bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Bioanalytical Platform for Simultaneous Detection and Quantification of Biological Toxins
Authors: Weingart Oliver G. , Gao Hui , Crevoisier François , Heitger Friedrich , Avondet Marc-André , Sigrist Hans
Published: February 2012

Prevalent incidents support the notion that toxins, produced by bacteria, fungi, plants or animals are increasingly responsible for food poisoning or intoxication. Owing to their high toxicity some toxins are also regarded as potential biological warfare agents. Accordingly, control, detection and neutralization of toxic substances are a considerable economic burden to food safety, health care and military biodefense. The present contribution describes a new versatile instrument and related procedures for array-based simultaneous detection of bacterial and plant toxins using a bioanalytical platform which combines the specificity of covalently immobilized capture probes with a dedicated instrumentation and immuno-based microarray analytics. The bioanalytical platform consists of a microstructured polymer slide serving both as support of printed arrays and as incubation chamber. The platform further includes an easy-to-operate instrument for simultaneous slide processing at selectable assay temperature. Cy5 coupled streptavidin is used as unifying fluorescent tracer. Fluorescence image analysis and signal quantitation allow determination of the toxin’s identity and concentration. The system’s performance has been investigated by immunological detection of Botulinum Neurotoxin type A (BoNT/A), Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB), and the plant toxin ricin. Toxins were detectable at levels as low as 0.5–1 ng·mL−1 in buffer or in raw milk.
EFFECT OF CORPORATE GOVERNANCE ON REAL ACTIVITY-BASED EARNINGS MANAGEMENT: EVIDENCE FROM KOREA / ĮMONIŲ VALDYMO POVEIKIS, PAGRĮSTAS DARBO UŽMOKESČIO VALDYMU: KORĖJOS PAVYZDYS
Authors: Kang Sun-A , Kim Yong-Shik
Published: February 2012

This paper aims to determine whether corporate governance affects manager's real operating or investment decision to control reported earnings. Through data analysis of firms listed on the Korean stock exchange, it was found that the aggregated measure of real activity-based earnings management decreases as the size of board is larger or as a greater proportion of external directors sit on the board. Those findings are almost the same, whether a corporate governance index composed by each BOD characteristics is employed, or problem caused by endogenous relationships among variables is controlled. The results provide the first empirical evidence that real activity-based earnings management is influenced by corporate governance structure. This focus on real activity-based earnings management suggests new avenues for research on corporate governance. The results offer some insights for policy makers interested in promoting legislation to ensure strong corporate governance in their nation.

Santrauka

Šiame straipsnyje siekiama nustatyti, kokią įtaką turi kompanijos vadovo sprendimai, susiję su gaunamų pajamų iš darbuotojų tiesioginės veiklos / operacijų ar investicinių sprendimų kontrole. Tyrime dalyvavo Korėjos kompanijos. Autorių atlikti tyrimai parodė, kad darbuotojų darbo užmokesčio valdymas yra efektyvesnis nei tiesioginė vadovo kontrolė. Straipsnyje minima, kad priėmus sprendimą valdyti darbo užmokesčius, būtina keisti visą įmonės valdymo struktūrą. Gauti rezultatai yra kaip siūlymas peržiūrėti atitinkamus nacionalinius teisės aktus Korėjoje.
ASSOCIATION BETWEEN NEW YORK AND SHANGHAI MARKETS: EVIDENCE FROM THE STOCK PRICE INDICES / NIUJORKO IR ŠANCHAJAUS RINKOS: AKCIJŲ KAINŲ INDEKSAI
Authors: Jarrett Jeffrey E. , Sun Tina
Published: February 2012

This paper examines the time series characteristics of stock price indices for New York and Shanghai during the period of 1991 to 2009. Specifically, we calculate the rate of return and the volatility of return for two markets and estimate the serial correlation and co-movement of the two markets. We find that the average rate of return in Shanghai is much higher than that in New York while Shanghai stock prices are more volatile than New York stock prices. Further, we find that Shanghai stock prices are positively serially correlated while New York stock prices are negatively serially correlated in terms of auto regression of the rate of return. In the multivariate regressions, we find that there is little evidence to show that either the rate of return in Shanghai would affect the rate of return in New York or the rate of return in New York would affect the rate of return in Shanghai. It suggests that the two markets are not integrated. Last, we studied and made conclusion concerning the volatility of the New York and Shanghai indices relate to each other.

Santrauka

Šis tyrimas apima akcijų kainų indeksų analizę Niujorko ir Šanchajaus biržose nuo 1991 m. iki 2009 m. Atlikus tyrimus nustatyta, kad vidutinė grąžos norma Šanchajuje yra daug didesnė nei Niujorke, o Šanchajaus akcijų kainos kinta daug sparčiau nei Niujorko vertybinių popierių kainos. Be to, pastebėta, kad Niujorko akcijų kainos turi teigiamą koreliaciją, o Šanchajaus akcijų kainos – neigiamą (lyginant grąžos normą). Atlikę daugiakriterinės regresijos analizę, autoriai pastebėjo, kad Šanchajaus biržose vykstantys grąžos normos pasikeitimai neturi įtakos Niujorko biržoms ir, atvirkščiai, Niujorke vykstantys pasikeitimai neturi įtakos Šanchajaus biržoms. Tai rodo, kad šios dvi rinkos nėra integruotos.
Stratégie environnementale, innovation et mutation des firmes
Authors: Laperche Blandine , Lefebvre Gilliane
Published: February 2012

Résumé L’objectif de cet article est d’étudier la place de l’éco-innovation dans les stratégies actuelles des firmes industrielles et de comprendre de quelle manière elles modifient leurs trajectoires technologiques. Il est fondé sur une série d’entretiens réalisés sur la période 2009-2011 dans huit entreprises multinationales localisées en France. Nous montrons que dans le contexte de la crise, les firmes considèrent l’éco-innovation comme une nouvelle voie, à même de générer une croissance future. Pour transformer leurs stratégies, elles réorganisent leur « capital-savoir », concept que nous considérons comme un outil permettant d’étudier les capacités dynamiques nécessaires au changement. La capacité à développer la recherche collaborative apparaît centrale pour générer des éco-innovations, afin de mutualiser le coût et le risque de production de connaissances nouvelles et prendre en compte les intérêts des parties prenantes. Mais le changement de trajectoire et couteux et risqué, tant sur le plan du développement de technologies nouvelles que sur celui de la protection du capital-savoir. L’appui des politiques publiques apparaît comme essentiel au changement de trajectoire des entreprises. Codes JEL : F23, M14, O32, O33
Innovation en transgénèse végétale : relations public-privé en France et en Argentine
Authors: Pellegrini Pablo Ariel
Published: February 2012

Résumé Les dynamiques de recherche et d’innovation au sein d’entreprises vouées au développement des cultures transgéniques sont des phénomènes peu étudiés. Dans le secteur privé, où la quête du profit est cruciale, les paramètres qui définissent ces dynamiques ne sont pas ceux de l’espace académique : les entreprises doivent prendre en compte les stratégies, les modes de financement de la recherche, les conditions du marché et – dans un domaine aussi particulier que celui de la biotechnologie – l’incidence de l’opinion publique. Le but de ce travail est de caractériser les modalités de division du travail scientifique et d’innovation en agrobiotechnologie au sein de firmes qui ne sont pas celles qui dominent le secteur, par l’analyse des cas des entreprises en Argentine et en France. Les caractéristiques de ces cas montrent bien que les pratiques de l’innovation au sein de ces firmes constituent un facteur dynamique et variable en fonction du contexte dans lequel elles se déroulent. La recherche fondamentale est assurée soit par le secteur public seul, soit avec la participation de l’entreprise privée. D’autre part, la division internationale du travail dans le domaine de l’innovation ne répond pas à un modèle simple Nord-Sud. Bien au contraire, elle dépend d’une part des conditions particulières existant dans chaque pays et d’autre part des intérêts globaux des entreprises considérées. Code JEL : O32, L6
Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus reuteri modulate cytokine responses in gnotobiotic pigs infected with human rotavirus
Authors: Azevedo M. , Zhang W. , Wen K. , Gonzalez A. , Saif L. , Yousef A. , Yuan L.
Published: February 2012

Probiotic lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have been shown to alleviate inflammation, enhance the immunogenicity of
rotavirus vaccines, or reduce the severity of rotavirus diarrhoea. Although the mechanisms are not clear, the differential
Th1/Th2/Th3-driving capacities and modulating effects on cytokine production of different LAB strains may be
the key. Our goal was to delineate the influence of combining two probiotic strains of Lactobacillus acidophilus
and Lactobacillus reuteri on the development of cytokine responses in neonatal gnotobiotic pigs infected with
human rotavirus (HRV). We demonstrated that HRV alone, or HRV plus LAB, but not LAB alone, initiated serum
cytokine responses, as indicated by significantly higher concentrations of IFN-α, IFN-γ, IL-12, and IL-10 at postinoculation
day (PID) 2 in the HRV only and LAB+HRV+ pigs compared to LAB only and LAB-HRV- pigs. Peak
cytokine responses coincided with the peak of HRV replication. LAB further enhanced the Th1 and Th2 cytokine
responses to HRV infection as indicated by significantly higher concentrations of IL-12, IFN-γ, IL-4 and IL-10
in the LAB+HRV+ pigs compared to the LAB-HRV+ pigs. The LAB+HRV+ pigs maintained relatively constant
concentrations of TGF-β compared to the HRV only group which had a significant increase at PID 2 and decrease
at PID 7, suggesting a regulatory role of LAB in maintaining gut homeostasis. At PID 28, cytokine secreting cell
(CSC) responses, measured by ELISpot, showed increased Th1 (IL-12, IFN-γ) CSC numbers in the LAB+HRV+
and LAB-HRV+ groups compared to LAB only and LAB-HRV- pigs, with significantly increased IL-12 CSCs in
spleen and PBMCs and IFN-γ CSCs in spleen of the LAB+HRV+ group. Thus, HRV infection alone, but not LAB
alone was effective in inducing cytokine responses but LAB significantly enhanced both Th1 and Th2 cytokines in
HRV-infected pigs. LAB may also help to maintain immunological homeostasis during HRV infection by regulating
TGF-β production.
New type non-lantibiotic bacteriocins: circular and leaderless bacteriocins
Authors: Masuda Y. , Zendo T. , Sonomoto K.
Published: February 2012

Bacteriocins are antimicrobial peptides that are ribosomally synthesised by bacteria. Bacteriocins produced
by Gram-positive bacteria, including lactic acid bacteria, are under focus as the next generation of safe natural
biopreservatives and as therapeutic alternatives to antibiotics. Recently, two novel types of non-lantibiotic class II
bacteriocins have been reported with unique characteristics in their structure and biosynthesis mechanism. One
is a circular bacteriocin that contains a head-to-tail structure in the mature form, and the other is a leaderless
bacteriocin without an N-terminal extension in the precursor peptide. A circular structure can provide the peptide
with remarkable stability against various stresses; indeed, circular bacteriocins are known to possess higher stability
than general linear bacteriocins. Leaderless bacteriocins are distinct from general bacteriocins, because they do
not contain N-terminal leader sequences, which are responsible for the recognition process during secretion and
for inactivation of bacteriocins inside producer cells. Leaderless bacteriocins do not require any post-translational
processing for activity. These two novel types of bacteriocins are promising antimicrobial compounds, and their
biosynthetic mechanisms are expected to be applied in synthetic biology to design new peptides and for new mass
production systems. However, many questions remain about their biosynthesis. In this review, we introduce recent
studies on these types of bacteriocins and their potential to open a new world of antimicrobial peptides.
Bone Marrow-Derived IL-13Rα1–Positive Thymic Progenitors Are Restricted to the Myeloid Lineage
Authors: Haymaker Cara L. , Guloglu F. Betul , Cascio Jason A. , Hardaway John C. , Dhakal Mermagya , Wan Xiaoxiao , Hoeman Christine M. , Zaghouani Sarah , Rowland Linda M. , Tartar Danielle M. , VanMorlan Amie M. , Zaghouani Habib
Published: February 2012

The earliest thymic progenitors (ETPs) were recently shown to give rise to both lymphoid and myeloid cells. Whereas the majority of ETPs are derived from IL-7Rα–positive cells and give rise exclusively to T cells, the origin of the myeloid cells remains undefined. In this study, we show both in vitro and in vivo that IL-13Rα1+ ETPs yield myeloid cells with no potential for maturation into T cells, whereas IL-13Rα1− ETPs lack myeloid potential. Moreover, transfer of lineage-negative IL-13Rα1+ bone marrow stem cells into IL-13Rα1–deficient mice reconstituted thymic IL-13Rα1+ myeloid ETPs. Myeloid cells or macrophages in the thymus are regarded as phagocytic cells whose function is to clear apoptotic debris generated during T cell development. However, the myeloid cells derived from IL-13Rα1+ ETPs were found to perform Ag-presenting functions. Thus, IL-13Rα1 defines a new class of myeloid restricted ETPs yielding APCs that could contribute to development of T cells and the control of immunity and autoimmunity.
Vector competence of Glossina austeni and Glossina brevipalpis for Trypanosoma congolense in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Authors: Motloang Makhosazana , Masumu Justin , Mans Barend , Van den Bossche Peter , Latif Abdalla
Published: February 2012

Tsetse-transmitted trypanosomosis (nagana) has been the cause of stock losses in the recent past and still presents a major problem to livestock owners in certain areas of KwaZulu- Natal, South Africa. Over 10 000 cattle mortalities were reported in the 1990 nagana outbreak. Although information on the distribution and abundance of the tsetse flies Glossina brevipalpis and Glossina austeni in KwaZulu-Natal exists, data on their vector competence are lacking. This study aimed to determine the rate of natural Trypanosoma congolense infection by field-collected as well as colony-reared flies of these species. A total of 442 field-collected G. brevipalpis and 40 G. austeni flies were dissected immediately after collection to determine their infection rates, whilst 699 G. brevipalpis and 49 G. austeni flies were fed on susceptible animals in 10 and four batches, respectively, for use in xenodiagnosis experiments. Teneral colony flies were fed on infected animals and dissected 21 days post infection to confirm their infectivity testing. Glossina austeni harboured 8% immature and mature infections. In G. brevipalpis, the infection with the immature stages was lower (1%) and no mature infections were observed. Although all four batches of G. austeni transmitted T. congolense to four susceptible animals, no transmission resulted from 10 batches of G. brevipalpis fed on susceptible cattle. Colony-derived G. austeni (534) and G. brevipalpis (882) were fed on four bovines infected with different T. congolense isolates. Both G. austeni and G. brevipalpis acquired trypanosome infection from the bovines, with immature infection ranges of 20% – 33% and 1% – 4%, respectively. Parasites, however, only matured in G. austeni (average = 4%). Glossina austeni plays a larger role in the epidemiology of animal trypanosomosis in KwaZulu-Natal than G. brevipalpis and therefore more focus should be aimed at the former when control measures are implemented.
Balloon Valvuloplasty of Aortic Valve Stenosis in Childhood: Midterm Results in a Children's Hospital, Mansoura University, Egypt
Authors: Marshafawy Hala Al , Sawah Gehan Attia Al , Hafez Mona , Matter Mohammed , Gamal Adel El , Sheishaa Abdel Gawad , Kair Magdy Abu El
Published: February 2012

Background

Balloon valvuloplasty was established as an alternative to surgery for treatment of aortic valve stenosis in childhood. Acute complications after balloon dilatation including aortic insufficiency or early death were described.

Aim of Work

To analyze early outcome and midterm results of balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) in Children's Hospital, Mansoura University, Egypt.

Subjects and Methods

Between April 2005–June 2008, all consecutive patients of age <18 years treated for aortic valve stenosis (AVS) with BAV were analyzed retrospectively. The study included 21 patients; 17 males, and 4 females. Their age ranged from the neonatal period to 10 years (mean age 5.6 ± 3.7 years). Patients with gradient ≥50 mmHg and aortic valve insufficiency (AI) up to grade I were included. All patients had isolated aortic valve stenosis except 3 patients (14.3%) had associated aortic coarctation. Six patients (28.6%) had bicuspid aortic valve. All patients had normal myocardial function except one (4.8%) had FS 15%. The duration of follow up was (mean ± SD: 18.5 ± 11.7 months).

Results

Femoral artery approach was used in 20 patients (95.2%) and carotid artery in one neonate (4.8%). Balloon/annulus ratio was 0.83 ± 0.04. Significant reduction in pressure gradient was achieved (mean 66.7 ± 9.8 mmHg to 20.65 ± 2.99 mmHg) ( P < 0.001). Nine patients (42.8%) developed grade I AI, 2 patients (9.5%) developed grade II AI and 1 patient (4.8%) developed grade III AI. Two early deaths (9.5%); one died due to heart failure caused by grade IV AI and a neonate died because of severely compromised LV function. One patient (4.8%) had femoral artery occlusion necessitating anticoagulation. Patients remained free from re-intervention during follow up.

Conclusion

Balloon valvuloplasty of aortic valve stenosis significantly reduces gradient with low morbidity and mortality in children.
Short-lived climate forcers from current shipping and petroleum activities in the Arctic
Authors: Ødemark K. , Dalsøren S. B. , Samset B. H. , Berntsen T. K. , Fuglestvedt J. S. , Myhre G.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. Emissions of short-lived climate forcers (SLCF) in the Arctic region are expected to increase, notably from shipping and petroleum extraction. We here discuss changes in atmospheric SLCF concentrations and resulting radiative forcing (RF) from present day shipping and petroleum activities in the Arctic. The three-dimensional chemistry transport OsloCTM2 and a state of the art radiative forcing model are used, based on a coherent dataset of present day Arctic emissions. We find that the net RF of SLCF of shipping in the Arctic region is negative, mainly due to the direct and indirect RF effects of sulphate emissions, while the net RF of SLCF of petroleum extraction is positive, mainly due to the effects of black carbon aerosols in the air and deposited on snow. Strong seasonal variations of the sensitivities to emissions are found. In terms of annual mean values we find that the Arctic sensitivities to SLCF is similar to global average sensitivities. One exception to this is the stronger snow/ice albedo effect from BC emissions.
The influence of boreal biomass burning emissions on the distribution of tropospheric ozone over North America and the North Atlantic during 2010
Authors: Parrington M. , Palmer P. I. , Henze D. K. , Tarasick D. W. , Hyer E. J. , Owen R. C. , Helmig D. , Clerbaux C. , Bowman K. W. , Deeter M. N. , Barratt E. M. , Coheur P.-F. , Hurtmans D. , Jiang Z. , George M. , Worden J. R.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. We have analysed the sensitivity of the tropospheric ozone distribution over North America and the North Atlantic to boreal biomass burning emissions during the summer of 2010 using the GEOS-Chem 3-D global tropospheric chemical transport model and observations from in situ and satellite instruments. We show that the model ozone distribution is consistent with observations from the Pico Mountain Observatory in the Azores, ozonesondes across Canada, and the Tropospheric Emission Spectrometer (TES) and Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Instrument (IASI) satellite instruments. Mean biases between the model and observed ozone mixing ratio in the free troposphere were less than 10 ppbv. We used the adjoint of GEOS-Chem to show the model ozone distribution in the free troposphere over Maritime Canada is largely sensitive to NOx emissions from biomass burning sources in Central Canada, lightning sources in the central US, and anthropogenic sources in the eastern US and south-eastern Canada. We also used the adjoint of GEOS-Chem to evaluate the Fire Locating And Monitoring of Burning Emissions (FLAMBE) inventory through assimilation of CO observations from the Measurements Of Pollution In The Troposphere (MOPITT) satellite instrument. The CO inversion showed that, on average, the FLAMBE emissions needed to be reduced to 89% of their original values, with scaling factors ranging from 12% to 102%, to fit the MOPITT observations in the boreal regions. Applying the CO scaling factors to all species emitted from boreal biomass burning sources led to a decrease of the model tropospheric distributions of CO, PAN, and NOx by as much as −20 ppbv, −50 pptv, and −20 pptv respectively. The modification of the biomass burning emission estimates reduced the model ozone distribution by approximately −3 ppbv (−8%) and on average improved the agreement of the model ozone distribution compared to the observations throughout the free troposphere, reducing the mean model bias from 5.5 to 4.0 ppbv for the Pico Mountain Observatory, 3.0 to 0.9 ppbv for ozonesondes, 2.0 to 0.9 ppbv for TES, and 2.8 to 1.4 ppbv for IASI.
Two instruments based on differential optical absorption spectroscopy (DOAS) to measure accurate ammonia concentrations in the atmosphere
Authors: Volten H. , Bergwerff J. B. , Haaima M. , Lolkema D. E. , Berkhout A. J. C. , van der Hoff G. R. , Potma C. J. M. , Wichink Kruit R. J. , van Pul W. A. J. , Swart D. P. J.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. We present two Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (DOAS) instruments built at RIVM: the RIVM DOAS and the miniDOAS. Both instruments provide virtually interference-free measurements of NH3 concentrations in the atmosphere, since they measure over an open path, without suffering from inlet problems or interference problems by ammonium aerosols dissociating on tubes or filters. They measure concentrations up to at least 200 μg m−3, have a fast response, low maintenance demands, and a high up-time. The RIVM DOAS has a high accuracy of typically 0.15 μg m−3 for ammonia for 5-min averages and over a total light path of 100 m. The miniDOAS has been developed for application in measurement networks such as the Dutch National Air Quality Monitoring Network (LML). Compared to the RIVM DOAS it has a similar accuracy, but is significantly reduced in size, costs, and handling complexity. The RIVM DOAS and miniDOAS results showed excellent agreement (R2 = 0.996) during a field measurement campaign in Vredepeel, the Netherlands. This measurement site is located in an agricultural area and is characterized by highly variable, but on average high ammonia concentrations in the air. The RIVM-DOAS and miniDOAS results were compared to the results of the AMOR instrument, a continuous-flow wet denuder system, which is currently used in the LML. Averaged over longer time spans of typically a day, the (mini)DOAS and AMOR results agree reasonably well, although an offset of the AMOR values compared to the (mini)DOAS results exists. On short time scales, the (mini)DOAS shows a faster response and does not show the memory effects due to inlet tubing and transport of absorption fluids encountered by the AMOR. Due to its high accuracy, high uptime, low maintenance and its open path, the (mini)DOAS shows a good potential for flux measurements by using two (or more) systems in a gradient set-up and applying the aerodynamic gradient technique.
The European CO2, CO, CH4 and N2O balance between 2001 and 2005
Authors: Luyssaert S. , Abril G. , Andres R. , Bastviken D. , Bellassen V. , Bergamaschi P. , Bousquet P. , Chevallier F. , Ciais P. , Corazza M. , Dechow R. , Erb K.-H. , Etiope G. , Fortems-Cheiney A. , Grassi G. , Hartman J. , Jung M. , Lathière J. , Lohila A. , Moosdorf N. , Njakou Djomo S. , Otto J. , Papale D. , Peters W. , Peylin P. , Raymond P. , Rödenbeck C. , Saarnio S. , Schulze E.-D. , Szopa S. , Thompson R. , Verkerk P. J. , Vuichard N. , Wang R. , Wattenbach M. , Zaehle S.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. Globally, terrestrial ecosystems have absorbed about 30% of anthropogenic emissions over the period 20007–2007 and inter-hemispheric gradients indicate that a significant fraction of terrestrial carbon sequestration must be north of the Equator. We present a compilation of the CO2, CO, CH4 and N2O balance of Europe following a dual constraint approach in which (1) a land-based balance derived mainly from ecosystem carbon inventories and (2) a land-based balance derived from flux measurements are confronted with (3) the atmospheric-based balance derived from inversion informed by measurements of atmospheric GHG concentrations. Good agreement between the GHG balances based on fluxes (1249 ± 545 Tg C in CO2-eq y−1), inventories (1299 ± 200 Tg C in CO2-eq y−1) and inversions (1210 ± 405 Tg C in CO2-eq y−1) increases our confidence that current European GHG balances are accurate. However, the uncertainty remains large and largely lacks formal estimates. Given that European net land-atmosphere balances are determined by a few dominant fluxes, the uncertainty of these key components needs to be formally estimated before efforts could be made to reduce the overall uncertainty. The dual-constraint approach confirmed that the European land surface, including inland waters and urban areas, is a net source for CO2, CO, CH4 and N2O. However, for all ecosystems except croplands, C uptake exceeds C release and us such 210 ± 70 Tg C y−1 from fossil fuel burning is removed from the atmosphere and sequestered in both terrestrial and inland aquatic ecosystems. If the C cost for ecosystem management is taken into account, the net uptake of ecosystems was estimated to decrease by 45% but still indicates substantial C-sequestration. Also, when the balance is extended from CO2 towards the main GHGs, C-uptake by terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems is compensated for by emissions of GHGs. As such the European ecosystems are unlikely to contribute to mitigating the effects of climate change.
Identifying the causes of differences in ozone production from the CB05 and CBMIV chemical mechanisms
Authors: Saylor R. D. , Stein A. F.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. An investigation was conducted to identify the mechanistic differences between two versions of the carbon bond gas-phase chemical mechanism (CB05 and CBMIV) which consistently lead to larger ground-level ozone concentrations being produced in the CB05 version of the National Air Quality Forecasting Capability (NAQFC) modeling system even though the two parallel forecast systems utilize the same meteorology and base emissions and similar initial and boundary conditions. Box models of each of the mechanisms as they are implemented in the NAQFC were created and a set of 12 sensitivity simulations was designed. The sensitivity simulations independently probed the conceptual mechanistic differences between CB05 and CBMIV and were exercised over a 45-scenario simulation suite designed to emulate the wide range of chemical regimes encountered in a continental-scale atmospheric chemistry model. Results of the sensitivity simulations indicate that two sets of reactions that were included in the CB05 mechanism, but which were absent from the CBMIV mechanism, are the primary causes of the greater ozone production in the CB05 version of the NAQFC. One set of reactions recycles the higher organic peroxide species of CB05 (ROOH), resulting in additional photochemically reactive products that act to produce additional ozone in some chemical regimes. The other set of reactions recycles reactive nitrogen from less reactive forms back to NO2, increasing the effective NOx concentration of the system. In particular, the organic nitrate species (NTR), which was a terminal product for reactive nitrogen in the CBMIV mechanism, acts as a reservoir species in CB05 to redistribute NOx from major source areas to potentially NOx-sensitive areas where additional ozone may be produced in areas remote from direct NOx sources.
The Nexus Land-Use model version 1.0, an approach articulating biophysical potentials and economic dynamics to model competition for land-use
Authors: Souty F. , Brunelle T. , Dumas P. , Dorin B. , Ciais P. , Crassous R. , Müller C. , Bondeau A.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. Interactions between food demand, biomass energy and forest preservation are driving both food prices and land-use changes, regionally and globally. This study presents a new model called Nexus Land-Use version 1.0 which describes these interactions through a generic representation of agricultural intensification mechanisms. The Nexus Land-Use model equations combine biophysics and economics into a single coherent framework to calculate crop yields, food prices, and resulting pasture and cropland areas within 12 regions inter-connected with each other by international trade. The representation of cropland and livestock production systems in each region relies on three components: (i) a biomass production function derived from the crop yield response function to inputs such as industrial fertilisers; (ii) a detailed representation of the livestock production system subdivided into an intensive and an extensive component, and (iii) a spatially explicit distribution of potential (maximal) crop yields prescribed from the Lund-Postdam-Jena global vegetation model for managed Land (LPJmL). The economic principles governing decisions about land-use and intensification are adapted from the Ricardian rent theory, assuming cost minimisation for farmers. The land-use modelling approach described in this paper entails several advantages. Firstly, it makes it possible to explore interactions among different types of biomass demand for food and animal feed, in a consistent approach, including indirect effects on land-use change resulting from international trade. Secondly, yield variations induced by the possible expansion of croplands on less suitable marginal lands are modelled by using regional land area distributions of potential yields, and a calculated boundary between intensive and extensive production. The model equations and parameter values are first described in details. Then, idealised scenarios exploring the impact of forest preservation policies or rising energy price on agricultural intensification are described, and their impacts on pasture and cropland areas are investigated.
Allogenous Vein Graft as Vascular Access for Hemodialysis – Lost Battle?
Authors: Nedvěd Karel , Suchý Theodor , Hálová Jarmila , Maličký Mojmír , Gorun Petr , Vitvar Pavel
Published: February 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess a long-term outcome of allogenous vein grafts (ALVG) as vascular access for hemodialysis.

Materials and Methods

For nearly eight years (between 9/2002 and 9/2011) a total of 78 patients with 112 ALVGs were involved in the study. The register included 46 women and 32 men, mean age 66.1 ± 11.2 years; range 20–88 years. The patient database was retrospectively reviewed and statistical processing was performed.

Results

Almost all ALVGs were treated by PTA or surgically, very often repeatedly. The number of radiologic interventions was 316, the number of surgical procedures 31. Mean follow-up time was 795 days, range 28–3522 days. Thirty-five patients died of unrelated causes, nineteen with functional graft, fourteen patients were lost to follow-up. Forty ALVGs failed for various reasons, mostly because of occlusion. Only one patient underwent successful renal transplantation, no patient converted to peritoneal dialysis. Thirty-seven ALVGs remain correctly functioning. Primary patency rates at 6, 12, and 24 months were 81 ± 5%, 63 ± 5%, and 34 ± 2% respectively. Secondary patency rates at 6, 12, and 24 months were 96 ± 2%, 82 ± 4%, and 65 ± 5% respectively.

Conclusions

Allogenous vein grafts, in spite of the high number of necessary radiologic and surgical interventions and reinterventions, show acceptable clinical usability and durability, comparable with other types of prosthetic grafts.
United States v. Stevens: Win, Loss, or Draw for Animals?
Authors: Cassuto David N.
Published: February 2012

Robert Stevens was indicted for marketing dog-fighting videos in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 48, a law criminalizing depictions of animals being "intentionally mutilated, tortured, wounded, or killed..." The law aimed principally at "crush videos," but extended to dog-fighting as well. Stevens challenged the law’s constitutionality and the Supreme Court eventually struck it down. This article explores whether the Stevens decision will have lasting implications for animal cruelty jurisprudence. It argues that the answer is “maybe, but probably not.” In Stevens, the Court skirted the question of whether preventing animal cruelty can rise to the level of compelling state interest. Ironically, its avoidance of the issue may constitute a net positive for animal advocacy.
The Emergence of Veterinary Oaths: Social, Historical, and Ethical Considerations
Authors: Bones Vanessa Carli , Yeates James W.
Published: February 2012

Veterinary oaths are public declarations sworn by veterinarians, usually when they enter the profession. As such, they may reflect professional and social concerns. Analysis of contemporary veterinary oaths may therefore reveal their ethical foundations. The objective of this article is to contextualize the ethical content of contemporary oaths, in terms of the origin and development of veterinary medicine and wider societal changes such as the intensification of farming and the rise of animal welfare. This informs a comparison of oaths from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Brazil. This analysis suggests some ways in which the oaths might be developed to better reflect contemporary societal values.
Salivary alpha‐amylase activity and stress in Japan air self‐defense force cargo pilots involved in Iraq reconstruction
Authors: Iizuka Naotaka , Awano Shuji , Ansai Toshihiro
Published: February 2012

Objectives:

This study aimed to verify whether salivary α‐amylase enzyme activity (Amy) is useful as a biomarker of stress in pilots working in a stressful environment.

Methods:

The subjects in this study were nine Japan air self‐defense force pilots who participated in Iraq reconstruction support activity in Kuwait. Amy was measured using a portable salivary amylase monitor at preflight, postflight, and on stand‐by day. In addition, the state‐trait anxiety inventory was administered with state scores (STAI‐S) compared to Amy levels.

Results:

There were greater differences in Amy levels at baseline compared to STAI‐S scores between subjects on the stand‐by day. Amy levels at preflight tended to increase compared to those on stand‐by day as did STAI‐S. The change in Amy level at postflight varied among the pilots. The Amy levels of four subjects at postflight were elevated compared to levels at preflight, while the STAI‐S scores for all pilots at postflight were lower than at preflight.

Conclusions:

This study suggests that the Amy level of pilots can reflect subtle individual differences in response to the psychological and physiological stress of a flight task. Thus, monitoring Amy level may be useful for stress evaluation of pilots working in a stressful environment, providing data that might be used as an impetus for addressing stress management for this population. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Finite element modeling of the flow of a rubber compound through an axisymmetric die using the CEF viscoelastic constitutive equation
Authors: Ghoreishy Mir Hamid Reza , Bagheri‐Jaghargh Mojtaba , Naderi Ghasem , Soltani Sedigheh
Published: February 2012

This work is devoted to the simulation of the flow of a high viscosity NR/SBR rubber compound through the die of a single screw extruder with axisymmetric geometry. An in‐house developed computer code based on the use of continuous penalty finite element method was employed. Three constitutive equations including two generalized Newtonian models namely; power‐law and Carreau and an explicit viscoelastic model named CEF (Criminale‐Ericksen‐Fillbey) were used to reflect the rheological behavior of the material. Using the parameters of the rheological models determined by a slit die rheometry technique, the flow of the compound was simulated through the die and results were compared with experimentally measured mass flow rates. It is shown that for high viscosity rubber compounds the use of generalized Newtonian models which do not take the normal stress in simple shear flow into consideration gives rise to significant errors in prediction of mass flow rates. On the other hand, comparing the simulations results using the CEF equation with experimental data revealed that this model is the best compromise between generalized Newtonian and full viscoelastic models which need high computational costs and effort. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Energy transfer and photoactivity of photozymes included in polyacrylate hydrogels
Authors: Sorochynska L. , Grishchuk S. , Korres S. , Riehn C. , Niedner‐Schatteburg G. , Georgieva V. , Georgiev G. , Karger‐Kocsis J.
Published: February 2012

Two photozymes poly(vinylnaphthalene/sodium styrenesulfonate) (PZ1) and poly(vinylnaphthalene/sodium styrenesulfonate/N,N′‐dimethyl methacryloyloxyethyl propanesulfonate) (PZ2) were synthesized and used for the modification of hydrogels. The hydrogels were composed of acrylamide and 2‐acrylamido‐2‐methylpropanesulfonic acid monomers, and modified with sodium bentonite (NB). The fluorescence properties and photoactivity of the photozymes were examined. Both photozymes demonstrated high self‐assembly in both aqueous solutions and hydrogel matrices, which is of great importance for the antenna effect. For the NB‐reinforced hydrogel, strong energy transfer from the excited chromophores to the NB was observed and assigned to the high surface conductivity of clay. PZ2 exhibited higher photocatalytic activity for the methylene blue (MB) photodegradation than PZ1. This is most likely due to the better self‐assembly and thus enhanced antenna effect of the zwitterionic PZ2. MB absorbed by the hydrogel from aqueous solution was efficiently decomposed in a photozyme‐catalyzed photochemical process. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Perioperative all‐cause mortality and cardiovascular events in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: Comparison with unaffected controls and persons with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Yazdanyar Ali , Wasko Mary Chester , Kraemer Kevin L. , Ward Michael M.
Published: February 2012

Objective

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with an increased cardiovascular (CV) burden similar to that of diabetes mellitus (DM). This risk may warrant preoperative CV assessment as is performed for patients with DM. We aimed to determine whether the risks of perioperative death and CV events among patients with RA differed from those among unaffected controls and patients with DM.

Methods

We used 1998–2002 data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database of the Healthcare Cost Utilization Project (HCUP) to identify hospitalizations of patients undergoing elective noncardiac surgery. Using established guidelines, surgical procedures were categorized as either low risk, intermediate risk, or high risk of having CV events. Logistic models provided the adjusted odds of study end points in patients with RA, DM, or both relative to patients with neither condition.

Results

Among 7,756,570 patients undergoing a low‐risk, intermediate‐risk, or high‐risk noncardiac procedure, 2.34%, 0.51%, and 2.12%, respectively, had a composite CV event, and death occurred in 1.47%, 0.50%, and 2.59%, respectively. Among those undergoing an intermediate‐risk procedure, death was less likely in RA patients than in DM patients (0.30% versus 0.65%; P < 0.001), but the difference in mortality rates among those undergoing low‐risk versus high‐risk procedures was not significant. Patients with RA were less likely to have a CV event than were patients with DM for procedures of low risk (3.38% versus 5.30%; P < 0.001) and intermediate risk (0.34% versus 1.07%; P < 0.001). In adjusted models, RA was not independently associated with an increased risk of perioperative death or a CV event.

Conclusion

RA was not associated with adverse perioperative CV risk or mortality risk, which suggests that current perioperative clinical care does not need to be changed in this regard.
Microflow‐injection chemiluminescence of luminol and hypochlorite enhanced by phloxine B
Authors: Song Xiaoli , Shen Hong , Yin Xuefeng , Wang Xiuzhong , Liu Jinhua
Published: February 2012

We report for the first time that the sensitivity of the luminol–hypochlorite chemiluminescence (CL) reaction was enhanced approximately 10 times by the addition of phloxine B. The maximum wavelength of CL emission shifted from 431 to 595 nm in the absence and presence, respectively, of phloxine B, suggesting that an efficient chemiluminescence resonance energy transfer occurred between a luminol donor and a phloxine B acceptor in the luminol–hypochlorite–phloxine B system. Based on this observation, a simple, rapid and sensitive microflow injection CL method, using a microchip with spiral channel configurations, was developed for the determination of hypochlorite. Under optimized conditions, a linear calibration curve (R2 = 0.9944) over the range 0.1–10.0 µmol/L was obtained, with a detection limit of 0.025 µmol/L (S:N = 3). The relative standard deviation (RSD) was found to be 4.2% (n = 10) for 2.5 µmol/L hypochlorite. The sample consumption was only 2 μL, with a sample throughput of 90/h. The method has been used for determining trace amounts of hypochlorite in water samples with satisfactory results. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Glycerol‐enhanced detection of a preferential structure latent in unstructured 1SS‐variants of lysozyme
Authors: Noda Yasuo , Narama Kuniaki , Kasai Kenichi , Tachibana Hideki , Segawa Shin‐ichi
Published: February 2012

Four species of 1SS‐varinats of lysozyme were almost unstructured in water, judged from their near‐UV CD and 1H‐15N‐HSQC spectra. Some preferential structure might exist in such a disordered state, but the population of molecules in such a conformation must have been too small to be detected by spectroscopic methods. Indeed, our previous study showed that the addition of 30% glycerol induced the unstructured 2SS‐variant of lysozyme to form a native‐like structure. To extend this method to more disordered proteins, we attempted to detect some preferential structure latent in unstructured 1SS‐variants by the glycerol‐enhanced detection. Only in one molecular species of the four 1SS‐variants, 1SS[6‐127] containing a single disulfide bridge of Cys6‐Cys127, a preferential structure was found in the presence of 50% glycerol. It was detected by near‐UV CD measurements and the H/D exchange method combined with the NMR spectroscopy. The glycerol‐induced structure in 1SS[6‐127] was not localized only in the vicinity of Cys6‐Cys127, and largely protected regions distributed themselves among A‐, B‐, and C‐helices and Ile55 and Leu56. It was similar to the glycerol‐induced structure in 2SS[6‐127, 64‐80] containing two disulfide bridges of Cys6‐Cys127 and Cys64‐Cys80, although the former was less rigid than the latter. The role of A‐helix (residues 4–15) is proposed as an origin of excellent potential of Cys6‐Cys127 for inducing a tertiary structure in the α‐domain. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 97:539–549, 2012.
Experimental determination of thermodynamic equilibrium in biocatalytic transamination
Authors: Tufvesson Pär , Jensen Jacob S. , Kroutil Wolfgang , Woodley John M.
Published: February 2012

The equilibrium constant is a critical parameter for making rational design choices in biocatalytic transamination for the synthesis of chiral amines. However, very few reports are available in the scientific literature determining the equilibrium constant (K) for the transamination of ketones. Various methods for determining (or estimating) equilibrium have previously been suggested, both experimental as well as computational (based on group contribution methods). However, none of these were found suitable for determining the equilibrium constant for the transamination of ketones. Therefore, in this communication we suggest a simple experimental methodology which we hope will stimulate more accurate determination of thermodynamic equilibria when reporting the results of transaminase‐catalyzed reactions in order to increase understanding of the relationship between substrate and product molecular structure on reaction thermodynamics. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2012; 109:2159–2162. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Detection of viability of transplanted beta cells labeled with a novel contrast agent – polyvinylpyrrolidone‐coated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles by magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Zhang Bo , Jiang Biao , Chen Ying , Huang Hai , Xie Qiuping , Kang Muxing , Zhang Hui , Zhai Chuanxin , Wu Yulian
Published: February 2012

Islets can be visualized on MRI by labeling with superparamagnetic contrast agent during the transplantation procedure. However, whether the signal intensity reflects the cell number and cellular viability has not been determined. We used a self‐synthesized novel superparamagnetic contrast agent –polyvinylpyrrolidone‐coated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (PVP‐SPIO) – to label β‐TC‐6 cells (a mouse insulinoma cell line) or primary islets with commercial Feridex as a control. The labeling efficiency of two agents was compared by Prussian blue staining, intracellular iron content determination and MR scanning. Cells were exposed to hypoxia, high‐glucose or exogenous H2O2 stimulation before/after PVP‐SPIO labeling. Normal and injured cells were also transplanted into renal subcapsule. A clinically used 3.0 T MR scan was performed in vitro and 24 h post‐transplantation to investigate the correlation between cellular viability and signal. Our PVP‐SPIO displayed superior biocompatibility and magnetic properties. All of the cells could be labeled at 100 µg/ml iron concentration after 24 h incubation. At 100 µg/ml iron concentration, 1 × 105 β cells labeled with PVP‐SPIO could already be visualized in vitro by MRI, less than the detection threshold of Feridex. There existed a linear correlation between the number of labeled cells and R2 value on the T2‐weighted images. The signal intensity and the intracellular iron content declined along with the decreased viability of labeled cells. There was also a significant difference in signal intensity between injured and normal labeled cells after transplantation. From these results, we concluded that PVP‐SPIO possessed superior cell labeling efficiency, and β cells could be labeled without compromising viability and function. The signal intensity on MRI might be a useful predictor to evaluate the number and the viability of PVP‐SPIO‐labeled cells. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.