bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geochemical characterization and petrogenesis of Proterozoic Khairagarh volcanics: implication for Precambrian crustal evolution
Authors: Longjam Kabita C. , Ahmad Talat
Published: August 2011

The Khairagarh volcano‐sedimentary sequence is exposed along the Kotri–Dongargarh Belt towards the north‐eastern part of the Bastar Craton. This sequence is exposed south of the Central Indian Shear (CIS) and east of the Sakoli Group rocks. The Khairagarh volcanic sequence is represented by low‐Ti, intermediate‐Ti and high‐Ti basalt–basaltic andesite series that probably represent varying degrees of partial melting of an enriched mantle source, thus they appear to be consanguineous. These rocks are associated with a sequence of high magnesium andesitic (HMA) rocks that follow a separate evolutionary trend, thus they appear not to be related to the basalt–basaltic andesite sequence. The presence of the two contrasting sequences probably indicates generation in a hot Andean‐type subduction zone for the HMA, and Andean‐type back‐arc rifting for the basalt–basaltic andesite samples. The possibility of a relatively thick crust around 3.6 Ga in the Bastar Craton and the Amgaon Gneissic Complex, basement for the Khairagarh–Sakoli sequence, probably indicates that it was part of the Supercontinent Ur. The mantle extraction age of about 2.9 to 2.5 Ga, based on the Nd‐model ages for the Khairagarh–Sakoli sequence, probably indicate that this part of the Central Indian Shield became part of the Supercontinent Columbia subsequently. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Face‐likeness and image variability drive responses in human face‐selective ventral regions
Authors: Davidenko Nicolas , Remus David A. , Grill‐Spector Kalanit
Published: August 2011

The human ventral visual stream contains regions that respond selectively to faces over objects. However, it is unknown whether responses in these regions correlate with how face‐like stimuli appear. Here, we use parameterized face silhouettes to manipulate the perceived face‐likeness of stimuli and measure responses in face‐ and object‐selective ventral regions with high‐resolution fMRI. We first use “concentric hyper‐sphere” (CH) sampling to define face silhouettes at different distances from the prototype face. Observers rate the stimuli as progressively more face‐like the closer they are to the prototype face. Paradoxically, responses in both face‐ and object‐selective regions decrease as face‐likeness ratings increase. Because CH sampling produces blocks of stimuli whose variability is negatively correlated with face‐likeness, this effect may be driven by more adaptation during high face‐likeness (low‐variability) blocks than during low face‐likeness (high‐variability) blocks. We tested this hypothesis by measuring responses to matched‐variability (MV) blocks of stimuli with similar face‐likeness ratings as with CH sampling. Critically, under MV sampling, we find a face‐specific effect: responses in face‐selective regions gradually increase with perceived face‐likeness, but responses in object‐selective regions are unchanged. Our studies provide novel evidence that face‐selective responses correlate with the perceived face‐likeness of stimuli, but this effect is revealed only when image variability is controlled across conditions. Finally, our data show that variability is a powerful factor that drives responses across the ventral stream. This indicates that controlling variability across conditions should be a critical tool in future neuroimaging studies of face and object representation. Hum Brain Mapp 33:2334–2349, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
THE EFFECT OF RETIREMENT ON COGNITIVE FUNCTIONING
Authors: Coe Norma B. , von Gaudecker Hans‐Martin , Lindeboom Maarten , Maurer Jürgen
Published: August 2011

Cognitive impairment has emerged as a major driver of disability in old age, with profound effects on individual well‐being and decision making at older ages. In the light of policies aimed at postponing retirement ages, an important question is whether continued labour supply helps to maintain high levels of cognition at older ages. We use data of older men from the US Health and Retirement Study to estimate the effect of continued labour market participation at older ages on later‐life cognition. As retirement itself is likely to depend on cognitive functioning and may thus be endogenous, we use offers of early retirement windows as instruments for retirement in econometric models for later‐life cognitive functioning. These offers of early retirement are legally required to be nondiscriminatory and thus, inter alia, unrelated to cognitive functioning. At the same time, these offers of early retirement options are significant predictors of retirement. Although the simple ordinary least squares estimates show a negative relationship between retirement duration and various measures of cognitive functioning, instrumental variable estimates suggest that these associations may not be causal effects. Specifically, we find no clear relationship between retirement duration and later‐life cognition for white‐collar workers and, if anything, a positive relationship for blue‐collar workers. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tumor microenvironmental genomic alterations in juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma
Authors: Silveira Sara Martoreli , Domingues Maria Aparecida Custódio , Butugan Ossamu , Brentani Maria Mitzi , Rogatto Silvia Regina
Published: August 2011

Background

To better characterize the pathophysiology of juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA), endothelial and stromal cells were evaluated by genomic imbalances in association with transcript expression levels of genes mapped on these altered regions.

Methods

High‐resolution comparative genomic hybridization (HR‐CGH) was used in laser‐captured endothelial and stromal cells from 9 JNAs. Ten genes were evaluated by quantitative real‐timereverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) in 15 cases.

Results

Although gains were more frequently detected in endothelial cells, 57% of chromosomal alterations were common by both components. Gene expression analyses revealed a positive correlation between endothelial and stromal components for ASPM, CDH1, CTNNB1, FGF18, and SUPT16H. A significant difference was found for FGF18 and AURKB overexpression in stromal cells and AR down‐expression in endothelial cells.

Conclusions

A similar pattern of gene expression and chromosomal imbalances in both exponents would suggest a common mechanism of functional regulation. AURKB, FGF18, and SUPT16H were identified as potential molecular markers in JNA. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2012
Comparison of metabolic changes in patients with schizophrenia during randomized treatment with intramuscular olanzapine long‐acting injection versus oral olanzapine
Authors: McDonnell David P. , Kryzhanovskaya Ludmila A. , Zhao Fangyi , Detke Holland C. , Feldman Peter D.
Published: August 2011

Metabolic changes were examined in patients with schizophrenia during treatment with either oral olanzapine or olanzapine long‐acting injection (LAI). Data were collected from patients who had been stabilized on oral olanzapine (10, 15, or 20 mg/day) for ≥4 weeks and then randomized to either continued olanzapine oral treatment (n = 322) or LAI (n = 599; 150 mg/2 weeks, 405 mg/4 weeks, or 300 mg/2 weeks) for up to 24 weeks. Mean and categorical changes in metabolic parameters were analyzed. Mean changes in weight, glucose, and most lipids were generally not significantly different between treatment groups. Weight changes over time followed similar patterns and were not significantly different at endpoint between the two treatment‐formulation groups. Low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased significantly less among olanzapine LAI‐treated patients. Percentages of patients with potentially clinically significant changes in blood glucose and lipid concentrations were similar for the two treatments. Percentages of patients experiencing adverse events related to weight, diabetes, or dyslipidemia were also not significantly different between treatments. Metabolic changes in patients with schizophrenia appeared generally similar during treatment with oral olanzapine or olanzapine LAI. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neuropeptide Y stimulates proliferation and migration in the 4T1 breast cancer cell line
Authors: Medeiros Philip J. , Al‐Khazraji Baraa K. , Novielli Nicole M. , Postovit Lynne M. , Chambers Ann F. , Jackson Dwayne N.
Published: August 2011

Stress has long been thought of to be associated with increased risk of cancer. Chronic stress is associated with elevated levels of sympathetic neurotransmitter (norepinephrine and neuropeptide Y: NPY) release and immunosuppression. The expression of NPY receptors has been reported in human breast carcinomas. Recently, activation of the NPY Y5 receptor was shown to stimulate cell growth and increase migration in human breast cancer cells; however the effects of NPY have yet to be investigated in a murine model of breast cancer. Thus, the specific aims of the current study were to: (i) characterize NPY receptor expression in 4T1 breast cancer cells and orthotopic tumors grown in BALB/c mice and (ii) investigate the impact of NPY receptor activation on 4T1 cell proliferation and migration in vitro. Positive expression of NPY receptors (Y1R, Y2R and Y5R) was observed in cells and tumor tissue. As well, NPY treatment of 4T1 cells promoted a concentration‐dependent increase in proliferation, through increased phosphorylation of ERK 1/2. Using NPY receptor antagonists (Y1R:BIBP3226, Y2R:BIIE0246 and Y5R:L‐152,804), we found the proliferative response to be Y5R mediated. Additionally, NPY increased chemotaxis through Y2R and Y5R activation. These data are in congruence with those from human cell lines and highlight the 4T1 cell line as a translatable model of breast cancer in which the effects of NPY can be studied in an immunocompetent system.
Recombinant canstatin inhibits angiopoietin‐1‐induced angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis
Authors: Hwang‐Bo Jeon , Yoo Ki Hyun , Park Jong‐Hwa , Jeong Han‐Sin , Chung In Sik
Published: August 2011

We describe the effect of recombinant canstatin, the NC1 domain of the α2 chain of Type IV collagen, on suppression of angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis both in vitro and in vivo. Recombinant canstatin produced from stably transformed Drosophila S2 cells reduced the expression of angiopoietin‐1 in hypoxia mimetic agent, CoCl2‐treated CT‐26 cells. Recombinant canstatin inhibited proliferation, tube formation and migration of human angiopoietin‐1 (rhAngpt‐1)‐treated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and lymphatic endothelial cells (LEC). Recombinant canstatin suppressed the expression of Tie‐2 and vascular endothelial growth factor‐3 (VEGFR‐3) transcripts in rhAngpt‐1‐treated HUVEC and LEC, respectively. The inhibitory effect of recombinant canstatin on tumor growth was also investigated using a heterotopic CT‐26 colon carcinoma animal (BALB/c mice) model. Recombinant canstatin reduced the final volume and weight of tumors, and blood and lymphatic vessel densities of tumors, which were evaluated by CD‐31 and LYVE‐1 immunostaining. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that recombinant canstatin dramatically reduced the expression of angiopoietin‐1 in CT‐26 colon carcinoma‐induced tumor, but not the expression of VEGF‐C. Tie‐2 and VEGFR‐3 expressions were also reduced in recombinant canstatin‐treated tumors. These results indicate that recombinant canstatin has anti‐tumoral activities against CT‐26 colon carcinoma cells. Recombinant canstatin reduces the expression of angiopoietin‐1 in hypoxia‐induced CT‐26 cells and inhibits the angiogenic and lymphangiogenic signaling induced by angiopoietin‐1. Recombinant canstatin probably inhibits angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis via suppression of the integrin‐dependent FAK signaling induced by angiopoietin‐1/Tie‐2 and/or VEGFR‐3.
Measurement of human skeletal muscle oxidative capacity by 31P‐MR spectroscopy: A cross‐validation with in vitro measurements
Authors: Lanza Ian R. , Bhagra Sumit , Nair K. Sreekumaran , Port John D.
Published: August 2011

Purpose:

To cross‐validate skeletal muscle oxidative capacity measured by 31P‐MR spectroscopy with in vitro measurements of oxidative capacity in mitochondria isolated from muscle biopsies of the same muscle group in 18 healthy adults.

Materials and Methods:

Oxidative capacity in vivo was determined from PCr recovery kinetics following a 30‐s maximal isometric knee extension. State 3 respiration was measured in isolated mitochondria using high‐resolution respirometry. A second cohort of 10 individuals underwent two 31P‐MRS testing sessions to assess the test–retest reproducibility of the method.

Results:

Overall, the in vivo and in vitro methods were well‐correlated (r = 0.66–0.72) and showed good agreement by Bland Altman plots. Excellent reproducibility was observed for the PCr recovery rate constant (CV = 4.6%; ICC = 0.85) and calculated oxidative capacity (CV = 3.4%; ICC = 0.83).

Conclusion:

These results indicate that 31P‐MRS corresponds well with gold‐standard in vitro measurements and is highly reproducible. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2011;. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Does vertebral bone marrow fat content correlate with abdominal adipose tissue, lumbar spine bone mineral density, and blood biomarkers in women with type 2 diabetes mellitus?
Authors: Baum Thomas , Yap Samuel P. , Karampinos Dimitrios C. , Nardo Lorenzo , Kuo Daniel , Burghardt Andrew J. , Masharani Umesh B. , Schwartz Ann V. , Li Xiaojuan , Link Thomas M.
Published: August 2011

Purpose:

To compare vertebral bone marrow fat content quantified with proton MR spectroscopy (1H‐MRS) with the volume of abdominal adipose tissue, lumbar spine volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD), and blood biomarkers in postmenopausal women with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Materials and Methods:

Thirteen postmenopausal women with T2DM and 13 age‐ and body mass index‐matched healthy controls were included in this study. All subjects underwent 1H‐MRS of L1–L3 to quantify vertebral bone marrow fat content (FC) and unsaturated lipid fraction (ULF). Quantitative computed tomography (QCT) was performed to assess vBMD of L1–L3. The volumes of abdominal subcutaneous/visceral/total adipose tissue were determined from the QCT images and adjusted for abdominal body volume (SATadj/VATadj/TATadj). Fasting blood tests included plasma glucose and HbA1c.

Results:

Mean FC showed an inverse correlation with vBMD (r = −0.452; P < 0.05) in the whole study population. While mean FC was similar in the diabetic women and healthy controls (69.3 ± 7.5% versus 67.5 ± 6.1%; P > 0.05), mean ULF was significantly lower in the diabetic group (6.7 ± 1.0% versus 7.9 ± 1.6%; P < 0.05). SATadj and TATadj correlated significantly with mean FC in the whole study population (r = 0.538 and r = 0.466; P < 0.05). In contrast to the control group, significant correlations of mean FC with VATadj and HbA1c were observed in the diabetic group (r = 0.642 and r = 0.825; P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

This study demonstrated that vertebral bone marrow fat content correlates significantly with SATadj, TATadj, and lumbar spine vBMD in postmenopausal women with and without T2DM, but with VATadj and HbA1c only in women with T2DM. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;35:117‐124. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Multiple categorization in resume screening: Examining effects on hiring discrimination against Arab applicants in field and lab settings
Authors: Derous Eva , Ryan Ann Marie , Nguyen Hannah‐Hanh D.
Published: August 2011

Debate exists as to what the more appropriate prediction is regarding the effects of multiple stigmatized group memberships on employment discrimination. The ethnic prominence (EP), multiple minority status (MMS), and subordinate male target hypotheses were assessed for the combined effects of ethnic group membership (Arabic), sex, social status, and job type on hiring evaluations. Two correspondence tests in the field (Study 1) and two experimental studies in the lab (Study 2) and in the field (Study 3) were conducted. Studies 1 and 2 showed evidence for the EP hypothesis when low‐status jobs were tested. The odds for rejection were four times higher for Arab than for Dutch applicants. Applicants' sex, socio‐economic status, and external client contact did not moderate findings (Study 1). The effect of applicants' ethnic group membership was further moderated by raters' motivation to control prejudice (Study 2). Study 3 showed evidence for the MMS hypothesis. We found double jeopardy against Arab women who applied for high‐status jobs when recruiters' prejudice was controlled. Study findings show that discrimination in resume screening may depend upon the particular intersection of applicant, job, and recruiter characteristics. We discussed implications for anonymous resume screening and research on evaluation of applicants possessing multiple stigmatizing characteristics. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Positive group affective tone and team creativity: Negative group affective tone and team trust as boundary conditions
Authors: Tsai Wei‐Chi , Chi Nai‐Wen , Grandey Alicia A. , Fung Sy‐Chi
Published: August 2011

Drawing on multiple group‐level theories, we explored boundary conditions of the relationship between positive group affective tone (PGAT) and team creativity. We collected data from members and leaders of 68 research and development teams and performed hierarchical linear modeling analyses to test our hypotheses. Consistent with the “group‐centrism” perspective, we found that PGAT was beneficial for team creativity only when team trust was low; when trust was high, PGAT had a negative relationship with team creativity. In accord with the “dual‐tuning” perspective, the positive effect of PGAT on creativity was present only when team trust was low but negative group affective tone was high. We discussed the theoretical and practical implications. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Violence‐prevention climate, exposure to violence and aggression, and prevention behavior: A mediation model
Authors: Chang Chu‐Hsiang , Eatough Erin M. , Spector Paul E. , Kessler Stacey R.
Published: August 2011

This study explored mechanisms underlying employees' behaviors targeted at preventing workplace physical violence and verbal aggression. Poor psychological violence‐prevention climate perceptions and previous exposure to violence and aggression represent stressors that were associated with increased strains and reduced motivation. Strains and motivation, in turn, were related to prevention behaviors. We collected data from employee and coworker dyads, and structural equation modeling results supported that clear organizational policies, prompt management responses to assaults, and putting safety as a priority contributed positively to prevention behaviors through reduced strains and increased motivation. On the other hand, prior experiences of being attacked were related to more strains and lower motivation, which were related to lower prevention compliance. Our results inform future interventions for violence prevention. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Landfalling tropical cyclones activities in the south China: intensifying or weakening?
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Zhang Wei , Lu Xiaoqin , Chen Yongqin David
Published: August 2011

Long‐term tropical cyclone (TC) data are analysed to investigate variations of the landfalling TCs in the southern China by taking Guangdong province as a case study. Changing characteristics of the sea surface temperature (SST) for the entire Pacific and the Niño3.4 index are also analysed with aim to show possible impacts of SST on the behaviours of TCs making landfall at the Guangdong province (TMLGP). On the basis of a change‐point analysis for the frequency of TMLGP, the time period 1965–2007 is subdivided into 1965–1996 and 1997–2007. The results indicate that (1) the frequency of TMLGP is influenced on inter‐annual time scales by SST variations in the South China Sea and the western North Pacific (WNP) for the period 1965–1996. The frequency of TMLGP after 1996 has a nearly opposite trend compared to the period preceding 1996. Therefore, the frequency of TMLGP for the period 1965–2007 as a whole is in an insignificant relation with SST in these two periods; (2) The frequency of TC landfall could be attributed to the WNP TC activities which are represented by a relatively good agreement of the frequency of TMLGP with the total number of TCs; (3) Generally, El Niño/La Niña‐southern oscillation (ENSO, here depicted by Niño3.4 index) exerts a considerable impact on the frequency of TMLGP; (4) The various SST measures only have a weak influence on TMLGP intensities. Despite the long‐term warming trend in SST in the WNP, no long‐term trend is observed in either the frequency or intensities of TMLGP. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Assessment of climate change impact on floods using weather generator and continuous rainfall‐runoff model
Authors: Khazaei Mohammad Reza , Zahabiyoun Bagher , Saghafian Bahram
Published: August 2011

One of the potential impacts of climate change (CC) is the change on flood frequency and magnitude. Assessment of impact on floods involves many uncertainties. Difficulty in preparing reliable continuous time series of climate variables with fine time step and capturing extreme rainfalls for future climate scenarios has led to limited studies aimed at investigation of the change of flood regime due to CC. Weather Generators (WGs) have the potential for downscaling of GCMs (General Climate Models) outputs. However, WGs inabilities in relation to producing extreme rainfalls and low‐frequency variabilities have caused WGs to receive limited attention in flood studies. In this study, a new WG model, that removes the aforementioned WGs' inabilities, is coupled with a continuous daily rainfall‐runoff model to assess the CC impacts on floods of a basin in Iran. Changes in different characteristics of climate variables are applied in the downscaling procedure. Results indicated that, aside from the large uncertainty of emission scenarios, the climate change will lead to considerable increase in flood magnitude in the study basin. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Strengthening American manufacturing with CPR®: The Hartfiel Automation process for building customer profitability
Authors: Moser Myron J.
Published: August 2011

For Hartfiel Automation, boosting customers' profitability has been the key to gaining and retaining business. Building on its strong sales team, the company taps the talents of several resources, including fellow manufacturers and distributors and in‐house technical experts, to provide customers with the resources they need to improve their operations. Over time, Hartfiel Automation formalized this process, Customer Profit Reinforcement (CPR®), into three phases, detailed here. To date, this strategy has strengthened the American manufacturing sector and has led to more than $50 million in savings for its client firms and more than $16 million in business saved or gained for Hartfiel Automation. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis and Characterization of a Multi‐Sensitive Crosslinked Injectable Hydrogel Based on Pluronic
Authors: Nam Jeong A , Al‐Nahain Abdullah‐ , Hong Seonki , Lee Kang Dae , Lee Haeshin , Park Sung Young
Published: August 2011

This paper reports the construction of a novel multi‐sensitive chemically crosslinked injectable hydrogel with strong mechanical strength by modifying Pluronic F127 responsive against temperature, pH and redox potential. Crosslinked polymer between benzaldehyde grafted Pluronic (P‐A) and amine end capped Pluronic having disulfide linkage (P‐B) have been synthesized and characterized with 1H NMR spectroscopy and GPC. The hydrogel under physiological conditions significantly altered sol‐gel transition behaviors with much lower critical gelation concentrations and temperatures, compared to Pluronic hydrogels. The rheological characterization demonstrated that the moduli of the hydrogels were able to be tuned depending on molecular weight as well as pH, redox and temperature conditions.

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Age‐related instability in spermatogenic cell nuclear and mitochondrial DNA obtained from Apex1 heterozygous mice
Authors: Vogel Kristine S. , Perez Marissa , Momand Jamila R. , Acevedo‐Torres Karina , Hildreth Kim , Garcia Rebecca A. , Torres‐Ramos Carlos A. , Ayala‐Torres Sylvette , Prihoda Thomas J. , McMahan C. Alex , Walter Christi A.
Published: August 2011

The prevalence of spontaneous mutations increases with age in the male germline; consequently, older men have an increased risk of siring children with genetic disease due to de novo mutations. The lacI transgenic mouse can be used to study paternal age effects, and in this system, the prevalence of de novo mutations increases in the male germline at old ages. Mutagenesis is linked with DNA repair capacity, and base excision repair (BER), which can ameliorate spontaneous DNA damage, decreases in nuclear extracts of spermatogenic cells from old mice. Mice heterozygous for a null allele of the Apex1 gene, which encodes apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease I (APEN), an essential BER enzyme, display an accelerated increase in spontaneous germline mutagenesis early in life. Here, the consequences of lifelong reduction of APEN on genetic instability in the male germline were examined, for the first time, at middle and old ages. Mutant frequency increased earlier in spermatogenic cells from Apex1+/− mice (by 6 months of age). Nuclear DNA damage increased with age in the spermatogenic lineage for both wild‐type and Apex1+/− mice. By old age, mutant frequencies were similar for wild‐type and APEN‐deficient mice. Mitochondrial genome repair also depends on APEN, and novel analysis of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage revealed an increase in the Apex1+/− spermatogenic cells by middle age. Thus, Apex1 heterozygosity results in accelerated damage to mtDNA and spontaneous mutagenesis, consistent with an essential role for APEN in maintaining nuclear and mtDNA integrity in spermatogenic cells throughout life. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 78:906–919, 2011. Published 2011. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Fenretinide cytotoxicity is independent of both constitutive and pharmacologically modulated glutathione levels in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells cultured at hypoxia
Authors: Cooper Jason P. , Bang Sookhee , Singh Hardeep , Williams Simon C. , Kang Min H.
Published: August 2011

Fenretinide (4‐HPR) cytotoxicity relative to glutathione levels in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia cell lines cultured at bone marrow level hypoxia (5% O2) is evaluated. 4‐HPR cytotoxicity correlated with reactive oxygen species generation (P < 0.001), but not with levels of intracellular glutathione, γ‐glutamylcysteine synthase, or glutathione peroxidase. Buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) reduced glutathione levels in 10 cell lines (P < 0.001), but 4‐HPR + BSO was markedly synergistic in only 1 of 10 lines. Pretreatment with N‐acetylcysteine increased glutathione (P < 0.02) but did not alter 4‐HPR cytotoxicity. Our data suggest that 4‐HPR cytotoxicity is independent of glutathione under physiologic oxygen tension. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 58: 994–997. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Free standing modulation doped core–shell GaAs/AlGaAs hetero‐nanowires
Authors: Spirkoska Dance , Fontcuberta i Morral Anna , Dufouleur Joseph , Xie Qiushi , Abstreiter Gerhard
Published: August 2011

Modulation doped AlGaAs/GaAs core–shell nanowire structures were grown by molecular beam epitaxy. A Si delta‐doping was introduced in the AlGaAs shell around the {110} facets of the GaAs core. The wires are typically highly resistive at low temperatures. However, they show a pronounced persistent photoconductivity effect indicating activation of free carriers from the delta‐doped shell to the GaAs core. The n‐type character of the channel is demonstrated by applying a back‐gate voltage. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
ECOHYDRAULIC ANALYSIS OF FISH FATIGUE DATA
Authors: Katopodis C. , Gervais R.
Published: August 2011

Swimming speeds and endurance vary with species and body morphology, fish length, water temperature and other variables. Data on fish swimming performance are collected from various swim tests conducted in the laboratory or the field. Tests include stamina tunnels where fish are constrained, long pipes with pressure flow, open channels where fish are either constrained or free to volitionally swim and field studies with culverts or other hydraulic structures where fish passage is assessed. Studies on swimming performance and data availability on various species, mostly from stamina tunnels, have been increasing since the 1960s, with more emphasis on volitional channels since the 1990s. An extensive database on fish swimming performance was generated from the literature. Fish tested represent a broad range of species and individuals within many species. There are insufficient data for many species, and significant regressions for speed versus endurance are not available for these species. Fatigue curves of groups of species using an ecohydraulic approach with dimensionless quantities improved regressions when compared with body lengths per second versus time. Furthermore, it was found that the square root of body length is a better scale for fish speed. Although variability in swimming performance exists between species and individuals within a species, data analyses indicate broad similarities in relative performance for groups of species of similar morphology or swimming mode. The ecohydraulic approach allowed the use of limited data sets in analyses for groups of species. Significant speed–time regressions were developed for three groups, the Eel group, the Trout group and the Sturgeon group. Estimates of fish fatigue time with different confidence levels may be useful when considering physiological aspects in practical applications. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Querkraftbeanspruchte Verbindungen von Sandwichelementen
Authors: Käpplein Saskia , Ummenhofer Thomas
Published: August 2011

Sandwichelemente werden üblicherweise als raumabschließende Bauteile eingesetzt. Sie werden auf eine Unterkonstruktion montiert und leiten Lasten direkt an diese weiter. Aufgrund der großen Schubsteifigkeit in der Elementebene können sie auch zur Aussteifung und Stabilisierung von Bauteilen und Gebäuden sowie zum Lastabtrag in der Elementebene herangezogen werden. Die Verbindungen der Elemente weisen jedoch eine wesentlich geringere Steifigkeit als die Elemente selbst auf. Daher werden bei der Ermittlung der Steifigkeit von Schubfeldern aus Sandwichelementen nicht die Elemente, sondern ihre Verbindungen maßgebend. Für die Bemessung der Schubfelder ist es daher unerlässlich die Steifigkeit der Verbindungen zu kennen. Hierzu liegen bisher jedoch keine allgemeingültigen Angaben oder Berechnungsansätze vor. Es wird ein mechanisches Modell zur Ermittlung von Steifigkeit und Tragfähigkeit der Verbindung zwischen Element und Unterkonstruktion vorgestellt. Zusätzlich werden Angaben zur Steifigkeit der Verbindungen an Längsstößen von Dachelementen gemacht.

Shear loaded fastenings of sandwich panels. Sandwich panels are mostly used as components for enclosures. They are installed on a substructure and transfer forces to it. Because of the high in‐plane shear resistance of the panels they can also be used for stabilizing single components and buildings as well as for transferring loads. The stiffness of the fastenings is smaller than the stiffness of the panels. Therefore for the stiffness of diaphragms made of sandwich panels not the stiffness of the panel, but the stiffness of the fastenings is decisive. So for design of shear diaphragms knowledge of the stiffness of the fastenings is mandatory. But up to now no general information or calculation procedures are available. A mechanical model for determination of stiffness and load bearing capacity of fastenings of sandwich panels is presented. Additional information on the stiffness of fastenings at longitudinal joints of roof panels is given.
Abpumpverhalten von Roots‐ und Schraubenvakuumpumpen
Authors: Janicki Magnus , Schiller Dirk
Published: August 2011

Kombinationen von Rootspumpen‐ und Schraubenvakuumpumpen ermöglichen in industriellen Vakuumanwendungen ein hohes Saugvermögen bei gleichzeitig kompakten Abmessungen und effizientem Energieeinsatz. Beim Einsatz dieser Pumpkombination zur Behälterevakuierung hat die Art der Lastregelung der Rootspumpe einen großen Einfluss auf die Evakuierungszeit und die erzielte Energieeffizienz. Die Einsatzgrenzen von Rootsgebläsen in der Vakuumtechnik werden erläutert und Maßnahmen vorgestellt, die eine Überlastung der Maschine verhindern.
Two Lanthanide‐Organic Frameworks Derived from 1H‐Benzimidazole‐5‐Carboxylic Acid and Oxalate Mixed Ligands: Synthesis, Structure and Luminescence Property
Authors: Ma Li , Peng Guo , Cai Jin‐Biao , Deng Hong
Published: August 2011

Two novel lanthanide metal coordination frameworks were synthesized by reaction of 1H‐benzimidazole‐5‐carboxylic acid (H2bic) in the presence of the coligand oxalate with lanthanide ions under hydrothermal conditions, namely, [Eu(H2bic)(C2O4)1.5]·H2O (1) and [La(H2bic)(C2O4)1.5]·H2O (2). The two compounds 1 and 2 are isomorphous and have a 2D layer architecture built up by oxalate ligands interconnecting Eu2O2 clusters, which are further linked by hydrogen bonding to form a 3D supramolecular framework. The luminescence emission spectrum of compound 1 is also discussed. Both compounds were further investigated by infrared spectroscopy (IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), elemental analyses (EA), and powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD).
Killer whale (Orcinus orca) predation in a multi‐prey system
Authors: Ferguson Steven H. , Kingsley Michael C. S. , Higdon Jeff W.
Published: August 2011

Predation can regulate prey numbers but predator behaviour in multiple‐prey systems can complicate understanding of control mechanisms. We investigate killer whale (Orcinus orca) predation in an ocean system where multiple marine mammal prey coexist. Using stochastic models with Monte‐Carlo simulations, we test the most likely outcome of predator selection and compare scenarios where killer whales: (1) focus predation on larger prey which presumably offer more energy per effort, (2) generalize by feeding on prey as encountered during searches, or (3) follow a mixed foraging strategy based on a combination of encounter rate and prey size selection. We test alternative relationships within the Hudson Bay geographic region, where evidence suggests killer whales seasonally concentrate feeding activities on the large‐bodied bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus). However, model results indicate that killer whales do not show strong prey specialization and instead alternatively feed on narwhal (Monodon monoceros) and beluga (Delphinapterus leucas) whales early and late in the ice‐free season. Evidence does support the conjecture that during the peak of the open water season, killer whale predation can differ regionally and feeding techniques can focus on bowhead whale prey. The mixed foraging strategy used by killer whales includes seasonal predator specialization and has management and conservation significance since killer whale predation may not be constrained by a regulatory functional response.
Recognizing and learning models of social exchange strategies for the regulation of social interactions in open agent societies
Authors: Dimuro Graçaliz Pereira , da Rocha Costa Antônio Carlos , Gonçalves Luciano Vargas , Pereira Diego Rodrigues
Published: August 2011

Regulation of social exchanges refers to controlling social exchanges between agents so that the balance of exchange values involved in the exchanges are continuously kept—as far as possible—near to equilibrium. Previous work modeled the social exchange regulation problem as a POMDP (Partially Observable Markov Decision Process), and defined the policyToBDIplans algorithm to extract BDI (Beliefs, Desires, Intentions) plans from POMDP models, so that the derived BDI plans can be applied to keep in equilibrium social exchanges performed by BDI agents. The aim of the present paper is to extend that BDI-POMDP agent model for self-regulation of social exchanges with a module, based on HMM (Hidden Markov Model), for recognizing and learning partner agents’ social exchange strategies, thus extending its applicability to open societies, where new partner agents can freely appear at any time. For the recognition problem, patterns of refusals of exchange proposals are analyzed, as such refusals are produced by the partner agents. For the learning problem, HMMs are used to capture probabilistic state transition and observation functions that model the social exchange strategy of the partner agent, in order to translate them into POMDP’s action-based state transition and observation functions. The paper formally addresses the problem of translating HMMs into POMDP models and vice versa, introducing the translation algorithms and some examples. A discussion on the results of simulations of strategy-based social exchanges is presented, together with an analysis about related work on social exchanges in multiagent systems.
Radiographic Findings in Cats with Mycobacterial Infections
Authors: Bennett Alexander D , Lalor Stephanie , Schwarz Tobias , Gunn-Moore Daniélle A
Published: August 2011

This study describes radiographic changes associated with mycobacterial infection in 33 domestic cats confirmed by culture or interferon-gamma testing. Infection was seen most frequently in adult (average age 5.7 years; range 1.5–12 years), non-pedigree (87%; 27/31), neutered male cats (69%; 22/32). The most common infections were Mycobacterium microti (60%; 18/30) and Mycobacterium bovis (37%; 11/30); Mycobacterium avium and Mycobacterium malmoense were infrequently cultured (3% of each; 1/30). Radiographs were available for the thorax (24 cats), abdomen (eight), appendicular skeleton (11) and head (three). Radiographic changes affected the thorax most commonly, consisting of bronchial (46%; 11/24), alveolar (38%; 9/24), nodular unstructured interstitial (38%; 9/24) or unstructured interstitial (25%; 6/24) lung patterns, which were often mixed. Perihilar or sternal lymphadenopathy were common (42%; 10/24), particularly perihilar lymphadenopathy (25%; 6/24). Skeletal changes were found in the distal antebrachium (three), pes (two), maxilla, scapula, spine, manus, femur, and tarsus (one each). Changes were typically osteolytic (73%; 8/11), often permeative osteolytic (64%; 7/11).

Osteoproliferative changes were seen in three cats and soft tissue swelling in five cats, which were adjacent to the bony abnormality in four cats. Other changes included submandibular soft tissue swelling, marked aortic, aortic root and brachiocephalic trunk calcification, and soft tissue swelling with calcification in the distal antebranchium which was not involving bone. Abdominal changes were uncommon (seen in 2/8 cats) and consisted of hepatomegaly and hepatosplenomegaly. In summary, radiographic changes were varied, no lesion was pathognomic for mycobacterial infection, and pathology was seen most commonly in the thorax.
Anticarcinogenic effect of probiotic fermented milk and chlorophyllin on aflatoxin-B1-induced liver carcinogenesis in rats
Authors: Kumar M. , Verma V. , Nagpal R. , Kumar A. , Behare P. V. , Singh B. , Aggarwal P. K.
Published: August 2011

The present investigation was carried out to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of probiotic fermented milk (FM) containingLactobacillus rhamnosusGG andLactobacillus caseistrain Shirota, alone as well as in combination with chlorophyllin (CHL) as an antioxidant agent in male Wistar rats administered aflatoxin-B1(AFB1). AFB1was injected intraperitoneally at the rate of 450 μg/kg body weight per animal twice a week for 6 weeks, maintaining an equal time interval between the two consecutive AFB1administrations. A total of 125 male Wistar rats were randomly allocated to five groups, each group having twenty-five animals. Group I was offered FM containingL. rhamnosusGG andL. caseistrain Shirota. Group II was administered AFB1and served as the control group; group III was administered FM-AFB1, in which besides administering AFB1, FM was also offered. Group IV was offered CHL and AFB1, and group V was offered both FM and CHL along with AFB1. The rats were euthanised at the 15th and 25th week of the experiment and examined for the biochemical and hepatopathological profile. A significant reduction in thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) was observed in the FM–CHL–AFB1group compared with the AFB1control group. FM alone or in combination with CHL was found to show a significant (P < 0·05) hepatoprotective effect by lowering the levels of TBARS and by enhancing the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione-S-transferase, indicating that probiotic FM alone or in combination with CHL possesses a potent protective effect against AFB1-induced hepatic damage.
Introduction: geodynamic evolution of the Zagros
Authors: LACOMBE OLIVIER , GRASEMANN BERNHARD , SIMPSON GUY
Published: August 2011

This special issue of Geological Magazine presents a collection of 17 papers dealing with different aspects of the Zagros orogen. Many, though not all, of these contributions were presented as part of a highly successful session devoted to the geodynamic evolution of the Zagros belt at the European Geosciences Union General Assembly 2010 in Vienna (Austria). The aim of this gathering was to assemble a broad group of Earth scientists interested in the Zagros orogen to discuss and disseminate new results and ideas efficiently. This volume presents a collection of some of the diverse research that is currently being carried out in the Zagros. We believe that these studies contribute to the understanding of the geodynamic evolution of the Zagros Mountains in particular, but in addition to orogenic processes in general.
Pattern of serum protein fractions in dairy cows during different stages of gestation and lactation
Authors: Piccione Giuseppe , Messina Vanessa , Schembari Angelo , Casella Stefania , Giannetto Claudia , Alberghina Daniela
Published: August 2011

In dairy cows the period of transition from late gestation to early lactation is recognized as inducing considerable metabolic adaptation. The aim of this study was to analyse modifications in serum protein values occurring during the dry and the transition period and during lactation in a group of five Holstein cows of high average milk production. For all subjects, selected on the basis of their pregnancy status, blood samples were collected at different physiological phases: dry period (−60, −30 d to calving), transition period (almost 7 d to calving, 7 d after calving), and lactation (weeks 2, 5 and 15 after calving), for a total of eight blood samples for each cow. On each blood sample total proteins and electrophoresis analysis were performed. On the data obtained, normally distributed (P<0·05, Kolmogorov-Smirnov's test), one-way Repeated Measure Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), was applied to evaluate the influence of different stages of gestation and lactation on the considered parameters. Results showed a significant effect on total proteins, α1-globulins, β-globulins, γ-globulins and albumin/globulin ratio. Most of the detected modifications were related to the transition from gestation to lactation, indicating that it is a period of great metabolic stress for cows. On the basis of the obtained results we can affirm that the pattern of serum protein fraction rn could give information about dehydration, plasma volume expansion and hepatic function occurring during the peripartum period in dairy cows.
An unusual dark pigmentation on the tympanic membrane
Authors: Sagit M , Uludag M , San I
Published: August 2011

Objective:

To report an extremely rare case of dark pigmentation on the tympanic membrane due to alkaptonuria, and to discuss the probable association between this condition and hearing loss.

Case report:

A 58-year-old man with alkaptonuria was admitted with tinnitus and hearing loss in both ears. Physical examination showed bluish-black pigmentation on the helixes of both ears and both sclerae. Otoscopic examination revealed dark discolouration of both tympanic membranes. Audiological evaluation revealed mixed high frequency hearing loss in both ears. Tympanometric examination revealed type A tympanograms bilaterally, and absence of acoustic reflexes both ipsilaterally and contralaterally. Computed tomography of the temporal bones revealed no abnormality.

Conclusion:

Clinicians should consider alkaptonuria in the differential diagnosis of patients with abnormal tympanic membrane pigmentation and hearing loss.
Cholesteatoma in patients with congenital external auditory canal anomalies: retrospective review
Authors: Mazita A , Zabri M , Aneeza W H , Asma A , Saim L
Published: August 2011

Objective:

To review cases of congenital external auditory canal anomaly with cholesteatoma, documenting clinical presentation, cholesteatoma site and extent, complications, and surgery.

Method:

Retrospective review of all cases of congenital canal anomaly with cholesteatoma treated between 1998 and 2009.

Results:

Of 41 cases with canal anomalies, 17 (43.9 per cent) had associated cholesteatoma. Medical records were unretrievable for four cases. Of the remaining 13 patients (five females and eight males, age range four to 73 years, mean 21 years), 10 presented chiefly with recurrent otorrhoea, two with postauricular discharge from mastoid abscess, and one with otalgia, postauricular tenderness and neck stiffness. Hearing loss was conductive in 10 patients (76.9 per cent) and sensorineural (severe to profound) in three. No facial nerve palsy was documented. Cholesteatoma was seen in all cases on high resolution computed tomography, and confirmed intra-operatively. Six patients underwent canalplasty with split skin grafting, and seven modified radical mastoidectomy. Six patients recovered well, two needed repeated canalplasty for soft tissue restenosis, and five needed cautery and split skin grafting for mastoid cavity granulation tissue.

Conclusion:

Congenital canal anomaly is uncommon. Canal cholesteatoma should be suspected in all cases, and high resolution temporal bone computed tomography undertaken in all patients aged four years or more. In patients with otorrhoea, the risk of cholesteatoma is greater. Treatment is generally surgery; the type depends on the disease extent.
Democratic demands and social policies: the politics of health reform in Ghana
Authors: Carbone Giovanni
Published: August 2011

It is commonly assumed that the advent of democracy tends to bring about social welfare improvements. Few studies, however, have examined empirically the impact of third-wave democratisation processes on social policies in developing countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Through a diachronic comparison, this paper examines the effects of Ghana's democratisation process on the evolution of its health policy. It shows that the emergence of democratic competition played an important role in the recent adoption of a crucial health reform. A policy feedback effect on politics and a process of international policy diffusion were additional but secondary factors.
Living by the gun in Chad: armed violence as a practical occupation
Authors: Debos Marielle
Published: August 2011

This article explores men in arms’ conceptions of armed violence in a country which has been prone to a violent cycle of rebellion and repression. Based on ethnographic research in Chad, it analyses combatants’ life trajectories in an unstable political environment and a militarised economy. It moves beyond rebellion towards an analysis of the most mundane patterns of the activities conducted by men in arms, to understand what is at stake beyond times and spaces of war. It argues that armed violence is an ordinary way of expressing contestation, as well as a practical occupation ormétier, a French word that indicates a non-institutionalised profession.