bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluating victim–offender dialogue (VOD) for serious cases using Umbreit's 2001 handbook: A case study
Authors: Urban Lynn S. , Markway Jeananne , Crockett Kay 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThe use of the restorative justice paradigm within the criminal justice system has increased substantially in recent years with increasing interest in dialogue for serious violence (VOD‐SV). The purpose of this article is to provide a descriptive case study and evaluate one serious VOD program on its adherence to the recommendations set forth in The Handbook of Victim Offender Mediation (Umbreit, 2001) for practice, highlight issues of program delivery, and assess the best practices put forth. Overall, the Handbook provides a useful guide for framing a VOD‐SV program. Future concerns that must be addressed include standardized assessments and providing adequate funding.
Mathematical analysis of a flying capacitor converter: a sampled‐data modeling approach
Authors: Margaliot Michael , Ruderman Alex , Reznikov Boris 
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACTFlying capacitor converters (FCCs) are recently attracting considerable interest because of their inherent natural voltage balancing property. We develop a sampled‐data model for a single‐phase single‐leg three‐level FCC. This provides a closed‐form expression for the system dynamic behavior after each switching cycle. Analysis of this model provides considerable insight on the FCC and its natural balancing property. In particular, we prove that the natural balancing property indeed holds whenever the switching frequency is sufficiently high. We also rigorously analyze dynamic properties such as the capacitor time constant and relate them to the parameter values of the load, carrier frequency and duty ratio. These results shed light on the intricate relationship between the FCC parameters and its short‐ and long‐term dynamic behavior. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Is the degree of clonality of forest herbs dependent on gap age? Using fingerprinting approaches to assess optimum successional stages for montane forest herbs
Authors: Patsias Kathrin , Bruelheide Helge 
Published: October 2011

AbstractUsing molecular fingerprinting (amplified fragment length polymorphism [AFLP] method), we explored the potential of small‐scale population analysis for understanding colonization patterns of herb layer species in forests after canopy disturbance. We investigated three common forest understorey species with different life forms (Trientalis europaea, Calamagrostis villosa, and Vaccinium myrtillus) in the Harz Mountains in Germany in three different gap age classes and undisturbed forest. For two of them (T. europaea and C. villosa), we analyzed clone sizes and clonal structure. We hypothesized that clone sizes depend on age since gap formation and are affected by light availability. Mean patch sizes of V. myrtillus, T. europaea, and C. villosa formed were 3.7 m2, 27.9 m2, and 40.6 m2, respectively. Trientalis europaea and C. villosa patches consisted mostly of more than one genet. Largest clone sizes of T. europaea were encountered in gaps of intermediate successional age (15–60 years, averaged minimum estimation of clone sizes: 6.56 m2) whereas clone size of C. villosa was found to be independent from gap age and had a mean minimum clone size of 0.49 m2. In both species, clone size was positively related to light availability. Additionally, there was a positive relationship between clone size and ramet density for T. europaea and C. villosa. Genetic variation was higher within populations of T. europaea and C. villosa than among populations. Trientalis europaea was the only species with a clear genetic isolation by distance, pointing at an equilibrium between gene flow and genetic drift. In conclusion, we showed that forest canopy gap dynamics clearly affect the small‐scale structure of populations of understorey plants. Species with high lateral growth rates, such as T. europaea offer the possibility to serve as “ecological clock” for dating ecological processes.
Genetic and phenotypic differentiation between invasive and native Rhododendron (Ericaceae) taxa and the role of hybridization
Authors: Erfmeier Alexandra , Tsaliki Marina , Roß Christel A. , Bruelheide Helge 
Published: October 2011

AbstractHybridization has been repeatedly put forward to explain the invasiveness of Rhododendron ponticum L. in the British Isles. The present study investigates the pattern of ecotypic differentiation and hybridization among native North American R. catawbiense and R. maximum, native R. ponticum from Georgia and Spain, and invasive R. ponticum from Ireland and aims to assess the contribution of hybridization for Rhododendron invasion in the British Isles. Six populations per taxon were analyzed with AFLP markers for genetic dissimilarity, subjected to germination and growth experiments, and tested for frost hardiness. We assessed variation in morphological and ecological characteristics to identify traits displaying evidence of hybridization, thus, promoting invasiveness. Molecular marker analyses revealed a clear distinction between North American R. catawbiense and R. maximum on the one hand, and all R. ponticum populations on the other hand, displaying a complete intermixture of native Spanish and invasive Irish populations. Multivariate analyses of traits revealed leaf length–width ratio, relative growth rates (RGRs) in leaf length, root biomass, and shoot–root ratio to significantly discriminate between the different taxa and unequivocally assigned invasive Irish R. ponticum to the Spanish phenotypes. While the Irish R. ponticum had similar growth traits as conspecific native R. ponticum provenances, germination and biomass allocation were more similar to North American R. catawbiense and R. maximum. Hybridization did not contribute to explaining invasiveness of R. ponticum in Ireland. The similarity in germination and biomass allocation of invasive Irish R. ponticum and North American species has evolved independently and can more probably be attributed to an independent shift within the Ponticum cluster in Ireland.
Sustainable Building in Japan – Observations on a Market Transformation Policy
Authors: Sunikka‐Blank Minna , Iwafune Yumiko 
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACTDespite the lack of mandatory thermal requirements in the housing sector, an average Japanese household consumes around one‐third of the energy for heating and cooling compared with a UK or German household. Based on a policy analysis and interviews, this paper identifies the concept and policies for sustainable building in Japan considering the characteristics of the building stock and household energy use behaviour. Energy and housing policies are described in terms of regulations, fiscal instruments and labels, and visualized in the context of a market transformation. The research shows that the Japanese policy has a clear preference for market‐based instruments. Thermal regulations are limited to large developments only (over 300 m2) and exclude most of the residential sector. The market transformation is likely to work with appliances, and the Top Runner programme has proved to be an effective policy in making a current market leader a future standard, but the ‘scrap and build’ housing policy leaves little incentive for energy investments in the building sector; in 24 years the resale value of a Japanese home declines to almost zero and the payback time of most environmental measures exceeds the life‐cycle of a building. As the implementation of environmental policies is voluntary, and the insulation levels low, the low heating demand per household seem to be due to different behavioural culture. The research concludes the necessity of introducing mandatory thermal regulations in housing in addition to market based instruments in order to gain further savings in the housing sector. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Potential role of nonstatin cholesterol lowering agents
Authors: Trapani Laura , Segatto Marco , Ascenzi Paolo , Pallottini Valentina 
Published: October 2011

AbstractAlthough statins, 3β‐hydroxy‐3β‐methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGR) inhibitors, have revolutionized the management of cardiovascular diseases by lowering serum low density lipoproteins, many patients suffer from their side effects. Whether the statin side effects are related to their intrinsic toxicity or to the decrease of HMGR main isoprenoid end products, which are essential compounds for cell viability, is still debated. In addition to HMGR, the key and rate limiting step of cholesterol synthesis, many enzymes are involved in this multi‐step pathway whose inhibition could be taken into account for a “nonstatin approach” in the management of hypercholesterolemia. In particular, due to their unique position downstream from HMGR, the inhibition of squalene synthase, farnesyl diphosphate farnesyltransferase (FDFT1), squalene epoxidase (SQLE), and oxidosqualene cyclase:lanosterol synthase (OSC) should decrease plasma levels of cholesterol without affecting ubiquinone, dolichol, and isoprenoid metabolism. Thus, although FDFT1, SQLE and OSC are little studied, they should be considered as perspective targets for the development of novel drugs against hypercholesterolemia. Here, structure–function relationships of FDFT1, SQLE, and OSC are reviewed highlighting the advantages that the downstream inhibition of HMGR could provide when compared to the statin‐based therapy. © 2011 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 63(11): 964–971, 2011
Genetic basis of antibiotic resistance in pathogenic Acinetobacter species
Authors: Poirel Laurent , Bonnin Rémy A. , Nordmann Patrice 
Published: October 2011

AbstractAntibiotic resistance in Acinetobacter spp., particularly Acinetobacter baumannii, is increasing rapidly. A. baumannii possesses two intrinsic β‐lactamase genes, in addition to weak permeability and efflux systems, that together confer a natural reduced susceptibility to antibiotics. In addition, numerous acquired mechanisms of resistance have been identified in A. baumannii. The very high genetic plasticity of A. baumannii allows an accumulation of resistance determinants that give rise to multidrug resistance at an alarming rate. The role of novel genetic elements, such as resistance islands, in concentrating antibiotic resistance genes in A. baumannii requires detailed investigation in the near future. © 2011 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 63(12): 1061–1067, 2011
Peroxisome degradation in mammals
Authors: Ezaki Junji , Kominami Eiki , Ueno Takashi 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThis review summarizes the historical aspects of the study of peroxisome degradation in mammalian cells. Peroxisomes have diverse metabolic roles in response to environmental changes and are degraded in a preferential manner, by comparison with cytosolic proteins. This review introduces three hypotheses on the degradation mechanisms: (a) the action of the peroxisome‐specific Lon protease; (b) the membrane disruption effect of 15‐lipoxygenase; and (c) autophagy that sequesters and degrades the organelles by lysosomal enzymes. Among these hypotheses, autophagy is now recognized as the most important mechanism for excess peroxisome degradation. One of the most striking characteristics of peroxisomes is that they are markedly proliferated in the liver by the administration of hypolipidemic drugs and industrial plasticizers. The effects of these substances were fully reversed after withdrawal of the substances, and most of the excess peroxisomes were selectively degraded and recovered to a normal number and size. Autophagic degradation of peroxisomes has been examined using this characteristic phenomenon. Excessive peroxisome degradation that occurs after cessation of hypolipidemic drugs has been extensively investigated biochemically and morphologically. The evidence shows that the degradation of excess peroxisomes and peroxisomal enzymes is inhibited by 3‐methyladenine (3‐MA), a specific inhibitor of autophagy. Furthermore, in liver‐specific autophagy‐deficient mice, rapid removal of peroxisomes was exclusively impaired, and degradation of peroxisomal enzymes was not detected. Thus, the significant contribution of autophagic machinery to peroxisomal degradation in mammals was confirmed. However, the important question of the mechanism for the selective recognition of peroxisomes by autophagosomes remains to be fully elucidated. © 2011 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 63(11): 1001–1008, 2011
Spectrophotometric Determination of U(VI) with Rifampicin in Soil Samples
Authors: Lutfullah  , Sharma Saurabh , Rahmana Nafisur , Hejaz Azmi Syed Najmul 
Published: October 2011

AbstractA validated spectrophotometric method has been developed for the determination of uranyl ion in soil samples. The method is based on the complexation reaction between uranyl ion and rifampicin in methanol‐water medium at room temperature. The method is followed spectrophotometrically by measuring the absorbance at 375 nm. Under the optimized experimental conditions, Beer's law is obeyed in the concentration range of 1.35–20.25 μg mL‐1 with apparent molar absorptivity and Sandell's sensitivity of 8.0 × 103 L mol‐1cm‐1 and 0.042 μg/cm2/0.001 absorbance unit, respectively. The interference of a large number of anions and cations has been investigated and the optimized conditions developed have been utilized for the determination of uranium(VI) in soil samples. The three sigma detection limit (n = 9) for uranyl ion was found to be 0.20 μg mL‐1. The proposed method was successfully applied to the determination of uranyl ion in soil samples.
Simultaneous Determination of 1,4‐Benzodiazepines and Tricyclic Antidepressants in Saliva after Sequential SPE Elution by the Same HPLC Conditions
Authors: Uddin Mohammad Nasir , Samanidou Victoria F. , Papadoyannis Ioannis N. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractA new method has been described to determine both benzodiazepines (six) and tricyclic antidepressants (four) simultaneously in saliva by HPLC with a UV detector set at 240 nm using cholchicine as the internal standard. A careful specific sequential solid‐phase elution was optimized and performed to elute benzodiazepines using a mixture of methanol‐acetonitrile (1:1 v/v) followed by the elution of tricyclic antidepressants with methanol. Separation of the compounds was performed on a Kromasil column (250 × 4 mm, 5 μm) by a gradient eluents consisting of 0.05 M CH3COONH4‐acetonitrile‐methanol (55:15:30 v/v/v). The results were linear for both benzodiazepines and tricyclic antidepressants up to 20 ng μL‐1 with the correlation coefficients greater than 0.998. The sensitivity limits, LOD and LOQ were 0.08‐0.34 ng μL‐1 and 0.28‐1.13 ng μL‐1, respectively. The method is simple, fast and reliable with good specificity and sensitivity, will be suitable for use in a clinical setting, where there is a concomitant use of 1,4‐benzodiazepines and tricyclic antidepressants.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of New Fused Isoxazolo[4,5‐d] Pyridazine Derivatives
Authors: Faidallah Hassan M. , Khan Khalid A. , Makki Mohammed S. I. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThree new heterocyclic ring systems, isoxazolo[4,5‐d]‐1,2,4‐triazolopyridazines 12‐15, tetrazolo‐[4,3‐b]pyridazine 18 and isoxazolo[4,5‐d]pyridazino[2,3‐c]2H‐triazines 16,17 along with isoxazolo[4,5‐d]pyridazines 2, 5‐10 have been synthesized. Preliminary screening of these tricyclic heterocycles revealed that some of them possess significant antibacterial and antifungal activity.
Determination of Imidacloprid in Tomato Grown in Greenhouse Based on Copper(II) Phthalocyanine Modified Carbon Ceramic Electrode by Differential Pulse Voltammetry
Authors: Majidi Mir Reza , Asadpour‐Zeynali Karim , Bamorowat Mehdi , Nazarpur Mohammad 
Published: October 2011

AbstractA new sol‐gel derived electrocatalytic carbon ceramic electrode was prepared by incorporating copper(II) phthalocyanine (CuPc) in a carbon ceramic network. This electrode was used as a sensitive electrochemical sensor for determination of the insecticide Imidacloprid (1‐(6‐chloro‐3‐pyridylmethyl)‐N‐nitro‐imidazolidin‐2‐ylideneamine) by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The resulting modified electrode exhibits a cathodic peak potential shifted positively and an increasing in cathodic peak current in comparison with unmodified electrode. The redox properties of this modified electrode at various pH values and CuPc percentage were investigated. The catalytic current obtained from differential pulse voltammetry is linearly dependent on Imidacloprid concentration over the two linear ranges of 0.67‐17 μM and 17‐93 μM with correlation coefficient of R2 = 0.9999 and R2 = 0.990, respectively. The detection limit for Imidacloprid was found to be 0.28 μM according to lower linear range. Possible interferences from several common pesticides were also evaluated. The inherent stability, high sensitivity, low detection limit and low cost for each preparation are advantages of this sensor. Determination of Imidacloprid in commercial formulation and residual Imidacloprid in tomato grown in greenhouse (protected cultivation) was also conducted. The results obtained from commercial formulation were completely consistent with those obtained through the standard high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method.
Immobilized Fullerene C60‐Enzyme‐Based Electrochemical Glucose Sensor
Authors: Lin Li‐Hsin , Shih Jeng‐Shong 
Published: October 2011

AbstractA mixed‐valence cluster of cobalt(II) hexacyanoferrate and fullerene C60‐enzyme‐based electrochemical glucose sensor was developed. A water insoluble fullerene C60‐glucose oxidase (C60‐GOD) was prepared and applied as an immobilized enzyme on a glassy carbon electrode with cobalt(II) hexacyanoferrate for analysis of glucose. The glucose in 0.1 M KCl/phosphate buffer solution at pH = 6 was measured with an applied electrode potential at 0.0 mV (vs Ag/AgCl reference electrode). The C60‐GOD‐based electrochemical glucose sensor exhibited efficient electro‐catalytic activity toward the liberated hydrogen peroxide and allowed cathodic detection of glucose. The C60‐GOD electrochemical glucose sensor also showed quite good selectivity to glucose with no interference from easily oxidizable biospecies, e.g. uric acid, ascorbic acid, cysteine, tyrosine, acetaminophen and galactose. The current of H2O2 reduced by cobalt(II) hexacyanoferrate was found to be proportional to the concentration of glucose in aqueous solutions. The immobilized C60‐GOD enzyme‐based glucose sensor exhibited a good linear response up to 8 mM glucose with a sensitivity of 5.60 × 102 nA/mM and a quite short response time of 5 sec. The C60‐GOD‐based glucose sensor also showed a good sensitivity with a detection limit of 1.6 × 10‐6 M and a high reproducibility with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 4.26%. Effects of pH and temperature on the responses of the immobilized C60‐GOD/cobalt(II) hexacyanoferrate‐based electrochemical glucose sensor were also studied and discussed.
Isocratic Separation of Dansylated Biogenic Amines on a C8‐Bonded Silica Column under the LC Elution of Methanol‐Based Mobile Phase
Authors: Yeh Jian‐De , Chen Shushi 
Published: October 2011

AbstractUnder the elution of methanol‐based mobile phase, the isocratic resolution of 12 biogenic amines, including 1 aromatic, 2 heterocyclic and 9 aliphatic amines, as the dansylated derivatives has been accomplished in less than 25 minutes on a 15 cm C8‐bonded column. The resolution can not be reproduced on other examined alkyl‐bonded phases (e.g., C4 and C18) under the same chromatographic conditions, or in the reversed‐phase mode. The retention, mainly as a result of hydrophobic interaction between analyte and stationary phase, can be adjusted by varying the percentage of methanol in the mobile phase. Also, incorporating acetic acid as additive to the mobile phase to protonate the analyte and silanol groups that are little shielding on the surface of silica gel reduces the dipole‐dipole interaction, and thus the retention scale, which in turn deteriorates the resolution. Furthermore, the elution reversal is plausible for some of analytes as a greater percent of acetic acid is used in the elution. Values of correlation coefficients (R2) range between 0.9995 and 0.9996, indicating good linearity.
Synthesis and Crystal Structures of the Molybdenum(II) Complexes with the N,N‐dimethylthiocarbamoyl Containing Ligand: Crystal Structures of [Mo(CO)2(η2‐S2COEt)(η2‐SCNMe2)(PPh3)] and [Mo(CO)2(η2‐S2CNC4H8)(η2‐SCNMe2)(PPh3)]
Authors: Yih Kuang‐Hway , Wang Hsiao‐Fen , Lee Gene‐Hsiang , Huang Shou‐Ling 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThe reaction of the thiocarbamoyl‐molybdenum complex [Mo(CO)2(η2‐SCNMe2)(PPh3)2Cl] 1, with EtOCS2K and C4H8NCS2NH4 in dichloromethane at room temperature yielded the seven coordinated ethyldithiocarbonate thiocarbamoyl‐molybdenum complex [Mo(CO)2(η2‐S2COEt)(η2‐SCNMe2)(PPh3)] 2, and the dithiocarbamate thiocarbamoyl‐molybdenum complex [Mo(CO)2(η2‐S2CNC4H8)(η2‐SCNMe2)(PPh3)] 3. The geometry around the metal atom of compounds 2 and 3 are capped octahedrons as revealed by X‐ray diffraction analyses. The thiocarbamoyl and ethyldithiocarbonate or pyrrolidinyldithiocarbamate ligands coordinate to the molybdenum metal center through the carbon and sulfur and two sulfur atoms, respectively. Structure parameters, NMR, IR and Mass spectra are in agreement with the crystal chemistry of the two compounds.
Convertible Fluorous Sulfonate Linker for the Synthesis of Diverse Library Scaffolds
Authors: Kadam Asha , Ding Shan , Piqani Bruno , Zhang Wei 
Published: October 2011

AbstractAryl perfluorooctanesulfonates (fluorous sulfonate) have been developed as triflates and nonaflates alternatives for Pd‐catalyzed coupling reactions to form C‐C, C‐N, C‐S, C‐H, and C‐CN bonds. They also serve as phase‐tags for fluorous solid‐phase extraction (F‐SPE) to facilitate product purifications. Other synthetic techniques such as microwave reactions and multicomponent reactions are combined with the fluorous linker strategy to further increase synthetic efficiency. The utility of fluorous sulfonate linkers in the synthesis of biologically interested library scaffolds is summarized in this short review article.
Synthesis of Au/Al2O3 Nanocatalyst and its Application in the Reduction of p‐Nitrophenol
Authors: Yazid Hanani , Adnan Rohana , Farrukh Muhammad Akhyar , Hamid Shafida Abdul 
Published: October 2011

AbstractGold (Au) nanoparticles supported on alumina (Al2O3) were prepared at several pH levels via the deposition‐precipitation (DP) method. The effects of pH at below and above the isoelectric point (IEP) of Al2O3 as well as the pH adjustment before and after the addition of the support into the gold chloride solution were investigated. The results revealed the formation of cationic, clusters and metallic Au on alumina. The catalytic activity of these species was tested in the reduction of p‐nitrophenol (p‐NP) using hydrazine as a reductant. The catalytic reaction was monitored spectrophotometerically and the highest rate constant (k‐) achieved based on pseudo first order kinetic model was 12.7 × 10‐3 s‐1. Structural and elemental characterizations of the supported gold nanoparticles were carried out using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy‐dispersive X‐rays (EDX), atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), and ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy (UV‐Vis).