bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acute exposure to DE-71: Effects on locomotor behavior and developmental neurotoxicity in zebrafish larvae
Authors: Chen Lianguo , Huang Changjiang , Hu Chenyan , Yu Ke , Yang Lihua , Zhou Bingsheng
Published: July 2012

The aim of the present study was to investigate the acute developmental neurotoxicity of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in zebrafish larvae. From 2 to 120 h postfertilization zebrafish embryos were exposed to DE-71 (0, 31.0, 68.7, and 227.6 µg/L). The authors studied the locomotor behavior of larvae, involvement of the cholinergic system, and selected gene and protein expressions in the central nervous system. The results showed that low DE-71 concentration caused hyperactivity, whereas higher concentrations decreased activity during the dark period. During the light period, larval activity was significantly reduced in a concentration-dependent manner. In the cholinergic system, acetylcholinesterase activity significantly increased (10.7 and 12.4%) in the 68.7 and 227.6 µg/L exposure groups, respectively, and acetylcholine concentration accordingly decreased (60.5%) in the 227.6 µg/L exposure group. The mRNA expressions of genes encoding myelin basic protein, neuron microtubule protein (α1-tubulin), and sonic hedgehog a were significantly downregulated. Western blotting assay demonstrated that the protein concentration of α1-tubulin was also decreased. Overall, the present study demonstrated that acute exposure to PBDEs can disrupt the neurobehavior of zebrafish larvae and affect cholinergic neurotransmission and neuron development. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012; 31: 2338–2344. © 2012 SETAC
Exploring beyond cirrhosis
Authors: Pinzani Massimo , Groszmann Roberto J. , Iwakiri Yasuko , Taddei Tamar H.
Published: July 2012

“Cirrhosis” is a morphologic term that has been used for almost 200 years to denote the end stage of a variety of chronic liver diseases. The term implies a condition with adverse prognosis due to the well-known complications of portal hypertension, hepatocellular carcinoma, and liver failure. However, recent advances in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic liver diseases have changed the natural history of cirrhosis significantly. This consensus, document by the International Liver Pathology Study Group, challenges the usefulness of the word cirrhosis in modern medicine and suggests that this is an appropriate time to consider discontinuing the use of this term. The role of pathologists should evolve to the diagnosis of advanced stage of chronic liver disease, with emphasis on etiology, grade of activity, features suggestive of progression or regression, presence of other diseases, and risk factors for malignancy, within the perspective of an integrated clinicopathologic assessment. (HEPATOLOGY 2012;)
The Development of Internal State Language during the Third Year of Life: A Longitudinal Parent Report Study
Authors: Kristen Susanne , Sodian Beate , Licata Maria , Thoermer Claudia , Poulin‐Dubois Diane
Published: July 2012

Children's talk about the mind has been scarcely studied in non‐English speakers. For this reason, this longitudinal study documents age‐related changes in German‐speaking children's internal state language. At 24, 30 and 36 months, children were administered general language tests and their internal state vocabulary levels were obtained via parental report. The developmental transition from a vocabulary rich in physiological, perceptual and desire terms to a vocabulary rich in a wider range of mental concepts confirmed previous research with French‐speaking and English‐speaking children and research in children's internal state comprehension. Further, children's category scores proved to be developmentally stable. Finally, with increasing age, children's category scores became more specifically related to each other, independent of general language skills. The results are discussed in regard to the universality of children's talk about the mind. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Insights into cancer metastasis from a clinicopathologic perspective: Epithelial‐Mesenchymal Transition is not a necessary step
Authors: Chui Michael Herman
Published: July 2012

Epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been implicated as the critical event initiating cancer invasion and metastasis. After disseminating through the circulation, the malignant cells have been proposed to undergo subsequent mesenchymal‐epithelial transition (MET) to form secondary tumors. However, strong evidence from human tumor specimens for this paradigm is lacking. In carcinomas, cancers derived from epithelial tissues, epithelial morphology and gene expression are always retained to some degree. While mesenchymal transdifferentiation may be involved in the pathogenesis of carcinosarcomas, even in these neoplasms, as well as in germ cell tumors capable of multilineage differentiation, the mesenchymal phenotype does not facilitate metastatic progression. Indeed, most cancers invade and travel through lymphatic and blood vessels via cohesive epithelial migration, rather than going through the EMT‐MET sequence. EMT gene expression is also consistently associated with high histologic grade and while the transcription factors, Snail, Slug and Twist have traditionally been thought of as inducers of EMT, under certain conditions, they also mediate dedifferentiation and maintenance of the stem cell state. In various malignancies, including basal‐like breast cancer and colorectal cancer, the genetically unstable, undifferentiated phenotype predicts early metastatic spread and poor prognosis. This article discusses some of the controversies surrounding differentiation and metastasis from a clinicopathologic perspective and presents evidence that the epithelial phenotype is maintained throughout the process of cancer metastasis.
Gene‐expression signature of tumor recurrence in patients with stage II and III colon cancer treated with 5′fluoruracil‐based adjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Giráldez María Dolores , Lozano Juan José , Cuatrecasas Míriam , Alonso‐Espinaco Virginia , Maurel Joan , Mármol Maribel , Hörndler Carlos , Ortego Javier , Alonso Vicente , Escudero Pilar , Ramírez Gina , Petry Christoph , LaSalvia Luis , Bohmann Kerstin , Wirtz Ralph , Mira Aurea , Castells Antoni
Published: July 2012

Although receiving adjuvant chemotherapy after radical surgery, a disappointing proportion of patients with colorectal cancer will develop tumor recurrence. Probability of relapse is currently predicted from pathological staging, there being a need for additional markers to further select high‐risk patients. This study was aimed to identify a gene‐expression signature to predict tumor recurrence in patients with Stages II and III colon cancer treated with 5′fluoruracil (5FU)‐based adjuvant chemotherapy. Two‐hundred and twenty‐eight patients diagnosed with Stages II–III colon cancer and treated with surgical resection and 5FU‐based adjuvant chemotherapy were included. RNA was extracted from formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded tissue samples and expression of 27 selected candidate genes was analyzed by RT‐qPCR. A tumor recurrence predicting model, including clinico‐pathological variables and gene‐expression profiling, was developed by Cox regression analysis and validated by bootstrapping. The regression analysis identified tumor stage and S100A2 and S100A10 gene expression as independently associated with tumor recurrence. The risk score derived from this model was able to discriminate two groups with a highly significant different probability of tumor recurrence (HR, 2.75; 95%CI, 1.71–4.39; p = 0.0001), which it was maintained when patients were stratified according to tumor stage. The algorithm was also able to distinguish two groups with different overall survival (HR, 2.68; 95%CI, 1.12–6.42; p = 0.03). Identification of a new gene‐expression signature associated with a high probability of tumor recurrence in patients with Stages II and III colon cancer receiving adjuvant 5FU‐based chemotherapy, and its combination in a robust, easy‐to‐use and reliable algorithm may contribute to tailor treatment and surveillance strategies.
ARE THE CURRENT ACCOUNT IMBALANCES BETWEEN EMU COUNTRIES SUSTAINABLE? EVIDENCE FROM PARAMETRIC AND NON‐PARAMETRIC TESTS
Authors: Schoder Christian , Proaño Christian R. , Semmler Willi
Published: July 2012

Using parametric and non‐parametric estimation techniques, we analyze the sustainability of the recently growing current account imbalances in the euro area and test whether the European Monetary Union has aggravated these imbalances. Two alternative criteria for the assessment of external debt sustainability are considered: one based on the transversality condition of intertemporal optimization, and the other based on the stationarity properties of the stochastic process of the debt–GDP ratio. Econometric sustainability tests are performed using the pooled mean‐group estimator and panel unit root tests, respectively. Variants of both test procedures with varying coefficients using penalized splines estimation are applied. We find empirical evidence suggesting that the introduction of the euro is associated with a regime shift from sustainability to unsustainability of external debt accumulation for the euro area. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
BENEFIT DURATION, UNEMPLOYMENT DURATION AND JOB MATCH QUALITY: A REGRESSION‐DISCONTINUITY APPROACH
Authors: Caliendo Marco , Tatsiramos Konstantinos , Uhlendorff Arne
Published: July 2012

We use a sharp discontinuity in the maximum duration of benefit entitlement to identify the effect of extended benefit duration on unemployment duration and post‐unemployment outcomes (employment stability and re‐employment wages). We address dynamic selection, which may arise even under an initially random assignment to treatment, estimating a bivariate discrete‐time hazard model jointly with a wage equation and correlated unobservables. Owing to the non‐stationarity of job search behavior, we find heterogeneous effects of extended benefit duration on the re‐employment hazard and on job match quality. Our results suggest that the unemployed who find a job close to and after benefit exhaustion experience less stable employment patterns and receive lower re‐employment wages compared to their counterparts who receive extended benefits and exit unemployment in the same period. These results are found to be significant for men but not for women. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polyaniline‐coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles: An anion exchange magnetic sorbent for solid‐phase extraction
Authors: Tahmasebi Elham , Yamini Yadollah , Mehdinia Ali , Rouhi Fateme
Published: July 2012

In this study, the capability of the prepared polyaniline‐coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles for magnetic solid‐phase extraction of three parabens from environmental wastewater, cream, and toothpaste samples is presented. Synthesized Fe3O4 nanoparticles were coated with sulfate‐doped polyaniline via polymerization of aniline in the presence of Fe3O4 nanoparticles and sulfuric acid. Here, polyaniline‐coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles are presented as anion exchange sorbent, which extract anionic form of parabens via anion exchange with dopant of polyaniline. The experimental conditions affecting extraction efficiency were further studied and optimized. The experimental results showed that maximum extraction efficiency can be obtained at 70 mL sample solution of pH 8, extraction and desorption times of 2 and 1 min, respectively, 100 μL of 3% (v/v) acetic acid in acetonitrile as eluent, and 100 mg of the adsorbent. Under these conditions, the linear dynamic ranges were 0.5–100 μg/L with good correlation coefficients (0.998–0.999). The detection limits were in the range of 0.3–0.4 μg/L and the relative standard deviations were less than 2.4 (n = 5) for the three parabens. Finally, this fast and efficient method was further employed for determination of target analytes in cream, toothpaste, and environmental wastewater samples and satisfactory results were obtained.
Hardy–Sobolev derivatives of phase and amplitude, and their applications
Authors: Dang Pei , Qian Tao , Yang Yan
Published: July 2012

In time‐frequency analysis, there are fundamental formulas expressing the mean and variance of the Fourier frequency of signals, s, originally defined in the Fourier frequency domain, in terms of integrals against the density | s(t) | 2 in the time domain. In the literature, the existing formulas are only for smooth signals, for it is the classical derivatives of the phase and amplitude of the signals that are involved. The two representations of the covariance also rely on the classical derivatives and thus are restrictive. In this fundamental study, by introducing a new type of derivatives, called Hardy–Sobolev derivatives, we extend the formulas to signals in the Sobolev space that do not usually have classical derivatives. We also investigate the corresponding formulas for periodic (infinite discrete) and finite discrete signals. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On electromagnetic waves in complex linear media in nonsmooth domains
Authors: Picard R. , Freymond H.
Published: July 2012

Electromagnetic wave propagation in more complex linear materials such as bi‐anisotropic media have come to a considerable attention within the last 15–20 years. We shall propose a general framework to approach a class of highly complex materials. Such problems have been extensively studied mostly in the time‐harmonic case. In this paper, we focus on the time‐dependent case. A well‐posedness result for a large class of media is obtained. We also analyze Drude–Born–Fedorov type media in nonsmooth domains of arbitrary topological genus within this framework. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Some basic boundary value problems of the plane thermoelasticity with microtemperatures
Authors: Bitsadze L. , Jaiani George
Published: July 2012

The present paper is devoted to the two‐dimensional version of statics of the linear theory of elastic materials with inner structure whose particles, in addition to the classical displacement and temperature fields, possess microtemperatures. Some results of the classical theories of elasticity and thermoelasticity are generalized. The Green's formulas in the case under consideration are obtained, basic boundary value problems are formulated, and uniqueness theorems are proved. The fundamental matrix of solutions for the governing system of the model and the corresponding single and double layer thermoelastopotentials are constructed. Properties of the potentials are studied. Applying the potential method, for the first and second boundary value problems, we construct singular integral equations of the second kind and prove the existence theorems of solutions for the bounded and unbounded domains.

This paper describes the use of the LaTeX2ϵ  mmaauth.cls class file for setting papers for Mathematical Methods in the Applied Sciences. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Study on low‐strain integrity testing of pipe‐pile using the elastodynamic finite integration technique
Authors: Lu Zhi Tang , Wang Zhi Liang , Liu Dong Jia
Published: July 2012

This study focuses on the three‐dimensional (3‐D) characteristics of wave propagation in pipe‐pile using elastodynamic finite integration technique. First, a real 3‐D pile‐soil model in cylindrical coordinate system is presented. Then, the governing equations are established. With the boundary and initial conditions, the numerical solution is obtained. The accuracy and feasibility of the self‐written code are further verified via comparing with the measured data. Velocity histories at different angles of pile top and pile tip are illustrated, and the snapshots reflecting the 3‐D characteristics of wave propagation are given. It shows that the interferences of Rayleigh waves can confuse the result interpretation for pile integrity testing. The increase of hammer contact time can effectively mitigate the interferences, and the interferences of Rayleigh waves are weakest at an angle of 90° from where hammer hits. Besides, surrounding soil can partly mitigate the wave interferences. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reliability of flexible electrically conductive adhesives
Authors: Cui Hui‐wang , Li Dong‐sheng , Fan Qiong
Published: July 2012

Based on our previous work about electrically conductive adhesives (ECAs), a flexibilizer named 1,3‐propanediol bis (4‐aminobenzoate) was used to fabricate flexible ECAs (FECAs). ECAs, FECAs, and electronic devices connected by them were carried out the hot and humid aging test under constant humidity level of 85% relative humidity at 85 °C for 600 h. After aging, the bulk resistance change of ECAs was about 26%, that of FECAs was a little higher, about 29%. The contact resistance change of devices connected by ECAs and FECAs was very great, about 450% and 410%, respectively. The bonding area at connection interface between colloids and devices had delamination, even cracks. The delamination of ECAs was calculated about 60%, the average shear strength of ECAs was reduced about 45%, and those of FECAs were about 50% and 30%, respectively, so FECAs had a higher bonding stability in hot and humid environment. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dimensions of Normal Personality as Networks in Search of Equilibrium: You Can't like Parties if you Don't like People
Authors: Cramer Angélique O. J. , Van Der Sluis Sophie , Noordhof Arjen , Wichers Marieke , Geschwind Nicole , Aggen Steven H. , Kendler Kenneth S. , Borsboom Denny
Published: July 2012

In one currently dominant view on personality, personality dimensions (e.g. extraversion) are causes of human behaviour, and personality inventory items (e.g. ‘I like to go to parties’ and ‘I like people’) are measurements of these dimensions. In this view, responses to extraversion items correlate because they measure the same latent dimension. In this paper, we challenge this way of thinking and offer an alternative perspective on personality as a system of connected affective, cognitive and behavioural components. We hypothesize that these components do not hang together because they measure the same underlying dimension; they do so because they depend on one another directly for causal, homeostatic or logical reasons (e.g. if one does not like people and it is harder to enjoy parties). From this ‘network perspective’, personality dimensions emerge out of the connectivity structure that exists between the various components of personality. After outlining the network theory, we illustrate how it applies to personality research in four domains: (i) the overall organization of personality components; (ii) the distinction between state and trait; (iii) the genetic architecture of personality; and (iv) the relation between personality and psychopathology. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
What Do the Items and Their Associations Refer to in a Network Approach to Personality?
Authors: Asendorpf Jens B.
Published: July 2012

It is hard to judge the potential usefulness of a network approach to personality research because Cramer et al. (2012) mix up applications to one individual, inter–individual differences and intra–individual processes. From each perspective, the network units, their associations and causal interpretations of such associations have a completely different meaning, and it depends on the particular perspective, the level of aggregation and whether one wants to model measurement error whether latent variables have a place in network models in personality research. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Passing to the Functionalists Instead of Passing Them By
Authors: Denissen Jaap J. A. , Wood Dustin , Penke Lars
Published: July 2012

The paper by Cramer and colleagues illustrates how a network approach can model personality systems without positing causal latent factors such as the Big Five. We applaud this effort but argue that nodes should be distinguished on more than quantitative grounds (e.g. displayed centrality or connectivity). To realistically model the affects, cognitions and behaviours that constitute real personalities, organizing constructs such as needs and comparators seems necessary. Incorporating them requires greater consideration of functionalist personality theories that link together environmental features and adaptive behaviour in meaningful and stable ways. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sources of Constraint on Network Equilibrium
Authors: Read Stephen J. , Miller Lynn C.
Published: July 2012

We agree with the authors‘ key point that the standard trait approach to personality does not provide a method for understanding the causal structure of personality. Furthermore, their new technique for visualizing structure shows promise. However, although genetic analyses are important, we think that they are, by themselves, inadequate as a source of information/constraint for understanding causal structure. Close attention must also be paid to the biological systems that they influence, the structure of social situations and the dynamics of the interactions among them. We outline one possible approach to these issues. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Can Network Models Represent Personality Structure and Processes Better than Trait Models Do?
Authors: Rothmund Tobias , Baumert Anna , Schmitt Manfred
Published: July 2012

We argue that replacing the trait model with the network model proposed in the target article would be immature for three reasons. (i) If properly specified and grounded in substantive theories, the classic state–trait model provides a flexible framework for the description and explanation of person × situation transactions. (ii) Without additional substantive theories, the network model cannot guide the identification of personality components. (iii) Without assumptions about psychological processes that account for causal links among personality components, the concept of equilibrium has merely descriptive value and lacks explanatory power. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Why Do (Some) Birds Flock? Causality and the Structure of Characteristic Adaptations
Authors: Terracciano Antonio , McCrae Robert R.
Published: July 2012

Characteristic adaptations often cluster in mutually reinforcing networks. Evidence of stability and heritability suggests that the development of such networks is due in part to the causal influence of enduring dispositions or traits. Many different genetic models are consistent with this hypothesis, and the quest for genes can be pursued at many levels; of these, the intermediate level of specific facets may be the most promising. Published 2012. This article is a U. S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Secretome analysis of ionizing radiation‐induced senescent cancer cells reveals that secreted RKIP plays a critical role in neighboring cell migration
Authors: Han Na‐Kyung , Kim Bong Cho , Lee Hyung Chul , Lee Yoon‐Jin , Park Myung‐Jin , Chi Sung‐Gil , Ko Young‐Gyu , Lee Jae‐Seon
Published: July 2012

Cellular senescence is a physiological program of irreversible growth arrest that is considered to play an important role in tumor suppression. Recent studies demonstrated that senescent cells secrete multiple growth regulatory proteins that could alter the behavior of neighboring cells. In this study, we investigated the effect of secretory proteins from ionizing radiation (IR) induced senescent tumor cells on normal and tumor cells. Conditioned medium (CM) from IR‐induced senescent MCF7 cells significantly increased cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and wound healing activity in MCF7 cells and HUVECs. Comparative proteomics analysis revealed 24 differentially secreted protein spots including Raf kinase inhibitor protein (RKIP), α‐Enolase, AKAP9, and MARK4, and the findings were confirmed by Western blot analysis of IR‐induced senescent cancer cells. We found that RKIP was secreted via the classical pathway, and the transfection of small interfering RNA against RKIP suppressed CM‐induced migration in MCF7 cells. Treatment with recombinant human RKIP increased the migratory activity of MCF7 cells. Taken together, our results demonstrate that the senescence‐associated secretory protein RKIP could be the principal target to prevent the potential effects of the secretome from IR‐induced senescent tumor cells on neighboring cell migration.
Global proteome changes in larvae of Callosobruchus maculatus Coleoptera:Chrysomelidae:Bruchinae) following ingestion of a cysteine proteinase inhibitor
Authors: Nogueira Fábio C. S. , Silva Carlos P. , Alexandre Daniel , Samuels Richard I. , Soares Emanoella L. , Aragão Francisco J. L. , Palmisano Giuseppe , Domont Gilberto B. , Roepstorff Peter , Campos Francisco A. P.
Published: July 2012

The seed‐feeding beetle Callosobruchus maculatus is an important cowpea pest (Vigna unguiculata) as well as an interesting model to study insect digestive physiology. The larvae of C. maculatus rely on cysteine and aspartic peptidases to digest proteins in their diet. In this work, the global proteomic changes induced in the intestinal tract of larval C. maculatus challenged by the ingestion of cystatin, a cysteine peptidase inhibitor, was investigated by a nanoLC‐MS/MS approach. The ingestion of cystatin caused a delay in the development of the larvae, but the mortality was not high, indicating that C. maculatus is able to adapt to this inhibitor. This proteomic strategy resulted in the identification of 752 and 550 protein groups in the midgut epithelia and midgut contents, respectively, and quantitative analyses allowed us to establish relative differences of the identified proteins. Ingestion of cystatin led to significant changes in the proteome of both the midgut epithelia and midgut contents. We have observed that proteins related to plant cell wall degradation, particularly the key glycoside hydrolases of the families GH5 (endo‐β‐1,4‐mannanase) and GH 28 (polygalacturonase) were overexpressed. Conversely, α‐amylases were downexpressed, indicating that an increase in hemicelluloses digestion helps the larvae to cope with the challenge of cystatin ingestion. Furthermore, a number of proteins associated with transcription/translation and antistress reactions were among the cystatin‐responsive proteins, implying that a substantial rearrangement in the proteome occurred in C. maculatus exposed to the inhibitor.
Differential phosphorylation of thylakoid proteins in mesophyll and bundle sheath chloroplasts from maize plants grown under low or high light
Authors: Fristedt Rikard , Wasilewska Wioleta , Romanowska Elzbieta , Vener Alexander V.
Published: July 2012

In C4 plants, such as maize, the photosynthetic apparatus is partitioned over two cell types called mesophyll (M) and bundle sheath (BS), which have different structure and specialization of the photosynthetic thylakoid membranes. We characterized protein phosphorylation in thylakoids of the two cell types from maize grown under either low or high light. Western blotting with phosphothreonine antibodies and ProQ phosphostaining detected light‐dependent changes in the protein phosphorylation patterns. LC‐MS/MS with alternating CID and electron transfer dissociation sequencing of peptide ions mapped 15 protein phosphorylation sites. Phosphorylated D2, CP29, CP26, Lhcb2 proteins, and ATPsynthase were found only in M membranes. A previously unknown phosphorylation site was mapped in phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase from the BS cells. Phosphorylation stoichiometry was calculated from the ratios of normalized ion currents for phosphorylated to nonphosphorylated peptide pairs from the D1, D2, CP43, and PbsH proteins of photosystem II (PSII). Every PSII in M thylakoids contained on average 1.5 ± 0.1 or 2.3 ± 0.2 phosphoryl groups in plants grown under either low or high light, while in BS membranes the corresponding numbers were 0.25 ± 0.1 or 0.7 ± 0.2, respectively. It is suggested that the phosphorylation level, as well as turnover of PSII depend on the structure of thylakoids.
A SIMS and TEM investigation of the microstructure of wear‐resistant ductile cast iron
Authors: Valle N. , Martinez Celis M. , Lacaze J. , Thorbjornsson I. O. , Johannesson B. , Thorgrimsson J. T.
Published: July 2012

The benefit of the presence of Cr containing inserts inside ductile iron on the tribological properties of these materials has been recently demonstrated. In order to understand these improved properties, a secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) and transmission electron microscopy investigation of these wear‐resistant ductile cast irons has been performed. The results indicate that the principal change in the microstructure induced by inserts occurs in the inserts and in their surroundings where the formation of carbides with different sizes and compositions is observed: M3C, M7C3 and M23C6 (M stands for Fe and/or Cr). These are not pure binary carbides since among the different elements studied by SIMS, Cr, Fe, Mn and, to a lesser extent, Ni are soluble in these carbides. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Three‐Layer architectural pattern applied to plug‐in‐based architectures: the Eclipse case
Authors: Ameller David , Collell Oriol , Franch Xavier
Published: July 2012

The process of designing a software architecture using different kinds of components is often challenging. Different designs support some quality attributes while damaging others; therefore, trade‐off analysis is needed to make informed decisions. Moreover, analysis made in theory needs to be complemented with observations in practice, especially when using a particular set of technologies to implement the system. In this paper, we present a particular instance of this problem. We study how the Three‐Layer architectural pattern may be developed using plug‐ins. We compare two extreme alternatives according to several representative scenarios and their impact in some quality attributes. Then, we apply this theoretical knowledge to a case study, the implementation of a plug‐in‐based tool for managing architectural knowledge using Eclipse. We report some unexpected difficulties found that forced us to adapt the theoretical solution into an operative architecture. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inverted sfermion mass hierarchy and the Higgs boson mass in the MSSM
Authors: Badziak Marcin , Dudas Emilian , Olechowski Marek , Pokorski Stefan
Published: July 2012

Abstract

It is shown that MSSM with first two generations of squarks and sleptons much heavier than the third one naturally predicts the maximal stop mixing as a consequence of the RG evolution, with vanishing (or small) trilinear coupling at the high scale. The Higgs boson is generically heavy, in the vicinity of 125 GeV. In this inverted hierarchy scenario, motivated by the supersymmetric FCNC problem and models for fermion masses based on horizontal symmetries, the mass of the lightest stop is O(0.5) TeV and of gluino - O(2 − 3) TeV. The LSP can be either higgsino or bino or a mixture of both and it can be a good dark matter candidate.
Spectrophotometric Determination of Benzalkonium Bromide in Pharmaceutical Samples with Alizarin Green
Authors: Liu Yinghong , Wu Huijuan , Ma Weixing
Published: July 2012

A direct, extraction‐free spectrophotometric method was developed for the determination of benzalkonium bromide (BAK). The method is based on the formation of mixed dye–surfactant aggregates between alizarin green (AG) and BAK in alkaline medium by measuring the decrease in absorbance of AG at 460 and 700 nm. Beer's law was obeyed in the concentration range 3–40 μg mL−1 with good precision and accuracy. The limits of detection were 0.4 μg mL−1 at 460 nm and 0.3 μg mL−1 at 700 nm, which reduced to 0.2 μg mL−1 by combining the absorbance at the two wavelengths. The proposed method was successfully applied to the determination of BAK in disinfectant solution and eye drops. The analytical results of the real samples were in good agreement with those of an HPLC method.
Knowledge of medical abortion among Brazilian medical students
Authors: Fernandes Karayna Gil , Camargo Rodrigo Pauperio Soares , Duarte Graciana Alves , Faúndes Anibal , Sousa Maria Helena , Maia Filho Nelson Lourenço , Pacagnella Rodolfo Carvalho
Published: July 2012

Objective

To assess the knowledge of Brazilian medical students regarding medical abortion (MA) and the use of misoprostol for MA, and to investigate factors influencing their knowledge.

Methods

All students from 3 medical schools in São Paulo State were invited to complete a pretested structured questionnaire with precoded response categories. A set of 12 statements on the use and effects of misoprostol for MA assessed their level of knowledge. Of about 1260 students invited to participate in the study, 874 completed the questionnaire, yielding a response rate of 69%. The χ2 test was used for the bivariate analysis, which was followed by multiple regression analysis.

Results

Although all students in their final year of medical school had heard of misoprostol for termination of pregnancy, and 88% reported having heard how to use it, only 8% showed satisfactory knowledge of its use and effects. Academic level was the only factor associated with the indicators of knowledge investigated.

Conclusion

The very poor knowledge of misoprostol use for MA demonstrated by the medical students surveyed at 3 medical schools makes the review and updating of the curriculum urgently necessary.
Improving care of women at risk of unsafe abortion: Implementing a risk‐reduction model at the Uruguayan‐Brazilian border
Authors: Fiol Verónica , Briozzo Leonel , Labandera Ana , Recchi Víctor , Piñeyro Marta
Published: July 2012

Objective

To describe the initial stages of the implementation of a risk‐reduction model designed by Iniciativas Sanitarias to shield women from unsafe abortion in a traditional community on the Uruguay‐Brazil border.

Methods

This mixed‐design study was conducted first between 22 and 26 March 2010, and then between 2 and 7 May 2011, in Rivera, Uruguay, to gather information from women seen at health centers, healthcare providers, and local policy makers before the project started and midway through the project.

Results

At baseline most women and providers considered abortion justifiable only on narrow grounds, yet favored the implementation of a risk‐reduction model that would include preabortion as well as postabortion counseling, the former providing information on different abortion methods and their risks. By the midterm assessment, the counseling service had assisted 87 women with unwanted pregnancies. Of the 52 who came for a postabortion visit, 50 had self‐administered misoprostol, with no complications. Women were highly satisfied with the counseling. At baseline, misoprostol seemed to be available from both pharmacists and informal sellers. At midterm, it was still available from informal vendors but pharmacists said they did not provide misoprostol. The risk‐reduction initiative heightened public attention to the abortion issue but the controversy it generated did not seriously impede its implementation.

Conclusion

It is feasible to implement the proposed risk‐reduction model in a traditional community such as Rivera, not only in Uruguay but in any country irrespective of its abortion laws.
Study of knowledge and attitudes on medical abortion among Chinese health providers
Authors: Cheng Yimin , Zhou You , Zhang Ying , Jiang Xiaomei , Xi Maomao , Gan Kang , Ren Shanshan
Published: July 2012

Objective

To investigate providers' knowledge and attitudes about medical abortion (MA) and their views regarding the main challenges to expanding the use of MA in urban and rural areas in China.

Methods

A total of 658 abortion providers were surveyed from November 7, 2009, to May 29, 2010.

Results

The providers' knowledge about MA was relatively poor, and most thought the risks of severe complications of MA were much higher than they are. Urban nonphysician providers were the least informed about MA. Most providers thought that the main challenges to an expanded use of MA were its lesser effectiveness in comparison to surgical abortion and women's lack of knowledge about it. In rural areas many providers thought that deficiencies of clinics, such as limited bed space and inadequate toilets and washing facilities, also posed serious obstacles to expanding MA use.

Conclusion

Abortion providers, especially urban nonphysician providers, need refresher training to strengthen their knowledge of the approved protocol for providing MA in China, and also of the indications, contraindications, and safety and efficacy of the method. Deficiencies at abortion facilities should be addressed as well, and they are more numerous in rural areas.
Medical abortion: Understanding perspectives of rural and marginalized women from rural South India
Authors: Sri B. Subha , Ravindran T.K. Sundari
Published: July 2012

Objective

To understand how rural and other groups of marginalized women define safe abortion; their perspectives and concerns regarding medical abortion (MA); and what factors affect their access to safe abortion.

Methods

Focus group discussions were held with various groups of rural and marginalized women in Tamil Nadu to understand their perspectives and concerns on abortion, especially MA.

Results

Nearly a decade after mifepristone was approved for abortion in India, most study participants had never heard of MA. When they learned of the method, most preferred it over other methods of abortion. The women also had questions and concerns about the method and recommendations on how services should be provided. Their definition of a “safe abortion” included criteria beyond medical safety. They placed a high priority on “social safety,” including confidentiality and privacy. In their view, factors affecting access to safe abortion and choice of provider included cost, assurance of secrecy, promptness of service provision, and absence of provider gatekeeping and provider‐imposed conditions for receiving services.

Conclusion

Women's preference for MA shows the potential of this technology to address the problem of unsafe abortion in India. Women need better access to information and services to realize this potential, however. Women's preferences regarding information dissemination and service provision need to be taken into account if policies and programs are to be truly responsive to the needs of marginalized women.
On the periodic injection of fluid into, and its extraction from, a porous medium for seasonal heat storage
Authors: Dudfield Peter , Woods Andrew W.
Published: July 2012

We examine the oscillatory motion of fluid which spreads under gravity along a horizontal impermeable boundary through a porous medium controlled by the periodic injection and extraction of fluid from a horizontal well. Over the first few cycles the volume of injected fluid exceeds that which is extracted owing to the gravitational spreading of the current. However, after many cycles, these volumes converge and the flow develops into two regions. Near the source there is a zone $0\lt x\lesssim {x}_{C} = 2. 4 \mathop{ (Q{\tau }^{2} S/ \phi )}\nolimits ^{1/ 3} $ in which the depth of the fluid varies periodically with each cycle, where $Q$ is the fluid injection rate, $\tau $ is the injection or extraction time, $S$ is the speed of the buoyancy-driven flow and $\phi $ is the porosity. The current attains its maximum depth, $1. 8 \mathop{ ({Q}^{2} \tau / {\phi }^{2} S)}\nolimits ^{1/ 3} $ at the source, where the minimum depth equals zero. At long times, the current depth at $x= {x}_{C} $ is approximately constant, $1. 15 \mathop{ ({Q}^{2} \tau / {\phi }^{2} S)}\nolimits ^{1/ 3} $, and beyond this point, the current spreads horizontally, driven by an effective flux ${Q}_{l} \approx 0. 54Q \mathop{ (t/ \tau )}\nolimits ^{\ensuremath{-} 1/ 2} $, so that the length of the current increases as ${x}_{\mathit{nose}} \approx 1. 73 \mathop{ (Q{\tau }^{2} S/ \phi )}\nolimits ^{1/ 3} \mathop{ (t/ \tau )}\nolimits ^{1/ 2} $. We confirm these predictions with new experiments using a Hele-Shaw cell. We also model the evolution of the thermal front which develops if the injected fluid is hotter than the formation temperature. We find conditions under which all the extracted fluid is hot but owing to the mismatch between the volume of injected and extracted fluids, not all the injected thermal energy is recovered, and the surrounding rock heats up.
Analytic functions with decreasing coefficients and Hardy and Bloch spaces
Authors: Pavlović Miroslav
Published: July 2012

The following rather surprising result is noted.

(1) A function f(z) = ∑anzn such that an ↓ 0 (n → ∞) belongs to H1 if and only if ∑(an/(n + 1)) < ∞.

A more subtle analysis is needed to prove that assertion (2) remains true if H1 is replaced by the predual, 1(⊂ H1), of the Bloch space. Assertion (1) extends the Hardy–Littlewood theorem, which says the following.

(2) f belongs to Hp (1 < p < ∞) if and only if ∑(n + 1)p−2anp < ∞.

A new proof of (2) is given and applications of (1) and (2) to the Libera transform of functions with positive coefficients are presented. The fact that the Libera operator does not map H1 to H1 is improved by proving that it does not map 1 into H1.
An Ambrosetti–Prodi-type result for a quasilinear Neumann problem
Authors: de Paiva Franciso Odair , Montenegro Marcelo
Published: July 2012

We study the problem −∆pu = f(x, u) + t in Ω with Neumann boundary condition |∇u|p−2(∂u/∂v) = 0 on ∂Ω. There exists a t0 ∈ ℝ such that for t > t0 there is no solution. If t ≤ t0, there is at least a minimal solution, and for t < t0 there are at least two distinct solutions. We use the sub–supersolution method, a priori estimates and degree theory.
IN TWO SPEEDS (À DEUX VITESSES): LINGUISTIC PLURALISM AND EDUCATIONAL ANXIETY IN CONTEMPORARY MOROCCO
Authors: Boutieri Charis
Published: July 2012

Notwithstanding its promotion as a vehicle for the decolonization and modernization of knowledge in Morocco, the policy of Arabization has been caught in an ongoing competition with the pedagogical visions of the French Protectorate—visions that have been recycled by nationalist and international development agendas. This competition has subtly classified the sciences and the humanities into Francophone and Arabophone disciplines, respectively, at a moment when national development is understood as technological advancement. School participants endure this linguistic, disciplinary, and, effectively, social hierarchy and put their awareness of the system at the service of its circumvention. The anxiety of teachers over the future of state-educated youth indicates that the legitimacy of the school itself has become highly doubted. This article approaches both the public school and its relationship to knowledge through a historically informed ethnographic lens, arguing that centralized theories of pedagogy, the sociological category of class, and the assumed dichotomy between state agendas and international patronage are unsatisfactory frames for the interpretation of the phenomena in question.
APPROPRIATING THE MASSES: FOLKLORE STUDIES, ETHNOGRAPHY, AND INTERWAR IRANIAN NATIONALISM
Authors: Vejdani Farzin
Published: July 2012

This paper traces the emergence of folklore studies and ethnography in interwar Iran. It argues that these disciplines were part of larger nationalist projects of representing and speaking for the “masses.” The first part of the paper explores how and why a number of Iranian intellectuals engaged in folklore studies after a period of prolonged political activism in the first few decades of the 20th century. The second part of the paper examines cultural institutions established by the state, mainly in the late 1930s, in an attempt to appropriate and institutionalize folklore studies and ethnography for the purposes of nation building. These efforts were fraught with ambivalences because the “masses” were simultaneously praised as repositories of “authenticity” and looked down upon as a potential source of “backwardness.”
The Early Life and Pilgrimage of Al-Ḥājj Muḥammad Al-Amīn the Soninke (d. 1887)
Authors: Fisher Humphrey
Published: July 2012

Al-Ḥājj Muḥammad al-Amīn, often known as Momodu Lamine, was a Soninke leader, engaged in political and military activity on the upper Senegal and Gambia rivers in 1885–1887. This activity, culminating in clashes with the French, has sometimes encouraged an interpretation of his career in anti-European-colonialist terms. In fact, religion and local African politics may have been more important. This study examines his life before 1885, particularly his pilgrimage. Almost all the material comes from oral tradition, both that preserved in early French publications and that collected recently in West Africa.

Muḥammad al-Amīn was born about 1830 or 1840. He studied in various places in the Senegal region. Later he may have served with al-Ḥājj 'Umar. On his pilgrimage he travelled through Wadai; the report that he became a Sanūsī seems doubtful. He spent some time in the Middle East and renewed there his Tijānīya allegiance. He also apparently prepared for jihād. He may, though this is less clear, have shared in the apocalyptic expectancy of the time, centred on hopes of a Mahdi.

On his way home he passed through Timbuktu and Masina and came to Segu, capital of the Tokolor empire, then under Sultan Aḥmadu the son of al-Ḥājj 'Umar. Here Muḥammad al-Amīn stopped for several years, more or less under duress, and escaped several attempts on his life. These attempts are described in miraculous terms, and sometimes parallel other episodes in the legends of Muslim West Africa.

This clash between the returning pilgrim and the head of the Segu theocracy, both men devout Muslims, is curious. It resembles al-Ḥājj 'Umar's reception in Bornu on his way back from pilgrimage. The reasons for it, at least at present, can only be surmised. Muḥammad al-Amīn may have been suspected of meddling in the internal affairs of the Segu empire, for he had stopped for a considerable time in Masina, a dependency, before coming to Segu the capital. His activity in spreading the Tijānīya order, or his version of it, was resented. He may have claimed to be the spiritual heir to al-Ḥājj 'Umar; and/or he may have somehow slighted the memory of al-Ḥāajj 'Umar. He may have appeared as a Soninke patriot, championing his people against Tokolor overlordship; but the theme of tribal loyalties, though indubitably important, needs careful handling. About 1885, he returned to Goundiourou, his birthplace, near Kayes.
Trade and Politics in Barotseland during the Kololo Period
Authors: Flint Eric
Published: July 2012

The relationship of trade to politics has long been a central theme in African history. This paper analyses this relationship in the context of Barotseland during the period of Kololo hegemony (c. 1840–64). The development of long-distance trade in Barotseland is first related, and then followed by a discussion of the impact which trade had upon the politics of the area. The conclusion suggests that the relationship of trade to politics was not only important, but complex as well. Politics affected trade as much as trade affected politics.
The Massingire Rising of 1884
Authors: Newitt M. D. D.
Published: July 2012

The Massingire acquired an identity separate from that of the other Maganja peoples under the leadership of a family of Indian origin called Vas dos Anjos. During the 1870s they became involved in a series of wars with the Makololo chiefs of the Shire, and the raids carried out by the Makololo on Portuguese territory threatened to implicate the Scottish mission in the Shire Highlands. In 1882 the Portuguese annexed Massingire after the deposition of the Vas dos Anjos chief, and in 1884 the whole area rose in rebellion supported by dissident elements on theprazosof the lower Zambezi. The Portuguese thought that the Makololo were responsible for the rising and that they had been aided by the Church of Scotland mission. The Massingire had, in fact, made many attempts to obtain official or unofficial British protection, and it is possible that they may have thought that their connections with the British would grant them the same sort of immunity as that enjoyed by the Makololo. When the frontiers were finally drawn in 1891, Massingire was divided, the larger part falling to the Portuguese.