bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Power of ICSID Tribunals to Dismiss Proceedings Summarily: An Analysis of Rule 41(5) of the ICSID Arbitration Rules
Authors: Puig Sergio , Brown Chester
Published: August 2011

Rule 41(5) of the ICSID Arbitration Rules essentially provides that an ICSID tribunal may dismiss a proceeding summarily if the respondent files an objection within 30 days of the constitution of the tribunal that the claim is “manifestly without legal merit”. In the five years since the introduction of the Rule in April 2006, four ICSID tribunals have considered the provision, with two decisions being handed down in December 2010. In this article, the authors describe the cases decided by these tribunals, and examine the way in which they have interpreted and applied Rule 41(5). The authors’ analysis highlights the large measure of consistency in the way that ICSID tribunals are handling objections under this provision, and sets out a useful and timely guide to counsel and arbitrators on the use of this procedure.
The Preliminary Ruling Procedures at International Regional Courts and Tribunals
Authors: Virzo Roberto
Published: August 2011

Many regional integration systems, inspired by the preliminary ruling procedure under the current article 267 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, incorporate models for cooperation between national courts and international courts and tribunals that vary significantly from one to the other. This work seeks above all to classify those models and to pose the question of which model, irrespective of how much it is actually used in practice, appears ‐ at least potentially ‐ to afford the best means of attaining the goal of regional integration that each of the systems analysed pursues to varying degrees.
Procedural Developments at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR)
Authors: Wilson Tamfuh Y.N.
Published: August 2011

The author seeks to expose the fact that the Rwandan genocide and its aftermath has many lessons for African leaders, especially that modern international criminal law is committed to punishing perpetrators of heinous crimes. The procedural processes at the Arusha International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda have also operated a successful jurisprudence that has immensely contributed to the development of modern international law. This article looks at the historical context of the genocide, the jurisprudence and case law of the ICTR, the novel concepts that have contributed to the growth of international law, and the significance of rebuilding a post-genocide Rwanda.
The Scientific Study of Religious and Secular Spiritualities
Authors: Jespers Frans
Published: August 2011

Spirituality is a contested concept in sciences of religion, but is inescapable because of its manifold and fundamental use. The main problems in the study of the many new spiritualities are their diversity, popularity, partly secular character, opposition to religion, lack of clear concepts, and an elicitation of grand explanations. After reviewing recent West European answers to these problems, and with the help of a small case study of Dutch Reiki, I propose an approach which respects the diversity, chiefly by way of fieldwork and qualitative research, and seeks to develop clear (provisional) concepts, although remaining cautious about grand explanations.
Claiming Luther as a Religious Resource: Civil Religion in Conflict?
Authors: Nielsen Marie Vejrup
Published: August 2011

The article examines references to a specific religious heritage (Lutheran Christianity) within the debate sections of two national Danish newspapers. The aim of the analysis is to provide empirical data as a background for a discussion of conflicts concerning the connection between religious heritage and contemporary society. The themes of the public debate surveyed are identified as related to changes in the religious and cultural landscape in Denmark, such as the presence of Muslim immigrants. Three main discourse packages are identified in relation to the connection between religious heritage and contemporary culture: (1) strong connection; (2) no connection/disconnection; (3) negotiated connection. The conclusions of this analysis provide the foundation for a discussion of civil religion in zones of conflict over religious and cultural identity in a contemporary northern European context.
Capture of Intermodal Visual/Tactile Apparent Motion by Moving and Static Sound
Authors: Chen Lihan , Zhou Xiaolin
Published: August 2011

Apparent motion can occur within a particular modality or between modalities, in which a visual or tactile stimulus at one location is perceived as moving towards the location of the subsequent tactile or visual stimulus. Intramodal apparent motion has been shown to be affected or 'captured' by information from another, task-irrelevant modality, as in spatial or temporal ventriloquism. Here we investigate whether and how intermodal apparent motion is affected by motion direction cues or temporal interval information from a third modality. We demonstrated that both moving and asynchronous static sounds can capture intermodal (visual–tactile and tactile–visual) apparent motion; moreover, while the auditory direction cues have less impact upon the perception of intramodal visual apparent motion than upon the perception of intramodal tactile or intermodal visual/tactile apparent motion, the auditory temporal information has equivalent impacts upon both intramodal and intermodal apparent motion. These findings suggest intermodal apparent motion is susceptible to the influence of dynamic or static auditory information in similar ways as intramodal visual or tactile apparent motion.
Long Time-Scale Teleconnection Patterns in the Northern Atlantic and Pacific
Authors: Boer George J.
Published: August 2011

Long time-scale teleconnection patterns, with common features in both the northern Atlantic and Pacific regions, are identified. The teleconnection patterns arise in an investigation of the internally generated variability in a multimodel ensemble of coupled climate model control simulations. The large amount of data involved offers statistical robustness and the benefits of combining results across models. Maxima of decadal potential predictability identify regions where long time-scale variability is an appreciable fraction of the total variability and serve as index regions for the teleconnection analysis. Annual, 5-yr, and decadal mean temperatures over these Atlantic and Pacific index regions are correlated with corresponding temperatures and precipitation rates over the globe. The resulting teleconnection patterns are reasonably similar despite the different long time-scale variability mechanisms thought to exist in the two ocean basins. Although lacking statistical robustness, some aspects of the temperature teleconnection patterns are obtained based on the Hadley Centre Sea Ice and Sea Surface Temperature (HadISST) dataset. The similarity of the teleconnection patterns in the two northern ocean regions suggests that common variability mechanisms may be involved.
Secondary Instabilities in Breaking Inertia–Gravity Waves
Authors: Fruman Mark D. , Achatz Ulrich
Published: August 2011

The three-dimensionalization of turbulence in the breaking of nearly vertically propagating inertia–gravity waves is investigated numerically using singular vector analysis applied to the Boussinesq equations linearized about three two-dimensional time-dependent basic states obtained from nonlinear simulations of breaking waves: a statically unstable wave perturbed by its leading transverse normal mode, the same wave perturbed by its leading parallel normal mode, and a statically stable wave perturbed by a leading transverse singular vector. The secondary instabilities grow through interaction with the buoyancy gradient and velocity shear in the basic state. Which growth mechanism predominates depends on the time-dependent structure of the basic state and the wavelength of the secondary perturbation. The singular vectors are compared to integrations of the linear model using random initial conditions, and the leading few singular vectors are found to be representative of the structures that emerge in the randomly initialized integrations. A main result is that the length scales of the leading secondary instabilities are an order of magnitude smaller than the wavelength of the initial wave, suggesting that the essential dynamics of the breaking might be captured by tractable nonlinear three-dimensional simulations in a relatively small triply periodic domain.
The effect of dimple shapes on friction of parallel surfaces
Authors: Yu H , Deng H , Huang W , Wang X
Published: August 2011

In this study, the effect of different dimple shapes on the tribological performance of surface texture has been investigated. First, a numerical model was developed to study the effect of dimple shapes on hydrodynamic pressure generation. The selected dimple shapes include circle, square, and ellipse, and the flow direction of lubricant is perpendicular to the major axis of elliptical dimples or the sides of square dimples. The results showed that the dimple shape can be optimized for greater hydrodynamic pressure generation. Then, the reciprocating sliding tests were carried out under oil lubrication and face-contact conditions. Tests were conducted for rotational speeds in the range 50–500 r/min and test loads of 200 and 400 N. Surface texture patterns with different dimple shapes were used, the dimple shapes and orientations were the same as those used in the numerical model, and the dimple depth and dimple area ratio were varied under fixed dimple area conditions. The test results indicated that a better friction reduction effect compared with untextured specimens can be obtained by selecting a suitable dimple area ratio and dimple depth for each dimple shape. Comparing the friction reduction effect, the elliptical dimples showed the best performance, the square dimples showed the second best results, and the circular dimples performed worst. However, as the test load increased, the friction reduction effect of all dimple shapes decreased; moreover, the differences between the shapes became smaller.
Rheological, porosimetric, and SEM studies of cements with additions of natural zeolites
Authors: Lilkov V. , Petrov O. , Tzvetanova Y.
Published: August 2011

Rheological, porosimetric, and SEM studies of cements with additions of natural zeolites (chabazite, mordenite and clinoptilolite) were investigated. The addition of 5% zeolite to cement pastes had a plastifying effect. The increase in the rheological parameters of aqueous cement–zeolite suspensions began after additions of more than 10% zeolite. At a water/solid ratio (w/s) = 0.5 all compositions exhibited similar rheological behaviour for yield stress and maximum shear stress values. At lower w/s values the rheology depended on the zeolite used, decreasing in the order Sl (clinoptilolite, Nižny Hrabovec deposit, Slovakia), M (mordenite, Philipines), Bp (clinoptilolite, Beli Plast deposit, Bulgaria), NM (clinoptilolite, Saint Cloud deposit, New Mexico) and Ch (chabazite, Nasm Yan deposit, Korea).

After 28 days of hydration the mixtures containing 10% Bp clinoptilolite, mordenite, and Sl clinoptilolite (up to 30%) had unchanged specific pore volumes but additions of 10% and 30% of chabazite and NM clinoptilolite and of 30% mordenite and Bp clinoptilolite lead to increases in the total specific pore volume compared to the neat cement paste. Between the 28th and 180th days of hydration the specific volume of the pores in all the cement-zeolite pastes decreased due to the filling of the pores with products from the pozzolanic reaction between the zeolites and the hydration products of the cement.

The pozzolanic reaction between zeolite and the hydration products of cement is enhanced by the zeolite content in the samples and depends on the Si/Al ratio (clinoptilolite (Si/Al >4.5), mordenite (Si/Al >5), chabazite (Si/Al <2.5)) and the surface area (clinoptilolite from Slovakia has the smallest crystallites and, hence, the greatest reactive surface area).
Effect of recent changes to the Mental Health Act 1983 on sections and appeals: possible unintended consequences
Authors: Walker-Tilley Tom , Exworthy Tim , Baggaley Martin , Wilkinson Laura , Nilforooshan Ramin
Published: August 2011

Aims and method

We examined the effect on civil sections and the rate of appeals against them of the amendments made to the Mental Health Act 1983 as a result of the Mental Health Act 2007. We gathered data for the year before and after the introduction of these changes.

Results

We found increased use of Section 2 (56.8% before and 65.8% after (P < 0.001)) and decreased use of Section 3 (39.5% before and 31.2% after (P < 0.001)). The number of appeals against civil sections decreased (697 before and 692 after) but there was an 8.0% increase in the proportion of appeals to mental health tribunals. There was a decrease in admissions under these sections (817 before and 733 after).

Clinical implications

These changes may be unintended consequences of the new law, resulting in increased workloads for psychiatrists and costs to the National Health Service.
Bacterial genotoxin triggers FEN1-dependent RhoA activation, cytoskeleton remodeling and cell survival
Authors: Guerra Lina , Guidi Riccardo , Slot Ilse , Callegari Simone , Sompallae Ramakrishna , Pickett Carol L. , Åström Stefan , Eisele Frederik , Wolf Dieter , Sjögren Camilla , Masucci Maria G. , Frisan Teresa
Published: August 2011

The DNA damage response triggered by bacterial cytolethal distending toxins (CDTs) is associated with activation of the actin-regulating protein RhoA and phosphorylation of the downstream-regulated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) p38, which promotes the survival of intoxicated (i.e. cells exposed to a bacterial toxin) cells. To identify the effectors of this CDT-induced survival response, we screened a library of 4492 Saccharomyces cerevisiae mutants that carry deletions in nonessential genes for reduced growth following inducible expression of CdtB. We identified 78 genes whose deletion confers hypersensitivity to toxin. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that DNA repair and endocytosis were the two most overrepresented signaling pathways. Among the human orthologs present in our data set, FEN1 and TSG101 regulate DNA repair and endocytosis, respectively, and also share common interacting partners with RhoA. We further demonstrate that FEN1, but not TSG101, regulates cell survival, MAPK p38 phosphorylation, RhoA activation and actin cytoskeleton reorganization in response to DNA damage. Our data reveal a previously unrecognized crosstalk between DNA damage and cytoskeleton dynamics in the regulation of cell survival, and might provide new insights on the role of chronic bacteria infection in carcinogenesis.
Collybistin splice variants differentially interact with gephyrin and Cdc42 to regulate gephyrin clustering at GABAergic synapses
Authors: Tyagarajan Shiva K. , Ghosh Himanish , Harvey Kirsten , Fritschy Jean-Marc
Published: August 2011

Collybistin (CB) is a guanine-nucleotide-exchange factor (GEF) selectively activating Cdc42. CB mutations cause X-linked mental retardation due to defective clustering of gephyrin, a postsynaptic protein associated with both glycine and GABAA receptors. Using a combination of biochemistry and cell biology we provide novel insights into the roles of the CB2 splice variants, CB2SH3+ and CB2SH3−, and their substrate, Cdc42, in regulating gephyrin clustering at GABAergic synapses. Transfection of Myc-tagged CB2SH3+ and CB2SH3− into cultured neurons revealed strong, but distinct, effects promoting postsynaptic gephyrin clustering, denoting mechanistic differences in their function. In addition, overexpression of constitutively active or dominant-negative Cdc42 mutants identified a new function of Cdc42 in regulating the shape and size of postsynaptic gephyrin clusters. Using biochemical assays and native brain tissue, we identify a direct interaction between gephyrin and Cdc42, independent of its activation state. Finally, our data show that CB2SH3−, but not CB2SH3+, can form a ternary complex with gephyrin and Cdc42, providing a biochemical substrate for the distinct contribution of these CB isoforms in gephyrin clustering at GABAergic postsynaptic sites. Taken together, our results identify CB and Cdc42 as major regulators of GABAergic postsynaptic densities.
Coordination Compounds of Hydroxamatooxovanadium(IV) Complexes with Nitrogenous Bases and Their Antimicrobial Activities
Authors: Sharma Neeraj , Kumar Vijay , Sharma Reena , Kumari Meena , Kanwar Shamsher Singh
Published: August 2011

The coordination compounds of composition [VO(HL1,2)2B] (I–IV) (where B = imidazole (C3H4N2) and benzimidazole (C7H6N2); HL1: C6H5OCH2C(O)NHO− (phenoxyacetohydroxamate), HL2: C6H5CH=CHC(O)NHO− (cinnamohydroxamate) have been synthesized from the reactions of [VO(HL1,2)2] with equimolar amounts of imidazole and benzimidazole in ethanol. The compounds have been characterized by elemental analyses, molar conductivity, magnetic measurements, IR, UV–vis, ESR, and FAB mass spectral studies. The spectral studies and molecular modeling dynamics suggest a distorted octahedral geometry around vanadium in coordination compounds. The antibacterial and antifungal activities of the newly synthesized coordination compounds, parent complexes, and respective potassium hydroxamate ligands have been screened in vitro against three bacterial strains viz. E. coli, S. aureus, and B. subtilis and two fungal strains viz. C. albicans and A. niger. The MIC values of newly synthesized coordination compounds have shown enhanced activity over parent complexes and respective potassium hydroxamate ligands. The cytotoxicity of the coordination compounds was studied on mammalian transformed cell line Hep2C, a derivative of human cervix carcinoma HeLa cells by MTT assay.
Tsars, leadership and innovation in the public sector
Authors: Smith Martin J.
Published: August 2011

Tsars are increasingly being used in government to coordinate policy, to deal with complex problems and to implement government goals. However, there is almost no extant literature on the role of tsars who occupy a curious position in Britain's constitutional framework. The aim of this article is to examine the role and impact of tsars. The article attempts to define tsars and examines the extent to which they are bureaucratic entrepreneurs. Focusing on tsars in the Department of Health, where they have been most systematically used, the article examines the resources that they have to shape policy outcomes. The article highlights the way in which leadership is being used to fill in the holes created by new forms of governance.
Environmental information disclosure in China: policy developments and NGO responses
Authors: Johnson Thomas
Published: August 2011

In order to hold polluters accountable through stimulating public participation, the Chinese government has progressively strengthened its environmental information disclosure (EID) policy. This article sets out China's emerging EID policy before examining the implications for the country's environmental non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Government promotion of EID has created additional space for civil society. As well as promoting better access to information, environmental NGOs have started using disclosed information to pressurise local governments and enterprises. Although a stronger EID policy represents an important step towards a more vibrant civil society, NGOs are constrained in acting on information due to political and institutional limits.
Immunolocalization of Phostensin in Lymphatic Cells and Tissues
Authors: Lin Yu-Shan , Huang Kuang-Yung , Wang Tzu-Fan , Huang Hsien-lu , Yu Hui-Chun , Yen Jia-yi , Hung Shih-hui , Liu Su-Qin , Lai Ning-Sheng , Huang Hsien-bin
Published: August 2011

Phostensin binds to the pointed ends of actin filaments and modulates actin dynamics. The genomic location of phostensin is between the HLA-C and HLA-E gene clusters on human chromosome 6, and the mRNA of this protein is predominantly distributed in the spleen, thymus, and peripheral leukocytes. However, the distribution of phostensin in leukocyte cell populations and the subcellular localization have not yet been determined. In this study, an anti-phostensin monoclonal antibody (PT2) that recognizes residues 89–124 of phostensin was prepared and used to examine the subcellular localization and distribution of phostensin in white blood cell populations and in lymphatic tissues. It was found that phostensin is mainly concentrated at the cell periphery and co-localizes with actin filaments. In addition, phostensin was abundant in helper T-lymphocytes, cytotoxic T-lymphocytes, mature monocytes, macrophages, B-lymphocytes, natural killer cells, and granulocytes as well as in the lymphatic tissues, such as the thymus, lymph nodes, and spleen. Phostensin is expressed in the mature lymphocytes of the thymic medulla but not in the immature lymphocytes of the thymic cortex. Taken together, phostensin is a ubiquitous protein in leukocytes, and it may play an important role in modulating the cellular functions of leukocytes.
Identification of Specific Chondroitin Sulfate Species in Cutaneous Autoimmune Disease
Authors: Kim Jessica S. , Werth Victoria P.
Published: August 2011

Cutaneous lupus erythematosus and dermatomyositis (DM) are chronic inflammatory diseases of the skin with accumulated dermal mucin. Earlier work has shown chondroitin sulfate (CS) accumulation within the dermis of discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE), subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE), and DM lesions compared with control skin. Immunohistochemistry for C4S revealed a greater density in DLE and DM lesions, whereas SCLE lesions did not differ from controls. Scleredema and scleromyxedema are attributed to increased hyaluronic acid, and lesional samples from these diseases also demonstrated accumulated dermal C4S. Interferon-γ and interleukin-1α, but not interferon-α, treatment of cultured dermal fibroblasts induced mRNA expression of CHST-11, which attaches sulfates to the 4-position of unsulfated chondroitin. These studies on possible CS core proteins revealed that serglycin, known to have C6S side chains in endothelial cells, had greater density within DM dermal endothelia but not in DLE or SCLE, following the pattern of C6S overexpression reported previously. CD44 variants expand the CS binding repertoire of the glycoprotein; CD44v7 co-localized to the distribution of C4S in DLE lesions, a finding not observed in DM, SCLE lesions, or controls. Because C4S and C6S have immunologic effects, their dysregulation in cutaneous mucinoses may contribute to the pathogenesis of these disorders.
Quantification of Ceroid and Lipofuscin in Skeletal Muscle
Authors: Tohma Hatice , Hepworth Anna R. , Shavlakadze Thea , Grounds Miranda D. , Arthur Peter G.
Published: August 2011

Ceroid and lipofuscin are autofluorescent granules thought to be generated as a consequence of chronic oxidative stress. Because ceroid and lipofuscin are persistent in tissue, their measurement can provide a lifetime history of exposure to chronic oxidative stress. Although ceroid and lipofuscin can be measured by quantification of autofluorescent granules, current methods rely on subjective assessment. Furthermore, there has not been any evaluation of variables affecting quantitative measurements. The article describes a simple statistical approach that can be readily applied to quantitate ceroid and lipofuscin. Furthermore, it is shown that several factors, including magnification tissue thickness and tissue level, can affect precision and sensitivity. After optimizing for these factors, the authors show that ceroid and lipofuscin can be measured reproducibly in the skeletal muscle of dystrophic mice (ceroid) and aged mice (lipofuscin).
Estimation of Immunohistochemical Expression of VEGF in Ductal Carcinomas of the Breast
Authors: Maae Else , Nielsen Martin , Steffensen Karina D. , Jakobsen Erik H. , Jakobsen Anders , Sørensen Flemming B.
Published: August 2011

Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) is a very important growth factor in angiogenesis and holds potential as both a predictive marker for anti-angiogenic cancer treatment and a prognostic variable. Consequently, reliable estimation of VEGF expression is crucial. Investigators immunostained whole tumor sections for VEGF-A, VEGF-B, and VEGFR-1 of invasive ductal carcinomas of the breast and scored the tumors manually with staining intensity as the only parameter and by a combination of qualitative and quantitative information. The investigators also introduce an automated method for analyzing VEGF expression (so-called AI score) using the same tumor sections. Analysis of 100% of the tumor area was performed and the results were compared with the reduced analysis of 25% of the tumor area. These analyses were performed at ×5 and ×10 magnification, and each analysis was repeated in a second run with a new delineation of the tumor area. The AI scores were correlated to the manual scoring of VEGF intensity, but reproducibility of manual IHC scores was rather poor. The AI scores were reproducible, and the restricted analysis of 25% of the tumor area at ×5 magnifications was the most efficient considering time consumption and data load.
Resonant Column Test for Unsaturated Soils With Suction–Saturation Control
Authors: Khosravi Ali , McCartney John S.
Published: August 2011

Comprehensive characterization of the small strain shear modulus Gmax of an unsaturated soil specimen during hydraulic hysteresis requires precise control of the stress state, matric suction, degree of saturation, as well as knowledge of the void ratio. This paper describes the details and typical results from a test method which incorporates the axis translation technique for suction control, a flow pump for degree of saturation control, and a vertically oriented proximeter to infer changes in void ratio into a fixed–free resonant column setup. A unique aspect of this test method is the operation of the flow pump to reach equilibrium points on the hysteretic soil–water retention curve (SWRC) for measurement of Gmax. The flow pump, which controls water flow to or from the soil specimen through a high air-entry ceramic disk, is guided using a feedback loop involving the matric suction measured at the boundary of the specimen. Values of Gmax were measured at different equilibrium points on the primary drainage path of the SWRC up to the point of water occlusion, then along a scanning imbibition path of the SWRC. The results indicate a greater shear modulus during imbibition, consistent with trends and magnitudes noted in the technical literature.
Orofacial Clefts at Bugando Medical Centre: Associated Factors and Postsurgical Complications
Authors: Buyu Yunus , Manyama Mange , Chandika Alphonce , Gilyoma Japhet
Published: August 2011

Objective

To determine factors associated with orofacial clefts and postsurgical complications of cleft lip and palate repair surgeries in northwestern Tanzania.

Methods

This was a cohort study involving patients with orofacial clefts. Associated factors (family history of orofacial clefts, maternal use of alcohol and cigarette smoking during pregnancy) were obtained through interviews with accompanying parents. Antenatal cards were used to obtain maternal age at birth and birth weight.

Results

Ninety-four patients with different orofacial clefts were seen. Among them, 46.8% (44/94), 13.8% (13/94), and 39.4% (37/94) had cleft lip, cleft palate, and cleft lip and palate, respectively. About 15% of orofacial cleft cases had a positive family history of orofacial clefts. Among these, 7.4% had an affected relative on the maternal side, 4.3% had an affected relative on the paternal side, and 3.2% had an affected sibling. This difference was statistically significant (chi-square = 27.7, p < .001). Orofacial cleft was significantly associated with order of birth (chi-square = 21.0, p < .001). Postoperative complications observed included palatal fistula and philtrum dehiscence.

Conclusion

Family history of orofacial clefts and order of birth were significantly associated with orofacial clefts in northwestern Tanzania. These factors have been associated with risk of orofacial clefts elsewhere and suggest a hereditary role in the etiology of orofacial cleft. Palatal fistula and philtrum dehiscence were postsurgical complications observed in orofacial clefts patients who had primary surgery past the recommended age. These complications could have resulted from delayed surgery and absence of presurgical procedures.
Nonsyndromic Cleft Lip and Palate in Boxer Dogs: Evidence of Monogenic Autosomal Recessive Inheritance
Authors: Moura Enio , Cirio Silvana M. , Pimpão Cláudia T.
Published: August 2011

Four newborn boxer dogs with bilateral cleft lip and palate were examined in search of further abnormalities, but no other type of congenital defect was found. These data, along with the pedigree inspection regarding the clinical phenotype, led to the conclusion that the affected dogs had a nonsyndromic monogenic autosomal recessive cleft lip and palate.
Are lower‐latitude plants better defended? Palatability of freshwater macrophytes
Authors: Morrison Wendy E. , Hay Mark E.
Published: August 2011

Increased herbivory at lower latitudes is hypothesized to select for more effective plant defenses. Feeding assays with seaweeds and salt marsh plants support this hypothesis, with low‐latitude plants experiencing greater damage in the field and being less palatable than higher‐latitude plants. We tested this hypothesis for freshwater macrophytes because they offered an independent plant lineage and habitat type for testing this general hypothesis and because the patchiness of consumer occupancy across isolated water bodies might produce local variance in herbivory that would override geographic variance and produce different results for this habitat type. When we fed eight congeneric pairs of live plants from four sites in Indiana vs. four sites in South Florida (∼215 and 0 frost days/yr respectively) to three species of crayfishes and one species of snail, three of the four herbivores significantly preferred high‐latitude to low‐latitude plants. For two crayfishes that differed in feeding on live plants (one favoring high‐latitude plants and one not), we retested feeding using foods composed of freeze‐dried and finely ground plants, thus removing structural characteristics while retaining most chemical/nutritional traits. In this assay, both herbivores strongly preferred high‐latitude plants, suggesting that lower‐latitude plants had been selected for more deterrent chemical traits. When we collected 22 pairs of congeneric plants from 9 sites throughout Indiana vs. 13 sites in Central Florida (∼215 and ∼95 frost days/yr respectively) and tested these in feeding assays with three crayfishes using dried, ground, and reconstituted plant material, we found a significant effect of latitude for only one of three species of herbivore. Overall, our results suggest a preference for high‐latitude plants, but the strength of this relationship varied considerably across small scales of latitude that differed considerably in numbers of frost‐free days. The difference in results suggests that large changes in frost frequency over small spatial scales may affect selection for plant defenses, that local variance in herbivory overrode differential selection at geographic scales, or that these possibilities interact when durations of cold weather periodically exclude herbivores from shallower habitats, producing heterogeneous selection for defenses at small spatial scales.
A comparison of two different techniques for early correction of Class III malocclusion
Authors: Seehra J. , Fleming P. S. , Mandall N. , DiBiase A. T.
Published: August 2011

Objective:

To compare the effectiveness of Reverse Twin-Block therapy (RTB) and protraction face mask treatment (PFM) with respect to an untreated control in the correction of developing Class III malocclusion.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective comparative study of subjects treated cases with either PFM (n  =  9) or RTB (n  =  13) and untreated matched controls (n  =  10) was performed. Both the PFM and control group samples were derived from a previously conducted clinical trial, and the RTB group was formed of consecutively treated cases. The main outcome variables assessed were skeletal and dental changes. Lateral cephalograms were taken at the start and end of treatment or during the observation period. Analysis of variance was used to compare changes in cephalometric variables arising during the study period in the lateral group. Linear regression analysis and an unpaired t-test were used to determine the impacts of treatment duration and gender, respectively.

Results:

Significantly greater skeletal changes arose with PFM therapy than with RTB therapy or in the control group (SNA, SNB, and ANB; P < .001). The dentoalveolar effects of RTB therapy exceeded those of PFM treatment, with significantly more maxillary incisor proclination (P < .001) and mandibular incisor retroclination (P < .006) arising with treatment.

Conclusions:

Both appliances are capable of correction of Class III dental relationships; however, the relative skeletal and dental contributions differ. Skeletal effects, chiefly anterior maxillary translation, predominated with PFM therapy. The RTB appliance induced Class III correction, primarily as a result of dentoalveolar effects.
Effect of infection with bovine leukosis virus on lymphocyte proliferation and apoptosis in dairy cattle
Authors: Erskine Ronald J. , Corl Christine M. , Gandy Jeffery C. , Sordillo Lorraine M.
Published: August 2011

Objective—To determine effects of infection with bovine leukosis virus (BLV) on lymphocyte proliferation and apoptosis in dairy cattle.

Animals—27 adult Holstein cows.

Procedures—Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from whole blood from lactating Holstein cows seronegative for BLV (n = 9 cows), seropositive for BLV and aleukemic (aleukemic; 9), and seropositive for BLV and persistently lymphocytotic (PL; 9). Isolated PBMCs were assayed for mitogen-induced proliferation and were analyzed by means of flow cytometry. The PBMCs from a subset of each group were assayed for apoptosis, caspase-9 activity, and expression of selected genes related to apoptosis.

Results—PL cows had significantly higher total lymphocyte counts and significantly lower proportions of T-lymphocyte populations than did BLV-negative and aleukemic cows. Both groups of BLV-infected cows had significantly higher proportions of B cells and major histocompatibility complex II–expressing cells than did BLV-negative cows. Proliferation with concanavalin A was significantly lower for PL cows, compared with proliferation for BLV-negative cows. Pokeweed mitogen–induced proliferation was significantly higher for aleukemic and PL cows than for BLV-negative cows. Gene expression of apoptosis-inhibitory proteins BCL2 and BCL2L1 was significantly higher for aleukemic cows and expression of BCL2 was significantly higher for PL cows than for BLV-negative cows.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Cattle infected with BLV had marked changes in PBMC populations accompanied by alterations in proliferation and apoptosis mechanisms. Because the relative distribution and function of lymphocyte populations are critical for immune competence, additional studies are needed to investigate the ability of BLV-infected cattle to respond to infectious challenge.
Temporal and spatial distribution of blastomycosis cases among humans and dogs in Illinois (2001–2007)
Authors: Herrmann John A. , Kostiuk Stacy L. , Dworkin Mark S. , Johnson Yvette J.
Published: August 2011

Objective—To compare the temporal and spatial distribution of cases of blastomycosis among humans and dogs in Illinois.

Design—Retrospective cross-sectional survey.

Sample—Human and canine populations in Illinois from 2001 through 2007.

Procedures—For each year, human population data were obtained from the US Census Bureau, and the total number of dogs was estimated by use of a human population-based formula. Data regarding infections with Blastomyces dermatitidis in humans were accessed from the Illinois Department of Public Health. Data regarding B dermatitidis infections in dogs were acquired through a survey of a random sample of the 747 veterinary medical practices in Illinois. Statistical analyses of human and canine data were performed by use of t tests, ANOVA, odds ratio assessment, and regression modeling.

Results—Estimated annual incidence of human cases of blastomycosis in Illinois increased from 3.8 to 10.7 cases/1 million persons/y from 2001 through 2007. Analysis of data from 221 veterinary practices revealed that the mean estimated annual incidence of canine cases of blastomycosis was 8.3 times the mean estimated annual incidence of human cases, with a similar pattern of change and regional distributions. Thirty-eight counties reported either human or canine cases but not both.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The estimated annual incidence of blastomycosis in humans and dogs in Illinois increased during the period of interest. Veterinarians, physicians, and public health agencies should be encouraged to communicate with each other regarding diagnoses of blastomycosis in either species to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment.
Nanostructure model and optical properties of InAs/GaAs quantum dot in vertical cavity surface emitting lasers
Authors: Chen J. , Fan W. , Ding Y. , Xu Q. , Zhang X. , Xu D. , Yoon S. , Zhang D.
Published: August 2011

We apply 8-band k.p model to study InAs/GaAs quantum dots (QDs). The strain was calculated using the valence force field (VFF) model which includes the four nearest-neighbour interactions. For the optical properties, we take into account both homogeneous and non-homogeneous broadening for the optical spectrum. Our simulation result is in good agreement with the experimental micro-photoluminescence (μ-PL) result which is from InAs/GaAs QD vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs) structure wafer at room temperature. Accordingly, our simulation model is used to predict the QD emission from this QD-VCSELs structure wafer at different temperature ranging from 200–400 K. The simulation results show a decrease of 41 meV of QD ground state (GS) transition energy from 250–350 K. The changes of QDGS transition energy with different temperature indicate the possible detuning range for 1.3-μm wave band QD-VCSELs applications without temperature control. Furthermore, QD differential gain at 300 K is computed based on this model, which will be useful for predicting the intrinsic modulation characteristics of QD-VCSELs.
The study of effective factors on some of the biologic rhythms from the view point of hospitalized patients
Authors: Najafi Doulatabad SH , Najafi Doulatabad A , Sadat SJ , Mohebbi Nobandegani Z
Published: August 2011

Many human vital actions like sleep and waken, defecation, blood pressure, body temperature, etc. are being done as rhythmic. The factors on these rhythms among hospitalized patients in the hospitals can outshine the patients recovery and hospitalization period so, the present research has been performed with the aim to study of the effective factors on some biological rhythms from point of view of hospitalized patients at medical ward of the Emam Sajad hospital of Yasouj city 2008-2009. This research is a descriptive sectional study, performed on hospitalized patients at medical wards of hospitals of Yasouj city during the years 2008-2009. Sampling method was as purposive accessible sampling and the numbers of samples were 100.0 persons. The data collection tool was questionnaire. Collected data were analyzed using SPSS software and descriptive statistical tests. 68.0% and 83.0% of samples were suffering from sleep reduction and anorexia respectively. 61.0% of samples also mentioned some change in their defecation. Among environmental factors, noise in the ward with 65.0%, among personal factors, anxiety regarding recovery and obtaining health with 60.0% and among caring factors, having serum and keep awake to receive medicine with 57.1% have been effective on the sleep reduction of patients with the rates of very much and much. Regarding the effective factors on appetite reduction of patients, smelly environment and undesirable food with 21.0% each, were among the most influential factors. Regarding the effective factors on defecation reduction also lack of activity with 25.5% had the maximum role. Since the most important effective factors in biologic rhythms which are under studying are adjustable and it is possible to remove them therefore, it is necessary for the caring personnel to prepare the rest possibility and comfortability of patients in desirable manner by more accuracy and removing such factors and giving education to the patients. Key Words: Sleep; Appetite; Defecation; Biologic rhythms; Patients. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v1i1.4379 International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, Vol 1 (2011) 14-18
When the exchange rate makes a difference: Noise Monitoring of Traffic Police in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal
Authors: Carter William S. , Rauniyar Rupesh
Published: August 2011

This study demonstrates that when measuring wide swings in noise over short time periods, Time Weighted Average (TWA) calculated results may vary significantly depending upon the exchange rate used. The 3 dBA exchange rate, the ACGIH recommended criteria, results in statistically significant higher values than the 5dBA exchange rate recommended by OSHA, when noise levels vary from 70 dBA to 120 dBA while measurements are taken.A field study of noise levels among the traffic police in the Kathmandu Valley was conducted in the spring of 2009.  Sampling was done at 5 high density traffic areas on and inside the Ring Road (valley perimeter road).  To collect sufficient data, hourly integrated personal and area samples were simultaneously taken with a dosimeter to identify hazardous noise areas and work locations that should be included in a hearing conservation program.  This study demonstrates the importance of taking several integrated samples over short periods of time when average noise levels vary. This study likewise illustrates that area samples may not accurately reflect personal exposure, particularly when there are large variations in temporal and areal measurements. This study is the first to collect personal noise data associated with traffic noise in Nepal.Key Words: personal noise monitoring; Integrated Sampling; 3 dBA exchange rate; traffic noise; NepalDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v1i1.4490 International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, Vol 1 (2011) 7-13
Occupational Safety and Health in Nepal
Authors: Joshi Sunil Kumar
Published: August 2011

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v1i1.5224 International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, Vol 1 (2011) 1-2
Improvement in cognitive function and cerebral perfusion after bur hole surgery in an adult with moyamoya disease
Authors: Calviere Lionel , Catalaa Isabelle , Marlats Fabienne , Januel Anne-Christine , Lagarrigue Jacques , Larrue Vincent
Published: August 2011

Recent studies have suggested that cognitive impairment may be a common complication in adults with moyamoya disease (MMD). However, the mechanisms of cognitive dysfunction have not been clarified. Whether cognitive impairment may occur as a consequence of cerebral hypoperfusion and may improve after revascularization surgery has not been determined. A 39-year-old West Indian woman with subacute dysexecutive cognitive syndrome and no history of stroke was diagnosed with MMD. Magnetic resonance imaging showed an old, small cerebral infarction in the left frontal white matter and no evidence of recent cerebral ischemia. Perfusion MR imaging with acetazolamide challenge demonstrated a reduced cerebrovascular reserve in both frontal lobes. Revascularization with bur hole surgery was performed, which resulted in complete regression of initial cognitive impairment. Improvement in cognitive function correlated with the development of transdural collaterals on angiography and improvement in cerebral perfusion on MR imaging. This case suggests a relationship between cognitive dysfunction and cerebral hypoperfusion in MMD. Cognitive impairment may be potentially reversible after bur hole surgery and cerebral perfusion improvement.
Noninvasive assessment of intracranial pressure with venous ophthalmodynamometry
Authors: Firsching Raimund , Müller Claudia , _ _ , Pauli Steffen-Ulrich , Voellger Benjamin , Röhl Friedrich-Wilhelm , Behrens-Baumann Wolfgang
Published: August 2011

Object

Venous ophthalmodynamometry is a technique used to register the pressure within the central retinal vein. Because the outflow of the central retinal vein is exposed to the intracranial pressure (ICP), the pressure of the central retinal vein may be correlated with the ICP. In the absence of adequate statistical evidence, the authors compared the pressure of the central retinal vein with results of simultaneous invasive monitoring of ICP in neurosurgical patients.

Methods

The pressure within the central retinal vein was recorded in 102 patients, in whom invasive continuous monitoring of ICP had become necessary for various reasons, mostly because of suspected hydrocephalus and intracranial hemorrhage.

Results

A highly significant correlation of the pressure in the central retinal vein and the intracranial cavity was confirmed statistically. An increased pressure of the central retinal vein indicated an elevated ICP, with a probability of 84.2%, whereas a normal pressure of the central retinal vein indicated a normal ICP in 92.8% of patients.

Conclusions

Venous ophthalmodynamometry is a valuable technique for the noninvasive assessment of ICP.
A very rare cause of low-back pain and sciatica: deep vein thrombosis due to absence of the inferior vena cava mimicking the clinical and radiological signs of lumbar disc herniation
Authors: Kogias Evangelos , Kircher Achim , Deininger Martin Hermann , Psarras Nikolaos , Keck Tobias , Schäfer Arnd-Oliver , Hubbe Ulrich
Published: August 2011

The authors report a very rare cause of low-back pain and sciatica in a patient with iliac vein thrombosis attributed to absence of the infrarenal segment of the inferior vena cava (IVC) with massively dilated venous collaterals draining via a paraspinal plexus into the azygous system.

This 21-year-old man presented with acute low-back pain radiating to the left ventral thigh. The initial CT scan revealed an intraspinal lesion that mimicked lumbar disc herniation. Further clarification revealed an iliac vein thrombosis, which was triggered by the absence of the infrarenal segment of the IVC, a very rare vascular anomaly. Collateral venous return was developed and led to lumbar varicosities and epidural vein engorgements. Laboratory examinations revealed factor V mutation as a predisposing factor for thrombosis. The patient's symptoms were relieved with anticoagulation and antiinflammatory therapy.

Absence of the infrarenal IVC associated with iliac vein thrombosis should be regarded as a very rare cause of radicular and low-back pain, and this condition can mimic the clinical and radiological signs of lumbar disc herniation. Sciatica might be the first clinical manifestation of this rare venous anomaly.