bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Protection of Civilians in International Humanitarian Law
Authors: Chen Fangnan 
Published: May 2024

This paper will discusse the historical development of the protection of civilians in international humanitarian law and summarizes the importance of the protection of civilians in international humanitarian law. The paper then analyses specific international humanitarian law measures for the protection of civilians, as well as problems in the identification of civilians and dilemmas in armed struggle. The paper suggests that the international community must further clarify the requirements for protecting civilians under international humanitarian law to effectively implement.
Nanostructured Polymer Brushes by UV‐Assisted Imprint Lithography and Surface‐Initiated Polymerization for Biological Functions
Authors: Benetti Edmondo M. , Acikgoz Canet , Sui Xiaofeng , Vratzov Boris , Hempenius Mark A. , Huskens Jurriaan , Vancso G. Julius 
Published: April 2011

AbstractFunctional polymer brush nanostructures are obtained by combining step‐and‐flash imprint lithography (SFIL) with controlled, surface‐initiated polymerization (CSIP). Patterning is achieved at length scales such that the smallest elements have dimensions in the sub‐100 nm range. The patterns exhibit different shapes, including lines and pillars, over large surface areas. The platforms obtained are used to selectively immobilize functional biomacromolecules. Acrylate‐based polymer resist films patterned by SFIL are first used for the selective immobilization of ATRP silane‐based initiators, which are coupled to unprotected domains of silicon substrates. These selectively deposited initiators are then utilized in the controlled radical SIP of poly(ethylene glycol)methacrylates (PEGMA). Nanostructured brush surfaces are then obtained by removal of the resist material. The areas previously protected by the SFIL resist are passivated by inert, PEG‐based silane monolayers following resist removal. PEGMA brush nanostructures are finally functionalized with biotin units in order to provide selective attachment points for streptavidin proteins. Atomic force microscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy confirm the successful immobilization of streptavidin molecules on the polymer grafts. Finally, it is demontrated that this fabrication method allows the immobilization of a few tens of protein chains attached selectively to brush nanostructures, which are surrounded by nonfouling PEG‐functionalized areas.
Temperature‐Switchable Assembly of Supramolecular Virus–Polymer Complexes
Authors: Kostiainen Mauri A. , Pietsch Christian , Hoogenboom Richard , Nolte Roeland J. M. , Cornelissen Jeroen J. L. M. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractHere a method is presented for the temperature‐switchable assembly of viral particles into large hierarchical complexes. Dual‐functional diblock copolymers consisting of poly(diethyleneglycol methyl ether methacry­late) (poly(DEGMA)) and poly((2‐dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (poly(DMAEMA)) blocks self‐assemble electrostatically with cowpea chlorotic mottle virus (CCMV) particles into micrometer‐sized objects as a function of temperature. The poly(DMAEMA) block carries a positive charge, which can interact electrostatically with the negatively charged outer surface of the CCMV capsid. When the solution temperature is increased above 40 °C, to cross the cloud point temperature (Tcp) of the DEGMA block, the polymer chains collapse on the surface of the virus particle, which makes them partially hydrophobic, and consequently causes the formation of large hierarchical assemblies. Disassembly of the virus–polymer complexes can be induced by reducing the solution temperature below the Tcp, which allows the poly(DEGMA) blocks to rehydrate and free virus particles to be released. The assembly process is fully reversible and can sustain several heating–cooling cycles. Importantly, this method relies on reversible supramolecular interactions and therefore avoids the irreversible covalent modification of the particle surface. This study illustrates the potential of temperature‐responsive polymers for controlled binding and releasing of virus particles.
Calcite Prisms from Mollusk Shells (Atrina Rigida): Swiss‐cheese‐like Organic–Inorganic Single‐crystal Composites
Authors: Li Hanying , Xin Huolin L. , Kunitake Miki E. , Keene Ellen C. , Muller David A. , Estroff Lara A. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractBiogenic single‐crystal composites, such as sea urchin spines and calcitic prisms from mollusk shells, contain organic macromolecules inside of inorganic single‐crystal matrices. The nanoscale internal structure of these materials, however, is poorly understood, especially how the biomacromolecules are distributed within the crystals without significantly disrupting the crystalline lattice. Here, annular dark‐field scanning transmission electron microscopy and electron tomography reveal, in three dimensions, how biomacromolecules are distributed within the calcitic prisms from Atrina rigida shells. Disk‐like nanopatches, whose scattering intensity is consistent with organic inclusions, are observed to be anisotropically arranged within a continuous, single‐crystalline calcite matrix. These nanopatches are preferentially aligned with the (000l) planes of calcite. Along the crystallographic c‐axis, there are alternating organic‐rich and ‐poor regions on a length scale of tens of nanometers, while, in the ab plane, the distribution of nanopatches is more random and uniform. The structural features elucidated in this work have relevance to understanding the structure–property relationships and formation mechanisms of biominerals, as well as to the development of bio‐inspired strategies to extrinsically tune the properties of single‐crystals.
Peptides for the Biofunctionalization of Silicon for Use in Optical Sensing with Porous Silicon Microcavities
Authors: Estephan Elias , Saab Marie‐Belle , Agarwal Vivechana , Cuisinier Frédéric J. G. , Larroque Christian , Gergely Csilla 
Published: April 2011

AbstractAddressing the surface chemistry of silicon is of fundamental scientific and technical significance due to the wide use of this material in electronics and optics. A novel method of functionalizing silicon (Si) via short peptides with binding specificity for Si is presented. The peptide presenting the highest affinity for Si is identified via phage display technology, and the 12‐mer LLADTTHHRPWT and SPGLSLVSHMQT peptides were found to be specific for the n+‐Si and p+‐Si surfaces, respectively. In our sensing application, the obtained peptides are used as functionalizing linkers to allow porous silicon microcavities to bind biotin and then capture streptavidin. Molecular detection is monitored via reflectometric interference spectra as shifts in the resonance peaks of the cavity structure. An improved streptavidin sensing (21 times lower detection limit) with peptide‐functionalized porous silicon microcavities is demonstrated, compared to sensing performed with devices functionalized with the commonly used silanization method, suggesting that the modification of Si via Si‐specific peptides provides better interface layers for molecular detection. High‐resolution atomic force microscopy images corroborate this result and reveal the formation of ordered nanometer‐sized molecular layers when peptide‐route functionalization is performed.
Novel 2,2,6,6‐Tetramethylpiperidine 1‐Oxyl–Iodobenzene Hybrid Catalyst for Oxidation of Primary Alcohols to Carboxylic Acids
Authors: Yakura Takayuki , Ozono Ayaka 
Published: April 2011

AbstractNovel bifunctional hybrid‐type catalysts bearing 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidine‐1‐oxyl (TEMPO) and iodobenzene moieties (1a and 1b) were developed and used for the environmentally benign oxidation of primary alcohols to carboxylic acids. Reaction of primary alcohols 2 with a catalytic amount of 1 in the presence of peracetic acid as a co‐oxidant under mild conditions gave the corresponding carboxylic acids 3 in excellent yields.
Graphene Based Materials: Enhancing Solar Energy Harvesting
Authors: Guo Chun Xian , Guai Guan Hong , Li Chang Ming 
Published: April 2011

AbstractDue to excellent electronic and optical properties as well as tunable work functions, graphene and graphene‐based materials are highly attractive for applications in enhancement of harvesting solar energy. In particular, they can be used as electron and hole transport materials, buffer layers, and window or/and counter electrodes in solar cells. This research news surveys very recent advances in this emerging field, with emphasis on fundamental understanding of their performance enhancement mechanisms for photovoltaic devices, and discusses future challenges.
Skeletal muscle pathology in Costello and cardio‐facio‐cutaneous syndromes: Developmental consequences of germline Ras/MAPK activation on myogenesis
Authors: Tidyman William E. , Lee Han S. , Rauen Katherine A. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractCardio‐facio‐cutaneous syndrome (CFC) and Costello syndrome (CS) are two of the more rare RASopathies caused by altered signal transduction of the Ras/mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. All of the RASopathies exhibit some degree of hypotonia, but CS and CFC are more severe. To determine if individuals with CS and CFC have an underlying skeletal myopathy, we systematically evaluated skeletal muscle pathology in both conditions. We reviewed pathology reports from six individuals who had undergone a skeletal muscle biopsy, and we reviewed histology slides on two cases with CS and one case with CFC. All patients in the cohort had histopathologic findings, and two consistent abnormalities were identified. The first was the presence of abnormal muscle fiber size and variability, and the second was the presence of type 2 fiber predominance. Given the degree of hypotonia typically present in these patients, the overall architecture of the muscle was relatively normal, without showing indications of severe structural histopathology or metabolic abnormalities. Because the Ras/MAPK pathway is vital for skeletal myogenesis, we evaluated the effects of CS and CFC mutations on myogenesis using C2C12 myoblasts. All CS/CFC mutations inhibited myoblast differentiation as indicated by fewer myosin heavy chain expressing cells and a decrease in the number of myotubes as compared to controls. These findings indicate that CS and CFC may have a true myopathy related to an inherent dysregulation of skeletal myogenesis, which further expands our understanding of the consequences of germline Ras/MAPK mutations. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Social behavior, foraging strategies, and fecal glucocorticoids in female blue monkeys (Cercopithecus mitis): potential fitness benefits of high rank in a forest guenon
Authors: Foerster Steffen , Cords Marina , Monfort Steven L. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractSocioecological theory predicts that aggressive feeding competition is associated with linear dominance hierarchies and reproductive advantages for high‐ranking females. Female blue monkeys contest fruits and have a linear dominance hierarchy, yet previous research has shown no evidence that high‐ranking females benefit from greater feeding success or fertility. Here, we assess whether individuals differ in fecal glucocorticoid (fGC) excretion and examine proximate determinants of such differences to infer potential fitness correlates of rank, using data collected from two study groups in the Kakamega Forest, Kenya. We found that higher ranking females had preferential access to fruits in both groups, although the behavioral mechanisms leading to this effect varied between groups. Despite a consistent rank difference in feeding on fruits, an overall rank effect on fGCs emerged in only one group; females of this group spent comparatively more time feeding on fruits, fruits accounted for a greater proportion of the diet, and females engaged in more frequent food‐related agonism. In addition, more females in this group were lactating during a period of low fruit availability, when rank effects on fGCs were particularly strong. Regardless of fruit availability, among lactating females of both groups higher rank was associated with lower fGC levels, indicating lower energetic stress in higher ranking females when energy demands were particularly high. Individual rates of agonism, a potential psychological stressor, were unrelated to fGCs at all times. After we accounted for rates of agonism and feeding on fruits, females of one group who groomed others more had lower fGCs, suggesting that variable social coping behavior can contribute to fGC variation in some groups. This study provides the first empirical evidence that high‐ranking female blue monkeys may obtain fitness benefits from their social status, by gaining priority of access to fruits during critical times in the reproductive cycle. Am. J. Primatol. 73:870–882, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lateral frontal sinus access in endoscopic skull‐base surgery
Authors: Timperley Daniel G. , Banks Catherine , Robinson Daniel , Roth Jason , Sacks Raymond , Harvey Richard J. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractBackgroundThe modified endoscopic Lothrop (MELP) or Draf III procedure can provide extended endoscopic access to the frontal sinus. The ability to access the entire frontal sinus entirely endoscopically is often debated and there is little published data to predict access based on tumor location.MethodsMELP was performed in 10 cadaver heads. Access was defined as the ability to contact the bone under vision with the head of a 70‐degree diamond burr. Access was assessed in 3 areas: the orbital roof and the anterior and posterior walls of the frontal sinus. Endpoints were defined in millimeters from medial orbit and lateral quartile zones.ResultsComplete lateral access was excellent anterior and posterior in 95% of sinuses (mean 15.5 ± 7.8 mm and 15.4 ± 7.7 mm, respectively). Access to the orbital roof was limited (10.3 ± 4.6 mm; p = 0.01 comparing anterior and posterior). For sinuses pneumatized beyond the midorbital point, only 10% of lateral orbital roofs were contacted. Orbital roof access correlated with the anteroposterior (AP) distance between the olfactory fossa and outer periosteum of the frontal beak (r = 0.6, p < 0.01).ConclusionLateral endoscopic access to the walls of the frontal sinus is excellent except for the sinus floor. Access to the orbital roof is reliable in the medial quarter only and minimal lateral to the midorbital point. The ability to predict the areas accessible by the endoscopic approach and those areas that might require ancillary approaches is important for both surgical planning and patient expectations. © 2011 ARS‐AAOA, LLC.
Figure‐Eight‐Strukturen, Möbius‐Bänder und mehr: Konformation und Aromatizität von Porphyrinoiden
Authors: Stępień Marcin , Sprutta Natasza , Latos‐Grażyński Lechosław 
Published: April 2011

AbstractDer aromatische Charakter von Porphyrinen, der signifikante chemische und biologische Auswirkungen hat, kann durch gezielte Modifikationen des Stammringsystems beträchtlich verändert werden. Zusätzliche Untereinheiten expandieren den Makrocyclus und erhöhen seine Ringkrümmung, was zu einer höheren Winkelspannung führt. Diese Winkelspannung kann der Ring durch eine Reihe von Konformationsänderungen wieder abbauen, insbesondere durch Invertieren von Untereinheiten und Verdrillen (twisting) der π‐Oberfläche. Letzterer Effekt bietet einen Zugang zu Möbius‐aromatischen Molekülen, deren Eigenschaften, gleichwohl vor über 40 Jahren vorausgesagt, unter theoretischen Aspekten von großer Bedeutung sind. Häufig gehen Konformationsprozesse in den Porphyrinanaloga mit anderen chemischen Phänomenen einher, sodass sie für den Aufbau von molekularen Funktionseinheiten verwendet werden können. In diesem Aufsatz wird die Strukturchemie der Porphyrinoide im Zusammenhang mit ihrer Konformationsdynamik und elektronischen π‐Konjugation diskutiert.
Aufkonvertierende lumineszierende Nanopartikel als Nanothermometer
Authors: Fischer Lorenz H. , Harms Gregory S. , Wolfbeis Otto S. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractAufkonvertierende lumineszierende Materialien sind in der Lage, nah‐infrarotes Licht zu absorbieren und in kürzerwellige Lumineszenz umzuwandeln. Die Effizienz dieses bemerkenswerten Effekts ist stark temperaturabhängig, was die Temperaturmessung mit einer Ortsauflösung im Nanometerbereich ermöglicht. Alle bisher bekannten Aufkonvertierungs‐Materialien zeigen mehrere (meistens zwei) schmale Emissionsbanden, jede mit einer eigenen Temperaturabhängigkeit. Das Verhältnis der Intensitäten zweier dieser Banden ist ein selbstreferenziertes Signal zur optischen Temperaturmessung, beispielsweise in Zellen.
Structural studies of diethyltin(IV) derivatives and their biological aspects as potential antitumor agents against Agrobacterium tumefacien cells
Authors: Hussain Mukhtiar , Zia‐ur‐Rehman  , Hanif Muhammad , Altaf Muhammad , Aziz‐ur‐Rehman  , Ali Saqib , Cavell Kingsley J. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractA series of new diethyltin(IV) derivatives of substituted phenyl acrylates have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, multinuclear NMR (1H, 13C, 19F and 119Sn) and X‐ray single crystal analysis. X‐ray single crystal diffraction study of complex 8 has shown the formation of secondary O···Sn, F···H and H···O intermolecular interactions. These complexes proved to be good antitumor agents. The antitumor properties are presumably due to the intercalative mode of interaction of these complexes with the tumor cells' DNA. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lookup table control method for vibration suppression of a flexible manipulator with optimization of the minimum settling time and energy consumption
Authors: Phan Van Phuoc , Goo Nam Seo , Yoon Kwang‐Joon , Hwang Do‐Soon 
Published: April 2011

AbstractActive vibration suppression of flexible manipulators is important in many engineering applications, such as robot manipulators and high‐speed flexible mechanisms. The demand for a short settling time and low energy consumption of vibration suppression requires consideration of optimal control. Under a wide range of operating conditions, however, the fixed optimal parameters determined for a control algorithm might not produce the best performance. Therefore, to enhance performance, this paper suggests a lookup table control method for a flexible manipulator. This method can tune itself to the optimal parameters on the basis of initial maximum responses to the controlled system. In this study, a multi‐objective genetic algorithm is used to search for optimal parameters with regard to positive position feedback to the control algorithm. In turn, with the optimal parameters, the multi‐objective functions of the settling time and energy consumption during the vibration control of a flexible manipulator can be minimized. The simulation and experimental results both indicate that the energy consumption can be reduced significantly if the settling time is slightly increased.Copyright © 2011 John Wiley and Sons Asia Pte Ltd and Chinese Automatic Control Society
Microbial electricity generation via microfluidic flow control
Authors: Li Zhiqiang , Zhang Ying , LeDuc Philip R. , Gregory Kelvin B. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractNext generation battery technology is rapidly evolving to meet the demand for higher power densities and smaller footprints through novel catalysts and battery architecture. We present a µ‐scale, biological fuel cell which utilizes microbial electricity generation enabled by microfluidic flow control to produce power. The new fuel cell, the smallest of its kind, with a total volume of 0.3 µL, produces scalable and controllable electrical energy from organic matter which is sustained through microbial respiration and laminar flow separation of the electrolytes. Electrical currents are dependent on specific biofilm formation on the anode, the concentration of electron donor, and a diffusion‐limited flow regime. A maximum current density of 18.40 ± 3.48 mA m−2 (92 ± 17 A m−3) was produced by Geobacter sulfurreducens, and 25.42 mA m−2 (127 A m−3) by Shewanella oneidensis. The µ‐scale biological fuel cell introduces the necessary small size and fuel flexibility for applications in vivo and in situ sensors which may be remotely deployed and self‐powered. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2011;108:2061–2069. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Application of magnetic particle tracking velocimetry to quadrupole magnetic sorting of porcine pancreatic islets
Authors: Sajja Venkata Sunil Kumar , Hanley Thomas R. , Gapsis Helen , Guernsey Byron , Kennedy David J. , Taylor Michael J. , Papas Klearchos K. , Todd Paul W. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractMagnetic isolation is a promising method for separating and concentrating pancreatic islets of Langerhans for transplantation in Type 1 diabetes patients. We are developing a continuous magnetic islet sorter to overcome the restrictions of current purification methods that result in limited yield and viability. In Quadrupole Magnetic Sorting (QMS) islets are magnetized by infusing superparamagnetic microbeads into islets' vasculature via arteries that serve the pancreas. The performance of the islet sorter depends on the resulting speed of the islets in an applied magnetic field, a property known as magnetophoretic mobility. Essential to the design and successful operation of the QMS is a method to measure the magnetophoretic mobilities of magnetically infused islets. We have adapted a Magnetic Particle Tracking Velocimeter (MPTV) to measure the magnetophoretic mobility of particles up to 1,000 µm in diameter. Velocity measurements are performed in a well‐characterized uniform magnetic energy gradient using video imaging followed by analysis of the video images with a computer algorithm that produces a histogram of absolute mobilities. MPTV was validated using magnetic agarose beads serving as islet surrogates and subjecting them to QMS. Mobility distributions of labeled porcine islets indicated that magnetized islets have sufficient mobility to be captured by the proposed sorting method, with this result confirmed in test isolations of magnetized islets. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2011;108:2107–2117. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Microbial production of homogeneously layered cellulose pellicles in a membrane bioreactor
Authors: Hofinger M. , Bertholdt G. , Weuster‐Botz D. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractMicrobial cellulose (MC) is being investigated for various applications in the field of biomedical engineering. Gluconacetobacter xylinus is able to produce pure cellulose in the form of a hydrogel (“pellicle”). The pellicle consists of a defined tridimensional structure that is sensitive to mechanical stress during the process of formation. The bacteria, however, are obligate aerobic and need to be supplied with oxygen. These two objectives are often conflicting. A lab‐scale membrane bioreactor prototype was developed which is able to efficiently produce a MC pellicle with a homogeneous layered structure. A hydrophilic microfiltration polyethersulfone membrane separates the bacteria from the cultivation medium. This setup allows the free convective exchange of the cultivation medium, while providing mechanical support for the continuous formation of the MC layer. Thickness of the MC layer was measured online by a laser triangulation sensor. One hundred and twenty five gram cellulose dry weight/m2 membrane surface were produced within a process time of 330 h. Membrane bioreactors may be used to produce homogenous MC layers in a variety of shapes suitable for biomedical applications. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2011;108:2237–2240. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.