bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Light Processing and Optical Devices Using Nano-Sized Droplets of Liquid Crystal Dispersed in Polymer
Authors: Matsumoto Shiro , Sugiyama Yasuyuki , Sakata Seizou , Hayashi Takayoshi
Published: July 2008

A polymer containing fine droplets of liquid crystal (LC) smaller than 100 nm was investigated for use as an electro-optic material. Two light-processing methods using LC droplets were achieved by making the direction of an applied electric field perpendicular or parallel to the light beam. One method was used to construct a variable retarder, and the other was used to make a phase modulator. First, a prepolymer and bulk LC were mixed; then strong UV irradiation was used to induce photo-polymerization, which resulted in quick phase separation and fine LC droplets. The high density of fine droplets created a large electro-optic effect with a low propagation loss. A halfwave voltage of 45 V, equivalent to an electric field of 2.3 V/pRm, was achieved in the variable retarder. The phase modulator showed a polarization-independent phase shift larger than Ar, which corresponds to a refractive index change of 0.019, when 16 V/pm was applied.
2D-Elasticity Analysis of FGM Piezo-Laminates Under Cylindrical Bending
Authors: Almajid Abdulhakim A. , Taya Minoru
Published: July 2008

Elastic behavior of piezo-laminates under cylindrical bending is studied using 2D-elasticity model and classical lamination theory (CLT). The stresses and out-of-plane displacements are obtained for standard piezoelectric bimorph and newly proposed piezoelectric laminate with functionally graded microstructure (FGM) plates under cylindrical bending generated by electric field throughout the thickness of the laminate. The FGM piezoelectric laminates are composite materials whose electroelastic properties are varied through their thickness. The properties can vary in a continuous or a stepwise manner. The FGM laminate investigated in this paper is of a stepwise FGM where different piezoelectric composite layers are stacked to form FGM laminate. The feasibility of FGM laminate is studied. The limitations of CLT are investigated against the 2D-elasticity model. CLT solutions are found to coincide well with the elasticity solutions for high aspect ratios while the CLT solutions gave poor results compared to the 2D-elasticity solutions for low aspect ratios. The analytical models, CLT and 2D-elasticity, are investigated against the Finite Element Methods (FEM). Standard bimorph of piezoelectric actuator was fabricated and the displacement measurements resulted in a good agreement to the analytical and FEM results.
Single Axis Piezoceramic Gimbal
Authors: Horner Garnett , Taleghani Barmac
Published: July 2008

This paper describes the fabrication, testing, and analysis of a single axis piezoceramic gimbal. The fabrication process consists of pre-stressing a piezoceramic wafer using a high-temperature thermoplastic polyimide and a metal foil. The differential thermal expansion between the ceramic and metal induces a curvature. The piezoceramic is mounted on a support mechanism and a mirror is attached to the piezoceramic. A finite element analysis of the gimbal is described and the predicted gimbal angle versus applied voltage is compared to experimental results.
Studies on Influence of Blowing Agent in Polymeric Coating Formulations on Thermal Resistance of Coated Textiles
Authors: Gurudatt K. , De P. , Sarkar R. K. , Bardhan M. K.
Published: July 2008

It is well known that the major factor influencing thermal resistance of any textile substrate is the air entrapped in its porous structure. In the case of coated textiles, apart from the air space in the substrate, it is possible to create air space in the polymer coating also.

Blowing agents have been incorporated into coating formulations of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyurethane (PU) and applied on a number of textile substrates like nylon, nonwoven and jute. The effect of increasing the blowing agent proportion in the formulation on thermal resistance of coated fabrics has been studied. The effect on physical properties has also been studied.

It has been demonstrated that incorporation of a blowing agent results in a significant increase in the thermal resistance of coated textiles, without major deterioration of physical properties.
Properties of Glass Fiber Polypropylene Composites Produced from Split-Warp-Knit Textile Preforms
Authors: Bogoeva-Gaceva G. , Mader E. , Queck H.
Published: July 2008

Properties of uniaxial and biaxial glass fiber/polypropylene composites based on split-warp-knit textile preforms and produced under various consolidation conditions were investigated. Consolidation was carried out at T = 210-260'C, P = 1-3 M Pa and t = 5-15 min, and the impact of each variable was studied by 32 full factorial experimental design. The analysis of variance of the obtained results has shown the different influence of the analyzed process conditions on the longitudinal and transverse properties of uniaxial composites, with both temperature and pressure being of high significance level. Higher longitudinal tensile properties were achieved after pressing at 240'C and 3 M Pa (15 min). However, for biaxial composites, similar values for tensile properties were obtained for samples pressed at 210, 225 and 240'C (under 1-3 M Pa). The role of PET stitching yarns is demonstrated in anisotropy of tensile strength for biaxial composites.
Flow of Magnetorheological Fluids
Authors: Lange U. , Richter L. , Zipser L.
Published: July 2008

For efficiently describing the flow of magnetorheological fluids (MRFs), a feasible model based on the Bingham equation is presented. It allows the determination of rheological parameters from parameters attained with a measuring equipment working in the flow mode. For flow velocities v<1cm/s the results agree with data given by the MRF-producer. For higher velocities v, so far not investigated, the results are plausible.
Recent Developments in the Properties and Composition of Electrorheological Fluids
Authors: Filisko F. E. , Henley S. , Quist G.
Published: July 2008

Recent studies suggest that an alternate if not primary way that ER fluids flow is not by chain breakage as has been assumed but by the development of slip planes parallel to the chain directions. This might help to better understand mechanisms associated with the strengths of ER fluids. This lateral slip would be essentially independent of particle interactions in the field direction. Attempts to interfere with this slip by the addition of small amounts of foreign particles have resulted in some modest but significant strength increases. An additional area of significant advancement is by making the matrix liquids ER active. Various base ER fluid compositions are shown to have dramatically enhanced shear stresses when dispersed into poly(hexyl isocyanate) solutions.
Simultaneous Measurement of Strain and Temperature of Structures Using Fiber Optic Sensor
Authors: Kang Hyun-Kyu , Ryu Chi-Young , Hong Chang-Sun , Kim Chun-Gon
Published: July 2008

This paper presents the simultaneous measurement of strain and temperature using fiber Bragg grating/extrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometric (FBG/EFPI) sensor. This hybrid sensor consists of a FBG element encapsulated in EFPI sensor. Temperature can be measured from FBG part and strain from EFPI. We have analytically derived the relationship of the sensor outputs to measurands (strain and temperature) and yielded the characteristic matrix of sensor. Therefore, it is not necessary to perform sensor calibration for each sensor. By the derived relationship, we could measure directly and simultaneously the strain and temperature using a single sensing element. The fiber optic sensor was surface-mounted on an aluminum alloy beam together with an electrical resistance strain gauge and a thermocouple. The wavelength-swept fiber laser (WSFL) was used as a light source to supply high signal power. The simultaneous measurement of thermal strain and temperature was performed in a thermal chamber. Experimental results of fiber optic sensor show good agreements with those of conventional gauges such as strain gauge and thermocouple.
On an Isotropic Damage Mechanics Model for Ductile Materials
Authors: Hesebeck O.
Published: July 2008

A new model for combined elastoplasticity and damage is proposed. The model is based on the maximum dissipation principle and implements a strong coupling between plasticity and damage. First the evolution equations of different kinds of phenomenological damage models for ductile materials are discussed. Nonassociated flow rules violate the irreversibility postulate of Ilyushin, the stability postulate of Drucker and the maximum dissipation principle. Some other models use two independent associated flow rules for plasticity and damage. It will be shown that these models are a special case of maximal dissipative models with a weak coupling of plasticity and damage. A strong coupling can be obtained by using a single, smooth yield surface in the space of dissipative forces. This approach, which has not correctly been implemented before, is used in the new model. Uniaxial tension tests with unloadings have been performed to investigate the damage growth in a high strength steel. A good agreement between the experimental results and the model was obtained using elementary ansatz functions for the free energy and the yield function. Unfortunately, the model makes incorrect predictions for multiaxial loadings. A dependency of the damage term in the yield function on the damage variable is introduced to solve this problem. The modified model fits the experimental data for uniaxial stresses very well and shows a qualitatively correct behavior under multiaxial loadings.
Fatty acid composition abnormalities in atopic disease: evidence explored and role in the disease process examined
Authors: Sala‐Vila A. , Miles E. A. , Calder P. C.
Published: July 2008

There is a hypothesis causally linking excess intake of n‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) to atopic disease. Under most dietary conditions, the main precursor of eicosanoids is the n‐6 PUFA arachidonic acid (AA). AA‐derived eicosanoids play many roles in sensitization to allergens and in allergic inflammation. Long chain n‐3 PUFAs inhibit AA incorporation into cell membranes and inhibit AA metabolism to eicosanoids. It is hypothesized that atopy is associated with a higher n‐6 PUFA status and with a low n‐3 PUFA status. However, measurements of fatty acid composition do not provide a clear picture that such fatty acid abnormalities exist in atopy with no really clear pattern of altered status of a particular fatty acid or a particular fatty acid family. There are few reports of elevated linoleic acid in atopy. Some studies report lower amounts of the n‐6 PUFAs, including AA, and of long chain n‐3 PUFAs in atopy, although observations on this are not consistent. Taken together these data clearly do not support the hypothesis that atopy is somehow associated with a high exposure to, and status of, n‐6 PUFAs. Intervention studies with n‐3 PUFAs in pregnant women, infants and children suggest some clinical benefits, although how long lasting these are remains to be determined. The observation that there may be low AA status in atopy suggests that fish oil intervention, which targets AA status and metabolism, may not be ideal and that a combination of fish oil with some longer chain n‐6 PUFAs may be more efficacious.
Plasma B‐type natriuretic peptide monitoring to evaluate cardiovascular function prior to organ procurement in patients with brain death
Authors: LIEPPMAN KYLE , KRAMER‐CLARK LORI , TOBIAS JOSEPH D.
Published: July 2008

Background:  The natriuretic peptide system plays an active role in the regulation of fluid balance and systemic vascular resistance. Assays of plasma concentrations of B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) may have a diagnostic role in evaluating myocardial function. We present our experience with BNP monitoring to assess myocardial function after the proclamation of brain death in potential organ donors.

Methods:  After the proclamation of brain death and prior to organ donation, a plasma BNP or aminoterminal pro‐BNP level was obtained. Additional information from the donor included shortening fraction (SF) or ejection fraction, central venous pressure (CVP) reading, and renal function including blood urea nitrogen and creatinine. When available, data from the pulmonary artery (PA) catheter including pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) and cardiac index were also collected.

Results:  The cohort for the study included eight patients (age range: 6 months to 21 years). The diagnosis of brain death by clinical or radiological examination had been completed in all patients and the patients were scheduled for organ procurement. Myocardial contractility as assessed by echocardiogram using SF was within normal limits. The CVP varied from 7 to 12 mmHg (9 ± 2) and the PCWP was 10–11 mmHg in the two patients who had PA catheters in place. No patient was receiving inotropic medications. In five of the six patients, the BNP value was above the upper limit of normal (100 pg·ml−1). In two patients, an NT‐pro‐BNP value was obtained and found to be higher than the upper limits of normal (450 pg·ml−1). All eight patients were acceptable cardiac donors and the transplanted hearts functioned without difficulty in the recipients.

Conclusions:  Assays of plasma BNP concentrations have been shown to be helpful in differentiating myocardial dysfunction from primary lung disease in both the adult and pediatric population. However, our data demonstrate that mechanisms other than myocardial performance may regulate BNP levels in patients with severe central nervous system injury who progress to brain death. Our preliminary data suggest that these assays appear to be of limited value in assessing myocardial performance in this population.
Fasting times in caregivers of children presenting for ambulatory surgery
Authors: FAROOQ MUHAMMAD , TAN KAREN , CROWE SUZANNE
Published: July 2008

Background:  It has been the anecdotal experience in this unit that many parents and guardians of children presenting for day‐case surgery also fast along with their child for prolonged periods of time. There have been several episodes of parents feeling dizzy or nauseated on leaving the anesthetic room after induction of anesthesia, and many incidents of fainting in recovery when collecting their child. Our purpose was to investigate this theme further, by auditing the fasting times of caregivers coming to the induction room over a 3‐month period. This information has not been previously described in the literature.

Methods:  We carried out a prospective audit of current practice. Data were collected by questionnaire, which caregivers were requested to complete in the holding area, after the child was checked in for theatre.

Results:  Two hundred and fifty‐seven caregivers fasted for 0–6 h and 223 fasted for >6 h. One hundred and fourteen caregivers fasted for 7–12 h and 109 caregivers fasted between 13 and 19 h.

Conclusions:  A large proportion of parents choose to fast with their children. Some caregivers fast for long periods. In general, this does not cause any ill effects, although some parents missed routine medications while fasting.
Does ketamine affect intraoperative electrophysiological monitoring in children undergoing selective posterior rhizotomy?
Authors: FRIGON CHANTAL , SEDEEK KHALED , POULIN CHANTAL , BROWN KAREN , FARMER JEAN‐PIERRE
Published: July 2008

Objective:  Direct dorsal rootlet stimulation with intraoperative electrophysiological monitoring is an adjunct to clinical evaluation during selective posterior rhizotomy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of ketamine on intraoperative electrophysiological monitoring during selective posterior rhizotomy. Specifically, we sought to determine if low dose ketamine given as part of the anesthesia was associated with changes in intraoperative electrophysiological monitoring in patients who underwent selective posterior rhizotomy.

Methods:  A retrospective cohort study was conducted using anesthetic records and electrophysiological records of 32 children who had intraoperative electrophysiological monitoring during selective posterior rhizotomy under general anesthesia. Administration and dosage of ketamine preceding the stimulation of dorsal roots was determined from the anesthetic record. A pediatric neurologist, blinded to patient, and to ketamine exposure, evaluated different electrophysiological criteria.

Results:  Eight children received ketamine and 24 did not receive it. The mean average dose of ketamine was 0.18 mg·kg−1 (sd: 0.04). We did not find any statistically significant difference in intraoperative electrophysiological response between the ketamine and the control groups. However, we noted some trends: Administration of ketamine preceding the stimulation of dorsal roots was associated with a lower maximal threshold (2.7 mA vs 3.5 mA, P = 0.663) and root thresholds compared with children who did not receive ketamine. In addition, the train response following delivery of the suprastimulation tended to last longer with the presence of ketamine.

Conclusions:  Administration of low dose ketamine preceding the stimulation of dorsal roots during selective posterior rhizotomy might be associated with lower maximal thresholds and a more sustained train response following stimulation. Physicians should be aware of this finding in order to avoid misinterpreting intraoperative electrophysiological monitoring.
Electroencephalographic Narcotrend Index monitoring during procedural sedation and analgesia in children
Authors: WEBER FRANK , HOLLNBERGER HARALD , WEBER JUDITH
Published: July 2008

Background:  The electroencephalographic Narcotrend Index (NI) may potentially help to titrate sedative medication during diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in children.

Methods:  With local ethics committee approval and informed parental consent, 31 patients, aged 8.9 ± 4.3 years, scheduled for elective upper gastrointestinal endoscopy were enrolled in this prospective, double‐blinded observational study. Initially, patients received a single dose of intravenous piritramide 0.1 mg·kg−1, followed by propofol 2 mg·kg−1 and, if necessary, additional propofol doses (0.5 mg·kg−1) to achieve and maintain a level of deep sedation throughout the procedure. Sedation was assessed by the University of Michigan Sedation Scale (UMSS). We investigated the relationship between depth of sedation, and the NI, and the classical EEG parameters (cEEG), total EEG power (Power), spectral edge (SEF) and median frequency, and relative power in the beta, alpha, theta and delta bands. The performance of the NI and cEEG parameters was evaluated by prediction probability (PK), receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and Spearman rank order correlation analysis.

Results:  Mean PK values for NI (0.88) vs UMSS were higher than for the other cEEG parameters, except for Power (0.82) and SEF(0.81). Spearman correlation analysis revealed superiority of the NI over all cEEG parameters. The area under the curve for the NI was 0.93, which was superior to all other EEG parameters beside Power (0.86) and relative power in alpha (0.82).

Conclusions:  The results of this study suggest that the NI may be an objective nondisruptive tool for assessment of hypnotic depth in children under propofol‐induced procedural sedation.
New potential treatments for protection of pancreatic B‐cell function in Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Cernea S. , Pozzilli P.
Published: July 2008

Type 1 diabetes mellitus results from the progressive and specific autoimmune destruction of insulin‐secreting pancreatic B‐cells, which develops over a period of years and continues after the initial clinical presentation. The ultimate goal of therapeutic intervention is prevention or reversal of the disease by the arrest of autoimmunity and by preservation/restoration of B‐cell mass and function. Recent clinical trials of antigen‐specific or non‐specific immune therapies have proved that modulation of islet specific autoimmunity in humans and prevention of insulin secretion loss in the short term after the onset of disease is achievable. The identification of suitable candidates for therapy, appropriate dosage and timing, specificity of intervention and the side‐effect profile are crucial for the success of any approach. Considering the complexity of the disease, it is likely that a rationally designed approach of combined immune‐based therapies that target suppression of B‐cell specific autoreactivity and maintenance of immune tolerance, coupled with islet regeneration or replacement of the destroyed B‐cell mass, will prove to be most effective in causing remission/reversal of disease in a durable fashion.
Chronic complications and mortality in community‐based patients with latent autoimmune diabetes in adults: the Fremantle Diabetes Study
Authors: Myhill P. , Davis W. A. , Bruce D. G. , Mackay I. R. , Zimmet P. , Davis T. M. E.
Published: July 2008

Aims   To compare (i) the prevalence and incidence of chronic complications and (ii) cardiac and all‐cause mortality in community‐based patients with latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) with those in Type 2 diabetic patients without antibodies to glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD).

Methods   Of the 1294 patients with clinically‐defined Type 2 diabetes recruited to the longitudinal, observational Fremantle Diabetes Study between 1993 and 1996, 1255 (97%) had GAD antibodies measured at baseline. Complications were ascertained using standard criteria in patients returning for annual assessments until November 2001. Data on hospital admissions and mortality were available to the end of June 2006. Cox proportional hazards modelling was used to determine independent predictors of first occurrence of complications and cardiac and all‐cause mortality.

Results   Forty‐five (3.6%) subjects had LADA. Compared with the GAD antibody‐negative patients, they had a similar prevalence and incidence of coronary heart (P = 0.48 and 0.80, respectively) and cerebrovascular (P = 0.64 and 0.29) disease and cardiac and all‐cause mortality (P = 0.62 and 0.81, respectively). There was also a similar prevalence and incidence of retinopathy (P = 0.22 and 0.64, respectively) and neuropathy (P = 0.25 and 0.95), but microalbuminuria was less frequent both at baseline and during follow‐up in the LADA subgroup in unadjusted models (P = 0.046) and after adjustment for other risk factors (P = 0.014 and 0.013).

Conclusions   Except for a lower prevalence and incidence of nephropathy, LADA patients have a similar risk of complications and death to patients with clinically‐diagnosed Type 2 diabetes without GAD antibodies. Cardiovascular risk factor management in LADA should, therefore, be as intensive as that for GAD antibody‐negative patients.
The HEXACO Personality Factors in the Indigenous Personality Lexicons of English and 11 Other Languages
Authors: Lee Kibeom , Ashton Michael C.
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACT
Two studies tested the correspondence between six dimensions obtained in lexical studies of personality structure and the proposed HEXACO personality framework. Study 1 examined the English personality lexicon using 449 adjectives selected according to rated frequency of use in personality description. Six validimax‐rotated factors derived from adjective self‐ratings showed strong convergent and weak discriminant correlations with questionnaire markers of the HEXACO factors; the six adjective dimensions were also recovered from peer ratings. In Study 2, lay judges rated the conceptual similarity between HEXACO factor descriptions and adjective lists summarizing the six indigenous lexical personality factors of each of 12 languages. Across languages, a pattern of strong convergent and weak discriminant similarity ratings was observed; similarity ratings for the English factors of Study 1 were comparable to those for other languages' factors. Results indicate that the six dimensions of the HEXACO framework are recovered from the personality lexicons of various languages.
Identity Motives Underlying Desired and Feared Possible Future Selves
Authors: Vignoles Vivian L. , Manzi Claudia , Regalia Camillo , Jemmolo Simone , Scabini Eugenia
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACT
Desired and feared possible future selves are important motivators of behavior and provide a temporal context for self‐evaluation. Yet little research has examined why people desire some possible selves and fear others. In two studies, we tested the reflection of identity motives for self‐esteem, efficacy, meaning, continuity, belonging, and distinctiveness in people's desired and feared possible future selves and in their possible future identity structures. As predicted, participants desired especially those possible futures in which motives for self‐esteem, efficacy, meaning, and continuity would be satisfied, and they feared especially those in which the same four motives and, marginally, the motive for distinctiveness would be frustrated. Analyses supported an indirect path from belonging via self‐esteem to desire and fear. Desired and feared possible future selves reflect potential satisfaction and frustration of these identity motives.
Multisensory Information in the Control of Complex Motor Actions
Authors: Gray Rob
Published: July 2008

For many of the complex motor actions we perform, perceptual information is available from several different senses including vision, touch, hearing, and the vestibular system. Here I discuss the use of multisensory information for the control of motor action in three particular domains: aviation, sports, and driving. It is shown that performers in these domains use information from multiple senses—frequently with beneficial effects on performance but sometimes with dangerous consequences. Applied psychologists have taken advantage of our natural tendency to integrate sensory information by designing multimodal displays that compensate for situations in which information from one or more of our senses is unreliable or is unattended due to distraction.
Mechanisms by Which Childhood Personality Traits Influence Adult Well-Being
Authors: Hampson Sarah E.
Published: July 2008

Children's personality traits have enduring effects that shape adult well-being. In particular, childhood conscientiousness influences core aspects of adult well-being: health, friendships, and mastery. Research is now examining the mechanisms by which early personality traits initiate and sustain particular life paths. These include mediating and moderating mechanisms that may operate during critical developmental periods or may build cumulatively over time. Future research would benefit from testing theoretically derived mechanisms for different traits and examining variables as they change over time, using both short- and long-term longitudinal designs over different life stages.
OCCUPATIONAL AND INDUSTRY SPECIFICITY OF HUMAN CAPITAL IN THE BRITISH LABOUR MARKET
Authors: Zangelidis Alexandros
Published: July 2008

This paper builds on the recent literature on the importance of occupational and industry experience on wages and extends Kambourov and Manovskii's (2002) study using British data. Occupational experience is estimated to make a significant contribution to wage growth, while the evidence on industry specificity is not very supportive. The second contribution of the paper is that it assesses whether there is heterogeneity in the estimated returns to work experience across one‐digit industries and occupations. The findings suggest that industry and occupational experience is important for individuals in professional and managerial jobs or jobs in the banking and finance sector.
Impersonal is Personal: Finnish perspectives
Authors: Helasvuo Marja‐Liisa , Vilkuna Maria
Published: July 2008

Our paper discusses the notion ‘impersonal’ in the light of Finnish and current functionally oriented research on Finnish grammar. The constructions discussed exhibit one or several of the properties associated with impersonals. Many of them involve a human participant. Investigation of actual language use shows that the human participant is often interpreted as a speech act participant. Thus, paradoxically, impersonal constructions are closely intertwined with the expression of person in Finnish. At least the following properties seem to be involved in various treatments of impersonal constructions: (i) lack of grammatical person opposition; (ii) lack of an Agent or other primary argument in the argument structure; (iii) non‐subject‐like (oblique) coding of primary argument; and (iv) identity of primary argument is left open. There seems to be no one single property that impersonal constructions share. This underlines the fact that the notion of ‘impersonal’ is not a coherent concept but rather a set of features. Thus, impersonality may be a useful conceptual tool for cross‐linguistic comparison because it directs the analysts’ attention to phenomena that may share some properties, but it does not seem to be a necessary notion in the description of individual languages.
The timing of first cleavage of different cloned and IVF embryos with oocytes recovered by ovum pickup
Authors: Yang X.‐Y. , Chen P. , Huang Y.‐F. , Liu X. , Zheng M. , Zhang G. , Xu R.‐Q.
Published: July 2008

The goal of the study reported here was to determine the developmental potential of cloned embryos using two donor cells [fetal‐derived fibroblast cells (FFCs) and adult‐derived fibroblast cells (AFCs)] and in vitro fertilization (IVF) embryos with oocytes obtained by ovum pickup (OPU) and the relationship between timing of first cleavage and pregnancy or calving rate. Heifers were subjected to OPU once weekly. In total, 1558 oocytes were recovered from 2033 follicles, a mean of 7.8±0.4 oocytes per session per animal. Mean oocyte production was similar not in quantity but in quality (proportion of each oocyte grade) among groups [FFC‐nuclear transfer (NT), AFC‐NT and IVF groups]. These oocytes were then subjected to somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) and IVF. Although reconstructed embryos initiated cleavage sooner when the donor cells were from FFCs versus AFCs, cleavage of embryos in the IVF group occurred 1 and 2 h earlier than that in the FFC‐NT group and the AFC‐NT group. However, in vitro development to blastocyst and the pregnancy rates at Day 90 of gestation were different between donor cell types; four cloned calves were obtained and survived for more 6 months. Although in terms of cleavage rates and blastocyst rates, there were no significant differences between IVF and FFC‐NT groups, for in vivo development, the efficiency of IVF was higher than that of SCNT. In conclusion, the timing of first cleavage, pregnancy and calving rate differs by the source of donor fibroblast cells, and shorter timing of first cleavage may imply a higher pregnancy or calving rate. The oocytes obtained by OPU can be used as recipients for SCNT.
14‐3‐3ɛ antagonizes FoxO to control growth, apoptosis and longevity in Drosophila
Authors: Nielsen Mette Damgaard , Luo Xi , Biteau Benoît , Syverson Keith , Jasper Heinrich
Published: July 2008

Antagonism between growth‐promoting and stress‐responsive signaling influences tissue homeostasis and longevity in metazoans. The transcription factor FoxO is central to this regulation, affecting cell proliferation, stress responses, apoptosis, and longevity. Insulin/IGF signaling promotes FoxO phosphorylation, causing its interaction with 14‐3‐3 molecules. The consequences of this interaction for FoxO‐induced biological processes and for the regulation of lifespan in higher organisms remain unclear. Significant complexities in the effects of 14‐3‐3 proteins on lifespan have been uncovered in Caenorhabditis elegans, suggesting both positive and negative roles for 14‐3‐3 proteins in the control of aging. Using genetic and biochemical studies, we show here that 14‐3‐3ɛ antagonizes FoxO function in Drosophila. We find that dFoxO and 14‐3‐3ɛ proteins interact in vivo and that this interaction is lost in response to oxidative stress. Loss of 14‐3‐3ɛ results in increased stress‐induced apoptosis, growth repression and extended lifespan of flies, phenotypes associated with elevated FoxO function. Our results further show that increased expression of 14‐3‐3ɛ reverts FoxO‐induced growth defects. 14‐3‐3ɛ thus serves as a central modulator of FoxO activity in the regulation of growth, cell death and longevity in vivo.
Rewetting of Cutaway Peatlands: Are We Re‐Creating Hot Spots of Methane Emissions?
Authors: Wilson David , Alm Jukka , Laine Jukka , Byrne Kenneth A. , Farrell Edward P. , Tuittila Eeva‐Stiina
Published: July 2008

Hot spots of CH4 emissions are a typical feature of pristine peatlands at the microsite and landscape scale. To determine whether rewetting and lake construction in a cutaway peatland would result in the re‐creation of hot spots, we first measured CH4 fluxes over a 2‐year period with static chambers and estimated annual emissions. Second, to assess whether rewetting and lake creation would produce hot spots at the landscape level, we hypothesized a number of alternative land use scenarios for the peatland following the cessation of peat extraction. Using the results from this study and other studies from literature, we calculated the global warming potential (GWP) of each scenario and the respective contribution of CH4. The results showed that hot spots of CH4 fluxes were observed as a consequence of microsite‐specific differences in water table (WT) position and plant productivity. CH4 fluxes were closely related to peat temperature at 10 cm depth and WT position. Annual emissions ranged from 4.3 to 38.8 g CH4 m−2 yr−1 in 2002 and 3.2 to 28.8 g CH4 m−2 yr−1 in 2003. The scenario results suggest that lake creation is likely to result in the re‐creation of a hot spot at the landscape level. However, the transition from cutaway to wetland ecosystem may lead to a reduction in the GWP of the peatland.
Reintroduction of Wild Lupine (Lupinus perennis L.) Depends on Variation in Canopy, Vegetation, and Litter Cover
Authors: Pavlovic Noel B. , Grundel Ralph
Published: July 2008

We experimentally examined the effects of canopy, vegetation, and leaf litter cover on the demography of Wild lupines (Lupinus perennis) in a central North American oak savanna spanning 9 years. We also compared the distribution of Wild lupine across the landscape to results predicted by the demographic experiments. With less canopy cover, soil temperatures were warmer and seedlings emerged earlier. Seedling survival increased 14% with each additional leaf grown. Seedling survival was four times greater in openings and partial shade than in dense shade. Seedling survival was also influenced by interactions between canopy cover and vegetation cover, between canopy cover and leaf litter, and among canopy cover, vegetation cover, and litter cover. In openings, seedlings had higher survival when vegetative cover was present, suggesting a positive shading effect on survival, but with greater canopy cover vegetative cover reduced survival. Seedling survival was greater for plants that experienced herbivory, a result that was probably related to plant size and quality rather than having been eaten. Survival of lupines to 9 years after seed planting was greatest in the partial shade, moderate in openings, and least in dense shade. Wild lupine cover across the landscape was greatest when litter cover was low and canopy cover and ground layer cover were moderate. Reduction of canopy cover by burning or cutting, and reduction of leaf litter by prescribed burning will benefit the reintroduction of Wild lupine by increasing light, reducing litter cover, and creating disturbances; however, the reduction of vegetation cover in openings may hinder lupine reintroduction.
Effects of Nutrient Manipulations and Grass Removal on Cover, Species Composition, and Invasibility of a Novel Grassland in Colorado
Authors: Cherwin Karie L. , Seastedt Timothy R. , Suding Katharine N.
Published: July 2008

Cover and richness of a 5‐year revegetation effort were studied with ,respect to small‐scale disturbance and nutrient manipulations. The site, originally a relict tallgrass prairie mined for gravel, was replanted to native grasses using a seed mixture of tall‐, mixed‐, and short‐grass species. Following one wet and three relatively dry years, a community emerged, dominated by species common in saline soils not found along the Colorado Front Range. A single species, Alkali sacaton (Sporobolus airoides), composed nearly 50% of relative vegetation cover in control plots exhibiting a negative relationship between cover and richness. Seeded species composed approximately 92% of vegetation cover. The remaining 8% was composed of weeds from nearby areas, seed bank survivors, or mix contaminants. Three years of soil nutrient amendments, which lowered plant‐available nitrogen and phosphorus, significantly increased relative cover of seeded species to 97.5%. Fertilizer additions of phosphate enhanced abundance of introduced annual grasses (Bromus spp.) but did not significantly alter cover in control plots. Unmanipulated 4‐m2 plots contained an average of 4.7 planted species and 3.9 nonplanted species during the 5‐year period, whereas plots that received grass herbicide averaged 5.4 nonplanted species. Species richness ranged from an average 6.9 species in low‐nutrient, undisturbed plots to 10.9 species in the relatively high‐nutrient, disturbed plots. The use of stockpiled soils, applied sparingly, in conjunction with a native seed mix containing species uncommon to the preexisting community generated a species‐depauperate, novel plant community that appears resistant to invasion by ruderal species.
Interfirm Innovation under Uncertainty: Empirical Evidence for Strategic Knowledge Partitioning*
Authors: Lee Jaegul , Veloso Francisco M.
Published: July 2008

This paper analyzes how uncertainty and life‐cycle effects condition the knowledge boundary between assemblers and suppliers in interfirm product development. Patents associated with automotive emission control technologies for both assemblers and suppliers are categorized as architectural or component innovations, and technology‐forcing regulations imposed by the government on the auto industry from 1970 to 1998 are used to define periods of high and low uncertainty. Results confirm that suppliers dominate component innovation whereas assemblers lead on architectural innovation. More importantly, when facing uncertainty firms adjust their knowledge boundary by increasing the knowledge overlap with their supply‐chain collaborators. Suppliers clearly expand their knowledge base relatively more into architectural knowledge during such periods. But assemblers' greater emphasis on component innovation in periods of greater uncertainty is only true as a relative deviation from an overall trend toward increasing component innovation over time. This trend results from an observed life‐cycle effect, whereby architectural innovation dominates before the emergence of a dominant design, with component innovation taking the lead afterward. Thus, for assemblers life‐cycle effects may dominate over task uncertainty in determining relative effort in component versus architectural innovation. This work extends research on strategic interfirm knowledge partitioning as well as on the information‐processing view of product development. First, it provides a large‐scale empirical justification for the claim that firms' knowledge boundaries need to extend beyond their task boundaries. Further, it implies that overlaps in knowledge domains between an assembler and suppliers are particularly important for projects involving new technologies. Second, it offers a dynamic view of knowledge partitioning, showing how architectural knowledge prevails in the early phase of the product life cycle whereas component knowledge dominates the later stages. Yet the importance of life‐cycle effects versus task uncertainty in conditioning knowledge boundaries is different for assemblers and suppliers, with the former dominating for assemblers and the latter more influential for suppliers. Finally, it supports the idea that architectural and component knowledge are critical elements in the alignment of cognitive frameworks between assemblers and suppliers and thus are key for information‐exchange effectiveness and resolution of task uncertainties in interfirm innovation.
Inducibility of Atrial Fibrillation with a Synchronized External Low Energy Shock Post‐Pulmonary Vein Isolation Predicts Recurrent Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: WYLIE Jr JOHN V. , ESSEBAG VIDAL , REYNOLDS MATTHEW R. , JOSEPHSON MARK E.
Published: July 2008

Background: Inducibility of atrial fibrillation (AF) with burst pacing after pulmonary vein (PV) isolation is associated with recurrent AF.

Objective: This study evaluated whether an external 30 Joule (J) shock synchronized to the R wave, during the vulnerable period of atrial repolarization, is able to risk‐stratify patients further for AF recurrence after PV isolation.

Methods: One hundred and sixteen consecutive patients underwent PV isolation for AF. Atrial burst pacing was performed after PV isolation. In patients without AF induced by burst pacing, a biphasic external 30 J shock synchronized to the R wave was delivered as a further test for inducible AF. Patients were followed for a mean of 16 months, and recurrent AF was defined as more than 10 sec of AF on ambulatory monitoring.

Results: AF was induced in 19 (16%) of patients with burst pacing. Eighty‐one patients who were noninducible with burst pacing had a 30 J shock administered, which induced AF in 16 (20%). In follow‐up, 21% of patients who were noninducible with burst pacing or low‐energy shock vs 54% who were inducible with either test developed recurrent AF at one year (HR 3.18, P = 0.0004 on multivariate analysis). Among patients who were noninducible with burst pacing, 18% who were noninducible with a low‐energy shock vs 60% who were inducible with shock developed recurrent AF at one year (HR = 4.63, P = 0.0006 on multivariate analysis).

Conclusion: Inducibility of AF by a 30 J shock delivered during atrial repolarization after PV isolation may predict AF recurrence. Evaluation of inducibility of AF with burst pacing and a biphasic external synchronized shock after PV isolation may help guide postprocedure management.
Further Observations on the Speed of Death in Hanging
Authors: Gilbert John D. , Jensen Lisbeth , Byard Roger W.
Published: July 2008

Abstract:  Given that most fatal hangings are suicidal and occur in locations that have been selected to conceal this activity (thus maximizing the chances of a lethal outcome), there has been very little corroboration of the speed with which unconsciousness and death may occur. A 35‐year‐old male is reported who committed suicide by hanging immediately after talking to his spouse. Police investigations confirmed her reliability as a witness indicating that lethal anoxia in this case had occurred within a very short time (most likely in less than 1 min) of suspension. The speed with which death may result from hanging not only gives an insight into fatal pathophysiological mechanisms, but also provides useful information for situations where a lethal outcome is to be avoided, or is not intended. For example, individuals at risk of suicide who are being monitored in institutional facilities need to be constantly under direct visual surveillance as significant hypoxia can be rapidly induced, parents and caregivers with infants and children in potentially unsafe sleeping environments need to realize how swiftly death or irreversible anoxic brain damage may occur from neck compression, and those who engage in recreational asphyxia should be informed just how quickly a fatal outcome may ensue.
Suicidal Hanging on High‐Voltage Line Pylon
Authors: Törő Klára , Kristóf István , Kardos Magdolna
Published: July 2008

Abstract:  Hanging is one of the most frequent methods for suicides among young males. This report presents two cases of suicide by hanging on pylons carrying high‐voltage power lines. The male victims suffered electrocution while committing suicide. Electrocution was the cause of death in both cases, however in one case blunt force injuries from hanging contributed to death. In these two cases hanging was the intentional method of suicide and it was followed by electrocution. The cases demonstrate that scene investigation, a detailed autopsy with histology, and amamnestic data are essential in the evaluation of suicides by hanging and that the determination of the cause of death remains a challenge in investigating such cases.
Effects of mode of oral iron administration on serum ferritin and haemoglobin in infants
Authors: Domellöf Magnus , Lind Torbjörn , Lönnerdal Bo , Persson Lars Åke , Dewey Kathryn G , Hernell Olle
Published: July 2008

Aim: To investigate effects of iron‐fortified foods (FFs) and medicinal iron drops (MD) on iron status in infants.

Methods: Data from one MD and one FF study were compared. Infants were divided into groups depending on the predominant source and amount of dietary iron during 6–9 months of age: MD: Medicinal iron drops (1 mg/kg/day). FF: iron intake >1.3 mg/kg/day, predominantly from FF and no iron supplements. Low iron (LI) group: iron intake <1.3 mg/kg/day and no iron supplements.

Results: Mean iron intake did not differ between MD (n = 30) and FF (n = 35) groups but was lower in the LI (n = 232) group. The FF group had significantly higher mean Hb at 9 months compared to the MD and LI groups (120 vs. 115 g/L and 120 vs. 116 g/L, respectively, p ≤ 0.005). The MD group had significantly higher mean SF at 9 months compared to the FF and the LI groups (46 vs. 23 μg/L and 46 vs. 26 μg/L, respectively, p < 0.001).

Conclusions: Our results suggest that, in healthy, term, nonanaemic 6–9‐month‐old infants, iron given as medicinal iron drops is primarily deposited into iron stores while iron given as iron‐fortified foods is primarily utilized for Hb synthesis.
Does nasal CPAP reduce bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD)?
Authors: Patel DS , Greenough A
Published: July 2008

Early nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) or early surfactant therapy with early extubation onto nCPAP rather than continued mechanical ventilation has been adopted by many centres, particularly in Scandinavia, as part of the treatment of newborns with respiratory distress syndrome. It has been suggested that bronchopulmonary dysplasia is less of a problem in centres adopting such a policy. Results from randomized trials suggest prophylactic or early nCPAP may reduce bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), but further studies are required to determine the relative contributions of an early lung recruitment policy, early surfactant administration and nCPAP in reducing BPD. In addition, the optimum method of generating and delivering CPAP needs to be determined.

Conclusion: The efficacy of nCPAP in improving long‐term respiratory outcomes needs to be compared with the newer ventilator techniques with the optimum and timing of delivery of surfactant administration.