bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and characterization of the atropisomeric relationships of a substituted N‐phenyl‐bipyrazole derivative with anti‐inflammatory properties
Authors: Veloso Marcia P. , Romeiro Nelilma C. , Silva Gilberto M. S. , Alves Hélio De M. , Doriguetto Antonio C. , Ellena Javier , Miranda Ana L. P. , Barreiro Eliezer J. , Fraga Carlos A. M.
Published: April 2012

This work describes the atropisomeric relationships of 3‐methyl‐5‐(3‐methyl‐5‐phenyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐1‐yl)‐1‐phenyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐4‐amine (2d), which belongs to series 4‐aminobipyrazole derivatives designed as anti‐inflammatory agents. The 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectra obtained in the presence of a chiral lanthanide shift salt associated to chiral high‐performance liquid chromatography analysis, X‐ray diffraction, and molecular modeling tools confirmed that ortho bis‐functionalized bipyrazole 2d exists as a mixture of aR,aS‐atropisomers. These results provide useful information to understand the pharmacological profile of this derivative and of other 4‐aminobipyrazole analogs. Chirality 24:463–470, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The application of immunocytochemistry to direct smears in the diagnosis of effusions
Authors: Knoepp Stewart M. , Placido Jeremiah , Fields Kristina L. , Thomas Dafydd , Roh Michael H.
Published: May 2012

Metastatic malignancy represents a common cause of effusions. Immunocytochemistry (ICC) is useful in confirming malignancy and gaining insight into the site of origin. Cell blocks are commonly utilized for this purpose; nonetheless, when the malignant cells are sparse, they may not be represented in cell blocks thereby precluding immunophenotypic characterization. Thus, we sought to investigate the utility of direct smear preparations as a platform for ICC in the diagnosis of effusions. Air‐dried, unstained direct smears were prepared from 49 malignant effusions and 17 reactive effusions for comparison. ICC for EMA and MOC‐31 highlighted the tumor cells in 91 and 98% of the malignant effusions tested, respectively. EMA immunoreactivity was focally observed within the calretinin‐positive mesothelial cell population in 1 (6%) of the 17 reactive effusions. ICC for MOC‐31 was negative in all reactive effusions. Site‐specific immunomarkers were also evaluated. Immunoreactivity for Napsin‐A and TTF‐1 were observed in 78 and 67% of metastatic lung adenocarcinomas, respectively. ICC for PAX8 highlighted metastatic Müllerian and thyroid carcinomas in 100% of cases tested. CDX‐2 immunoreactivity was observed in 25, 60, and 100% of metastatic gastric, pancreatic, and colorectal adenocarcinomas, respectively. Positivity for p63 was observed in 75% of metastatic urothelial cell carcinomas and the one case of pulmonary squamous cell carcinoma examined. Calretinin ICC highlighted the tumor cells in both malignant mesothelioma cases tested as well as the benign mesothelial cells in the reactive effusions. In conclusion, direct smears represent an effective platform for the performance of ICC in the diagnosis of malignant effusions. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bio‐geomorphic effects on tidal channel evolution: impact of vegetation establishment and tidal prism change
Authors: Vandenbruwaene Wouter , Bouma Tjeerd J. , Meire Patrick , Temmerman Stijn
Published: April 2012

The long‐term (10–100 years) evolution of tidal channels is generally considered to interact with the bio‐geomorphic evolution of the surrounding intertidal platform. Here we studied how the geometric properties of tidal channels (channel drainage density and channel width) change as (1) vegetation establishes on an initially bare intertidal platform and (2) sediment accretion on the intertidal platform leads to a reduction in the tidal prism (i.e. water volume that during a tidal cycle floods to and drains back from the intertidal platform). Based on a time series of aerial photographs and digital elevation models, we derived the channel geometric properties at different time steps during the evolution from an initially low‐elevated bare tidal flat towards a high‐elevated vegetated marsh. We found that vegetation establishment causes a marked increase in channel drainage density. This is explained as the friction exerted by patches of pioneer vegetation concentrates the flow in between the vegetation patches and promotes there the erosion of channels. Once vegetation has established, continued sediment accretion and tidal prism reduction do not result in significant further changes in channel drainage density and in channel widths. We hypothesize that this is explained by a partitioning of the tidal flow between concentrated channel flow, as long as the vegetation is not submerged, and more homogeneous sheet flow as the vegetation is deeply submerged. Hence, a reduction of the tidal prism due to sediment accretion on the intertidal platform, reduces especially the volume of sheet flow (which does not affect channel geometry), while the concentrated channel flow (i.e. the landscape forming volume of water) is not much affected by the tidal prism reduction. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interlaboratory comparison of a standardized toxicity test using the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (ISO 10872)
Authors: Höss Sebastian , Ahlf Wolfgang , Bergtold Matthias , Bluebaum-Gronau Elke , Brinke Marvin , Donnevert Gerhild , Menzel Ralph , Möhlenkamp Christel , Ratte Hans-Toni , Traunspurger Walter , Danwitz Brigitte von , Pluta Hans-Jürgen
Published: April 2012

A ring test was carried out within the standardization process of ISO 10872 to evaluate the precision of the toxicity test for the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Eight different laboratories tested aqueous solutions of the reference substance benzylcetyldimethylammonium chloride as well as native sediments and soils for toxic effects on the growth and reproduction of C. elegans. Validity criteria were met in all laboratories. Average median- and low-effect concentrations were determined to be 15.1 mg L−1 (EC50) and 8.7 mg L−1 (EC10) for growth and 7.5 mg L−1 (EC50) and 3.8 mg L−1 (EC10) for reproduction of C. elegans, with ECx values showing a high degree of reproducibility (CVR: <21% and <11% for EC10 and EC50, respectively) and repeatability (CVr: <20% and <7% for EC10 and EC50, respectively). The toxic effects of the sediments and soils revealed by the different laboratories were well related to each samples' degree of chemical contamination. Moreover, the effects showed an acceptable reproducibility (CVR: 5–33% and 0–28% for growth and reproduction, respectively) and repeatability (CVr: 3–13% and 0–12% for growth and reproduction, respectively). The present study confirms that the toxicity test with C. elegans according to ISO 10872 is a reliable and precise tool to assess the toxicity of aqueous media, freshwater sediments, and soils. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012; 31: 1525–1535. © 2012 SETAC
Influence of essential elements on cadmium uptake and toxicity in a unicellular green alga: The protective effect of trace zinc and cobalt concentrations
Authors: Lavoie Michel , Fortin Claude , Campbell Peter G.C.
Published: April 2012

Within the biotic ligand model (BLM) construct, major cations are considered to be simple competitors for metal binding to uptake sites and may offer some protection against metal-induced toxicity, but the influence of essential trace elements and cell preconditioning to different micronutrient concentrations on metal uptake and toxicity is considered negligible. To test these underlying assumptions, we monitored Cd uptake and toxicity in a green alga (Chlamydomonas reinhardtii) after long-term exposures (60 h) to a range of environmentally realistic free Zn2+, Co2+, Fe3+, Mn2+, Ca2+, and Cu2+ concentrations buffered with nitrilotriacetic acid. A 200-fold increase in free [Mn2+] as well as a 100-fold increase in free [Fe3+] did not affect Cd uptake or toxicity, whereas a 50-fold increase in free [Ca2+] effectively offered some protection, as predicted by the BLM. However, a 10-fold increase in free [Cu2+] significantly enhanced Cd toxicity by a factor of approximately 2, whereas a 100-fold increase in free [Zn2+] and [Co2+] from 10−11 to 10−9 M significantly decreased Cd uptake and toxicity by more than twofold. These effects did not change with prior algal acclimation to different essential micronutrient concentrations. Low essential trace metal concentrations may strongly affect the uptake and toxicity of Cd in freshwater algae and should be taken into consideration in future developments of the BLM. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012; 31: 1445–1452. © 2012 SETAC
Aquatic toxicity tests with substances that are poorly soluble in water and consequences for environmental risk assessment
Authors: Weyman Gabriel S. , Rufli Hans , Weltje Lennart , Salinas Edward R. , Hamitou Marc
Published: April 2012

Aquatic toxicity tests with substances that are poorly soluble in water have been conducted using different methods, and estimates of toxicity have varied accordingly. The present study illustrates differences in toxicity values resulting from variation in test designs and solution preparation methods, and offers guidance on the best way to conduct these tests. Consequences for environmental risk assessment and classification are also discussed. The present study mainly considers active ingredients of plant protection products, but is also considered relevant to other chemicals. It is recommended that toxicity tests be conducted only up to the saturation limit, dispersants avoided, and solvents used only if necessary to support handling and speed of dissolution. Analytical measurements of exposure concentrations should reflect what organisms are exposed to. If acute toxicity testing at the saturation limit yields no adverse effects, further testing should not normally be required; the toxicity value of the endpoints should be considered as the saturation limit and adverse classification should not be required. Chronic testing, if required, should then be conducted at the practical saturation limit as this is the most realistic worst-case exposure scenario. If no adverse effects occur, the risk should be acceptable because higher aqueous exposure cannot occur. This could be substantiated by testing additional species. Assessment factors on no observed effect concentration (NOEC) values at the saturation limit require careful consideration in the risk assessment to avoid unnecessarily low regulatory acceptable concentrations. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012; 31: 1662–1669. © 2012 SETAC
Accumulation and toxicity of metals (copper, zinc, cadmium, and lead) and organic compounds (geraniol and benzo[a]pyrene) in the oribatid mite Oppia nitens
Authors: Owojori Olugbenga J. , Siciliano Steven D.
Published: April 2012

The oribatid mite Oppia nitens has been suggested as a test species for ecotoxicological assessment of contaminated boreal soils. Knowledge of the ecotoxicity of pollutants of different modes of action to this species is necessary to assess its relative sensitivity in comparison with other invertebrates. The toxicity of four metals and two organic chemicals to O. nitens was evaluated over a 28- or 35-d period. Mite survival, reproduction, and tissue accumulation were assessed at the end of the test. Reproduction was a more sensitive endpoint than survival for all of the compounds except geraniol. The reproduction median inhibitory concentration (IC50) values for Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb were 2,896, 1,562, 137, and 1,678 mg/kg, respectively, whereas those for benzo[a]pyrene and geraniol were greater than 1,600 and 283 mg/kg. The median lethal concentration (LC50) values for Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb were 3,311, 2,291, 603, and 6,761 mg/kg, respectively, whereas those for benzo[a]pyrene and geraniol were greater than 1,600 and 251 mg/kg. When effects on reproduction are compared with those of other soil invertebrates, O. nitens appears less sensitive to Cu and Zn but within the same order of magnitude of sensitivity as that for Cd and Pb. Despite its lower sensitivity to Cu and Zn, O. nitens is a member of a group underrepresented in ecotoxicological evaluations and should therefore be included in test battery for risk assessment of contaminated boreal and other northern soils. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012; 31: 1639–1648. © 2012 SETAC
A BRINE BAROMETER AND A TRUE MEAN TEMPERATURE THERMOMETER
Authors: Corbyn P. R.
Published: May 2012

Accurate scientific equipment is generally expensive, but the amateur who has some aptitude for practical experimentation can construct instruments which provide an outlet for his inventiveness and make worth‐while observations possible. This article describes two instruments designed and built by the author from quite readily available materials. The first is a brine barometer and the second an electrical thermometer which measures true mean (air) temperature. Both are as accurate as more conventional instruments.
Atomic multipoles: Electrostatic potential fit, local reference axis systems, and conformational dependence
Authors: Kramer Christian , Gedeck Peter , Meuwly Markus
Published: April 2012

Currently, all standard force fields for biomolecular simulations use point charges to model intermolecular electrostatic interactions. This is a fast and simple approach but has deficiencies when the electrostatic potential (ESP) is compared to that from ab initio methods. Here, we show how atomic multipoles can be rigorously implemented into common biomolecular force fields. For this, a comprehensive set of local reference axis systems is introduced, which represents a universal solution for treating atom‐centered multipoles for all small organic molecules and proteins. Furthermore, we introduce a new method for fitting atomic multipole moments to the quantum mechanically derived ESP. This methods yields a 50–90% error reduction compared to both point charges fit to the ESP and multipoles directly calculated from the ab initio electron density. It is shown that it is necessary to directly fit the multipole moments of conformational ensembles to the ESP. Ignoring the conformational dependence or averaging over parameters from different conformations dramatically deteriorates the results obtained with atomic multipole moments, rendering multipoles worse than partial charges. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Improvement of the production of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate‐co‐4‐hydroxybutyrate) terpolyester by manipulating the culture condition
Authors: Aziz Nursolehah Abd , Sipaut Coswald Stephen , Abdullah Amirul Al‐Ashraf
Published: May 2012

BACKGROUND: The aim of this work is to enhance the production of terpolyester poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate‐co‐4‐hydroxybutyrate) (P(3HB‐co‐3HV‐co‐4HB)) produced by a locally isolated bacterium, Cupriavidus sp. USMAA2‐4. The monomer composition was varied by supplementing different carbon precursors and by manipulating the culture condition through one‐stage cultivation. The effect of C/N ratio and different concentrations of carbon source and precursors were investigated in order to produce higher content of this terpolyester. Although research on this biodegradable polyester is abundant, studies on terpolyester P(3HB‐co‐3HV‐co‐4HB) are still limited.

RESULTS: Supplementation of oleic acid in accumulation medium increased the bacterial growth and polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) accumulation. It was also shown that medium consisting of assorted carbon precursors at C/N 20 gave relatively high dry cell weight and P(3HB‐co‐3HV‐co‐4HB) content. Various compositions of terpolyester were obtained when the concentration of oleic acid and 4HB precursors were manipulated. The combination of oleic acid with γ‐butyrolactone and 1‐pentanol was found to be the best combination to produce high PHA content (81 wt%). The composition of monomer in P(3HB‐co‐3HV‐co‐4HB) was produced in the range 8–13 mol% for 3HV and 9–24 mol% for 4HB, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: The production of P(3HB‐co‐3HV‐co‐4HB) in shake‐flasks successfully produced 81 wt% of PHA content. This manipulated culture condition can be used at larger scale to provide modeling for the production of terpolyester in a bioreactor. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Preparation and characterization of modified polysulfone membranes with high hydrophilic property using variation in coagulation bath temperature and addition of surfactant
Authors: Mousavi S.M. , Saljoughi E. , Ghasemipour Z. , Hosseini S.A.
Published: April 2012

In this research, novel asymmetric polysulfone (PSF) membranes were prepared from PSF/polyethylene glycol (PEG)/polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate/1‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone (NMP) system via immersion precipitation. Pure water was used as gelation media. The variation effect of coagulation bath temperature (CBT) and addition of surfactant on morphology, wettability, and pure water flux (PWF) of the prepared membranes were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), contact angle measuring instrument, and experimental set up. The contact angle measurements demonstrated that hydrophilicity of the PSF membranes was significantly enhanced by small addition of surfactant in the casting solution along with using the lowest level of CBT. Also it was found out that addition of the surfactant in the casting solution along with increasing the CBT incites the formation of the bigger pores on the top surface and results in the formation of membranes with higher thickness and more porous structure in the sublayer. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Nanoprecipitation of poly(methyl methacrylate)‐based nanoparticles: Effect of the molar mass and polymer behavior
Authors: Perevyazko Igor Y. , Vollrath Antje , Pietsch Christian , Schubert Stephanie , Pavlov Georgy M. , Schubert Ulrich S.
Published: April 2012

The current investigation describes in detail the influence of the polymer molar mass as well as polymer‐solvent interactions on the formation of nanoparticles using the nanoprecipitation methodology. For this purpose, a homologous series of poly(methyl methacrylate)s with molar masses ranging from 7,700 to 274,000 g mol−1 was prepared. Subsequently nanoprecipitation was performed in an automated and systematic manner using liquid handling robots and a variation of different initial concentrations of the polymers and solvent/nonsolvent ratios. To elucidate information about the polymer behavior in the solvents used for the nanoprecipitation procedure (acetone, tetrahydrofuran), intrinsic viscosity measurements were performed. The nanoparticle formulations were examined in terms of particle size and size distribution, particle shape as well as zeta‐potential. The conditions for the preparation of stable and uniform nanoparticles, regardless of molar mass and hydrodynamic volume of the initial polymer, were determined. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Effect of catalyst systems and reaction conditions on the synthesis of cellulose‐g‐PDMAam copolymers by controlled radical polymerization
Authors: Hiltunen Miia , Siirilä Joonas , Maunu Sirkka Liisa
Published: April 2012

Various copper‐based catalyst systems and reaction conditions were studied in the graft copolymerization of N,N‐dimethylacrylamide (DMAam) with a cellulose‐based macroinitiator by controlled radical polymerization. The cellulose macroinitiator with degree of substitution DS = 0.44 was synthesized from dissolving softwood pulp in a LiCl/DMAc solution. The graft copolymerizations of DMAam, using the cellulose macroinitiator and various copper‐based catalyst systems, were then carried out in DMSO solutions. The copolymerization kinetics was followed by 1H NMR. Water‐soluble cellulose‐g‐PDMAam copolymers were comprehensively characterized by ATR‐FTIR and 1H NMR spectroscopies and SEC analyses. DLS and steady‐shear viscosity measurements revealed that when the DPgraft of the cellulose‐g‐PDMAam copolymer is high enough, the copolymer forms a more compact structure in water. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Molecular captain: A light‐sensitive linker molecule in poly(ethylene glycol)‐poly(L‐alanine)‐poly(ethylene glycol) triblock copolymer directs molecular nano‐assembly, conformation, and sol‐gel transition
Authors: Jeong So Young , Moon Hyo Jung , Park Min Hee , Joo Min Kyung , Jeong Byeongmoon
Published: April 2012

We report a poly(ethylene glycol)‐poly(L‐alanine)‐azobenzene‐poly(L‐alanine)‐poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG‐PA‐Z‐PA‐PEG) as a temperature and light sensitive polymer. The poly(ethylene glycol)‐poly(L‐alanine) diblock copolymers with a flexible‐rigid block structure were coupled by an azobenzene group that undergoes a reversible configurational change between “trans” and “cis” upon exposure to UV and vis light. The single azobenzene molecule embedded in the middle of a block copolymer with a flexible (shell)‐rigid (core) structure significantly affected molecular assembly, micelle size, polypeptide secondary structure, and sol‐to‐gel transition temperature of the polymer aqueous solution, depending on its exposure to UV or vis light. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Effect of scale and surface chemistry on the mechanical properties of carbon nanotubes‐based composites
Authors: Lachman Noa , Harel Yifat , Green Adam , Iuster Noa , Lellouche Jean‐Paul , Wagner H. Daniel
Published: April 2012

In this article, Multi‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs) of varying diameters, both untreated and polycarboxylated, were dispersed at constant weight percentage in an epoxy matrix, and resulting fracture toughnesses (KIc) were measured in each case. We show that changing the MWCNT diameter has two effects on the composite fracture toughness: (i) a small MWCNT diameter enables larger interfacial surface for adhesion maximization, which increases toughness; (ii) at the same time, it limits the available pull‐out energy and reduces the MWCNT ability to homogeneously disperse in the matrix due to this same large active surface: this decreases toughness. Most commercially available MWCNTs have a length range of several μm, thus an optimal diameter exists which depends on MWCNT wall thickness and surface treatment. Such optimal diameter maximizes pull‐out energy and thus composite fracture toughness. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2012
Effects of cooking chemicals and ‘Hobun’ on the property of lining paper
Authors: Choi Kyoung‐Hwa , Park Ji Hee
Published: May 2012

In this study, the physical, optical, and morphological properties of the lining paper treated by cooking chemicals and ‘Hobun’ after humid accelerated aging were examined using the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS). Both SEM analyses and density measurements show that the fiber network of paper cooked by soda ash is denser than that by natural ash, but the fiber of the paper cooked by the former is more damaged than that by the latter. Compared with the paper cooked by soda ash, the paper by natural ash generally has a stronger physical property but a lower optical property. And SEM/EDS analyses of ‘Hobun’ show that major component of ‘Hobun’ is calcium carbonate. In the SEM imagery, it is observed that both the fiber network of both the surface and inside of the paper is filled with ‘Hobun’ and that the more ‘Hobun’ the paper contains, the denser its surface is. These results indicate that calcium carbonate in ‘Hobun’ enhances the optical and surface properties of the lining paper. According to the SEM imagery, after humid accelerated aging, however, the fiber and fiber network of lining paper become seriously damaged with the weakened fiber bonding of the lining paper as well as with the considerable decrease in the amount of protective ‘Hobun’. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surface characteristic and cell response of CVD SiC coating for carbon/carbon composites used for hip arthroplasty
Authors: Lei‐Lei Zhang , He‐Jun Li , Jin‐Hua Lu , Ke‐Zhi Li , Sheng Cao , Xue‐Ni Zhao , Zi‐Bo He
Published: May 2012

SiC coatings were applied on carbon/carbon composites by chemical vapor deposition for potential application in hip arthroplasty. The surface morphology, roughness, and wettability of the coatings were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, laser confocal scanning microscope, and video‐based contact angle measuring device, respectively. The bonding strength between the coatings and carbon/carbon composites was analyzed by scratch testing. The cell responses to coatings were studied by analyzing the cell morphology and cell proliferation. The results showed that SiC coatings showed spherical morphology with a roughness of Ra = 1.0 ± 0.2 µm and a contact angle of 64.7 ± 4.0°. The coatings had lower surface roughness and better surface hydrophilicity compared with those of the uncoated carbon/carbon composites. A strong shear strength averaging 120.0 MPa between the coating and carbon/carbon composites was achieved. The cell culture experiments showed that cell spreading was improved, and cell proliferation was increased with the SiC coatings. It was demonstrated that CVD‐SiC‐coated carbon/carbon composites were good candidates as artificial hip joint materials. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Detection of the number of two‐dimensional harmonics in additive colored noise
Authors: Yang Shiyong , Li Hongwei , Jiang Tao
Published: May 2012

This paper proposes a novel method to detect the number of two‐dimensional (2D) harmonics in additive colored noise based on the enhanced covariance matrix. We define an enhanced covariance matrix using the covariances of the observed signal. We get a special inherent relation between the number of 2D harmonics in additive colored noise and the eigenvalues of the enhanced covariance matrix, which can be used to detect the number of 2D harmonics in additive colored noise by analyzing the eigenvalues of the enhanced covariance matrix. The proposed method has a super resolution and does not need to assume the color and distribution of the additive noise. The effectiveness of the proposed method has been validated by both the theoretical analysis and extensive simulations. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Co-Morbidity and Other Complexities Affecting Black Women's Health
Authors: Jeffries Tamara Y.
Published: April 2012

This paper presents some of the major health concerns that affect black women, and examines how various individual health problems co-exist and coincide to create complex health concerns for women. It posits the idea that to effectively address a Black woman's health, her mental, emotional, social, economic and even spiritual health must be considered as well as her physical condition. The paper focuses largely on the information from individual health-related research presentations at “The Invisible Woman” conference held at Bennett College in March 18–19, 2011 in Greensboro, North Carolina. At this event, scholars presented new research on HIV, obesity and mental health—three areas of critical concern for African-American women—examining ways in which these conditions affect Black women. The paper also addresses the role of health care access and policy in addressing these and other health concerns among women and within the black community. The review of the literature highlights the importance of examining health—perhaps especially Black women's health—from social, cultural, behavioral, environmental and economic perspectives. It also points out the continued need for research that includes women and people of color.
Foxo3 negatively regulates the activation of mouse primordial oocytes
Authors: Kashiwagi Yayoi , Moniruzzaman Mohammad , Miyano Takashi
Published: April 2012

Purpose

The objective of this study is to know the role of Foxo3, a forkhead transcription factor, in the growth initiation of primordial oocytes in neonatal mice.

Methods

We studied the expression of Foxo3 in 0‐, 1‐, 2‐, 7‐ and 21‐day‐old mouse ovaries by immunohistochemistry. Ovaries from 1‐day‐old mice were treated with Foxo3 siRNAs (small interfering RNAs) and subsequently organ‐cultured for 6 days, and the oocyte growth was examined histologically.

Results

Expression of Foxo3 was low in newborn mouse ovaries. In 1‐day‐old ovaries, Foxo3 was expressed in the nuclei of 20 ± 7 % primordial oocytes. The percentage of Foxo3‐positive primordial oocytes was increased to 48 ± 8, 37 ± 2 and 47 ± 4 in 2‐, 7‐ and 21‐day‐old mice, respectively. After treatment of ovaries with Foxo3 siRNAs, higher proportion of oocytes entered the growth phase in cultured ovaries than that in control.

Conclusions

These results suggest that Foxo3 negatively regulates the growth initiation of primordial oocytes and knockdown of Foxo3 leads primordial oocytes to the growth phase in vitro.
Union Formation in Later Life: Economic Determinants of Cohabitation and Remarriage Among Older Adults
Authors: Vespa Jonathan
Published: May 2012

This study builds on Becker’s and Oppenheimer’s theories of union formation to examine the economic determinants of marriage and cohabitation during older adulthood. Based on the 1998–2006 Health and Retirement Study and a sample of previously married Americans who are at least 50 years old, results show that wealthier older adults, regardless of gender, are more likely to repartner than stay single. Wealth has no discernable effect on the likelihood of remarrying versus cohabiting. Among the oldest men, the positive associations between wealth and repartnering are entirely due to housing assets. Results suggest that Oppenheimer’s theory of marriage timing may be more applicable to later-life union formation than Becker’s independence hypothesis. Further, economic disadvantage does not appear to characterize later-life cohabitation, unlike cohabitation during young adulthood. These findings help illuminate the union formation process during older adulthood and are timely considering demographic changes reshaping the American population.
Insight in schizophrenia–course and predictors during the acute treatment phase of patients suffering from a schizophrenia spectrum disorder
Authors: Schennach R. , Meyer S. , Seemüller F. , Jäger M. , Schmauss M. , Laux G. , Pfeiffer H. , Naber D. , Schmidt L.G. , Gaebel W. , Klosterkötter J. , Heuser I. , Maier W. , Lemke M.R. , Rüther E. , Klingberg S. , Gastpar M. , Möller H.-J. , Riedel M.
Published: April 2012

Background

To analyse insight of illness during the course of inpatient treatment, and to identify influencing factors and predictors of insight.

Methods

Insight into illness was examined in 399 patients using the item G12 of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (“lack of insight and judgement”). Ratings of the PANSS, HAMD, UKU, GAF, SOFAS, SWN-K and Kemp's compliance scale were performed and examined regarding their potential association with insight. The item G12 was kept as an ordinal variable to compare insight between subgroups of patients.

Results

Almost 70% of patients had deficits in their insight into illness at admission. A significant improvement of impairments of insight during the treatment (p<0.0001) was observed. At admission more severe positive and negative symptoms, worse functioning and worse adherence were significantly associated with poorer insight. Less depressive symptoms (p= 0.0004), less suicidality (p= 0.0218), suffering from multiple illness-episodes (p<0.0001) and worse adherence (p= 0.0012) at admission were identified to be significant predictors of poor insight at discharge.

Conclusion

The revealed predictors might function as treatment targets in order to improve insight and with it outcome of schizophrenia.
The onset of fragmentation in binary liquid drop collisions
Authors: Planchette C. , Lorenceau E. , Brenn G.
Published: May 2012

Binary collisions of drops of immiscible liquids are investigated experimentally at well-defined conditions of impact. In the experiments we vary all relevant properties of an aqueous and an oil phase, the impact parameter, the drop size and the relative velocity. The drops observed after the collisions exhibit three main phenomena: full encapsulation, head-on fragmentation, and off-centre fragmentation. The regimes characterized by these phenomena replace the ones observed in binary collisions of drops of the same liquid: coalescence, reflexive separation, and stretching separation. Our aim is a universal description of the two fragmentation thresholds of such collisions. Based on the capillary instability and an energy balance, we establish for head-on collisions a scaling law for the evolution of the threshold impact velocity with the properties of the liquids and the droplet size. The fragmentation threshold for off-centre collisions is compared to established models from the literature, which appear unsatisfactory. Introducing an effective impact parameter, which accounts empirically for the deformation and rotation of the drops upon impact, we describe this fragmentation threshold in a universal way. For both fragmentation thresholds, the agreement between experimental data and their theoretical representation is very good. Our work yields new insight into binary collisions of drops and proposes a perspective to develop a more general description with implications for binary collisions of drops of a single liquid as well.
AFTER THE RUSH: LIVING WITH UNCERTAINTY IN A MALAGASY MINING TOWN
Authors: Walsh Andrew
Published: May 2012

This article addresses the uncertainties of life in the once booming, but now declining, centre of northern Madagascar's sapphire trade. Although the characteristic features of small-scale mining boomtowns have become well known to many through research on gold, diamond and other rushes throughout Africa and elsewhere in the world, relatively little is known of what happens to such distinctive communities after they boom. What becomes of the unique social networks, consumption patterns, and world-views so often associated with these places when the supply of or demand for the particular commodities around which they have developed declines? Who leaves and who stays behind? How do those remaining in such places continue to earn livings and make meaningful lives despite the decline that surrounds them, and how do they make sense of their circumstances in light of memories of better times? This article addresses these and other questions as they relate to life after the rush in the northern Malagasy sapphire-mining and trading town of Ambondromifehy, arguing that the uncertainties faced by those who remain indicate new possibilities as much as continuing decline.
The antioxidant effect of β-caryophyllene protects rat liver from carbon tetrachloride-induced fibrosis by inhibiting hepatic stellate cell activation
Authors: Calleja Miguel Angel , Vieites Jose María , Montero-Meterdez Trinidad , Torres María Isabel , Faus María José , Gil Angel , Suárez Antonio
Published: May 2012

Plant-based whole foods provide thousands of bioactive metabolites to the human diet that reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases. β-Caryophyllene (CAR) is a common constituent of the essential oil of numerous plants, vegetables, fruits and medicinal herbs, and has been used as a flavouring agent since the 1930 s. Here, we report the antioxidant activity of CAR, its protective effect on liver fibrosis and its inhibitory capacity on hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation. CAR was tested for the inhibition of lipid peroxidation and as a free radical scavenger. CAR had higher inhibitory capacity on lipid peroxidation than probucol, α-humulene and α-tocopherol. Also, CAR showed high scavenging activities against hydroxyl radical and superoxide anion. The activity of 5-lipoxygenase, an enzyme that actively participates in fibrogenesis, was significantly inhibited by CAR. Carbon tetrachloride-treated rats received CAR at 2, 20 and 200 mg/kg. CAR significantly improved liver structure, and reduced fibrosis and the expression ofCol1a1,Tgfb1andTimp1genes. Oxidative stress was used to establish a model of HSC activation with overproduction of extracellular matrix proteins. CAR (1 and 10 μm) increased cell viability and significantly reduced the expression of fibrotic marker genes. CAR, a sesquiterpene present in numerous plants and foods, is as a natural antioxidant that reduces carbon tetrachloride-mediated liver fibrosis and inhibits hepatic cell activation.
Programmed changes in the adult rat offspring caused by maternal protein restriction during gestation and lactation are attenuated by maternal moderate–low physical training
Authors: Fidalgo Marco , Falcão-Tebas Filippe , Bento-Santos Adriano , de Oliveira Elaine , Nogueira-Neto José Firmino , de Moura Egberto Gaspar , Lisboa Patrícia Cristina , de Castro Raul Manhães , Leandro Carol Góis
Published: May 2012

The effects of maternal moderate–low physical training on postnatal development, glucose homeostasis and leptin concentration in adult offspring subjected to a low-protein diet during the perinatal period were investigated. Male Wistar rats (aged 150 d old) were divided into four groups according to maternal group: untrained (NTp, n 8); trained (Tp, n 8); untrained with a low-protein diet (NT+LPp, n 8); trained with a low-protein diet (T+LPp, n 8). The trained mothers were subjected to a protocol of moderate physical training over a period of 4 weeks (treadmill, 5 d/week, 60 min/d, at 65 % VO2max) before mating. At pregnancy, the intensity and duration of exercise was progressively reduced (50–20 min/d, at 65–30 % VO2max). The low-protein diet groups received an 8 % casein diet, and their peers received a 17 % casein diet during gestation and lactation. The pups' birth weight and somatic growth were recorded weekly up to the 150th day. Fasting blood glucose, cholesterol, serum leptin concentration, glucose and insulin tolerance tests were evaluated. The Tp animals showed no changes in somatic and biochemical parameters, while the NT+LPp group showed a greater abdominal circumference, hyperglycaemia, hypercholesterolaemia, glucose intolerance and lower plasma leptin. In the T+LPp animals, all of those alterations were reversed except for plasma leptin concentration. In conclusion, the effects of a perinatal low-protein diet on growth and development, glucose homeostasis and serum leptin concentration in the offspring were attenuated in pups from trained mothers.
Emotional Determinants of Support for the Canadian Mission in Afghanistan: A View from the Bridge
Authors: Fletcher Joseph F. , Hove Jennifer
Published: May 2012

Abstract. Canada's military engagement in Afghanistan continues to figure highly in the public consciousness, spurring debate on perceived progress and the public's willingness to bear casualties. Despite the many political considerations at play, there is an emotional core to the issue that is often overlooked. In an earlier paper we found public support for the Afghanistan mission to depend in large part on emotive responses, although our analysis was restricted by the limited number of emotional indicators in the data (Fletcher et al., 2009). In this paper, we investigate a broader range of emotional influences on attitudes toward the mission through the use of field research on the Highway of Heroes and experimental framing of casualty-based imagery with student samples. Our findings reveal that Canadians' emotional responses to the repatriation of fallen soldiers reflect a distinctive composite of sadness and pride; the consequence of which is to undercut support for Canada's traditional peacekeeping role, a position negatively related to support for the Afghan mission. When compared with studies conducted in the US (Gartner, 2008a, 2011; and Huddy et al., 2007) our findings suggest some ways in which Canadians and Americans form distinct emotional communities (Rosenwein, 2006) in reactions to war.

Résumé. L'engagement militaire du Canada en Afghanistan demeure un sujet important dans l'esprit du public en alimentant les nombreux débats entourant les progrès sur le terrain et l'acceptation des pertes militaires. Malgré les nombreux angles d'analyse utilisés pour investiguer ce sujet, il est rare que la dimension émotionnelle soit étudiée directement. Dans un article publié précédemment, nos résultats indiquèrent que l'appui populaire pour la mission canadienne en Afghanistan dépendait largement des réponses émotives associées à cette dernière (Fletcher, Bastedo et Hove, 2009). Toutefois, cette analyse se trouvait restreinte par le nombre limité d'indicateurs émotionnels disponibles. Cet article comble cette lacune en étudiant un ensemble élargi d'influences émotionnelles sur les attitudes envers la mission militaire afghane. Pour ce faire, nous avons effectué une recherche de terrain sur l'Autoroute des héros ainsi qu'une expérience en laboratoire sur un échantillon d'étudiants. Nos résultats révèlent que l'exposition à des images montrant des soldats canadiens tombés au combat provoque des réponses émotionnelles mêlant tristesse et fierté. L'effet de cette réaction serait d'affaiblir l'appui pour un rôle de maintien de la paix traditionnellement joué par le Canada et, par le fait même, de renforcer l'appui pour la mission afghane. Lorsque l'on compare nos résultats aux études effectuées à ce sujet aux États-Unis (Gartner, 2008a, 2011; and Huddy et al., 2007), nos conclusions suggèrent que les Canadiens et les Étatsuniens forment des communautés émotionnelles (Rosenwein, 2006) distinctes lorsqu'il est question de leurs réactions à la guerre.
THE REDISCOVERY OF GREEK ROSSO ANTICO MARBLE AND ITS USE IN BRITAIN IN THE NINETEENTH AND TWENTIETH CENTURIES
Authors: Warren Peter
Published: May 2012

The metamorphic geology of Greece and the Aegean produced a wide range of coloured stones which were used in antiquity. In the second half of the nineteenth century several of the ancient quarries were rediscovered and reopened by Greek and British companies within the developing economy of the young Greek state. One such stone is the fine maroon marble rosso antico, emplaced at several locations in the Mani. It had first been exploited in the Late Bronze Age and exploitation continued extensively during the Roman Empire. The new quarryings of the nineteenth century resulted in much export to Britain, where the marble was used in churches, notably St Paul's Cathedral and Westminster Cathedral in London, in commercial and university buildings, in private houses and, as a gift of the Greek government, for the plinth of Byron's statue in Park Lane, London.
Sociological Analyses of Japanese Society in Japan, 2005–2010
Authors: KAMO YOSHINORI
Published: May 2012

Japanese sociologists’ work on Japanese society from 2005 through 2010 is critically examined. Articles published in the Japanese Sociological Review (JSR) during this period are analyzed along with books reviewed in the same journal. These publications are classified by their substantive areas and types of inquiries (quantitative, qualitative, theory, etc.). ‘Culture and social consciousness’ is the area where the largest numbers of articles and books have been recognized by JSR, followed by ‘class, stratification, and mobility’ and ‘industry, labor, and organization’. Overall characteristics of sociological studies of Japanese society in Japan are summarized. The discrepancy between contemporary social phenomena and sociological research is also noted, using an example of freeters and neets, among others.
Autistische Störungen – State-of-the-Art und neuere Entwicklungen
Authors: Freitag Christine M.
Published: April 2012

Der vorliegende Überblicksartikel baut auf dem «State-of-the-Art»-Vortrag zu tiefgreifenden Entwicklungsstörungen bei der 32. Jahrestagung der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie, Psychosomatik und Psychotherapie (DGKJP) im März 2011 in Essen auf und fasst die neuesten Erkenntnisse bezüglich epidemiologischer Studien (Komorbidität, Risikofaktoren), Frühdiagnose, Klassifikation und evidenzbasierter Therapieverfahren im Bereich medikamentöser Therapie sowie Autismus-spezifischer Frühförderung und Verhaltenstherapie zusammen. In allen diesen Bereichen hat die Forschung in den letzten Jahren zu einem besseren Verständnis und zu einer effektiveren Therapie von Autism Spectrum Disorders beigetragen.
Evaluation des Marburger Rechtschreibtrainings an Zweit- und Drittklässlern mit Rechtschreibproblemen
Authors: Barkmann Claus , Kuhlmann Ester , Rosenboom Lea , Wessolowski Nino , Schulte-Markwort Michael
Published: April 2012

Fragestellung: Kinder mit schweren Problemen beim Schriftspracherwerb sind auf nachhaltige Weise beeinträchtigt, gilt Lesen und Schreiben doch als Schlüsselkompetenz für die schulische und berufliche Entwicklung. Methodik: In der vorliegenden Evaluationsstudie wurde eine Kohorte von betroffenen Zweit- und Drittklässlern aus Hamburger Grundschulen über ein Schuljahr mit dem Marburger Rechtschreibtraining (MRT) durch angeleitete Trainerinnen in Kleingruppen gefördert. Die Untersuchungsfragen bezogen sich auf die innerschulische Anwendbarkeit des MRT, die Verbesserung der Rechtschreib- und Lesefähigkeit der Teilnehmer, subjektive Erfolgsbeurteilungen sowie potenzielle Prädiktoren. Neben objektiven Leistungstests wurden subjektive Einschätzungen von Eltern, Lehrern und Trainerinnen berücksichtigt. Ergebnisse: Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass ein manualisiertes Rechtschreibtraining innerschulisch implementier- und kontinuierlich umsetzbar ist. Innerhalb eines Förderjahres sind Verbesserungen mittlerer Größe in der Rechtschreib- und Lesefähigkeit durch objektive Testverfahren im Vergleich zur Normgruppe feststellbar. Die subjektiven Beurteilungen von Eltern, Lehrern und Trainerinnen spiegelten diese Verbesserungen nicht wider. Die Veränderung der Rechtschreibleistung war hauptsächlich von der Klassenstufe, die der Leseleistung von der initialen Rechtschreibleistung abhängig. Schlussfolgerungen: Die Studienresultate bieten Ansatzpunkte zur Optimierung der Förderpraxis an Grundschulen und für differentielle Wirksamkeitsfragen des MRTs sowie von Förderprogrammen im Allgemeinen.
Veränderung komorbider Symptome und subjektiver Beeinträchtigung
Authors: Woitecki Katrin , Döpfner Manfred
Published: April 2012

Fragestellung: Mit der vorliegenden Studie soll erstmals im deutschen Sprachraum mit gruppenstatistischen Ansätzen das Training der Reaktionsumkehr hinsichtlich seines Einflusses auf komorbide Symptome und der subjektiven Beeinträchtigung bei der Behandlung von Kindern und Jugendlichen mit chronischen Tic-Störungen überprüft werden. Methodik: Es wurden 16 Kinder/Jugendliche behandelt. Es wurden sowohl Eltern- als auch Selbsturteile zur Erfassung komorbider Symptome (ADHS, Angst und Zwang, Depression) eingesetzt. Der Zusammenhang zwischen der Ausprägung der Tic-Symptomatik und der komorbiden Symptomatik zu Behandlungsbeginn wurde ebenfalls geprüft. Ergebnisse: Diese Studie liefert erste Hinweise hinsichtlich des Rückgangs komorbider Symptome bei einer primären Behandlung der Tic-Symptomatik. Des Weiteren ist ein Zusammenhang komorbider Symptome und der Tic-Ausprägung im Elternurteil festzustellen. Schlussfolgerungen: Die Indikation einer primär auf die Tic-Symptomatik ausgerichtete Therapie bei bestehenden komorbiden Symptomen im Hintergrund ist gerechtfertigt, da sich die Therapie der Tic-Symptomatik positiv auf komorbide Symptome auswirkt.