bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phase shift analysis of the 6He+208Pb and the 6He+197Au systems
Authors: Bayrak Orhan , Boztosun Ismail
Published: October 2011

We present the elastic scattering of the 6He+208Pb and the 6He+197Au systems at the laboratory energy of E
lab=27 MeV within the framework of the McIntyre parametrization, and systematically investigate χ
2/N analysis of both systems to obtain an excellent agreement between the theoretical results and the experimental data. We find large diffusivity parameters indicating long range absorption mechanisms. We also show that both systems lack both the nuclear and the Coulomb rainbow scattering for obtained S-matrix parameters.
Development and validation of a low-cost mobile robotics testbed
Authors: Johnson Michael , Hayes Martin
Published: October 2011

This paper considers the design, construction and validation of a low-cost experimental robotic testbed, which allows for the localisation and tracking of multiple robotic agents in real time. The testbed system is suitable for research and education in a range of different mobile robotic applications, for validating theoretical as well as practical research work in the field of digital control, mobile robotics, graphical programming and video tracking systems. It provides a reconfigurable floor space for mobile robotic agents to operate within, while tracking the position of multiple agents in real-time using the overhead vision system. The overall system provides a highly cost-effective solution to the topical problem of providing students with practical robotics experience within severe budget constraints. Several problems encountered in the design and development of the mobile robotic testbed and associated tracking system, such as radial lens distortion and the selection of robot identifier templates are clearly addressed. The testbed performance is quantified and several experiments involving LEGO Mindstorm NXT and Merlin System MiaBot robots are discussed.
Brief review on PE method application to propagation channel modeling in sea environment
Authors: Sirkova Irina
Published: October 2011

This work provides an introduction to one of the most widely used advanced methods for wave propagation modeling, the Parabolic Equation (PE) method, with emphasis on its application to tropospheric radio propagation in coastal and maritime regions. The assumptions of the derivation, the advantages and drawbacks of the PE, the numerical methods for solving it, and the boundary and initial conditions for its application to the tropospheric propagation problem are briefly discussed. More details are given for the split-step Fourier-transform (SSF) solution of the PE. The environmental input to the PE, the methods for tropospheric refractivity profiling, their accuracy, limitations, and the average refractivity modeling are also summarized. The reported results illustrate the application of finite element (FE) based and SSF-based solutions of the PE for one of the most difficult to treat propagation mechanisms, yet of great significance for the performance of radars and communications links working in coastal and maritime zones — the tropospheric ducting mechanism. Recent achievements, some unresolved issues and ongoing developments related to further improvements of the PE method application to the propagation channel modeling in sea environment are highlighted.
What are Specialist Mental Health Clinician Attitudes to Guideline Recommendations for the Treatment of Depression in Young People?
Authors: Hetrick Sarah E. , Simmons Magenta , Thompson Andrew , Parker Alexandra G.
Published: October 2011

Objectives: We sought to examine potential barriers to the use of evidence-based guidelines for youth depression in a tertiary specialist mental health service, as part of an initiative to implement evidence based practice within the service.

Methods: This was a qualitative study adopting a social constructionist perspective using focus groups. The focus groups, conducted with all clinicians (medical and allied health), were audiotaped, transcribed and thematic analysis was undertaken. Clinicians were asked about the barriers to implementing four key recommendations from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines.

Results: Barriers existed at (i) the individual clinician level; (ii) the clinical level in terms of the presentation of young people; and (iii) the service level. The key individual clinician level barrier was a stated belief that the guidelines were not relevant to the young people presenting to the service, with little evidence to guide practice. Related, the main barrier with regard to the clinical presentation was the severity and complexity of this presentation, often making the delivery of interventions like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) difficult. At the service level, a lack of integration with primary and secondary level care meant sequencing interventions according to guideline recommendations was difficult.

Conclusions: There is a clear imperative to develop the evidence base to ensure that effective treatments for young people aged up to 25 years with severe and complex disorders that include comorbid conditions, suicide risk and psychosocial difficulties are investigated and disseminated. Furthermore, this work has highlighted the need for greater investment in models of care that ensure integration between existing primary and secondary care and enhanced specialist early intervention mental health services for young people.
Natural history and surgical management of incidentally discovered low-grade gliomas
Authors: Potts Matthew B. , Smith Justin S. , Molinaro Annette M. , Berger Mitchel S.
Published: October 2011

Object

Low-grade gliomas (LGGs) are rarely diagnosed as an incidental, asymptomatic finding, and it is not known how the early surgical management of these tumors might affect outcome. The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of patients with incidental and symptomatic LGGs and determine any prognostic factors associated with those outcomes.

Methods

All patients treated by the lead author for an LGG incidentally discovered between 1999 and 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. “Incidental” was defined as a finding on imaging that was obtained for a reason not attributable to the glioma, such as trauma or headache. Primary outcomes included overall survival, progression-free survival (PFS), and malignant PFS. Patients with incidental LGGs were compared with a previously reported cohort of patients with symptomatic gliomas.

Results

Thirty-five patients with incidental LGGs were identified. The most common reasons for head imaging were headache not associated with mass effect (31.4%) and trauma (20%). Patients with incidental lesions had significantly lower preoperative tumor volumes than those with symptomatic lesions (20.2 vs 53.9 cm3, p < 0.001), were less likely to have tumors in eloquent locations (14.3% vs 61.9%, p < 0.001), and had a higher prevalence of females (57.1% vs 36%, p = 0.02). In addition, patients with incidental lesions were also more likely to undergo gross-total resection (60% vs 31.5%, p = 0.001) and had improved overall survival on Kaplan-Meier analysis (p = 0.039, Mantel-Cox test). Progression and malignant progression rates did not differ between the 2 groups. Univariate analysis identified pre- and postoperative volumes as well as the use of motor or language mapping as significant prognostic factors for PFS.

Conclusions

In this retrospective cohort of surgically managed LGGs, incidentally discovered lesions were associated with improved patient survival as compared with symptomatic LGGs, with acceptable surgical risks.
Motor cortex disinhibition in normal-pressure hydrocephalus
Authors: Chistyakov Andrei V. , Hafner Hava , Sinai Alon , Kaplan Boris , Zaaroor Menashe
Published: October 2011

Object

Previous studies have shown a close association between frontal lobe dysfunction and gait disturbance in idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH). A possible mechanism linking these impairments could be a modulation of corticospinal excitability. The aim of this study was 2-fold: 1) to determine whether iNPH affects corticospinal excitability; and 2) to evaluate changes in corticospinal excitability following ventricular shunt placement in relation to clinical outcome.

Methods

Twenty-three patients with iNPH were examined using single- and paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation of the leg motor area before and 1 month after ventricular shunt surgery. The parameters of corticospinal excitability assessed were the resting motor threshold (rMT), motor evoked potential/M-wave area ratio, central motor conduction time, intracortical facilitation, and short intracortical inhibition (SICI). The results were compared with those obtained in 8 age-matched, healthy volunteers, 19 younger healthy volunteers, and 9 age-matched patients with peripheral neuropathy.

Results

Significant reduction of the SICI associated with a decrease of the rMT was observed in patients with iNPH at baseline evaluation. Ventricular shunt placement resulted in significant enhancement of the SICI and increase of the rMT in patients who markedly improved, but not in those who failed to improve.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that iNPH affects corticospinal excitability, causing disinhibition of the motor cortex. Recovery of corticospinal excitability following ventricular shunt placement is correlated with clinical improvement. These findings support the view that reduced control of motor output, rather than impairment of central motor conduction, is responsible for gait disturbances in patients with iNPH.
Factors associated with typhoid relapse in the era of multiple drug resistant strains
Authors: Ahmad Kaashif Aqeeb , Khan Liaqat Hayat , Roshan Bakht , Bhutta Zulfiqar Ahmed
Published: October 2011

Introduction: Typhoid has an estimated global burden of greater than 27 million cases per annum with a clinical relapse rate of 5% to 20%.  Despite the large relapse burden, the factors associated with relapse are largely unknown.  Methodology: We have followed a protocol for the diagnosis and management of pediatric typhoid since 1988.  We report factors associated with relapse of culture-proven enteric fever in 1,650 children presenting to the Aga Khan University Medical Center,  Karachi, Pakistan, over a 15-year period.  Results: In those infected with multiple drug resistant (MDR) strains, factors associated with subsequent relapse include constipation at presentation and presentation within 14 days of fever onset.  Diarrhoea in those children infected with drug sensitive strains had an association with decreased subsequent relapse, as was quinolone therapy. Conclusions: Multiple clinical factors at presentation are associated with subsequent typhoid fever relapse.  These factors may be postulated to be associated with subsequent relapse due to alterations in the reticuloendothelial system organism load.  These data will be valuable in developing algorithms for clinical follow-up in children infected with MDR enteric fever.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in a tertiary surgical and trauma hospital in Benghazi, Libya
Authors: Buzaid Najat , Elzouki Abdel-Naser , Taher Ibrahim , Ghenghesh Khalifa Sifaw
Published: October 2011

Introduction: Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a multidrug resistant organism that threatens the continued effectiveness of antibiotics worldwide and causes a threat almost exclusively in hospitals and long-term care settings. This study investigated the prevalence of MRSA strains and their sensitivity patterns against various antibiotics used for treating hospitalized patients in a major tertiary surgical hospital in Benghazi, Libya. Methodology: We investigated 200 non-duplicate S. aureus strains isolated from different clinical specimens submitted to the Microbiology Laboratory at Aljala Surgical and Trauma Hospital, Benghazi, Libya from April to July 2007. Isolates were tested for methicillin resistance by the oxacillin disc-diffusion assay according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. MRSA strains were tested for antimicrobial resistance (i.e., vancomycin, ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, chloramphenicol and fusidic acid) using commercial discs. Information on patient demographics and clinical disease was also collected. Results: Of the isolates examined 31% (62/200) were MRSA. No significant differences were observed in the prevalence of MRSA among S. aureus from females or males or from different age groups. Most MRSA were isolated from burns and surgical wound infections. Antibiotic resistance patterns of 62 patients with MRSA to vancomycin, ciprofloxacin, fusidic acid, chloramphenicol and erythromycin were 17.7%, 33.9%, 41.9%, 38.7% and 46.8% of cases, respectively. Conclusion: MRSA prevalence in our hospital was high and this may be the case for other hospitals in Libya. A sound surveillance program of nosocomial infections is urgently needed to reduce the incidence of infections due to MRSA and other antimicrobial-resistant pathogens in Libyan hospitals.
Outbreak of Tinea capitis and corporis in a primary school in Antananarivo, Madagascar
Authors: Carod Jean-François , Ratsitorahina Mahery , Raherimandimby Hasina , Hincky Vitrat Virginie , Ravaolimalala Andrianaja Vololomboahangy , Contet-Audonneau Nelly
Published: October 2011

Introduction: Tinea capitis is common among schoolchildren in developing countries but underreported in Madagascar. We report the occurrence of an outbreak of gray patch tinea capitis due to Microsporum langeronii in a public primary school of Antananarivo, the capital city of Madagascar. Methodology: Forty-two children were included, 27 (64%) of them presenting with tinea capitis and 32 (76%) with Tinea corporis. Patients were treated with griseofulvin 500 mg and Povidone-iodine 4% and followed up for four weeks. Results: Twenty-five (93%) of the 27 children with tinea capitis presented a gray patch as the main clinical feature. All these cases were fluorescent under Wood's UV light and positive in cultures for M. langeronii. All 27 children reported a contact with infected classmates, and 19 (70%) reported to have infected brothers and sisters at home. After four weeks of treatment, all patients recovered. Conclusion: Appropriate treatment and improved hygienic practices reduced the occurrence of tinea in the studied school and no more cases of tinea capitis or corporis occurred after the outbreak.
Infectious diseases and autoimmunity
Authors: Delogu Lucia Gemma , Deidda Silvia , Delitala Giuseppe , Manetti Roberto
Published: October 2011

Introduction: Autoimmunity occurs when the immune system recognizes and attacks host tissue. In addition to genetic factors, environmental triggers (in particular viruses, bacteria and other infectious pathogens) are thought to play a major role in the development of autoimmune diseases. Methodology: We searched PubMed, Cochrane, and Scopus without time limits for relevant articles. Results: In this review, we (i) describe the ways in which an infectious agent can initiate or exacerbate autoimmunity; (ii) discuss the evidence linking certain infectious agents to autoimmune diseases in humans; and (iii) describe the animal models used to study the link between infection and autoimmunity. Conclusions: Besides genetic predisposition to autoimmunity, viral and bacterial infections are known to be involved in the initiation and promotion of autoimmune diseases. These studies suggest that pathogens can trigger autoimmunity through molecular mimicry and their adjuvant effects during initiation of disease, and can promote autoimmune responses through bystander activation or epitope spreading via inflammation and/or superantigens.
Le déploiement d'un pilotage stratégique des coûts dans les services informatiques de deux groupes internationaux : perspective instrumentale et analyse comparative
Authors: Wegmann Grégory
Published: October 2011

Résumé Cet article analyse le pilotage stratégique des coûts dans une perspective instrumentale et au travers de deux études de cas. Il s’agit de montrer en quoi les dispositifs de pilotage à base d’activités s’inscrivent dans une optique stratégique du contrôle de gestion et de tester si l’ABC est un outil pertinent de pilotage stratégique des coûts. La première partie revient sur les développements en pilotage stratégique des coûts et leurs liens avec les évolutions de l’ABC. La seconde partie présente une grille de lecture des motifs d’usage des dispositifs à base d’activités et explore le potentiel stratégique de plusieurs applications. Dans une troisième partie, nous confrontons nos développements théoriques et instrumentaux à la réalité du terrain au travers de deux études de cas.
Etude exploratoire des effets de l'imagerie mentale issue de la présentation des produits sur un site marchand : proposition d'un modèle conceptuel de recherche
Authors: Lao Aurély
Published: October 2011

Résumé De quelle manière l’imagerie mentale issue de la présentation d’un produit sur un site marchand influence-t-elle le consommateur ? Cette recherche qualitative a tenté de répondre à ce questionnement, à l’aide d’une analyse de contenu issue d’entretiens semi-directifs. Les résultats de cette étude permettent d’appuyer la littérature sur la relation entre les images, les mots, l’imagerie mentale et la mémorisation dans un contexte de commerce électronique français. Ce travail de recherche permet également de développer une nouvelle perspective théorique, notamment la relation d’influence de l’imagerie mentale sur le comportement du consommateur en termes d’impulsion et d’intention d’achat.
La socialisation organisationnelle du fournisseur en BtB. Une application aux fournisseurs régionaux de la grande distribution alimentaire
Authors: Machat Karim
Published: October 2011

Résumé Cette recherche a pour objectif de déterminer si la socialisation organisationnelle constitue une variable de segmentation du portefeuille des fournisseurs régionaux de la grande distribution alimentaire. Elle s’inspire de travaux en sociologie et transpose l’étude des dimensions de la socialisation (connaissance de son rôle de fournisseur, intégration technique et sociale, connaissance de l’organisation) au domaine du marketing BtB. C’est dans cette perspective que nous avons réalisé une recherche qualitative exploratoire dyadique (l’acheteur et ses fournisseurs ont été interrogés). Les résultats de cette étude indiquent qu’en fonction de ses attentes (prix, conformité technique, innovation, interaction), l’acheteur met en place une interface spécifique dans laquelle la socialisation diffère fortement entre ses fournisseurs régionaux.
Comprendre les aspects éthiques et symboliques de la controverse socio-environnementale sur la forêt boréale du Québec
Authors: Huybens Nicole
Published: October 2011

Au Québec, la controverse socio-environnementale sur les activités forestières ne se pacifie pas malgré les modifications apportées à la loi et aux opérations en forêt depuis une vingtaine d’années. Nous avons émis l’hypothèse que cette controverse perdure parce que certains aspects sont occultés et ne peuvent être pris en considération dans les prises de décision. C’est sous la forme d’un arbre-métaphore que nous pouvons synthétiser les résultats de notre recherche doctorale en théologie pratique. Les branches montrent que la controverse perdure parce que des avis divergents sont posés sur la protection de la nature, sur les enjeux économiques, sur des enjeux sociaux de gestion intégrée des ressources et sur le mode de tenure des terres publiques. Le tronc met en perspective les deux théories scientifiques contradictoires rendant compte de l’écosystème boréal et les différentes perspectives éthiques des acteurs. Les racines de l’arbre concernent la forêt symbolique. Nous constatons enfin que les acteurs se mettent dans l’impossibilité de résoudre la controverse quand ils ne perçoivent plus le caractère légitime d’un point de vue différent du leur. La pensée complexe d’E. Morin est utilisée pour analyser cette controverse dans toutes ses composantes.
Des arrangements autour de l’agriculture en périurbain : du lotissement agricole au projet de territoire
Authors: Poulot Monique
Published: October 2011

Cet article envisage une relecture critique de la figure de « pas de deux agriculture-ville » (Monteventi et al., 2008) dans les dernières décennies autour de la métropole parisienne. Trois figures de relations se dégagent non pas dans un déroulement diachronique simple, mais avec moult chevauchements, retours en arrière et infléchissements. Toutes trois sont caractérisées par une invention pléthorique d’outils, sans cesse réinvestis, notamment des zonages, d’intention ou d’intervention, à l’efficacité incertaine. Parallèlement, de nouveaux acteurs apparaissent, des associations de nouveaux résidents aux nouveaux réseaux d’agriculteurs en périurbain, et appellent de nouvelles formes de gouvernance. Le lotissement agricole caractérise la première phase ; le parc de campagne la seconde ; le programme agriurbain représente le troisième temps et marque l’avènement d’une nouvelle modalité de l’espace, l’agriurbain en lieu et place des deux modalités anciennes, l’urbain et le rural.
An Unusual Burn Caused by Hot Argy Wormwood Leaf Water
Authors: Liang Xun , Chen Xu-Lin , Wang Fei , Guo Feng
Published: October 2011

An unusual burn case caused by hot wormwood leaf water was discussed. A 29-year-old woman sustained a 7% second-degree burn on both buttocks and left thigh. This case report highlights a rare cause of a chemical burn that may become more common with increasing use of this Chinese traditional medicine. The prevention measures of this burn injury were also presented.
Closure of Surgical Wounds: A Rapid Eversion Technique
Authors: Hemmings Nicholas , Knepil Greg
Published: October 2011

There are many suturing techniques available for the closure of skin incisions. The authors present a continuous suturing technique which is simple and quick to perform, eliminates the need for an assistant to follow, is easy to remove, and produces an everted wound margin with evenly distributed tension. The authors believe this technique produces a cosmetically superior scar, which is beneficial to the patient and to the surgeon.
Successive failure, repeat entrepreneurship and no learning: A case study
Authors: Pretorius Marius , Le Roux Ingrid
Published: October 2011

Orientation: Current theories of repeat entrepreneurship provide little explanation for the effect of failure as a ‘trigger’ for creating successive ventures or learning from repeated failures. Research purpose: This study attempts to establish the role of previous failures on the ventures that follow them and to determine the process of learning from successive failures.Motivation for the study: Successive failures offer potentially valuable insights into the relationship between failures on the ventures that follow and the process of learning from failure.Research design, approach and method: The researchers investigated a single case study of one entrepreneur’s successive failures over 20 years.Main findings: Although the causes varied, all the failures had fundamental similarities. This suggested that the entrepreneur had not learnt from them. The previous failures did not trigger the subsequent ventures. Instead, they played a role in causing the failures. Learning from failure does not happen immediately but requires deliberate reflection. Deliberate reflection is a prerequisite for learning from failure as the entrepreneur repeated similar mistakes time after time until he reflected on each failure.Practical/managerial implications: It confirms that failure is a part of entrepreneurial endeavours. However, learning from it requires deliberate reflection. Failure does not ‘trigger’ the next venture and educators should note this.Contribution/value-add: Knowing the effect of failure on consecutive ventures may help us to understand the development of prototypes (mental frameworks) and expand the theory about entrepreneurial prototype categories.
The Development of the IMIA Knowledge Base
Authors: Wright Graham
Published: October 2011

Background: The discipline of health or medical informatics is relatively new in that the literature has existed for only 40 years. The British Computer Society (BCS) health group was of the opinion that work should be undertaken to explore the scope of medical or health informatics. Once the mapping work was completed the International Medical Informatics Association (IMIA) expressed the wish to develop it further to define the knowledge base of the discipline and produce a comprehensive internationally applicable framework. This article will also highlight the move from the expert opinion of a small group to the analysis of publications to generalise and refine the initial findings, and illustrate the importance of triangulation.Objectives: The aim of the project was to explore the theoretical constructs underpinning the discipline of health informatics and produce a cognitive map of the existing understanding of the discipline and develop the knowledge base of health informatics for the IMIA and the BCS.Method: The five-phase project, described in this article, undertaken to define the discipline of health informatics used four forms of triangulation.Results: The output from the project is a framework giving the 14 major headings (Subjects) and 245 elements, which together describe the current perception of the discipline of health informatics.Conclusion: This article describes how each phase of the project was strengthened, through using triangulation within and between the different phases. This was done to ensure that the investigators could be confident in the confirmation and completeness of data, and assured of the validity and reliability of the final output of the ‘IMIA Knowledge Base’ that was endorsed by the IMIA Board in November 2009.
Women's Perceptions of Neighborhood Resources and Hazards Related to Diet, Physical Activity, and Smoking: Focus Group Results from Economically Distinct Neighborhoods in a Mid-Sized U.S. City
Authors: Yen Irene H. , Scherzer Teresa , Cubbin Catherine , Gonzalez Alma , Winkleby Marilyn A.
Published: October 2011

Purpose.

To investigate women's perceptions of neighborhood resources and hazards associated with poor diet, physical inactivity, and cigarette smoking.

Design.

After interviewing city officials and analyzing visual assessments, three economically distinct neighborhoods in a mid-sized city were selected.

Setting.

Salinas, California, a predominantly Latino city.

Methods.

Eight focus groups, conducted in Spanish or English in the three neighborhoods. Thematic coding of focus group transcripts identified key concepts. Women also mapped their perceived neighborhood boundaries.

Participants.

Women who had at least one child under age 18 living with them.

Results.

Women identified food stores, parks, recreation areas, and schools as key resources in their neighborhoods. They identified fast food restaurants, convenience stores, violent crime, gangs, and drug-associated issues as “hazards.” Distinctions between resources and hazards were not always clear cut. For example, parks were sometimes considered dangerous, and fast food restaurants were sometimes considered a convenient and inexpensive way to feed one's family. Women's perceptions of their neighborhood boundaries differed greatly by type of neighborhood—the perceived neighborhood area (in acres) drawn by women in the lower-income neighborhood was one-fourth the size of the area drawn by women in the higher-income neighborhood.

Conclusion.

This qualitative, exploratory study illustrates how resources and hazards in one's neighborhood cannot be viewed as having solely one dimension—each may influence health behaviors both positively and negatively.
A fully automated system for measurements of photosynthetic oxygen exchange under immersed conditions: an example of its use in Laminaria digitata (Heterokontophyta: Phaeophyceae)
Authors: Gevaert François , Delebecq Gaspard , Menu Dominique , Brutier Laurent
Published: October 2011

A new, fully‐automated, closed‐chamber system was developed for measuring photosynthetic activity in aquatic plants, algae, or corals during immersion. The performance of this system, which monitors oxygen exchange, was evaluated both in the laboratory and in situ under natural conditions using the seaweed Laminaria digitata. Intact, large individuals were placed inside the chamber and kept in place by a plastic grid in a transparent Perspex dome. The grid separated the upper incubation chamber containing the alga from the detectors that were situated in the lower chamber. Oxygen was measured using a novel method based on lifetime optical fluorescence sensor technology that provides an extremely stable and precise measurement of dissolved oxygen. The circulation and homogenization of the medium between the samples and the detectors in this closed system were provided by two pumps. The medium could be renewed by another pump that opened to the external ambient seawater and controlled by a solenoid valve. All the mechanics were driven by an electronic card that allowed choice of filling time, time of measurement, and time of medium renewal. This system provides a new tool to study, in detail, the photosynthesis of whole aquatic organisms under natural field conditions during immersion, combining high time‐resolution of oxygen exchange with a long temporal scale of in situ measurements. By allowing automatic and very accurate measurements without any intervention during monitoring, this system will be useful for estimating and comparing production of primary producers or for assessing the influence of environmental factors on production.
Intercomparison of shallow water bathymetry, hydro‐optics, and benthos mapping techniques in Australian and Caribbean coastal environments
Authors: Dekker Arnold G. , Phinn Stuart R. , Anstee Janet , Bissett Paul , Brando Vittorio E. , Casey Brandon , Fearns Peter , Hedley John , Klonowski Wojciech , Lee Zhong P. , Lynch Merv , Lyons Mitchell , Mobley Curtis , Roelfsema Chris
Published: October 2011

Science, resource management, and defense need algorithms capable of using airborne or satellite imagery to accurately map bathymetry, water quality, and substrate composition in optically shallow waters. Although a variety of inversion algorithms are available, there has been limited assessment of performance and no work has been published comparing their accuracy and efficiency. This paper compares the absolute and relative accuracies and computational efficiencies of one empirical and five radiative‐transfer‐based published approaches applied to coastal sites at Lee Stocking Island in the Bahamas and Moreton Bay in eastern Australia. These sites have published airborne hyperspectral data and field data. The assessment showed that (1) radiative‐transfer—based methods were more accurate than the empirical approach for bathymetric retrieval, and the accuracies and processing times were inversely related to the complexity of the models used; (2) all inversion methods provided moderately accurate retrievals of bathymetry, water column inherent optical properties, and benthic reflectance in waters less than 13 m deep with homogeneous to heterogeneous benthic/ substrate covers; (3) slightly higher accuracy retrievals were obtained from locally parameterized methods; and (4) no method compared here can be considered optimal for all situations. The results provide a guide to the conditions where each approach may be used (available image and field data and processing capability). A re‐analysis of these same or additional sites with satellite hyperspectral data with lower spatial and radiometric resolution, but higher temporal resolution would be instructive to establish guidelines for repeatable regional to global scale shallow water mapping approaches.
Nanomaterial Engineering and Property Studies in a Transmission Electron Microscope
Authors: Golberg Dmitri , Costa Pedro M.F.J. , Wang Ming‐Sheng , Wei Xianlong , Tang Dai‐Ming , Xu Zhi , Huang Yang , Gautam Ujjal K. , Liu Baodan , Zeng Haibo , Kawamoto Naoyki , Zhi Chunyi , Mitome Masanori , Bando Yoshio
Published: October 2011

Modern methods of in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) allow one to not only manipulate with a nanoscale object at the nanometer‐range precision but also to get deep insights into its physical and chemical statuses. Dedicated TEM holders combining the capabilities of a conventional high‐resolution TEM instrument and atomic force ‐, and/or scanning tunneling microscopy probes become the powerful tools in nanomaterials analysis. This progress report highlights the past, present and future of these exciting methods based on the extensive authors endeavors over the last five years. The objects of interest are diverse. They include carbon, boron nitride and other inorganic one‐ and two‐dimensional nanoscale materials, e.g., nanotubes, nanowires and nanosheets. The key point of all experiments discussed is that the mechanical and electrical transport data are acquired on an individual nanostructure level under ultimately high spatial, temporal and energy resolution achievable in TEM, and thus can directly be linked to morphological, structural and chemical peculiarities of a given nanomaterial.
Patterns of prenatal alcohol exposure and associated non‐characteristic minor structural malformations: A prospective study
Authors: Feldman Haruna Sawada , Jones Kenneth Lyons , Lindsay Suzanne , Slymen Donald , Klonoff‐Cohen Hillary , Kao Kelly , Rao Smriti , Chambers Christina
Published: October 2011

The characteristic facial features of the more severe end of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) include smooth philtrum, thin vermillion of the upper lip, and short palpebral fissures. A systematic evaluation of a comprehensive list of minor structural defects in association with varying patterns of prenatal exposure to alcohol has not been performed. We examined the patterns and timing of prenatal alcohol exposure to minor structural malformations occurring in at least 5% of the sample. Patterns of drinking were evaluated by drinks per day, number of binge episodes, and maximum number of drinks. Timing of exposure was evaluated 0–6 weeks post‐conception, 6–12 weeks post‐conception, first trimester, second trimester, and third trimester. Naevus flammeus neonatorum is significantly associated with various patterns of drinking during the second half of the first trimester (RR 1.14, 95% CI 1.04, 1.24 for average number of drinks per day; RR 1.04, 95% CI 1.02, 1.07 for number of binge episodes; RR 1.08, 95% CI 1.01, 1.15 for maximum number of drinks in one episode) and similar for number of binge episodes in all categories of timing of exposure and in the second trimester for average number of drinks per day. Other minor malformations occurring in at least 5% of the sample were not found to be significantly associated with prenatal alcohol exposure. Expected minor malformations were not found to be significantly associated with prenatal alcohol exposure. Naevus flammeus neonatorum appears to be part of the spectrum of features associated with prenatal alcohol exposure. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Preparation and characterization of the structure of PSt‐b‐PAA/Co composite material
Authors: Yang Runmiao , Dong Guanxiu , Liu Yuhai , Sun Jianhua , Xu Yangyang
Published: October 2011

The polystyrene‐block‐polyacrylic acid (PSt‐b‐PAA) copolymer is obtained through the reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer polymerization (RAFT). Then the cobalt (Co) nano‐particles are synthesized by loading the Co2+ salt into the polymer and reducing them. Polymer–matrix composites with an average particle size of 10 nm have been formed by a simple technique. The technique exploits the dispersed phase of the polymer to form numerous identical nanoreactors. In this approach, nanoparticles are rigidly attached to the support surface to prevent their agglomeration. FT‐IR and TEM analysis of these polymer–matrix composites revealed that nano‐structures are formed and the shape can be controlled. Vibrating sample magnetometer is also used to study the magnetic property of the materials at room temperature. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Conversions at C‐30 of Glycyrrhetinic Acid and Their Impact on Antitumor Activity
Authors: Csuk René , Schwarz Stefan , Siewert Bianka , Kluge Ralph , Ströhl Dieter
Published: October 2011

The extracts of the roots of licorice have been used in traditional and folk medicine to treat a broad variety of maladies. The main ingredient of these extracts is glycyrrhicinic acid. Its aglycon, glycyrrhetinic acid, has many biological activities, among them a pronounced cytotoxicity against tumor cells. In this study we varied glycyrrhetinic acid at position C‐30 to get “simple” derivatives, for example esters, amides and a nitrile. The influence of these changes on the cytotoxic activity is noteworthy and was determined by a colorimetric sulphorhodamine B test using 7 human tumor cell lines and mouse embryonic fibroblasts (NIH3T3) for comparison. A Trypan blue test as well as an acridine orange/ethidium bromide test was used to discover the ability of the compounds to induce apoptosis.
An innovative method for the analysis of vehicle movements in roundabouts based on image processing
Authors: Mussone Lorenzo , Matteucci Matteo , Bassani Marco , Rizzi Davide
Published: October 2011

The objective of this paper is to propose a method, based on the image processing of field survey data, to analyze vehicles movements into roundabouts. This research study consisted of three stages: a field survey to collect vehicular flow images captured by video cameras, the processing of these images using a proprietary software (VeTRA—Vehicle Tracking for Roundabout Analysis), and finally, the analysis of the collected data.

The main feature of the software is that it allows the automatic computation of the main variables necessary to rank and evaluate a generic roundabout: the entry/exit (E/E) matrix with classification of vehicles (e.g., heavy, light, and motorbikes), vehicle trajectories, and vehicular speed diagrams along the paths inside the roundabout. The processing system is robust enough to withstand classic problems affecting image processing such as variable wind conditions, cloud cover, shadows, and obstructions. Calibration and error evaluation have been deduced from data collected by a high precision Real Time Kinematic GPS video recording system mounted on a probe vehicle. Data of E/E matrices generated by VeTRA are compared with those manually counted on the corresponding video images.

A case study of an existing roundabout is featured in the paper. The results indicate that the software has a high capability of generating the E/E matrix. The analysis of vehicular trajectories with both the plot of curvature diagrams and the corresponding speed diagrams enable the evaluation of driver behavior relative to the geometric shape of the roundabout. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A methodology for evaluating the sustainability of biorefineries: framework and indicators
Authors: Sacramento‐Rivero Julio C.
Published: October 2011

Sustainability today is a ubiquitous word; in its relatively brief life, the concept has taken many shapes, so that today the word is frequently used, sometimes overused, and many times misused. Proposing good indicators to measure sustainability is a challenging task; the most common methodologies for evaluating the sustainability of processes and products do so by comparing various designs and selecting the best option, according to predefined criteria. The methodology herein proposed uses a sustainability scale that is based on an absolute reference, and is normalized for sustainability indicators applicable to biorefineries. The resulting framework consists of 5 indicator categories, and a total of 14 metrics; this tool can be used to evaluate the sustainability of biorefinery designs, and also for ex‐post evaluations of performance. © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Genetically determined dopamine availability predicts disposition for depression
Authors: Felten Andrea , Montag Christian , Markett Sebastian , Walter Nora T. , Reuter Martin
Published: October 2011

Although prominent personality theories postulate orthogonality between traits of positive emotionality (PEM) and negative emotionality (NEM), empirical evidence often demonstrates the opposite indicating a negative relationship. Therefore, it is not surprising that dopaminergic (DA) gene loci have been related to traits of positive and of NEM. The present genetic association study investigates the influence of two functional DA gene polymorphisms on Sadness as defined by the Affective Neuroscience Personality Scales (ANPS) in healthy Caucasians (n= 1041). We observed a significant interaction effect between the 10‐repeat (10R) allele of the dopamine transporter (DAT1) gene and the methionine (Met) allele of the catechol‐O‐methyltransferase (COMT) Val158Met polymorphism (F(1,1018)= 11.11;P< 0.001). Carriers of the 9R/9R and the Val/Val genotype showed dramatically reduced Sadness scores in comparison to the other three genotype configurations. Both the 9R/9R and the Val/Val genotypes characterized by reduced transporter density and high dopamine catabolism, respectively, have been separately related to personality traits of PEM and externalizing behavior in the past. The present findings indicate that gene variations of the DA system previously associated with PEM are at the same time protective against high NEM and can therefore constitute a resilience factor against depression.
Enthalpic discrimination of R‐ and S‐limonenes in nonpolar solvents at 298.15 K
Authors: Kimura Takayoshi , Kido Satoko , Kamiyama Tadashi , Fujisawa Masao
Published: October 2011

Enthalpies of mixing of R‐ and S‐limonene in non‐polar solvents in the entire range of mole fractions were measured at 298.15 K. The enthalpies of mixing were negative for all concentrations in dilute concentration, but increased by increasing the concentration of limonenes in solutions. Ultimately positive excess enthalpies were shown in high concentration. Enthalpies of mixing were compared with theoretical estimation by COSMO‐RS. Chirality, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
HPLC–CD selectivity assay for alcohol dehydrogenases
Authors: Hamzic Melissa , Pietruszka Jörg , Sandkuhl Diana
Published: October 2011

Enantioselective reductions are a key to successful target‐oriented syntheses. Finding the most suitable conditions is often a tedious work that is especially hampered by the time‐consuming analytical investigation. A possible solution is the combined use of high‐performance liquid chromatography and circular dichroism to find a suitable system for providing enantiomerically pure alcohols. This investigation led to an efficient protocol for the alcohol dehydrogenase‐catalyzed reduction of 1‐phenyl‐2‐propyn‐3‐trimethylsilyl‐1‐on (1). Chirality, 2011. © 2011Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Responses of Different Chinese Flowering Cabbage (Brassica parachinensis L.) Cultivars to Cadmium and Lead Exposure: Screening for Cd + Pb Pollution‐Safe Cultivars
Authors: Qiu Qiu , Wang Yutao , Yang Zhongyi , Xin Junliang , Yuan Jiangang , Wang Jianbing , Xin Guorong
Published: October 2011

To reduce the potential risks of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) entering the human food chain in vegetables, two pot experiments (Exp. 1 and Exp. 2) were carried out to screen for Cd and Pb pollution‐safe cultivars (PSCs) of Chinese flowering cabbage (Brassica parachinensis L.). The three Cd treatments in Exp. 1 (0.114, 0.667, and 1.127 mg kg−1) showed that Chinese flowering cabbage could easily take up Cd from polluted soils, and there were wide variations in Cd accumulation among different cultivars. The Cd accumulation trait at cultivar level was rather stable under different soil Cd treatments. In Exp. 2, seven cultivars that had been shown in Exp. 1 to be typical high or low accumulators of Cd were selected and six Cd + Pb joint exposure treatments were applied to them. The results showed that there were similar trends of accumulation between Cd and Pb for the tested cultivars, but Pb accumulation by the species was much poorer than that of Cd. It was worth noting that an increase in soil Pb levels significantly (p < 0.01) depressed shoot Cd accumulation. Six cultivars were selected as Cd + Pb PSCs. This study showed that it is feasible to apply a PSC strategy in Chinese flowering cabbage cultivation, to cope with the Cd and Pb contamination commonly found in agricultural soils.
The Role of π Electrons in the Formation of Benzene‐Containing Lithium‐Bonded Complexes
Authors: Zeng Yanli , Zhu Min , Meng Lingpeng , Zheng Shijun
Published: October 2011

The intermolecular interactions in C6H6⋅⋅⋅LiX (X=OH, NH2, F, Cl, Br, NC, CN) complexes are investigated by using second‐order Møller–Plesset perturbation theory (MP2) calculations and quantum theory of “atoms in molecules” (QTAIM) studies, and the role of π electrons is studied in the formation of these benzene‐containing lithium‐bonded complexes. The molecular electrostatic potentials of benzene and LiX determine the geometries of the lithium‐bonded complexes. The electron densities at the lithium bond critical points in the πC6H6⋅⋅⋅LiX complexes are obviously stronger than those in the σC6H6⋅⋅⋅LiX complexes, which indicates that the intermolecular interactions in the C6H6⋅⋅⋅LiX complexes are mainly attributable to π‐type interaction. The topological and energy properties at the lithium bond critical points in both the C6H6⋅⋅⋅LiX and πC6H6⋅⋅⋅LiX complexes are linear with the interaction energies, thereby showing the crucial role of the π electrons in the formation of these complexes. Electron localization function (ELF) analysis indicates that the formation of the lithium bonds leads to the reduction of the ELF π‐electron density and volume, and the reduction of the π‐electron volume is linear with the interaction energies with the correction coefficient 0.9949.
Synthesis of Spirocyclopropyl γ‐Lactams by a Highly Stereoselective Tandem Intramolecular Azetidine Ring‐Opening/Closing Cascade Reaction
Authors: Nocquet Pierre‐Antoine , Hazelard Damien , Compain Philippe
Published: October 2011

A new tandem intramolecular azetidine ring‐opening/closing cascade reaction affording spirocyclopropyl γ‐lactams in high regio‐ and stereoselectivity is reported. The key step of the process is an SN2‐type ring‐opening of TMSOTf‐activated azetidine rings by silyl ketene acetals generated by treatment with TMSOTf and triethylamine. This study is a very rare example of nucleophilic ring opening of azetidines that does not require formation of quaternary azetidinium salts by N‐alkylation or the use of N‐electron‐withdrawing groups.
Voltammetric Characterization of Dissolved Cadmium Sulfide Species
Authors: Mullaugh Katherine M. , Luther George W.
Published: October 2011

The reaction between Cd(II) and sulfide was monitored by voltammetry. To slow the precipitation of bulk CdS, experiments were conducted in the presence of ligands, of which cysteine was the most effective. A voltammetric signal obtained for the CdSaq product was largest when [S(‐II)]=1/2[Cd(II)] and was enhanced through adsorptive stripping voltammetry. The mechanism of CdSaq adsorption on the working electrode surface and subsequent Cd(II) reduction was determined. Size exclusion chromatography demonstrated that the CdSaq complex giving the voltammetric signal was from a species intermediate in size between nanoparticles (>3 nm diameter) and cysteine, indicating the voltammetric response is size dependent.