bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pervasive Computing, Privacy and Distribution of the Self
Authors: Hongladarom Soraj
Published: May 2011

The emergence of what is commonly known as “ambient intelligence” or “ubiquitous computing” means that our conception of privacy and trust needs to be reconsidered. Many have voiced their concerns about the threat to privacy and the more prominent role of trust that have been brought about by emerging technologies. In this paper, I will present an investigation of what this means for the self and identity in our ambient intelligence environment. Since information about oneself can be actively distributed and processed, it is proposed that in a significant sense it is the self itself that is distributed throughout a pervasive or ubiquitous computing network when information pertaining to the self of the individual travels through the network. Hence privacy protection needs to be extended to all types of information distributed. It is also recommended that appropriately strong legislation on privacy and data protection regarding this pervasive network is necessary, but at present not sufficient, to ensure public trust. What is needed is a campaign on public awareness and positive perception of the technology.
Microwave-Assisted Extraction of Polyphenols from Camellia oleifera Fruit Hull
Authors: Zhang Liangliang , Wang Yongmei , Wu Dongmei , Xu Man , Chen Jiahong
Published: May 2011

The abundant fruit hulls of tea-oil tree (Camellia oleifera) are still underutilized and wastefully discaded to pollute the environment. In order to solve this problem and better utilize the fruit hulls of C. oleifera, a microwave-assisted extraction system was used to extract their polyphenols using water as the extraction solvent. A central composite design (CCD) was used to monitor the effects of three extraction processing parameters – liquid:solid ratio (mL/g), extraction time (min) and extraction temperature (°C) – on the polyphenol yield (%). The results showed that the optimal conditions were liquid:solid ratio of 15.33:1 (mL/g), extraction time of 35 min and extraction temperature of 76 °C. Validation tests indicated that under the optimized conditions the actual yield of polyphenols was 15.05 ± 0.04% with RSD = 0.21% (n = 5), which was in good agreement with the predicted yield. Phenolic compounds in the extracts were analysed by HPLC, and gallic acid was found to be the predominant constituent. The total flavonoid content in the extracts was determined and high total flavonoid content was revealed (140.06 mg/g dry material).
Pharmaceutical Composition of Hydrochlorothiazide:β-Cyclo-dextrin: Preparation by Three Different Methods, Physico-Chemical Characterization and In Vivo Diuretic Activity Evaluation
Authors: Pires Maria Arlete Silva , Souza dos Santos Robson Augusto , Sinisterra Rubén Dario
Published: May 2011

Hydrochlorothiazide is a common diuretic antihypertensive drug of the thiazide family. Its poor aqueous solubility is one of the reasons for its limited bioavailability after oral administration. This work aimed at the development of a hydrochlorothiazide:β-cyclodextrin (HTZ:β-CD) pharmaceutical composition in order to improve water solubility and bioavailability of the drug. The HTZ:β-CD complexes were prepared by three different methods: spray-drying, freeze-drying and fluid bed. Complexes were characterized by thermal analysis, Fourier transform-infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffractometry, NMR (2D-ROESY), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), particle analysis and intrinsic dissolution. The findings reveal that three binary systems prepared presented better solubility results in comparison with free HTZ. Increased diuretic effect was observed to HTZ:β-CD obtained by fluid bed in comparison to free drug in rats. Results taken together suggest that pharmacological effect of HTZ in complex was increased by solubility improvement promoted by cyclodextrin.
Locked and Unlocked Nucleosides in Functional Nucleic Acids
Authors: Doessing Holger , Vester Birte
Published: May 2011

Nucleic acids are able to adopt a plethora of structures, many of which are of interest in therapeutics, bio- or nanotechnology. However, structural and biochemical stability is a major concern which has been addressed by incorporating a range of modifications and nucleoside derivatives. This review summarizes the use of locked nucleic acid (LNA) and un-locked nucleic acid (UNA) monomers in functional nucleic acids such as aptamers, ribozymes, and DNAzymes.
Ultra-Abrupt Tapered Fiber Mach-Zehnder Interferometer Sensors
Authors: Li Benye , Jiang Lan , Wang Sumei , Zhou Lanying , Xiao Hai , Tsai Hai-Lung
Published: May 2011

A fiber inline Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) consisting of ultra-abrupt fiber tapers was fabricated through a new fusion-splicing method. By fusion-splicing, the taper diameter-length ratio is around 1:1, which is much greater than those (1:10) made by stretching. The proposed fabrication method is very low cost, 1/20–1/50 of those of LPFG pair MZI sensors. The fabricated MZIs are applied to measure refractive index, temperature and rotation angle changes. The temperature sensitivity of the MZI at a length of 30 mm is 0.061 nm/°C from 30–350 °C. The proposed MZI is also used to measure rotation angles ranging from 0° to 0.55°; the sensitivity is 54.98 nm/°. The refractive index sensitivity is improved by 3–5 fold by fabricating an inline micro–trench on the fiber cladding using a femtosecond laser. Acetone vapor of 50 ppm in N2 is tested by the MZI sensor coated with MFI–type zeolite thin film. The proposed MZI sensors are capable of in situ detection in many areas of interest such as environmental management, industrial process control, and public health.
O. Harold Warwick: Canada’s First Medical Oncologist
Authors: Cowan Donald H.
Published: June 2011

O. Harold Warwick graduated in medicine from McGill University as a gold medalist and Rhodes Scholar in 1940. After World War II, he started postgraduate training in Montreal, and in 1946, he began studying the newly described drug treatment of cancer in London, England. There he carried out the first study of nitrogen mustard in a group of adult patients with a non-hematologic solid tumour, lung cancer. After a brief period of practice in Montreal, he moved in 1948 to Toronto, where he became executive director of the Canadian Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute of Canada. Simultaneously, he joined the staff of Toronto General Hospital and its Radiotherapy Institute, where he became the first physician–oncologist to provide medical care and administer anticancer drugs in a Canadian cancer centre. In 1958, the new Princess Margaret Hospital opened in Toronto; Warwick became its first chief physician, responsible for clinical drug trials. Here he carried out his best known clinical study—the use of vinblastine sulphate in patients with Hodgkin lymphoma. From 1961 to 1971, he served as dean and then vice-president Health Sciences at the University of Western Ontario. He returned to the practice of medical oncology from 1972 to 1980 at the London Cancer Clinic, after which he had a long and productive retirement. He died in October 2009. Although the specialty was not named until the latter years of his career, Harold Warwick satisfied all the criteria for and was undoubtedly Canada’s first medical oncologist.
Metathesis access to monocyclic iminocyclitol-based therapeutic agents
Authors: Dragutan Ileana , Dragutan Valerian , Mitan Carmen , Vosloo Hermanus CM , Delaude Lionel , Demonceau Albert
Published: May 2011

By focusing on recent developments on natural and non-natural azasugars (iminocyclitols), this review bolsters the case for the role of olefin metathesis reactions (RCM, CM) as key transformations in the multistep syntheses of pyrrolidine-, piperidine- and azepane-based iminocyclitols, as important therapeutic agents against a range of common diseases and as tools for studying metabolic disorders. Considerable improvements brought about by introduction of one or more metathesis steps are outlined, with emphasis on the exquisite steric control and atom-economical outcome of the overall process. The comparative performance of several established metathesis catalysts is also highlighted.
L'invention du crime de haine sociale en France (1880-1940)
Authors: Chauvaud Frédéric
Published: May 2011

Résumé Moralistes, observateurs sociaux, magistrats, psychiatres nommés par la justice s’inquiètent, à partir des années 1880, de la démoralisation de la société. Les transformations de l’époque contemporaine changent les conduites criminelles. Le crime brutal serait ainsi progressivement remplacé par la cupidité. Dans ce mouvement d’ensemble, le crime de haine occupe une place particulière. Les émeutiers, les jeunes et les servantes deviennent les trois figures haïssables. Toutefois le « crime de haine » n’apparaît pas comme une catégorie psycholégale, mais comme une forme de « crime de colère ». Elle est aussi révélatrice des changements sociaux, des métamorphoses de l’économie psychique et des peurs d’une époque.
Un événement inachevé : notes pour une histoire critique de la psychanalyse
Authors: Prokhoris Sabine
Published: May 2011

Résumé L’hypothèse centrale de ce texte est que la psychanalyse, en cela fondamentalement « excentrée », opère, par la façon dont elle infiltre le monde commun à travers les expériences singulières des sujets qu’elle affecte, au cœur du nouage énigmatique du collectif et du singulier, et ce bien au-delà des préoccupations institutionnelles qui prétendent faire tenir une ou des versions officielles de la discipline psychanalytique. Les modifications contemporaines des formes de vie, en particulier s’agissant des questions liées au statut politique et social nouveau des sexualités, aux figures de la filiation prises dans diverses « métamorphoses de la parenté », pourraient ainsi être interprétées comme autant d’effets, à analyser, de la psychanalyse et de sa diffusion par capillarité dans le monde social. Reprendre à nouveaux frais la question d’une histoire – critique – de la psychanalyse, en utilisant certains concepts élaborés par Michel Foucault couplés à d’autres issus du champ freudien, pourrait offrir une méthode propre à saisir certains enjeux contemporains de cet « événement inachevé », toujours à réinterpréter parce qu’il constitue une strate active de notre présent, qu’est à nos yeux la psychanalyse.
Identités adolescentes dans une famille rurale aujourd'hui
Authors: Haza Marion , Grolleau Émeline
Published: May 2011

Résumé À partir d’une expérience clinique en milieu rural, les « Lieux Dits », nous tentons de développer une nouvelle approche métapsychologique de l’adolescence en milieu rural. En effet, quand les valeurs rurales ne tiennent pas ou sont opposées avec les désirs propres adolescents, quand l’identité personnelle est menacée par les valeurs familiales rurales, l’adolescent se retrouve pris dans un conflit de loyauté. Le passage à l’acte intervient comme un moyen de mobiliser la famille ou de rompre le lien familial, de s’éloigner de l’appareil psychique familial, car parfois s’extraire est la seule solution, moins douloureuse, plus économique psychiquement. C’est ici que la création dans la coconstruction de nouveaux espaces tels les « Lieux Dits » prend tout son sens, comme substitut ou appui au contenant familial. Le cadre thérapeutique proposé permet à l’adolescent d’avoir un espace autorisé de parole à l’écart des signifiants de la ruralité, mais il autorise aussi le respect de la culture rurale des parents et la possibilité d’y puiser les ressources nécessaires à la construction identitaire.
Le groupe d'enfants à l'épreuve de la civilisation
Authors: Caumont Frédéric
Published: May 2011

Résumé L’enjeu de cette étude est de revisiter la thèse freudienne sur l’origine de la civilisation, un « mythe scientifique » réputé fantaisiste mais que nous considérons à même de contribuer à l’intelligibilité de la constitution du lien social chez l’enfant. Nous avons effectué une observation longitudinale dans un groupe-classe, afin d’analyser le processus civilisateur dans une approche clinique groupale. L’étude d’un corpus constitué de la collecte des interactions verbales pendant les réunions de classe confirme l’hypothèse d’un remaniement pulsionnel se traduisant par le déclin des agirs érotiques et violents chez certains enfants. Il apparaît que le développement de la symbolisation dans le groupe d’enfants est lié au sacrifice de la toute-puissance chez l’adulte, ce qui n’est pas sans évoquer la nécessité du meurtre du père imaginaire dans l’accès à la civilisation.
Peine de mort et utilisation des tests de qi dans les procès… aux États-Unis et en France
Authors: Gaydon Armelle
Published: May 2011

Résumé Le test d’intelligence, administré par des « experts psychologues » assermentés, est aujourd’hui un instrument de la justice pénale. Que penser du test de qi (quotient intellectuel) lorsque c’est lui qui décide si un homme doit vivre ou mourir ? Aux États-Unis, l’utilisation du test de qi s’est généralisée dans les procès : d’une simple mesure des aptitudes, le test a évolué vers une évaluation de la personnalité du prévenu, jusqu’à se voir confier, maintenant, la tâche d’apprécier sa dangerosité. Depuis la célèbre affaire Atkins, il est interdit depuis 2002, aux États-Unis, d’exécuter les personnes atteintes de « retard mental ». Dès lors, les tribunaux confient au psychologue la tâche d’évaluer si le condamné est ou non « retardé mental ». Un score de moins de 70 au test, et la tête du meurtrier pourra être sauvée. À plus de 70, l’exécution peut être ordonnée. Dans les procès en cour d’assises, la France n’échappe pas à ces pratiques.
D'une violence l'autre
Authors: de Bruyn Florence , Choquet Luc-Henry , Botbol Michel
Published: May 2011

Résumé Si les jeunes majeurs éprouvant de graves difficultés d’insertion sociale ont pu jusqu’ici bénéficier d’une mesure de protection judiciaire particulière ( pjm ), cette mesure tend à disparaître aujourd’hui. L’article rend compte de façon détaillée des résultats d’une enquête lancée par la Direction de la protection judiciaire de la jeunesse sur l’usage de la pjm . Cette étude met en valeur l’importance et l’impact de la dégradation des relations familiales, que celle-ci soit liée à des antécédents de carence ou maltraitance familiale ou à des antécédents comportementaux du jeune lui-même. Étudier les pjm apparaît donc comme un bon moyen d’accéder aux problématiques familiales des jeunes adultes en grande difficulté d’insertion sociale.
Désaffection dans l'institution : contre-violence educative et agirs adolescents
Authors: Mazoyer Anne-Valérie , Baills Tristan
Published: May 2011

Résumé Les agirs violents d’un adolescent tentent de soutenir un processus de subjectivation entravé par une problématique filiative intergénérationnelle. Ces acting out entrent en résonance avec une crise institutionnelle. Cet article considère l’impact des butées du travail d’historialisation institutionnelle sur la réactivation des agirs de l’adolescent placé. La fantasmatisation professionnelle, le processus de subjectivation (intersubjectivation) et son corollaire, le rapport adolescence/obsolescence sont traversés par une double épreuve de désaffectation physique et de désaffection psychique. Le ré-agir adulte et plus particulièrement institutionnel est aussi considéré comme symptomatique d’une crise mutative des structures éducatives, confrontées à de nouvelles formes d’organisation et d’évaluation de leur travail, pas toujours portées à prendre en considération la dimension subjective de tout travail.
Les voix en psychiatrie
Authors: Janody Patricia
Published: May 2011

Résumé Le traitement des « voix », en zone occidentale, se caractérise par la centralisation du lieu de leur réception : l’hôpital psychiatrique. Ce dispositif de société présente certes l’inconvénient de couper les « voix » de leur source pulsionnelle, mais il offre l’intérêt d’indiquer une place vide avec laquelle doivent négocier tant les porteurs de « voix » que leurs interlocuteurs soignants. Un certain style de traduction y est requis, connectant le trop-plein des « voix » au vide du lieu. Or, la crise actuelle en psychiatrie est liée à une « voix » sociale unifiante qui infiltre le lieu et écrase les manifestations plurielles des « voix » hallucinées, au profit d’une protocolisation des comportements. Contre cet écrasement, l’urgence est de dégager les espaces utiles à l’expression des « voix » dans leur hétérogénéité, et de faire jouer les processus de traduction qu’elles initient.
Identification of two new repetitive elements and chromosomal mapping of repetitive DNA sequences in the fish Gymnothorax unicolor (Anguilliformes: Muraenidae)
Authors: Coluccia E. , Pichiri G. , Nieddu M. , Coni P. , Manconi S. , Deiana A.M. , Salvadori S. , Mezzanotte R.
Published: May 2011

Muraenidae is a species-rich family, with relationships among genera and species and taxonomy that have not been completely clarified. Few cytogenetic studies have been conducted on this family, and all of them showed the same diploid chromosome number (2n=42) but with conspicuous karyotypic variation among species. The Mediterranean moray eel Gymnothorax unicolor was previously cytogenetically studied using classical techniques that allowed the characterization of its karyotype structure and the constitutive heterochromatin and argyrophilic nucleolar organizer regions (Ag-NORs) distribution pattern. In the present study, we describe two new repetitive elements (called GuMboI and GuDdeI) obtained from restricted genomic DNA of G. unicolor that were characterized by Southern blot and physically localized by in situ hybridization on metaphase chromosomes. As they are highly repetitive DNA sequences, they map in heterochromatic regions. However, while GuDdeI was localized in the centromeric regions, the GuMboI fraction was distributed on some centromeres and was co-localized with the nucleolus organizer region (NOR). Comparative analysis with other Mediterranean species such as Muraena helena pointed out that these DNA fractions are species-specific and could potentially be used for species discrimination. As a new contribution to the karyotype of this species, we found that the major ribosomal genes are localized on acrocentric chromosome 9 and that the telomeres of each chromosome are composed of a tandem repeat derived from a poly-TTAGGG DNA sequence, as it occurs in most vertebrate species. The results obtained add new information useful in comparative genomics at the chromosomal level and contribute to the cytogenetic knowledge regarding this fish family, which has not been extensively studied.
On a Conjecture of Chowla and Milnor
Authors: Gun Sanoli , Ram Murty M. , Rath Purusottam
Published: May 2011

In this paper, we investigate a conjecture due to S. and P. Chowla and its generalization by Milnor. These are related to the delicate question of non-vanishing of L-functions associated to periodic functions at integers greater than 1. We report on some progress in relation to these conjectures. In a different vein, we link them to a conjecture of Zagier on multiple zeta values and also to linear independence of polylogarithms.
The Cubic Dirac Operator for Infinite-Dimensonal Lie Algebras
Authors: Meinrenken Eckhard
Published: May 2011

Let be an infinite-dimensional graded Lie algebra, with dim , equipped with a non-degenerate symmetric bilinear form B of degree 0. The quantum Weil algebra is a completion of the tensor product of the enveloping and Clifford algebras of g. Provided that the Kac–Peterson class of g vanishes, one can construct a cubic Dirac operator D 2 , whose square is a quadratic Casimir element. We show that this condition holds for symmetrizable Kac– Moody algebras. Extending Kostant's arguments, one obtains generalized Weyl–Kac character formulas for suitable “equal rank” Lie subalgebras of Kac–Moody algebras. These extend the formulas of G. Landweber for affine Lie algebras.
Large-scale and synoptic meteorology in the south-east Pacific during the observations campaign VOCALS-REx in austral Spring 2008
Authors: Toniazzo T. , Abel S. J. , Wood R. , Mechoso C. R. , Allen G. , Shaffrey L. C.
Published: May 2011

Abstract. We present a descriptive overview of the meteorology in the south eastern subtropical Pacific (SEP) during the VOCALS-REx intensive observations campaign which was carried out between October and November 2008. Mainly based on data from operational analyses, forecasts, reanalysis, and satellite observations, we focus on spatio-temporal scales from synoptic to planetary. A climatological context is given within which the specific conditions observed during the campaign are placed, with particular reference to the relationships between the large-scale and the regional circulations. The mean circulations associated with the diurnal breeze systems are also discussed. We then provide a summary of the day-to-day synoptic-scale circulation, air-parcel trajectories, and cloud cover in the SEP during VOCALS-REx. Three meteorologically distinct periods of time are identified and the large-scale causes for their different character are discussed. The first period was characterised by significant variability associated with synoptic-scale systems interesting the SEP; while the two subsequent phases were affected by planetary-scale disturbances with a slower evolution. The changes between initial and later periods can be partly explained from the regular march of the annual cycle, but contributions from subseasonal variability and its teleconnections were important. Across the whole of the two months under consideration we find a significant correlation between the depth of the inversion-capped marine boundary layer (MBL) and the amount of low cloud in the area of study. We discuss this correlation and argue that at least as a crude approximation a typical scaling may be applied relating MBL and cloud properties with the large-scale parameters of SSTs and tropospheric temperatures. These results are consistent with previously found empirical relationships involving lower-tropospheric stability.
Contribution of non-carbonate anions to river alkalinity and overestimation of pCO2
Authors: Hunt C. W. , Salisbury J. E. , Vandemark D.
Published: May 2011

Abstract. Total alkalinity (TAlk) has long been used to evaluate the buffering capacity of aquatic systems. TAlk has also been used, together with measurements of either pH or dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), to indirectly estimate the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2) in inland waters, estuaries, and marine systems. These estimates typically assume that carbonate and bicarbonate ions comprise nearly all the species contributing to TAlk; however, other inorganic and organic acids have the potential to contribute significant non-carbonate alkalinity. To evaluate the potential for error in using TAlk to estimate pCO2, we measured pH, TAlk, and DIC in samples of river water. Estimates of pCO2 derived from TAlk and pH measurements were markedly higher than pCO2 estimates derived from DIC and pH. We infer that this overestimate is due to the presence of significant non-carbonate alkalinity (NC-Alk). This study also describes the relative proportions of carbonate- and non-carbonate alkalinity measured in 15 river systems located in northern New England and the Canadian Maritimes. NC-Alk represents a significant buffering component in these river systems, and failure to account for NC-Alk (which cannot directly contribute to pCO2) leads to the overestimation of carbon dioxide release to the atmosphere.
EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON THE TEMPERATURE DEPENDENCE OF HYPERELASTIC BEHAVIOR OF TIRE RUBBERS UNDER MODERATE FINITE DEFORMATION
Authors: Li Xu , Dong Yi , Li Ziran , Xia Yuanming
Published: May 2011

The hyperelastic behavior of unfilled natural rubber and some kinds of filled rubbers used in tire industry is tested by applying automated grid method. More accurate stress–strain data of tested rubber specimens at different temperatures are obtained. Test results show that different from the unfilled natural rubber whose stiffness increases linearly with temperature rising, the filled tire rubber has a tendency first to become soft and then to become stiff through its “critical temperature.” And this trend shift could be qualitatively interpreted by the joint action of two kinds of mechanisms, namely, the “energy elasticity” and the “entropy elasticity” effect. Besides, based on consideration of the relationship between model parameters and environmental temperature, the modified Arruda–Boyce model is extended to its explicit temperature-dependent form. Fitting results illustrate that this new model could take the temperature effect on hyperelastic behavior of tire rubbers into account well, and with an easy form, it is of convenient and practical usefulness in some relevant engineering application.
CROSSLINKING OF SATURATED ELASTOMERS WITH DIAZIDES. PART I: MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF VULCANIZATES
Authors: Zielińska A. J. , Noordermeer J. W. M. , Talma A. G. , Van Duin M.
Published: May 2011

For vulcanization of fully saturated elastomers peroxide/coagent systems are commonly applied. Problems encountered with peroxides however, are reduced efficiency, especially in the presence of plasticizing oils, and unwanted side reactions. In this paper diazides are presented as alternatives to peroxide vulcanization systems, particularly in combination with the use of plasticizing oils. The performance of three diazides; tri(ethylene glycol)-di(azidoformate) (GDAF), 4,4′-isopropylidenediphenyl azidoformate (4,4′DAF) and 1,3-benzenedisulfonyl azide (1,3BDSA) is investigated. For the evaluation of the practical product performance, carbon black filled and oil extended compounds of EPM and EPDM-rubbers are used. It is also investigated how the presence of carbon black and plasticizing oil influences the diazide reaction kinetics.
CROSS-LINKING OF SATURATED ELASTOMERS WITH DI-AZIDES. PART II: MECHANISTIC STUDY
Authors: Zielińska A. J. , Noordermeer J. W. M. , Talma A. G. , Peters R. , Van Duin M.
Published: May 2011

In the first part, one di-sulfonyl azide: 1,3BDSA, and two di-azidoformates: GDAF and 4,4′DAF, were selected and extensively investigated as curing agents for EP(D)M rubbers. Although the mechanical properties of the vulcanizates vary significantly with the particular di-azide used, all of them act as effective curing agents compared to a peroxide/coagent curing system. To explain the differences in properties as well as to obtain a deeper understanding of the reaction mechanism, model compound experiments are performed with 4-methylheptane as substitute for the saturated ethylene–propylene copolymer rubber backbone. Using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and high performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry as analytical tools, a basic understanding of the reaction mechanisms between sulfonyl azide and azidoformate functionalities and saturated hydrocarbons is obtained.
Patterns of innovation in hospitality firms: the spanish case
Authors:   Departamento de Administración de Empresas, Universidad de Cantabria, Los Castros s/n, 39005 Santander, España, lopezm@unican.es, López Fernández M.ª Concepción , Serrano Bedia Ana M.ª ,   Departamento de Administración de Empresas, Universidad de Cantabria, Los Castros s/n, 39005 Santander, España, serranoa@unican.es, Gómez López Raquel ,   Departamento de Administración de Empresas, Universidad de Cantabria, Los Castros s/n, 39005 Santander, España, gomezlr@unican.es
Published: May 2011

The aim of this paper is to contribute to the understanding of innovation patterns in hospitality firms. To this end, we have use a representative sample of 443 Spanish hospitality firms (NACE-55) taken from the Third Community Innovation Survey (CIS-3), which is based on the revised version of the Oslo Manual. For the attainment of the objective of the paper we carry out, on the first place, a descriptive analysis to provide empirical evidence on a variety of aspects of innovation activities in hospitality firms. On the second place, we carry out a multivariate analysis and, in particular factor and cluster analysis to identify innovation patterns. The results confirm the existence of 5 clusters or patterns of innovation among hospitality firms that we have called "high process-innovating firms", "high product-innovating firms", "traditional process-oriented firms", "innovative low cooperated firms", and "innovative strongly cooperated firms".
Strategic analysis of the construction industry in Spain
Authors:   Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED). Facultad de CC. Económicas y Empresariales. Dpto. de Economía de la Empresa y Contabilidad. e-mail: rmarting@cee.uned.es, Martín García Rodrigo , González Arias Julio ,   Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED). Facultad de CC. Económicas y Empresariales. Dpto. de Economía de la Empresa y Contabilidad. e-mail: jglez@cee.uned.es
Published: May 2011

The construction sector has, in Spain, a remarkable importance, due to the contribution to GDP, around 10%, and employment (10%) and the wide business network it includes. The present economic situation and the residential market saturation have led to a sharp contraction in building activity, after a long period of growth. This is, therefore, a good time to perform a structural analysis to identify the determinants of profitability and assess the projection of the companies operating therein. This paper identifies the rules of competition and reasonable business expectations for coming years, using the Model of Five Competitive Forces. This analysis will show opportunities and difficulties for constructors as a tool in making decisions. The success of the strategy will depend on the management of strengths and capabilities, especially in times of change in the competitive environment.
Internalizing Environmental Costs on the road freight transport industry
Authors:   Universidad de Granada. Facultad Ciencias Económicas y Empresariales. Campus Cartuja S/N. 18071. Granada (España). Email: vferron@ugr.es, Ferrón Vílchez Vera , Aragón Correa Juan Alberto ,   Universidad de Granada. Facultad Ciencias Económicas y Empresariales. Campus Cartuja S/N. 18071. Granada (España). Email: jaragon@ugr.es, Vidal Salazar María Dolores ,   Universidad de Granada. Facultad Ciencias Económicas y Empresariales. Campus Cartuja S/N. 18071. Granada (España). Email: lvidal@ugr.es
Published: May 2011

Prior literature noted the potential that advanced environmental management might have in the generation of valuable organizational capabilities regarding costs minimization. More-over, during last years, one of the most important objectives in the development of transport public policies has been the internalization of environmental costs. Thus, this study attempts, firstly, to analyze how transport companies could successfully face the challenge of internalis-ing environmental costs, and second, to highlight how the existence of an environmentally proactive pattern of behaviour might reduce the environmental costs on transport sector. In doing so, a case study in the Spanish industry of road freight transport has been elaborated. Despite nowadays companies face the environmental challenge not beyond legal require-ments, the main conclusion of this study is that an environmentally proactive behaviour re-inforces the sustainable development of companies.
Expanding the phenotype of gingival fibromatosis–mental retardation–hypertrichosis (Zimmermann–Laband) syndrome
Authors: Chacon‐Camacho Oscar F. , Vázquez Johanna , Zenteno Juan C.
Published: May 2011

Zimmermann–Laband syndrome (ZLS) is a rare disorder characterized by gingival fibromatosis, hypertrichosis, intellectual disability, and absence and/or hypoplasia of the nails or terminal phalanges of the hands and feet. The syndromic features of ZLS are highly variable and can overlap with other entities featuring gingival fibrosis. This study describes a patient with ZLS with novel findings, including colpocephaly, hemivertebra, polydactyly, hyperpigmentation, and hemihyperplasia. Thus, the present report expands the phenotypic spectrum of this uncommon syndrome. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Isolated oligodontia associated with mutations in EDARADD, AXIN2, MSX1, and PAX9 genes
Authors: Bergendal Birgitta , Klar Joakim , Stecksén‐Blicks Christina , Norderyd Johanna , Dahl Niklas
Published: May 2011

Oligodontia is defined as the congenital lack of six or more permanent teeth, excluding third molars. Oligodontia as well as hypodontia (lack of one or more permanent teeth) are highly heritable conditions associated with mutations in the AXIN2, MSX1, PAX9, EDA, and EDAR genes. Here we define the prevalence of mutations in the AXIN2, MSX1, PAX9, EDA, and EDAR genes, and the novel candidate gene EDARADD in a cohort of 93 Swedish probands with non‐syndromic, isolated oligodontia. Mutation screening was performed using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and DNA sequence analysis. Analyses of the coding sequences of the six genes showed sequence alterations predicted to be damaging or potentially damaging in ten of 93 probands (10.8%). Mutations were identified in the EDARADD (n = 1), AXIN2 (n = 3), MSX1 (n = 2), and PAX9 (n = 4) genes, respectively. None of the 10 probands with mutations had other self‐reported symptoms from ectodermal tissues. The oral parameters were similar when comparing individuals with and without mutations but a family history of oligodontia was three times more frequent for probands with mutations. EDARADD mutations have previously been reported in a few families segregating hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia and this is, to our knowledge, the first report of an EDARADD mutation associated with isolated oligodontia. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
5q14.3 neurocutaneous syndrome: A novel continguous gene syndrome caused by simultaneous deletion of RASA1 and MEF2C
Authors: Carr Christopher W. , Zimmerman Holly H. , Martin Christa Lese , Vikkula Miikka , Byrd Adam C. , Abdul‐Rahman Omar A.
Published: May 2011

Haploinsufficiency of RASA1, located on chromosome 5q14.3, has been identified as the etiology underlying the disorder capillary malformation–arteriovenous malformation (CM–AVM). Recently, haploinsufficiency of MEF2C, located 1.33 Mb distal to RASA1 on chromosome 5q14.3, has been implicated as the genetic etiology underlying a complex array of deficits including mental retardation, hypotonia, absent speech, seizures, and brain anomalies. Here we report a patient who is haploinsufficient in both RASA1 and MEF2C who presents with dermatologic and neurologic abnormalities that constitute a 5q14.3 neurocutaneous syndrome. This finding highlights the need to assess for CM–AVM in patients with neurologic features consistent with MEF2C haploinsufficiency, and vice versa. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Concentrations and Distributions of Atmospheric Trace Gases
Authors: Ehhalt D. H.
Published: May 2011

The tropospheric concentrations of most reactive trace gases have been found to vary in space and time. Many show systematic secular trends and seasonal variations, as well as consistent large scale patterns in their global concentration distributions, in particular when projected on the latitude by altitude plane. The measured trends and seasonal variations of the most important trace gases are presented and their origins briefly discussed. —Special emphasis will be given to the latitude by altitude distributions of CH4, C2H6, CO, O3 and NO measured during the STRATOZ III mission. All of these distributions show a latitudinal gradient with higher concentrations in the Northern Hemisphere due to anthropogenic emissions. Their vertical gradient is indicative of fast vertical convective transport during summer. – The short lived trace gases also show strong variations in the longitude by altitude plane. These will be demonstrated using the model calculated distribution of NO.
Fast Scanning Laser DOAS for Local Monitoring of Trace Gases, in Particular Tropospheric OH Radicals
Authors: Armerding W. , Spiekermann M. , Grigonis R. , Walter J. , Herbert A. , Comes F. J.
Published: May 2011

A method for monitoring tropospheric OH and other tropospheric trace gases is described which makes use of differential absorption spectroscopy and is based on the fast scanning of a narrowbanded and power‐stabilized laser. Due to the fast scanning the remaining influences due to atmospheric fluctuations are negligibly small. The modulation and fluctuation of the light source are minimized by a closed loop modulator system. The absorption path is folded by a multiple reflection system with a special design for tropospheric measurements which allows local trace gas measurements in a compartment of only some meters with a well known chemistry. A field campaign was carried out with this instrument on the Schauinsland, Black Forest, Germany. A detection limit better than 10−5 corresponding to an OH concentration of 5 · 105OH/cm3 was achieved in local tropospheric air.
Ab Initio Calculations on Selected Chlorine Oxygen Compounds
Authors: Rathmann T. , Schindler R. N.
Published: May 2011

Modified G1 calculations were carried out for ClO, OClO, ClOO, ClOCl, HOCl and three isomers of ClO3. For the first five of these molecules the effects of varying the number of additional polarization functions on the atomization energies were studied. The zero point heats of formation were calculated for ClO · O2 (41 kcal/mol), OCl · O2 (58 kcal/mol), and sym‐ClO3 (48 kcal/mol).
Rate Constants of the Reactions of CF3O2, i‐C3H7O2 and t‐C4H9O2 with NO
Authors: Peeters J. , Vertommen J. , Langhans I.
Published: May 2011

The kinetics of the title reactions have been studied at T = 290 K and p = 2 Torr He using the fast‐flow technique combined with molecular‐beam sampling mass spectrometry. – In our novel approach, the total rate constant k1 of

RO2 + NO → RO + NO2/RONO2 (1)

is determined from the shape of the NO2‐growth profile. The validity of the method is demonstrated by the nearly identical results for k1, (CF3O2 + NO) obtained from CF3O2‐decays: k1 = (1.54 ± 0.35) · 10−11 and from NO2‐growths: k1 = (1.51 ± 0.4) · 10−11 cm3 s−1, in excellent agreement also with previous determinations. – Rate coefficient data of alkylperoxy + NO reactions, derived from NO2‐profiles, are reported for i‐C3H7O2 + NO: k1 = (5.0 ± 1.2) · 10−12 and for t‐C4H9O2 + NO: k1 = (4.0 ± 1.1) · 10−12 cm3 s−1. Our results, in combination with literature values for smaller peroxy radicals, indicate a marked decrease of the rate coefficient with increasing CH3‐substitution. Including data on haloalkyl‐ and acetylperoxy reactions, the reactivity of RO2 towards NO is shown to correlate with the electron acceptor/donor properties of substituents on the α‐carbon.
The Importance of the Mean Dipole Polarizability α(ω,T,ρ) of Small Molecules in Physics and Chemistry of the Atmosphere
Authors: Kerl K. , Hohm U. , Varchmin H.
Published: May 2011

In this contribution we discuss briefly some experimental results of the mean dipole volume polarizability α(ω, T,ρ) of some small molecules as a function of electromagnetic radiation frequency ω (dispersion), temperature T, and molar density ρ of the corresponding gases, which should be of interest in physics and chemistry of the atmosphere. Selected gases are the noble gases, the molecular gases H2, N2, O2, CO2, CH4, C(CH3)4, CH3OH, CF2Cl2, and the gas mixture air. A more detailed discussion including an extended list of references is given elsewhere [1].
Chemistry and Photochemistry in Atmospheric Water Drops
Authors: Warneck Peter
Published: May 2011

A survey is given of chemical reactions occurring in the aqueous phase of clouds and fogs. Expanding on a previous discussion of the subject, the following aspects are emphasised: nitrogen oxide chemistry, aqueous photochemistry, and the interaction of Fe(II) and Fe(III) with the ionic species following from the dissolution of sulphur dioxide in water.
Atmospheric Reactions in Cryogenic Matrices: Photooxidation of Carbonyl Sulfide (SCO) by Ozone
Authors: Jaeger K. , Weller R. , Schrems O.
Published: May 2011

Photooxidation of carbonyl sulfide (SCO) in the presence of ozone has been studied in solid matrices under stratospheric irradiation conditions. The matrix experiments allowed the isolation and identification of SCO · O3 1:1 aggregates. Selective photolysis of O3 yielded O(1D) atoms and subsequent reaction with SCO resulted in the primary formation of CO2 + S. The sulfur atoms generated this way are oxidized to SO2 by O2, which has been formed during photofragmentation of O3. In further steps SO2 reacted with diffusing O atoms to SO3 and SO4. Experiments with isotopically labeled precursors confirmed the conclusions that the photolysis of 18O3 · SCO hetero‐complexes leads to S18O2, S18O3, and 16OC18O formation.
Modern Finite‐Volume Advection Schemes: Numerical Experiments in a One‐Dimensional Test‐Bed
Authors: Müller Rolf
Published: May 2011

The numerical solution of the transport (i.e. the continuity) equation for trace species, in particular in three‐dimensional circulation models, has recently received much attention. Two conceptually different approaches are common. Firstly, classical numerical methods employed in circulation models for the solution of other continuity equations are also used for the. transport problem. Secondly, methods have been developed, that are especially designed to obviate problems arising in the numerical solution of the transport equation. In a recent study (Müller [1]) both approaches were investigated and compared in a simple one‐dimensional test‐bed. It was concluded that it is questionable whether classical numerical methods are able to control undesirable numerical artefacts such as dispersive ripples, negative concentrations, phase errors and numerical diffusion. The modern advection schemes, in contrast, perform considerably better, where computationaly relatively inexpensive schemes (Bott [2], Smolarkiewicz, and Grabowski [3]) are preferable if a certain amount of numerical diffusion can be tolerated. Moreover, numerical diffusion can be controled much better if more sophisticated methods (Prather [4], Carpenter et al. [5]) are employed. This, however, increases the computational effort considerably. Here, some hitherto undis‐cussed aspects of Eulerian finite‐volume schemes are elucidated. In particular, it is shown that interpolation based schemes can advect multiple peak structures properly, provided the resolution is sufficient. Further, advection schemes, originally designed for transporting shock fronts, are shown to possess problematic features if applied to other (in this case triangular) structures.
Quantum efficiencies, absolute intensities and signal‐to‐blackbody ratios of high‐temperature laser‐induced thermographic phosphors
Authors: Khalid A. H. , Kontis K.
Published: May 2011

There are a number of issues related to high‐temperature phosphor thermometry, which include measurement of faster decays, decreasing emission intensity and rising levels of blackbody radiation, that will impose limits on the maximum delectable temperature. This paper provides absolute intensity measurements, quantum efficiencies and signal‐to‐blackbody radiation ratios at peak emission wavelengths, at various temperatures (20–1400°C), for Y2O3:Eu, YAG:Tb and YAG:Tm thermographic phosphors under 266 and 355 nm excitation from a Q‐switched Nd:YAG laser. These terms are beneficial in a number of ways for engineers wanting to use a phosphor thermometry solution at high temperatures. They may also provide additional insight to the physical luminescence processes of phosphors at high temperatures. The phosphor signal:blackbody radiation ratio is useful because it combines the effects of blackbody radiation and phosphor emission intensities at various temperatures, providing a valuable quantitative evaluation that can be used as a design aid for phosphor selection. A figure of merit is the temperature when the blackbody radiation equals the phosphor emission (ratio = 1); this is the cross‐over temperature at which the blackbody radiation rapidly starts to overtake and mask out phosphor emissions. To the best of our knowledge no such work exists previously. The results presented show a variation in phosphor intensity with increasing temperature, and although the intensity and quantum efficiencies for Y2O3:Eu and YAG:Tb were much greater than YAG:Tm at low temperatures, YAG:Tm was found to be the most efficient phosphor investigated at higher temperatures (>900°C). With a peak emission wavelength of 458 nm, YAG:Tm experienced the lowest proportion of blackbody radiation therefore its advantage at higher temperatures was further amplified and was found to offer an advantage of approximately +350°C and +250°C increased upper temperature capability compared to Y2O3:Eu and YAG:Tb phosphors, respectively. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cohort study of patients with adrenal lesions discovered incidentally
Authors: Muth A , Hammarstedt L , Hellström M , Sigurjónsdóttir H Á , Almqvist E , Wängberg B
Published: May 2011

Background

This prospective cohort study investigated the incidence, clinical features and natural history of incidentally discovered adrenal mass lesions (adrenal incidentaloma, AI) in an unselected population undergoing radiological examination.

Methods

During an 18-month period, all patients with AI were reported prospectively from all 19 radiology departments in western Sweden. Inclusion criteria were: incidentally discovered adrenal enlargement or mass lesion in patients without extra-adrenal malignancy on detection. Clinical and biochemical evaluation was performed on inclusion and after 24 months. Computed tomography (CT) of the adrenals was scheduled at 4, 12 and 24 months. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed for lesions larger than 20 mm. The indications for surgical excision were: hormone activity, lesion diameter more than 30 mm, lesion growth or other radiological features suspicious of malignancy.

Results

Of 534 patients assessed for eligibility, 226 (mean age 67 years, 62·4 per cent women; mean lesion diameter 23·9 mm, 22·6 per cent bilateral) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Mean follow-up was 19·0 months. After baseline evaluation, 14 patients had surgery owing to primary hyperaldosteronism (3), catecholamine-producing tumour (1), tumour size (6), size and indication of subclinical hypercortisolism (3) and metastasis (1). No hypersecreting lesions were confirmed during follow-up; one patient underwent adrenalectomy for a suspected phaeochromocytoma (adrenocortical adenoma at histopathology). No primary adrenal malignancy was found.

Conclusion

In this prospective cohort study 6·6 per cent of patients with an AI had surgery and benign hormone-producing tumours were verified in 3·1 per cent. Repeat CT and hormone evaluation after 2 years did not increase the sensitivity for diagnosis of malignant or hormone-producing tumours.