bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Integrating Racially and Ethnically Diverse Communities Into Planning for Disasters: The California Experience
Authors: Andrulis Dennis P. , Siddiqui Nadia J. , Purtle Jonathan P. 
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACTObjectives:Racially/ethnically diverse communities suffer a disproportionate burden of adverse outcomes before, during and after a disaster. Using California as a locus of study, we sought to identify challenges and barriers to meeting the preparedness needs of these communities and highlight promising strategies, gaps in programs, and future priorities.Methods:We conducted a literature review, environmental scan of organizational Web sites providing preparedness materials for diverse communities, and key informant interviews with public health and emergency management professionals.Results:We identified individual-level barriers to preparing diverse communities such as socioeconomic status, trust, culture, and language, as well as institutional-level barriers faced by organizations such as inadequate support for culturally/linguistically appropriate initiatives. Current programs to address these barriers include language assistance services, community engagement strategies, cross-sector collaboration, and community assessments. Enhancing public-private partnerships, increasing flexibility in allocating funds and improving organizational capacity for diversity initiatives were all identified as additional areas of programmatic need.Conclusions:Our study suggests at least four intervention priorities for California and across the United States: engaging diverse communities in all aspects of emergency planning, implementation, and evaluation; mitigating fear and stigma; building organizational cultural competence; and enhancing coordination of information and resources. In addition, this study provides a methodological model for other states seeking to assess their capacity to integrate diverse communities into preparedness planning and response.(Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2011;5:227–234)
The first case of myoclonic epilepsy in a child with a de novo 22q11.2 microduplication
Authors: Piccione Maria , Vecchio Davide , Cavani Simona , Malacarne Michela , Pierluigi Mauro , Corsello Giovanni 
Published: October 2011

AbstractChromosome 22, particularly the q11.2 sub‐band, has long been recognized as responsible for multiple congenital anomaly disorders. In particular, its susceptibility to subtle microdeletions or, more rarely, microduplications has been attributed to the presence of several low‐copy repeats spanning the region as mediators of nonallelic homologous recombination that result in 22q11.2 rearrangements. While recent data suggest that the frequency of 22q11.2 microduplications could be approximately half of all deletions, now only 50 unrelated cases have been reported thus far. However, it is reasonable to suppose that microduplications of 22q11.2 may be largely undetected as a result of a less‐distinct, unpredictable, and/or milder phenotype ranging from normal to mild learning difficulties with/without other multiple defects. We report on the first case of myoclonic epilepsy in a 10‐year‐old boy carrying a de novo 22q11.2 microduplication. Emphasizing that this rare association could be one of the many unrecognized aspects underlying this new emerging syndrome and once again its clinical heterogeneity, we suggest further investigation of the function of the RAB36 gene and propose that in the screening of individuals with developmental delay, minor behavioral problems mild dysmorphology and seizures, investigation of 22q11.2 microduplications should be considered. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Newly recognized recessive syndrome characterized by dysmorphic features, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, severe microcephaly, and sensorineural hearing loss maps to 3p21.3
Authors: Jenkinson Emma M. , Kingston Helen , Urquhart Jill , Khan Naz , Melville Athalie , Swinton Martin , Crow Yanick J. , Davis Julian R.E. , Trump Dorothy , Newman William G. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractWe present a newly recognized, likely autosomal recessive, pleiotropic disorder seen in four individuals (three siblings and their nephew) from a consanguineous family of Pakistani origin. The condition is characterized by hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, severe microcephaly, sensorineural deafness, moderate learning disability, and distinctive facial dysmorphic features. Autozygosity mapping using SNP array genotyping defined a single, large autozygous region of 13.1 Mb on chromosome 3p21 common to the affected individuals. The critical region contains 227 genes and initial sequence analysis of a functional candidate gene has not identified causative mutations. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bladder exstrophy: An epidemiologic study from the International Clearinghouse for Birth Defects Surveillance and Research, and an overview of the literature
Authors: Siffel Csaba , Correa Adolfo , Amar Emmanuelle , Bakker Marian K. , Bermejo‐Sánchez Eva , Bianca Sebastiano , Castilla Eduardo E. , Clementi Maurizio , Cocchi Guido , Csáky‐Szunyogh Melinda , Feldkamp Marcia L. , Landau Danielle , Leoncini Emanuele , Li Zhu , Lowry R. Brian , Marengo Lisa K. , Mastroiacovo Pierpaolo , Morgan Margery , Mutchinick Osvaldo M. , Pierini Anna , Rissmann Anke , Ritvanen Annukka , Scarano Gioacchino , Szabova Elena , Olney Richard S. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractBladder exstrophy (BE) is a complex congenital anomaly characterized by a defect in the closure of the lower abdominal wall and bladder. We aimed to provide an overview of the literature and conduct an epidemiologic study to describe the prevalence, and maternal and case characteristics of BE. We used data from 22 participating member programs of the International Clearinghouse for Birth Defects Surveillance and Research (ICBDSR). All cases were reviewed and classified as isolated, syndrome, and multiple congenital anomalies. We estimated the total prevalence of BE and calculated the frequency and odds ratios for various maternal and case characteristics. A total of 546 cases with BE were identified among 26,355,094 births. The total prevalence of BE was 2.07 per 100,000 births (95% CI: 1.90–2.25) and varied between 0.52 and 4.63 among surveillance programs participating in the study. BE was nearly twice as common among male as among female cases. The proportion of isolated cases was 71%. Prevalence appeared to increase with increasing categories of maternal age, particularly among isolated cases. The total prevalence of BE showed some variations by geographical region, which is most likely attributable to differences in registration of cases. The higher total prevalence among male cases and older mothers, especially among isolated cases, warrants further attention. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
New poly(1,3,4‐oxadiazole)s bearing pentadecyl side chains: Synthesis and characterization
Authors: More Arvind S. , Menon Shamal K. , Wadgaonkar Prakash P. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThe 4‐[4′‐(Hydrazinocarbonyl)phenoxy]‐2‐pentadecylbenzohydrazide was polycondensed with aromatic diacid chlorides viz., terephthalic acid chloride (TPC), isophthalic acid chloride (IPC), and a mixture of TPC : IPC (50 : 50 mol %) to obtain polyhydrazides which on subsequent cyclodehydration reaction in the presence of phosphoryl chloride yielded new poly(1,3,4‐oxadiazole)s bearing flexibilizing ether linkages and pentadecyl side chains. Inherent viscosities of polyhydrazides and poly(1,3,4‐oxadiazole)s were in the range 0.53–0.66 dL g−1 and 0.49–0.53 dL g−1, respectively, indicating formation of medium to reasonably high molecular weight polymers. The number average molecular weights (Mn) and polydispersities (Mw/Mn) of poly(1,3,4‐oxadiazole)s were in the range 14,660–21,370 and 2.2–2.5, respectively. Polyhydrazides and poly(1,3,4‐oxadiazole)s were soluble in polar aprotic solvents such as N,N‐dimethylacetamide, 1‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidinone, and N,N‐dimethylformamide. Furthermore, poly(1,3,4‐oxadiazole)s were also found to be soluble in solvents such as chloroform, dichloromethane, tetrahydrofuran, pyridine, and m‐cresol. Transparent, flexible, and tough films of polyhydrazides and poly(1,3,4‐oxadiazole)s could be cast from N,N‐dimethylacetamide and chloroform solutions, respectively. Both polyhydrazides and poly(1,3,4‐oxadiazole)s were amorphous in nature and formation of layered structure was observed due to packing of pentadecyl chains. A decrease in glass transition temperature was observed both in polyhydrazides (143–166°C) and poly(1,3,4‐oxadiazole)s (90–102°C) which could be ascribed to “internal plasticization” effect of pentadecyl chains. The T10 values, obtained from TG curves, for poly(1,3,4‐oxadiazole)s were in the range of 433–449°C indicating their good thermal stability. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 124:1281–1289, 2012
Benefits of biogas upgrading to biomethane by high‐pressure reactive solvent scrubbing
Authors: Budzianowski Wojciech M. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractBenefits of using high‐pressure reactive solvent scrubbing (HPRSS) for biogas upgrading to biomethane are discussed. Main technological advantage arises from the fact that biogas must pressurized for natural gas injection or compressed fuel applications and thus high‐pressure processes are particularly suitable for biogas upgrading. Ecological benefits associated with the HPRSS relate to: (i) the permanent lock‐up of carbon in its highest possible oxidation state (as CO2) in soil; (ii) soil fertilization by N, K, and P elements which are enriched in digestate; and (iii) soil fertilization by N or K elements contained in the CO2 saturated solvents from the biogas scrubbing units. The effect of pressure on the HPRSS process is studied in the falling film reactor geometry by means of 2D modeling and simulation. It is emphasized that elevated pressure has significant beneficial effects on CO2 separation rates because it increases CO2 removal efficiency and decreases dimensions of scrubbing reactors. Further, two promising reactive solvents are analyzed: NH3 and KOH – both demonstrated promising CO2 separation efficiencies. Moreover, both the reactive solvents allow production of valuable fertilizer additives, i.e. ammonium bicarbonate and potassium carbonate, respectively. The bench‐scale experiments of the HPRSS process realized in the counter‐current packed bed reactor reveal that NH3 vaporization from the scrubber can be minimized under the conditions of low temperature, pH, and flow rate of the gas and under the conditions of high‐pressure and flow rate of aqueous ammonia. © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Techno‐economic analysis of a production‐scale torrefaction system for cellulosic biomass upgrading
Authors: Shah Ajay , Darr Matthew J. , Medic Dorde , Anex Robert P. , Khanal Sami , Maski Dev 
Published: October 2011

AbstractTorrefaction of biomass early in the supply chain is one method of enhancing or preservin biomass quality during storage; reducing storage and transportation costs; attaining uniformity among different feedstock types; and meeting biorefineries' quality and quantity demands for feedstock in a cost effective and sustainable manner. The main objectives of this study were to analyze the mass and energy balance, to assess the techno‐economic feasibility of a production‐scale torrefaction system, and to quantify the sensitivity of energy and cost results to changes in initial feedstock moisture content, torrefaction process temperature, plant operating window, and initial capital investment. The output from this analysis provides clear guidance on the opportunities and costs associated with production‐scale torrefaction of biomass as a feedstock intermediate. Analysis of energy results indicated that the net external energy required for the torrefaction process increased and energy efficiency of the torrefaction system decreased with increasing moisture contents. However, both of these energy metrics exhibited a decreasing trend with increasing process temperatures. In addition to the energy results, unit torrefaction process cost exhibited a decreasing trend with decreasing initial moisture contents of feedstock and decreasing torrefaction process temperatures. For the typical moisture content of 30%wb, process temperature of 240°C, plant operating window of 6 mo.yr‐1 and initial capital investment of $7.5 million for the system with rated capacity of 25 Tton.hr‐1, unit torrefaction process cost was estimated to be 17.5 $‐Tton‐1. Additional system improvements through capital cost reduction and wider operating windows can yield a torrefaction product cost of ∼12 $‐Tton‐1. © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Unusual modes of reproduction in social insects: Shedding light on the evolutionary paradox of sex
Authors: Wenseleers Tom , Van Oystaeyen Annette 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThe study of alternative genetic systems and mixed modes of reproduction, whereby sexual and asexual reproduction is combined within the same lifecycle, is of fundamental importance as they may shed light on classical evolutionary issues, such as the paradox of sex. Recently, several such cases were discovered in social insects. A closer examination of these systems has revealed many amazing facts, including the mixed use of asexual and sexual reproduction for the production of new queens and workers, males that can clone themselves and the routine use of incest without deleterious genetic consequences. In addition, in several species, remarkable cases of asexually reproducing socially parasitic worker lineages have been discovered. The study of these unusual systems promises to provide insight into many basic evolutionary questions, including the maintenance of sex, the expression of sexual conflict and kin conflict and the evolution of cheating in asexual lineages.
Modification of MCM‐41 with Anionic Surfactant: A Convenient Design for Efficient Removal of Cationic Dyes from Wastewater
Authors: Zanjanchi Mohammad Ali , Sajjadi Hassan , Arvand Majid , Mohammad‐Khah Ali , Ghalami‐Choobar Bahram 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThe potential of MCM‐41 for the removal of cationic dyes from water solution was evaluated using sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) for the surface modification of this mesoporous material. Admicelle structures formed on the surface of the calcined MCM‐41 are capable of removing organic pollutants and cationic species from water environment. The structural, textural, and surface chemical characteristics of the prepared SDS‐modified MCM‐41 (SDS‐MCM‐41) were studied. The adsorption capacity of SDS‐MCM‐41 was evaluated for methylene blue (MB) as a target cationic dye. Equilibrium adsorption isotherm data were manipulated employing nonlinear regression analysis. The Langmuir, Freundlich, and Sips isotherm models were examined. The adsorption data were well fitted to both Langmuir and Sips isotherm models. The maximum adsorption capacity of SDS‐MCM‐41 for MB, based on Langmuir and Sips models, were 290.8 and 297.3 mg g−1, respectively. Ethanol was found to be an effective solvent for partial regeneration of the adsorbent.
Cease‐fire at the leading edge: New perspectives on actin filament branching, debranching, and cross‐linking
Authors: Ydenberg Casey A. , Smith Benjamin A. , Breitsprecher Dennis , Gelles Jeff , Goode Bruce L. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractMembrane protrusion at the leading edge of migrating cells is driven by the polymerization of actin. Recent studies using advanced imaging techniques raised a lively controversy about the morphology of these filaments; however, common ground between the two sides now appears to have been found. Here we discuss how the controversy has led to a deeper consideration of the architecture of actin networks underlying cell migration, and has helped define new challenges that lie ahead. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Adaptation to a seasonally varying environment: a strong latitudinal cline in reproductive diapause combined with high gene flow in Drosophila montana
Authors: Tyukmaeva Venera I. , Salminen Tiina S. , Kankare Maaria , Knott K. Emily , Hoikkala Anneli 
Published: October 2011

AbstractAdaptation to seasonal changes in the northern hemisphere includes an ability to predict the forthcoming cold season from gradual changes in environmental cues early enough to prepare for the harsh winter conditions. The magnitude and speed of changes in these cues vary between the latitudes, which induces strong selection pressures for local adaptation.We studied adaptation to seasonal changes in Drosophila montana, a northern maltfly, by defining the photoperiodic conditions leading to adult reproductive diapause along a latitudinal cline in Finland and by measuring genetic differentiation and the amount of gene flow between the sampling sites with microsatellites. Our data revealed a clear correlation between the latitude and the critical day length (CDL), in which half of the females of different cline populations enter photoperiodic reproductive diapause. There was no sign of limited gene flow between the cline populations, even though these populations showed isolation by distance. Our results show that local adaptation may occur even in the presence of high gene flow, when selection for locally adaptive life‐history traits is strong. A wide range of variation in the CDLs of the fly strains within and between the cline populations may be partly due to gene flow and partly due to the opposing selection pressures for fly reproduction and overwinter survival. This variation in the timing of diapause will enhance populations’ survival over the years that differ in the severity of the winter and in the length of the warm period and may also help them respond to long‐term changes in environmental conditions.
Methyl 2‐Furoate: An Alternative Reagent to Furan for Palladium‐Catalysed Direct Arylation
Authors: Fu Hai Yan , Doucet Henri 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThe palladium‐catalysed direct arylation of methyl 2‐furoate with aryl bromides was studied. The use of KOAc as the base, dimethylacetamide (DMAc) as the solvent and Pd(OAc)2 as the catalyst was found to give 5‐arylfurans regioselectively and without decarboxylation. These methyl 5‐aryl‐2‐furoates gave 2,5‐diarylfurans by decarboxylative coupling by using Pd(OAc)2 as the catalyst. Methyl 2‐furoate thus represents a convenient alternative substrate to furan for the synthesis of mono‐ or poly‐arylated furans.
Urea Amperometric Biosensors Based on Nanostructured Polypyrrole
Authors: Massafera Mariana P. , de Torresi Susana I. Córdoba 
Published: October 2011

AbstractIn this work, we report the development of urea biosensors using macroporous polypyrrole as electrochemical transducer. Nanostructured polypyrrole was synthesized using monodispersed polystyrene spheres (460 nm) as template. Nanostructured urea biosensors were assembled after immobilization of urease (an enzyme that hydrolyses urea to ammonia) on macroporous polypyrrole, which was carried out using two different procedures: covalent attachment or layer‐by‐layer (lbl) deposition. Results show that lbl assembly of urease on macroporous polypyrrole gives rise to biosensors with improved detection kinetics (as demonstrated by higher Imax values) and tunable sensitivities. Comparison with bulk urea biosensors previously described in the literature demonstrates that the use of nanostructured polypyrrole as sensing platform enhances biosensor′s analytical performances, mainly due to the availability of more active sites for enzyme immobilization.
Interspecies comparisons on the uptake and toxicity of silver and cerium dioxide nanoparticles
Authors: Gaiser Birgit K. , Fernandes Teresa F. , Jepson Mark A. , Lead Jamie R. , Tyler Charles R. , Baalousha Mohammed , Biswas Anamika , Britton Graham J. , Cole Paula A. , Johnston Blair D. , Ju-Nam Yon , Rosenkranz Philipp , Scown Tessa M. , Stone Vicki 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
An increasing number and quantity of manufactured nanoparticles are entering the environment as the diversity of their applications increases, and this will lead to the exposure of both humans and wildlife. However, little is known regarding their potential health effects. We compared the potential biological effects of silver (Ag; nominally 35 and 600–1,600 nm) and cerium dioxide (CeO2; nominally &lt;25 nm and 1–5 µm) particles in a range of cell (human hepatocyte and intestinal and fish hepatocyte) and animal (Daphnia magna, Cyprinus carpio) models to assess possible commonalities in toxicity across taxa. A variety of analytical techniques were employed to characterize the particles and investigate their biological uptake. Silver particles were more toxic than CeO2 in all test systems, and an equivalent mass dose of Ag nanoparticles was more toxic than larger micro-sized material. Cellular uptake of all materials tested was shown in C3A hepatocytes and Caco-2 intestinal cells, and for Ag, into the intestine, liver, gallbladder, and gills of carp exposed via the water. The commonalities in toxicity of these particle types across diverse biological systems suggest that cross-species extrapolations may be possible for metal nanoparticle test development in the future. Our findings also suggest transport of particles through the gastrointestinal barrier, which is likely to be an important uptake route when assessing particle risk. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012;31:144–154. © 2011 SETAC
Starburst low‐molecular weight polyethylenimine for efficient gene delivery
Authors: Zhao Yanjun , Yang Rulei , Liu Dong , Sun Mingjing , Zhou Lijun , Wang Zheng , Wan Ying 
Published: October 2011

AbstractLow‐molecular weight polyethylenimine (LMW PEI) shows the advantage of low‐cytotoxicity, but has been inefficient in gene delivery as a consequence of the low‐charge density. A number of previous studies employed the approach of crosslinking to solve this problem. In this study, a starburst LMW PEI gene vector has been developed. It has a polyamidoamine (PAMAM) core conjugated with a shell composed of LWM PEI and polyethylene glycol (PEG), that is PAMAM‐PEI‐PEG. Plasmid DNA (pEGFP‐N1) and human cervix epithelial carcinoma (HeLa) cells were used in the study. The results showed that the starburst LMW PEI could effectively condense DNA at N/P above 5. The polyplexes had a size of about 500 nm and a nearly neutral surface because of the PEG shielding effect. This novel gene vector is able to maintain the low‐cytotoxicity of LMW PEI, whereas its transfection efficiency was significantly improved. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2012.