bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phosphorus Distribution in Untreated and Composted Solid Fractions from Slurry Separation
Authors: Jorgensen Karin , Magid Jakob , Luxhoi Jesper , Jensen Lars Stoumann
Published: January 2010

The distribution of phosphorus (P) (water‐soluble inorganic P [Pi], acid‐soluble Pi, and residual P) was determined in 40 samples of solids from solid–liquid separated slurry. These were collected from separation plants using different technologies, separating by simple mechanical means, by flocculation as pre‐treatment before mechanical separation or by anaerobic digestion followed by separation and centrifugation. Simple mechanical separation yielded a low solid TP content (8–9 g P kg−1 dry matter [DM]) compared with separation by flocculation (26 g P kg−1 DM) or by anaerobic digestion‐centrifugation (33.4 g P kg−1 DM). Acid‐soluble Pi predominated in the high P‐yielding solids, whereas organic‐bound or residual P was a minor component in all slurry solids. Acid‐soluble Pi and residual P were significantly correlated with total phosphorus (TP) content (R2 = 0.855 and R2 = 0.584), but water‐soluble Pi was uncorrelated (R2 = 0.077). The relative distribution of Pi to TP in the solids showed a high proportion of water‐soluble Pi in solids from simple mechanical separation, whereas the absolute concentrations were highest in solids from separation by flocculation and anaerobic digestion‐centrifugation. Three solid fractions, representing the range of solids variability produced by the separation techniques, were composted for 30 d, and the P distribution was compared before and after composting. Total mass of P was conserved during composting, but water‐soluble Pi as a proportion of TP decreased in most cases. The most pronounced decrease in water‐soluble Pi was observed during composting of the solids separated using flocculation. However, changes in short‐ to medium‐term bioavailability of P were modest, and thus the potential benefits of composting regarding storage and handling can presumably be realized without seriously compromising the P fertilization quality.
Effect of Plant Age on PCB Accumulation by Cucurbita pepo ssp. pepo
Authors: Low Jennifer E. , Whitfield Åslund Melissa L. , Rutter Allison , Zeeb Barbara A.
Published: January 2010

A greenhouse experiment was conducted to investigate polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) uptake and translocation from soil over time in pumpkin plants (Cucurbita pepo ssp. pepo cv. Howden). Plants were grown in weathered soil collected from a former industrial site contaminated with Aroclor 1248 (mean [PCB]soil = 6.5 mg kg−1). Plants were harvested five times over 42 d and analyzed for total PCB concentration in the root and shoot tissues. The concentration of PCBs in the root was not significantly different between harvests (mean [PCB]root = 21.5 mg kg−1). The concentration of PCBs in the shoots was also relatively stable over time (mean [PCB]shoot = 3.5 mg kg−1) despite increases in shoot biomass (fresh weight of 4.3 g at Day 12 to 59 g at Day 42). This suggests that PCBs were continuously accumulated throughout the growth period. The trends found in this study indicate the optimal time to harvest C. pepo ssp pepo plants to maximize PCB phytoextraction is when the plant shoot has reached its maximum biomass.
Remote Sensing of Soil Degradation: Introduction
Authors: Lobell David B.
Published: January 2010

In the 21st century, mapping and monitoring the occurrence of soil degradation will be an important component of successful land management. Remote sensing, with its unique ability to measure across space and time, will be an increasingly indispensible tool for assessing degradation. However, much of the recent experience and progress in using remote sensing and other geospatial technologies to map soil degradation is reported outside of the peer‐reviewed literature. This motivated the organization of a special collection of papers focused on remote sensing of soil degradation, to highlight recent successes, common challenges, and promising new approaches. This introductory paper provides an overview of the papers, gaps in knowledge, and future research directions. Across several regions and types of degradation, many assessments to date have relied heavily on data from the Landsat satellite sensor. Many approaches have also relied at some point on subjective visual interpretation, either of the satellite imagery itself or to provide field data used to train models that use satellite data. While subjectivity is not necessarily bad, it precludes repeatability and makes it even more important to rigorously test model estimates with independent data. Overall, it remains quite challenging to find robust relationships between remote sensing measures and soil degradation, particularly for slight to moderate levels of degradation. There have nonetheless been some clear successes, and there remains great potential for progress. Promising directions outlined in the papers include using multi‐year measures of vegetation condition, combining different sensor systems including optical and radar data, and using advanced statistical techniques such as Bayesian networks and decision trees.
Microinjection of IL-1β into the Trigeminal Transition Zone Produces Bilateral NMDA Receptor-Dependent Orofacial Hyperalgesia Involving Descending Circuitry
Authors: Shimizu K. , Chai Bryan , C. LaGraize Stacey , Wei F. , Dubner R. , Ren K.
Published: January 2010

Our recent studies indicate that the prototypic proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β is upregulated in astroglial cells in the trigeminal interplolaris/caudalis (Vi/Vc) transition zone, a region of the spinal trigeminal complex involved in trigeminal pain processing, after masseter muscle inflammation. Here we investigated the effect of microinjection of IL- 1β into the Vi/Vc transition zone on orofacial nociception. The mechanical sensitivity of the orofacial site was assessed with von Frey microfilaments. The EF50 values, defined as the von Frey filament force (g) that produces a 50% response frequency, were derived and used as a measure of mechanical sensitivity. A significant reduction in EF50 indicates the occurrence of mechanical hyperalgesia/allodynia. Unilateral intra-Vi/Vc IL-1β (0.016-160 fmol) produced hyperalgesia/allodynia dose-dependently, which appeared at bilateral facial sites. The hyperalgesia was detectable as early as 30 min and lasted for 2-6 h (n=6, p<0.01). Intra-Vi/Vc pretreatment with an IL-1receptor antagonist (1 nmol) attenuated the IL-1β-induced hyperalgesia (p<0.01). Pre-injection of AP-5 (10 pmol) and MK-801 (20 pmol), two NMDA receptor antagonists, significantly attenuated IL-1β-induced hyperalgesia (p<0.05). Pretreatment with glial inhibitors fluorocitrate (120 pmol), minocycline (200 pmol) and propentofylline (10 pmol) did not attenuate IL-1β-induced hyperalgesia. Excitotoxic lesions of the rostral ventromedial medulla with ibotenic acid (2 μg) abolished IL-1β-induced contralateral hyperalgesia, suggesting a contribution of descending facilitatory drive. These results suggest that the IL-1β- produced effect on nociception was downstream to glial activation and involves interaction with NMDA receptors.
Use of the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) to Investigate Group and Gender Differences in Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Gogos Andrea , Joshua Nicole , Rossell Susan L.
Published: January 2010

Objective: Gender differences exist in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (BD), therefore the aim of the present study was to clarify the role of gender in cognitive deficits in these disorders.

Methods: Cognitive performance was examined in schizophrenia (24M: 14F) and BD (16M: 24F) patients compared with age-, IQ- and gender-matched control participants (21M: 22F). The Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) was used to assess five cognitive domains: immediate memory/learning, visuospatial ability, language, attention, and delayed memory, which are summed to provide a Total score.

Results: In comparison to controls, schizophrenia patients showed deficits on all domains, while BD patients had impaired immediate memory/learning, language and Total score. Schizophrenia patients showed deficits compared to BD in the Total score, immediate and delayed memory and visuospatial ability. The Total and domain scores were not different in men and women across or within groups. There were gender effects on four of the 12 individual cognitive tasks, in which female patients outperformed male patients. Further, there were gender differences across groups for three of the individual tasks: female schizophrenia patients showed poorer story memory and story recall compared to male schizophrenia patients; female BD patients had enhanced figure copy performance compared to male BD patients.

Conclusions: The RBANS highlighted the cognitive deficits in schizophrenia and BD patients compared to controls and also each other. There were no overall gender differences in cognition.
A Brief Measure of Vocational Activity and Community Participation: Development and Reliability of the Activity and Participation Questionnaire
Authors: Stewart Gavin , Sara Grant , Harris Meredith , Waghorn Geoffrey , Hall Anna , Sivarajasingam Siva , Gladman Beverley , Mowry Bryan
Published: January 2010

Objectives: Social and economic marginalization are significant problems for many people living with mental illness. Clinicians and policy-makers have increased their focus on these aspects of recovery. Current outcome measures, however, do not support this focus, and detailed functional measures are not suitable for routine clinical use. This report describes the development and test–retest reliability of the Activity and Participation Questionnaire (APQ6); a self-report measure of vocational activity and social participation for routine use in community mental health services.

Method: The APQ6 was developed from concepts of the Australian Bureau of Statistics Labour Force Surveys and Census. Field testing and consumer consultation were undertaken in New South Wales (NSW) mental health rehabilitation services. Test–retest reliability trials were conducted simultaneously by research teams in NSW and Queensland.

Results: Pairs of short-cycle test–retest reliability interviews were obtained from 129 mental health service consumers. Consumer feedback and test–retest reliability results at question and item levels indicate good construct validity. The measure has utility as both a telephone and a personal interview in community mental health settings.

Conclusions: The reported psychometric properties support the proposed use of the APQ6 as a recovery-orientated measure focusing on vocational activity and community participation. The APQ6 is being introduced for routine use by NSW mental health services.
Increased Risk of Acute Myocardial Infarction After Acute Episode of Schizophrenia: 6 Year Follow-Up Study
Authors: Lin Hung-Chuan , Chen Yi-Hua , Lee Hsin-Chien , Lin Herng-Ching
Published: January 2010

Objective: The aim of the present study was to estimate the risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) among patients who received a first hospital diagnosis of schizophrenia during a 6 year follow-up period.

Method: Data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database were used. The study cohort consisted of 7353 patients who were hospitalized with a principal diagnosis of schizophrenia in 2000. The comparison cohort were 22 059 enrollees randomly selected matched with the study group in terms of gender and age. Each patient was tracked from their index hospitalization in 2000 until the end of 2006 to identify whether or not an AMI had occurred during the follow-up period. Cox proportional hazard regressions were performed to compute the adjusted 6 year survival rate, following adjustment for possible confounding variables.

Results: A total of 130 patients suffered AMI during the 6 year follow-up period, including 30 from the study cohort (0.41% of the schizophrenia patients), and 100 (0.45%) from the comparison cohort. But after censoring those patients who died from non-AMI causes and adjusting for potential confounding factors, the risk of AMI occurrence during the 6 year follow-up period was 1.83-fold greater for schizophrenia patients (95% confidence interval 5 1.62–2.05) than for patients in the comparison cohort.

Conclusion: Schizophrenia patients had a higher risk of AMI compared to patients in the comparison cohort. The present study draws attention to the need for clinicians to more actively monitor and treat schizophrenia patients with well-recognized risk factors associated with AMI.
Characteristics of Chinese Service Users in an Old Age Psychiatry Service in New Zealand
Authors: Cheung Gary
Published: January 2010

Objective: There is a paucity of research on the mental health issues of older Chinese people in New Zealand. This study aimed to describe the profiles of Chinese service users in a community-based old age psychiatry service.

Method: There were 22 older Chinese service users at the time of this cross-sectional analysis. Information on their demographics, referral pattern, diagnosis and treatment was obtained from their medical records and compared with a sample of 22 non-Chinese service users.

Results: The referral rates for Chinese and non-Chinese were 0.8% and 1.2% respectively. There did not appear to be any differences in the gender ratio, mean age, referral sources, diagnosis and medication use in the Chinese and non-Chinese groups. The largest observed differences were the higher rates of physical aggression at referral, use of Mental Health Act and inpatient treatment in the Chinese group. These observations suggest there might have been a delay in seeking care until psychiatric symptoms became unmanageable.

Conclusions: There is a need for further research to improve primary care, mental health service access and responsiveness for older Chinese and other Asian minority groups.
Building Intelligent Communication Systems for Handicapped Aphasiacs
Authors: Fu Yu-Fen , Ho Cheng-Seen
Published: January 2010

This paper presents an intelligent system allowing handicapped aphasiacs to perform basic communication tasks. It has the following three key features: (1) A 6-sensor data glove measures the finger gestures of a patient in terms of the bending degrees of his fingers. (2) A finger language recognition subsystem recognizes language components from the finger gestures. It employs multiple regression analysis to automatically extract proper finger features so that the recognition model can be fast and correctly constructed by a radial basis function neural network. (3) A coordinate-indexed virtual keyboard allows the users to directly access the letters on the keyboard at a practical speed. The system serves as a viable tool for natural and affordable communication for handicapped aphasiacs through continuous finger language input.
Quinoxalines as Orchard Acaricides in British Columbia
Authors: Downing R. S.
Published: January 2010

The quinoxalines, Eradex and Morestan, were found to be very effective miticides in laboratory and orchard experiments with the latter the most toxic. Applied at the pink stage of apple bud development Eradex and Morestan gave excellent control of European red mite, Panonychus ulmi (Koch), and delayed the build-up of the apple rust mite, Vasates schlechtendali (Nal.), and the McDaniel spider mite, Tetranychus mcdanieli McG. Both miticides were also very effective when applied in summer. The rates of use for Morestan were established at 8 to 16 ounces of active ingredient per acre in concentrate sprayers and at 2 ounces per 100 gallons in handgun sprayers and at twice these rates for Eradex. Where Eradex or Morestan were the only miticides used in an orchard for four years, the control of the European red mite and the McDaniel spider mite was excellent, an indication that selection of a resistant strain had not occurred. Morestan was highly toxic to the predaceous phytoseiid mite, Neoseiulus caudiglans (Schuster). Morestan has not injured fruit or foliage when applied at the pink bud stage but has marked fruit when applied in summer especially when applied by high-volume handgun sprayer.
A Note on Rhagoletis pomonella (Walsh) Trapping (Diptera: Trypetidae)
Authors: Wilde Walter H. A. , Goble Harold W.
Published: January 2010

Emergence of apple maggot adults, Rhagoletis pomonella Walsh, under field conditions at Guelph, Ontario, revealed that most maggots emerged from the apples between 2 July and 11 August. However, 12 of 673 emerged benveen 17 August and 16 September. Because this extended period of maggot emergence creates problems in visual certification of maggot-free export fruit, attempts were made to find a more effective trapping method than the use of bait pails for appraising maggot infestations.
The Genera of the Ammophilini (Hymenoptera: Sphecidae)
Authors: Menke A. S.
Published: January 2010

Six genera are recognized in the tribe Ammophilini: Ammophila, Podalonia, Eremnophila, Eremochares, Hoplammophila and Parapsammophila. A synonymical species checklist is given for the last three genera. A key to genera is provided which is based partially on characters heretofore unutilized.
A Behavioral Study of a Gynandromorphic Honey Bee
Authors: Jay S. C. , Jay Doreen H.
Published: January 2010

A worker-like gynandromorph and worker honey bee (control) were observed for similar periods each day from age 4 to 26 days. The gynandromorph behaved more like a worker than a drone bee.
Interspecific Mating and Cytological Studies of Closely Related Species of Ips DeGeer and Orthotomicus Ferrari (Coleoptera: Scolytidae)
Authors: Lanier Gerald N.
Published: January 2010

Interspecific pairing of closely related species of Ips and Orthotomicus was undertaken to test their degree of breeding isolation. Pairings of the following species frequently resulted in sperm transfer but no eclosion: Ips mexicanus × I. concinnus (group I), confusus × montanus (group IX), plastographus (group III) × pini (group IV) and Orthotomicus latidens × O. sabinianae.

Mating was generally unsuccessful when the more distantly related species, confusus × plastographus and confusus × pini, were paired.

Individuals which produce all-female broods were discovered in a population of O. latidens. About 50% of the eggs deposited by these females hatched, whereas 92% of the eggs from “normal” females produced larvae.

Cytological investigations revealed no constant differences between the karyotypes of I. mexicanus and concinnus (7AA+Xyp), O. latidens and sabinianae (9AA+Xyp), or between I. confusus and montanus (15AA+Xyp). I. pini (oregonis) and plastographus also have karyotypic formulae of 15AA+Xyp, but both are easily distinguished from confusus and montanus and an atypical chromosome in pini (oregonis) distinguishes it from plastographus. The mexicanus and concinnus karyotype and that of O. latidens and sabinianae can be directly derived from each other by fusion or fission. Their relationship to the karyotype of the European species O. proximus (6AA+Xy), is plausible but their karyotypes are composed of a remarkably different number of autosomal arms from those known for other species of Ips.
Associative Learning in Itoplectis conquisitor (Say) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae)
Authors: Arthur A. P.
Published: January 2010

Females of I. conquisitor were conditioned to associate colour with the presence of hosts. Conditioning was important only during searching and did not affect the distribution of attacks once hosts were found. The ability of this species to associate colour with the presence of hosts could increase its efficiency as a parasite. Females of I. conquisitor showed an innate preference for blue over yellow.
CD155 Is Involved in Negative Selection and Is Required To Retain Terminally Maturing CD8 T Cells in Thymus
Authors: Qiu Quan , Ravens Inga , Seth Sebastian , Rathinasamy Anchana , Maier Michael K. , Davalos-Misslitz Ana , Forster Reinhold , Bernhardt Günter
Published: January 2010

During their final maturation in the medulla, semimature single-positive (SP) thymocytes downregulate activation markers and subsequently exit into the periphery. Although semimature CD4+ SP cells are sensitive to negative selection, the timing of when negative selection occurs in the CD8 lineage remains elusive. We show that the abundance of terminally matured CD8+ SP cells in adult thymus is modulated by the genetic background. Moreover, in BALB/c mice, the frequency of terminally matured CD8+ SP cells, but not that of CD4+ SP cells present in thymus, varies depending on age. In mice lacking expression of the adhesion receptor CD155, a selective deficiency of mature CD8+ SP thymocytes was observed, emerging first in adolescent animals at the age when these cells start to accumulate in wild-type thymus. Evidence is provided that the mature cells emigrate prematurely when CD155 is absent, cutting short their retention time in the medulla. Moreover, in nonmanipulated wild-type mice, semimature CD8+ SP thymocytes are subjected to negative selection, as reflected by the diverging TCR repertoires present on semimature and mature CD8+ T cells. In CD155-deficient animals, a shift was found in the TCR repertoire displayed by the pool of CD8+ SP cells, demonstrating that CD155 is involved in negative selection.
Commensal Microbiota and CD8+ T Cells Shape the Formation of Invariant NKT Cells
Authors: Wei Bo , Wingender Gerhard , Fujiwara Daisuke , Chen Diana YuHui , McPherson Michael , Brewer Sarah , Borneman James , Kronenberg Mitchell , Braun Jonathan
Published: January 2010

Commensal bacteria play an important role in formation of the immune system, but the mechanisms involved are incompletely understood. In this study, we analyze CD1d-restricted invariant NKT (iNKT) cells in germfree mice and in two colonies of C57BL/6 mice termed conventional flora and restricted flora (RF), stably bearing commensal microbial communities of diverse but distinct composition. In germfree mice, iNKT cells were moderately reduced, suggesting that commensal microbiota were partially required for the antigenic drive in maintaining systemic iNKT cells. Surprisingly, even greater depletion of iNKT cell population occurred in RF mice. This was in part attributable to reduced RF levels of intestinal microbial taxa (Sphingomonas spp.) known to express antigenic glycosphingolipid products. However, memory and activated CD8+ T cells were also expanded in RF mice, prompting us to test whether CD8+ T cell activity might be further depleting iNKT cells. Indeed, iNKT cell numbers were restored in RF mice bearing the CD8α−/− genotype or in adult wild-type RF mice acutely depleted with anti-CD8 Ab. Moreover, iNKT cells were restored in RF mice bearing the Prf1−/− phenotype, a key component of cytolytic function. These findings indicate that commensal microbiota, through positive (antigenic drive) and negative (cytolytic depletion by CD8+ T cells) mechanisms, profoundly shape the iNKT cell compartment. Because individuals greatly vary in the composition of their microbial communities, enteric microbiota may play an important epigenetic role in the striking differences in iNKT cell abundance in humans and therefore in their potential contribution to host immune status.
Installing an ERP System with a Methodology Based on the Principles of Goal Directed Project Management
Authors: Zafeiropoulos Ioannis , Pagourtzi Elli , Litsa Akrivi , Askounis Dimitris
Published: January 2010

This paper describes a generic methodology to support the process of modelling, adaptation and implementation (MAI) of Enterprise Resource Planning Systems (ERPS) based on the principles of goal directed project management (GDPM). The proposed methodology guides the project manager through specific stages in order to successfully complete the ERPS implementation. The development of the proper MAI methodology is deemed necessary because it will simplify the installation process of ERPS. The goal directed project management method was chosen since it provides a way of focusing all changes towards a predetermined goal. The main stages of the methodology are the promotion and preparation steps, the proposal, the contract, the implementation and the completion. The methodology was applied as a pilot application by a major ERPS development company. Important benefits were the easy and effective guidance for all installation and analysis stages, the faster installation for the ERPS and the control and cost reduction for the installation, in terms of time, manpower, technological equipment and other resources.
Customization in the Manufacturing Industry: Survey Results in Southeastern Brazil
Authors: Graeml Alexandre Reis , Csillag João Mário
Published: January 2010

This paper discusses the advantage of using kanban, postponement, modularization, just-in-time, production sequencing, milk-run and cross-docking by companies that intend to increase their flexibility, agility and reliability in order to support web-based businesses. It presents the results of a survey carried out with more than 600 manufacturing companies in the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil, and evaluates the changes that are taking place in operations, in order to make companies better suited to provide customized products, which are made to meet the individual requirements of each customer.
The Context of Establishing Project Management Offices in the IT Area: Two Case Studies
Authors: Spelta Andrea Giovanni , Albertin Alberto Luiz
Published: January 2010

Completing strategic Information Technology (IT) projects as planned is certainly an important objective for large firms. One of the measures adopted to reach this goal systematically is to create a Project Management Office in the IT area (PMO-IT). However, many firms consider the possibility of creating a PMO-IT, but decide not to do it. This paper presents the results of an exploratory research about the contextual drivers that determine the decision to create PMO-Its. Through two case studies of large Brazilian firms – one that created the entity and another which believes does not need it –, the drivers of the decision to create or not to create a PMO-IT were identified, and it was possible to confirm some of the drivers mentioned in the literature. This paper increases the undertstanding about this topic, which is important in the Management Information Systems field, as well as indicates paths for future research.
Career and Work Relations in the Information Technology Service Industry: the Perspectives of IT Professionals and Their Managers
Authors: Moreno Valter , Cavazotte Flávia , De Farias Eduardo
Published: January 2010

This study investigates work relations and career perspectives of IT professionals in the information technology service industry. The research is based on the case of executives, managers and technical professionals which work in a large Brazilian company that provides consulting and systems development and implementation services, and reveals a considerable vulnerability in the relationship between the company and such professionals. The human resources business model adopted seems to impose restrictions to the development of the professionals, consequently limiting their future performance, and concurring for the continuing devaluation of IT as a profession. The sustainability of such a model is discussed, given its long term risks for the companies’ service quality and competitiveness, as well as its implications for the attractiveness of Information Technology as a career.
Accounting Information Systems: an Approach Focused on Objects with Intelligent Agents
Authors: Moraes Marcelo Botelho da Costa , Nagano Marcelo Seido
Published: January 2010

Accounting aims at the treatment of information related to economic events within organizations. In order to do so, the double entry method is used (debt and credit accounting), which only considers monetary variations. With the development of information technologies, accounting information systems are born. In the 1980’s, the REA model (economic Resources, economic Events and economic Agents) is created, which focuses on accounting information records, based on the association of economic resources, economic events and economic agents. The objective of this work is to demonstrate an object-oriented modeling with intelligent agents use, for information development and analysis focused on users. The proposed model is also analyzed according to accounting information quality, necessary for accounting information users, capable to comply with the needs of different user groups, with advantages in applications.
IT Management Design at the Top 100 Brazilian Companies, According to Their CIOS
Authors: Rodrigues Leonel Cezar , Maccari Emerson Antonio , Simoes Sergio Alexandre
Published: January 2010

The objective of this paper is to identify the design of IT management atn the top 100 Brazilian companies. The research method was a quantitative approach, using the descriptive-statistical method to describe the data collected through a questionnaire with 77 questions, based on the rationale of the IT management, proposed by Lutchen (2003). The main results indicate that: a) IT aligns with the basic processes of business, although not fully synchronized;
b) IT management adheres to conformity systems (ITIL, COBIT), but does not show optimization of business processes; c) IT delivers the basic demands, but does not impose or use the best automated practices; and d) IT quality is based on documented processes, but lacks indicators to control and orient business improvement. One may infer that IT management, at the top 100 Brazilian companies is essentially based on standard IT conformity systems, under the rationale of solution providers, and not as a business innovator or rule breaker. Thus, in spite of aligning and responding to business basic demand, IT management still does not show clear signs of alignment with the evolving nature of business models, needed to sustain business performance.
Enterprise Architecture: an Interface Concept Between the Economics and the Management of the Firm
Authors: Cavalcanti José Carlos
Published: January 2010

This paper aims to broadly discuss a subject that intends to be an interface between the economics and the management of the firm: the Enterprise Architecture. This concept is viewed here as the most appropriate means to understand the impact of the information content, of the information systems, and of the information and communication technologies- ICTs on the internal technological and organizational choices of the firm. In support to this argument it relies on three main steps. Initially, a brief review of the main theories (economic and management) of the firm is made highlighting their contributions, caveats and convergences. Then the paper bases its analysis on the concept of the firm as an “engine of information” and on a concept from the Computing Science and Engineering, Enterprise Architecture, to point out that these concepts bring up important contributions towards a more consistent interpretation of what the firm is (or how it is organized) currently, in which is practically impossible to exist without the modern information tools. Finally, it is presented an innovative methodology, in an analogy to the Structure-Conduct-Performance Paradigm (that is traditionally used on the empirical market analysis), which identifies the firm according to three linear connected approaches: its architecture, its governance, and its growth strategy.
Influence of Treatment Conditions on the Chemical Oxidative Activity of H2SO4/H2O2 Mixtures for Modulating the Topography of Titanium
Authors: Variola Fabio , Lauria Alessandro , Nanci Antonio , Rosei Federico
Published: January 2010

Host‐tissue integration of medical implants is governed by their surface properties. The capacity to rationally design the surface physico‐chemical cues of implantable materials is thus a fundamental prerequisite to confer enhanced biocompatibility. Our previous work demonstrated that different cellular processes are elicited by the nanotexture generated on titanium (cpTi) and Ti6Al4V alloy by chemical oxidation with a H2SO4/H2O2 mixture. Here, we illustrate that by varying the etching parameters such as temperature, concentration, and treatment time, we can create a variety of surface features on titanium which are expected to impact its biological response. The modified submicron and nanotextured surfaces were characterized by scanning electron (SEM) and atomic force (AFM) microscopies. Contact angle measurements revealed the higher hydrophilicity of the modified surfaces compared to untreated samples and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) established that the etching generated a TiO2 layer with a thickness in the 40–60 nm range.
New method for age estimation of developmental defects of enamel formation in living populations
Authors: Gillett‐Netting Rhonda , Murphy Kimmarie
Published: January 2010

Histologically based age of occurrence estimates for developmental defects of enamel (DDE) are raising questions about the continued utility of traditional macroscopic methods; however, the new techniques are not appropriate for use on living populations. This study, using methodology suitable for noninvasive use on living populations, compares assignment of defect timing using a histologically informed macroscopic method (HIMM) versus traditional methodology (TM). For this Southern African population, TM estimates later median age of DDE occurrence than HIMM (Z‐score: −13.565, P < 0.000) and modal age is 1 year earlier. HIMM allows for continued collection of DDE in living populations with the added benefit of more precise timing of enamel development. Accuracy for estimating general stressors during childhood is necessary for construction of diachronic analyses. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Great apes track hidden objects after changes in the objects' position and in subject's orientation
Authors: Albiach‐Serrano Anna , Call Josep , Barth Jochen
Published: January 2010

Eight chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes), five bonobos (Pan paniscus), five gorillas (Gorilla gorilla), and seven orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus) were presented with two invisible object displacement tasks. In full view of the subject, a food item was hidden under one of three opaque cups resting on a platform and, after an experimental manipulation, the subject was allowed to select one of the cups. In the rotation task, the platform was rotated 180° while the subject remained stationary. In the translocation task, the platform remained stationary while the subject walked to the opposite side from where she saw the reward being hidden. The final position of the food relative to the subject was equivalent in both tasks. Single displacement trials consisted of only one manipulation, either a rotation or a translocation, whereas double displacement trials consisted of both a rotation and a translocation. We also included no displacement trials in which no displacements took place. No displacement trials were easier than single displacements which, in turn, were easier than double displacements. Unlike earlier studies with children, there was no difference in performance between rotation and translocation displacements. Overall, apes performed above chance in all conditions, but chimpanzees outperformed the other species. This study reinforces the notion that the great apes use an allocentric spatial coding. Am. J. Primatol. 72:349–359, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Einzelmoleküle als optische Nanosonden für weiche und komplexe Materie
Authors: Kulzer Florian , Xia Ted , Orrit Michel
Published: January 2010

Optische Signale von Einzelmolekülen liefern Informationen über die Struktur und Dynamik ihrer nanoskaligen Umgebung, frei von zeitlichen und räumlichen Mittelungen. Die so erhaltenen Daten sind von Nutzen, wenn komplexe Strukturen oder Dynamiken auftreten, wie bei Polymeren oder porösen Oxiden, aber auch bei anderen Materialien, deren Heterogenität zunächst weniger offensichtlich ist. Der Aufsatz gibt einen Überblick über die wichtigsten aktuellen Anwendungen von Einzelmolekülen in Untersuchungen an kondensierter Materie auf Nanometerebene, mit Betonung auf weicher Materie und Materialwissenschaften. Beispiele umfassen die Orientierungsverteilung von Molekülen in Kristallen, Rotationsdiffusion in glasbildenden molekularen Flüssigkeiten, Studien an Polymeren mit Sonden und markierten Ketten, poröse und heterogene Oxidmaterialien, das Blinken einzelner Moleküle und Nanokristalle sowie das Potenzial oberfächenverstärkter Raman‐Streuung für die Analyse lokaler chemischer Eigenschaften. Die Beispiele zeigen, dass statische und dynamische Heterogenität und die Breiten der Verteilungen molekularer Parameter wesentlich größer sind, als bisher angenommen.
Iron oxide‐based magnetic nanostructures bearing cytotoxic organosilicon molecules for drug delivery and therapy
Authors: Zablotskaya Alla , Segal Izolda , Lukevics Edmunds
Published: January 2010

The results of our own investigation on synthesis, physico‐chemical and biological study of iron oxide based magnetic nanoparticles bearing cytotoxic organosilicon molecules of choline and colamine analogues, as potential agents for antitumor therapy, are summarized. These molecules contain hydrophilic head and long lipophilic tails, which are able to deepen inside the first surfactant shell (oleic acid), forming bilayer membrane like structures. Such compositions have a great privilege possessing magnetic properties, which in some cases could be essential moment in targeted drug delivery. The methodological approach has been developed and applied to the preparation of water soluble single or mixed coated biologically active nanoparticles of different types. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of poly(vinylene‐arsine)s‐stabilized silver nanoparticles
Authors: Naka Kensuke , Nakahashi Akiko , Bravo Mia , Chujo Yoshiki
Published: January 2010

Stabilization of poly(vinylene‐arsine)s (1) towards silver nanoparticles was carried out to estimate the coordination and protecting ability of phenyl‐substituted poly(vinylene‐arsine) (1a) and methyl‐substituted poly(vinylene‐arsine) (1b). In the presence of 1 in 1:1 ratio with AgNO3, colloidal solutions were obtained. The methyl‐substituted poly(vinylene‐arsine) (1b) is a better stabilizer for silver nanoparticles in N,N‐dimethylformamide owing to its less bulky structure than the phenyl‐substituted poly(vinylene‐arsine) (1a). Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficient fuel cell catalysts emerging from organometallic chemistry
Authors: Bönnemann Helmut , Khelashvili Guram
Published: January 2010

During the last few decades organometallic methodologies have generated a number of highly effective electrocatalyst systems based on mono‐ and bimetallic nanosparticles having controlled size, composition and structure. In this microreview we summarize our results in fuel cell catalyst preparation applying triorganohydroborate chemistry, ‘reductive particle stabilization’ using organoaluminum compounds, and the controlled decomposition of organometallic complexes. The advantages of organometallic catalyst preparation pathways are exemplified with RuPt nanoparticles@C as promising anode catalysts to be used in direct methanol oxidation fuel cells (DMFC) or in polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEMFC) running with CO‐contaminated H2 as the feed. Recent findings with highly efficient PtCo3@C fuel cell catalysts applied for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and with the effect of Se‐doping on Ru@C ORR catalysts clearly demonstrate the benefits of organometallic catalyst synthesis. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Studies on the synthesis and thermal properties of alkoxysilane‐terminated organosilicone dendrimers
Authors: Saxena Kanak , Bisaria C. S. , Saxena A. K.
Published: January 2010

Silicone core dendrimers bearing terminal dialkoxy and trialkoxy silane groups were prepared in a three‐step synthesis. Initially, the SiH terminated multifunctional silicone dendrimer, i.e. tetrakis(dimethylsiloxy)silane, was prepared by the reaction of tetraethoxysilane and dimethylethoxysilane. Tetrakis(dimethylsiloxy)silane on reaction with allylglycidylether in the presence of Speier's catalyst under pressure (100 psi) yielded epoxy‐terminated dendrimer in very high yield (95%). The epoxy‐terminated dendrimer was reacted with aminopropylalkoxysilanes to yield the next‐generation dendrimer bearing dialkoxy and trialkoxy silane groups. The dendrimers were characterized by the usual physico‐chemical techniques, i.e. elemental analysis, FT‐IR, 1H, 13C and 29Si NMR. Thermal studies (Thermogravimetric analysis and Thermomechanical analysis) of the alkoxy terminated dendrimers and its cured products were also carried out. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of confocal laser scanning microscope technique to visualize dynamic sorption behavior of perylene in cellulose acetate film
Authors: Hasegawa Takashi , Matsui Toshiro , Matsumoto Kiyoshi
Published: January 2010

Additives distributed in a polymer film were visualized by a confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) in this study. Cellulose acetate (CA) was used as the polymer film material. Perylene as a fluorescence reagent and glycerol triacetate (GTA) as a plasticizer for CA, respectively, were selected and mixed for visualizing the absorption of perylene into CA. Under optimized CLSM conditions of an objective lens (dry, 20×) and diode laser (408 nm, 290–330 μW), a fluorescent penetrant, perylene, in GTA solution was detected in CA casting film within around 9 μm depth of the film in 60 minutes after starting the sorption study. It was also found that the fluorescence intensity of perylene became lower with the film depth. This finding suggested that CLSM could visualize the sorption behavior of perylene as a dynamic diffusion process. Analytical conditions, such as a scanning range along the Z axis (±10 or ±30 μm from an air‐contact surface of the CA film) and a scan speed (1 or 30 fps) of CLSM, did not affect the fluorescence intensity of the sorbed perylene. It was concluded that a newly developed analytical methodology using CLSM was sufficient for visualizing the perylene penetrant across the cross‐sectional distribution of the CA film, being capable of monitoring the sorption behavior of compounds in polymer materials without any destruction of a given absorbed film. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Synthesis of well‐defined comblike hydroxy‐functionalized atactic polystyrene promoted by metallocene/tin/poly(phenyl glycidyl ether)‐co‐formaldehyde
Authors: Ma Lifu , Sheng Yaping , Huang Qigu , Deng Kunxue , Gao Kejing , Yang Wantai
Published: January 2010

Well‐defined comblike atactic polystyrene functionalized with hydroxyl groups was synthesized via living/controlling radical polymerization promoted by metallocene complexes in the presence of poly(phenyl glycidyl ether)‐co‐formaldehyde as the initiator and Sn as a reducing agent. The effect of the polymerization conditions, such as the ratio of initiator to monomer, temperature, and polymerization time, and the structure of the metallocene complex on the polymerization process were investigated. The resulting polymers were characterized by gel permeation chromatography, multiangle laser light scattering, 1H‐NMR, and 13C‐NMR. The results show that the polymer had a narrow molecular weight distribution in the range 1.1–1.4 and the number‐average molecular weight of the polymer linearly depended on the monomer conversion within the polymerization timescale, which confirmed that living radical polymerization characteristics prevailed in the polymerization process. Both the number of arms and the number of hydroxyl groups in each polymer molecule were about four, which suggested that they arose from the epoxy functional groups of the initiator. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Optimization of the reaction conditions and characterization of L‐lactic acid direct polycondensation products catalyzed by a non‐metal‐based compound
Authors: Sedlarik Vladimir , Kucharczyk Pavel , Kasparkova Vera , Drbohlav Jan , Salakova Alexandra , Saha Petr
Published: January 2010

In this article, we deal with the investigation into a poly(lactic acid) (PLA) preparation process catalyzed by a non‐metal‐based compound. Low‐molecular‐weight PLA was synthesized by the direct melt polycondensation of L‐lactic acid catalyzed by methanesulfonic acid (MSA). This study was focused on the investigation into optimal MSA concentration determination and into the temperature (130, 145, 160, 175, and 190°C) and time (6, 12, 18, and 24 h) influence on the structure (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy), molecular weight (viscometric measurements and gel permeation chromatography), and thermal properties (differential scanning calorimetry) of the samples. The results show an optimal MSA content of 0.5 wt %. The highest molecular weight of PLA prepared by this method was reached after 18 h of reaction at 175°C (weight‐average molar mass = 17.2 × 103 g/mol). © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Synthesis and characterization of quaternary ammonium PEGDA dendritic copolymer networks for water disinfection
Authors: Abid C. K. V. Zainul , Chattopadhyay Sruti , Mazumdar Nasreen , Singh Harpal
Published: January 2010

Quaternary ammonium compounds are some of the most widely used antimicrobial agents for various medical applications due to their low toxicity and broad spectrum antimicrobial activity. Various generations of poly(ethyleneglycol)diacrylate (PEGDA) based dendrimers were synthesized by Michael addition reaction of PEGDA with ethylene diamine and diethyl amine. The percentage yield of different generation of dendrimers were 70%, 66%, 60%, and 85% for G1.0 (=), G1.5 (NH2), G2.0 (=), and G2.5 (=, NEt2), respectively. Synthesized dendrimers were also copolymerized with ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate by free radical bulk polymerization at room temperature using ammonium persulphate/N,N,N′,N′‐tetramethyl ethylenediamine as a redox initiator system to form dendritic copolymer networks. These networks were quaternized with hydrochloric acid by continuously refluxing at 40°C for 6 h. Dendrimers and quaternized dendritic copolymer networks were characterized by 1HNMR, FTIR, Differential scanning calorimetry, Thermogravimetric analysis, Scanning electron microscope, swelling, and leaching studies. Synthesized quaternary ammonium dendritic copolymer networks were found to be biostable and insoluble in water and capable of killing both Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria when contaminated water was treated with them. It was also observed that antimicrobial efficiency of dendritic copolymer networks increases with the increase in nitrogen atoms in the copolymer. The dendritic copolymer network with 16 quaternary ammonium groups (G2.5 (=, NEt2): EGDMA QHCl) were highly efficient to disinfect 10 mL bacterial solution of 2000 cfu/mL within 2 min even at a very low concentration of 0.005 g/mL. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010