bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The combined stress effects of atrazine and cadmium on the earthworm Eisenia fetida
Authors: Wang Jin-Hua , Zhu Lu-Sheng , Meng Yan , Wang Jun , Xie Hui , Zhang Qing-Ming
Published: May 2012

To assess the combined toxic effects of atrazine and cadmium on earthworms, specimens of Eisenia fetida were exposed in artificial soil to three concentrations of atrazine (0, 0.5, and 2.5 mg kg−1) and a range of concentrations of cadmium (Cd; 0, 0.03, 0.3, and 3.0 mg kg−1) both singly and as mixtures. The DNA damage and internal atrazine and cadmium concentrations were assessed in earthworms on days 7, 14, 21, and 28 of the treatment. The results showed that the olive tail moments (OTMs) at individual atrazine and cadmium concentrations were significantly higher than those of the controls (p < 0.01). As exposure to atrazine or cadmium progressed, the OTMs increased and the maximum value occurred on day 28. In all combined treatments, the OTMs were much less than those of the sum of individual atrazine and cadmium OTMs, suggesting that the combined effects of atrazine and cadmium were less than additive. The less than additive toxicity of atrazine and cadmium might be due to the formation of atrazine–cadmium complexes or the activation of detoxification isozymes. Moreover, there was a significant correlation between internal atrazine or cadmium concentrations and DNA damage in most exposures, indicating that body residues were consistent with toxicity response. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012; 31: 2035–2040. © 2012 SETAC
Does occupational lifting and carrying among female health care workers contribute to an escalation of pain‐day frequency?
Authors: Holtermann A. , Clausen T. , Aust B. , Mortensen O.S. , Andersen L.L.
Published: May 2012

Background

The aim of the study was to investigate if different frequencies, loads and trunk postures of occupational lifting and carrying increases the risk of sub‐chronic (1–30 days last 12 months) low back pain (LBP) to become persistent (>30 days last 12 months) among female health care workers.

Methods

Female health care workers answered a questionnaire about occupational lifting or carrying frequency (rarely, occasionally and frequently), load (low: 1–7 kg, moderate: 8–30 kg and heavy: >30 kg) and trunk posture (upright or forward bent back), and days with LBP in 2005 and 2006.

Results

The odds ratio (OR) for developing persistent LBP in 2006 from these characteristics of occupational lifting and carrying was investigated with multi‐adjusted logistic regressions among female health care workers with sub‐chronic LBP (n = 2381) in 2005. Among health care workers with sub‐chronic LBP, increased risk of persistent LBP was found from frequently lifting or carrying with forward bent back of moderate loads (OR: 1.63; 95% CI: 1.15–2.33) and heavy loads (OR: 1.56; 95% CI: 1.04–2.34). No increased risk for LBP to develop into a persistent condition was found for frequent lifting with upright back, frequent lifting or carrying of light loads, or occasionally lifting or carrying of any loads.

Conclusions

Preventive initiatives for sub‐chronic LBP to develop into a persistent condition ought to focus on reducing frequent lifting and carrying of moderate and heavy loads with forward bent back.
Effect of triazine derivative added to denture materials on a microcosm biofilm model
Authors: de Moraes Aline Pinheiro , Barwaldt Caroline Konzgen , Nunes Thaís Zorzoli , Sarkis‐Onofre Rafael , Ogliari Fabrício Aulo , Boscato Noéli , Pereira‐Cenci Tatiana
Published: May 2012

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of triazine incorporation to denture materials on biofilm formation of saliva derived from microcosms of patients who are positive for Candida albicans. Biofilms were formed on microwave‐cured acrylic resin, one hard denture liner, and two soft denture liners containing 0, 2.5, 5, and 10% triazine. For experimental subset (n = 10), mechanical properties of the materials and colony‐forming unit counts from the biofilms formed on the materials were assessed. Flexural strength and modulus decreased with the addition of 2.5% triazine (p < 0.01). In general, the addition of 5 and 10% triazine leaded to more soluble materials (p < 0.001). Saliva donor with candidiasis resulted in higher counts of total microorganisms (p = 0.0294) and Streptococci (p = 0.0008). Soft denture liners showed the highest counts for total microorganisms, Streptococci, and Candida species (p < 0.001). The addition of triazine directly to denture materials was not beneficial in reducing biofilm formation in a complex biofilm model. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2012.
Antagonist of microRNA‐21 improves balloon injury‐induced rat iliac artery remodeling by regulating proliferation and apoptosis of adventitial fibroblasts and myofibroblasts
Authors: Wang Fei , Zhao Xue‐Qiang , Liu Jun‐Ni , Wang Zhi‐Hao , Wang Xiu‐Ling , Hou Xiao‐Yang , Liu Rong , Gao Fei , Zhang Ming‐Xiang , Zhang Yun , Bu Pei‐Li
Published: May 2012

Molecular pathways involved in adventitial fibroblasts (AFs) and myofibroblasts (MFs) proliferation and apoptosis contribute to vascular remodeling. MicroRNA‐21 (miR‐21) plays an important role in regulating cellular proliferation and apoptosis of many cell types; however, the effect of miR‐21 on AFs and MFs is still unknown. In this study, we found that miR‐21 was expressed in AFs and overexpressed in MFs. Inhibition of miR‐21 decreased proliferation and increased apoptosis of AFs and MFs, and overexpression of miR‐21 with pre‐miR‐21 had the reverse effect. Programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4), related to cell proliferation and apoptosis, was validated as a direct target of miR‐21 by dual‐luciferase reporter assay and gain and loss of function of miR‐21 in AFs and MFs. PDCD4 knockdown with siRNA partly rescued the reduced proliferation with miR‐21 inhibition and alleviated the increased apoptosis induced by miR‐21 inhibition in AFs and MFs. Moreover, increasing PDCD4 expression by miR‐21 inhibition significantly decreased JNK/c‐Jun activity. In contrast, decreasing PDCD4 expression by pre‐miR‐21 treatment increased JNK/c‐Jun activity, while the effect of miR‐21 inhibition on JNK/c‐Jun activity could be rescued by PDCD4 siRNA. Moreover, miR‐21 inhibition could regulate proliferation and apoptosis of vascular AFs and MFs in vivo. Furthermore, miR‐21 inhibition reversed vascular remodeling induced by balloon injury. In summary, our findings demonstrate that miR‐21 may have a critical role in regulating proliferation and apoptosis of AFs and MFs, and PDCD4 is a functional target gene involved in the miR‐21‐mediated cellular effects in vascular remodeling by a miR‐21/PDCD4/JNK/c‐Jun pathway. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 2989–3001, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quantum chemical comparison of vertical, adiabatic, and 0‐0 excitation energies: The PYP and GFP chromophores
Authors: Uppsten Malin , Durbeej Bo
Published: May 2012

A number of benchmark studies investigating the performance of quantum chemical methods for calculating vertical excitation energies are today available in the literature. However, less established is the variation between methods in their estimates of the differences between vertical, adiabatic, and 0‐0 excitation energies. To this end, such excitation energies are here calculated for the bright S1 states of the anionic chromophores of the photoactive yellow protein (PYP) and the green fluorescent protein (GFP) in the gas phase using configuration interaction singles, complete active space self‐consistent field, coupled‐cluster singles and doubles, and time‐dependent density functional theory methods. Although the estimates of the excitation energies vary by more than 1 eV between the methods, the differences between the different types of excitation energies are found to be relatively method‐insensitive, varying by ∼0.1 eV only for these particular chromophores. Specifically, the adiabatic energies are uniformly 0.10–0.17 (PYP) and 0.06–0.17 eV (GFP) lower than the vertical energies, and the 0‐0 energies are similarly 0.09–0.14 (PYP) and 0.07–0.17 eV (GFP) lower than the adiabatic energies. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Why Depressive Symptoms Cause Distress: The Clients’ Perspective
Authors: Hanson Bjorn , Young Michael A.
Published: May 2012

Background

Depressive symptoms are associated with distress, but research has not focused on the processes underlying this association.

Method

We interviewed 18 patients experiencing depressive symptoms to identify the various reasons why depressive symptoms cause distress. Digital recordings were transcribed and grounded theory methods were used in analyzing the data and building theory.

Results

We identified 14 reasons for why patients find depressive symptoms distressing. These reasons frequently were particular thoughts, behaviors, or subsequent outcomes in response to the symptom; in other cases, the experience of the symptom itself directly caused distress.

Conclusions

We present a general model of direct and indirect symptom‐distress relationships that may help target clinical interventions for depression. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Clin. Psychol. 68:860‐874, 2012
Removal of VOCs in waste gas by the photo‐Fenton reaction: effects of dosage of Fenton reagents on degradation of toluene gas in a bubble column
Authors: Handa Misako , Lee Yuson , Shibusawa Mai , Tokumura Masahiro , Kawase Yoshinori
Published: May 2012

BACKGROUND

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are major pollutants in the atmosphere of all urban and industrial areas, and the development of an effective treatment process for VOCs is highly desirable. Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are a promising technology for air pollution control. In this study, the AOP photo‐Fenton oxidative reaction in the liquid phase was applied to chemical absorption and degradation of toluene in waste gas.

RESULTS

For toluene levels of 0.25 mg L−1 in waste gas flowing at 5.0 Lmin−1 the maximum removal and mineralization of toluene in the waste gas were more than 90% with H2O2 dosage above 150 mg L−1 and Fe dosage above 10 mg L−1. The Toluene photodegradation efficiency increased with increasing dosages of Fenton reagents, however, beyond a certain dosage further improvements were insignificant. The photo‐Fenton reaction in the liquid‐phase could improve the overall toluene absorption rate by increasing the driving force for mass transfer and as a result enhance the removal of toluene from exhaust gas.

CONCLUSION

Toluene in waste gas was successfully removed and mineralized by the photo‐Fenton process. The mineralization of toluene was strongly linked with the iron redox cycle and H2O2 decomposition driven by the Fenton reagents and UV light. The proposed chemical absorption process based on photo‐Fenton photocatalytic oxidation in the liquid phase was shown to be very effective for the degradation of VOCs in waste gas. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Orientation independent retardation imaging using quantitative polarized phase microscopy
Authors: Dragomir N.M. , Roberts A.
Published: May 2012

Simultaneous optical phase and retardation measurement of a birefringent specimen is demonstrated independently of a priori knowledge of the optic axis orientation. The two‐dimensional retardation distribution in both magnitude and angle of the fast axis orientation is uniquely determined from transverse phase images recorded with a bright field transmission microscope using light polarized at a minimum of three different polarization orientations. This approach opens a new possibility for stain‐free phase and orientation‐independent retardation characterization of samples using only one polarizer without needing other additional optical elements traditionally used in polarimetric measurements. Microsc. Res. Tech. 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
MRT letter: Human bloodstains on antique aboriginal weapons: A guiding low‐vacuum sem study of erythrocytes in experimental samples on ethnographically documented biological raw materials
Authors: Hortolà Policarp
Published: May 2012

The aboriginal use of reed and bone as raw materials for knives and daggers, respectively, has been well‐documented ethnographically in some geographical areas of Melanesia. Because of the significant role that these weapons played in inter‐ and intra‐ethnic aggression, they can potentially have retained smears from the contact with human blood. To carry out a guiding low‐vacuum scanning electron microscopy (SEM) study of specific interest to ethnography, the outsides of a fragment of stalk of giant cane (Arundo donax) and tibial diaphysis of domestic sheep (Ovis aries) were smeared with peripheral human blood. No biological specimen preparation was applied to the samples. After just over 1 month, bloodstain boundaries and their neighboring inner areas were examined via secondary electrons by a variable‐pressure SEM (VP‐SEM) working in low‐vacuum mode. On both substrates, bloodstains exhibited micro‐scales. No janocyte (erythrocyte negative replica) was observed in the examined areas. However, erythrocytes were seen crowded together as grain‐shaped corpuscles in the smear on reed, and several hecatocytes (moon‐like shaped erythrocytes) were evidenced in the smear on bone. The results of this study suggest that a VP‐SEM working in low‐vacuum mode can be used fruitfully to detect blood remains in medium‐sized reed and bone antique aboriginal artifacts. This procedure can prospectively help to ethnographic museum curators and aboriginal‐art surveyors as an easy guiding test in the valuation of antique traditional weapons prior to acquisition, when the real use of a piece has been claimed by the supplier. Microsc. Res. Tech. 75:1007–1011, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The fetal profile line: a proposal for a sonographic reference line to classify forehead and mandible anomalies in the second and third trimester
Authors: de Jong‐Pleij Elisabeth A. P. , Ribbert Lucia S. M. , Pistorius Lou R. , Tromp Ellen , Bilardo Caterina M.
Published: May 2012

Objectives

To test the fetal profile (FP) line, defined as the line that passes through the anterior border of the mandible and the nasion, as a reference line for forehead and mandible anomalies.

Methods

Volumes of 248 normal and 24 pathological fetuses (16–36 and 19–37 weeks’ gestation, respectively) were analysed retrospectively. When the FP line passes anteriorly, across or posteriorly to the frontal bone, this was defined as ‘negative’, ‘zero’ or ‘positive’, respectively. When the FP line was positive the distance (F distance) between the FP line and the frontal bone was measured.

Results

No cases with a negative FP line were found in the normal fetuses. Before 27 weeks’ gestation the FP line was always ‘zero’ except in one case. After 27 weeks’ gestation the FP line was ‘positive’ in up to 25% (F distance (mean, range): 2.8, 2.1–3.6 mm). The FP line correctly identified 13 cases with retrognathia, 5 cases with frontal bossing and 3 cases with a sloping forehead.

Conclusion

Although large prospective studies are needed, the FP line may be a useful tool to detect second trimester profile anomalies such as retrognathia, sloping forehead and frontal bossing with the possibility of quantifying the latter. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Maternal IgM antibody status in confirmed fetal cytomegalovirus infection detected by sonographic signs
Authors: Goncé Anna , Marcos M. Angeles , Borrell Antoni , López Marta , Nadal Alfons , Figueras Francesc , Gratacós Eduard
Published: May 2012

Objective

To evaluate the value of maternal IgM to cytomegalovirus (CMV) as a predictive factor of fetal infection in fetuses with sonographic markers.

Methods

Observational study (2006–2011) including a consecutive series of 19 fetuses with sonographic markers of fetal infection and confirmed infection by positive CMV‐DNA in amniotic fluid or fetal blood. We evaluated the status of maternal CMV IgM at the time of sonographic suspicion.

Results

During this 6‐year study period, CMV infection was diagnosed in 19 fetuses from 18 pregnancies, including 16 singletons, both twins of a monochorionic diamniotic pregnancy and one twin of a dichorionic pregnancy. Sonographic suspicion was established on the basis of one or more of the following: brain abnormalities (14), fetal hydrops (4), hyperechogenic bowel (4), pericardial effusion (1), cardiomegaly (1), oligoanhydramnios (4), and placentomegaly (2). Maternal IgG antibodies were positive in all cases but maternal IgM antibodies were negative in 56% of pregnancies. Five of the 10 pregnancies with negative maternal IgM were diagnosed in the second trimester and five in the third trimester.

Conclusion

In around half of fetuses with confirmed CMV infection ascertained by sonographic markers, maternal IgM antibodies are negative and should therefore not be used as a diagnostic parameter. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reliability of a 13 000‐SHS photovoltaic rural electrification programme
Authors: Carrasco Luis Miguel , Narvarte Luis , Peral Ana , Vázquez Manuel
Published: May 2012

In this paper, a reliability analysis of a photovoltaic rural electrification (PVRE) programme is proposed considering the failures in the 13 000 installed Solar Home System (SHS) devices occurring over a long operating period of 5 years. A previous arrangement of the database and a brief explanation of the reliability concepts will serve to introduce the failure distribution of every component, from which the SHS lifetime operating features will be described. An application example will show the usefulness of the obtained results in the forecasting of spare parts during the maintenance period. The conclusions of this study may be useful in the scientific design of PVRE programme maintenance structures, with the goal of shedding some light on the technical management mechanisms in decentralised rural electrification. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new electrical model for the analysis of a partially shaded dye‐sensitized solar cells module
Authors: Giannuzzi Roberto , Manca Michele , Gigli Giuseppe
Published: May 2012

Partial shading is a commonly encountered mismatch problem in a photovoltaic system. In the drawing near perspective of their massive building integration, dye solar cell (DSC) modules may realistically receive different levels of irradiance, a situation similar to partial shading. In these conditions, the electrical characteristics of the DSC module significantly change. Here a general model for the description and the analysis of dye solar generators is proposed. A new equivalent circuit for DSCs has been developed that is characterized by the introduction of a second diode, capable to conveniently take into account the behavior of the reverse‐biased cell/s. An experimental demonstration of the proposed two‐diode model's validity is provided. A detailed description, based on numerical analysis, of the influence of partial shading on the photovoltaic performances of a DSC module made by four W‐connected cells is given. We here demonstrate that the implementation of a two‐diode model allows an excellent matching between the experimentally measured I–V characteristics of the partially shaded module and the simulated ones. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electron transfer within 1,3‐dinitrobenzene radical anions: electron hopping or superexchange?
Authors: Moneo Álvaro , Telo João P.
Published: May 2012

The intramolecular electron transfer on several 1,3‐dinitrobenzene radical anions with different substituents on position 5 was studied by electron paramagnetic resonance and optical spectroscopies in MeCN. The radical anions are all charge‐localized mixed valence species, as is common for meta‐substituted dinitrobenzenes. Rate constants for the electron transfer reaction were obtained by the Marcus–Hush analysis of the intervalence optical bands assuming quartic‐augmented energy surfaces and solvent‐controlled dynamics. These calculated rate constants match quite well the experimental ones obtained by simulation of the electron paramagnetic resonance spectra, which rules out bridge‐reduced states as intermediates in the reaction path and confirms the superexchange mechanism. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of pH‐responsive photocrosslinked hyaluronic acid‐based hydrogels for drug delivery
Authors: Tao Youhua , Ai Ling , Bai Huiyu , Liu Xiaoya
Published: May 2012

Photocrosslinked hyaluronic acid/poly(vinyl alcohol)‐styrylpyridinium (HA/PVA‐SbQ) hydrogels were synthesized for controlled antitumor drug delivery. The photocrosslinking reaction was rapid, and the time required for completely converting into the insoluble hydrogels was less than 500 s on exposure to 5 mW/cm2 UV light irradiation. The resulting hydrogels exhibited sensitivity to the pH value of the surrounding environment. Scanning electron microscopic analysis revealed that the morphology and the pore size of the hydrogels could be controlled by changing the ratio of HA and PVA‐SbQ in the formulations. Paclitaxel (PTX)‐loaded hydrogel could also be formed rapidly by UV irradiation of a mixed solution of HA/PVA‐SbQ and PTX. Release profiles of PTX from the hydrogels showed pH‐dependent and sustained manner. Moreover, our data revealed that PTX released from the HA hydrogels remained biologically active and had the capability to kill cancer cells. In contrast, control groups of HA hydrogels without PTX did not exhibit any cytotoxicity. This study demonstrates the feasibility of using HA‐based hydrogels as a potential carrier for chemotherapeutic drugs for cancer treatments. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Synthesis of novel side‐chain triphenylamine polymers with azobenzene moieties via RAFT polymerization and investigation on their photoelectric properties
Authors: Sun Yan , Zhou Nianchen , Zhang Wei , Li Yaowen , Cheng Zhenping , Zhu Jian , Zhang Zhengbiao , Zhu Xiulin
Published: May 2012

Two novel and well‐defined polymers, poly[6‐(5‐(diphenylamino)‐2‐((4‐methoxyphenyl)diazenyl)phenoxy)hexyl methacrylate] (PDMMA) and poly[6‐(4‐((3‐ethynylphenyl)diazenyl) phenoxy)hexyl methacrylate] (PDPMMA), which bear triphenylamine (TPA) incorporated to azobenzene either directly (PDMMA) or with an interval (PDPMMA) as pendant groups were successfully prepared via reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer polymerization technique. The electrochemical behaviors of PDPMMA and PDMMA were investigated by cyclic voltammograms (CV) measurement. The hole mobilities of the polymer films were determined by fitting the J‐V (current‐voltage) curve into the space‐charge‐limited current method. The influence of photoisomerization of the azobenzene moiety on the behaviors of fluorescence emission, CV and hole mobilities of these two polymers were studied. The fluorescent emission intensities of these two polymers in CH2Cl2 were increased by about 100 times after UV irradiation. The oxidation peak currents (IOX) of the PDMMA and PDPMMA in CH2Cl2 were increased after UV irradiation. The photoisomerization of the azobenzene moiety in PDMMA had significant effect on the electrochemical behavior, compared with that in PDPMMA. The changes of the hole mobility before and after UV irradiation were very small for both polymers. The HOMO energies (EHOMO, HOMO: the highest occupied molecular orbital) of side chain moieties of TPA incorporated with cis‐isomer and trans‐isomer of azobenzene in PDMMA and PDPMMA were obtained by theoretical calculation, which are basically consistent with the experimental results. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Probing the mechanisms of ambient ionization by laser‐induced fluorescence spectroscopy
Authors: Frankevich V. , Nieckarz R. J. , Sagulenko P. N. , Barylyuk K. , Zenobi R. , Levitsky L. I. , Agapov A. Yu. , Perlova T. Y. , Gorshkov M. V. , Tarasova I. A.
Published: May 2012

The ionization mechanisms of several atmospheric pressure ion sources based on desorption and ionization of samples deposited on a surface were studied. Home‐built desorption electrospray ionization (DESI), laserspray ionization (LSI), and atmospheric pressure matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (AP‐MALDI) sources were characterized using low‐molecular‐weight compounds, in particular fluorescent dyes. Detection of the desorbed and ionized species was performed by laser‐induced fluorescence and ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry. The dependences of the signal intensities on various experimental parameters were studied. The data obtained reveals common features, such as formation of solvated species and clusters in the ionization processes, in all of the techniques considered. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multi‐regional query scheduling in wireless sensor networks with minimum latency
Authors: Yan Mingyuan , He Jing (Selena) , Ji Shouling , Li Yingshu
Published: May 2012

Query scheduling as one of the most important technologies used in query processing has been widely studied recently. In this paper, we investigate the Minimum Latency Multi‐Regional Query Scheduling (ML‐MRQS) problem in wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs), which aims to generate a scheduling plan with minimum latency under a more practical query model called Multi‐Regional Query (MRQ). An MRQ targets at interested data from multiple regions of a WSN, where each region is a subarea. Because the ML‐MRQS problem is NP‐hard, we propose a heuristic scheduling algorithm Multi‐Regional Query Scheduling Algorithm (MRQSA) to solve this problem. Theoretical analysis shows that the latency of MRQSA is upper bounded by 23A + B + C for an MRQ with m query regions , where is the maximum latency for non‐overlapped regions, is the maximum latency for overlapped regions, and is the accumulated latency for data transmission from the accessing nodes to the sink. Simulation results show that MRQSA reduces latency by 42.7% to 51.63% with respect to different number of query regions, network density, region size, and interference/transmission range compared with C‐DCQS, while guaranteeing energy efficiency. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Theory and LHC phenomenology of classicalon decays
Authors: Grojean Christophe , Gupta Rick S.
Published: May 2012

Abstract

It has been recently proposed by Dvali et al. [1] that high energy scattering in non-renormalizable theories, like the higgsless Standard Model, can be unitarized by the formation of classical configurations called classicalons. In this work we argue that clas- sicalons should have analogs of thermodynamic properties like temperature and entropy and perform a model-independent statistical mechanical analysis of classicalon decays. We find that, in the case of massless quanta, the decay products have a Planck distribution with an effective temperature
$$ {\text{T}}\sim {1}/{{\text{r}}_{*}} $$
, where r
∗ is the classicalon radius. These results, in particular a computation of the decay multiplicity, N
∗, allow us to make the first collider analysis of classicalization. In the model for unitarization of WW scattering by classical- ization of longitudinal Ws and Zs we get spectacular multi-W/Z final states that decay into leptons, missing energy and a very high multiplicity (at least 10) of jets. We find that for the classicalization scale,
$$ {M_{ * }} = \upsilon = {246}\, {\text{GeV}}({{\text{M}}_{ * }} = {\text{1TeV}}) $$
discovery should be possible in the present 7 TeV (14 TeV) run of the LHC with about 10 fb−1 (100 fb−1) data. We also consider a model to solve the hierarchy problem, where the classicalons are configurations of the Higgs field which decay into to multi-Higgs boson final states. We find that, in this case, for M
∗ = 500 GeV (M
∗ = 1 TeV), discovery should be possible in the top fusion process with about 10 fb−1 (100 fb−1) data at 14 TeV LHC.
Non‐enzymatic conversion of chlorophyll‐a into chlorophyll‐d in vitro: A model oxidation pathway for chlorophyll‐d biosynthesis
Authors: Fukusumi Takanori , Matsuda Kohei , Mizoguchi Tadashi , Miyatake Tomohiro , Ito Satoshi , Ikeda Tsukasa , Tamiaki Hitoshi , Oba Toru
Published: May 2012

Chlorophyll‐a (Chl‐a) was readily converted into Chl‐d under mild conditions without any enzymes. Treatment of Chl‐a dissolved in dry tetrahydrofuran (THF) with thiophenol and acetic acid at room temperature successfully produced Chl‐d in 31% yield. During the acidic oxidation, removal of the central magnesium, pheophytinization, was sufficiently suppressed. This mild pathway can give insights into the yet unidentified Chl‐d biosynthesis.
Syndecans play dual roles as cell adhesion receptors and docking receptors
Authors: Kwon Mi-Jung , Jang Bohee , Yi Jae Youn , Han Inn-Oc , Oh Eok Soo
Published: May 2012

Syndecan are a family of cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans that act as cell surface receptors. Most cell surface receptors have a limited number and type of ligand interactions, responding only to the binding of (a) specific ligand(s). In contrast, syndecans can interact with various numbers and types of ligands, and thus play more diverse roles than others. Various syndecan functions have not yet been fully classified and categorized, but we herein review previous studies suggesting that syndecans play dual function as cell surface receptors by acting as both adhesion receptors and docking receptors. Through this dual regulatory function, syndecans are capable of regulating both intra‐ and extracellular activities, potentially altering a variety of cell behaviors.
A Prospective Study of Venous Thromboembolic Prophylaxis using Foot Pumps following Total Knee Replacement in a Chinese Population
Authors: Yiu-Chung Wong , Ho-Yin Cheung , Pang-Hei Li , Jid Lee Qunn , Yuk-Leung Wai , Chan-Wah Wong
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate foot pumps as mechanical prophylaxis for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) following total knee replacement (TKR) in a Chinese population.

Methods

All consecutive patients following TKR during 2002–2006 received routine duplex ultrasound surveillance for DVT 9 days postoperatively. The demographic data and risk factors were recorded. No medication was given for DVT prophylaxis in all patients.

Results

We evaluated 91 consecutive TKRs in 85 patients. Although 44 knee replacements (Group 1) done before December 2004 were not given foot pumps, 47 knee replacements (Group 2) done afterwards were given foot pumps. All patients were followed up for more than 6 months. DVT was detected in three cases (6.8%) in Group 1 compared with four knees (8.5%) in Group 2. Proximal thrombosis was observed in two knees (4.5%) in Group 1 compared with two knees (4.3%) in Group 2. No patient had pulmonary embolism. Six out of 59 (10.2%) patients who underwent the operations under general anaesthesia suffered from DVT, whereas one in 28 (3.6%) patients operated under spinal anaesthesia had DVT. All had no statistical significance.

Conclusion

The rate of proximal DVT after TKR was low (4.5%) without pharmacological prophylaxis. We advise against the use of pharmacological prophylaxis in Chinese population for TKRs because of the low risk of proximal DVT and its possible bleeding complications. Foot pump did not lower the rate of DVTfurther, and its use for DVT prophylaxis in TKR is not necessary.
On the size of the energy-containing eddies in the outer turbulent wall layer
Authors: Pirozzoli Sergio
Published: May 2012

We investigate the scaling of the energy-containing eddies in the outer part of turbulent wall layers. Their spanwise integral length scales are extracted from a direct numerical simulation (DNS) database, which includes compressible turbulent boundary layers and incompressible turbulent Couette–Poiseuille flows. The results indicate similar behaviour for all classes of flows, with a general increasing trend in the eddy size with the wall distance. A family of scaling relationships are proposed based on simple dimensional arguments, of which the classical mixing length approximation constitutes one example. As in previous studies, we find that the mixing length is in good agreement with the size distribution of the eddies carrying wall-normal velocity, which are active in establishing the mean velocity distribution. However, we find that the eddies associated with wall-parallel motions obey a different scaling, which is controlled by the local mean shear and by an effective eddy diffusivity ${\nu }_{t} = { u}_{\tau }^{\ensuremath{\ast} } \delta $, where ${ u}_{\tau }^{\ensuremath{\ast} } $ is the compressible counterpart of the friction velocity, and $\delta $ is the thickness of the wall layer. The validity of the proposed scalings is checked against DNS data, and the potential implications for the understanding of wall turbulence are discussed.
Cacao liquor procyanidin extract improves glucose tolerance by enhancing
GLUT4 translocation and glucose uptake in skeletal muscle
Authors: Yamashita Yoko , Okabe Masaaki , Natsume Midori , Ashida Hitoshi
Published: May 2012

Hyperglycaemia and insulin resistance are associated with the increased risk of the
metabolic syndrome and other severe health problems. The insulin-sensitive GLUT4 regulates
glucose homoeostasis in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue. In this study, we investigated
whether cacao liquor procyanidin (CLPr) extract, which contains epicatechin, catechin and
other procyanidins, improves glucose tolerance by promoting GLUT4 translocation and
enhances glucose uptake in muscle cells. Our results demonstrated that CLPr increased
glucose uptake in a dose-dependent manner and promoted GLUT4 translocation to the plasma
membrane of L6 myotubes. Oral administration of a single dose of CLPr suppressed the
hyperglycaemic response after carbohydrate ingestion, which was accompanied by enhanced
GLUT4 translocation in ICR mice. These effects of CLPr were independent of
α-glucosidase inhibition in the small intestine. CLPr also promoted GLUT4
translocation in skeletal muscle of C57BL/6 mice fed a CLPr-supplemented diet for
7 d. These results indicate that CLPr is a beneficial food material for improvement
of glucose tolerance by promoting GLUT4 translocation to the plasma membrane of skeletal
muscle.
ON THE VARIETY GENERATED BY THE MONOID OF TRIANGULAR 2×2 MATRICES OVER A TWO-ELEMENT FIELD
Authors: ZHANG WEN TING , LI JIAN RONG , LUO YAN FENG
Published: May 2012

Let 𝒯n(F) denote the monoid of all upper triangularn×nmatrices over a finite fieldF. It has been shown by Volkov and Goldberg that 𝒯n(F) is nonfinitely based if ∣F∣>2 andn≥4, but the cases when ∣F∣>2 andn=2,3 or when ∣F∣=2 have remained open. In this paper, it is shown that the monoid 𝒯2(F) is finitely based when ∣F∣=2 , and a finite identity basis for it is given. Moreover, all maximal subvarieties of the variety generated by 𝒯2(F) with ∣F∣=2 are determined.
How Scottish & Newcastle Became the U.K.'s Largest Brewer: A Case of Regulatory Capture?
Authors: Bower Julie , Cox Howard
Published: May 2012

Firms engage in a multitude of interactions with the external environment, most critically with government and its regulatory agencies. Despite an extensive literature on “regulatory capture,” little attention has been paid to the interactions between merging firms and competition authorities. Yet the possibility of capture exists where there is a recurring series of merger investigations of one firm by the same authority. This analysis of the impact of political influence on the merger history of the brewing firm Scottish & Newcastle extends into a discussion of regulatory capture in the oversight of British brewery mergers during the 1980s and 1990s.
Sleep disturbances and depressive symptoms: an investigation of their longitudinal association in a representative sample of the UK general population
Authors: Skapinakis P. , Rai D. , Anagnostopoulos F. , Harrison S. , Araya R. , Lewis G.
Published: May 2012

Background

It has been argued that sleep disturbances are a risk factor for depression but previous longitudinal studies have had limitations and not addressed alternative explanations. The aim of this study was to examine the longitudinal association between sleep disturbances and depressive symptoms in a nationally representative sample.

Method

Data from the 18-month follow-up of the UK National Psychiatric Morbidity survey were used (n = 2406). Sleep disturbances, depressive and other psychiatric symptoms (fatigue, concentration problems, irritability, anxiety and pain symptoms) were assessed using the Revised Clinical Interview Schedule (CIS-R). The bidirectional association between symptoms was investigated with logistic regression analyses and path analysis.

Results

Sleep disturbances and depressive symptoms were correlated with each other cross-sectionally (r = 0.52, p < 0.001). In the longitudinal analysis, sleep disturbances at baseline did not predict depressive symptoms at follow-up [odds ratio (OR) 1.27, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.51–3.19] and the same was observed for the reciprocal association (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.56–1.35). In the path analysis, the reciprocal model did not have a better fit compared to the simpler first-order model without cross-lagged paths. The path from sleep disturbances at baseline to depressive symptoms at follow-up had a minimal contribution to the explained variance of the latter (<1%).

Conclusions

Previous studies may have overestimated the importance of sleep disturbances as an independent risk factor of depression. The strong cross-sectional association is compatible with sleep disturbances being either a prodromal or a residual symptom of depression and this may have implications for recognition and treatment of depression.
The role of spirituality in learning music: A case of North American adult students of Japanese music
Authors: Matsunobu Koji
Published: May 2012

In this paper the role of spirituality in learning music for North American adult students is explored by examining the case of shakuhachi music. One distinctive character of engaging in music through the shakuhachi is that it facilitates the attainment of an ‘optimal relationship’ between the practitioners’ musical pursuit and self-cultivation through a ‘simple’ media, such as a single tone. The findings indicate that spirituality could be experienced regardless of one's musical skills or the level of outward expression. A second characteristic is that both experienced players and beginners could experience what the spirituality of music means through certain forms of music practice, including the shakuhachi practice, which followed the principle of ‘less is more’.
Bizarre electrocardiographic changes during occlusion of a congenital coronary arteriovenous fistula
Authors: Akdemir Ramazan , Yeter Ekrem , Kilic Harun , Yucel Murat
Published: May 2012

A 38-year-old man who had a history of percutaneous coronary artery coil occlusion was admitted to our hospital with chest pain and shortness of breath. His complaint was chest pain, which is typical. ST depressions were observed during the treadmill exercise stress test. Coronary angiography demonstrated the persistence of a coronary arteriovenous fistula and coils in the fistula. Primarily, additional coil placement inside the arteriovenous fistula was decided as the mode of treatment. The coil was first placed inside the arteriovenous fistula and then an attempt was made to detach it. However, it was unsuccessful after four trials and electrical detachment of more than 3 minutes. Finally, a 2.5 × 18-millimetre graft stent was deployed at 20 atmospheric pressure. Electrocardiographic recordings showed bizarre ST segment changes during the electrical detachment of the coil. In this report, we discuss the concealed bizarre electrocardiographic changes that were seen during coronary arteriovenous fistula occlusion.
Total anomalous systemic venous drainage in left heterotaxy syndrome
Authors: Khandenahally Ravindranath S. , Deora Surender , Math Ravi S.
Published: May 2012

Total anomalous systemic venous drainage is an extremely rare congenital heart defect. In this study we describe an 11-year-old girl who presented with a history of fatigue and central cyanosis that she had had since early childhood with unremarkable precordial examination results. Investigations revealed left heterotaxy with all systemic venous drainage to the left-sided atrium with non-compaction of the left ventricle.
Sources of weaning advice, comparisons between formal and informal advice, and associations with weaning timing in a survey of UK first-time mothers
Authors: Moore Amanda P , Milligan Peter , Rivas Carol , Goff Louise M
Published: May 2012

Objective

The aim of the present study was to explore knowledge of the UK weaning guidelines and the sources of weaning advice used by UK first-time mothers.

Design

An online survey of UK parents; analysed using mixed methods.

Setting

Participants were recruited from a selection of parenting websites that hosted a link to the survey.

Subjects

In total, 1348 UK first-time mothers were included in the analysis.

Results

Knowledge of the guidelines was high (86 %) and associated with later weaning (P < 0·001), although 43 % of this sample weaned before 24 weeks. The majority of parents used multiple sources of information, the most influential being the health visitor (26 %), the Internet (25 %) and books (18 %). Fifty-six per cent said they received conflicting advice. Younger mothers and those of lower educational attainment were more likely to be influenced by advice from family, which was likely to be to wean earlier. Furthermore, those most influenced by their mother/grandmother were less likely to have accurate knowledge of the guidelines. In this population the Internet was used for weaning advice across all sociodemographic groups and was associated with a later weaning age, independently of sociodemographic factors (P < 0·001). Data from responses to a free-text question are used in illustration.

Conclusions

The study suggests that first-time mothers have a good understanding of the weaning guidelines but seek weaning information from multiple sources, much of which is conflicting. Informal sources of weaning advice appear most influential in younger mothers and those of lower educational attainment, and result in earlier weaning.
Descent obstructions and Brauer–Manin obstruction in positive characteristic
Authors: Harari David , Voloch José Felipe
Published: May 2012

We prove that the Brauer–Manin obstruction is the only obstruction to the existence of integral points on affine varieties over global fields of positive characteristic $p$. More precisely, we show that the only obstructions come from étale covers of exponent $p$ or, alternatively, from flat covers coming from torsors under connected group schemes of exponent $p$.
Evidence-based mental health care and implementation science in low- and middle-income countries
Authors: Thornicroft G.
Published: May 2012

Although the evidence base for what to do about the mental health gap in low- and middle-income countries (LAMICs) has improved significantly over the last decade, mental health care in LAMICs still provide services to only a small minority of people with mental disorders. The problem is how to translate the relevant body of scientific knowledge into routine practice. It is clear from over two decades of research that the creation of evidence-based guidelines is necessary but not sufficient for evidence-based practice, whether in high- or low-income settings. In this Editorial, I discuss whether the recent development of ‘implementation science’ may offer an opportunity towards effective guideline implementation in low- and medium-income settings, so that clinical practice is more often based on evidence that does lead to patient benefit.
A rational scale of critical editorial evaluation
Authors: Fréchette Van Derck , Condit Ralph H.
Published: May 2012

THE value of the criterion of minimum astonishment as a guide to scientific appraisal has been cited by Gilman. While Gilman deplores the quasiqualitative inexactness of the criterion he offers no hope for a quantitative treatment. However, the statement of the generalized principle together with epistemological considerations have led us to quantize the parameter fundamental to its quantitative treatment in the special case of editorial scientific comment.
European Citizenship Unbound: Sex Work, Mobility, Mobilisation
Authors: Andrijasevic Rutvica , Aradau Claudia , Huysmans Jef , Squire Vicki
Published: May 2012

In October 2005 200 delegates from twenty-eight countries in Europe gathered in Brussels to take part in an event for sex workers' rights, which involved a three-day conference, the presentation of a Declaration on the Rights of Sex Workers in Europe in the European Parliament, the drafting of a Manifesto, recommendations for policy makers, a party, and a demonstration. The sex workers' mobilisation appears, at first sight, to be an exemplary form of active citizenship. Nevertheless, despite engaging European institutions, being active participants, and making use of the language of rights, we argue that the sex workers' mobilisation challenges the conception of active European Union (EU) citizenship. In particular, we show how sex workers activists question territorially and culturally bounded practices of EU citizenship by enacting mobilities that exceed the instituted forms of free movement and that bring to bear a mode of sociality that is enacted through exchange relations between strangers. Specifically, we suggest that the concept of ‘acts of citizenship’ is better equipped than juridical or practice-orientated accounts of citizenship to engage a critical analysis of the ways that European citizenship is made and remade by the sex workers. Furthermore, we claim that the case of the sex workers demands attention be paid to the complex ways in which ‘mobilisations of mobility’ entails the disruption and enactment of European citizenship ‘on the ground’, rather than a simple extension of European citizenship beyond its existing bounds.
The Politics of the Neighbour
Authors: Painter Joe
Published: May 2012

This paper argues that the neighbour is a neglected figure in public debate and political theory. Whereas the spatial concept of ‘neighbourhood’ has long been the focus of geographical research, its underpinning concept of the ‘neighbour’ has received less scrutiny. This paper seeks to address that gap. It takes its cue from recent British policy debates about neighbourhood renewal and the ‘Big Society’. However, it is not concerned with urban policy in a conventional sense, but with the nature of the neighbour relation and of the ethics and politics of neighbours and neighbouring. These themes are explored through a discussion of debates in political theology about the meaning of the Biblical injunction to ‘love thy neighbour’, the etymological significance of proximity to the idea of neighbour, and the importance of radical ambiguity, unknowability, and fragility in neighbourly relations. These issues are thrown into relief by The Neighbour, a short story by Naim Kattan, that records the fleeting encounters across difference that often seem to constitute neighbourliness in urban settings. The paper ends by using Kattan's story to reflect on the apparently opposed understandings of the neighbour to be found in the work of Emmanuel Lévinas and Slavoj Žižek.
The Structure of Galaxies I: Surface Photometry Techniques
Authors: Schombert J. , Smith A. K.
Published: May 2012

This project uses the 2MASS all-sky image database to study the structure of galaxies over a range of luminosities, sizes and morphological types. This first paper in this series will outline the techniques, reliability and data products to our surface photometry program. Our program will analyze all acceptable galaxies (meeting our criteria for isolation from companions and bright stars) from the Revised Shapley–Ames and Uppsala galaxy catalogs. Resulting photometry and surface brightness profiles are released using a transparent scheme of data storage which includes not only all the processed data but knowledge of the processing steps and calibrating parameters.