bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scoping analysis of brine extraction/re‐injection for enhanced CO2 storage
Authors: Hosseini Seyyed Abolfazl , Nicot Jean‐Philippe
Published: May 2012

Brine extraction from the CO2 injection interval and re‐injection into overlying shallower aquifers have been described as an active management tool at sequestration sites. They improve injectivity and reduce risks, and are a potential cost‐saving measure. In this study, using analytical equations, we show that brine re‐injection from the deep aquifer into a shallower saline aquifer increases CO2 storage capacity relative to direct CO2 injection into the two saline aquifers as a result of the CO2 density change. Using generic models, we compare three different scenarios for CO2 injection: (i) injection of CO2 into the deep aquifer without the re‐injection program, (ii) injection of CO2 into both the shallow and deep aquifers, and (iii) injection of CO2 into the deep aquifer and extraction/re‐injection of the brine into the shallow aquifer. Volumetric calculations at different pressure and temperature conditions provide a simple analytical tool for studying CO2 storage capacity in stacked saline aquifers. Numerical compositional simulations confirm results of the analytical derivations and prior assumptions. Depending on the size and depth of the shallower aquifer, brine re‐injection can increase storage capacity by 30% or more, given a comparison of scenario 3 with scenario 1. However, when scenario 3 is compared with scenario 2, storage gain is generally less than 5%, although potential CO2 leakage risks are reduced. Results of a sensitivity analysis to shallow‐aquifer pore volume and geothermal‐temperature gradient are also presented. In addition, brine re‐injection from geopressured saline aquifers, when compared with that of normally pressured reservoirs, is twice as efficient. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
The influence of information on individuals' reactions to CCS technologies: results from experimental online survey research
Authors: Oltra Christian , Sala Roser , Boso Àlex
Published: May 2012

The effective engagement of the public in carbon capture and storage (CCS) has become important in recent years. The most basic level of engagement is to inform the public about the characteristics of the technology. It is often assumed that providing more information will increase individuals' acceptance of the technology. However, social research on the effect of information on individuals' attitudes toward CCS has questioned this assumption. This paper reports the results of an experimental online survey aimed at analyzing how additional information on CCS affects individuals' reactions to CCS. Our findings suggest that information can influence individuals' reactions to CCS; specifically, those messages that link CCS to natural processes result in a slightly more positive reaction to CCS among individuals. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
An Efficient Approach for Preparing Giant Polypeptide Triblock Copolymers by Protein Dimerization
Authors: Wu Yuzhou , Weil Tanja
Published: May 2012

An efficient and convenient approach for preparing a giant polypeptide–poly(ethylene oxide) triblock copolymer architecture of defined structure and composition is reported. This copolymer consists of two long polypeptide chains derived from bovine serum albumin of distinct lengths with stabilizing poly(ethylene oxide) side‐chains, a connecting poly(ethylene oxide) block, and the presence of secondary structure elements along the polypeptide backbone. It is synthesized from the abundant plasma protein serum albumin and the polypeptide backbone is fully biodegradable. This approach represents a convenient and efficient strategy for preparing giant polypeptide‐based block copolymers of defined structure via a semi‐synthetic strategy. Such high‐molecular‐weight, biodegradable copolymers are attractive for various biomedical applications
Novel Phosphorescent Hydrogels Based on an IrIII Metal Complex
Authors: Li Zhen , Wei Zhao , Xu Feng , Li Yin Huan , Lu Tian Jian , Chen Yong Mei , Zhou Gui Jiang
Published: May 2012

Novel phosphorescent hydrogels have been explored by immobilizing an IrIII metal complex into the matrices of hydrogels. FTIR spectra demonstrate that the IrIII–PNaAMPS hydrogel is achieved by irreversible incorporation of positively charged [Ir(ppy)2(dmbpy)]Cl (ppy = 2‐phenylpyrine, dmbpy = 4,4′‐dimethyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine) into negatively charged poly(2‐acrylamido‐2‐methylpropane sulfonic acid sodium) (PNaAMPS) hydrogel via electrostatic interaction. The photoluminescent spectra indicate that the IrIII–PNaAMPS hydrogel exhibits stable phosphorescence. In vitro cultivation of human retinal pigment epithelial cells demonstrates the cytocompatibility of the IrIII–PNaAMPS hydrogel. This work herein represents a facile pathway for fabrication of phosphorescent hydrogels.
A relation between two‐parameter and one‐parameter transition functions for Markov processes
Authors: Yuquan Xie
Published: May 2012

In this paper, we consider a relation between two‐parameter and one‐parameter transition functions for Markov processes and obtain a very useful result to be regarded as relation theorem. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Axonal neuropathy, long limbs and bumpy tongue: Think of MEN2B
Authors: Ramos‐Leví Ana M. , Díaz‐pÉrez Ángel , Sobrido María‐JesÚs , PiÑeiro‐Hermida Sergio , Blanco‐Arias Patricia , Cabezas‐Agrícola JosÉ M. , Pascual‐Pascual Samuel I. , AraÚjo‐Vilar David
Published: May 2012

Introduction: Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2) is an uncommon autosomal dominant cancer syndrome which can be associated with nerve conduction abnormalities. Methods: A 14‐year‐old boy with a family history of consanguinity developed progressive gait clumsiness, pes cavus, hypotonia, and mucosal tumors of the lips and tongue since the age of 3 years. At age 11 years, he was diagnosed with an hereditary motor neuropathy (Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth syndrome). Results: Physical examination revealed a Marfanoid habitus, mucocutaneous verrucous tumors, thyroid nodules, and cervical adenopathy. Genetic testing demonstrated the p.M918T mutation in the RET gene, and blood tests showed elevated levels of calcitonin. Conclusions: Clinical suspicion in MEN2 is crucial for early diagnosis and subsequent therapy. Mucosal neuroma and a Marfanoid habitus are especially useful. Other neurologic manifestations should not disguise the endocrine disorder, because early diagnosis and treatment of medullary thyroid carcinoma determines the prognosis. Muscle Nerve, 2012
Suramin affects metalloproteinase‐9 activity and increases beta‐dystroglycan levels in the diaphragm of the dystrophin‐deficient mdx MOUSE
Authors: Taniguti Ana Paula Tiemi , Matsumura CÍntia Yuri , Rodrigues‐Simioni LÉa , Neto Humberto Santo , Marques Maria Julia
Published: May 2012

Introduction: In Duchenne muscular dystrophy and in the mdx mouse, muscle fiber degeneration and subsequent fibrosis lead to cardiorespiratory failure. Previously, we demonstrated that the anti‐fibrotic agent suramin was effective in decreasing fibrosis in mdx muscles. In this study, we were interested to see whether suramin could affect metalloproteinases (MMP) and improve the functional activity of the mdx diaphragm muscle. Methods: Zymography was performed to evaluate MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 activity. Western blotting was used to analyze the levels of beta‐dystroglycan. Muscle function was assessed in hemidiaphragm in vitro preparations. Results: We found that suramin affects metalloproteinase‐9 activity and increases beta‐dystroglycan. Furthermore, suramin also protects against diaphragm muscle fatigue over time. Conclusions: These results show the potential benefits of suramin in maintaining the structure of the dystrophin‐glycoprotein complex. Muscle Nerve, 46:810–813, 2012
Long‐term evaluation of respiratory status after esophageal atresia repair
Authors: Beucher J. , Wagnon J. , Daniel V. , Habonimana E. , Fremond B. , Lapostolle C. , Guillot S. , Azzis O. , Dabadie A. , Deneuville E.
Published: May 2012

Rationale

Esophageal atresia (EA) is a congenital malformation. Nowadays, its initial prognosis is excellent thanks to improvements in neonatal and surgical management. However, the assessment of long‐term respiratory outcome has become necessary in affected children and was thus performed in this study. The benefits of cardiopulmonary function testing were also examined.

Methods

The medical records of 77 children operated on for EA between 1990 and 2004 were reviewed. The results of respiratory function testing and cardiopulmonary response to effort were collected, together with neonatal and anthropometric data.

Results

Acceptable measurements were obtained in 31 children with EA. These children were comparable to the ones lost during follow‐up. The results of pulmonary function tests (PFTs) were abnormal in 21 cases (68%). A poor ventilatory response was detected in 14 children (45%) by cardiopulmonary function testing. Ten children who had abnormal results on PFTs were not under any anti‐asthmatic treatment.

Conclusions

Impaired lung function was noted in children with repaired EA. Indeed, cardiopulmonary function tests results correlated with standard spirometric parameters and revealed minimal clinical symptoms. Moreover, many children with EA had a limited ventilatory reserve (VR). These results indicate that respiratory symptoms are often neglected in children with repaired EA and reinforce the need to provide adequate treatment. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2013; 48:188–194. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Algebraic description of G‐flux in F‐theory: new techniques for F‐theory phenomenology
Authors: Braun A.P. , Collinucci A. , Valandro R.
Published: May 2012

We give a global algebraic description of the four‐form flux in F‐theory. We present how to compute its D3‐tadpole and how to calculate the number of four‐dimensional chiral states at the intersection of 7‐branes directly in F‐theory. We check that, in the weak coupling limit, we obtain the same results as using perturbative type IIB string theory. We develop these techniques in full generality. However, these can be readily applied to concrete models, as we show in an explicit example.
On the scalar manifold of exceptional supergravity
Authors: Cacciatori S.L. , Cerchiai B.L. , Marrani A.
Published: May 2012

We construct two parametrizations of the non compact exceptional Lie group G = E7(‐25), based on a fibration which has the maximal compact subgroup K = (E6 × U(1))/ ℤ3 as a fiber. It is well known that G plays an important role in the 𝒩 = 2 d = 4 magic exceptional supergravity, where it describes the U‐duality of the theory and where the symmetric space ℳ︁ = G/K gives the vector multiplets' scalar manifold. First, by making use of the exponential map, we compute a realization of G/K, that is based on the E6 invariant d‐tensor, and hence exhibits the maximal possible manifest [(E6 × U(1))/ℤ3]‐covariance. This provides a basis for the corresponding supergravity theory, which is the analogue of the Calabi‐Vesentini coordinates. Then we study the Iwasawa decomposition. Its main feature is that it is SO(8)‐covariant and therefore it highlights the role of triality. Along the way we analyze the relevant chain of maximal embeddings which leads to SO(8). It is worth noticing that being based on the properties of a “mixed” Freudenthal‐Tits magic square, the whole procedure can be generalized to a broader class of groups of type E7
Algebra of physical space and the geometric spacetime solution of Dirac's equation
Authors: Ritchie Burke , Weatherford Charles A.
Published: May 2012

The algebra of physical space (APS) is a name for the Clifford or geometric algebra, which can be closely associated with the geometry of special relativity and relativistic spacetime. For example, the Dirac Hamiltonian can be presented as the scalar product of the electron's four‐momentum and Dirac's four‐vector of gamma matrices,
$({\gamma_0},\vec \gamma)$, the latter of which is a Clifford algebra. We show here that a geometric spacetime or four‐space solution of Dirac's equation conforms to the principles of APS, an early example of which is Schroedinger's solution of Dirac's equation for a free electron, which exhibits Zitterbewegung. In a four‐space solution the spacetime coordinates,
$\vec r$
and the scaled time ct, are treated on an equal footing as physical observables to avoid any suggestion of a preferred frame of reference. The geometric spacetime theory is studied here for the Coulomb problem. The positive‐energy spectrum of states is found to be identical within numerical error to that of standard Dirac's theory, but the wave function exhibits Zitterbewegung. It is shown analytically how the geometric spacetime solution can be reduced to the standard solution of Dirac's equation, in which Zitterbewegung is absent. The rigor of APS and of its conforming geometric spacetime solution provide strong support for further investigation into the physical interpretation of the geometric spacetime Dirac's wave function and Zitterbewegung. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Arrows of time and fundamental symmetries in chemical physics
Authors: Brändas Erkki J.
Published: May 2012

The field of chemical and physical processes, using principal microscopic techniques, should today allegedly be identified as a fundamental branch of physics. The discipline, by tradition known as chemical physics, is undergoing rapid progress. This assessment, illustrated by the advances presented at this Congress, is characterized by modern developments and novel trends with a concrete bearing on original theoretical understanding, with the possibility to go beyond traditional interpretations and explanations. In this vein, we do not only consider nonrelativistic treatments of various types of molecules including interactions between these and polymers, theoretical examinations of chemical reactions, surface states and interface states, disordered phenomena etc., but also recent progress together with non‐Hermitean extensions to quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics. The latter leads to a united edifice of theoretical constructions including the law of self‐reference, which emerges in analogy with the illustrious Gödel theorem(s) of mathematical logic, that is, the assertion of the inherent limitations of all nontrivial axiomatic systems. The current development begets the foundation of temporal processes and associated invariance principles including the valuation of the various arrows of time. The present conjugate operator array formulation supports the possible gravitational origin of molecular chirality and other principal symmetry violations. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Editor's Choice: An Interview with Hans Joas
Authors: Vargas Maseda Ramón
Published: May 2012

The interview explores multiple aspects of social theory, most of them directly related to Joas's theory and others to symbolic interactionism and Goffman.

The first part delves into Joas's theory in three respects. First, a clarifying note on a common misunderstanding about his book The Creativity of Action. Second, a clarification on the scope of his theoretical endeavor, and third, a look into his coming books to have a better grasp of the course that his theory is taking.

The second part is dedicated to symbolic interactionism and Goffman.

Firstly, Joas's opinion about the theoretical relationship between symbolic interactionism and macrosociology is emphasized, secondly, his opinion about the pertinence of locating Goffman within symbolic interactionism is stated, and thirdly, a brief commentary about the relationship between Joas's theory and Goffman's is introduced.
Little Dramas of Discomposure: On Doing Face‐Work with Disaligning Actions
Authors: Dellwing Michael
Published: May 2012

Everyday life is full of little physical signs of discomfort and discomposure. Usually, they are attributed to mere bodily reactions which the portrayer does not control. However, that is not an abstract fact, but a definition of the situation that is a social achievement. This achievement is consequential: it allows for a form of everyday communication from which intention is drained, but judgment is not. Little dramas of discomposure are thus important elements of face‐work that can be analyzed as such: They allow for a negotiation of identity through reaction to ascriptions made by others, but reactions that remain on the back stage and thus avoid negotiations of rank and hierarchy that would usually accompany communications of judgment.
Ready, Willing, and Able: Developing a Support System to Promote Implementation of School‐Based Prevention Programs
Authors: Flaspohler Paul D. , Meehan Cricket , Maras Melissa A. , Keller Kathryn E.
Published: May 2012

While the number and scope of evidence‐based health, education, and mental health services continues to grow, the movement of these practices into schools and other practice settings remains a complex and haphazard process. The purpose of this paper is to describe and present initial support for a prevention support system designed to promote high‐quality implementation of whole school prevention initiatives in elementary and middle schools. The function and strategies of a school‐based prevention support system are discussed, including key structures and activities undertaken to identify, select, and provide technical assistance to school personnel. Data collected over a 5 year period are presented, including evidence of successful implementation support for 5 different evidence‐based programs implemented with fidelity at 12 schools and preliminary evidence of goal attainment. Findings suggest the ongoing collection of information related to organizational readiness assists in the adoption and implementation of effective practices and initiatives and provide valuable insight into the development of results‐oriented approaches to prevention service delivery. Problems, progress, and lessons learned through this process are discussed to frame future research and action steps for this school‐based prevention support system.

Special Issue: Advances in Bridging Research and Practice Using the Interactive System Framework for Dissemination and Implementation; Guest Editors: Abraham Wandersman, Paul Flaspohler, Catherine A. Lesesne, Richard Puddy; Action Editor: Emilie Phillips Smith
Inferring the invasion history of coral berry Ardisia crenata from China to the USA using molecular markers
Authors: Niu Hong‐Yu , Hong Lan , Wang Zheng‐Feng , Shen Hao , Ye Wan‐Hui , Mu Hong‐Ping , Cao Hong‐Lin , Wang Zhang‐Ming , Bradshaw Corey J. A.
Published: May 2012

Genetic comparisons between native and invasive populations of a species can provide insights into its invasion history information, which is useful for guiding management and control strategies. The coral berry Ardisia crenata was introduced to Florida last century as a cultivated ornament plant, and has since spread widely throughout the southern regions of the USA. Previously, the genetic variation among 20 natural populations of A. crenata across its distribution center in southern China was quantified using seven microsatellite markers. Here we expand on that work by additionally sampling individuals from four other native populations in Taiwan and Japan, and from five invasive populations in the USA. We also examined the results from one chloroplast intergenic spacer region (trnF‐trnL) in all 29 populations. Our aim is to identify the invasion source and subsequent history of the species’ spread throughout the southern USA. We observed lower genetic diversity in the invasive populations based on both microsatellite and chloroplast markers. Our data show that the invasive populations can be clustered with native populations in southeastern China, inferring this region as the geographic origin of A. crenata cultivars invading the USA. We further classified invasive individuals into invasive I and invasive II clusters. Nantou in Taiwan and Xihu in mainland China are the most closely related populations to those, which identify the former as potential sources for host‐specific control agents. Our results, combined with the known introduction records, suggest that A. crenata was first multiply introduced into Florida and then secondarily colonized Louisiana and Texas from Florida.
Cancer du pénis au Sénégal : aspects cliniques et thérapeutiques
Authors: Sow Y. , Thiam A. , Fall B. , Coulibali M. , Sarr A. , Diao B. , Fall P. A. , Ndoye A. K. , Ba M. , Diagne B. A.
Published: May 2012

Buts

décrire les aspects cliniques et thérapeutiques des cancers de la verge au Sénégal.

Patients et méthodes

nous avons effectué une étude rétrospective qui s’est intéressée aux dossiers des patients suivis pour cancer de la verge au service d’urologie du CHU Aristide Le Dantec entre janvier 2000 et décembre 2011.

Résultats

huit patients d’âge moyen de 51,5 ans avec des extrêmes de 27 à 77 ans ont été répertoriés. Ils étaient tous circoncis dans l’enfance. L’examen clinique avait mis en évidence une tumeur ulcérobourgeonnante intéressant le gland et une partie du corps de la verge dans cinq cas; dans deux cas, elle intéressait la totalité de la verge alors que seul un cas était limité au gland. Les patients étaient ainsi classés selon le système TNM 2002 de l’UICC en cT2 (quatre cas), cT3 (trois cas) et cT1 (un cas). Le type histologique de la tumeur était le carcinome épidermoïde chez tous les patients. Il n’y avait pas de localisation secondaire au scanner thoracoabdomino-pelvien. Sur le plan thérapeutique, une pénectomie partielle a été réalisée dans cinq cas, une pénectomie totale avec curage ganglionnaire dans un cas. Deux patients ont refusé le traitement chirurgical. Aucune récidive n’était notée chez les cinq patients ayant subi une amputation partielle du pénis. La survie globale était donc de 83,3 % pour les patients opérés.

Conclusion

le cancer de la verge est rare au Sénégal. La prise en charge est délicate du fait du diagnostic tardif avec des lésions évoluées, d’où l’importance d’une sensibilisation des populations.
How is civic engagement developed over time? Emerging answers from a multidisciplinary field
Authors: Amnå Erik
Published: May 2012

Insights into the development of civic values, attitudes, knowledge, skills and behaviours are greatly demanded by adults worried about a seemingly steady decline in the societal interest of their offspring. Hence, the collection of studies in this special issue on civic engagement in adolescence is not only timely and enlightening, but it also has the potentials to contribute to research in different disciplines on various dimensions, mechanisms and normative models of civic engagement. The studies reveal some promising attempts to bring civil themes into the field of adolescent development. However, to overcome some conceptual, methodological and empirical shortcomings, future developmental studies in the area need to be substantially improved by considering cultural and institutional conditions, by focussing on processes across various everyday life contexts, by merging theories from different disciplinary fields, by conceptualizing adolescents as changeable subjects, and by delineating untested and unwarranted normative assumptions.
Post‐translational regulation of TGF‐β receptor and Smad signaling
Authors: Xu Pinglong , Liu Jianming , Derynck Rik
Published: May 2012

TGF‐β family signaling through Smads is conceptually a simple and linear signaling pathway, driven by sequential phosphorylation, with type II receptors activating type I receptors, which in turn activate R‐Smads. Nevertheless, TGF‐β family proteins induce highly complex programs of gene expression responses that are extensively regulated, and depend on the physiological context of the cells. Regulation of TGF‐β signaling occurs at multiple levels, including TGF‐β activation, formation, activation and destruction of functional TGF‐β receptor complexes, activation and degradation of Smads, and formation of Smad transcription complexes at regulatory gene sequences that cooperate with a diverse set of DNA binding transcription factors and coregulators. Here we discuss recent insights into the roles of post‐translational modifications and molecular interaction networks in the functions of receptors and Smads in TGF‐β signal responses. These layers of regulation demonstrate how a simple signaling system can be coopted to exert exquisitely regulated, complex responses.
Organization and evolution of organized cervical cytology screening in Thailand
Authors: Khuhaprema Thiravud , Attasara Pattarawin , Srivatanakul Petcharin , Sangrajrang Suleeporn , Muwonge Richard , Sauvaget Catherine , Sankaranarayanan Rengaswamy
Published: May 2012

Objective

To describe phase 1 of an organized cytology screening project initiated in Thailand by the Ministry of Public Health and the National Health Security Office.

Methods

Women aged 35–60 years were encouraged to undergo cervical screening in primary care units and hospitals through awareness programs. Papanicolaou smears were processed and reported at district or provincial cytology laboratories. Women with normal test results were advised to undergo repeat screening after 5 years, while those with precancerous and cancerous lesions were referred for colposcopy, biopsy, and treatment. Information on screening, referral, investigations, and therapy were logged in a computer database.

Results

Between 2005 and 2009, 69.2% of the 4 030 833 targeted women were screened. In all, 20 991 women had inadequate smears; 27 253 had low‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions; 15 706 had high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions; and 2920 had invasive cancers. Information on the management of precancerous lesions was available for only 17.4% of women referred for colposcopy.

Conclusion

Although follow‐up data on women with positive test results were inadequately documented, the present findings indicate that provision of cytology services through the existing healthcare system is feasible.
Legislative Bargaining and the Dynamics of Public Investment
Authors: BATTAGLINI MARCO , NUNNARI SALVATORE , PALFREY THOMAS R.
Published: May 2012

We present a legislative bargaining model of the provision of a durable public good over an infinite horizon. In each period, there is a societal endowment that can either be invested in the public good or consumed. We characterize the optimal public policy, defined by the time path of investment and consumption. In a legislature representatives of each ofndistricts bargain over the current period's endowment for investment in the public good and transfers to each district. We analyze the Markov perfect equilibrium under different voting q-rules where q is the number of yes votes required for passage. We show that the efficiency of the public policy is increasing in q because higher q leads to higher investment in the public good and less pork. We examine the theoretical equilibrium predictions by conducting a laboratory experiment with five-person committees that compares three alternative voting rules: unanimity (q = 5), majority (q = 3), and dictatorship (q = 1).
NATURAL PARTIAL ORDER IN SEMIGROUPS OF TRANSFORMATIONS WITH INVARIANT SET
Authors: SUN LEI , WANG LIMIN
Published: May 2012

Let 𝒯X be the full transformation semigroup on the nonempty set X. We fix a nonempty subset Y of X and consider the semigroup of transformations that leave Y invariant, and endow it with the so-called natural partial order. Under this partial order, we determine when two elements of S(X,Y ) are related, find the elements which are compatible and describe the maximal elements, the minimal elements and the greatest lower bound of two elements. Also, we show that the semigroup S(X,Y ) is abundant.
Polyps originating from accessory middle turbinate and secondary middle turbinate
Authors: Jung H , Park S K , Kim J-R
Published: May 2012

Objective:

We report two extremely rare cases of polyps from unilateral accessory middle turbinates, one of which coexisted with a polyp from an inferomedially projecting, pneumatised, secondary middle turbinate.

Methods:

Case report and literature review concerning accessory middle turbinate and secondary middle turbinate.

Results:

Two patients presented with unilateral nasal obstruction. In both patients, nasal endoscopy revealed polypoid masses originating from the middle meatus. Paranasal sinus computed tomography and histopathological analysis confirmed the presence of polyps originating from an accessory middle turbinate and secondary middle turbinate, which were resected uneventfully via endoscopic sinus surgery.

Conclusion:

To our knowledge, this is the first report in the world literature of polyps originating from a unilateral accessory middle turbinate and secondary middle turbinate. Pre-operative recognition of these rare anatomical variations is of particular importance in avoiding intra-operative complication.
Phenotypic variation of south-western Atlantic clamMactra isabelleana(Bivalvia: Mactridae)
Authors: Signorelli Javier H. , Márquez Federico , Pastorino Guido
Published: May 2012

The phenotypic shell shape variation ofMactra isabelleanawas tested using the geometric morphometric method. Four localities were sampled along the Río de la Plata estuary and the coast of Buenos Aires province. Principal component analysis and canonical variates analysis of the first principal components were performed to reveal the shell variation and differences among localities, respectively. The specimens from different microhabitats mostly overlapped, although differences in shape were observed in the development of the umbo, the enlargement of the dorsoventral axes and the elongation of the posterior end. The ecological and physical parameters that could influence shell shape variation are discussed.
Some like it hot: the effect of temperature on brood development in the invasive crabHemigrapsus takanoi(Decapoda: Brachyura: Varunidae)
Authors: van den Brink Anneke , Godschalk Mandy , Smaal Aad , Lindeboom Han , McLay Colin
Published: May 2012

The duration of brood development in the introduced crab,Hemigrapsus takanoiin the Oosterschelde, The Netherlands, was compared at three different water temperatures. At 12, 18 and 24°C the females took an average of 32, 11 and 8 days respectively to lay eggs, which took 86, 28 and 18 days respectively to complete development. Five stages of development were identified, with each brood stage comprising a similar proportion of the duration time at different temperatures. The duration of each brood stage was also somewhat proportional to the number of females found carrying each brood stage in the field at the beginning of the breeding season. There appears to be a trigger for the breeding season inH. takanoiin the field at around 15°C above which ovary development begins. The results suggest that an increase in water temperature as a result of climate change may result in an increased net reproductive rate inH. takanoidue to earlier onset of the breeding season and increased number of broods per inter-moult period resulting in population growth. Increased temperatures may therefore lead to increased invasiveness ofH. takanoiwhere it is already present, and range extension into locations where its establishment is currently excluded by unsuitable temperature.
Mobile Communication, Popular Protests and Citizenship in China
Authors: LIU JUN
Published: May 2012

Digital telecommunication technology has expanded the potential of the mobile phone to be used increasingly as a weapon against authoritarian rule and censorship. Since the content of mobile communication is unpredictable and unregulated, mobile phones have the capability to breach state-sponsored blockage of information. This in turn helps the Chinese people to maintain contact with each other, receive information from outside the country, and make political waves in an aggressive battle for control over information. This paper examines spontaneous mobilization via mobile phones, with a focus on two concrete popular protests in rural and urban areas, demonstrating how Chinese citizens have expanded the political uses of mobile phones in their struggle for freedom of information flow, social justice, and the rule of law, while seeking to build an inexpensive counter-public sphere. These processes destabilize China's conventional national public sphere by shaping political identities on an individual level as well as the notion of citizenship within the evolving counter-public sphere. The political significance of mobile phones in the context of contemporary China's political environment can be observed by various social forces that communicate their struggles with the aid of this technology, pose challenges in governance, and force the authorities to engage in new kinds of media practices.
Unity in diversity: The view from the (UAE) classroom
Authors: Nickerson Catherine
Published: May 2012

This talk is about finding ‘unity in diversity’. I ask how we can best focus our research efforts and then design our teaching for those of us involved with teaching language for specific business purposes in the Asia Pacific region and the Middle East. In parts 1 and 2 of the presentation I discuss how we need to (i) refer to empirical evidence as the basis for our teaching and training materials, (ii) become more aware of the challenges posed by globalisation, (iii) understand the role played for business people by English as a lingua franca, alongside other languages and (iv) develop closer ties with people working in business and industry. In part 3 I discuss, first, a teaching project involving undergraduate research that is a course for our senior business students on workplace communication and, second, the development of an evaluation instrument to chart our students’ progress in terms not only of their language proficiency but also their communication knowledge and skills.
Summary of recent standardization activities in the field of robotics
Authors: Moon Seungbin , Rhim Sungsoo , Cho Young-Jo , Park Kwang-Ho , Virk Gurvinder S.
Published: May 2012

This paper summarizes the recent standardization activities in the field of robotics by ISO (International Organization for Standardization), IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission), OMG (Object Management Group), and other organizations. While the standards in industrial robots have been mainly developed by ISO, the standards on the emerging service robots are initiated by many organizations. One of the goals of this paper is to coordinate the efforts among these groups so that more effective standardization activity can be executed. Standardization in the emerging service robots will eventually promote the proliferation of service robot markets in the near future.
Extended dynamic fuzzy logic system for a class of MIMO nonlinear systems and its application to robotic manipulators
Authors: Hamdy M. , EL-Ghazaly G.
Published: May 2012

This paper presents an indirect adaptive fuzzy control scheme for a class of unknown multi-input multi-output (MIMO) nonlinear systems with external disturbances. Within this scheme, the dynamic fuzzy logic system (DFLS) is employed to identify the unknown nonlinear MIMO systems. The control law and parameter adaptation laws of DFLS are derived based on the Lyapunov synthesis approach. The control law is robustified in H∞ sense to attenuate external disturbance, model uncertainties, and fuzzy approximation errors. It is shown that under appropriate assumptions it guarantees the boundness of all signals in the closed-loop system and the asymptotic convergence to zero of tracking errors. An extensive simulation on the tracking control of a two-link rigid robotic manipulator verifies the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms.
Internecine War Killings
Authors: FABRE CÉCILE
Published: May 2012

In his recent bookKilling in War, McMahan develops a powerful argument for the view that soldiers on opposite sides of a conflict are not morally on a par once the war has started: whether they have the right to kill depends on the justness of their war. In line with just war theory in general, McMahan scrutinizes the ethics of killing the enemy. In this article, I accept McMahan's account, but bring it to bear on the entirely neglected, but nevertheless interesting, issue of what the military call ‘blue-on-blue’ killings or, as I refer to such acts here, internecine war killings. I focus on the case of the soldier who is ordered by his officer, at gunpoint, to go into action or to kill innocent civilians, and who kills his officer in self-defence. I argue that, at the bar of McMahan's account of the right to kill in self-defence, the officer lacks a justification for attacking the soldier as a means of enforcing his order, and the soldier thus sometimes (but not always) has the right to kill his officer should the latter so act.
True and Useful: On the Structure of a Two Level Normative Theory
Authors: FELDMAN FRED
Published: May 2012

Act-utilitarianism and other theories in normative ethics confront the implementability problem: normal human agents, with normal human epistemic abilities, lack the information needed to use those theories directly for the selection of actions. Two Level Theories have been offered in reply. The theoretical level component states alleged necessary and sufficient conditions for moral rightness. That component is supposed to be true, but is not intended for practical use. It gives an account of objective obligation. The practical level component is offered as an implementable system for the choice of actions by agents lacking some relevant information. It gives an account of subjective obligation. Several different ways of developing Two Levelism are explained and criticized. Five conditions that must be satisfied if the practical level principle is to be a good match for a given theoretical level principle are stated. A better form of Two Levelism is presented.
Dietary antioxidants and periodontal disease in community-based older Japanese: a 2-year follow-up study
Authors: Iwasaki Masanori , Moynihan Paula , Manz Michael C , Taylor George W , Yoshihara Akihiro , Muramatsu Kanako , Watanabe Reiko , Miyazaki Hideo
Published: May 2012

Objective

To investigate the longitudinal relationship between the intake of dietary antioxidants and periodontal disease in community-dwelling older Japanese.

Design

A retrospective cohort study, with a follow-up of 2 years (2003–2005). Intakes of dietary antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E, α-carotene and β-carotene) were assessed with a validated FFQ. Participants were classified by tertile of antioxidant intake. Full-mouth periodontal status, measured as the clinical attachment level, was recorded at baseline and follow-up examinations. Periodontal disease progression was considered as loss of attachment of 3 mm or greater over the study period at the interproximal site for each tooth. Finally, the number of teeth with periodontal disease progression per person was calculated and was used as the outcome. Poisson regression analysis was conducted, with dietary antioxidants as the main exposure, to estimate their influence on the number of teeth with periodontal disease progression.

Setting

Niigata City (Japan).

Subjects

Dentate individuals aged 75 years in 2003, for whom data were available, were included in the analyses (n 264).

Results

A higher intake of dietary antioxidants was inversely associated with the number of teeth with periodontal disease progression, controlling for other variables. The multivariate-adjusted incidence rate ratios in the first, second and third tertiles were 1·00, 0·76 (95 % CI 0·60, 0·97) and 0·72 (95 % CI 0·56, 0·93) for vitamin C; 1·00, 0·79 (95 % CI 0·62, 0·99) and 0·55 (95 % CI 0·42, 0·72), for vitamin E; and 1·00, 1·02 (95 % CI 0·81, 1·29) and 0·73 (95 % CI 0·56, 0·95) for β-carotene.

Conclusions

The study results suggest that higher intake of antioxidants may mitigate periodontal disease in community-dwelling older Japanese.
Does gynecologic malignancy predict likelihood of a tertiary palliative care unit hospital admission? A comparison of local, provincial and national death rates
Authors: Pilkey Jana , Demers Chantale , Chochinov Harvey , Venkatesan Nithya
Published: May 2012

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the presence of gynecologic malignancies predicts the likelihood of a tertiary palliative care unit hospital admission.

Method:

In this study, patients admitted to a specialized tertiary palliative care unit (TPCU) with gynecologic malignancies were compared to national and provincial death rates to determine if gynecologic malignancy predicts admission, and subsequent death, in a TPCU.

Results:

Eighty-two gynecologic cancer patients were admitted to our TPCU over the 5- year study period. Out of all cancer deaths in the TPCU, death from ovarian cancer was 3.7% compared with 2.4% (p = 0.0068) of all cancer deaths in Manitoba and 2.3% (p = 0.0043) of all cancer deaths in Canada. Cervical cancer accounted for 1.7% of all our patients deaths compared with 0.7% (p = 0.0001) provincially and 0.6% (p = 0.0001) nationally. Uterine cancer deaths were not significantly different from the provincial and national death rates, whereas vulvar and fallopian cancers were too rare to allow for statistical analysis.

Significance of Results:

Gynecologic cancers may be predictive of admission to a palliative care unit.
European Union governance in the shadow of contradicting ideas: the decoupling of policy ideas and policy instruments
Authors: Heidbreder Eva G.
Published: May 2012

The institutional architecture of the European Union is based on two fundamentally competing ideas: supranational rule and national sovereignty. These two underlying ideas are not reconcilable and work at different levels in the background of the policy debate. While on the normative level public sentiments remain strongly linked to the idea of state autonomy, on the cognitive level the paradigm of a functional necessity to cooperate is decisive for actual policy making. Only in some policy domains, such as the single market program, have policy-makers attempted to re-couple normative and cognitive ideas. In contrast to this, the central argument is that policy-makers mostly adhere to an alternative strategy: the systematic decoupling of normative and cognitive ideas. Focusing on public administration, it is shown how deft policy instrumentation allows actors to realize program ideas that satisfy demands for increased supranational governance. At the same time, however, these instruments are in dissonance with how policies are framed against the background of public sentiments that assume domestic bureaucratic independence.
Fracture of summer perennial sea ice by ocean swell as a result of Arctic storms
Authors: Asplin Matthew G. , Galley Ryan , Barber David G. , Prinsenberg Simon
Published: May 2012

The Arctic summer minimum sea ice extent has experienced a decreasing trend since 1979, with an extreme minimum extent of 4.27 × 106 km2 in September 2007, and a similar minimum in 2011. Large expanses of open water in the Siberian, Laptev, Chukchi, and Beaufort Seas result from declining summer sea ice cover, and consequently introduce long fetch within the Arctic Basin. Strong winds from migratory cyclones coupled with increasing fetch generate large waves which can propagate into the pack ice and break it up. On 06 September 2009, we observed the intrusion of large swells into the multiyear pack ice approximately 250 km from the ice edge. These large swells induced nearly instantaneous widespread fracturing of the multiyear pack ice, reducing the large, (>1 km diameter) parent ice floes to small (100–150 m diameter) floes. This process increased the total ice floe perimeter exposed to the open ocean, allowing for more efficient distribution of energy from ocean heat fluxes, and incoming radiation into the floes, thereby enhancing lateral melting. This process of sea ice decay is therefore presented as a potential positive feedback process that will accelerate the loss of Arctic sea ice.
Glutathionylation of cytosolic glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase from the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana is reversed by both glutaredoxins and thioredoxins in vitro
Authors: Bedhomme Mariette , Adamo Mattia , Marchand Christophe H. , Couturier Jérémy , Rouhier Nicolas , Lemaire Stéphane D. , Zaffagnini Mirko , Trost Paolo
Published: May 2012

Plants contain both cytosolic and chloroplastic GAPDHs (glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenases). In Arabidopsis thaliana, cytosolic GAPDH is involved in the glycolytic pathway and is represented by two differentially expressed isoforms (GapC1 and GapC2) that are 98% identical in amino acid sequence. In the present study we show that GapC1 is a phosphorylating NAD-specific GAPDH with enzymatic activity strictly dependent on Cys149. Catalytic Cys149 is the only solvent-exposed cysteine of the protein and its thiol is relatively acidic (pKa=5.7). This property makes GapC1 sensitive to oxidation by H2O2, which appears to inhibit enzyme activity by converting the thiolate of Cys149 (–S−) into irreversible oxidized forms (–SO2− and –SO3−) via a labile sulfenate intermediate (–SO−). GSH (reduced glutathione) prevents this irreversible process by reacting with Cys149 sulfenates to give rise to a mixed disulfide (Cys149–SSG), as demonstrated by both MS and biotinylated GSH. Glutathionylated GapC1 can be fully reactivated either by cytosolic glutaredoxin, via a GSH-dependent monothiol mechanism, or, less efficiently, by cytosolic thioredoxins physiologically reduced by NADPH:thioredoxin reductase. The potential relevance of these findings is discussed in the light of the multiple functions of GAPDH in eukaryotic cells (e.g. glycolysis, control of gene expression and apoptosis) that appear to be influenced by the redox state of the catalytic Cys149.
A Population Study of Children’s Acquisition of Hong Kong Cantonese Consonants, Vowels, and Tones
Authors: To Carol K. S. , Cheung Pamela S. P. , McLeod Sharynne
Published: May 2012

Purpose

This study investigated children’s acquisition of Hong Kong Cantonese.

Method

Participants were 1,726 children ages 2;4 to 12;4 (years;months). Single-word speech samples were collected to examine 4 measures: initial consonants, final consonants, vowels/diphthongs, and lexical tones. A 2-way analysis of variance was performed to examine the effects of age and sex on phoneme acquisition.

Results

There was rapid acquisition of initial consonants from age 2;6 to age 4;6. All 19 initial consonants were acquired by age 6;0 (90% criterion): /p-/, /m-/, and /j-/ were acquired the earliest; the last were /ts
h
-/ and /s-/. Final consonants had a different acquisition time from their initial counterparts. Vowels were acquired by age 5;0 and diphthongs by age 4;0. All 9 tones were acquired by age 2;6. The main effect of age was significant for all 4 measures, whereas sex was significant for all measures except tone. Common phonological patterns (≥ 10%) for initial consonants were stopping, fronting, deaspiration, delabialization, affrication, and nasalization; patterns with 5.0%–9.9% occurrence were backing, deaffrication, gliding, and dentalization.

Conclusions

The acquisition of Cantonese showed similarities with English acquisition yet also had specific characteristics. Factors that contributed to the acquisition rate were functional load, articulatory ease, consonant–vowel interactions, phonetic variations, and the behavior of vowels and their allophones.