bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
5 - Philosophie et politique: Pour une discussion avec Lansana Keita
Authors: Hountondji Paulin
Published: November 2011

Dans le cadre d'un échange d'idées avec le co-éditeur, Paulin Hountondji aborde dix (10) questions théoriques sur le rôle historique de la pensée critique dans l'établissement des paramètres d'une transformation économique, politique et technologique de la société africaine. L'ensemble des questions soumis à Hountondji porte sur le rôle historique du philosophe dans le processus de transformation qualitative de la société, mais également sur la question des systèmes économiques que sont le socialisme et le capitalisme dans le contexte africain, sur le retard économique et technologique de l'Afrique contemporaine, sur la relation entre la science, la philosophie et le développement, sur les idées de théoriciens tels que Nkrumah, Fanon et Diop, et enfin, sur le rôle d'une histoire africaine des idées dans le contexte de la formulation d'un programme de développement. Ces questions posées à Hountondji portent généralement sur la façon de transformer la théorie philosophique critique en une dynamique pratique de l'économie, de la politique, des sciences et de la technologie. D'une manière générale, le débat de Hountondji souligne le besoin d'une pensée critique indépendante, l'importance d'une histoire africaine des idées, ainsi que la nécessité pour les intellectuels africains de développer des centres intellectuels africains autonomes. Hountondji prône également une «philosophie engagée», qui se développe dans la bonne direction, et qui soit en accord avec d'autres initiatives et programmes intellectuels critiques. Dans cette perspective, la critique de l'ethnophilosophie a déjà montré la voie à suivre pour l'élaboration d'un programme holistique dynamique en vue d'un développement africain à tous les niveaux.
6 - African Development and the Primacy of Mental Decolonization
Authors: Kebede Messay
Published: November 2011

The drastic and manifold difficulties Africa faces suggest that something more than mere delay, unfavorable conditions or misguided policies is obstructing the goal of development. The suggestion calls for a serious reflection on the experience of colonialism, but in a way different from those studies tracing African predicaments back to colonial or imperialist misdeeds. This does not mean colonialism is not the real culprit, just that such a stance is necessary in light of the fact that many studies have not focused on the real source of Africa's ills: the phenomenon of mental colonization. Those scholars who bring out the detrimental impact of mental alienation either fail to totally emancipate their views from Western constructs, or cannot produce an alternative to Eurocentrism. This paper discusses the contributions of African philosophical debates to the elucidation of the negative impacts of colonial discourse on Africa's development effort, ft draws attention to the limitations of the contributions and proposes an alternative conception vindicating the view that the great task of freeing the African mind from Eurocentric constructions takes priority over the design of development policies.
7 - Cultural Modes of Comprehending and Healing Insanity: The Yaka of DR Congo
Authors: Devisch René
Published: November 2011

This paper looks at a particular autochthonous medical knowledge and practice of Yaka healers in peri-urban Kinshasa and rural southwestern Congo. It first presents a sequential analysis of the well-known mbwoolu healing cult, directed at types of affliction most of which I would characterize as deep depression and related insanity. The mbwoolu patient is first led into a state of fusion with the group, with the aid of rhythmic movement and music culminating in a trance possession. Following this, the initiate undergoes a therapeutic seclusion lasting from one month to some nine months in an initiatory space in which a dozen or so statuettes or figurines are laid on a bed parallel to the patient's. In a play of mirrors between the figurines and the patient, the latter's sensory perceptions and body movements are redirected and rejuvenated. The figurines thus function as doubles that the patient incorporates or inscribes in his or her own bodily envelope, which now constitutes a new interface with others. In the course of a verbal liturgy that unfolds to the rhythm of the initiatory rite, the initiate is gradually enabled to decode and incorporate traces of the collective imaginary conveyed by these figurines and liturgy. The statuettes enact a cosmogony in which the patient is intimately involved throughout. In this, the patient is led into an ontogenetic passage from a fusional and primal state towards a particular and sexualised identity, one with precise contours and situated within a social hierarchy and a historicity of generations and of roles.
3 - The State and Labour Control in Malawi: Continuities and Discontinuities Between One-party and Multiparty Systems
Authors: Dzimbiri Lewis B.
Published: November 2011

An analysis of state-labour relations in Malawi over a period of four decades reveals, like in other countries in Southern Africa, tendencies towards continui ties and discontinuities in labour controls. While Malawi's political system has undergone a major transformation to democracy in the 1990s after three dec ades of dictatorship which was hostile to trade unions through administrative, political and legal apparatuses, the democratic state has been marked by 'diplo matic' hostility through divide-and-rule and hide-and-seek tactics. Using differ ent means the state has succeeded in curtailing freedom of association in varying degrees during the one-party and multiparty periods. Thus, while labour control as an objective of the state has not changed, the means have changed dramatically. The desire to achieve political stability and economic develop ment, against a changed international political order demanding human rights and good governance in the 1990s, explains the current 'diplomatic' hostility in Malawi's industrial relations. The role of the international donor community in exporting democratic structures and values to societies that do not have an in built culture of democracy similar to western societies is viewed as a further explanation for the creation of significant degrees of discrepancies between la bour policy and practice in Malawi.
8 - Zouglou et réalités sociales des jeunes en Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Blé Raoul Germain
Published: November 2011

D’où vient cet attrait des jeunes pour la musique zouglou ? Des politiciens, des médias tout puissants, des entreprises du show-business qui inculquent aux jeunes une musique bêtifiante ? N’est-ce pas là réduire les jeunes à une masse amorphe, livrée pieds et bras liés aux chiens de garde du capital ? Ce texte propose une autre explication : la jeunesse, en Côte d’Ivoire, n’est pas une mais bien multi- ple et différenciée. Elle n’est pas seulement objet mais bien aussi sujet. Elle n’est pas toujours irresponsable comme on voudrait le faire croire. Bien au contraire, elle propose avec force des modèles culturels élaborés à partir de sa propre expérience quotidienne. Les styles musicaux, dont le zouglou en particulier, en font partie. Le zouglou chante ce que vivent les jeunes ivoiriens, ce qu’ils attendent de la société, ce qu’ils contestent.
1 - Oil and Security in Nigeria: The Niger Delta Crisis
Authors: Okwechime Iwebunor , Olayiwola Owolabi
Published: November 2011

This paper examines oil and security in Nigeria, with special reference to the crisis-ravaged Niger Delta. Its focus on the Niger Delta and its festering crisis stems from that region’s critical importance to Nigeria. As the nation’s treasure base, the Niger Delta provides over 80 percent of government revenues, 95 percent of export receipts, and 90 percent of foreign exchange earnings. Also, the bulk of Nigeria’s bio-diversity and some of her best human resources are derived from the Niger Delta. This paper posits that beyond the well-known threats to the security of the Nigerian state, the lingering crisis in the country’s oil- producing areas is a grave threat to human security in that region. Since poverty, environment and food security are key to national security, the ruthless exploita- tion and destruction of the natural environment upon which the inhabitants of the Niger Delta depend for their livelihood and sustenance pose major threats to human security in that region and, by implication, to the Nigerian state. The paper suggests that to resolve the crisis, government policy on petroleum should be more inclusive, taking into consideration the peculiar problems and needs of the oil-producing areas, as well as those of the Nigerian state and the oil indus- try itself.
2 - The African Union and Conflict Management
Authors: Albert Isaac Olawale
Published: November 2011

This paper reflects on the ability of the African Union (AU) to implement its conflict management mechanism. The response of the AU to the ‘military coup’ in Togo and its mission in Sudan are used as case studies. The emerging picture is that African leaders are now alive to their responsibilities for making, building and keeping peace in Africa. African leaders know that the days of non-interfer- ence and expecting the rest of the world to resolve conflict situations created by them are over. The AU would, however, achieve better results if the member states are more committed to removing the problems faced by the organisation. The most salient include the poor commitment of some African leaders to posi- tive peace, the regional organisation is still as under funded as the former OAU, and the problem of weak national armies in some member states compromises efficiency of peace support operations.
6 - Decentralisation in Uganda: Prospects for Improved Service Delivery
Authors: Muriisa Roberts Kabeba
Published: November 2011

Since the 1980s, many Sub-Saharan African countries have been undergoing structural reforms with a view to promoting efficient service delivery. Decentrali- sation, defined as the transfer of authority from central to local governments to perform certain duties, is seen as one of the public sector reform strategies to increase service delivery. Decentralisation in Uganda began in 1986 with the coming into power of the National Resistance Movement, which aimed at pro- moting democracy and enhancing local participation. In Uganda, political de- centralisation developed along with financial decentralisation. The goal of po- litical decentralisation was to promote people’s participation in the democratic process of Uganda. This took the form of Administrative Units – Resistance Councils (RC)1 running from the village to district levels. Financial decentralisa- tion, on the other hand, attempted to assign responsibilities and taxes between the centre and local governments, to enable the transfer of grants and other resources to different parts of the country, and to improve service delivery. This paper will review different government, public and academic documents as well as findings of other researches such as UN reports about decentralisation and service delivery in Uganda. Based on these sources the paper will answer the following questions: to what extent does decentralisation increase service de- livery? To what extent does decentralisation increase efficiency, participation, accountability and effectiveness? What are the challenges of implementing de- centralisation in Uganda?
3 - The Informalization of Belonging: Igbo Informal Enterprise and National Cohesion from Below
Authors: Meagher Kate
Published: November 2011

The Nigerian Civil War evokes images of ethno-regional strife followed by sim- mering ethnic tension. However, political perspectives on the legacies of Biafra tend to gloss over the more integrative and constructive economic effects of the Civil War and its aftermath. While the Nigerian Civil War devastated Igbo busi- ness activities across Nigeria, and precipitated a mass return of Igbo migrants to their home area, it also laid the foundation for a consolidation and rapid devel- opment of Igbo informal enterprise, which has had integrative rather than divi- sive social and economic consequences for Nigeria as a whole. Operating below the radar of political competition, the demands of informal enterprise develop- ment have nurtured strong inter-ethnic and inter-regional links between the Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba and other Nigerian as well as non-Nigerian groups. With a particular focus on Igbo informal manufacturing, long-distance trading networks and informal money changing, this paper will consider the role of the informal economy in the development of popular structures of national unity. It will also show that these processes of economic integration from below have increas- ingly been strained by political struggles from above, creating a tide of violence and ethnic polarization that, even more than the Civi War, threatens to unravel the underlying social fabric of Nigerian nationhood.
4 - Heroes and Villains: Ijaw Nationalist Narratives of the Nigerian Civil War
Authors: Nwajiaku-Dahou Kathryn
Published: November 2011

Numerous explanations of the failure of the Biafran enterprise highlight the absence of legitimacy and support for the Biafran effort among the Niger Delta ‘minorities’. In the aftermath of the Civil War, popular narratives among the Ijaw, arguably Nigeria’s fourth largest ethnic group, tended to tie them closely to the Federal side. In this paper, we examine the transformations of the relationship between Southern minorities and the Biafran cause, with a particular focus on the Ijaw. The fiscal centralization of oil resources that followed the war and the persistence of minority exclusion within the Nigerian polity have encouraged Ijaw elites, and other southern minorities, to review their commitment to Nige- rian federalism. Conflicting tales of the Ijaw nationalist hero Isaac Boro testify to a growing ‘revisionism’ in interpretations of the Biafran War. Today the resur- gence of militant forms of Ijaw ethnic nationalism, against the backdrop of oil community protests which have been taking place since the early 1990s, has given rise to new interpretations of the war, and the creation of new political linkages between Ijaw nationalists, other Niger Delta minorities and Igbo pro- Biafra movements. While resistance to Biafra catalyzed Ijaw nationalism in the fighting and aftermath of the Civil War, Biafra has now become a symbol of contemporary Ijaw nationalism. By drawing on new ‘revisionist’ histories of Biafra, this paper considers the complex interaction of ethnic nationalism, oil and secessionist conflict in Nigeria.
3 - State Failure, Crisis of Governance and Disengagement from the State in Africa
Authors: Animashaun Mojeed Adekunle
Published: November 2011

The post-colonial state in Africa has continued to dominate the publicspace on the continent in spite of its well advertised failings. It is widelyacknowledged in the literature that the African state has utterly failed inachieving material advancement for its people, leading disenchantedand frustrated citizens to take a ‘flight’ from the state and developparallel structures to tend to their socio-economic and cultural needs.This situation, symptomatic of a crisis of governance, provides immediateexplanation for the contested character of Africa’s public sphere.This paper examines the nature of contestation in Africa’s public spherebetween the two dominant actors in the sphere – the state and civilsociety, the ideological underpinnings of this contestation and theimpact of domestic and external contexts on the contestation. The paperobserves that the declining capacity of the state for social provisioningprovides the context for citizens’ withdrawal from the public spaceoccupied by the state. The paper argues that disengagement from thestate, apart from not serving the interest of both the state and civilsociety, has serious implications for governing Africa’s public sphere.
10 - Capitalist Globalisation and the Role of the International Community in Resource Conflicts in Africa
Authors: Amuwo Adekunle
Published: November 2011

The principal thesis of this paper is that under contemporary capitalist globalisation, the so-called international community constitutes more of the problem than the solution in the continent’s resource and allied conflicts. We argue that the geo-strategic and geo-political interests of major western and other powers and the transnational capitalist class (TCC), which tend to defend and enhance these interests, have over the past several decades either been the root cause of resource con- flicts on the African continent or have fuelled, exacerbated and pro- longed them. The almost devotional attitude of the continent’s ruling elites to the values and institutions of capitalist globalisation – and its resultant unequal distribution of the gains and pains of market reforms – have equally contributed to resource conflicts. While there is a complex interplay between internal and external factors and actors, on-balance external causation has, by far, dwarfed internal explanations of con- flicts. African societies and peoples have thus suffered an unmitigated internationalisation, exploitation and pillage of their rich tropical hard- wood, gems, mineral and oil resources. The paper proposes a strategic coalition of victims of capitalist globalisation and capitalist militarisation in Africa and elsewhere (nations, societies, communities and peoples) to systematically confront and oppose the most invidious  rocess that has turned Africa’s resource blessing into resource burden.
Near Field Communication-based telemonitoring with integrated ECG recordings
Authors: Kumpusch H. , Hayn D. , Leitner M. , Scherr D. , Fruhwald F.M. , Schreier G. , Morak J.
Published: November 2011

Objective: Telemonitoring of vital signs is an established option in treatment of patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). In order to allow for early detection of atrial fibrillation (AF) which is highly prevalent in the CHF population telemonitoring programs should include electrocardiogram (ECG) signals. It was therefore the aim to extend our current home monitoring system based on mobile phones and Near Field Communication technology (NFC) to enable patients acquiring their ECG signals autonomously in an easy-to-use way.

Methods: We prototypically developed a sensing device for the concurrent acquisition of blood pressure and ECG signals. The design of the device equipped with NFC technology and Bluetooth allowed for intuitive interaction with a mobile phone based patient terminal. This ECG monitoring system was evaluated in the course of a clinical pilot trial to assess the system’s technical feasibility, usability and patient’s adherence to twice daily usage.

Results: 21 patients (4f, 54 ± 14 years) suffering from CHF were included in the study and were asked to transmit two ECG recordings per day via the telemonitoring system autonomously over a monitoring period of seven days. One patient dropped out from the study. 211 data sets were transmitted over a cumulative monitoring period of 140 days (overall adherence rate 82.2%). 55% and 8% of the transmitted ECG signals were sufficient for ventricular and atrial rhythm assessment, respectively.

Conclusion: Although ECG signal quality has to be improved for better AF detection the developed communication design of joining Bluetooth and NFC technology in our telemonitoring system allows for ambulatory ECG acquisition with high adherence rates and system usability in heart failure patients.
Uterine Artery Embolization as Nonsurgical Treatment of Uterine Myomas
Authors: Tomislav Strinic , Josip Maskovic , Liana Cambi Sapunar , Marko Vulic , Marko Jukic , Ante Radic , Dzenis Jelcic , Leo Grandic , Ivica Stipic , Marijan Tandara , Situm Kristina
Published: November 2011

The purpose of this study was to evaluate safety, efficacy or complications of uterine artery embolization (UAE). Patients with symptomatic uterine fibroids (n=157) were treated by selective bilateral UAE using 350–500 μm sized polyvinyl alcohol particles. Bilateral UAE was successful in 152 (96.8%) cases. Baseline measures of clinical symptoms and MRI taken before the procedure were compared to those taken 3, 6, and 12 months after embolotherapy. Also, complications and outcomes were analyzed after procedure. All patients had an uneventful recovery and were able to return to normal activity within two weeks of embolization. After the procedure, most patients experienced crampy pelvic pain, of variable intensity, which was well managed with the standard analgesia protocol. Five (3%) of participants had persisting amenorrhea after procedure. None reported any new gynecologic or medical problem during the follow-up period. There were no deaths and no major permanent injuries. Reductions in mean uterine volume were 61% (P<0.01) and in dominant fibroid volume 66% (P≤0.01). The follow-up showed significant improvement of bleeding. In conclusion, uterine artery embolization is a successful, minimal invasive treatment of uterine fibroids that preserves the uterus, had minimal complications, and requires short hospitalization and recovery.
MINKOWSKI-ADDITIVE MULTIMEASURES, MONOTONICITY AND SELF-SIMILARITY
Authors: La Torre Davide , Mendivil Franklin
Published: November 2011

We discuss the main properties of positive multimeasures and we show how to define a notion of self-similarity based on a generalized Markov operator.
Current Collecting Grids for ITO‐Free Solar Cells
Authors: Galagan Yulia , Zimmermann Birger , Coenen Erica W.C. , Jørgensen Mikkel , Tanenbaum David M. , Krebs Frederik C. , Gorter Harrie , Sabik Sami , Slooff Lenneke H. , Veenstra Sjoerd C. , Kroon Jan M. , Andriessen Ronn
Published: November 2011

Indium‐tin‐oxide (ITO) free polymer solar cells prepared by ink jet printing a composite front electrode comprising silver grid lines and a semitransparent PEDOT:PSS conductor are demonstrated. The effect of grid line density is explored for a large series of devices and a careful modeling study enabling the identification of the most rational grid structure is presented. Both optical and light beam induced current (LBIC) mapping of the devices are used to support the power loss model and to follow the evolution of the performance over time. Current generation is found to be evenly distributed over the active area initially progressing to a larger graduation in areas with different performance. Over time coating defects also become much more apparent in the LBIC images.
Dump truck‐related deaths in construction, 1992–2007
Authors: McCann Michael , Cheng Mei‐Tai
Published: November 2011

Background

Dump trucks are universally used in construction and other industries to haul materials to the location and to remove waste materials.

Methods

The source for dump truck‐related fatality data was the Bureau of Labor Statistics Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) Research File.

Results

From 1992 to 2007, 829 construction workers were killed in dump truck‐related incidents nationwide. Of those, 336 were dump truck operators with 215 deaths occurring in street and highway incidents. Another 343 deaths involved workers on foot, three‐quarters struck by dump trucks. Sixty‐four of the construction workers killed were maintaining dump trucks, 22 when caught between the truck frame and a falling dump truck bed. Of the 86 other deaths, 55 involved streets and highways.

Conclusions

Recommendations include: (i) improving the reporting of seat belt usage in fatality reports; (ii) requiring use of seat belts; (iii) requiring the use of backup alarms, spotters, or other methods to alert dump truck operators to workers in their blind spots; (iv) prohibiting direct dumping at river banks and embankments; (v) using cameras or radar to enforce stopping at railway crossings; and (xi) enforcing worker safety practices (e.g., lockout/tagout procedures on elevated dump truck beds). Am. J. Ind. Med. 55:450–457, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Polymeric Graphitic Carbon Nitride as a Heterogeneous Organocatalyst: From Photochemistry to Multipurpose Catalysis to Sustainable Chemistry
Authors: Wang Yong , Wang Xinchen , Antonietti Markus
Published: November 2011

Polymeric graphitic carbon nitride materials (for simplicity: g‐C3N4) have attracted much attention in recent years because of their similarity to graphene. They are composed of C, N, and some minor H content only. In contrast to graphenes, g‐C3N4is a medium‐bandgap semiconductor and in that role an effective photocatalyst and chemical catalyst for a broad variety of reactions. In this Review, we describe the “polymer chemistry” of this structure, how band positions and bandgap can be varied by doping and copolymerization, and how the organic solid can be textured to make it an effective heterogenous catalyst. g‐C3N4and its modifications have a high thermal and chemical stability and can catalyze a number of “dream reactions”, such as photochemical splitting of water, mild and selective oxidation reactions, and—as a coactive catalytic support—superactive hydrogenation reactions. As carbon nitride is metal‐free as such, it also tolerates functional groups and is therefore suited for multipurpose applications in biomass conversion and sustainable chemistry.
Poly‐D, L‐lactide and levofloxacin‐blended beads: A sustained local releasing system to treat osteomyelitis
Authors: Cao Hong , Chen Liao‐bin , Liu Yan‐song , Xiu Han , Wang Hui
Published: November 2011

Osteomyelitis is the inflammation of bone which is treated by a high dose of antibiotics given intravenously for 4–6 weeks. However, at present locally administered antibiotic such as gentamicin poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) bead is nonbiodegradable and a secondary surgery is often inevitable. This study described the biodegradable material poly‐D, L‐lactide (PLA) with 80 kDa molecular weight that could be used as a potential antibiotic carrier for local drug release. PLA was first dissolved in tetrahydrofuran followed by blending with levofloxacin (LFX) in a physical way. The blend was then molded into beads. The optimized weight ratio between PLA and LFX was designated as 45 : 15. Glass transition temperature and surface ultramicrostructure of the beads were measured. In vitro tests of drug release and bacteriostasis demonstrated that the PLA–LFX beads released high concentrations of antibiotic for the period of time (i.e., 6 weeks), which is needed to treat bone infection. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Preparation of poly(L‐lactide) microparticles by a supercritical antisolvent process with a mixed solvent
Authors: Chen Chang , Zhan Shiping , Zhang Miaomiao , Liu Zhijun , Li Zhiyi
Published: November 2011

Poly(L‐lactide) (PLLA) microparticles were prepared by a supercritical antisolvent (SAS) process with a mixed solvent. Five factors, namely, the molar percentage of acetone, pressure, temperature, flow rate, and concentration of the solution, were optimized by a four‐level orthogonal array design. By analysis of variance, the concentration of the solution showed a significant effect on the PLLA microparticle size. The effects of the mixed solvent (dichloromethane/acetone) at different mixing ratios, pressures, and temperatures on the morphology of the PLLA microparticles were also investigated. The thermal properties of PLLA before and after the SAS process were studied by differential scanning calorimetry. The results indicate that the molar percentage of acetone had a significant effect on the morphology of the PLLA microparticles. The microparticles prepared with the mixed solvent were much smaller than those prepared with dichloromethane alone under the same conditions. Furthermore, the particle size distribution was more uniform in the case of the mixed solvent. The particle size decreased with increasing pressure, whereas it showed no significant change with increasing temperature. The results also show that the thermal properties of PLLA could be improved through the SAS process. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Photochemical Modulation of DNA Conformation by Organic Dications
Authors: Zinchenko Anatoly A. , Tanahashi Mao , Murata Shizuaki
Published: November 2011

A group of azobenzene derivatives containing two quaternary ammonium groups with various intercharge distances between them was synthesised and used to control photochemically the conformation of genomic DNA by switching the distance between cationic ammonium groups in the dications. It was found that isomerisation of either dication from the trans form to cis resulted in an increase in the dication's efficiency for DNA compaction; this is associated with a decrease in intercharge distance between ammonium groups and leads to a better match of the binder's cationic groups to adjacent phosphate groups of DNA. Ammonium dications have several important advantages over the photosensitive surfactant type of diazobenzene reported earlier: they can be used at significantly lower (>100‐fold) concentrations than photosensitive surfactants, and DNA conformation control can be performed over a broader concentration range of dications. The influence of intercharge distance in photosensitive dications on photo‐induced DNA binding discrimination is discussed, and the molecular mechanism is proposed.
Giant Deuteron Migration During the Isosymmetric Phase Transition in Deuterated 3,5‐Pyridinedicarboxylic Acid
Authors: Ford Samantha J. , Delamore Oliver J. , Evans John S. O. , McIntyre Garry J. , Johnson Mark R. , Radosavljević Evans Ivana
Published: November 2011

Deuterated 3,5‐pyridinedicarboxylic acid exhibits reversible temperature‐induced deuteron migration of a magnitude unprecedented in this class of compounds. We used a combination of variable‐temperature powder and single‐crystal neutron diffraction and density functional theory (DFT)‐based computational methods to elucidate the origin of this remarkable behaviour. Single‐crystal neutron diffraction shows that between 15 and 300 K, the deuteron moves by 0.32(1) Å and the structure changes from a low‐temperature ND⋅⋅⋅O form to a high‐temperature N⋅⋅⋅DO form. Variable‐temperature powder neutron‐diffraction data, which was fitted by using parametric Rietveld refinement, show that this deuteron migration is due to an isosymmetric, first‐order phase transition that occurs by growth of the daughter phase in the parent‐phase matrix. Similar phase transitions are observed in two selectively deuterated forms of the material. DFT calculations demonstrate the role of phonons and show that vibrational free‐energy stabilisation, which plays a key role in the observed structural phase transitions, is more pronounced in the fully deuterated material and proportional to the mass of the molecule, that is, the level of deuteration. This is consistent with our experimental work, for which distinct crystallographic phase transitions were clearly observed for the three deuterated systems, but not for the fully protonated material.
Highly Selective Electrosynthesis of Biphenols on Graphite Electrodes in Fluorinated Media
Authors: Kirste Axel , Hayashi Shotaro , Schnakenburg Gregor , Malkowsky Itamar M. , Stecker Florian , Fischer Andreas , Fuchigami Toshio , Waldvogel Siegfried R.
Published: November 2011

The direct and selective phenol coupling reaction that provides biphenols still represents a challenge in organic synthesis. The recently developed electrosynthesis on boron‐doped diamond anodes with fluorinated additives was developed further to allow the application to less‐expensive electrodes and fluorinated media. This advanced protocol allows the highly selective anodic phenol coupling reaction on graphite with a broad scope.
Intramolecular [2+2+2] Cycloaddition Reactions of Yne‐ene‐yne and Yne‐yne‐ene Enediynes Catalysed by RhI: Experimental and Theoretical Mechanistic Studies
Authors: Dachs Anna , Pla‐Quintana Anna , Parella Teodor , Solà Miquel , Roglans Anna
Published: November 2011

N‐Tosyl‐linked open‐chain yne‐ene‐yne enediynes 1 and 2 and yne‐yne‐ene enediynes 3 and 4 have been satisfactorily synthesised. The [2+2+2] cycloaddition process catalysed by the Wilkinson catalyst [RhCl(PPh3)3] was tested with the above‐mentioned substrates resulting in the production of high yields of the cycloadducts. Enediynes 1 and 2 gave standard [2+2+2] cycloaddition reactions whereas enediynes 3 and 4 suffered β‐hydride elimination followed by reductive elimination of the Wilkinson catalyst to give cycloadducts, which are isomers of those that would be obtained by standard [2+2+2] cycloaddition reactions. The different reactivities of these two types of enediyne have been rationalised by density functional theory calculations.
Formal Homo‐Nazarov and Other Cyclization Reactions of Activated Cyclopropanes
Authors: De Simone Filippo , Saget Tanguy , Benfatti Fides , Almeida Sofia , Waser Jérôme
Published: November 2011

The Nazarov cyclization of divinyl ketones gives access to cyclopentenones. Replacing one of the vinyl groups by a cyclopropane leads to a formal homo‐Nazarov process for the synthesis of cyclohexenones. In contrast to the Nazarov reaction, the cyclization of vinyl‐cyclopropyl ketones is a stepwise process, often requiring harsh conditions. Herein, we describe two different approaches for further polarization of the three‐membered ring of vinyl‐cyclopropyl ketones to allow the formal homo‐Nazarov reaction under mild catalytic conditions. In the first approach, the introduction of an ester group α to the carbonyl on the cyclopropane gave a more than tenfold increase in reaction rate, allowing us to extend the scope of the reaction to non‐electron‐rich aryl donor substituents in the β position to the carbonyl on the cyclopropane. In this case, a proof of principle for asymmetric induction could be achieved using chiral Lewis acid catalysts. In the second approach, heteroatoms, especially nitrogen, were introduced β to the carbonyl on the cyclopropane. In this case, the reaction was especially successful when the vinyl group was replaced by an indole heterocycle. With a free indole, the formal homo‐Nazarov cyclization on the C3 position of indole was observed using a copper catalyst. In contrast, a new cyclization reaction on the N1 position was observed with Brønsted acid catalysts. Both reactions were applied to the synthesis of natural alkaloids. Preliminary investigations on the rationalization of the observed regioselectivity are also reported.
Multilayered Supported Ionic Liquids as Catalysts for Chemical Fixation of Carbon Dioxide: A High‐Throughput Study in Supercritical Conditions
Authors: Aprile Carmela , Giacalone Francesco , Agrigento Paola , Liotta Leonarda F. , Martens Johan A. , Pescarmona Paolo P. , Gruttadauria Michelangelo
Published: November 2011

Multilayered, covalently supported ionic liquid phase (mlc‐SILP) materials were synthesized by using a new approach based on the grafting of bis‐vinylimidazolium salts on different types of silica or polymeric supports. The obtained materials were characterized and tested as catalysts in the reaction of supercritical carbon dioxide with various epoxides to produce cyclic carbonates. The material prepared by supporting a bromide bis‐imidazolium salt on the ordered mesoporous silica SBA‐15 was identified as the most active catalyst for the synthesis of cyclic carbonates and displayed improved productivity compared with known supported ionic liquid catalysts. The catalyst retained its high activity upon reuse in consecutive catalytic runs. This is the first report of the application of mlc‐SILP materials as catalysts in a reaction for the fixation of carbon dioxide. Rapid, parallel screening and comparison of the catalysts was performed by means of high‐throughput experimentation.
Clinical profile of cyclosporine in dermatology
Authors: Colombo Delia , Poggi Susanna
Published: November 2011

Cyclosporine is one of the most effective agents available for the treatment of psoriasis. It is also widely used in atopic dermatitis and other dermatological disorders. Recent consensus guidelines for psoriasis recommend an initial dosage of 2.5–5 mg/kg/day (in one or two daily doses), with adjustments of 0.5–1 mg/kg/day every 1–2 weeks; the maximum daily dosage is 6 mg/kg/day. The most widely used cyclosporine schedule is intermittent short‐term therapy for 12–16 weeks; subsequently, when relapse occurs, treatment is restarted at the previously established, effective dosage. Short‐term cyclosporine therapy is also particularly useful as a “rescue” treatment for severe disease flares, and as a “bridging” treatment to other maintenance schedules. Hypertension and renal dysfunction are the major tolerability issues, but these are related to dose and treatment duration, and can be markedly reduced if appropriate dosage and monitoring guidelines are followed. Generally, if cyclosporine dosage is maintained at ≤5 mg/kg/day, and treatment duration at ≤2 years, these events are reversible after treatment is stopped. As definitive clinical experience continues to accrue for several cyclosporine monotherapy and combination regimens in various dermatological disorders, cyclosporine is likely to markedly extend its already integral therapeutic role in dermatology. Drug Dev Res 72:634–646, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Stability of a 2′‐O‐(Carbamoylmethyl)adenosine‐Containing Dinucleotide
Authors: Milton Stefan , Ander Charlotte , Yeheskiely Esther , Strömberg Roger
Published: November 2011

In the interest of pursuing the synthesis of 2′‐O‐carbamoylmethyl‐modified oligonucleotides from building blocks already containing the modification, we have performed studies on the chemical and enzymatic stability of a 2′‐O‐carbamoylmethyl‐modified dinucleotide. The dinucleotide was subjected to ammonolysis and other basic conditions such as treatment with ethylenediamine and sodium hydroxide at different temperatures. The amide of the carbamoylmethyl group partially hydrolyzed under standard deprotection conditions for oligonucleotide synthesis (conc. aq. NH3 at 55 °C). However, under several other conditions, including saturated NH3 in methanol, the amide remained intact. Treatment of the dinucleotide with Phosphodiesterase I from Crotalus adamanteus venom and Phosphodiesterase II from Bovine spleen, showed that the carbamoylmethyl moiety gives substantial protection of the phosphodiester towards enzymatic degradation.
Measuring extrastriatal dopamine release during a reward learning task
Authors: Vrieze Elske , Ceccarini Jenny , Pizzagalli Diego A. , Bormans Guy , Vandenbulcke Mathieu , Demyttenaere Koen , Van Laere Koen , Claes Stephan
Published: November 2011

Objectives: Reward learning is critical for survival. Animal research emphasizes the role of dopaminergic (DA) mesocorticolimbic pathways in reward learning, but few studies have evaluated extrastriatal DA functioning in humans. The purpose of this study was to examine presynaptic DA release in extrastriatal regions of the reward circuit by measuring displacement of the high affinity D2/D3 radioligand [18F]Fallypride during a reward task. Design: Ten healthy volunteers underwent a [18F]Fallypride positron emission tomography protocol while performing a reward task, allowing us to assess participants' ability to modulate behavior as a function of reward. DA receptor ligand displacement was correlated with task performance and self‐reported anhedonia. Observations: Parametric t‐maps revealed significant decrease in [18F]Fallypride binding in the medial orbitofrontal cortex (mOFC), ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC), and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC), indicating endogenous DA release in these regions. Increasing anhedonic symptoms correlated with DA release in the left vmPFC, left dACC, and right dACC emerged (all r's > 0.65, P's < 0.05). Similarly, reduced reward learning correlated with higher DA release in left vmPFC, right vmPFC, and left dACC (all r's < −0.64, P's < 0.05). Left dACC (r = 0.66, P = 0.04) and left vmPFC (r = 0.74, P = 0.01) DA release showed a significant positive correlation with impaired tendency to modulate behavior as a function of prior positive reinforcements. Conclusions: These findings support the hypothesis that DA release in mOFC, vmPFC, and dACC regions plays an important role in reinforcement learning in the human brain. Hum Brain Mapp, 2013. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Behavioral data and neural correlates for postural prioritization and flexible resource allocation in concurrent postural and motor tasks
Authors: Huang Cheng‐Ya , Hwang Ing‐Shiou
Published: November 2011

This study was undertaken to investigate the reciprocity effect between postural and suprapostural performances and its underlying neural mechanisms wherein subjects executed a perceptual‐motor suprapostural task and maintained steady upright postures. Fourteen healthy individuals conducted force‐matching maneuvers (static vs. dynamic) under two stance conditions (bipedal stance vs. unipedal stance); meanwhile, force‐matching error, center of pressure dynamics, event‐related potentials (ERPs), and the movement‐related potential (MRP) were monitored. The behavioral results showed that force‐matching error and postural sway were differently modulated by variations in stance pattern and force‐matching version. Increase in postural challenge undermined the precision of static force‐matching but facilitated a dynamic force‐matching task. Both static and dynamic force‐matching tasks improved postural control of unipedal stance but not of bipedal stance, in reference to the control conditions. ERP results revealed a stance‐dependent N1 response, which was greater around the parietal cortex in the unipedal stance conditions. Instead, P2 was modulated by the effect of the suprapostural motor task, with a smaller P2 in the right parietal cortex for dynamic force‐matching. Spatiotemporal evolution of the MRP commenced at the left frontal‐central area and spread bilaterally over the frontal‐central and parietal cortex. MRP onset was subject to an analogous interaction effect on force‐matching performance. Our findings suggest postural prioritization and a structural alternation effect of stance pattern on postural performance, relevant to implicit expansion and selective allocation of central resources for relative task‐loads of a postural‐suprapostural task. Hum Brain Mapp, 2013. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Inferior frontal white matter asymmetry correlates with executive control of attention
Authors: Yin Xuntao , Han Yan , Ge Haitao , Xu Wenjian , Huang Ruiwang , Zhang Dong , Xu Junhai , Fan Lingzhong , Pang Zengchang , Liu Shuwei
Published: November 2011

White matter (WM) asymmetries of the human brain have been well documented using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). However, the relationship between WM asymmetry pattern and cognitive performance is poorly understood. By means of tract‐based spatial statistics (TBSS) and voxel‐based analyses of whole brain, this study examined the WM asymmetries and the correlations between WM integrity/asymmetries and three distinct components of attention, namely alerting, orienting, and executive control (EC), which were assessed by attention network test (ANT). We revealed a number of WM anisotropy asymmetries, including leftward asymmetry of cingulum, corticospinal tract and cerebral peduncle, rightward asymmetry of internal capsule, superior longitudinal fasciculus and posterior corona radiata, as well as heterogeneous asymmetries in anterior corpus callosum and anterior corona radiata (ACR). Moreover, specific correlation was found between asymmetric pattern of inferior frontal ACR and EC performance. Additionally, this study also proposed that there were no significant relationships of WM anisotropy asymmetries to alerting and orienting functions. Further clusters of interest analyses and probabilistic fiber tracking validated our findings. In conclusion, there are a number of differences in WM integrity between human brain hemispheres. Specially, the anisotropy asymmetry in inferior frontal ACR plays a crucial role in EC function. Our finding is supportive of the functional studies of inferior frontal regions and in keeping with the theory of the brain lateralization on human ventral attention system. Hum Brain Mapp, 2013. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reconstruction of lower lip with myomucosal advancement flap
Authors: Isik Daghan , Garca M. Fatih , Durucu Cengiz , Goktas Ugur , Atik Bekir
Published: November 2011

Background

In this article, a new surgical procedure that can be used for reconstruction of lower lip defects of any size is described.

Methods

In this prospective study, the surgical procedure was applied in 16 patients. In this procedure, the mucosa and the orbicularis oris muscle of the lower lip are repaired with a composite flap, and the skin defect is closed using local skin flaps. The patients were assessed in terms of complications, mouth opening, sphincter function of the mouth, and sensation in the lower lip.

Results

The aesthetic results obtained in all patients were satisfactory. Sufficient oral sphincter function was achieved in all patients.

Conclusion

Reconstruction of lower lip defects using the procedure described here can be performed in patients with lower lip defects of any size as long as the mucosal and skin repair lines are not superimposed. This procedure yielded good sphincter function and aesthetic results. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011
Survival study and treatment strategy for second primary tumors in the oral cavity in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma after definitive radiation
Authors: Song Ming , Zhuang Shi‐Min , Chen Shu‐Wei , Zhang Quan , Yang An‐Kui , Wang Li‐Ping , Guo Zhu‐Ming
Published: November 2011

Background

The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinicopathologic characteristics and prognostic factors of second primary tumors (SPTs) in the oral cavity in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) after definitive radiation, and to determine an optimal treatment strategy for these patients.

Methods

This retrospective study enrolled consecutive patients who were admitted to the Sun Yat–Sen University Cancer Center between 1990 and 2005.

Results

The key prognostic factors influencing the survival were age when NPC was diagnosed, TNM stage, and surgery treatment modality. Multivariate analysis revealed that the clinical TNM stage was an independent risk factor for patient survival.

Conclusion

Clinical TNM stage was an independent prognostic factor that influenced the treatment outcome. Our data indicate that the survival of patients with SPTs in the oral cavity can be improved by modifying treatment strategy, and that surgery is preferred when SPTs are diagnosed at an earlier stage. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011