bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Globalization, Latin American Migration and Catalan: Closing the Ring
Authors: Garzón Luis
Published: October 2012

This article examines the effects of globalization dynamics on the use of Catalan among Latin American migrants living in Catalonia. The globalization process pushes towards an increasing mobility of workers and companies. Barcelona is one of the cities where this dynamic has been more evident in the last two decades, with big areas of the city being reshaped in order to suit the needs of global capital. At the same time, Catalonia has been receiving vast numbers of Latin American migrants who already speak Spanish, one of the official languages of the region, but not the other, Catalan. This article will examine the conflicting pressures experienced by those migrants both in the labor market and in their communities.
Current Situation of Mycotoxin Contamination and Co-occurrence in Animal Feed—Focus on Europe
Authors: Streit Elisabeth , Schatzmayr Gerd , Tassis Panagiotis , Tzika Eleni , Marin Daniela , Taranu Ionelia , Tabuc Cristina , Nicolau Anca , Aprodu Iuliana , Puel Olivier , Oswald Isabelle P.
Published: October 2012

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by fungi especially those belonging to the genus Aspergillus, Penicillum and Fusarium. Mycotoxin contamination can occur in all agricultural commodities in the field and/or during storage, if conditions are favourable to fungal growth. Regarding animal feed, five mycotoxins (aflatoxins, deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, fumonisins and ochratoxin A) are covered by EU legislation (regulation or recommendation). Transgressions of these limits are rarely observed in official monitoring programs. However, low level contamination by Fusarium toxins is very common (e.g., deoxynivalenol (DON) is typically found in more than 50% of the samples) and co-contamination is frequently observed. Multi-mycotoxin studies reported 75%–100% of the samples to contain more than one mycotoxin which could impact animal health at already low doses. Co-occurrence of mycotoxins is likely to arise for at least three different reasons (i) most fungi are able to simultaneously produce a number of mycotoxins, (ii) commodities can be contaminated by several fungi, and (iii) completed feed is made from various commodities. In the present paper, we reviewed the data published since 2004 concerning the contamination of animal feed with single or combinations of mycotoxins and highlighted the occurrence of these co-contaminations.
Forty-Five Years of Marburg Virus Research
Authors: Brauburger Kristina , Hume Adam J. , Mühlberger Elke , Olejnik Judith
Published: October 2012

In 1967, the first reported filovirus hemorrhagic fever outbreak took place in Germany and the former Yugoslavia. The causative agent that was identified during this outbreak, Marburg virus, is one of the most deadly human pathogens. This article provides a comprehensive overview of our current knowledge about Marburg virus disease ranging from ecology to pathogenesis and molecular biology.
Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci in the endangered plant Dipteronia sinensis (Sapindaceae)
Authors: Su Hai‐Lun , Li Zhong‐Hu , Zhao Peng , Bai Guo‐Qing , Zhou Tian‐Hua , Liu Zhan‐Lin , Zhao Gui‐Fang
Published: October 2012

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite markers were developed in Dipteronia sinensis to investigate the population genetics of this endangered plant.

• Methods and Results: Using the Fast Isolation by AFLP of Sequences COntaining repeats (FIASCO) protocol, 19 microsatellite loci were developed in D. sinensis and evaluated for their variability in 29 samples from a natural population. For the 15 polymorphic loci, the number of alleles ranged from nine to 33, while the observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.3793 to 0.9655 and from 0.6029 to 0.9609, respectively. Their cross‐taxa transferability was also investigated in Acer miaotaiense, A. palmatum, and A. pictum subsp. mono, and 10 to 15 loci proved amplifiable in these species.

• Conclusions: These microsatellite markers could be employed to investigate the population genetics of D. sinensis and may potentially be applicable to other related species.
INVESTIGATING INFLUENCES ON REAL ESTATE AGENTS’ ETHICAL VALUES: THE CASE OF REAL ESTATE AGENTS IN NIGERIA
Authors: Agboola Alirat Olayinka , Ojo Olatoye , Amidu Abdul-Rasheed
Published: October 2012

Utilizing data from questionnaire administration on a random sample of estate surveyors and valuers in real estate agency practice, this study examines the relationship between real estate agents’ demographic characteristics and their ethical values in Nigeria. Using mean rating on a 5-point Likert scale, among other findings, the study revealed that of all the ethical values examined, real estate agents approve of self-interest but disapprove of fraud in the discharge of their duties. However, the greatest evidence of disapproval of fraudulent practices is amongst female real estate agents and agents with higher levels of academic qualification. On the other hand, the study found no statistically significant relationship between the ethical values and age, year of experience and professional qualification of the respondents.
A MULTIPLE CRITERIA FRAMEWORK TO EVALUATE BANK BRANCH POTENTIAL ATTRACTIVENESS
Authors: Ferreira Fernando A. F. , Spahr Ronald W. , Santos Sérgio P. , Rodrigues Paulo M. M.
Published: October 2012

Remarkable progress has occurred over the years in the performance evaluation of bank branches. Even though financial measures are usually considered the most important in assessing branch viability, we posit that insufficient attention has been given to other factors that affect the branches’ potential profitability and attractiveness, such as: location features, trade area characteristics and facilities management. Based on the integrated use of cognitive maps and multiple criteria decision analysis, we propose a framework that adds value to the way that potential attractiveness criteria to assess bank branches are selected and to the way that the trade-offs among those criteria are obtained. This framework is the result of a process involving several directors from the five largest banks operating in Portugal, and follows a constructivist approach. Our findings suggest that the use of cognitive maps systematically identifies previously omitted criteria that may assess potential attractiveness. The use of multiple criteria techniques clarify and add transparency to the way trade-offs are dealt with. Advantages and disadvantages of the proposed framework are also discussed.
A STRATEGIC COOPERATIVE GAME-THEORETIC MODEL FOR MARKET SEGMENTATION WITH APPLICATION TO BANKING IN EMERGING ECONOMIES
Authors: Zandi Faramak , Tavana Madjid , O’Connor Aidan
Published: October 2012

Market segmentation is essential to target efficaciously core-segment customers and to obtain a competitive advantage. Firms when confronted by the range of market segments, have difficulty in deciding the core-segment customers who are the most probable purchasers of their product and services. We propose a novel fuzzy group multi-criteria method for market entry and segment evaluation and selection. This proposed method provides a comprehensive and systematic framework that combines bi-level multi-objective optimization with real option analysis (ROA) and fuzzy cooperative n-person game theory. The contribution of the proposed segment evaluation and selection method is fivefold: (1) it addresses the gaps in the marketing literature on the efficacious and effective assessment of market segments; (2) it provides a comprehensive and systematic framework that combines bi-level multi-objective optimization with ROA and fuzzy cooperative n-person game theory; (3) it considers fuzzy logic and fuzzy sets to represent ambiguous, uncertain or imprecise information; (4) it does not insist on consensus but synthesizes a representative outcome based on qualitative judgments and quantitative data; and (5) it is applicable to national and international market segmentation. The practical application of this proposed framework illustrates the efficacy of the procedures and algorithms.
AN APPROACH TO GROUP DECISION MAKING BASED ON 2-DIMENSION UNCERTAIN LINGUISTIC INFORMATION
Authors: Liu Peide
Published: October 2012

Based on the definition of 2-dimension linguistic information of multiple attribute decision making problems proposed by Zhu, Zhou and Yang (2009), the information on evaluation is extended to 2-dimension uncertain linguistic variables, and a new method is proposed to solve the multiple-attribute group decision making problems in which the attribute values take the form of 2-dimension uncertain linguistic variables and the attribute weights are unknown. Firstly, the II class of uncertain linguistic information is transformed into the subjective weights of the experts, and then the subjective weights, the similarity degree of experts’ evaluation information and authority weights are aggregated to the comprehensive weights of each expert. By the comprehensive weights, the group decision making matrix is produced by weighting evaluation information of each expert. Then the maximum deviation method is used to calculate the attribute weights and TOPSIS method is proposed to rank the alternatives. Finally, an example is given to illustrate the decision-making steps and the effectiveness of this method.
MODIFYING BSC FOR NATIONAL NANOTECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT: AN IMPLICATION FOR “SOCIAL CAPITAL” ROLE IN NIS THEORY
Authors: Ghazinoory Sepehr , Soofi Abdol
Published: October 2012

In this research, we have designed and implemented the Strategy Map and Balanced Scorecard technique in evaluating the progress of National Iranian Nanotechnology Initiative (NINI). In conducting this research, we have learned that the layers of Strategy Map are congruent with the National Innovation System (NIS) levels. The use of Strategy Map and Balanced Scorecard in conjunction with an opinion survey of the nanotechnology experts showed “social capital” at the bottom layer and economic development at the top layer of the Strategy Map of the NIS infrastructure in Iran. These findings have broad implications not only for Iranian nanotechnology development, but also are important for the theory of NIS.
Orofacial Symptoms Related to Temporomandibular Joint Arthritis in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Smallest Detectable Difference in Self-reported Pain Intensity
Authors: STOUSTRUP PETER , KRISTENSEN KASPER D. , VERNA CARLALBERTA , KÜSELER ANNELISE , HERLIN TROELS , PEDERSEN THOMAS K.
Published: October 2012

Objective.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) inflammation in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) may lead to mandibular growth disturbances and interfere with optimal joint and muscle function. Orofacial symptoms are common clinical findings in relation to TMJ arthritis in adolescence. Knowledge about their clinical manifestation is important for TMJ arthritis diagnosis, treatment choice, and outcome evaluation. The aim of our prospective observational study was to evaluate and describe the frequency, the main complaints, and the localization of TMJ arthritis-related orofacial symptoms. The smallest detectable differences (SDD) for minimal, average, and maximal pain were estimated.

Methods.

Thirty-three patients with JIA and arthritis-related orofacial symptoms in relation to 55 affected TMJ were included in our questionnaire study (mean age 14.11 yrs). Calculation of the SDD was based on a duplicate assessment 45 min after the first questionnaire was completed.

Results.

The majority of the patients had common orofacial symptoms during mastication and maximal mouth opening procedures. Persistent orofacial symptoms were rare. The TMJ area in combination with the masseter muscle region was the orofacial region where symptoms were most common. The SDD for minimal, average, and maximal pain were between 10 and 14 mm on a visual analog scale.

Conclusion.

Our study offers new knowledge about TMJ arthritis-related orofacial symptoms that may aid diagnosis and clinical decision-making. We suggest that TMJ arthritis-related orofacial symptoms could be understood as products of the primary TMJ inflammation in combination with secondary myogenic and functional issues.
Influence of the IL6 Gene in Susceptibility to Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: CÉNIT MARIA CARMEN , SIMEÓN CARMEN P. , VONK MADELON C. , CALLEJAS-RUBIO JOSE L. , ESPINOSA GERARD , CARREIRA PATRICIA , BLANCO FRANCISCO J. , NARVAEZ JAVIER , TOLOSA CARLOS , ROMÁN-IVORRA JOSÉ A. , GÓMEZ-GARCÍA INMACULADA , GARCÍA-HERNÁNDEZ FRANCISCO J. , GALLEGO MARÍA , GARCÍA-PORTALES ROSA , EGURBIDE MARÍA VICTORIA , FONOLLOSA VICENTE , GARCÍA de la PEÑA PALOMA , LÓPEZ-LONGO FRANCISCO J. , GONZÁLEZ-GAY MIGUEL A. ,   The Spanish Scleroderma Group, HESSELSTRAND ROGER , RIEMEKASTEN GABRIELA , WITTE TORSTEN , VOSKUYL ALEXANDRE E. , SCHUERWEGH ANNEMIE J. , MADHOK RAJAN , FONSECA CARMEN , DENTON CHRISTOPHER , NORDIN ANNIKA , PALM ØYVIND , van LAAR JACOB M. , HUNZELMANN NICOLAS , DISTLER JÖRG H.W. , KREUTER ALEXANDER , HERRICK ARIANE , WORTHINGTON JANE , KOELEMAN BOBBY P. , RADSTAKE TIMOTHY R.D.J. , MARTÍN JAVIER
Published: October 2012

Objective.

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a genetically complex autoimmune disease; the genetic component has not been fully defined. Interleukin 6 (IL-6) plays a crucial role in immunity and fibrosis, both key aspects of SSc. We investigated the influence of IL6 gene in the susceptibility and phenotype expression of SSc.

Methods.

We performed a large metaanalysis including a total of 2749 cases and 3189 controls from 6 white populations (Germany, The Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and United Kingdom). Three IL6 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP; rs2069827, rs1800795, and rs2069840) were selected by SNP tagging and genotyped using TaqMan® allele discrimination technology.

Results.

Individual SNP metaanalysis showed no evidence of association of the 3 IL6 genetic variants with the global disease. Phenotype analyses revealed a significant association between the minor allele of rs2069840 and the limited cutaneous SSc clinical form (Bonferroni p = 0.036, OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.04–1.25). A trend of association between the minor allele of the rs1800795 and the diffuse cutaneous SSc clinical form was also evident (Bonferroni p = 0.072, OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.77–0.96). In the IL6 allelic combination analyses, the GGC allelic combination rs2069827-rs1800795-rs2069840 showed an association with overall SSc (Bonferroni p = 0.016, OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.04–1.23).

Conclusion.

Our results suggest that the IL6 gene may influence the development of SSc and its progression.
Super‐virtual refraction interferometry: an engineering field data example
Authors: Hanafy Sherif M. , Al-Hagan Ola
Published: October 2012

The theory of super‐virtual refraction interferometry (SVI) was recently developed to enhance the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) of far‐offset traces in refraction surveys. This enhancement of the SNR is proportional to and can be as high as if an iterative procedure is used. Here is the number of post‐critical shot positions that coincides with the receiver locations. We now demonstrate the SNR enhancement of super‐virtual refraction traces for one engineering‐scale synthetic data and two field seismic data sets. The field data are collected over a normal fault in Saudi Arabia. Results show that both the SNR of the super‐virtual data set and the number of reliable first‐arrival traveltime picks are significantly increased.
Innovative Technique of Using the Radar Altimeter for Prediction of Terrain Collision Threats
Authors: Labun Ján , Soták Miloš , Kurdel Pavol
Published: October 2012

The Technical Note presents the possibility of applying the classical onboard aviation radar altimeter in the function of a simple anticollision system. Currently, classical radar altimeter offers two important pieces of information for pilots: actual flight altitude and aircraft descent
at the level of decision making. The goal here is to draw attention to the innovative technique of using the radar altimeter to generate further crucial information for the pilot of a helicopter or small aircraft for predicting the threat of collision with the terrain. This new technique is
based on the evaluation of the Doppler frequency in the differential signal of the radar altimeter. The theoretical assumptions have been verified by simulation and experiment.
Benefícios da Hidroterapia para Espasticidade em Uma Criança com Hidrocefalia
Authors: Melo Fláviane Rezende , Alves Débora Almeida Galdino , Leite Jacqueline Maria Resende Silveira
Published: October 2012

Objetivo. Avaliar o efeito da hidroterapia em uma criança com diag­nóstico clínico de hidrocefalia e diagnóstico fisioterápico de quadri­plegia espástica moderada. Método. A criança foi submetida a 20 sessões de hidroterapia, três vezes por semana com duração de 45 mi­nutos. No estudo foi utilizada para avaliação ficha hidroterapêutica e neuropediátrica, o Questionário de Saúde da Criança – Relatório dos Pais CHQ-PF50 (antes e depois do tratamento) e a Escala Modifica­da de Ashworth (diariamente, antes e após cada sessão de hidrotera­pia). Resultados. A criança apresentou melhora na função intestinal, tornando-se mais calma, com mais horas de sono além de facilitar o manuseio para trocar fraldas e roupas. Conclusão. Através dos be­nefícios proporcionados pela hidroterapia, a criança com hidrocefalia apresentou uma melhora na espasticidade e na qualidade de vida.
Association of Schistosomiasis and HIV Infection in Tanzania
Authors: Downs Jennifer A. , van Dam Govert J. , Changalucha John M. , Corstjens Paul L. A. M. , Peck Robert N. , de Dood Claudia J. , Bang Heejung , Andreasen Aura , Kalluvya Samuel E. , van Lieshout Lisette , Johnson Warren D. , Fitzgerald Daniel W.
Published: October 2012

Animal and human studies suggest that Schistosoma mansoni infection may increase risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) acquisition. Therefore, we tested 345 reproductive age women in rural Tanzanian villages near Lake Victoria, where S. mansoni is hyperendemic, for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and schistosomiasis by circulating anodic antigen (CAA) serum assay. Over one-half (54%) had an active schistosome infection; 6% were HIV-seropositive. By univariate analysis, only schistosome infection predicted HIV infection (odds ratio [OR] = 3.9, 95% confidence interval = [1.3–12.0], P = 0.015) and remained significant using multivariate analysis to control for age, STIs, and distance from the lake (OR = 6.2 [1.7–22.9], P = 0.006). HIV prevalence was higher among women with more intense schistosome infections (P = 0.005), and the median schistosome intensity was higher in HIV-infected than -uninfected women (400 versus 15 pg CAA/mL, P = 0.01). This finding suggests that S. mansoni infection may be a modifiable HIV risk factor that places millions of people worldwide at increased risk of HIV acquisition.
Adrenocortical Carcinoma in a Dog with Incomplete Excision Managed Long-term with Metastasectomy Alone
Authors: Frankot Jennifer L. , Behrend Ellen N. , Sebestyen Peter , Powers Barbara E.
Published: October 2012

A 10 yr old bichon frise presented with a 3 mo history of polyuria, polydipsia, and hind limb weakness. Serum biochemistry revealed persistent hypokalemia. A left adrenal gland mass with right adrenal atrophy was detected ultrasonographically. Basal serum cortisol concentration was at the low end of normal (30 nmol/L; reference range, 30–140 nmol/L) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-stimulated cortisol concentration was low (199 nmol/L; reference range, 220–470 nmol/L). Basal serum 17-α-OH progesterone concentration was also low (0.03 ng/mL; reference range, 0.06–0.30 ng/mL), but the aldosterone concentration 2 hr after the ACTH stimulation was elevated (> 3,000 pmol/L; reference range, 197–2,103 pmol/L). A left adrenalectomy and nephrectomy were performed. Histopathology revealed an adrenocortical zona glomerulosa carcinoma. Surgical excision was considered incomplete; however, clinical signs resolved. Two years later, basal and ACTH-stimulated aldosterone concentrations were elevated. Computed tomography demonstrated a mass effect in the liver. The left lateral and left medial hepatic lobes were removed. Histopathology confirmed metastatic endocrine carcinoma. The patient was stable 1,353 days postsurgically (when this report was prepared). This is the first case report of a metastatic adrenal carcinoma that was successfully managed surgically for > 3 yr.
Palette of Problems – October 2012
Authors: Rock David , Amidon Joel
Published: October 2012

A monthly set of problems is aimed at a variety of ability levels.
UDL for Geometric Length Measurement
Authors: Selmer Sarah J. , Floyd Kimberly
Published: October 2012

A proactive preschool teacher differentiates instruction by using the Universal Design for Learning framework to decrease barriers that limit students' access to classroom learning.
The Power of Problem Choice
Authors: Phelps Katherine A. G.
Published: October 2012

Fourth- and fifth-grade learners can use differentiated number sets within CGI problem structures to add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators.
Virtual manipulatives to assess understanding
Authors: Johnson Pamela Edwards , Campet Melissa , Gaber Kelsey , Zuidema Emma
Published: October 2012

Three preservice teachers used virtual manipulatives during clinical interviews with students of elementary school age. The technology exposed students' problem-solving strategies and mathematical understanding, promoting just-in-time teaching about the target content. The process of completing and reflecting on the interviews contributed to growth of the preservice teachers' technological pedagogical content knowledge.
Le concept de destination
Authors: Kadri Boualem , Khomsi Mohamed Reda , Bondarenko Maria
Published: October 2012

Le concept de destination fait l’objet d’une grande utilisation en tourisme, tant dans le monde professionnel que dans celui de la communauté scientifique. Cette situation montre toutefois un paradoxe : si l’on reconnaît la puissance du mot destination relative notamment à sa richesse anthropologique, l’on observera néanmoins un déficit définitionnel, voire l’absence d’une définition partagée par la communauté scientifique. À quelles significations renvoie le mot destination ? Le présent article expose les résultats d’une analyse sémantique et conceptuelle du concept de destination réalisée à partir d’un corpus d’écrits portant plus particulièrement sur le tourisme urbain. À la lumière de cette analyse, une nouvelle perspective d’appréhension du concept de destination, notamment urbaine, est proposée, basée sur la notion de projet et montrant la destination comme un ensemble de « projets » différenciés, mais intégrés à un « projet » global.
Le haut-lieu touristique
Authors: Piriou Jérôme
Published: October 2012

Dans une approche géographique du tourisme, la destination touristique signifie un lieu ou un espace promu, reconnu et élu suggérant aux individus d’échapper aux contraintes par le moyen d’une mobilité touristique. Aussi comment évaluer la destination touristique ? Dans quelle mesure serait-elle excellente ? Par le choix du haut-lieu touristique comme cadre d’analyse nous cherchons à comprendre en quoi les caractéristiques d’un ou de plusieurs lieux justifieraient et illustreraient l’excellence d’une destination. L’altérité du lieu contribuerait dans une certaine mesure à la mobilité à des fins récréatives. Par ailleurs, dans un contexte de mondialisation du tourisme, les hauts-lieux touristiques sont des lieux localisés et localisants pour leurs valeurs et les pratiques touristiques qui y sont engagées. Cependant, les différents acteurs du tourisme évalueraient la destination touristique de manière nuancée, car les critères dépendraient de leurs projets et de leurs intentions. Aussi l’étude de quelques cas français et la prise en compte des composantes systémiques du tourisme, que sont les acteurs, les lieux et les pratiques, nous permettront d’esquisser quelques pistes de réponses.
Par ici l’authenticité !
Authors: Chétima Melchisedek
Published: October 2012

Cette étude est née d’une série de questionnements auxquels l’auteur était confronté en observant les touristes dans les monts Mandara du Cameroun. Étant originaire de cette région, l’auteur s’est toujours demandé ce que les touristes recherchaient exactement et ce qui les passionnait dans le traditionnel, le mythique et l’ancestral. Ces interrogations l’ont conduit à étudier le rapport entre authenticité et excellence d’une destination. De cette étude, il ressort que le pouvoir d’attraction des monts Mandara réside dans la richesse de son patrimoine culturel et naturel, considérée par les visiteurs comme « authentique ». Cependant, cette image « authentique » ne concerne pas seulement les objets culturels dans leur existence réelle. Elle résulte également des mises en scène de la vie quotidienne, orchestrées par les populations d’accueil dans l’intention de se conformer aux attentes des touristes. Les mises en scène sont par la suite relayées par les voyagistes qui produisent des photos particulièrement sélectives dans le but de circonscrire la nature et la culture locales et de les offrir, sous une forme visuelle, au regard des touristes.
L’approche interculturelle comme critère de l’excellence des sites Web des métropoles touristiques
Authors: Viallon Philippe , Henneke-Lange Sandrine
Published: October 2012

La forte montée en puissance d’Internet dans la communication du XXIe siècle se manifeste aussi dans le monde du tourisme. Les sites Web sont devenus le lieu de rencontre privilégié entre professionnels et touristes. Dans la concurrence vive que se livrent les métropoles, ils sont un atout essentiel, car ils représentent souvent le premier contact qui décide de la suite donnée à la démarche. La recherche de l’excellence de l’outil est donc une priorité. Les aspects d’usuabilityet d’efficiencydes sites sont à juste titre souvent mis en avant par les spécialistes, mais ils ne sont pas particuliers au tourisme. En revanche, la dimension interculturelle est autant spécifique du domaine qu’elle est essentielle. Cet article analyse dans quelle mesure les sites de quelques métropoles européennes et nord-américaines tiennent compte de cette dimension. Le résultat est que les stratégies sont très diverses. Certains se contentent de quelques traductions qui sont souvent des copies conformes à l’original. À l’inverse, d’autres ont une démarche proactive d’adaptation à la culture du visiteur : ils donnent ainsi une image de professionnels soucieux d’aller au devant des désirs de leurs visiteurs, celle de l’excellence.
High‐Performance Organic‐Inorganic Hybrid Photodetectors Based on P3HT:CdSe Nanowire Heterojunctions on Rigid and Flexible Substrates
Authors: Wang Xianfu , Song Weifeng , Liu Bin , Chen Gui , Chen Di , Zhou Chongwu , Shen Guozhen
Published: October 2012

Organic‐inorganic hybrid photoelectric devices draw considerable attention because of their unique features by combining the relatively low ionization potential of the organic molecules and the high electron affinity of inorganic semiconductors. Hybrid organic‐inorganic poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT):CdSe nanowire heterojunction photodetectors are first demonstrated on silicon substrates, exhibiting a greatly enhanced photocurrent, a fast response, and a recovery time shorter than 0.1 s. Flexible hybrid photodetectors with excellent mechanical flexibility and stability are also fabricated on both poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) substrates and printing paper. The flexible devices are successfully operated under bending up to almost 180° and show an extremely high on/off switching ratio (larger than 500), a fast time response (about 10 ms), and excellent wavelength‐dependence, which are very desirable properties for its practical application in high‐frequency or high‐speed flexible electronic devices.
pH‐Based Regulation of Hydrogel Mechanical Properties Through Mussel‐Inspired Chemistry and Processing
Authors: Barrett Devin G. , Fullenkamp Dominic E. , He Lihong , Holten‐Andersen Niels , Lee Ka Yee C. , Messersmith Phillip B.
Published: October 2012

The mechanical holdfast of the mussel, the byssus, is processed at acidic pH yet functions at alkaline pH. Byssi are enriched in Fe3+ and catechol‐containing proteins, species with chemical interactions that vary widely over the pH range of byssal processing. Currently, the link between pH, Fe3+‐catechol reactions, and mechanical function is poorly understood. Herein, it is described how pH influences the mechanical performance of materials formed by reacting synthetic catechol polymers with Fe3+. Processing Fe3+‐catechol polymer materials through a mussel‐mimetic acidic‐to‐alkaline pH change leads to mechanically tough materials based on a covalent network fortified by sacrificial Fe3+‐catechol coordination bonds. These findings offer the first direct evidence of Fe3+‐induced covalent cross‐linking of catechol polymers, reveal additional insight into the pH dependence and mechanical role of Fe3+‐catechol interactions in mussel byssi, and illustrate the wide range of physical properties accessible in synthetic materials through mimicry of mussel‐protein chemistry and processing.
Thicker is Better? Synthesis and Evaluation of Well‐Defined Polymer Brushes with Controllable Catalytic Loadings
Authors: Fernandes Antony E. , Dirani Ali , d'Haese Cécile , Deumer Gladys , Guo Weiming , Hensenne Peter , Nahra Fady , Laloyaux Xavier , Haufroid Vincent , Nysten Bernard , Riant Olivier , Jonas Alain M.
Published: October 2012

Polymer brushes (PBs) have been used as supports for the immobilization of palladium complexes on silicon surfaces. The polymers were grown by surface‐initiated atom‐transfer radical polymerization (SI‐ATRP) and postdecorated with dipyridylamine (dpa) ligands. The pendant dpa units were in turn complexed with [Pd(OAc)2] to afford hybrid catalytic surfaces. A series of catalytic samples of various thicknesses (ca. 20–160 nm) and associated palladium loadings (ca. 10–45 nmol cm−2) were obtained by adjusting the SI‐ATRP reaction time and characterized by ellipsometry, X‐ray reflectivity, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS). ICP‐MS revealed a near‐linear relationship between thickness of the polymer brush and palladium content, which confirmed the robustness of the preparation and postmodification sequence presented herein, rendering possible the creation of functional architectures with predefined catalytic potential. The activities of the catalytic PBs were determined by systematically exploring a full range of substrate‐to‐catalyst ratios in a model palladium(0)‐catalyzed reaction. Quantitative transformations were observed for loadings down to 0.03 mol % and a maximum turnover number (TON) of around 3500 was established for the system. Comparison of the catalytic performances evidenced a singular influence of the thickness on conversions and TONs. The limited recyclability of the hairy catalysts has been attributed to palladium leaching.
Two Cobalt(II) Cubane Compounds: The Key Role of Small Ligand Changes on the Crystal Packing and Magnetic Properties
Authors: Guedes Guilherme P. , Soriano Stéphane , Comerlato Nadia M. , Speziali Nivaldo L. , Lahti Paul M. , Novak Miguel A. , Vaz Maria G. F.
Published: October 2012

The synthesis and the structural and magnetic characterization of two new cobalt(II) compounds [Co4(TTA)4(OMe)4(EtOH)4] (1) and [Co4(TTA)4(OMe)4(MeOH)4] (2) (TTA = 4,4,4‐trifluoro‐1‐thienoyl‐2,4‐butanedione) are reported. The structures consist of a tetranuclear Co4O4 core in a cubane framework. Both systems were modeled by a spin Hamiltonian with two isotropic exchange interactions and local orthogonal anisotropy axis configuration. The temperature‐dependent susceptibility was successfully simulated yielding many low‐lying mixed eingenstates that cannot be approximated by a giant spin model. A surprising fact is that despite the structural similarities there are striking differences between their magnetic properties. DC magnetic susceptibilities showed only ferromagnetic interactions between cobalt(II) ions for 2, whereas 1 has ferromagnetic and weaker antiferromagnetic interactions among their ions. In addition, compound 1 presented split zero‐field‐cooled and field‐cooled susceptibility around 6 K and a frequency dependent ac susceptibility typical of slow magnetization not observed in 2. The temperature dependence of this relaxation is similar to what is observed for cluster‐glass systems and may be related to a complex process involving many low‐level mixed states.
Tunable Structure of Zirconia Nanoparticles by Biopolymer Gelation: Design, Synthesis and Characterization
Authors: Ramananarivo Hugo Ronald , Abdelouahdi Karima , Amer Walid , Zahouily Mohamed , Clark James , Solhy Abderrahim
Published: October 2012

Zirconia nanoparticles (NPs) with a pure tetragonal phase, stable at high temperatures and with hierarchical pore networks, are synthesized from gelling alginate by complexation of zirconium ions within a fibrous cross‐linked biopolymer. The concentration of precursor significantly affected the structural stability, crystal size, and crystal phase of the final material. The zirconia NPs were characterized by thermogravimetric analyses, nitrogen adsorption–desorption, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The method developed herein is straightforward as well as flexible and can pave the way to a host of hierarchical materials for current nanotechnologies.
Phenylboronic Acid Modified Anodes Promote Faster Biofilm Adhesion and Increase Microbial Fuel Cell Performances
Authors: Lapinsonnière Laure , Picot Matthieu , Poriel Cyril , Barrière Frédéric
Published: October 2012

Phenylboronic acid was grafted on microbial fuel cells graphite anodes by electrochemical reduction of aryl diazonium salts. This chemical functionality enabled a faster connection of electroactive biofilms on the anodes and resulted in higher power densities and anodic catalytical current densities compared to MFCs working with unmodified electrodes.
Assessment of the health status of wild fish from the wheatley Harbour area of Concern, Ontario, Canada
Authors: Gilroy Ève A.M. , McMaster Mark E. , Parrott Joanne L. , Hewitt L. Mark , Park Bradley J. , Brown Scott B. , Sherry James P.
Published: October 2012

The overall health and endocrine function of wild brown bullhead (Ameiurus nebulosus) and goldfish (Carassius auratus) from the Wheatley Harbour Area of Concern (Lake Erie, Ontario, Canada) was assessed using a suite of physiological and biochemical endpoints. Smaller gonads were detected in female brown bullhead and goldfish from Wheatley Harbour compared with Hillman Marsh (Ontario, Canada) reference fish. Female brown bullhead exhibited decreased in vitro synthesis of 17β-estradiol. Female goldfish had decreased plasma vitellogenin concentrations. Plasma testosterone and 11-ketotestosterone were significantly depressed in males of both species. Perturbations in the thyroid status were detected, but varied between sexes and species. Observed differences included lower plasma concentrations of thyroid hormones and/or elevated liver deiodinase activity. Histological evaluation of the thyroid tissue indicated that in the case of female goldfish, those perturbations stimulated the thyroid (as indicated by increased thyroid epithelial cell height) and partially depleted the thyroxine reserves, as indicated by decreased colloid and elevated thyroid activation index. Increased mixed-function oxygenase activity in brown bullhead from Wheatley Harbour was consistent with exposure to planar aromatic contaminants. A principal component analysis of selected variables showed the separation of fish by collection site. The endpoints most strongly associated with the separation were generally those exhibiting significant differences between sites. The results of the present study indicate that the health of fish populations within Wheatley Harbour warrants continued attention. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012;31:2798–2811. © 2012 Crown in the Right of Canada
Polychlorinated biphenyls and their hydroxylated metabolites in wild fish from wheatley Harbour Area of Concern, Ontario, Canada
Authors: Gilroy Ève A.M. , Muir Derek G.C. , McMaster Mark E. , Darling Colin , Campbell Linda M. , de Solla Shane R. , Parrott Joanne L. , Brown Scott B. , Sherry James P.
Published: October 2012

Whole-body polychlorinated biphenyls (ΣPCBs) and plasma hydroxylated PCBs (OH-PCBs) concentrations were determined in brown bullhead (Ameiurus nebulosus) from Wheatley Harbour, Ontario, Canada. Elevated ΣPCBs in Wheatley Harbour are suspected to have originated from industrial waste disposal and/or discharges from nearby fish processing through discarding of fish remains. Mean ΣPCB concentrations in brown bullhead from Wheatley Harbour were approximately 250 ng/g wet weight compared with approximately 40 ng/g wet weight for brown bullhead from the reference sites, Hillman Marsh and Turkey Creek (both in Ontario, Canada). A significant relationship was found between the concentrations of non-ortho and mono-ortho PCB concentrations (toxic equivalents) and liver mixed-function oxygenase in brown bullhead (r = 0.74, p < 0.001). Plasma OH-PCB concentrations were greater in Wheatley Harbour brown bullhead than in those from Hillman Marsh (3.6 vs 1.5 ng/g wet wt, p < 0.01), and were detected infrequently in those from Turkey Creek (0.1 ng/g wet wt, n = 2). The OH-PCB congeners most frequently detected were 4′-OH-CB172, 3′-OH-CB180, 4-OH-CB187, 4-OH-CB146, 3-OH-CB138, and 4-OH-CB130, which are structurally similar to the thyroid hormones. To test the hypothesis of fish waste as the cause of the observed PCB contamination of Wheatley Harbour brown bullhead, a principal component analysis (PCA) was used to compare the brown bullhead PCB congener data with equivalent data for Lake Erie walleye, Lake Erie sediment, and industrial Aroclor mixtures. The relative proportions of each Aroclor mixture were estimated using the conjugated gradient method. The high similarity between the congener signatures for Lake Erie walleye and Wheatley Harbour brown bullhead supports the hypothesis of contamination from the fish processing industry. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012;31:2788–2797. © 2012 Crown in the Right of Canada
Penetration tests for TBMs and their practical application / Penetrationstests für Tunnelbohrmaschinen und deren Anwendung in der Praxis
Authors: Frenzel Christian , Galler Robert , Käsling Heiko , Villeneuve Marlène
Published: October 2012

Characterizing performance of tunnel boring machines (TBM) is important for numerous contractual and technical reasons. A common tool to determine machine performance in the field is the penetration test. The purpose of the penetration test is to operate the TBM for a defined period of time under normalized conditions that allow for interpretation and comparison between tests. The result of a penetration test is a thrust‐penetration curve that reflects the excavatability of the rock mass. Prediction models use thrust‐penetration curves to calculate the expected performance of a TBM in specific ground conditions.

This paper provides a review of recent practice including testing at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) along with research by Villeneuve and Käsling. Each of these methods includes excavation at certain thrust levels and rotational speeds for a certain distance. These existing methods have a number of disadvantages that lead to fairly slow tests, which the proposed methodology aims to eliminate.

Für eine Reihe von technischen und vertraglichen Fragestellungen ist die Charakterisierung der Leistung von Tunnelbohrmaschinen (TBM) von Bedeutung. Ein häufig genutztes Werkzeug, um die Bohrleistung einer TBM zu bestimmen, ist der Penetrationstest. Der Zweck eines solchen Tests ist, die TBM für eine gewisse Zeitdauer unter definierten Bedingungen zu betreiben, um so die Vergleichbarkeit zwischen verschiedenen Ergebnissen zu ermöglichen. Das Ergebnis eines Penetrationstests ist eine Penetrations‐Kraft‐Kurve, die es erlaubt, die Vortriebsleistung einer TBM unter bestimmten Gebirgseigenschaften zu prognostizieren.

In diesem Beitrag werden die bisherigen Ansätze der Norwegischen Technischen Universität in Trondheim und Forschungsarbeiten von Villeneuve und Käsling beschrieben. Diesen Ansätzen ist gemein, dass die TBM über eine kleine Vortriebsstrecke bei verschiedenen Vortriebskräften und Bohrkopfdrehzahlen betrieben wird. Die beschriebenen Methoden haben aber auch eine Reihe von Nachteilen, die zu einer relativ langen Testdauer führen. Die hier vorgeschlagene Methode verkürzt die Testdauer bei gleichzeitiger Erzielung höherer Genauigkeit der Ergebnisse.
Robust and Powerful Tests for Rare Variants Using Fisher's Method to Combine Evidence of Association From Two or More Complementary Tests
Authors: Derkach Andriy , Lawless Jerry F. , Sun Lei
Published: October 2012

Many association tests have been proposed for rare variants, but the choice of a powerful test is uncertain when there is limited information on the underlying genetic model. Proposed methods use either linear statistics, which are powerful when most variants are causal and have the same direction of effect, or quadratic statistics, which are more powerful in other scenarios. To achieve robustness, it is natural to combine the evidence of association from two or more complementary tests. To this end, we consider the minimum‐p and Fisher's methods of combining P‐values from linear and quadratic statistics. Extensive simulation studies show that both methods are robust across models with varying proportions of causal, deleterious, and protective rare variants, allele frequencies, and effect sizes. When the majority (>75%) of the causal effects are in the same direction (deleterious or protective), Fisher's method consistently outperforms the minimum‐p and the individual linear and quadratic tests, as well as the optimal sequence kernel association test, SKAT‐O. When the individual test has moderate power, Fisher's test has improved power for 90% of the ∼5000 models considered, with >20% relative efficiency gain for 40% of the models. The maximum absolute power loss is 8% for the remaining 10% of the models. An application to the GAW17 quantitative trait Q2 data based on sequence data of the 1000 Genomes Project shows that, compared with linear and quadratic tests, Fisher's test has comparable power for all 13 functional genes and provides the best power for more than half of them.
Imaging of internal stress around a mineral inclusion in a sapphire crystal: application of micro‐Raman and photoluminescence spectroscopy
Authors: Noguchi Naoki , Abduriyim Ahmadjan , Shimizu Ichiko , Kamegata Nanako , Odake Shoko , Kagi Hiroyuki
Published: October 2012

We developed a micro‐Raman and photoluminescence imaging technique for visualizing the internal stress fields in a sapphire crystal. The technique was applied to an Australian sapphire gemstone with a zircon inclusion. Considering piezospectroscopic effects on Raman and photoluminescence spectra, the Raman shifts of sapphire around the zircon inclusion were converted to hydrostatic pressure and deviatoric components of stress tensor. The internal stress was highly concentrated at the tips of the zircon crystal, where the deviatoric stress and the hydrostatic pressure component reached 700 and 470 MPa, respectively. Generation of compressive stress on the crystal surface of zircon can be explained by the difference in thermal expansion coefficients and elastic constants between sapphire and zircon. In general, internal stress fields induced by mineral inclusions reflect the pressure and temperature conditions at which the host sapphire gemstones were crystallized. Thus, the present technique can be utilized to identify the origin of gemstones. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Triply resonant Raman scattering in perovskite semiconductor CsSnI3
Authors: Yu Chonglong , Chen Zhuo , Shum Kai
Published: October 2012

We report on the first‐order and second‐order Raman scattering (SORS) by longitudinal optical (LO) phonons in perovskite semiconductor CsSnI3. The intensity of SORS is stronger than that of the first order. The spectral line shape of SORS is asymmetric and much broader than that of the first order. It is identified that the strong SORS intensity is attributable to the triply enhanced resonant process, which is naturally implemented through the peculiar band structure of this semiconductor compound having two adjacent parallel conduction bands with a separation close to the energy of two LO phonons. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Provocation tests in doppler ultrasonography for carpal tunnel syndrome
Authors: NG Esther S. , NG Kay W. , Wilder‐Smith Einar P.
Published: October 2012

Introduction: Doppler ultrasonography (DU) has recently been shown to be useful in imaging carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). In this study, we aim to characterize the changes seen after exercise and electrical stimulation. Methods: Five patients with CTS were recruited with 5 age‐matched subjects. DU was used to visualize the median nerve, flexor tendon, and bone at base line and after 1 minute of: (a) median nerve motor stimulation, (b) median nerve sensory stimulation, (c) abductor pollicis brevis contraction, and (d) adductor digiti minimi contraction. Results: Blood flow in the median nerve was greater after APB exercise. Furthermore, blood flow in the median nerve was greater in cases than controls after APB exercise. At baseline, blood flow in the flexor tendon was greater in cases than controls. Conclusions: While limited by sample size, this study demonstrates that exercise of median innervated muscles may be useful in enhancing diagnostic utility of DU for CTS. Muscle Nerve, 2013
A versatile protein microarray platform enabling antibody profiling against denatured proteins
Authors: Wang Jie , Barker Kristi , Steel Jason , Park Jin , Saul Justin , Festa Fernanda , Wallstrom Garrick , Yu Xiaobo , Bian Xiaofang , Anderson Karen S. , Figueroa Jonine D. , LaBaer Joshua , Qiu Ji
Published: October 2012

Purpose

We aim to develop a protein microarray platform capable of presenting both natural and denatured forms of proteins for antibody biomarker discovery. We will further optimize plasma screening protocols to improve detection.

Experimental design

We developed a new covalent capture protein microarray chemistry using HaloTag fusion proteins and ligand. To enhance protein yield, we used HeLa cell lysate as an in vitro transcription translation (IVTT) system. Escherichia coli lysates were added to the plasma blocking buffer to reduce nonspecific background. These protein microarrays were probed with plasma samples and autoantibody responses were quantified and compared with or without denaturing buffer treatment.

Results

We demonstrated that protein microarrays using the covalent attachment chemistry endured denaturing conditions. Blocking with E. coli lysates greatly reduced the background signals and expression with IVTT based on HeLa cell lysates significantly improved the antibody signals on protein microarrays probed with plasma samples. Plasma samples probed on denatured protein arrays produced autoantibody profiles distinct from those probed on natively displayed proteins.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

This versatile protein microarray platform allows the display of both natural and denatured proteins, offers a new dimension to search for disease‐specific antibodies, broadens the repertoire of potential biomarkers, and will potentially yield clinical diagnostics with greater performance.