bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High resolution reflection seismic profiling over the Tjellefonna fault in the Møre-Trøndelag Fault Complex, Norway
Authors: Lundberg E. , Juhlin C. , Nasuti A.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. The Møre-Trøndelag Fault Complex (MTFC) is one of the most prominent fault zones of Norway, both onshore and offshore. In spite of its importance, very little is known of the deeper structure of the individual fault segments comprising the fault complex. Most seismic lines have been recorded offshore or focused on deeper structures. This paper presents results from two reflection seismic profiles, located on each side of the Tingvollfjord, acquired over the Tjellefonna fault in the southeastern part of the MTFC. Possible kilometer scale vertical offsets, reflecting large scale northwest-dipping normal faulting, separating the high topography to the southeast from lower topography to the northwest have been proposed for the Tjellefonna fault or the Baeverdalen lineament. In this study, however, the Tjellefonna fault is interpreted to dip approximately 50–60° towards the southeast to depths of at least 1.3 km. Travel-time modeling of reflections associated with the fault was used to establish the geometry of the fault structure at depth, while detailed analysis of first P-wave arrivals in shot gathers, together with resistivity profiles, were used to define the near surface geometry of the fault zone. A continuation of the structure on the northeastern side of the Tingvollfjord is suggested by correlation of an in strike direction P-S converted reflection (generated by a fracture zone) seen on the reflection data from that side of the Tingvollfjord. The reflection seismic data correlate well with resistivity profiles and recently published near surface geophysical data. A highly reflective package forming a gentle antiform structure was also identified on both seismic profiles. This structure could be related to the folded amphibolite lenses seen on the surface or possibly by an important boundary within the gneissic basement rocks of the Western Gneiss Region. The fold hinge line of the structure is parallel with the Tjellefonna fault trace suggesting that the folding and faulting may have been related.
Hemodynamically Significant Arterial Inflow Stenosis in Dysfunctional Hemodialysis Arteriovenous Fistulae and Grafts
Authors: Wu Steven , Joe Jennifer M. , Covarrubias Diego A. , Kalva Sanjeeva P.
Published: June 2012

Purpose

Hemodynamically significant arterial inflow stenosis in dysfunctional fistulae and grafts is poorly understood. No reliable clinical methods exist to detect arterial inflow stenosis. In this study, we assessed the accuracy of a novel screening method to detect arterial inflow stenosis in dysfunctional fistulae and grafts following successful juxta-anastomotic and venous outflow intervention.

Methods

We prospectively evaluated all patients (N= 204) referred to our academic center for angiographic evaluation of a dysfunctional dialysis fistula/graft from May 1, 2006 to June 30, 2007. Following successful angioplasty/stenting of the venous outflow and juxta-anastomotic areas, patients were screened for arterial inflow stenosis. The screening method involved detection of 1) weak thrill, or sluggish blood flow on the post-intervention angiogram, 2) low mean arterial blood pressures in the dialysis access arm compared to the contralateral arm, and 3) inadequate blood flow at the first hemodialysis session post-intervention. If patients screened positive for any of these, they were further evaluated for arterial inflow stenosis.

Results

Fifteen patients (15/204) were positive for arterial inflow stenosis on screening study. Eleven of those 15 had arterial stenosis on angiography, giving our screening method a positive predictive value of 73.3%. Eight patients were successfully treated by angioplasty/stenting. Two patients successfully underwent surgical intervention. Two year patency of revascularization was 91% (10/11).

Conclusions

Hemodynamically significant arterial inflow stenosis occurs and can be detected by simple clinical methods. Interventions for correction of the arterial inflow stenosis are successful.
Influence of Weathering on the Engineering Properties of Dacites in Northeastern Turkey
Authors: Arikan Fehmi , Aydin Nihal
Published: June 2012

The purpose of this study is to investigate dacites of different weathering grades from the Cakmakkaya and Damar open-pit copper mines in northeastern Turkey based on their mineralogical, petrographical, and geomechanical characteristics. The dacites for which surveys are carried out are mainly subjected to chemical weathering as well as physical disintegration and hydrothermal alteration. Discontinuities in this rock appear to be a major influence on the spatial distribution of weathering profiles, with the intensity of weathering increasing in the plagioclase phenocrystals and microlites as the weathering grade increases. The present results show that the type and amount of clay minerals increase as the weathering grade increases. As the weathering increases, the amount of mobile oxides, such as Na2O, MgO, and CaO, decreases while Fe2O3 and the loss on ignition (LOI) content increase for most of the dacite samples. The microfracture frequency () may be a good indicator of fabric changes, and methylene blue adsorption (MBA) test and LOI may be good indicators of chemical weathering for the dacites. Geomechanical laboratory tests indicate that the strength of the samples is controlled by weathering. Field observations and mineralogical analyses show that the effects of weathering are critical for slope stability.
On the Constructibility of Real 5th Roots of Rational Numbers with Marked Ruler and Compass
Authors: Benjamin Elliot
Published: June 2012

We demonstrate that there are infinitely many real numbers constructible by marked ruler and compass which are unique real roots of irreducible quintic polynomials over the field of rational numbers. This result can be viewed as a generalization of the historical open question of the constructibility by marked ruler and compass of real 5th roots of rational numbers. We obtain our results through marked ruler and compass constructions involving the intersection of conchoids and circles, and the application of number theoretic divisibility criteria.
An Alternative Estimator for Estimating the Finite Population Mean Using Auxiliary Information in Sample Surveys
Authors: Solanki Ramkrishna S. , Singh Housila P. , Rathour Anjana
Published: June 2012

This paper suggests a class of estimators for estimating the finite population mean of the study variable using known population mean of the auxiliary variable . Asymptotic expressions of bias and variance of the suggested class of estimators have been obtained. Asymptotic optimum estimator (AOE) in the class is identified along with its variance formula. It has been shown that the proposed class of estimators is more efficient than usual unbiased, usual ratio, usual product, Bahl and Tuteja (1991), and Kadilar and Cingi (2003) estimators under some realistic conditions. An empirical study is carried out to judge the merits of suggested estimator over other competitors practically.
Odd-Ary Approximating Subdivision Schemes and RS Strategy for Irregular Dense Initial Data
Authors: Aslam Muhammad , Abeysinghe W. P.
Published: June 2012

We investigate the implementation of approximating subdivision schemes on noisy or irregular initial control data. Presence of noise in the initial data generates oscillatory curves by subdivision schemes. To reduce or completely eliminate these oscillations, we combine subdivision schemes with other noise removal schemes such as variational regularization method. This setup will allow us to produce the limit curve with less oscillations and still stay as close as possible to the initial data points.
A Simple Method for the Determination of Malachite Green and Leucomalachite Green Residues in Fish by a Modified QuEChERS Extraction and LC/MS/MS
Authors: Hashimoto Juliana C , Paschoal Jonas A R , Queiroz Sonia C N , Ferracini Vera L , Assalin Márcia R , Reyes Felix G R
Published: June 2012

A simple method using LC/MS/MS was developed and validated to determine residues of malachite green (MG) and leucomalachite green (LMG) in fish fillet. A modified QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe) technique was used to perform the sample preparation. The optimal extraction and cleanup conditions were established using an experimental design. The validation parameters obtained to determine both MG and LMG complied with the requirements established by regulatory agencies for the presence of such substances in fish, which establish that the method must attain, at least, a minimum required performance limit of 2 ng/g. The accuracy values ranged between 95 and 107%, and the precision values were lower than 11.2%. The method was used in the analysis of tilapia samples (n = 20) commercialized in Campinas, SP, Brazil. None of the samples presented detectable levels of MG or LMG residues.
Simultaneous Determination of Saponins and a Flavonoid from Aerial Parts of Zygophyllum coccineum L.
Authors: Amin Elham , Wang Yan-Hong , Avula Bharathi , El-Hawary Seham S , Fathy Magda M , Mohammed Rabab , Khan Ikhlas A
Published: June 2012

Triterpenoid saponins are a class of glycosides with a wide range of bioactivities, which make them interesting research candidates. Zygophyllum coccineum is an Egyptian desert plant rich in triterpenoid saponins. Reviewing the relevant literature, no data concerning the HPLC or ultra-performance LC (UPLC) analysis of Zygophyllum content were found. This paper presents two methods, HPLC-UV and UPLC-UV-evaporative light scattering detector (ELSD)/MS, for the simultaneous determination of 10 compounds in the alcohol extract of Z. coccineum. The HPLC method uses a C18 column and water–acetonitrile (both containing 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid) gradient system. The separation was achieved within 32 min. The developed UPLC method simultaneously detects and quantifies the 10 compounds using an Acquity UPLC BEH Shield RP18 column and reagent alcohol–acetonitrile (80/20, v/v) and water (both containing 0.5% formic acid) gradient system within 14 min with UV, ELS, and MS detectors. The methods were used to analyze another species, Z. simplex, and results revealed a great variation between the secondary metabolite pattern of both species.
Determination of Wine Aroma Compounds by Dehydration Followed by GC/MS
Authors: Angioni Alberto , Pintore Giorgio A M , Caboni Pierluigi
Published: June 2012

A new extraction method for the analysis of the volatile fraction of white and red wines has been developed and validated. A dehydration step with MgSO4 separated an aroma compounds-rich alcoholic-glycerine layer. Spiked samples showed good recoveries in the range between 75 and 120% with CVmax% of 17, except for 2-phenylethanol and γ-butyrolactone for which recoveries in red wines were under 60%, and for monoethylsuccinate, where recoveries averaged 50 and 60% in white and red wines, respectively. Method repeatability and intermediate precision showed good CVmax% with minimum and maximum values between 7.7 and 24, and between 18.7 and 25.0, respectively. The average determination coefficients were greater than 0.99 with CVmax% of 13. The instrumental LOD and LOQ were, in all cases, under 0.05 mg/L, except for 2,3 butanediol (0.20 mg/L). Overall, the presence of wine matrix affected aroma compounds responses in GC/MS analysis. These observations indicate that the use of a matrix-matched calibration curve is mandatory to obtain reliable quantitative data.
Simultaneous Determination of Vitamins D2 and D3 by LC-MS/MS in Infant Formula and Adult Nutritionals: First Action 2011.13
Authors: Gilliland Donald L , Black Charles K , Denison James E , Seipelt Charles T , Dowell Dawn
Published: June 2012

During the “Standards Development and International Harmonization: AOAC INTERNATIONAL Mid-Year Meeting” held on June 29, 2011, an Expert Review Panel (ERP) on behalf of AOAC INTERNATIONAL adopted the method “Simultaneous Determination of Vitamins D2 and D3 by LC-MS/MS in Infant Formula and Adult Nutritionals” as an AOAC Official First Action method. Vitamins D2 and D3 are extracted from the sample using pentane–ether; the extract is collected and dried under nitrogen. Vitamin D is separated from interfering compounds using UPLC, and quantitated using tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). Preliminary data showed the intermediate precision ranged from 3.34–8.05% and an accuracy range of 98.5–111% over the samples tested for vitamin D3. For vitamin D2, the intermediate precision ranged from 2.37–5.45% and accuracy ranged from 96.4–104% over the four matrixes evaluated. The analytical range for the method is bounded by the concentrations of the working standards, 21–270 ng/mL, and is equivalent to 0.168–2.16 mcg/100 g in ready-to-feed product. The practical method quantitation limit is 0.168 mcg/100 g product with method detection limit of 60 ng/100 g product. The ERP reviewed the data and determined that the performance characteristics of the method met the standard method performance requirements, and therefore the method was granted First Action status.
Evaluation of the VITEK 2 Gram-Negative (GN) Microbial Identification Test Card: Collaborative Study
Authors: Crowley Erin , Bird Patrick , Fisher Kiel , Goetz Katherine , Boyle Megan , Benzinger, Jr M Joseph , Juenger Marc , Agin James , Goins David , Johnson Ronald ,   Collaborators:, Canale J , Cherney D , Coakley M , Colón-Reveles J , Crowe J , Daugherty R , Dombroski P , Dwivedi H P , Dyer J , Elems C , Finnigan J , Fraser G , Garza A , Glover J , Hanson P , Hayman M , High E , Johnson L , Kelly M , Kim S , Kim S G , Kingsley M , McDonough M , Miller A , Mills J , Montez S , Murphy M , Parra G , Patel U , Robertson L , Robeson S , Saldana A , Salfnger Y , Segarra M , Shaw B , Sidebottom T , Toney D , Wang H , Wikoff P , Wilson K
Published: June 2012

A collaborative study was conducted to evaluate the performance of the VITEK® 2 Gram-Negative (GN) Identification card for use with the VITEK 2 automated microbial identification system. The GN test card is used in the identification of fermenting and nonfermenting Gram-negative bacilli, including the select agent organisms Brucella melitensis, Francisella tularensis, Burkholderia mallei, B. pseudomallei, and Yersinia pestis. The VITEK 2 GN card is based on 47 biochemical tests measuring carbon source utilization, inhibition and resistance, and enzymatic activities. A total of 20 laboratories representing government, industry, and private testing facilities throughout the United States participated. In this study, 720 Gram-negative inclusivity isolates were analyzed by the GN Identification method. Of the 720 well-characterized isolates, 707 were identified correctly, 0 were misidentified, 0 were unidentified, and 13 were not characterized as a Gram-negative organism. Additionally, 120 isolates exclusive of fermenting and nonfermenting Gram-negative bacilli were screened by Gram stain. A total of 117 isolates were correctly excluded. Three organisms were incorrectly characterized by Gram stain procedures, resulting in incorrect analysis and misidentification by VITEK 2 GN. The VITEK 2 GN identification method is an acceptable automated method for the rapid identification of Gram-negative bacteria.
Determination of Insoluble, Soluble, and Total Dietary Fiber (CODEX Definition) by Enzymatic-Gravimetric Method and Liquid Chromatography: Collaborative Study
Authors: McCleary Barry V , DeVries Jonathan W , Rader Jeanne I , Cohen Gerald , Prosky Leon , Mugford David C , Champ Martine , Okuma Kazuhiro
Published: June 2012

A method for the determination of insoluble (IDF), soluble (SDF), and total dietary fiber (TDF), as defined by the CODEX Alimentarius, was validated in foods. Based upon the principles of AOAC Official MethodsSM 985.29, 991.43, 2001.03, and 2002.02, the method quantitates water-insoluble and water-soluble dietary fiber. This method extends the capabilities of the previously adopted AOAC Official Method 2009.01, Total Dietary Fiber in Foods, Enzymatic–Gravimetric– Liquid Chromatographic Method, applicable to plant material, foods, and food ingredients consistent with CODEX Definition 2009, including naturally occurring, isolated, modified, and synthetic polymers meeting that definition. The method was evaluated through an AOAC/AACC collaborative study. Twenty-two laboratories participated, with 19 laboratories returning valid assay data for 16 test portions (eight blind duplicates) consisting of samples with a range of traditional dietary fiber, resistant starch, and nondigestible oligosaccharides. The dietary fiber content of the eight test pairs ranged from 10.45 to 29.90%. Digestion of samples under the conditions of AOAC 2002.02 followed by the isolation, fractionation, and gravimetric procedures of AOAC 985.29 (and its extensions 991.42 and 993.19) and 991.43 results in quantitation of IDF and soluble dietary fiber that precipitates (SDFP). The filtrate from the quantitation of water–alcohol-insoluble dietary fiber is concentrated, deionized, concentrated again, and analyzed by LC to determine the SDF that remains soluble (SDFS), i.e., all dietary fiber polymers of degree of polymerization = 3 and higher, consisting primarily, but not exclusively, of oligosaccharides. SDF is calculated as the sum of SDFP and SDFS. TDF is calculated as the sum of IDF and SDF. The within-laboratory variability, repeatability SD (sr), for IDF ranged from 0.13 to 0.71, and the between-laboratory variability, reproducibility SD (sR), for IDF ranged from 0.42 to 2.24. The within-laboratory variability sr for SDF ranged from 0.28 to 1.03, and the between-laboratory variability sR for SDF ranged from 0.85 to 1.66. The within-laboratory variability sr for TDF ranged from 0.47 to 1.41, and the between-laboratory variability sR for TDF ranged from 0.95 to 3.14. This is comparable to other official and approved dietary fiber methods, and the method is recommended for adoption as Official First Action.
A New Application of Continuous Wavelet Transform to Overlapping Chromatograms for the Quantitative Analysis of Amiloride Hydrochloride and Hydrochlorothiazide in Tablets by Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Dinç Erdal , Büker Eda
Published: June 2012

A new application of continuous wavelet transform (CWT) to overlapping peaks in a chromatogram was developed for the quantitative analysis of amiloride hydrochloride (AML) and hydrochlorothiazide (HCT) in tablets. Chromatographic analysis was done by using an ACQUITY ultra-performance LC (UPLC) BEH C18 column (50 × 2.1 mm id, 1.7 μm particle size) and a mobile phase consisting of methanol–0.1 M acetic acid (21 + 79, v/v) at a constant flow rate of 0.3 mL/min with diode array detection at 274 nm. The overlapping chromatographic peaks of the calibration set consisting of AML and HCT mixtures were recorded rapidly by using an ACQUITY UPLC H-Class system. The overlapping UPLC data vectors of AML and HCT drugs and their samples were processed by CWT signal processing methods. The calibration graphs for AML and HCT were computed from the relationship between concentration and areas of chromatographic CWT peaks. The applicability and validity of the improved UPLC-CWT approaches were confirmed by recovery studies and the standard addition technique. The proposed UPLC-CWT methods were applied to the determination of AML and HCT in tablets. The experimental results indicated that the suggested UPLC-CWT signal processing provides accurate and precise results for industrial QC and quantitative evaluation of AML-HCT tablets.
Reflectance Near-Infrared Spectroscopic Method with a Chemometric Technique Using Partial Least Squares Multivariate Calibration for Simultaneous Determination of Chondroitin, Glucosamine, and Ascorbic Acid
Authors: El-Gindy Alaa , Attia Khalid Abdel-Salam , Nassar Mohammad Wafaa , El-Abasawy Nasr M A , Al-Shabrawi Shoeib Maisra
Published: June 2012

A reflectance near-infrared (RNIR) spectroscopy method was developed for simultaneous determination of chondroitin (CH), glucosamine (GO), and ascorbic acid (AS) in capsule powder. A simple preparation of the sample was done by grinding, sieving, and compression of the powder sample for improving RNIR spectra. Partial least squares (PLS-1 and PLS-2) was successfully applied to quantify the three components in the studied mixture using information included in RNIR spectra in the 4240–9780 cm–1 range. The calibration model was developed with the three drug concentrations ranging from 50 to 150% of the labeled amount. The calibration models using pure standards were evaluated by internal validation, cross-validation, and external validation using synthetic and pharmaceutical preparations. The proposed method was applied for analysis of two pharmaceutical products. Both pharmaceutical products had the same active principle and similar excipients, but with different nominal concentration values. The results of the proposed method were compared with the results of a pharmacopoeial method for the same pharmaceutical products. No significant differences between the results were found. The standard error of prediction was 0.004 for CH, 0.003 for GO, and 0.005 for AS. The correlation coefficient was 0.9998 for CH, 0.9999 for GO, and 0.9997 for AS. The highly accurate and precise RNIR method can be used for QC of pharmaceutical products.
Chemometric and Statistical Evaluation of Calibration Curves in Pharmaceutical Analysis—A Short Review on Trends and Recommendations
Authors: Komsta Łkasz
Published: June 2012

The calibration of an analytical method is a very important part of its development, and only the proper statistical and chemometric evaluation of the results, together with understanding this process, allows good results. The purpose of this minireview is to call the reader's attention to the major problems in calibration: curvilinearity, heteroscedasticity, presence of outliers, transformation of results, and distribution and autocorrelation of residuals. The common misunderstandings and mistakes are emphasized to inform the reader. Additionally, the computational package “quantchem” for GNU R environment, allowing full and automatic calibration evaluation, is presented.
Application of Chemometrically Processed Thermogravimetric Data for Identification of Baclofen–Excipient Interactions
Authors: Wesolowski Marek , Rojek Barbara , Piotrowska Joanna
Published: June 2012

Studies are constantly being conducted on the elaboration of efficient methods to confirm the compatibility of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and excipients, since medicinal products, apart from their APIs, also contain numerous excipients that not only have important functions in pharmaceutical preparations but can also initiate or participate in interactions with drug substances, which eventually lead to a decline in drug quality. With this in mind, research was undertaken to evaluate two of the most often applied pattern recognition methods, hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA), as supporting techniques in the identification of potential physicochemical interactions that may occur during the preformulation of solid dosage forms. The investigation performed with the use of baclofen and selected excipients has shown that with thermogravimetric analysis, HCA and PCA fulfill their role as supporting techniques in the interpretation of the data obtained. Based on these methods, it is possible to detect incompatibilities between baclofen and excipients, and the data obtained concur strongly with the results of differential scanning calorimetry and IR spectrometry analyses.
Tegucigolpe: donde se cruzan los caminos, se unen fronteras y divergen las percepciones
Authors: Pine Adrienne , Vivar David
Published: June 2012

This article examines the capital of Honduras—Tegucigalpa—focusing on its “twin cities” of Comayagüela and Tegucigalpa, examining the relationships between topographic and socioeconomic exclusion, structural and symbolic violence, and the application of neoliberal policies. It explores the city post-hurricane Mitch and post-coup d’État using historical and ethnographic data to shed light on Tegucigalpa, the troubled political center of a corporatizing State.
Dinámicas históricas y espaciales en la construcción de un barrio alteño
Authors: Arbona Juan Manuel
Published: June 2012

The city of El Alto is recognized as the epicenter of the October 2003 events that forced the resignation of president Gonzalo Sanchez de Lozada and began a political process that resulted in the election of Evo Morales in 2005. Part of an explanation about how the residents of this city were able to articulate social mobilizations of such magnitude and impact is due to the predominately indigenous population of the city. This invites us to ask how the residents wove history of territory and the memories “brought” by the migrants from rural/indigenous communities in the construction of neighborhoods. In this essay I will argue that the current forms of social and neighborhood organization in El Alto, represent translations, adaptations, and re-inventions of forms of organization in their places of origin. This, in turn, manifests a complex tapestry of memories, social practices, and everyday actions, to give shape to their particular forms of organization.
Buscar la reelección en 2010: el efecto de la efectividad legislativa
Authors: Plata Caviedes Juan Camilo
Published: June 2012

Previous works about legislative behavior emphasize looking for reelection as one of the main motivations. Nonetheless, in contexts like the Colombian where reelection is not an obvious choice it is necessary to look for the motivations for continuing having a seat in Congress. It is proposed that policy-seeking could be one of them. This goal in itself is believed to be a motivation for looking for reelection, but it would also have an instrumental value under certain circumstances. To test this argument, it is used a dataset comprising the bills proposed between 2006 and 2010 in the Colombian Chamber of Representatives. This data is used to evaluate whether the effectiveness to promote new legislation had any effect in aiming for reelection during the 2010 legislative elections.
Origen y evolución de los parlamentos en los procesos de integración regional. Los casos del Parlamento Europeo y el Parlamento del Mercosur
Authors: Álvarez Macías María Victoria
Published: June 2012

Some processes of integration include a parliamentary body in their institutional structures. This paper combines basic premises of neofunctionalism and intergovernmentalism to address the origin and further evolution of regional parliaments, including the necessary precautions when applying European approaches of integration to other regions. With these postulates in mind, we outline an explanation of the way in which two regional parliaments, the European Parliament and the Mercosur Parliament, emerged and developed. The combination of approaches allows us to affirm that States are important and powerful actors, but the role of regional institutions and transnational actors cannot be ignored. However, comparative analysis shows that while in Europe the dynamics of the process of integration has feedback mechanisms beyond the control of States, in the Mercosur the influence of national Governments is overwhelming and prevents any “self-reinforcing” dynamics.
Effects of Prosocial, Neutral, and Violent Video Games on Children's Helpful and Hurtful Behaviors
Authors: Saleem Muniba , Anderson Craig A. , Gentile Douglas A.
Published: June 2012

Recent research reveals that playing prosocial video games increases prosocial cognitions, positive affect, and helpful behaviors [Gentile et al., 2009; Greitemeyer and Osswald, 2009, 2010, 2011]. These results are consistent with the social‐cognitive models of social behavior such as the general learning model [Buckley and Anderson, 2006]. However, no experimental studies have examined such effects on children. Previous research on violent video games suggests that short‐term effects of video games are largely based on priming of existing behavioral scripts. Thus, it is unclear whether younger children will show similar effects. This research had 9–14 years olds play a prosocial, neutral, or violent video game, and assessed helpful and hurtful behaviors simultaneously through a new tangram measure. Prosocial games increased helpful and decreased hurtful behavior, whereas violent games had the opposite effects. Aggr. Behav. 38:281‐287, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dance as a way of knowing
Authors: Snowber Celeste
Published: June 2012

This article explores dance as a way of knowing, inquiry, embodied understanding and, ultimately, what it can mean to think on our feet and get our feet in our thinking.
The Poisson Ratio in CoFe2O4 Spinel Thin Films
Authors: Foerster Michael , Iliev Milko , Dix Nico , Martí Xavier , Barchuk Mykhailo , Sánchez Florencio , Fontcuberta Josep
Published: June 2012

The response of epitaxial CoFe2O4 thin films to biaxial compressive stress imposed by MgAl2O4 and SrTiO3 single crystalline substrates is studied using X‐ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. It is found that the Poisson ratio ν signals a non‐auxetic behavior and depends on the substrate used. The Raman modes show an increase in frequency when increasing compressive strain by reducing film thickness; this is due to the shrinking of the unit cell volume. Such behavior is in qualitative agreement with recent ab initio calculations, although the measured values are significantly smaller than predictions. In contrast, the measured Poisson ratio is found to be in good agreement with expectations based on general arguments of atomic packing density. Possible guidelines for searching auxetic response in materials with spinel structure are discussed.
One‐Dimensional Metal‐Oxide Nanostructures: Recent Developments in Synthesis, Characterization, and Applications
Authors: Devan Rupesh S. , Patil Ranjit A. , Lin Jin‐Han , Ma Yuan‐Ron
Published: June 2012

1D metal‐oxide nanostructures have attracted much attention because metal oxides are the most fascinating functional materials. The 1D morphologies can easily enhance the unique properties of the metal‐oxide nanostructures, which make them suitable for a wide variety of applications, including gas sensors, electrochromic devices, light‐emitting diodes, field emitters, supercapacitors, nanoelectronics, and nanogenerators. Therefore, much effort has been made to synthesize and characterize 1D metal‐oxide nanostructures in the forms of nanorods, nanowires, nanotubes, nanobelts, etc. Various physical and chemical deposition techniques and growth mechanisms are exploited and developed to control the morphology, identical shape, uniform size, perfect crystalline structure, defects, and homogenous stoichiometry of the 1D metal‐oxide nanostructures. Here a comprehensive review of recent developments in novel synthesis, exceptional characteristics, and prominent applications of one‐dimensional nanostructures of tungsten oxides, molybdenum oxides, tantalum oxides, vanadium oxides, niobium oxides, titanium oxides, nickel oxides, zinc oxides, bismuth oxides, and tin oxides is provided.
Maternal Effects and the Endocrine Regulation of Mandrill Growth
Authors: BERNSTEIN ROBIN M. , SETCHELL JOANNA M. , VERRIER DELPHINE , KNAPP LESLIE A.
Published: June 2012

Maternal effects can influence offspring growth and development, and thus fitness. However, the physiological factors mediating these effects in nonhuman primates are not well understood. We investigated the impact of maternal effects on variation in three important components of the endocrine regulation of growth in male and female mandrills (Mandrillus sphinx), from birth to 9 years of age. Using a mixed longitudinal set (N = 252) of plasma samples, we measured concentrations of insulin‐like growth factor‐I (IGF‐I), growth hormone binding protein (GHBP), and free testosterone (free T). We evaluated the relationship of ontogenetic patterns of changes in hormone concentration to patterns of growth in body mass and body length, and determined that these endocrine factors play a significant role in growth of both young (infant and juvenile) and adolescent male mandrills, but only in growth of young female mandrills. We also use mixed models analysis to determine the relative contribution of the effects of maternal rank, parity, and age on variation in hormone and binding protein concentrations. Our results suggest that all of these maternal effects account for significant variation in hormone and binding protein concentrations in all male age groups. Of the maternal effects measured, maternal rank was the most frequently identified significant maternal effect on variation in hormone and binding protein concentrations. We suggest that these endocrine factors provide mechanisms that contribute to the maternal effects on offspring growth previously noted in this population. Am. J. Primatol. 74:890‐900, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Expression of the extracellular matrix gene periostin is increased in chronic rhinosinusitis and decreases following successful endoscopic sinus surgery
Authors: Zhang Wei , Hubin Gregory , Endam Leandra Mfuna , Al‐Mot Sawsan , Filali‐Mouhim Abdelali , Desrosiers Martin
Published: June 2012

Background:

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a potentially important component of mucosal immunity. ECM dysregulation in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is suggested by genomewide association studies identifying ECM genes as top candidates. Further support is afforded by the demonstration of increased expression of periostin (POSTN) in CRS biopsy samples compared to controls, and by reported roles in eosinophilic inflammation and steroid responsiveness. We wished to evaluate the potential utility of POSTN as a biomarker for disease activity by determining whether POSTN levels were modified in disease and whether they were modulated by endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS).

Methods:

Twelve patients undergoing ESS for CRS and 10 controls undergoing ESS for skull‐base access were recruited. An epithelial sample from the frontal recess was collected using a cytology brush at time of and 3 months after surgery. Microarray analysis of gene expression was performed using the Illumina HumanHT‐12 Beadchip v3. POSTN protein level in biopsy samples taken from the same place of brushings at surgery was analyzed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining.

Results:

All patients resolved CRS with ESS. At surgery, a higher expression of POSTN was seen in the CRS group compared to controls (fold change [FC] = 4.89, positive false discovery rate (pFDR) = 0.0006), which was also verified by IHC. After ESS, POSTN expression in CRS group decreased (FC = −3.074, pFDR = 0.0044), and was no longer different from controls (FC = 1.56, pFDR = 0.3).

Conclusion:

Demonstration of reduced levels in the expression of POSTN, an ECM gene, following resolution of disease, implicates POSTN, a potential pathogenesis indicator or biomarker of CRS disease activity and responsiveness to treatment. © 2012 ARS‐AAOA, LLC.
Quality‐of‐life outcomes following multiple revision endoscopic sinus surgery
Authors: Clinger John D. , Mace Jess C. , Smith Timothy L.
Published: June 2012

Background:

Although overall success rates of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) range from 76.0% to 97.5%, ongoing or recurrent symptoms may require revision surgery. Previous studies have shown that revision status is not a predictor of outcomes following ESS, but no distinction has been made between patients undergoing a single or multiple revision procedure. The purpose of this study was to compare quality‐of‐life (QOL) outcomes and associated risk factors of patients undergoing primary ESS, first‐revision ESS, and multiple‐revision ESS (second, third, fourth, and fifth or more).

Methods:

Demographic and risk factor data were collected from a multi‐institutional prospective cohort of 552 patients undergoing primary (n = 221) and revision (n = 331) ESS for chronic rhinosinusitis. Mean preoperative Lund‐Mackay computed tomography (CT) scan scores, pre‐/postoperative Lund‐Kennedy endoscopy scores, Rhinosinusitis Disability Index (RSDI), and Chronic Sinusitis Survey (CSS) outcomes were analyzed using chi‐square testing and 1‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Results:

Mean preoperative RSDI and CSS measurements were similar between primary ESS and all revision groups. Significantly more primary ESS patients met rigorous criteria for a minimally important difference in QOL improvement than revision ESS patients (73.8% vs 61.6%; p = 0.003). There was no significant difference in mean QOL improvement between revision groups (all p ≥ 0.174) even when comparing patients with and without nasal polyposis (all p ≥ 0.312).

Conclusion:

Generally, patients undergoing primary, first‐revision, and multiple‐revision ESS showed postoperative improvement in QOL scores. More primary ESS patients had significant QOL improvement compared to revision ESS patients. There were no significant differences in mean QOL improvement between any of the individual revision groups. © 2012 ARS‐AAOA, LLC.
Die Chemie und Biologie des Ubiquitin‐Signals
Authors: Spasser Liat , Brik Ashraf
Published: June 2012

Die Ubiquitinierung ist eine der häufigsten posttranslationalen Modifikationen in Eukaryoten und spielt bei einer Vielzahl zellulärer Prozesse eine Rolle, die zumeist als Signal für den proteasomalen Abbau bekannt sind. Vor kurzem stellte sich heraus, dass das Ubiquitin‐Signal wesentlich komplexer ist und durch die Ubiquitin‐Komponente und das Substrat bestimmt wird. Die bemerkenswerte Mannigfaltigkeit des Ubiquitin‐Signalprozesses hat enorme Bemühungen zur Erforschung der Rolle der Ubiqitinierung in biologischen Prozessen ausgelöst. Trotz der seit mehr als drei Jahrzehnten andauernden Untersuchungen sind aber noch mehrere wichtige Fragestellungen offen. Eine große Hürde ist das Unvermögen, homogene Ubiquitin‐Biokonjugate durch Isolierung aus Zellen oder durch enzymatische Mechanismen zugänglich zu machen. Jüngste Erfolge bei chemischen und semisynthetischen Strategien bieten zunehmend Lösungen für diese Herausforderungen, indem sie die Produktion großer Mengen homogener Ubiquitinkonjugate ermöglichen. In diesem Aufsatz diskutierten wir die fundamentalen biologischen Aspekte des Ubiquitin‐Signals und stellen neuartige nichtenzymatische Ansätze vor, die diese Hindernisse umgehen.
Chemistry and Biology of the Ubiquitin Signal
Authors: Spasser Liat , Brik Ashraf
Published: June 2012

Ubiquitination is one of the most utilized posttranslational modifications in eukaryotes and is involved in a wide range of cellular processes, but is mostly known as a signal for proteasomal degradation. Recently, it has become clear that the ubiquitin signal is far more complex and is dictated by the ubiquitin component and the substrate. The remarkable diversity of the ubiquitin signaling process has triggered an incredible amount of effort to investigate the role of ubiquitination on biological processes. However, despite more than three decades of studies, several important questions remain unanswered. A major hurdle is the inability to obtain homogeneous ubiquitin bioconjugates in sufficient amounts from cells or by application of the enzymatic machinery. Recent breakthroughs in chemical and semisynthetic strategies, however, offer solutions to these challenges. In this Review, we survey the fundamental biological aspects of the ubiquitin signal and present the emerging non‐enzymatic approaches for overcoming these obstacles.
The Incidence of Invasion and Metastasis of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma at Different Anatomic Sites in the Skull Base
Authors: Han Jun , Zhang Qiuhang , Kong Feng , Gao Yongan
Published: June 2012

This study aimed to investigate the incidence of direct invasion and metastasis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) at different anatomic sites in the skull base using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI data from 101 NPC patients with skull base invasion were collected and we analyzed the incidence and anatomic sites of invasion of NPC in the skull base. Of the 101 NPC patients, 84 had direct invasion at the skull base (83.2%), and 17 had skull base metastasis (16.8%). Affected sites with direct invasion in the skull base included sphenoid sinus and sella base, cavernous sinus, internal carotid canal, and clivus blumenbachii. Skull base metastasis sites included the internal carotid canal and jugular foramen area. Because of early lymphatic metastasis of NPC to the skull base, MRI examination can be helpful in increasing the accuracy of diagnostic imaging for skull base invasion of NPC and selecting appropriate target sites, radiotherapy techniques, and operative approaches. Anat Rec, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
FUNCTIONAL ANALYSIS AND MOLECULAR DOCKING IDENTIFY TWO ACTIVE SHORT‐CHAIN PRENYLTRANSFERASES IN THE GREEN PEACH APHID, Myzus persicae
Authors: Zhang Yong-Lei , Li Zheng‐Xi
Published: June 2012

Short‐chain prenyltransferases are responsible for biosynthesis of the C10–C20 precursors of a variety of isoprenoids. We previously isolated two different short‐chain prenyltransferases from the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (MpIPPS1 and MpIPPS2). In this study, the activity of the two aphid prenyltransferases was analyzed in vitro. Kinetic analysis using recombinant enzymes showed that both prenyltransferases could efficiently catalyze the formation of C10 geranyl diphosphate (GPP) and C15 farnesyl diphosphate (FPP) from the C5 substrates isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP) and dimethylallyl diphosphate (DMAPP), and MpIPPS2 had higher catalytic activity than MpIPPS1. Product analysis by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry demonstrated that FPP was generated as the major product, but GPP could be detected at low enzyme concentrations. Molecular docking revealed that MpIPPS2 had higher binding affinity with the substrates DMAPP, IPP, and GPP than MpIPPS1, which supported the experimentally determined kinetic parameters. Molecular docking also identified an amino acid residue (K266) critical to the catalytic activity of both MpIPPS1 and MpIPPS2. This prediction was subsequently confirmed by site‐directed mutagenesis, in which a point mutation (K266I) abolished the activity of both MpIPPS1 and MpIPPS2. Our data illustrate that both aphid short‐chain prenyltransferases are active forms, which is in contrast to the previously reported results.
Impaired social decision making in patients with major depressive disorder
Authors: Zhang Hui‐jun , Sun Delin , Lee Tatia M. C.
Published: June 2012

Research on how depression influences social decision making has been scarce. This study investigated how people with depression make decisions in an interpersonal trust‐reciprocity game. Fifty female patients diagnosed with major depressive disorders (MDDs) and 49 healthy women participated in this study. The experiment was conducted on a one‐to‐one basis. Participants were asked to play the role of a trustee responsible for investing money given to them by an anonymous female investor playing on another computer station. In each trial, the investor would send to a participant (the trustee) a request for a certain percentage of the appreciated investment (repayment proportion). Since only the participant knew the exact amount of the appreciated investment, she could decide to pay more (altruistic act), the same, or less (deceptive act) than the requested amount. The participant's money acquired in the trial would be confiscated if her deceptive act was caught. The frequency of deceptive or altruistic decisions and relative monetary gain in each decision choice were examined. People with depression made fewer deceptive and fewer altruistic responses than healthy controls in all conditions. Moreover, the specific behavioral pattern presented by people with depression was modulated by the task factors, including the risk of deception detection and others’ intentions (benevolence vs. malevolence). Findings of this study contribute to furthering our understanding of the specific pattern of social behavioral changes associated with depression.
Anatomic comparison of nasal versus lateral surgical access to the petrous apex
Authors: Iseli Tim A. , Yahng John , Leung Randal , Briggs Robert J.S. , King James A.J. , Phal Pramit M.
Published: June 2012

To compare anatomic access to the petrous apex via the nasal and lateral approaches. Hundred consecutive fine‐cut CT temporal bones at the Royal Melbourne Hospital from July 27, 2007 to October 30, 2010 were reviewed. Easy lateral access allowed use of a 4 mm burr past vital structures. Easy nasal access was defined as sphenoid pneumatization to/beyond the posterior sella and laterally beyond the maxillary/vidian nerves. Three patients with petrous apex pathology were also reviewed. Easy lateral and nasal access occurred in 74 (37%) and 79 (39.5%) sides, respectively. Easy nasal and lateral access were not strongly correlated (r = 0.10, P = 0.15). A well‐pneumatized mastoid (62.5%) was strongly correlated with a large sphenoid (63%, P < 0.001). Pneumatization of the mastoid corresponds to sphenoid sinus size. However, surgical access to the petrous apex is more determined by proximity of vital structures. Easy surgical access via the nasal or lateral approaches was not strongly correlated. Petrous apex lesions requiring surgery should be considered for both approaches. Clin. Anat. 26:682–687, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Particle‐based drop animation on meshes in real time
Authors: Djado Khalid , Egli Richard , Granger Fabrice
Published: June 2012

This paper presents a method for simulating the motion of water drops on a surface in real time. We describe the dynamics of a drop moving on the surface, and then we present our simulation model. We use a geometry‐based representation of a drop. Each drop is modeled by a deformable 3D mesh. This geometrical representation allows drops to be on the surface or in the air. We also propose a simple method to handle drop merging and separation. For the rendering, we simulate reflection and refraction. The drop trace is also taken into account. Our method is fast and robust and yields realistic results when applied to treat condensation on a surface or human sweating in real time. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
N‐acetylcysteine normalizes the urea cycle and DNA repair in cells from patients with Batten disease
Authors: Kim June‐Bum , Lim Nary , Kim Sung‐Jo , Heo Tae‐Hwe
Published: June 2012

Batten disease is an inherited disorder characterized by early onset neurodegeneration due to the mutation of the CLN3 gene. The function of the CLN3 protein is not clear, but an association with oxidative stress has been proposed. Oxidative stress and DNA damage play critical roles in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Antioxidants are of interest because of their therapeutic potential for treating neurodegenerative diseases. We tested whether N‐acetylcysteine (NAC), a well‐known antioxidant, improves the pathology of cells from patients with Batten disease. At first, the expression levels of urea cycle components and DNA repair enzymes were compared between Batten disease cells and normal cells. We used both mRNA expression levels and Western blot analysis. We found that carbamoyl phosphate synthetase 1, an enzyme involved in the urea cycle, 8‐oxoguanine DNA glycosylase 1 and DNA polymerase beta, enzymes involved in DNA repair, were expressed at higher levels in Batten disease cells than in normal cells. The treatment of Batten disease cells with NAC for 48 h attenuated activities of the urea cycle and of DNA repair, as indicated by the substantially decreased expression levels of carbamoyl phosphate synthetase 1, 8‐oxoguanine DNA glycosylase 1 and DNA polymerase beta proteins compared with untreated Batten cells. NAC may serve in alleviating the burden of urea cycle and DNA repair processes in Batten disease cells. We propose that NAC may have beneficial effects in patients with Batten disease. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.