bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New indole‐containing luminophores: convenient synthesis and aggregation‐induced emission enhancement
Authors: Li Qianqian , Yu Shanshan , Li Zhen , Qin Jingui
Published: November 2008

A series of new indole‐based luminophores (IIa–d) were conveniently synthesized through Ullmann reactions. They were well characterized by spectroscopic analyses and exhibited aggregation‐induced emission enhancement (AIEE) properties. By simply changing the aromatic moieties in IIa–d, their maximum emission wavelengths could be well‐tuned from 340 to 400 nm. The obtained experimental results, including the fluorescent behavior and the crystal structure in solid, demonstrated that the AIEE phenomena are caused by the restrictions of the intramolecular indolyl vibrational and rotational motions (around the Carbon–Nitrogen bonds). Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A study of time‐between‐events control chart for the monitoring of regularly maintained systems
Authors: Khoo Michael B. C. , Xie M.
Published: November 2008

Owing to usage, environment and aging, the condition of a system deteriorates over time. Regular maintenance is often conducted to restore its condition and to prevent failures from occurring. In this kind of a situation, the process is considered to be stable, thus statistical process control charts can be used to monitor the process. The monitoring can help in making a decision on whether further maintenance is worthwhile or whether the system has deteriorated to a state where regular maintenance is no longer effective. When modeling a deteriorating system, lifetime distributions with increasing failure rate are more appropriate. However, for a regularly maintained system, the failure time distribution can be approximated by the exponential distribution with an average failure rate that depends on the maintenance interval. In this paper, we adopt a modification for a time‐between‐events control chart, i.e. the exponential chart for monitoring the failure process of a maintained Weibull distributed system. We study the effect of changes on the scale parameter of the Weibull distribution while the shape parameter remains at the same level on the sensitivity of the exponential chart. This paper illustrates an approach of integrating maintenance decision with statistical process monitoring methods. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessment of forceps use in obstetrics during a simulated childbirth
Authors: Moreau R. , Pham M. T. , Brun X. , Redarce T. , Dupuis O.
Published: November 2008

Background

In obstetrics, manipulations are mainly learned during real deliveries. To minimize the risks linked to such training, we propose a childbirth simulator as a teaching tool in hospitals. More specifically, we focus on training with forceps during obstetric manipulation.

Methods

The training method can be divided into two steps: the teaching of forceps placement, and the extraction manipulation. In this paper we focus on the extraction manipulation on the simulator and the analysis of the results, taking into account several parameters and using an evaluation function to obtain a global score.

Results

Experimental results reveal novice difficulty while proceeding to the fetus extraction. These results highlight the fact that novices need a personalized training which can be carried out on the BirthSIM simulator.

Conclusion

Results lead to the conclusion that a simulator training offers benefit to novices by providing them with risk‐free training to acquire initial experience before proceeding to conventional training in the delivery room. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A dual‐observer design for global output feedback stabilization of nonlinear systems with low‐order and high‐order nonlinearities
Authors: Li Ji , Qian Chunjiang , Frye Michael T.
Published: November 2008

This paper employs a dual‐observer design to solve the problem of global output feedback stabilization for a class of nonlinear systems whose nonlinearities are bounded by both low‐order and high‐order terms. We show that the dual‐observer comprised of two individual homogeneous observers, can be implemented together to estimate low‐order and high‐order states in parallel. The proposed dual observer, together with a state feedback controller, which has both low‐order and high‐order terms, will lead to a new result combining and generalizing two recent results (Li J, Qian C.Proceedings of the 2005 IEEE Conference on Decision and Control, 2005; 2652–2657) and (Qian C.Proceedings of the 2005 American Control Conference, June 2005; 4708–4715). Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Observer design for nonlinear systems with Markov chain
Authors: Battilotti Stefano
Published: November 2008

We present a novel observer design for a class of single‐output nonlinear systems with Markov jumps. The Markov jump process interferes with a deterministic nonlinear dynamics at random times and retains its state for a certain amount of time (dwell time). The estimation process is reset at these random times, depending on the reset values of the state process, and then evolves as a deterministic estimate of the state process itself. The novelty is given by the reset mechanism adopted for the estimation process itself, depending on the reset values of the state process. We prove that, as long as the mathematical expectation of the dwell times has a positive lower bound and the transition rate of the jump process at the first exit time out of any point is bounded, the state estimation error of the switching dynamics asymptotically converges to zero with probability one. The state estimate over each dwell time is designed using the novel technique of ‘output immersion’: each single‐output nonlinear dynamics is ‘immersed’ into a system with as many outputs as its states. The immersed dynamics can be split into one‐dimensional dynamics each one with its state and output. By estimating the state of each one‐dimensional dynamics we determine a state estimator for the dynamics before immersion. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pinhole‐free large‐grained atomically smooth Au(111) substrates prepared by flame‐annealed template stripping
Authors: Banner L. Todd , Richter Andrew , Pinkhassik Eugene
Published: November 2008

High‐quality atomically flat substrates are critical for the analysis and imaging of surface‐mounted ultrathin films and nanostructures. Here we report significant improvement in the preparation of large areas of atomically smooth Au(111) substrates. A thin layer of gold on silicon is flame‐annealed in air and then stripped from the template. The substrates were analyzed with X‐ray diffraction and high‐resolution atomic force microscopy (AFM). In contrast to the previously reported template stripped gold (TSG) substrates, flame‐annealed template stripped substrates reveal no detectable pinholes. The substrate surface is atomically smooth with most grains being larger than 1 µm2. The entire procedure requires less than 2 h and uses readily available materials and common laboratory equipment. The resulting substrates can be stored for longer periods of time and then used immediately without need for common cleaning procedures. Evidence is provided that self‐assembled monolayers on these substrates are higher quality than those prepared with previously reported gold substrates. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of Ultrasonic Treatment on the Physicochemical Properties of Maize Starches Differing in Amylose Content
Authors: Luo Zhigang , Fu Xiong , He Xiaowei , Luo Faxing , Gao Qunyu , Yu Shujuan
Published: November 2008

Normal maize, waxy maize and amylomaize V starches were treated at a moisture content of 70% by ultrasonic treatment. The results showed that the surface of normal and waxy maize starches was porous after treatment and a fissure could be clearly observed in the surface of amylomaize V starch. Ultrasonic treatment did not change the X‐ray pattern of the three maize starches. The swelling power (amylomaize V (B‐type) > normal maize > waxy maize (A‐type)) and solubility (amylomaize V > normal maize > waxy maize), the syneresis of amylomaize V starch and the gelatinization transition temperatures of the three starches increased on this treatment. Ultrasonic treatment decreased the syneresis of normal and waxy maize starches, the enthalpy of gelatinization (amylomaize V > waxy maize ≈︂ normal maize) and the gelatinization temperature range (amylomaize V > normal maize ≈︂ waxy maize) of all starches. A drop in viscosity of all three starches was observed and the viscosity patterns of three starches remained unchanged after ultrasonic treatment. The data showed that ultrasonic treatment degraded preferentially the amorphous regions and more easily attacked linear amylose than highly branched amylopectin.
Complexity and simplification in understanding recruitment in benthic populations
Authors: Pineda Jesús , Reyns Nathalie B. , Starczak Victoria R.
Published: November 2008

Research of complex systems and problems, entities with many dependencies, is often reductionist. The reductionist approach splits systems or problems into different components, and then addresses these components one by one. This approach has been used in the study of recruitment and population dynamics of marine benthic (bottom‐dwelling) species. Another approach examines benthic population dynamics by looking at a small set of processes. This approach is statistical or model‐oriented. Simplified approaches identify “macroecological” patterns or attempt to identify and model the essential, “first‐order” elements of the system. The complexity of the recruitment and population dynamics problems stems from the number of processes that can potentially influence benthic populations, including (1) larval pool dynamics, (2) larval transport, (3) settlement, and (4) post‐settlement biotic and abiotic processes, and larval production. Moreover, these processes are non‐linear, some interact, and they may operate on disparate scales. This contribution discusses reductionist and simplified approaches to study benthic recruitment and population dynamics of bottom‐dwelling marine invertebrates. We first address complexity in two processes known to influence recruitment, larval transport, and post‐settlement survival to reproduction, and discuss the difficulty in understanding recruitment by looking at relevant processes individually and in isolation. We then address the simplified approach, which reduces the number of processes and makes the problem manageable. We discuss how simplifications and “broad‐brush first‐order approaches” may muddle our understanding of recruitment. Lack of empirical determination of the fundamental processes often results in mistaken inferences, and processes and parameters used in some models can bias our view of processes influencing recruitment. We conclude with a discussion on how to reconcile complex and simplified approaches. Although it appears impossible to achieve a full mechanistic understanding of recruitment by studying all components of the problem in isolation, we suggest that knowledge of these components is essential for simplifying and understanding the system beyond probabilistic description and modeling.
Comparison of the effects of intrapericardial and intravenous aldosterone infusions on left ventricular fibrosis in rats
Authors: Minnaard‐Huiban Monica , Hermans J.J. Rob , van Essen Helma , Bitsch Nicole , Smits Jos F.M.
Published: November 2008

Background:

Aldosterone plays a detrimental role in the pathology of chronic heart failure. An important mechanism resides in its ability to evoke extensive fibrosis in the heart. However, the locations of the aldosterone interaction sites responsible for triggering cardiac fibrosis are puzzling. Extra‐cardiac aldosterone actions are known to contribute to cardiac fibrosis but whether local cardiac aldosterone actions are involved is unclear.

Aims:

This study aimed to investigate whether local aldosterone actions contribute to cardiac fibrosis in vivo.

Methods:

Saline treated male Wistar rats were intravenously (systemically) or intrapericardially (locally) infused for 8 weeks with 75 or 750 ng/h aldosterone to monitor end point left ventricular epicardial collagen levels (histology).

Results:

Perivascular fibrosis was observed only at high dose aldosterone infusions and was not different for the administration routes. Regarding interstitial fibrosis however, clear differences between the administration routes were seen. Intrapericardial aldosterone infusions increased interstitial collagen levels 1.72× (P<0.05) at low dose, but –surprisingly– had no significant effect at high dose. In contrast, intravenous aldosterone had no significant effect at low dose but increased interstitial collagen 1.72× (P<0.05) at high dose.

Conclusion:

Our data suggest that local cardiac aldosterone actions contribute to the development of left ventricular interstitial fibrosis.
The Gender Gap in Latin America: Contextual and Individual Influences
on Gender and Political Participation
Authors: Desposato Scott , Norrander Barbara
Published: November 2008

While a substantial literature explores gender differences in participation in
the United States, Commonwealth countries and Western Europe, little attention
has been given to gender’s impact on participation in the developing
world. These countries have diverse experiences with gender politics: some have
been leaders in suffrage reforms and equal rights, while, in others, divorce has
only recently been legalized. This article examines the relationship between
gender and participation in seventeen Latin American countries. Many core
results from research in the developed world hold in Latin America as well.
Surprisingly, however, there is no evidence that economic development provides
an impetus for more equal levels of participation. Instead, the most important
contextual factors are civil liberties and women’s presence among the
visible political elite.
Analysing soil and canopy factors affecting optimum nitrogen fertilization rates of oilseed rape (Brassica napus)
Authors: HENKE J. , SIELING K. , SAUERMANN W. , KAGE H.
Published: November 2008

Implementation of the EU Nitrate Directive in Germany will result in nitrogen (N) balance surpluses being restricted to 60 kg N/ha averaged over 3 years, starting in 2009. With N surpluses of more than 100 kg N/ha, winter oilseed rape (OSR) is a main contributor to N balance surpluses in OSR-based crop rotations in northern Germany. The exact calculation of N fertilization rates therefore becomes increasingly important in order to meet the target of less than 60 kg N/ha N balance average surplus over 3 years at a farm level. Currently, soil mineral nitrogen (SMN) at the beginning of spring growth is commonly used as an indicator for calculation of N fertilization rates in spring. However, amounts of SMN at the beginning of spring growth under OSR are usually low and canopy N is only taken into account to a very limited extent. This might lead to N fertilization rates exceeding the optimum N fertilization rate (Nopt). In the present study, the effects of SMN in spring and of canopy N in autumn and spring on Nopt were investigated. Multi-site field trials producing different crop canopies, as a result of two sowing dates and two autumn N fertilization levels, with five spring N fertilization levels (0–280 kg N/ha) were carried out in 2005/06 and 2006/07.

Nopt in spring was estimated by quadratic response functions using the combine-harvested seed yield data from the spring N fertilization treatments. Regression analyses revealed no relationship between Nopt and SMN at the beginning of spring growth or canopy N at the beginning of spring growth. In contrast, a significant negative correlation between Nopt and canopy N at the end of autumn growth was found. Based on the results of the present study, it is sensible to take autumn canopy N into account when calculating N fertilization rates in spring. If canopy N in autumn is high (>50 kg N/ha), as a consequence, N fertilization rates should be reduced.
Experimental evidence for a new transmission route in a parasitic mite and its mucus-dependent orientation towards the host snail
Authors: SCHÜPBACH H. U. , BAUR B.
Published: November 2008

The route of transmission and host finding behaviour are fundamental components of a parasite's fitness.Riccardoella limacum, a haematophagous mite, lives in the mantle cavity of helicid land snails. To date it has been assumed that this parasitic mite is transmitted during courtship and mating of the host. Here we present experimental evidence for a new transmission route in the host snailArianta arbustorum. Parasite-free snails were kept on soil on which previously infected host snails had been maintained for 6 weeks.R. limacumwas successfully transmitted via soil without physical contact among hosts in 10 out of 22 (45·5%) cases. In a series of experiments we also examined the off-host locomotion ofR. limacumon snail mucus and control substrates using an automated camera system. Parasitic mites showed a preference to move on fresh mucus. Our results support the hypothesis thatR. limacumuses mucus trails to locate new hosts. These findings should be considered in commercial snail farming and when examining the epidemiology of wild populations.
The role of metacognitive beliefs in determining the impact of anomalous experiences: a comparison of help-seeking and non-help-seeking groups of people experiencing psychotic-like anomalies
Authors: Brett C. M. C. , Johns L. C. , Peters E. P. , McGuire P. K.
Published: November 2008

Background

Current psychological models of psychotic symptoms suggest that metacognitive beliefs impact on an individual's appraisal of anomalous experiences, and thereby influence whether these lead to distress and become clinical symptoms. This study examined the relationship between maladaptive metacognitive beliefs, anomalous experiences, anomaly-related distress, anxiety and depression and diagnostic status.

Method

The Metacognitions Questionnaire (MCQ), Symptom Checklist 90 – Revised, and Appraisals of Anomalous Experiences interview were administered to 27 people diagnosed with a psychotic disorder, 32 people meeting At Risk Mental State (ARMS) criteria, 24 people with psychotic-like experiences but no need for care, and 32 healthy volunteers.

Results

The two clinical groups scored higher than non-patient controls and individuals experiencing psychotic-like anomalies with no need for care on most subscales of the MCQ, particularly the ‘general negative beliefs about thoughts’ (NEG) subscale. However, most group differences became non-significant when anxiety and depression were controlled for. Few relationships were found between the MCQ subscales and psychotic-like anomalies and anomaly-related distress. Cognitive/attentional difficulty was the only type of anomaly to be significantly associated with maladaptive metacognitive beliefs. Anomaly-related distress was associated with only the NEG subscale of the MCQ.

Conclusions

Maladaptive metacognitive beliefs, as measured by the MCQ, appear to be related more to elevated levels of general psychopathology in psychotic and at-risk groups than to the presence of, and distress associated with, psychotic experiences. Processes by which metacognitions may impact upon the need for care are discussed.
CENTRE AND PERIPHERY IN THE EUROPEAN BOOK WORLD
Authors: Pettegree Andrew
Published: November 2008

The rapid spread of print in the fifteenth century masks considerable difficulties that faced the industry in adapting to the new disciplines of mass production. Many early print shops were short-lived. Within two generations production of printed books was concentrated in a comparatively small number of major centres of production. This paper explores the implications of these developments for our understanding of the ‘print revolution’. It considers in particular the contrasting fortunes of three major markets: France, one of the largest centres of production; the Netherlands, a major hub of international trade; and England, which lay towards the periphery of the European book world.
A TALE OF TWO EPISCOPAL SURVEYS: THE STRANGE FATES OF EDMUND GRINDAL AND CUTHBERT MAYNE REVISITED
Authors: Lake Peter
Published: November 2008

This article seeks to relate the course of Edmund Grindal's disgrace to the formulation and enforcement of policy against catholics. It argues that the two were integrally related and that the nature of that interrelationship can be seen as a function of certain manoeuvres and debates about a range of issues involving the queen and her councillors and bishops and indeed members of the wider regime. The resulting exchanges were conducted in terms of the nature and relative significance of the popish and puritan threats. The aim here is to reveal the dynamics of the resulting mode of ideological politics and to show how very serious differences of approach, priority and world view could be both canvassed and contained within the consensual mechanisms and assumptions of the Elizabethan regime. Through a close analysis of one political moment the paper also hopes to demonstrate the extent to which a series of conventionally separately told stories – about ecclesiastical affairs, about foreign policy, about puritans and about catholics, about both court and local politics – need to be seen as parts of a unitary political narrative or process, the nature of which this paper is an attempt to reveal.
WRITING WAR: AUTOBIOGRAPHY, MODERNITY AND WARTIME NARRATIVE IN NATIONALIST CHINA, 1937–1946
Authors: Mitter Rana
Published: November 2008

The Sino-Japanese War of 1937–45 was perhaps the single most destructive event in twentieth-century Chinese history. However, there has been relatively little attention paid to how war was experienced in the Nationalist-controlled area (‘Free China’) under Chiang Kaishek. Two autobiographical texts are examined here, one a sequence of reportage from the early war years by the journalist Du Zhongyuan, and one abiji(notebook) written immediately after the war's end by the social scientist Xu Wancheng. By choosing particular modern or anti-modern genres and styles to write in, the authors expressed a wider sentiment about the war's ambiguous role in modernising China. Du's work hopes to create modernity from destruction; Xu's suggests that modern warfare has created chaos.
Heteroclinic connections for multiple-well potentials: the anisotropic case
Authors: Stefanopoulos Vangelis
Published: November 2008

We investigate the existence of solutions to systems of N differential equations representing connections between minima of potentials with several equal depths in ℝn. Using variational techniques and in particular a method introduced by Alikakos and Fusco we first prove such existence for N ≥ 2 and two minima. Dealing next with symmetric potentials corresponding to bulk free energies in crystals, we establish existence for N ≥ 2 in various cases of more than two minima. Finally, we obtain a sufficient condition establishing existence of connections to potentials which are not necessarily symmetric for arbitrary N and three minima.
The symmetric cross-cap number of the groups Cm × Dn
Authors: Gordejuela J. J. Etayo , Martínez E.
Published: November 2008

Every finite group G acts as an automorphism group of some non-orientable Klein surfaces without boundary. The minimal genus of these surfaces is called the symmetric cross-cap number and denoted by $\tilde{\sigma}(G)$. This number is related to other parameters defined on surfaces as the symmetric genus and the strong symmetric genus.

The systematic study of the symmetric cross-cap number was begun by C. L. May, who also calculated it for certain finite groups. Here we obtain the symmetric cross-cap number for the groups Cm × Dn. As an application of this result, we obtain arithmetic sequences of integers which are the symmetric cross-cap number of some group. Finally, we recall the several different genera of the groups Cm × Dn.
The pronominal psychological demonstrative in Scandinavian: Its syntax, semantics and pragmatics
Authors: Johannessen Janne Bondi
Published: November 2008

The paper describes and discusses a demonstrative that has received little attention in the literature. The demonstrative can be found in many of the Scandinavian languages and dialects, and seems to be most frequent and widespread in the mainland Scandinavian languages. It has the same phonological form as third-person singular pronouns, and can be used only with nouns and have human (or human-like) specific reference. From a deictic perspective, the demonstrative is interesting because its conditions of use are linked to what I call psychological distance. Syntactically, it is also interesting because it has different characteristics in the different languages; in Norwegian and Icelandic it can be argued to be part of the DP, while the empirical facts of Swedish and Danish suggest that the psychologically distal demonstrative is DP-external in these languages.
Variation and opacity in Singapore English consonant clusters
Authors: Anttila Arto , Fong Vivienne , Beňuš Štefan , Nycz Jennifer
Published: November 2008

Singapore English consonant clusters undergo phonological processes that exhibit variation and opacity. Quantitative evidence shows that these patterns are genuine and systematic. Two main conclusions emerge. First, a small set of phonological constraints yields a typological structure (T-order) that captures the quantitative patterns, independently of specific assumptions about how the grammar represents variation. Second, the evidence is consistent with the hypothesis that phonological opacity has only one source: the interleaving of phonology and morphology.
The evolution of auditory dispersion in bidirectional constraint grammars
Authors: Boersma Paul , Hamann Silke
Published: November 2008

This paper reconciles the standpoint that language users do not aim at improving their sound systems with the observation that languages seem to improve their sound systems. If learners optimise their perception by gradually ranking their cue constraints, and reuse the resulting ranking in production, they automatically introduce aprototype effect, which can be counteracted by anarticulatory effect. If the two effects are of unequal size, the learner will end up with a sound system auditorily different from that of her language environment. Computer simulations of sibilant inventories show that, independently of the initial auditory sound system, a stable equilibrium is reached within a small number of generations. In this stable state, the dispersion of the sibilants of the language strikes an optimal balance between articulatory ease and auditory contrast. Crucially, these results are derived within a model without any goal-oriented elements such as dispersion constraints.
Geographic intraspecific variation in buoyancy within Antarctic notothenioid fishes
Authors: Near Thomas J. , Jones Christopher D. , Eastman Joseph T.
Published: November 2008

We investigated intraspecific geographic variation in buoyancy by obtaining percentage buoyancy (%B) measurements for the Antarctic notothenioid speciesPleuragramma antarcticum,Trematomus hansoni,T. bernacchiiandGymnodraco acuticepsfrom both McMurdo Sound in East Antarctica and the South Shetland Islands in West Antarctica. Mean percentage buoyancies in these species ranged from 0.22–0.52% in the neutrally buoyantP. antarcticumto 3.34–3.67% in the benthicT. bernacchii. Dispersion (1 standard deviation) of percentage buoyancy (%B) values around the mean was ± 0.2–0.5 %B units for the entire sample. Although intraspecific differences in mean percentage buoyancy were statistically significant (P < 0.05) inP. antarcticumandT. hansoni, we consider these differences as normal variation without substantive biological significance. The dispersion in buoyancy measurements during adult life reflects the density of the fish and this may be influenced, in both the short- and long-term, by gut contents, nutritional condition, and reproductive state. Mitigation of the effects of these variables is not biologically realistic because they constitute normal aspects of the daily and yearly life cycles. The results of our measurements of buoyancy are consistent with what is known about the ecology of these four species and this is considered in the discussion.
The association of Raynaud’s phenomenon/syndrome with scleroderma and Sjögren’s syndrome – a meta-analysis
Authors: Schlattmann  , Höhne  , Plümper  , Heidrich
Published: November 2008

Background: In order to analyze the prevalence of Raynaud’s syndrome in diseases such as scleroderma and Sjögren’s syndrom – a meta-analysis of published data was performed. Methods: The PubMed data base of the National Library of Medicine was used for studies dealing with Raynaud’s syndrome and scleroderma or Raynaud’s syndroem and Sjögren’s syndrom respectively. The studies found provided data sufficient to estimate the prevalence of Raynaud’s syndrome. The statistical analysis was based on methods for a fixed effects meta-analysis and finite mixture model for proportions. Results: For scleroderma a pooled prevalence of 80.9% and 95% CI (0.78, 0.83) was obtained. A mixture model analysis found four latent classes. We identified a class with a very low prevalence of 11%, weighted with 0.15. On the other hand there is a class with a very high prevalence of 96%. Analysing the association with Sjögren’s syndrome, the pooled analysis leads to a prevalence of Raynaud’s syndrome of 32%, 95% CI(26.7%, 37.7%). A mixture model finds a solution with two latent classes. Here, 38% of the studies show a prevalence of 18.8% whereas 62% observe a prevalence of 38.3%. Conclusion: There is strong variability of studies reporting the prevalence of Raynaud’s syndrome in patients suffering from scleroderma or Sjögren’s syndrome. The available data are insufficient to perform a proper quantitative analysis of the association of Raynaud’s phenomenon with scleroderma or Sjögren’s syndrome. Properly planned and reported epidemiological studies are needed in order to perform a thorough quantitative analysis of risk factors for Raynaud’s syndrome.
Stresses that drive the plates from below: Definitions, computational path, model optimization, and error analysis
Authors: Bird Peter , Liu Zhen , Rucker William Kurt
Published: November 2008

We divide the torques on each surface plate into three parts: lithostatic pressure, side strength, and basal strength. We compute each part for each of 52 plates using a thin shell finite element model of the lithosphere with topography, variable heat flow, variable crust and lithosphere thicknesses from seismic data, transient geotherms, nonlinear rheology, and weak faults. We present an iterative method of adjusting boundary conditions that results in correct plate velocities without the need for models of deep mantle flow. Uncertainty remains because side strength torques, and therefore inferred basal strength torques, depend on the effective friction of faults. Therefore, we compute a two‐parameter suite of models with differing trench resistance and differing fault friction, and we evaluate their misfits relative to seafloor spreading rates, geodetic velocities, intraplate stress directions, and azimuths of seismic anisotropy. The minimum misfit occurs at effective fault friction of 0.1 and trench resistance of 2 × 1012 N m−1. In this preferred model, computed values of mean basal strength traction systematically increase for smaller plates. We analyze error sources and find that the largest source is unmodeled variation in effective friction of plate boundary faults. Discounting highly uncertain results, we find mean basal shear tractions of no more than 1 MPa for the six largest slabless plates: Africa 0.2 MPa; Antarctica 0.1 MPa; North America 0.6 MPa; Eurasia 1.0 MPa; South America 1.0 MPa; Somalia 0.9 MPa. The directions of basal shear traction on these plates are generally forward, meaning subparallel to absolute velocity. Basal strength torques on plates with subducting slabs represent the sum of net slab pull and distributed basal shear traction; if these torques are attributed to net slab pull alone, net slab pull is generally toward the trench and of order 5 × 1012 N m−1. Thus, present plate motions on Earth appear to be driven primarily by deep mantle convection rather than by topography and associated lithostatic pressures.
Formation of clay minerals and exhumation of lower‐crustal rocks at Atlantis Massif, Mid‐Atlantic Ridge
Authors: Nozaka Toshio , Fryer Patricia , Andreani Muriel
Published: November 2008

Low‐temperature alteration products in gabbros from the ocean floor have significant implications for incipient processes of seawater‐rock interaction and exhumation tectonics of the lower‐crustal rocks. In this paper we report mode of occurrence and mineralogical characteristics of clay minerals in gabbroic rocks recovered from Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP) Hole U1309D at an oceanic core complex, Atlantis Massif, Mid‐Atlantic Ridge at 30°N. The clay minerals were identified by optical microscope, electron microprobe, Raman spectrometer, and transmission electron microscope as mainly composed of mixed‐layer saponite‐talc, saponite, and vermiculite. They are characteristically rich in iron that is significantly oxidized and distributed into the tetrahedral site, suggesting a relatively high‐temperature condition for oxidation. They are restricted to domains near the contacts between olivine and talc or form pseudomorphs after olivine near microcracks filled with zeolite or clay minerals. These facts suggest the infiltration of oxidative seawater and reactions to variable fluid/rock ratios at variable temperatures. Close association of vermiculite with microcracks radiated from serpentinized olivine suggests that the deep infiltration of seawater at an off‐axis region was caused by fracturing resulting from serpentinization and enhanced by relatively abundant olivine‐rich lithology at Atlantis Massif. Compared with gabbroic rocks of an oceanic core complex at ultraslow‐spreading ridge (ODP Hole 735B), those of Atlantis Massif substantially lack mixed‐layer smectite‐chlorite. Mixed‐layer smectite‐chlorite is a product of prehnite‐actinolite to greenschist facies alteration and looks to preserve a record of ambient thermal structure through which the massif passed on rising to a shallow level. The absence of pervasive formation of mixed‐layer smectite‐chlorite under relatively reducing conditions suggests low permeability and/or limited fluid‐rock reactions on the way to shallow levels. From the observation and consideration of the characteristics of clay minerals, sequence and distribution of static alteration related to fracturing, original lithology, and tectonic settings of the oceanic core complexes, we conclude that Atlantis Massif was more rapidly exhumed to the oxidative subseafloor environment than Atlantis Bank. The difference of exhumation rate possibly reflected either the disparity in spreading rate between the whole ridge systems or regional variation of exhumation tectonics between the two oceanic core complexes.
Long‐term variability of the low latitude mesospheric SAO and QBO and their relation with stratospheric QBO
Authors: Ratnam M. Venkat , Kumar G. Kishore , Murthy B. V. Krishna , Patra A. K. , Rao V. V. M. Jagannadha , Rao S. Vijaya Bhaskar , Kumar K. Kishore , Ramkumar Geetha
Published: November 2008

Long term variations of low‐latitude mesospheric semi‐annual oscillation (MSAO) and quasi‐biennial oscillation (MQBO) in the zonal wind are studied using observations available from 1977 to 2006. The MQBO showed large inter‐annual variability in the phase difference between 77.5 km and 72.5 km indicating such variability in eddy viscosity. Association of these oscillations with stratospheric quasi‐biennial oscillation (SQBO) is investigated. In general, the MQBO at 77.5 km is out‐of‐phase with SQBO and this relation fails during strong and long SQBO. The MSAO at 72.5 km and 77.5 km generally shows strong westward phase during strong eastward phase of SQBO. The most striking feature observed in the present study is the strong modulation of the MSAO by MQBO revealing a non‐linear type of interaction with presence of sidebands of the MSAO.
Extreme changes in stable hydrogen isotopes and precipitation characteristics in a landfalling Pacific storm
Authors: Coplen Tyler B. , Neiman Paul J. , White Allen B. , Landwehr Jurate M. , Ralph F. Martin , Dettinger Michael D.
Published: November 2008

With a new automated precipitation collector we measured a remarkable decrease of 51‰ in the hydrogen isotope ratio (δ2H) of precipitation over a 60‐minute period during the landfall of an extratropical cyclone along the California coast on 21 March 2005. The rapid drop in δ2H occurred as precipitation generation transitioned from a shallow to a much deeper cloud layer, in accord with synoptic‐scale ascent and deep “seeder‐feeder” precipitation. Such unexpected δ2H variations can substantially impact widely used isotope‐hydrograph methods. From extreme δ2H values of −26 and −78‰, we calculate precipitation temperatures of 9.7 and −4.2°C using an adiabatic condensation isotope model, in good agreement with temperatures estimated from surface observations and radar data. This model indicates that 60 percent of the moisture was precipitated during ascent as temperature decreased from 15°C at the ocean surface to −4°C above the measurement site.
Quantitative reduction of particulate nitrate to nitric oxide by a molybdenum catalyst: Implications for NOy measurements in the marine boundary layer
Authors: Sadanaga Yasuhiro , Imabayashi Hiroki , Suzue Takahiko , Kimoto Hideshi , Kimoto Takashi , Takenaka Norimichi , Bandow Hiroshi
Published: November 2008

NaNO3 is one of the most important species in total odd nitrogen oxides (NOy), especially with respect to nitrogen supply to the ocean as a nutrient. The reduction efficiencies (RE) of NaNO3 by a molybdenum catalyst were measured in order to investigate the contribution of nitrates to the measurement of NOy. NaNO3 particles with 3‐μm diameter were reduced to NO quantitatively by a molybdenum catalyst. However, RE decreased with particle diameter to 49.3 ± 9.1% (1σ) for NaNO3 particles with 9‐μm diameter. Meanwhile, quantitative reduction was observed for NaNO3/NaCl particles regardless of particle diameter. RE was 92.6 ± 2.8% (1σ) for NaNO3/NaCl particles even as large as 12‐μm diameter. The decrease of RE with particle diameter for NaNO3 is caused by the nitrate concentrations rather than particle diameter. We concluded that aerosols containing NaNO3 can be converted quantitatively by a molybdenum catalyst in the atmosphere. The confirmation of such quantitative reduction is the first‐time.
Chloroform emissions from the Alaskan Arctic tundra
Authors: Rhew Robert C. , Teh Yit Arn , Abel Triffid , Atwood Alyssa , Mazéas Olivier
Published: November 2008

Chloroform (trichloromethane, CHCl3) is the second largest carrier of natural chlorine in the troposphere after methyl chloride, contributing to the reactive chlorine burden in the troposphere and to ozone destruction in the stratosphere. Here we report CHCl3 flux measurements from coastal and interior tundra sites in northern Alaska, showing that the Arctic tundra can contribute substantial amounts of CHCl3 to the atmosphere. Emissions were measured during the 2005 and 2006 growing seasons over a range of vegetation types and hydrologic conditions, from wet sedge coastal to upland tussock tundra. Overall emissions averaged 45 nmol m−2 d−1, but fluxes were highly variable, ranging from <1 up to 260 nmol m−2 d−1, with the highest emissions from moist tundra. Laboratory soil core incubations show that flooded conditions sharply reduce emission rates. A rough extrapolation suggests that the tundra globally could account for 1–2% of the total estimated source of atmospheric CHCl3.
A simple model for describing hydraulic conductivity in unsaturated porous media accounting for film and capillary flow
Authors: Peters A. , Durner W.
Published: November 2008

The commonly used models for characterizing hydraulic conductivity of porous media rely on pore bundle concepts that account for capillary flow only and neglect film flow. Experimental evidence suggests that water flow at medium to low water contents in unsaturated porous media can be significantly underestimated by these capillary bundle models. We present a new model that combines a simple film flow function with the capillary flow model of Mualem. This new model can easily be coupled to any water retention function. Moreover, due to its mathematical simplicity, it can easily and efficiently be implemented in existing codes for the numerical solution of unsaturated flow problems. We investigated a set of soil water retention and conductivity data from the literature that all reached dry conditions and were poorly described by existing capillary bundle models. These data were well described with the new model if the model was coupled with an appropriate retention function. Investigation of conductivity data from the UNsaturated SOil hydraulic DAtabase (UNSODA) database showed that, in 75% of all data sets, the new model achieved the best performance using a modified version of Akaike's information criterion. The numeric simulation of an evaporation scenario using Richards's equation showed that by neglecting film flow, the evaporation rate may be underestimated by more than an order of magnitude.
Roles of Macrophages in Flow-Induced Outward Vascular Remodeling
Authors: Nuki Yoshitsugu , Matsumoto Melissa M , Tsang Eric , Young William L , van Rooijen Nico , Kurihara Chie , Hashimoto Tomoki
Published: November 2008

Sustained hemodynamic stresses, especially sustained high blood flow, result in flow-induced outward vascular remodeling. Mechanisms that link hemodynamic stresses to vascular remodeling are not well understood. Inflammatory cells, known for their release of proteinases, including matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), are emerging as key mediators for various tissue remodeling. Using a flow-augmented common carotid artery model in rats, we tested whether macrophages play critical roles in adaptive outward vascular remodeling in response to an increase in blood flow. Left common carotid artery ligation caused a sustained increase in blood flow with a gradual increase in luminal diameter in the right common carotid artery. Macrophages infiltrated into the vascular wall that peaked 3 days after flow augmentation. The time course of MMP-9 expression coincided with infiltration of macrophages. Macrophage depletion by liposome-encapsulated dichloromethylene diphosphonate significantly reduced flow-induced outward vascular remodeling, as indicated by the smaller luminal diameter of flow-augmented right common carotid artery in the clodronate-treated group compared with the phosphate-buffered saline-treated group ( P<0.05). These data show critical roles of macrophages in flow-induced outward vascular remodeling. Inflammatory cell infiltration and their subsequent release of cytokines may be key processes for flow-induced outward vascular remodeling.
A novel role of the C-terminus of b0,+AT in the ER–Golgi trafficking of the rBAT–b0,+AT heterodimeric amino acid transporter
Authors: Sakamoto Shinichi , Chairoungdua Arthit , Nagamori Shushi , Wiriyasermkul Pattama , Promchan Kanyarat , Tanaka Hidekazu , Kimura Toru , Ueda Takeshi , Fujimura Masaaki , Shigeta Yasuhiro , Naya Yukio , Akakura Koichiro , Ito Haruo , Endou Hitoshi , Ichikawa Tomohiko , Kanai Yoshikatsu
Published: November 2008

The heterodimeric complex composed of rBAT (related to b0,+ amino acid transporter), a single-membrane-spanning glycosylated heavy chain, and b0,+AT, a putative 12-membrane-spanning non-glycosylated light chain, is an amino acid transporter that mediates the activity of system b0,+, a major apical transport system for cystine and dibasic amino acids in renal proximal tubule and small intestine. The C-terminus of b0,+AT has been proposed to play an important role in the functional expression of the heterodimeric transporters. In the present study, to reveal the roles of the C-terminus, we analysed b0,+AT mutants whose C-termini were sequentially deleted or replaced by site-directed mutagenesis in polarized MDCKII (Madin–Darby canine kidney II), non-polarized HEK-293 (human embryonic kidney-293) and HeLa cells. Although the deletion of C-terminus of b0,+AT did not affect the formation of a heterodimer with rBAT, it resulted in the loss of apparent transport function, owing to the failure of the plasma-membrane targeting of rBAT–b0,+AT heterodimeric complex associated with incomplete glycosylation of rBAT. A motif-like sequence Val480-Pro481-Pro482 was identified in the C-terminus of b0,+AT to be responsible for the C-terminus action in promoting the trafficking of rBAT–b0,+AT heterodimeric complex from the ER (endoplasmic reticulum) to Golgi apparatus. This is, to our knowledge, the first demonstration of the active contribution of the C-terminus of a light-chain subunit to the intracellular trafficking of heterodimeric transporters. Because the motif-like sequence Val480-Pro481-Pro482 is well conserved among the C-termini of light-chain subunits, common regulatory mechanisms could be proposed among heterodimeric amino acid transporters.
Coronary vasomotor and blood flow responses to isoflavone-intact soya protein in subjects with coronary heart disease or risk factors for coronary heart disease
Authors: Webb Carolyn M. , Hayward Christopher S. , Mason Mark J. , Ilsley Charles D. , Collins Peter
Published: November 2008

Results in animals suggest favourable coronary vasomotor actions of isoflavones; however, the effects of isoflavones on the human coronary circulation have not been determined. In the present study, we therefore investigated the effects of short-term isoflavone-intact soya protein ingestion on basal coronary arterial tone and stimulated vasoreactivity and blood flow in patients with CHD (coronary heart disease) or risk factors for CHD. Seventy-one subjects were randomized, double-blind, to isoflavone-intact soya protein [active; n=33, aged 58±8 years (mean±S.D.)] or isoflavone-free placebo (n=38, aged 61±8 years) for 5 days prior to coronary angiography. In 25 of these subjects, stimulated coronary blood flow was calculated from flow velocity, measured using intracoronary Doppler and coronary luminal diameter before and after intracoronary adenosine, ACh (acetylcholine) and ISDN (isosorbide dinitrate) infusions. Basal and stimulated coronary artery luminal diameters were measured using quantitative coronary angiography. Serum concentrations of the isoflavones genistein, daidzein and equol were increased by active treatment (P<0.001, P<0.001 and P=0.03 respectively). Basal mean luminal diameter was not significantly different between groups (active compared with placebo: 2.9±0.7 compared with 2.73±0.44 mm, P=0.31). There was no difference in luminal diameter, flow velocity and volume flow responses to adenosine, ACh or ISDN between groups. Active supplement had no effect on basal coronary artery tone or stimulated coronary vasoreactivity or blood flow compared with placebo. Our results suggest that short-term consumption of isoflavone-intact soya protein is neither harmful nor beneficial to the coronary circulation of humans with CHD or risk factors for CHD. These results are consistent with recent cautions placed on the purported health benefits of plant sterols.
Patent Opinions and their Role in Developing Generic Medicines: A US Perspective
Authors: Mathur Vipin , Nagori Badri Prakash
Published: November 2008

Patent opinions are legal advice rendered by patent attorneys relating in some way to issues surrounding one or more patents. These opinions take many forms and are prepared for a variety of purposes. Patent opinions are of particular importance in the case of developing generic medicines. This paper provides a brief description of various forms of patent opinions, the reasons for obtaining such opinions and their role in developing generic medicines. The key characteristics of a competent patent opinion are also discussed.