, and the public against radiation exposure in medicine. This paper presents an overview of the work of Committee 3 over recent years, and the work in progress agreed at the last annual meeting in Bethesda, MD in October 2011. The reports published by ICRP dealing with radiological protection in medicine in the last 10 years cover topics on: education and training in radiological protection; preventing accidental exposures in radiation therapy; dose to patients from radiopharmaceuticals; radiation safety aspects of brachytherapy; release of patients after therapy with unsealed radionuclides; managing patient dose in digital radiology and computed tomography; avoidance of radiation injuries from medical interventional procedures; pregnancy and medical radiation; and diagnostic reference levels in medical imaging. Three new reports will be published in the coming months dealing with aspects of radiological protection in fluoroscopically guided procedures outside imaging departments; cardiology; and paediatric radiology. The work in progress agreed by Committee 3 is also described.