bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Partial order semantics for use case and task models
Authors: Sinnig Daniel , Khendek Ferhat , Chalin Patrice
Published: June 2010

Use case models are the specification medium of choice for functional requirements, while task models are employed to capture User Interface (UI) requirements and design information. In current practice, both entities are treated independently and are often developed by different teams, which have their own philosophies and lifecycles. This lack of integration is problematic and often results in inconsistent functional and UI design specifications causing duplication of effort while increasing the maintenance overhead. To address these shortcomings, we propose a formal semantic framework for the integrated development of use case and task models. The semantic mapping is defined in a two step manner from a particular use case or task model notation to the common semantic domain of
sets of partially ordered sets
. This two-step mapping results in a semantic framework that can be more easily reused and extended. The intermediate semantic domains have been carefully chosen by taking into consideration the intrinsic characteristics of use case and task models. As a concrete example, we provide a semantics for our own DSRG use case formalism and an extended version of ConcurTaskTrees, one of the most popular task model notations. Furthermore, we use the common semantic model to formally define a set of refinement relations for use case and task models.
Body size determines rates of seed dispersal by giant king crickets
Authors: King Peter , Milicich Leslie , Burns Kevin C.
Published: June 2010

New Zealand is home to giant king crickets called weta, which are the only insects known to consume fleshy‐fruits and disperse seeds after gut passage. Although they disperse seeds in viable condition after consumption, their importance as seed dispersers is unknown. We conducted a series of field observations and laboratory experiments to investigate intraspecific variation in the capacity of Wellington tree weta (Hemidenina crassidens) to disperse seeds of tree fuchsia (Fuchsia excorticata). We asked three questions. How frequently do weta disperse fuchsia seeds? Do seed passage rates differ between sexes and different‐sized weta? Might weta select for particular seed sizes via differential seed mortality after ingestion? A total of 2,272 F. excorticata seedlings germinated from 241 scats (i.e., faecal pellets) that were collected from the field. Experimental results showed that, on average, 15% of seeds ingested by weta successfully germinated, whereas 75% germinated in control trials. Larger weta dispersed greater numbers of seeds in experimental trials, while no differences in dispersal rates were observed between sexes. Regardless of sex and size, weta preferentially dispersed larger seeds. When interpreted collectively, results indicate that (1) weta are frequent seed dispersers of F. excorticata, although many seeds are destroyed during ingestion, (2) larger‐bodied weta consistently disperse greater quantities of seeds, which is unusual in seed dispersal mutualisms, and (3) weta preferentially disperse larger seeds, suggesting that they might interact evolutionarily with New Zealand plants.
Newborn screening for neuropathic lysosomal storage disorders
Authors: Hwu Wuh‐Liang , Chien Yin‐Hsiu , Lee Ni‐Chung
Published: June 2010

Interest in newborn screening (NBS) for lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) has increased significantly due to newly developed enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), the need for early diagnosis, and advances in technical developments. Since the central nervous system cannot be treated by ERT, neuronopathic LSDs are generally not the primary target of NBS. An exception is Krabbe disease, in which hematopoietic stem cell transplantation before the onset of symptoms has benefits. However, NBS for LSD relies on measuring enzyme activities, so the most severely affected individuals (usually patients with neuronopathic subtypes) will be detected together with patients with less severe disease. In the near future, NBS is likely to be developed for diseases such as Gaucher, Niemann‐Pick A/B, and certain mucopolysaccharidoses. The ability to predict phenotypes (neuronopathic or not) by enzyme activity and genotyping will therefore be critical for adequate patient management. This article reviews the status of LSD screening and issues concerning detection of neuronopathic LSDs by screening.
Evaluation of the biotinidase activity in hepatic glycogen storage disease patients. Undescribed genetic finding associated with atypical enzymatic behavior: an outlook
Authors: Angaroni Celia J. , Giner‐Ayala Alicia N. , Hill Lorena P. , Guelbert Norberto B. , Paschini‐Capra Ana E. , de Kremer Raquel Dodelson
Published: June 2010

Repeated evaluation of biotinidase (BTD) activity was carried out for a long‐term follow‐up in patients with hepatic glycogen storage diseases (GSDs). The results indicated inter‐intra variability among the GSD‐Ia, GSD‐III and GSD‐IX patients. In addition, a c.1330G>C transversion in the BTD gene, resulting in a p.Asp444His substitution was detected in one allele of a GSD‐Ia patient with sustained normal enzyme activity. Thus far, it is necessary to be cautious in the interpretation of the results of BTD activity as a presumptive GSD diagnostic element. It is not known why plasma BTD activity increases in GSDs patients, or the clinical importance of the increment. When viewed from a global perspective, there are some lines of biotin biology that could indicate a relationship between BTD´s behavior and GSDs.
After Lisbon: Content and Vision
Authors: van Gennip Jos J. A. M.
Published: June 2010

The gains made by the European People's Party (EPP) in the 2009 European Parliament elections have given the party a new opportunity to advance its message. In the face of the weaknesses of current social models made apparent by the recent economic crisis, globalisation and changes in European society, Christian democracy could provide an alternative that balances the demands of a globalising world order and the desire to preserve the European social model. Further policy research is needed; however, recent socio-economic challenges and the political success of the EPP have shown that Christian democracy has a bright future.
“Couch surfing” of Latino foster care alumni: Reliance on peers as social capital
Authors: Perez Beatrix F. , Romo Harriett D.
Published: June 2010

Youth exiting foster care often experience difficulties transitioning into adulthood. This paper focuses on Latino foster care youth in a major southwestern U.S. city and addresses the importance of peer networks as a crucial form of social capital as youth leave foster care. Case studies illustrate experiences of foster care alumni ranging in age from 18 to 26. Findings suggest that lack of housing forces youth into residential mobility or “couch surfing” and episodes of homelessness. Familial connections continue to be important to Latino youth. When Latino youth are unsuccessful in re‐establishing family relationships, survival is dependent upon peer social capital as youth move between extended family and friends, eventually relying upon peers for support. Recommendations are included.
Un problème aux limites mixte des surfaces minimales avec une multiple projection plane et le dessin optimal des escaliers tournants
Authors: Sauvigny Friedrich
Published: June 2010

One admires rotational staircases in classical buildings since centuries. In particular, we are fascinated and inspired by the beautiful winding staircase (please, regard the picture below) in the center of the recently constructed University Library of the Brandenburgian Technical University at Cottbus by the bureau of architects Herzog & de Meuron from Basel. The sophisticated mathematician directly recognizes this staircase being a rotational minimal surface – namely the well-known helicoid – with a multiply covering projection onto the plane, solving a semi-free boundary value problem. We now ask the question, in which class of surfaces this helicoid is uniquely determined. Furthermore, we examine in how far the boundary values can be perturbed such that neighboring surfaces still exist. Both questions being affirmatively answered, we receive the stability of this boundary value problem. Finally, we investigate that our surface realizes a global minimum of area in the class of all parametric minimal surfaces solving an adequate mixed boundary value problem. Here we study one-to-one harmonic mappings onto the universal covering of the plane. This is achieved on the basis of our joint investigations with Professor Stefan Hildebrandt from the University of Bonn. Since H. Catalan was the first to classify the helicoid among ruled minimal surfaces and J. Plateau contributed, besides his inspiring experiments with soap bubbles, also his name to our central problem, I would like to present this treatise in the French language. During the construction of our University Library I got acquainted to the responsible architect for this project from the bureau Herzog & de Meuron, Frau Christine Binswanger and would like to dedicate this work to her with great respect. In her home city of Basel, classical Analysis could originally be developed by members of the Bernoulli family and Leonhard Euler.
Second-generation antipsychotics and constipation: A review of the literature
Authors: Hert M. De , Hudyana H. , Dockx L. , Bernagie C. , Sweers K. , Tack J. , Leucht S. , Peuskens J.
Published: June 2010

Antipsychotics are the cornerstone in the management of psychotic disorders and schizophrenia. They are effective agents but also have a wide range of side effects. In the recent literature constipation as possible side effect has received little attention. A review of the literature concerning constipation associated with antipsychotics was performed. Overall constipation is a rarely studied or reported side effect of antipsychotic medication. Nevertheless constipation is a common side effect. Antipsychotic agents differ in their liability to induce constipation. Constipation can be severe and can lead to serious consequences such as paralytic ileus, bowel occlusion and death. Active screening, monitoring and treatment are recommended. Further research on incidence, prevalence, underlying mechanisms and preventive measures is required.
The impact of pregnancy and vaginal delivery on urinary incontinence
Authors: Huebner Markus , Antolic Andrea , Tunn Ralf
Published: June 2010

Objective

To identify women who had urinary incontinence (UI) before, during, and after pregnancy, and to determine whether women with symptoms of UI during pregnancy were the same women who had urinary incontinence postpartum.

Methods

All primigravid women who delivered within 1 year (1999) at the Charité Hospital in Berlin received a questionnaire about UI at 5 different time points during pregnancy and the postpartum period.

Results

Of 610 eligible women, 411 (67.4%) completed the questionnaire. The prevalence of urinary incontinence increased significantly in the second half of pregnancy (26.3%, P < 0.001). Although the overall number of women who reported UI within 6 weeks after delivery (28.5%) was almost the same as the number reporting UI in the second half of pregnancy, approximately every second women changed from being continent to incontinent and vice versa.

Conclusion

The group of women who experienced UI postpartum was different from the group that experienced UI before delivery and vice versa. Pregnancy itself may influence pelvic floor function in a different way compared with vaginal delivery.
Increased Expression of Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 1 mRNA in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Chan Hua‐Chen , Ke Liang‐Yin , Liu Ching‐Ching , Chang Lin‐Li , Tsai Wen‐Chan , Liu Hong‐Wen , Yen Jeng‐Hsien
Published: June 2010

The objective of this study was to investigate the associations between suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) mRNA expression and SOCS1 polymorphisms with the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). One hundred and eighty‐one patients with RA and 96 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. The SOCS1 mRNA level in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was detected by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. SOCS1 polymorphisms were determined by the polymerase chain reaction/restriction fragment length polymorphism method. We found that the expression of SOCS1 mRNA in PBMCs was significantly greater in patients with RA than in healthy controls. There were no significant differences in the expression of SOCS1 mRNA among patients with different disease activities. The increment in SOCS1 mRNA after stimulation with various cytokines was slightly lower in the patients with RA than in the healthy controls. This study also demonstrated that the SOCS1 polymorphisms were not associated with susceptibility to RA. In conclusion, the expression of SOCS1 mRNA in PBMCs is higher in patients with RA than in healthy controls. The increment in SOCS1 mRNA expression in PBMCs after stimulation with different cytokines seems to be lower in patients with RA than in healthy controls.
Treatment Effects of Maxillary Flat Occlusal Splints for Painful Clicking of the Temporomandibular Joint
Authors: Chang Sung‐Wen , Chuang Ching‐Ya , Li Jau‐Rong , Lin Che‐Yi , Chiu Chang‐Ta
Published: June 2010

Existing therapies for symptoms related to painful clicking of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) have rarely met with complete success and predicting prognosis remains difficult. Few studies have reported the efficacy of maxillary flat occlusal splints (MFOSs) for the treatment of painful clicking of the TMJ, and few studies have evaluated the predisposing factors that influence the clinical outcomes of MFOSs. The aim of this study was to investigate the treatment efficacy of MFOSs for painful clicking of the TMJ, and to determine the factors influencing TMJ therapy with MFOSs. We conducted a retrospective study of 109 patients suffering from unilateral clicking concurrent with preauricular area pain for at least 2 months between 2004 and 2008. Seventy‐five patients were treated with an MFOS, while 34 patients did not receive MFOS therapy. Clicking score, pain‐free maximal mouth opening, pain score, duration of the clicking sounds, age and bruxism were recorded during treatment and involved into the reviews. The degree of joint clicking was determined by a stethoscope placed in the anterolateral area of the external auditory canal and was divided into four grades. Data were analyzed using a Mann‐Whitney U test, Fisher's exact test, and Student's t test. Results showed statistically significant differences in treatment outcomes between the MFOS‐treated and control groups in clicking index, maximal mouth opening, pain and complete remission rates of symptoms within 1 year. Furthermore, for patients treated with MFOS, there were statistically significant differences in the clinical outcomes between those with a high clicking index and those with a low index before treatment. Factors significantly correlated with successful outcomes of MFOS included nocturnal bruxism, patient age and duration of clicking. MFOSs can be used to treat patients with painful clicking of the TMJ and related symptoms. The severity of clicking, bruxism, age and duration of clicking are all important factors influencing treatment outcomes with MFOSs.
Sexing the Brain: The Science and Pseudoscience of Sex Differences
Authors: Rogers Lesley J.
Published: June 2010

A recent upsurge in unitary biological explanations for gender differences in behavior (i.e. that they are “hard‐wired” in the genetic code), put forward not only in books written for a general audience but also in scientific papers, makes it important to examine the fallacies of these ideas. Such genetic and hormonal explanations of human behavior, formulated with little consideration of the influences of experience, and often without taking experience into account at all, are part of a new wave of genetic explanations for a broad range of human behavior, as explained in the paper. These ideas are far from new; moreover, they are pseudoscientific and are used for political influence under the guise of science. They are a conservative social force that maintains social and educational inequalities between women and men. This paper explains that causal explanations of differences between the sexes are of two completely different types: unitary (genetic determinist) versus interactive explanations. The false reasoning used to support genetic determinist explanations of sex differences in behavior is discussed. To illustrate what biology really tells us about gender differentiation, the paper discusses the interactive roles of genetic, hormonal and environmental influences on the development of gender differences. These interactions are illustrated using two model biological systems (e.g. the intertwined influences of genes, sex hormones and experience on the development of sex differences in behavior in rats, and sex differences in neuronal connections in chickens). There is plenty of scientific evidence to show the complex interactive, and ever changing, influences of experience and genes that take place as an organism develops and throughout its life. Malleability of brain and behavior can be shown clearly using animal models, and the processes involved apply also to the development of brain and behavior in humans. We diminish our understanding of the functions of a host of contributing factors to gender differentiation by parceling out the largest portion of control to the genes. The biology and behavior of humans is dynamic and flexible and need not restrict women to inferior positions in society.
Genetic variation in theLMP/TAPgene and outcomes of hepatitis B virus infection in the Chinese population
Authors: SHI C. , QIAN Y.-H. , SU J. , LUO S.-S. , GU J. , YOU H. , CUI Q. , LIN Y.-D. , DONG M.-H. , YU R.-B.
Published: June 2010

Genetic polymorphisms of theLMP/TAPgene coded by the HLA-II region may be associated with outcomes of HBV infection. We conducted a case-control study to test the hypothesis, including a persistent group of 155 patients with chronic hepatitis B and 36 healthy carriers, a recovered group of 165 individuals spontaneously recovered from HBV infection, and an uninfected group of 278 healthy normal controls. Genotypes of eight polymorphisms of theLMP/TAPgene were analysed by PCR–RFLP. A logistic regression model was used to analyse statistical differences in polymorphisms or haplotypes in different groups. Of the eight polymorphisms, two (TAP1codon 637 andLMP7codon 145) were observed to have statistically significant association with outcomes of HBV infection (P<0·05). The two-locus haplotype constructed with two such polymorphisms was analysed. The frequencies of haplotypes B (Asp-Lys), C (Gly-Gln), and D (Gly-Lys) were found to be increased significantly in the persistent group, compared to healthy controls (OR 2·26, 95% CI 1·62–3·15,P<0·001; OR 2·37, 95% CI 1·69–3·32,P<0·001; OR 4·38, 95% CI 1·78–10·77,P=0·001, respectively). The prevalence of haplotypes B (Asp-Lys), C (Gly-Gln), and D (Gly-Lys) were also significantly higher in the persistent infectious group than in the recovered group (OR 2·68, 95% CI 1·81–3·98,P<0·001; OR 2·40, 95% CI 1·62–3·55,P<0·001; OR 3·03, 95% CI 1·22–7·55,P=0·017, respectively). These findings indicated that genetic polymorphisms of theLMP/TAPgene might be an important factor in determining the outcome of HBV infection.
‘The Falling Sky’: Symbolic and Cosmological Associations of the Mt William Greenstone Axe Quarry, Central Victoria, Australia
Authors: Brumm Adam
Published: June 2010

This article examines the roles of socio-symbolic practices and cosmological beliefs in the production and exchange of stone artefacts in an ethnohistorically documented context in Australia. Isabel McBryde's petrological and ethnohistorical analysis of greenstone axe distribution patterns in central Victoria provides a key example of social factors overriding technological concerns in the production and exchange of lithic artefacts. Her research shows that greenstone axes from Mt William quarry were distributed further than axes from equivalent sources. This suggests that Mt William stone axes had symbolic values that cannot be appreciated from straightforward economic perspectives – the aim of this article is to investigate why. A detailed consideration of the ethnohistorical evidence highlights the embeddedness of axe technology in cultural perceptions of landscape and the belief systems of Aboriginal people.
Testing seed-size predictions in Mediterranean annual grasslands
Authors: Azcárate Francisco M. , Manzano Pablo , Peco Begoña
Published: June 2010

On the basis of previous research, we predict that Mediterranean grasslands should show larger-seeded annuals in: (1) more-arid grasslands; (2) more-fertile soils; (3) less-grazed grasslands; and (4) grasslands with lower intensities of seed predation by ants. To test these predictions, we set 29 sampling units of 50 m × 50 m in a 1000 km2grassland area in Central Spain, and characterized them according to the former factors. We then recorded annual vegetation using ten quadrats of 20 cm × 20 cm in each sampling unit. Seed size at the community level was described using six variables: (1) mean seed mass; (2) standard deviation of seed mass; (3) weighted mean seed mass (by species frequencies); (4) proportion of small-seeded annuals; (5) proportion of medium-seeded annuals; and (6) proportion of large-seeded annuals. Most climate variables (mean annual temperature, length of the summer drought, water balance and mean annual precipitation) correlated with seed-size descriptors, showing that large-seeded annuals increase in warmer and more-arid communities. Mean seed size was modelled as a function of mean annual temperature and grazing pressure. According to this model, warmer and less-grazed communities tend to show a smaller mean seed size. These results confirm the importance of seed-size descriptors at the community level in Mediterranean grasslands, and the role of climate and grazing as major drivers in these communities. Conversely, hypotheses about soil fertility and seed predation by ants were not supported by our results.
NOISY SUNSPOTS AND BANK RUNS
Authors: Gu Chao
Published: June 2010

In the existing literature, panic-based bank runs are triggered by a commonly acknowledged and observed sunspot signal. There are only two equilibrium realizations resulting from the commonly observed sunspot signal: Everyone runs or no one runs. I consider a more general and more realistic situation in which consumers observe noisy private sunspot signals. If the noise in the signals is sufficiently small, there exists a proper correlated equilibrium for some demand deposit contracts. A full bank run, a partial bank run (in which some consumers panic whereas others do not), or no bank run occurs, depending on the realization of the sunspot signals. If the probabilities of runs are small, the optimal demand deposit contract tolerates full and partial bank runs.
Familienbasierte Prävention bei Kindern und Jugendlichen
Authors: Stolle Martin , Sack Peter-Michael , Stappenbeck Julian , Thomasius Rainer
Published: June 2010

Fragestellung: Wie evidenzbasiert sind familienbasierte Programme zur selektiven Suchtprävention? Lässt sich ein vorbildhaftes Programm identifizieren? Methodik: Überblick über entsprechende Ansätze und Programm-Merkmale als Ergebnis einer systematischen Literaturrecherche in verschiedenen Datenbanken. Ergebnisse: Das Strengthening Families Program 10–14 aus Iowa/USA (SFP 10–14) ist das wohl zurzeit best evaluierte familienbasierte universelle Präventionsprogramm; so ließen sich nachhaltige Effekte auch im 6-Jahres-Follow-up nachweisen. Schlussfolgerungen: Die kultursensitive Adaptation und Evaluation von SFP 10–14 für die Bundesrepublik kann die Prävention von Suchtstörungen wirkungsvoll ergänzen. Eine Adaptation für den deutschen Sprachraum hat verschiedene kultursensitive Aspekte zu berücksichtigen sowie den Umstand, dass SFP 10–14 aufwändig durchzuführen ist.
Multidimensional Family Therapy
Authors: Liddle Howard A.
Published: June 2010

Background: Multidimensional family therapy is the most researched family based intervention for adolescent substance abuse. Research and coverage: Funded continuously since 1985 in a series of controlled trials, process studies, economic analyses, and implementation studies, MDFT has achieved positive outcomes at post treatment and at various follow-up periods at one year and beyond when compared to a variety of active treatments, including cognitive behavior therapy, group counseling, multifamily groups, as well as in comparisons against services as usual. MDFT is a treatment system rather than a one size fits all model, having been adapted for testing and implementation in a variety of U.S. locations and in a multinational controlled trial in Europe over the past 5 years (Berlin, Paris, Brussels, The Hague, and Geneva). Studies have tested MDFT in juvenile justice settings such as drug courts, detention centers, residential treatment, as well as in outpatient treatment offered in drug and juvenile justice outpatient settings.
The Iowa Personality Disorder Screen
Authors: Germans Sara , Van Heck Guus L. , Langbehn Douglas R. , Hodiamont Paul P.G.
Published: June 2010

The internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and predictive validity of the Iowa Personality Disorder Screen (IPDS) as a screening instrument for personality disorders (PDs) were studied in 195 Dutch psychiatric outpatients, using the SCID-II as the gold standard. All patients completed a self-administered version of the IPDS. Internal consistency was moderate (0.64), and the test-retest reliability was good (0.87). According to the SCID-II, 97 patients (50%) had at least one personality disorder (PD). The IPDS correctly classified 81.0 percent of all participants in the category PD present/absent. The sensitivity and specificity were 77% and 88%, respectively. Positive and negative predictive values were 83% and 79%. Test-retest reliability after a 2-week interval was 0.87. These results are comparable with those reported in earlier studies with respect to the interview version of the IPDS and more promising than previously reported results obtained with a self-report version of the IPDS. Therefore, it is concluded that a self-report version of the IPDS may be useful as a screening measure for determining the presence/absence of PD in a population of psychiatric outpatients.
Foreshock bubbles and their global magnetospheric impacts
Authors: Omidi N. , Eastwood J. P. , Sibeck D. G.
Published: June 2010

We employ 2.5‐D electromagnetic, hybrid simulations that treat ions kinetically via particle‐in‐cell methods and electrons as a massless fluid to study the formation and properties of a new structure named the foreshock bubble upstream from the bow shock. This structure forms due to changes in the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) associated with solar wind discontinuities and their interaction with the backstreaming ions in the foreshock prior to these discontinuities encountering the bow shock. The leading edge of the foreshock bubble consists of a fast magnetosonic shock and the compressed and heated plasma downstream of the shock. The leading edge surrounds the core which consists of a less‐dense and hotter plasma and lower magnetic field strength. Ultra low frequency turbulence is present in both the outer and core regions of the foreshock bubbles. The size of the foreshock bubble transverse to the flow direction scales with the width of the ion foreshock and at Earth corresponds to tens of RE. The size along the flow depends on the age of the bubble and grows with time. Although they expand sunward, foreshock bubbles are carried antisunward by the solar wind, and for small IMF cone angles (angle between IMF and solar wind flow) when the foreshock lies upstream of the dayside magnetosphere they collide with the bow shock. This collision is shown to have significant magnetospheric impacts. Upon encountering the bow shock, the low pressures within the core of the bubble result in the reversal of the magnetosheath flow from antisunward to sunward direction. This in turn results in the outward motion of the magnetopause and expansion of the dayside magnetosphere. The interaction is found to noticeably impact the density and energy of trapped radiation belt ions and plasma injection into the cusp. Foreshock bubbles are found to be highly effective sites for ion reflection and acceleration to high energies via first‐ and second‐order Fermi acceleration. The interaction of the foreshock bubble with the bow shock results in the release of energetic ions into the magnetosheath. Some of these ions are subsequently injected into the cusp.
Persistent unstable atmospheric boundary layer enhances sensible and latent heat loss in a tropical great lake: Lake Tanganyika
Authors: Verburg Piet , Antenucci Jason P.
Published: June 2010

Energy fluxes across the surface of lakes regulate heat storage and affect the water balance. Sensible and latent heat fluxes are affected by atmospheric stability, especially for large lakes. We examined the effect of atmospheric stability on the heat fluxes on seasonal time scales at Lake Tanganyika, East Africa, by estimating hourly sensible and latent heat fluxes and net radiation using thermistor chains and meteorological stations. The atmosphere was almost always unstable, in contrast to the atmosphere above North American Great Lakes which is unstable in winter and stable in summer. Persistent atmospheric instability resulted in a 13% and 18% increase in the annual mean heat loss by latent and sensible heat fluxes, respectively, relative to conditions of neutral stability. The persistent unstable atmosphere is caused by a higher water surface temperature compared with air temperature, which we argue is the case in general in (sub)tropical lakes. Low humidity further enhanced the frequency of unstable conditions and enhanced the exchange of heat and vapor from the lake to the atmosphere. The estimated heat fluxes were sensitive to the temporal scale of data inputs and to the local values of parameters such as air density. To our knowledge this is the first paper that demonstrates and quantifies the effect of atmospheric stability on latent and sensible heat fluxes from a lake on an annual basis, using data collected from the lake surface.
Melt‐induced seismic anisotropy and magma assisted rifting in Ethiopia: Evidence from surface waves
Authors: Bastow I. D. , Pilidou S. , Kendall J.‐M. , Stuart G. W.
Published: June 2010

The East African rift in Ethiopia is unique worldwide because it captures the final stages of transition from continental rifting to seafloor spreading. A recent study there has shown that magma intrusion plays an important role during the final stages of continental breakup, but the mechanism by which it is incorporated into the extending plate remains ambiguous: wide‐angle seismic data and complementary geophysical tools such as gravity analysis are not strongly sensitive to the geometry of subsurface melt intrusions. Studies of shear wave splitting in near‐vertical SKS phases beneath the transitional Main Ethiopian Rift (MER) provide strong and consistent evidence for a rift‐parallel fast anisotropic direction. However, it is difficult to discriminate between oriented melt pocket (OMP) and lattice preferred orientation (LPO) causes of anisotropy based on SKS study alone. The speeds of horizontally propagating Love (SH) and Rayleigh (SV) waves vary in similar fashions with azimuth for LPO‐ and OMP‐induced anisotropy, but their relative change is distinctive for each mechanism. This diagnostic is exploited by studying the propagation of surface waves from a suite of azimuths across the MER. Anisotropy is roughly perpendicular to the absolute plate motion direction, thus ruling out anisotropy due to the slowly moving African Plate. Instead, three mechanisms for anisotropy act beneath the MER: periodic thin layering of seismically fast and slow material in the uppermost ∼10 km, OMP between ∼20–75 km depth, and olivine LPO in the upper mantle beneath. The results are explained best by a model in which low aspect ratio melt inclusions (dykes and veins) are being intruded into an extending plate during late stage breakup. The observations from Ethiopia join a growing body of evidence from rifts and passive margins worldwide that shows magma intrusion plays an important role in accommodating extension without marked crustal thinning.
High‐resolution rock magnetic cyclostratigraphy in an Eocene flysch, Spanish Pyrenees
Authors: Kodama K. P. , Anastasio D. J. , Newton M. L. , Pares J. M. , Hinnov L. A.
Published: June 2010

A rock magnetic cyclostratigraphy, based on anhysteretic remanent magnetization (ARM) intensity variations, was developed for the Eocene Arguis Formation in the Spanish Pyrenees. The Arguis Formation was sampled for ARM cyclostratigraphy, rock magnetic, and paleomagnetic analyses. Rock magnetic measurements indicate that the dominant magnetic mineral controlling the ARM cyclostratigraphy is depositional magnetite. Using thermal demagnetization, a detailed magnetostratigraphy was developed for the Arguis to provide an absolute time framework for the ARM cyclostratigraphy. The magnetostratigraphy is carried by a combination of depositional magnetite and secondary iron sulfides. Spectral analysis of the magnetostratigraphically scaled ARM time series reveals the presence of significant Milankovitch frequencies including eccentricity, obliquity, and precession. The ARM time series was tuned to the orbital eccentricity model for the Eocene. Coherency analysis indicates that the eccentricity‐tuned ARM is in phase with October–November insolation for this site's paleolatitude. Varying amounts of terrigenous input delivered by a fluvial source at orbital time scales, during the rainy season, and diluted by a relatively constant input of marine carbonate is the most likely explanation for the cyclicity of the ARM record. The absolute age resolution of the ARM chronostratigraphy is 1% or less based on an age offset with the reference chronology that was used for the Eocene. The offset in age between the two chronologies may be due, in part, to the uncertainty in the chron ages for this part of the Eocene. The relative age resolution within the ARM chronostratigraphy is much better.
A tempered multiscaling stable model to simulate transport in regional‐scale fractured media
Authors: Zhang Yong , Baeumer Boris , Reeves Donald M.
Published: June 2010

Accurate and efficient simulation of contaminant transport in fractured rock is practically important, yet current approaches suffer from numerical constraints that limit the full inclusion of fracture network properties at the regional scale. We propose a multidimensional transport model, nonlocal in space and time, which describes complex transport behavior in fractured media at regional scales, without introducing the computational burden of explicitly incorporating individual rock fractures. The model utilizes a direction‐dependent tempered stable process to describe the transition of multiscaling anomalous diffusion to asymptotic diffusion limits. Applications show that the model can capture efficiently the transient superdiffusion found in two‐dimensional synthetic fracture networks, and suggest that the truncation of leading plume edges is related to fracture network properties.
Center‐Size as a Predictor of Weight‐Loss Outcome in Multicenter Trials Including a Low‐Calorie Diet
Authors: Gasteyger Christoph , Christensen Robin , Larsen Thomas M. , Vercruysse Frank , Toubro Soren , Astrup Arne
Published: June 2010

It has not been studied yet whether factors such as the number of subjects recruited by specialized centers for multicenter trials may influence weight loss during a low‐calorie diet (LCD). This study aimed at determining whether the number of recruited subjects per center might predict relative weight loss. This is a post hoc analysis of an existing database: 701 obese subjects (77% women, 23% men, mean BMI: 38.9 kg/m2) were enrolled at 22 sites (4–85 subjects/site) in five countries to follow a LCD providing 800–1,000 kcal/day during 8 weeks. The main outcome measure was the percentage weight loss after the 8‐week LCD. Mean weight loss differed significantly between participating centers (5.8–11.8% of the initial weight; P < 0.001). There was a significant positive correlation between relative weight loss and the number of recruited subjects per center (r = 0.38; P < 0.001). In a multiple stepwise regression analysis, the number of recruited subjects per center appeared to be the main predictive factor of weight loss (R2 = 0.07; P < 0.001). As the number of participants within each center is clustered, we applied a hierarchical model to model the average weight loss vs. the number of participants included at each center. This model allows to predict that for 10 extra patients in a center, the average weight loss would increase by 0.5%. This is the first study suggesting that the number of recruited subjects per center may impact weight loss, and could therefore be considered as a new predictor for weight loss that is independent from the individual.
Expression of CYP19 and CYP17 Is Associated With Leg Length, Weight, and BMI
Authors: Yousefi Mitra , Karmaus Wilfried , Mudd Lanay M. , Landgraf Jeffrey R. , Mikucki Dorota , Haan Pamela S. , Zhang Jessica , Osuch Janet R.
Published: June 2010

This study investigates associations between gene expressions of aromatase (CYP19), 17α hydroxylase (CYP17), and estrogen receptors α and β and anthropometric measurements in offspring of the Michigan fish eater cohort. Leg and trunk length, height, weight, and BMI and gene expression in peripheral blood cells were measured in offspring of the Michigan fish eater cohort. The parental generation was followed between 1973 and 1991, and maternal age, height, and weight data were collected. Female offspring were contacted in 2001/2002 and followed up in 2006/2007; offspring information included age, education, reproductive history, smoking, and exercise. Gene expression was standardized against 18S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (18SrRNA) and RNA polymerase II (RNA PolII) expressions. Mixed models assessed the statistical effect of gene expression on anthropometric outcomes, accounting for multiple offspring from one mother. Anthropometric measurements and gene expression were measured in 139 female offspring. The two length and the height measurements were correlated, as were BMI and weight. CYP19 expression was correlated with the other gene expressions and both estrogen receptor expressions were associated. For every 1 unit of ΔCt (18SrRNA ‐ CYP19) or ΔCt (RNA PolII ‐ CYP19), BMI was increased by 0.9 (P = 0.03) and 0.87 kg/m2 (P = 0.04), respectively, and weight by 2.35 kg (P = 0.03) and 2.1 kg (P = 0.03), respectively. For every 1 unit of ΔCt (18SrRNA ‐ CYP17), leg length was increased by 0.84 cm (P = 0.04). The results suggest that CYP17 gene expression may influence growth during childhood and adolescence while CYP19 may be associated with the concurrent measures of weight and BMI.
Meal Fat Storage in Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue: Comparison of Pioglitazone and Glipizide Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Basu Ananda , Basu Rita , Pattan Vishwanath , Rizza Robert A. , Jensen Michael D.
Published: June 2010

Treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) with pioglitazone changes abdominal fat in the opposite direction as treatment with glipizide. To determine whether these two medications affect adipose tissue meal fatty acid storage differently we studied 19 T2DM treated with either pioglitazone (n = 8) or glipizide (n = 11) and 11 non‐DM control subjects matched for age, BMI, abdominal and leg fat. A breakfast mixed meal containing [1‐14C]triolein was given and abdominal and femoral subcutaneous (sc) adipose tissue biopsies were collected 6 and 24 h later to measure meal fatty acid storage. The portion of meal fatty acids stored in upper body sc and lower body sc adipose tissue did not differ between non‐DM and T2DM subjects either at 6 or 24 h. Likewise, meal fatty acid storage did not differ between the T2DM participants treated with pioglitazone or glipizide. We conclude that meal fatty acid storage in upper body and lower body sc adipose tissue is not abnormal in T2DM patients treated with pioglitazone or glipizide.
Diet‐Dependent Genetic and Genomic Imprinting Effects on Obesity in Mice
Authors: Cheverud James M. , Lawson Heather A. , Fawcett Gloria L. , Wang Bing , Pletscher L. Susan , Fox Ashley R. , Maxwell Taylor J. , Ehrich Thomas H. , Kenney‐Hunt Jane P. , Wolf Jason B. , Semenkovich Clay F.
Published: June 2010

Although the current obesity epidemic is of environmental origin, there is substantial genetic variation in individual response to an obesogenic environment. In this study, we perform a genome‐wide scan for quantitative trait loci (QTLs) affecting obesity per se, or an obese response to a high‐fat diet in mice from the LG/J by SM/J Advanced Intercross (AI) Line (Wustl:LG, SM‐G16). A total of 1,002 animals from 78 F16 full sibships were weaned at 3 weeks of age and half of each litter placed on high‐ and low‐fat diets. Animals remained on the diet until 20 weeks of age when they were necropsied and the weights of the reproductive, kidney, mesenteric, and inguinal fat depots were recorded. Effects on these phenotypes, along with total fat depot weight and carcass weight at necropsy, were mapped across the genome using 1,402 autosomal single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. Haplotypes were reconstructed and additive, dominance, and imprinting genotype scores were derived every 1 cM along the F16 map. Analysis was performed using a mixed model with additive, dominance, and imprinting genotype scores, their interactions with sex, diet, and with sex‐by‐diet as fixed effects and with family and its interaction with sex, diet, and sex‐by‐diet as random effects. We discovered 95 trait‐specific QTLs mapping to 40 locations. Most QTLs had additive effects with dominance and imprinting effects occurring at two‐thirds of the loci. Nearly every locus interacted with sex and/or diet in important ways demonstrating that gene effects are primarily context dependent, changing depending on sex and/or diet.
Nuclear-based Metallomics in Metal-based Drugs
Authors: Ge Ruiguang , Chu Ivan K. , Sun Hongzhe
Published: June 2010

This chapter will deal with the application of advanced nuclear analytical techniques in the metallodrug research, with a focus on the metabolism and metallodrug-biomolecule interactions for the most commonly studied platinum(II)- and ruthenium(III)-containing anticancer drugs.
Oestrogen receptors are involved in the osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells
Authors: Pan Feng , Zhang Rui , Wang Guang , Ding Yin
Published: June 2010

The existence of PDLSCs [PDL (periodontal ligament) stem cells] in PDL has been identified and such cells may function in periodontal reconstruction, including bone formation. Oestrogens/ERs (oestrogen receptors; ERα and ERβ) exert important effects in bone formation, however, the relationship between ERs and PDLSCs has not been established. In the present study, PDLSCs were isolated and assays for detecting stem-cell biomarkers and multipotential differentiation potential confirmed the validity of human PDLSCs. The results of RT–PCR (reverse transcription–PCR) and Western blotting showed that ERα and ERβ were expressed at higher levels in PDLSCs as compared with PDLCs (PDL cells), and 17β-oestradiol obviously induced the osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs in vitro. Furthermore, a pan-ER inhibitor or lentivirus-mediated siRNA (small interfering RNA) targeting ERα or ERβ blocked the oestrogen-induced osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs. The results indicate that both ERα and ERβ were involved in the process of osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs.
Chronic Subjective Dizziness Versus Conversion Disorder: Discussion of Clinical Findings and Rehabilitation
Authors: Honaker Julie A. , Gilbert Jane M. , Staab Jeffrey P.
Published: June 2010

Purpose

Audiologists frequently encounter patients who complain of chronic dizziness or imbalance, in the absence of active vestibular or neurological deficits. Knowledge about conditions that cause this clinical presentation will allow audiologists to make important contributions to accurate diagnosis and effective management of these patients. This article reviews 2 such conditions, chronic subjective dizziness (CSD) and conversion disorder.

Method

A case of CSD and another of conversion disorder are presented, with a literature review of their clinical presentations, key diagnostic features, and treatment strategies. The role of the audiologist in assessing patients with these conditions and facilitating appropriate treatment referrals is discussed.

Conclusions

The audiologist is in a key position to identify individuals with CSD and conversion disorder, 2 conditions that can be effectively managed if properly recognized. The authors demonstrate an effective team approach program that includes the audiologist’s contribution to differential diagnosis, education of patients and other clinicians about these conditions, and development of recommendations for neurological, psychiatric, otologic, and physical therapy referrals.
Lexical and Affective Prosody in Children With High-Functioning Autism
Authors: Grossman Ruth B. , Bemis Rhyannon H. , Plesa Skwerer Daniela , Tager-Flusberg Helen
Published: June 2010

Purpose

To investigate the perception and production of lexical stress and processing of affective prosody in adolescents with high-functioning autism (HFA). We hypothesized preserved processing of lexical and affective prosody but atypical lexical prosody production.

Method

Sixteen children with HFA and 15 typically developing (TD) peers participated in 3 experiments that examined the following: (a) perception of affective prosody (Experiment 1), (b) lexical stress perception (Experiment 2), and (c) lexical stress production (Experiment 3). In Experiment 1, participants labeled sad, happy, and neutral spoken sentences that were low-pass filtered, to eliminate verbal content. In Experiment 2, participants disambiguated word meanings based on lexical stress (
HOTdog
vs.
hot DOG
). In Experiment 3, participants produced these words in a sentence completion task. Productions were analyzed with acoustic measures.

Results

Accuracy levels showed no group differences. Participants with HFA could determine affect from filtered sentences and disambiguate words on the basis of lexical stress. They produced appropriately differentiated lexical stress patterns but demonstrated atypically long productions, indicating reduced ability in natural prosody production.

Conclusions

Children with HFA were as capable as their TD peers in receptive tasks of lexical stress and affective prosody. Prosody productions were atypically long, despite accurate differentiation of lexical stress patterns. Future research should use larger samples and spontaneous versus elicited productions.