bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Middle Mass and the Pitt: A Critical Review of Peter Saunders's Sociology of Consumption
Authors: Burrows Roger , Butler Tim
Published: August 2011

This review provides critical commentary on the sociology of consumption recently developed by Peter Saunders in the new edition of his Social Theory and the Urban Question and elsewhere. Comment is made on the politics of socialized consumption, the sociology of consumption sector cleavages and the concept of a privatized mode of consumption. Note is also made of the methodological critique of realism and the assertion of a Weberian alternative which underpins the contribution. It is argued that although the approach provides some insights it tends to get locked into a series of unproducive conceptual and methodological polarities in its attempt to undermine the supposed hegemonic position of Marxism within contemporary urban studies.
Spatial Variability in Relative Survival from Female Breast Cancer
Authors: Saez Marc , Barceló Maria Antònia , Martos Carmen , Saurina Carme , Marcos-Gragera Rafael , Renart Gemma , Ocaña-Riola Ricardo , Feja Cristina , Alcalá Tomás
Published: August 2011

Relative survival is a measure of survival corrected for the effect of independent causes of death other than the cancer of interest. It is provided by population-based cancer registries and constitutes an indicator of the quality of cancer patient management. Geographical variations in relative survival from cancer could reflect differences in the effectiveness of healthcare. Studies comparing geographical variations use estimates of relative survival obtained independently in each of the corresponding geographical units. When the units havesmall populations, the statistical stability of survival estimates could be seriously compromised.Our main objective is to assess the geographical variation in relative survival ratios from femalebreast cancer in the Girona Health Region (corresponding, virtually, to the province of Girona inCatalonia, in north-eastern Spain). Firstly, we propose smoothing relative survival estimates bymeans of a (full) Bayesian hierarchical model. Secondly, we investigate which geographicalunit will give more stable estimates and could therefore be used for the analysis of cancersurvival as a healthcare performance indicator. We find that the model with more success in controlling for extra variability in the estimation of relative survival from female breast cancer in theGirona Health Region is a (full) Bayesian hierarchical model that incorporates both heterogeneity and spatial random effects. The greatest stability of these relative survival estimates wasachieved when basic health areas were taken as geographical units.
Cost‐effective Biodiversity Conservation: Procurement Auctions and Payment‐by‐Results  Préserver la biodiversité de manière efficace et au moindre coût : enchères pour la fourniture de services et paiements au résultat  Kosteneffiziente Erhaltung der Artenvielfalt: Beschaffungsauktionen und ergebnisorientierte Honorierung
Authors: Groth Markus
Published: August 2011

summary

Cost‐effective Biodiversity Conservation: Procurement Auctions and Payment‐by‐Results

Managed grasslands contribute in a number of ways to the biodiversity of European agricultural landscapes and provide a wide range of ecosystem services that are also of socio‐economic value. Against the background of a rapid biodiversity loss in agricultural landscapes, increasing attention is being paid to farming practices that enhance ecosystem services. Therefore developing cost‐effective conservation payment schemes is the main challenge facing present European agri‐environmental policy. This article deals with the design, implementation and results of a case‐study payment scheme in Steinburg county in Germany that compares payment‐by‐results conservation procurement auctions with a fixed flat‐rate payment‐by‐results approach as a means of improving the cost‐effectiveness of conservation schemes for grassland plant biodiversity. The empirical work indicates cost‐effectiveness gains of auctioning – compared to current fixed flat‐rate payment schemes – of up to 50 per cent. These findings along with the relatively high number of successful participants indicate that this specific approach will probably be an improvement over current action‐orientated fixed flat‐rate payments. This is mainly because low‐cost producers gain smaller information rents and the conservation agency will – with a given budget – be able to close contracts with (some) high‐cost farmers due to cost‐effectiveness gains provided by low‐cost landowners.
AN ALTERNATIVE TABLE FOR DETERMINING MEANS OF SECTIONS FROM A NORMAL DISTRIBUTION
Authors: Sandon Frank
Published: August 2011

The following note gives a table for determining means of vertical sections of the normal curve when the data given consist of the proportions of the total population falling above and below the limits of the sections.
A RAPIDLY CONVERGENT METHOD FOR MAXIMUM‐LIKELIHOOD FACTOR ANALYSIS
Authors: Clarke M. R. B.
Published: August 2011

The difficulty of finding the second derivatives of the likelihood function has meant that until now it has not been possible to use the usual Newton–Raphson approach to maximum‐likelihood estimation for the factor model. This paper gives a method of finding these second derivatives and shows how they lead to a simple and rapidly convergent numerical method for the estimation of factor model parameters. Some comparisons are made with another recent method due to Jöreskog & Lawley. A useful feature of the method is an asymptotically correct expression for the sampling variances of the estimated parameters.
OPTIMIZING THE RESOLUTION BETWEEN SALIENT AND NON‐SALIENT FACTOR PATTERN COEFFICIENTS
Authors: Hakstian A. Ralph
Published: August 2011

Oblique and orthogonal transformational techniques are developed, for both exploratory and confirmatory factor analytic applications, that allow the investigator to maximize, for each factor, the distance between the mean square of the factor pattern coefficients of the salient variables for that factor and that of the coefficients of the non‐salient variables. The saliency of each variable may be determined either a priori or empirically. Specific computing procedures are presented—including methods for differentially weighting the factors and variables—and are illustrated by their application to several well‐known data sets. Implications for practice are discussed.
RELATIVE EFFICIENCY OF NUMBER‐RIGHT AND FORMULA SCORES
Authors: Lord Frederic M.
Published: August 2011

Under a stated assumption, a formula is derived for estimating at any specified ability level the relative efficiency of number‐right score and formula score. Analysis of one set of data is summarized.
Psychophysical system identification by correlation methods
Authors: Eijkman E. G. J.
Published: August 2011

This paper outlines a psychophysical system identification based on the description of ‘activity profiles’ in the nervous system. Such ‘profiles’ carry all signal events during processing of a particular stimulus and during initiation of a particular response. It is argued that cross‐correlation of activity profiles supplies a measure for the separability of nervous substructures used in the process of the nearly simultaneous formation of two different responses. It turns out that the common psychophysical practice of measuring the probability of occurrence of particular stimulus‐response pairs gives sufficient information to calculate the cross‐correlation of ‘profiles’. Two experimental paradigms have been worked out: one with compound stimuli in two modalities, vision and audition; the other with a two‐dimensional judgement (pitch and lateralization) of stimuli in a single modality.
Some multi‐attribute models in examination assessment
Authors: Vassiloglou M.
Published: August 2011

Examination assessment can be likened to multi‐attribute models in value theory by treating candidates as alternatives that have to be compared and examination components as the different attributes on which they are assessed. Then the mark combination process is equivalent to a value function, the main difference being that in this context the examiners' judgement is modelled rather than their preferences.

This paper consists of five parts. In the first, a formal representation of the problem is given. In the next three sections, three additive representations are studied, each involving a different set of properties for the marks and the combination process. Finally, there is a short discussion and comparison of the three representations.
Variance estimation in factor analysis: An application of the bootstrap
Authors: Chatterjee Sangit
Published: August 2011

Sampling variability of the estimates of factor loadings is neglected in modern factor analysis. Such investigations are generally normal theory based and asymptotic in nature. The bootstrap, a computer‐based methodology, is described and then applied to demonstrate how the sampling variability of the estimates of factor loadings can be estimated for a given set of data. The issue of the number of factors to be retained in a factor model is also addressed. The bootstrap is shown to be an effective data‐analytic tool for computing various statistics of interest which are otherwise intractable.
On the multiple runs distribution and its use in the measurement of categorical clustering
Authors: Robertson Chris
Published: August 2011

The use of the multiple runs distribution in the assessment of categorical clustering in free recall experiments is discussed. The results of comparing five large sample approximations to this distribution are presented and guidelines as to which approximation to use are given.
Significance tables for the results of Fast Fourier Transforms
Authors: Russell Robin J. H.
Published: August 2011

Users of the Cooley–Tukey Fast Fourier Transform algorithm may wish to test the hypothesis that their data contain genuine periodicities rather than a sequence of independent values. Tables are provided to enable them to do this at three different levels of significance.
Disinterring the Spearman–Thomson coefficient of association, nJK/√(nJnK)
Authors: Jones Gregory V.
Published: August 2011

Recent research has favoured the use of the term nJK/√(nJnK) as coefficient of association. In this short historical note, it is pointed out that modern attributions of the formulation overlook the work of Spearman and Thomson, reported in this journal's parent publication approximately 70 years ago.
The weak Borda effect is of little relevance to social choice theory
Authors: Gillett Raphael
Published: August 2011

Colman (1984) has proposed a new justification for studying the weak Borda effect. He argues that it represents the violation by the plurality procedure of the weak dominance axiom. Weak dominance is a condition which some social choice theorists consider that a fair and reasonable collective choice procedure should satisfy. However, there are fundamental difficulties associated with this new position. The criterion defined by Colman as underlying the weak Borda effect differs considerably from the weak dominance axiom. It is also inconsistent with the definition of the weak Borda effect itself. Moreover, it can be argued that the criterion underlying the weak Borda effect is in fact an unreasonably severe standard. It confounds an undesirable requirement (that only tied winners should be permitted when there is a cyclical majority) with a desirable requirement (the Condorcet criterion). Thus, only social choice procedures with a tendency to produce indecisive outcomes can satisfy the criterion. Other problems with the approach are pointed out. It is concluded that the weak Borda effect is of little relevance to social choice theory.
Rejoinder to Gillett
Authors: Colman Andrew M.
Published: August 2011

A number of misleading statements and errors in Gillett's paper are identified, and the points at issue are briefly discussed. A computational error in Colman's earlier paper is acknowledged.
The rank difference test: A new and meaningful alternative to the Wilcoxon signed ranks test for ordinal data
Authors: Kornbrot Diana Eugenie
Published: August 2011

A new distribution free inferential procedure for comparing paired observations, called the ‘rank difference test’, is presented. The new procedure is based on ranks, and is applicable as a robust alternative to the related f test in all situations where the Wilcoxon signed ranks test is applicable. In additions it may be applied to ordinal data or operational measures which do not meet the assumptions underlying the Wilcoxon. Since the rank difference statistic, D, can take on half‐integer, as well as integer, values, it has continuity advantages over the Wilcoxon for small samples. The exact null distribution of the rank difference test statistic, D, is derived and tabulated for samples sizes from 2 to 7 pairs. The null distribution of the rank difference test statistic is shown to be asymptotically the same as that of the Wilcoxon test statistic for large sample sizes. Permutation methods are used to derive the null distribution for sample sizes from 8 to 20 based on 400000 simulations for each sample size. The practical application of the rank difference test is evaluated by comparing its power and performance with that of the Wilcoxon, the sign test and the related t test, for several classic sets of data in the literature, and for several sets of simulated data.
Confusing rotation‐like operations in space, mind and brain
Authors: Gregson Robert A. M.
Published: August 2011

The research on mental rotation is now extensive, and diverse in its approach and level. The phenomenon was originally described in terms of perceptual performance, and has been well replicated in that sense. That human observers can apparently turn images about axes of rotation or reflection, and correctly construct identifications of objects whose images have been transformed in a virtual mental space, is uncontested but in some ways unexplained. The phenomenon raises fundamental questions about the nature of mathematical assumptions within psychological theory, and suggests a need for the reconciliation of phenomenological, neuropsychological and mathematical descriptions within one compatible framework. It is concluded that what actually happens is not rotation in the geometrical sense but a serial operation that may be confused with rotation, and may sometimes yield the same terminal result.

A bibliography of major sources on the experimental and mathematical analyses of the mental rotation of images of 2‐d and 3‐d figures has been compiled.
A comparison of three additive tree algorithms that rely on a least‐squares loss criterion
Authors: Smith Thomas J.
Published: August 2011

The performances of three additive tree algorithms which seek to minimize a least‐squares loss criterion were compared. The algorithms included the penalty‐function approach of De Soete (1983), the iterative projection strategy of Hubert & Arabie (1995) and the two‐stage ADDTREE algorithm, (Corter, 1982; Sattath & Tversky, 1977). Model fit, comparability of structure, processing time and metric recovery were assessed. Results indicated that the iterative projection strategy consistently located the best‐fitting tree, but also displayed a wider range and larger number of local optima.
Cartilage Acidic Protein–1B (LOTUS), an Endogenous Nogo Receptor Antagonist for Axon Tract Formation
Authors: Sato Yasufumi , Iketani Masumi , Kurihara Yuji , Yamaguchi Megumi , Yamashita Naoya , Nakamura Fumio , Arie Yuko , Kawasaki Takahiko , Hirata Tatsumi , Abe Takaya , Kiyonari Hiroshi , Strittmatter Stephen M. , Goshima Yoshio , Takei Kohtaro
Published: August 2011

A molecule that functions in normal olfactory tract development could provide clues to failed neuronal regeneration in adults.
Serum estradiol levels associated with specific gene expression patterns in normal breast tissue and in breast carcinomas
Authors: Haakensen Vilde D , Bjøro Trine , Lüders Torben , Riis Margit , Bukholm Ida K , Kristensen Vessela N , Troester Melissa A , Homen Marit M , Ursin Giske , Børresen-Dale Anne-Lise , Helland Åslaug
Published: August 2011

Background

High serum levels of estradiol are associated with increased risk of postmenopausal breast cancer. Little is known about the gene expression in normal breast tissue in relation to levels of circulating serum estradiol.

Methods

We compared whole genome expression data of breast tissue samples with serum hormone levels using data from 79 healthy women and 64 breast cancer patients. Significance analysis of microarrays (SAM) was used to identify differentially expressed genes and multivariate linear regression was used to identify independent associations.

Results

Six genes (SCGB3A1, RSPO1, TLN2, SLITRK4, DCLK1, PTGS1) were found differentially expressed according to serum estradiol levels (FDR = 0). Three of these independently predicted estradiol levels in a multivariate model, asSCGB3A1(HIN1) andTLN2were up-regulated andPTGS1(COX1) was down-regulated in breast samples from women with high serum estradiol. Serum estradiol, but none of the differentially expressed genes were significantly associated with mammographic density, another strong breast cancer risk factor. In breast carcinomas, expression ofGREB1andAREGwas associated with serum estradiol in all cancers and in the subgroup of estrogen receptor positive cases.

Conclusions

We have identified genes associated with serum estradiol levels in normal breast tissue and in breast carcinomas.SCGB3A1is a suggested tumor suppressor gene that inhibits cell growth and invasion and is methylated and down-regulated in many epithelial cancers. Our findings indicate this gene as an important inhibitor of breast cell proliferation in healthy women with high estradiol levels. In the breast, this gene is expressed in luminal cells only and is methylated in non-BRCA-related breast cancers. The possibility of a carcinogenic contribution of silencing of this gene for luminal, but not basal-like cancers should be further explored. PTGS1 induces prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production which in turn stimulates aromatase expression and hence increases the local production of estradiol. This is the first report studying such associations in normal breast tissue in humans.
On the Sum of Reciprocal Generalized Fibonacci Numbers
Authors: Holliday Sarah H. , Komatsu Takao
Published: August 2011

The Fibonacci Zeta functions are defined by
An Erdős–Fuchs Type Theorem for Finite Groups
Authors: Lev Vsevolod F. , Sárközy András
Published: August 2011

We establish a finite analogue of the Erdős–Fuchs theorem, showing that the representation function of a non-trivial subset of a finite abelian group cannot be nearly constant. Our results are, essentially, best possible.
Pixel-to-point Transfer: a Process for Integrating Individual GaN-based Light-emitting Devices in o Heterogeneous Microsystems
Authors: Luo Z.S. , Sands T. , Cheung N.W. , Chediak J.A. , Seo J. , Lee L.P.
Published: August 2011

A novel ultra-low-thermal-budget pixel-to-point transfer process based on the excimer laser lift-off and Pd-In transient-liquid-phase bonding scheme was developed for flexible and precise placement of single pixels of GaN-based light-emitting diodes (LED) on target substrates. The transfer was accomplished by (1) temporarily bonding the light-emitting diode (LED) pixel to a specially designed pick-up rod with sapphire substrates facing up using Super Glue., (2) removing the sapphire substrates using laser lift-off, and (3) registering and permanently bonding the LED pixel to the designated area in the target substrates using Pd-In transient-liquid-phase bonding. An oxygen plasma was employed to remove the Super Glue® residue before further microfabrication and system integration was performed. The capability of this technique was demonstrated in the integration of GaN-based LED pixels with pre-fabricated PIN photodiode chips and thin-film bandedge filters, which formed the non-disposable subsystems of a fluorescence-based lab-on-a-chip system. The performance of these integrated LED pixels and the integrated microsystems has been assessed by evaluating the fluorescence intensity as a function of equivalent fluorescein dye concentration using disposable polydimenthyl siloxane(PDMS) microfluidic channels. GaN LEDs with peak emission at 463 nm were used to excite 515nm fluorescence from FluoSpheres® carboxylate-modified fluorescent microspheres (40nm in diamters).
Atuação da equipe de saúde bucal na estratégia saúde da família: análise dos estudos publicados no período 2001-2008
Authors: Soares Fabíola Fernandes , Figueiredo Carla Rosa Vilela de , Borges Neyrlene Cavalcanti Moreira , Jordão Rodrigo Aquino , Freire Maria do Carmo Matias
Published: August 2011

O objetivo do presente estudo foi revisar as publicações no período de 2001 a 2008 sobre a atuação da Equipe de Saúde Bucal (ESB) na Estratégia Saúde da Família (ESF), buscando conhecer o perfil das publicações e os estudos que possam subsidiar a avaliação da inserção da saúde bucal na estratégia. As fontes de publicação consultadas foram artigos publicados em periódicos nacionais e internacionais incluídos nas bases de dados LILACs, MEDLINE e BBO, além de periódicos não indexados. Foram selecionados apenas os artigos que abordavam algum tipo de avaliação da atuação da ESB na ESF (N=20). Os estudos publicados no período analisado apresentam informações importantes, porém as metodologias de avaliação utilizadas na maioria destes não permitem conhecer o impacto das ações da ESB no acesso e na condição de saúde bucal das populações beneficiadas. Os achados indicam ainda que os municípios não têm realizado suas ações de saúde bucal plenamente da forma preconizada pelo Ministério da Saúde. Além disso, barreiras e avanços têm sido identificados no processo de construção em que ainda predominam as práticas do modelo tradicional.
Registration of ‘Anton’ Hard White Winter Wheat
Authors: Graybosch Robert A. , Peterson C. James , Baenziger P. Stephen , Nelson Lenis A. , Baltensperger David D. , Jin Yue , Kolmer James A. , Seabourn Bradford W. , Beecher Brian S.
Published: August 2011

Low levels of the grain enzyme polyphenol oxidase (PPO) are a necessary attribute of any newly developed hard white wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) adapted to the Great Plains. Low PPO correlates with enhanced end‐use quality, including the final product color in noodle applications. Few wheats with this necessary characteristic presently are available. The objective of this study was to develop a hard winter wheat adapted to the region that possesses both low levels of grain PPO and quality characteristics that would allow its utilization in domestic bread‐making applications. This goal was achieved via the development and release in December 2007 of ‘Anton’ (Reg. No. CV‐1057, PI 651044) hard white winter wheat by the USDA‐ARS and the Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station. Anton was released primarily for its low levels of PPO. Flour‐PPO levels of Anton (tested under the experimental designation NW98S097) were significantly lower than all other entries in the 2003 and 2004 USDA‐ARS coordinated Northern Regional Performance nursery. Polyphenol oxidase levels of Anton in grain from the 2005 University of Nebraska cultivar performance trials were not significantly different from those of the low‐PPO cultivar ‘Platte’ and were significantly lower than those of several additional current hard white winter wheat cultivars and breeding lines. Anton was selected from the cross WA691213‐27/N86L177//Platte.
Differential response of the homoploid hybrid speciesIris nelsonii(Iridaceae) and its progenitors to abiotic habitat conditions
Authors: Taylor Sunni J. , Willard Rees W. , Shaw Joshua P. , Dobson Mary C. , Martin Noland H.
Published: August 2011

•Premise of the Study:Homoploid hybrid speciation involves the evolution of reproductive isolation between a hybrid lineage and its progenitors without a change in chromosome number. Ecological divergence presumably plays a large role in the stabilization of hybrid lineages, as all homoploid hybrid species described to date are reported to be ecologically divergent from their progenitors. However, the described ecological divergence in most systems is anecdotal and has not been empirically tested.

•Methods:We assessed the vegetative response ofIris nelsonii, a homoploid hybrid species, and its three progenitor species,I. brevicaulis,I. fulva, andI. hexagona, to different abiotic conditions (i.e., varied sunlight availability and flooding conditions) that largely characterize the habitats of these four species in their natural habitats in Louisiana, USA.

•Key Results:The species differed in their responses to the water‐level treatment for many of the response variables, including rhizome weight, ramet growth, plant height, and two principal components used to characterize the data. The species differed in their response to the light‐level treatment for root allocation and the principal component used to characterize plant size.Iris nelsoniisignificantly differed from its progenitors, including its most closely related progenitor species, in response to many of the treatments.

•Conclusions:The differential response to abiotic habitat conditions ofI. nelsoniisuggests that this species is ecologically divergent from its progenitor species.
Central and Peripheral Corneal Iron Deposits After Implantation of a Small-aperture Corneal Inlay for Correction of Presbyopia
Authors: Dexl Alois K. , Ruckhofer Josef , Riha Wolfgang , Hohensinn Melchior , Rueckl Theresa , Messmer Elisabeth M. , Grabner Gunther , Seyeddain Orang
Published: August 2011

PURPOSE:

To describe central and peripheral corneal iron deposition after implantation of the AcuFocus corneal inlay (ACI 7000, AcuFocus Inc) for the surgical correction of presbyopia.

METHODS:

Patients who underwent inlay implantation between September 2006 and May 2007 and displaying corneal iron deposits were enrolled in the study.

RESULTS:

Eighteen (56%) eyes of 32 patients developed corneal iron deposition within 36 months after corneal inlay implantation. One (5.5%) eye had a central spot-like iron deposition only, 10 (55.5%) eyes had formation of deposits in a half-moon shape in the inferior cornea parallel to the outer margin of the inlay or a complete circular ring formation, and 7 (39%) eyes demonstrated deposits in both areas. The median interval between implantation and diagnosis of corneal iron deposition was 18±9 months.

CONCLUSIONS:

Corneal iron deposition can develop in different shapes after implantation of the small-aperture ACI 7000. Alterations in tear film thickness, its composition, and corneal epithelial basal cell storage, resulting from changes in corneal topography, may be contributing factors for these specific iron depositions.
Surgical Management of Toxic Multinodular Goiter
Authors: Digonnet Antoine , Willemse Esther , Dekeyser Cécile , Aubain Nicolas de Saint , Michel Moreau , Andry Guy
Published: August 2011

Management of toxic multinodular goiter (TMNG) is still debated. We report our current experience with thyroidectomy for toxic multinodular goiter at a tertiary center. A retrospective database of 141 patients who underwent surgery for TMNG disease from January 1985 to December 2008. During that period, six patients underwent subtotal thyroidectomy and 135 patients underwent near total thyroidectomy. Around 53 patients (38%) underwent surgery for recurrent disease after medical therapy; 88 patients (62%) had surgery as a primary treatment, the indications were large goiter size in 58 (66%), associated cold nodule in 16 (18%), patient preference in 14 (16%). The incidence of cancer was 6.4%. Permanent hypoparathyroidism was observed in two patients. Unilateral transitory vocal cord palsy was observed in 11 patients (8%), no bilateral transitory vocal cord palsy was observed. One unilateral definitive vocal cord palsy was observed and was provoked by a mediastinal compression. Two patients (1.5%) experienced postoperative hemorrhagia requiring surgical revision. Near total thyroidectomy for TMNG provide an immediate and definitive treatment with a low complication rate. Near total thyroidectomy offers an appropriate treatment for coexisting malignancy. Only NTT can alleviate compressive symptoms. This procedure can be safely recommended even as a primary treatment.
Intraoperative Sonographic Localization of Insulinoma: Case Reports and Review of Literature
Authors: Agrawal NK , Pandey Durgatosh , Sharma Balram , Gahlot Ankur , Naik DB , Siddiqui SS , Jain Pankaj , Singh Surya K
Published: August 2011

Insulinomas, a rare clinical entity, are usually small, single, benign and intrapancreatic in location. Several modalities are available for preoperative localization of insulinomas. Intraoperative ultrasound is an important tool used for localization as well as to find anatomical relation of tumor to surrounding tissue. We are reporting three cases of insulinomas with brief discussion on modalities used for localization. After biochemical confirmation of hyperinsulinemia, preoperative localization was done initially by computed tomography followed by intraoperative ultrasonography. Preoperative localization by computed tomography was successful in all the cases but missed an additional lesion in one of the patients which was picked up by intraoperative ultrasonography (IOUS) that changed surgical management. Preoperative localization may not be successful in all the cases. Intraoperative direct inspection, palpation and ultrasound can be used to identify lesions in the cases where preoperative localization was unsuccessful.
Monozygotic twin discordance for phacomatosis cesioflammea further supports the post‐zygotic mutation hypothesis
Authors: Castori Marco , Sarazani Stefano , Binni Francesco , Pezzella Francesca Romana , Cruciani Giovanni , Grammatico Paola
Published: August 2011

Phacomatosis pigmentovascularis (PPV) is a group of sporadic skin disorders combining widespread cutaneous capillary malformations and pigmented nevi. Etiopathogenesis of the various forms of PPV is unknown, although a non‐allelic twin spotting has been proposed as the most likely underlying mechanism. We report on the second instance of monozygotic twin discordance for PPV. Identical twins were observed shortly after birth, one affected by PPV and the other healthy, except for a standard Mongolian spot. Membrane examination was compatible with a monochorionic diamniotic pregnancy, and microsatellite analysis demonstrated monozygosity. This report confirms that PPV likely originates from a post‐zygotic mutation rising shortly after conception and affecting different cell lineages. Speculations about mechanisms linked to phenotypic discrepancies among identical twins were also put forward. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Gold for CC Coupling Reactions: A Swiss‐Army‐Knife Catalyst?
Authors: Wegner Hermann A. , Auzias Mathieu
Published: August 2011

For organic chemists, the construction of CC bonds is the most essential aspect of the assembly of molecules. Transition‐metal‐catalyzed coupling reactions have evolved as one of the key tools for this task. Lately, gold has also emerged as a catalyst for this kind of transformation. Gold, with its special properties as a mild carbophilic π Lewis acid, its ability to insert into CH bonds, and, as discovered recently, its ability to undergo redox transformations, offers the opportunity to apply all this potent proficiency for the construction of compounds in an efficient and economical way. This Minireview critically presents the CC coupling reactions enabled by gold catalysts to encourage further research activities in this promising area of oxidation/reduction gold catalysts.
Neuer Fähranleger für den Seehafen Rostock Tobias Günzl
Authors: Günzl Tobias
Published: August 2011

Der Seehafen Rostock ist einer der Hauptfährhäfen für den Ostseeverkehr. Bis 2012 wird für zwei neue Fähren der Reederei Scandlines ein Anleger ausgebaut. Ziel ist es, die Transportkapazität zu verdoppeln. Die innovative und moderne Hafenanlage mit zwei Rampen wird ausschließlich für die hochspezialisierten RoRo‐Schiffe von Scandlines geplant, welche mit einer Staulänge von ca. 1600 m über Haupt‐ und Oberdeck abgefertigt werden. Die gleichzeitige Bedienung übereinanderliegender Schiffsdecks garantiert kurze Liegezeiten trotz eines höheren Umschlagsvolumens. Im Folgenden wird auf die Planung des Fähranlegers und die damit verbundenen technischen Herausforderungen, wie die Maßnahmen zur Optimierung der Kinematik für eine schnellere Be‐ und Entladezeit der Fähren, eingegangen. Hervorzuheben ist, dass bei der Planung eine Patentlösung zur Optimierung der Fährbrücken realisiert wurde.
Nick Sealing by T4 DNA Ligase on a Modified DNA Template: Tethering a Functional Molecule on D‐Threoninol
Authors: Liang Xingguo , Fujioka Kenta , Asanuma Hiroyuki
Published: August 2011

Efficient DNA nick sealing catalyzed by T4 DNA ligase was carried out on a modified DNA template in which an intercalator such as azobenzene had been introduced. The intercalator was attached to a D‐threoninol linker inserted into the DNA backbone. Although the structure of the template at the point of ligation was completely different from that of native DNA, two ODNs could be connected with yields higher than 90 % in most cases. A systematic study of sequence dependence demonstrated that the ligation efficiency varied greatly with the base pairs adjacent to the azobenzene moiety. Interestingly, when the introduced azobenzene was photoisomerized to the cis form on subjection to UV light (320–380 nm), the rates of ligation were greatly accelerated for all sequences investigated. These unexpected ligations might provide a new approach for the introduction of functional molecules into long DNA strands in cases in which direct PCR cannot be used because of blockage of DNA synthesis by the introduced functional molecule. The biological significance of this unexpected enzymatic action is also discussed on the basis of kinetic analysis,.
ChemInform Abstract: Efficient Aqueous‐Phase Heck Reaction Catalyzed by a Robust Hydrophilic Pyridine‐Bridged Bisbenzimidazolylidene—Palladium Pincer Complex.
Authors: Wang Zhixun , Feng Xike , Fang Weiwei , Tu Tao
Published: August 2011

This reaction provides the first example of N‐heterocyclic carbenes which catalyze the Heck reaction with extremely low catalyst loading, by using the title complex as a molecular catalyst.
ChemInform Abstract: Porous Metal Oxide Nanostructures and Their Catalytic Applications
Authors: Zhong Ziyi , Shen Shoucang
Published: August 2011

Review: 279 refs.
Characterization of PDZ domain‐peptide interaction interface based on energetic patterns
Authors: Li Nan , Hou Tingjun , Ding Bo , Wang Wei
Published: August 2011

PDZ domain is one of the abundant modular domains that recognize short peptide sequences to mediate protein–protein interactions. To decipher the binding specificity of PDZ domain, we analyzed the interactions between 11 mouse PDZ domains and 2387 peptides using a method called MIEC‐SVM, which energetically characterizes the domain‐peptide interaction using molecular interaction energy components (MIECs) and predicts binding specificity using support vector machine (SVM). Cross‐validation and leave‐one‐domain‐out test showed that the MIEC‐SVM using all 44 PDZ‐peptide residue pairs at the interaction interface outperformed the sequence‐based methods in the literature. A further feature (residue pair) selection procedure illustrated that 16 residue pairs were uninformative to the binding specificity, even though they contributed significantly (∼50%) to the binding energy. If only using the 28 informative residue pairs, the performance of the MIEC‐SVM on predicting the PDZ binding specificity was significantly improved. This analysis suggests that the informative and uninformative residue interactions between the PDZ domain and the peptide may represent those contributing to binding specificity and affinity, respectively. We performed additional structural and energetic analyses to shed light on understanding how the PDZ‐peptide recognition is established. The success of the MIEC‐SVM method on PDZ domains in this study and SH3 domains in our previous studies illustrates its generality on characterizing protein‐peptide interactions and understanding protein recognition from a structural and energetic viewpoint. Proteins 2011; © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An optimized MM/PBSA virtual screening approach applied to an HIV‐1 gp41 fusion peptide inhibitor
Authors: Venken Tom , Krnavek Daniela , Münch Jan , Kirchhoff Frank , Henklein Petra , De Maeyer Marc , Voet Arnout
Published: August 2011

VIRus Inhibitory Peptide (VIRIP), a 20 amino acid peptide, binds to the fusion peptide (FP) of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1) gp41 and blocks viral entry. VIRIP derivatives with improved antiviral activity have been developed, and one of those derivatives has recently proven effective and safe in a phase 1/2 clinical trial. Here, molecular dynamics were executed in combination with molecular mechanics/Poisson‐Boltzmann surface area (MM/PBSA) free energy calculations to explore the binding interaction between VIRIP derivatives and gp41 FP. A promising correlation between antiviral activity and simulated binding free energy was established thanks to restriction of the flexibility of the peptides, inclusion of configurational entropy calculations, and the use of multiple internal dielectric constants for the MM/PBSA calculations depending on the amino acid sequence. Based on these results, a virtual screening experiment was carried out to design VIRIP analogs with further improved antiretroviral activity. A selection of peptides was tested for inhibitory activity and several VIRIP derivatives were identified with significantly enhanced activity compared to the reference peptides. The results demonstrate that computational modeling strategies using an adapted MM/PBSA methodology improve the accuracy of binding free energy calculations of peptide complexes compared to the classic MM/PBSA protocol. As such, this virtual screening approach generated HIV‐1 gp41 FP inhibitors with improved antiviral activity that could be useful for future clinical applications. Proteins 2011;. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Spotted wing drosophila infestation of California strawberries and raspberries: economic analysis of potential revenue losses and control costs
Authors: Goodhue Rachael E , Bolda Mark , Farnsworth Derek , Williams Jeffrey C , Zalom Frank G
Published: August 2011

BACKGROUND: Economic costs of spotted wing drosophila (SWD) include yield and associated revenue losses, labor and material costs for monitoring and management and revenue losses due to the closure of export markets should fruit from SWD‐infested regions be banned by trading partners. This analysis focuses on two types of loss in the California raspberry and strawberry industries: yield losses in the absence of management, and insecticide material costs on a per treatment basis. It computes the cost of a specific management program for raspberries in California's Central Coast region.

RESULTS: Insecticide material and application costs per treatment and the cost of the management program are small relative to the yield losses in the absence of management that are observed by growers, researchers and others in initial infestations.

CONCLUSION: It is difficult to evaluate precisely the share of pest management program costs due to SWD because insecticides are sometimes used to manage multiple pests, and because labor‐intensive field sanitation efforts to control SWD are recommended practices already. Given these considerations, this analysis finds that the benefits to SWD management well outweigh the costs examined here. Evaluating the efficacy of managing SWD is essential in assessing the risks that SWD poses and the benefits of pest management programs. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Rates and processes of channel response to dam removal with a sand‐filled impoundment
Authors: Pearson Adam J. , Snyder Noah P. , Collins Mathias J.
Published: August 2011

Dam removal projects are playing an increasingly important role in stream restoration, and offer unparalleled opportunities to study sediment dynamics following disturbance. We used the removal of the ∼4‐m high Merrimack Village Dam (MVD) on the Souhegan River in southern New Hampshire to measure processes and rates of channel evolution in a sand‐filled impoundment. From 2007 to 2010, we repeatedly surveyed 11 cross sections and the longitudinal profile, and collected sediment samples to measure changes in channel morphology and bed texture. The dam removal in August 2008 resulted in a nearly instantaneous base level drop of 3.9 m and caused a two‐phased channel response. The initial, process‐driven phase (2 months) was characterized by rapid incision and removal of the impounded sand (up to 1013 t d−1), followed by channel widening. Once incised to base level, the rate of sediment removal slowed (30.7 t d−1) and adjustments became event‐driven, and the former impoundment segmented into a nonalluvial section and an alluvial section with erosion and deposition influenced by vegetation on the channel banks. Two years after the dam removal and two high‐magnitude floods, the river has excavated 79% of the original sediment. Continued response will be substantially influenced by the establishment of bank vegetation within the former impoundment and the magnitude and frequency of high discharge events. Initial channel development and sediment erosion occurs rapidly (weeks to months) in sand‐filled impoundments, but excavation of the remaining sediment occurs more slowly depending on vegetation feedbacks and flood events.
The influence of Southern Hemisphere sea‐ice extent on the latitude of the mid‐latitude jet stream
Authors: Kidston J. , Taschetto A. S. , Thompson D. W. J. , England M. H.
Published: August 2011

An atmospheric general circulation model with prescribed sea‐ice and sea‐surface temperatures is used to examine the sensitivity of the atmospheric circulation to changes in sea‐ice extent in the Southern Hemisphere. Experiments are conducted where the sea‐ice edge is expanded or contracted by 7 degrees of latitude compared with its position in a control run. The experiments suggest that the latitude of the sea‐ice edge influences the latitude of the Southern Hemisphere mid‐latitude jet stream, but that the amplitude of the atmospheric response depends critically on the location and seasonality of the sea‐ice anomalies. During the cold season, the mid‐latitude jet shifts significantly poleward when the sea‐ice extent is increased, but exhibits very little response when the sea‐ice extent is decreased. During the warm season, the jet does not shift significantly regardless of whether the sea‐ice edge is extended or contracted. The cause of the asymmetry in the atmospheric response relates to the extent to which the sea‐ice anomalies affect meridional temperature gradients in the near‐surface baroclinic zone. The results suggest that 1) any future decreases in Antarctic sea‐ice are unlikely to have a profound effect on the Southern Hemisphere mid‐latitude circulation; and 2) the usefulness of sea‐ice variability for seasonal prediction is limited to the cold season and to the case of increases in sea‐ice extent.
Evolution of symbiotic organs and endosymbionts in lygaeid stinkbugs
Authors: Matsuura Yu , Kikuchi Yoshitomo , Hosokawa Takahiro , Koga Ryuichi , Meng Xian-Ying , Kamagata Yoichi , Nikoh Naruo , Fukatsu Takema
Published: August 2011

We investigated seed bugs of the genus Nysius (Insecta: Hemiptera: Lygaeidae) for their symbiotic bacteria. From all the samples representing 4 species, 18 populations and 281 individuals, specific bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequences were consistently identified, which formed a distinct clade in the Gammaproteobacteria. In situ hybridization showed that the bacterium was endocellularly localized in a pair of large bacteriomes that were amorphous in shape, deep red in color, and in association with gonads. In the ovary of adult females, the endosymbiont was also localized in the ‘infection zone’ in the middle of each germarium and in the ‘symbiont ball’ at the anterior pole of each oocyte, indicating vertical transmission of the endosymbiont through the ovarial passage. Phylogenetic analyses based on bacterial 16S rRNA, groEL and gyrB genes consistently supported a coherent monophyly of the Nysius endosymbionts. The possibility of a sister relationship to ‘Candidatus Kleidoceria schneideri’, the bacteriome-associated endosymbiont of a lygaeid bug Kleidocerys resedae, was statistically rejected, indicating independent evolutionary origins of the endosymbionts in the Lygaeidae. The endosymbiont genes consistently exhibited AT-biased nucleotide compositions and accelerated rates of molecular evolution, and the endosymbiont genome was only 0.6 Mb in size. The endosymbiont phylogeny was congruent with the host insect phylogeny, suggesting strict vertical transmission and host–symbiont co-speciation over evolutionary time. Based on these results, we discuss the evolution of bacteriomes and endosymbionts in the Heteroptera, most members of which are associated with gut symbiotic bacteria. The designation ‘Candidatus Schneideria nysicola’ is proposed for the endosymbiont clade.
Polymorphisms in the NPY2R Gene Show Significant Associations With BMI That Are Additive to FTO, MC4R, and NPFFR2 Gene Effects
Authors: Hunt Steven C. , Hasstedt Sandra J. , Xin Yuanpei , Dalley Brian K. , Milash Brett A. , Yakobson Emanuel , Gress Richard E. , Davidson Lance E. , Adams Ted D.
Published: August 2011

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is an appetite hormone that acts centrally to control feeding behavior. The 5′ and exon 2 regions of NPY2R, one of five NPY receptor genes, have been weakly and inconsistently implicated with obesity. With the ATG start site of the gene at the beginning of exon 2, single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across intron 1 may show stronger associations with obesity than expected. Two 5′ SNPs, three intron 1 SNPs, and one synonymous exon 2 SNP were genotyped on 2,985 white Utah subjects. Previously associated FTO, NPY, NPY1R, MC4R, PPARGC1A, OR7D4, and four NPFFR2 SNPs were also genotyped and related to BMI. One NPY2R 5′ SNP (rs12649641, P = 0.008), an exon 2 SNP (rs2880415, P = 0.009), and an intron 1 SNP (rs17376826, P = 7 × 10−6) were each significantly associated with BMI. All three SNPs, plus FTO (rs9939609, P = 1.5 × 10−6) and two NPFFR2 SNPs (rs4129733, P = 3.7 × 10−13 and rs11940196, 4.2 × 10−10) remained significant in a multiple regression additive model. Diplotypes using the estimated haplotypes of NPY2R, NPFFR2, and MC4R were significantly associated with BMI (P = 1.0 × 10−10, 3.2 × 10−8, and 1.1 × 10−4, respectively). Haplotypes of NPY2R, NPFFR2, and MC4R, plus the FTO SNP, explained 9.6% of the BMI variance. SNP effect sizes per allele for the four genes ranged from 0.8 to 3.5 kg/m2. We conclude that haplotypes containing the rs17376826 SNP in intron 1 of NPY2R have strong associations with BMI, some NPFFR2 haplotypes are strongly protective against or increase risk of obesity, and both NPY2R and NPFFR2 play important roles in obesity predisposition independent of FTO and MC4R.