bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative evaluation of refolding conditions for a disulfide‐bond‐containing protein using a concise 18O‐labeling technique
Authors: Uchimura Hiromasa , Kim Yusam , Mizuguchi Takaaki , Kiso Yoshiaki , Saito Kazuki
Published: April 2011

A concise method was developed for quantifying native disulfide‐bond formation in proteins using isotopically labeled internal standards, which were easily prepared with proteolytic 18O‐labeling. As the method has much higher throughput to estimate the amounts of fragments possessing native disulfide arrangements by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF‐MS) than the conventional high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analyses, it allows many different experimental conditions to be assessed in a short time. The method was applied to refolding experiments of a recombinant neuregulin 1‐β1 EGF‐like motif (NRG1‐β1), and the optimum conditions for preparing native NRG1‐β1 were obtained by quantitative comparisons. Protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) was most effective at the reduced/oxidized glutathione ratio of 2:1 for refolding the denatured sample NRG1‐β1 with the native disulfide bonds.
Antihyperlipidemic Effects of Salvia officinalis L. Leaf Extract in Patients with Hyperlipidemia: A Randomized Double‐Blind Placebo‐Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Kianbakht S. , Abasi B. , Perham M. , Hashem Dabaghian F.
Published: April 2011

Hyperlipidemia is a common metabolic disorder contributing to morbidities and mortalities due to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Conventional antihyperlipidemic drugs have limited efficacies and important side effects, so that alternative lipid lowering agents are needed. Salvia officinalis L. (sage) leaves have PPAR γ agonistic, pancreatic lipase and lipid absorption inhibitory, antioxidant, lipid peroxidation inhibitory and antiinflammatory effects. Thus, in this randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled clinical trial with 67 hyperlipidemic (hypercholesterolemic and/or hypertriglyceridemic) patients aged 56.4 ± 30.3 years (mean ± SD), the effects of taking sage leaf extract (one 500 mg capsule every 8 h for 2 months) on fasting blood levels of lipids, creatinine and liver enzymes including SGOT and SGPT were evaluated in 34 patients and compared with the placebo group (n = 33). The extract lowered the blood levels of total cholesterol (p < 0.001), triglyceride (p = 0.001), LDL (p = 0.004) and VLDL (p = 0.001), but increased the blood HDL levels (p < 0.001) without any significant effects on the blood levels of SGOT, SGPT and creatinine (p > 0.05) compared with the placebo group at the endpoint. No adverse effects were reported. The results suggest that sage may be effective and safe in the treatment of hyperlipidemia. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Differentiation of common diastereoisomeric ursane‐type triterpenoids by high‐performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Gao Jie , Shi Jianmei , Lu Xiaomeng , Sun Cuirong , Pan Yuanjiang
Published: April 2011

A rapid and stable method consisting of high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry was established for the identification and differentiation of common diastereoisomeric ursane‐type triterpenoids at the C‐3 position. Two characteristic fragment ions, [M–H–H2O–CO2]– and [M–H–H2O–HCOOH]–, exhibited significant stereochemical effects and were utilized to distinguish 3‐OH epimers. Based on reference standards, the abundance of the fragment ion [M–H–H2O–HCOOH]– in 3β‐OH compounds in the MS3 experiment was dramatically higher compared to [M–H–H2O–CO2]–; however, for 3α‐OH compounds, the product ion [M–H–H2O–CO2]– was noted to be higher than [M–H–H2O–HCOOH]–. Energy‐resolved mass spectrometric experiments were carried out to support the differentiation of these diastereoisomeric triterpenoids at the C‐3 position. Using this method, a total of nine ursane‐type triterpenoids from a plant crude extract, including four pairs of epimers at the C‐3 position, were identified and distinguished rapidly. Furthermore, offline Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance tandem mass spectrometry was also performed to assign accurate elemental compositions. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Unexpected matrix interactions in liquid secondary ion mass spectrometry of two pyranosyl mercaptans
Authors: Gardrat Christian , Joseph Benoît , Vitry Christiane , Castellan Alain , Rollin Patrick
Published: April 2011

An unexpected interaction with a thioglycerol matrix appeared in the liquid secondary ion mass spectrometry (LSIMS) spectra of two pyranosyl mercaptans [2,3,4,6‐tetra‐O‐acetyl‐1‐thio‐β‐D‐glucopyranose (1a) and 2,3,4,6‐tetra‐O‐acetyl‐1,5‐dithio‐β‐D‐glucopyranose (1b)] often used to prepare glucosinolates, important thiosaccharidic metabolites found in all plants of the order Brassicales. The reactions, probably occurring in the solvent cage, seem to involve radical mechanisms. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Single‐step transesterification with simultaneous concentration and stable isotope analysis of fatty acid methyl esters by gas chromatography‐combustion‐isotope ratio mass spectrometry
Authors: Panetta Robert J. , Jahren A. Hope
Published: April 2011

Gas chromatography‐combustion‐isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC‐C‐IRMS) is increasingly applied to food and metabolic studies for stable isotope analysis (δ13C), with the quantification of analyte concentration often obtained via a second alternative method. We describe a rapid direct transesterification of triacylglycerides (TAGs) for fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) analysis by GC‐C‐IRMS demonstrating robust simultaneous quantification of amount of analyte (mean r2 = 0.99, accuracy ±2% for 37 FAMEs) and δ13C (±0.13‰) in a single analytical run. The maximum FAME yield and optimal δ13C values are obtained by derivatizing with 10% (v/v) acetyl chloride in methanol for 1 h, while lower levels of acetyl chloride and shorter reaction times skewed the δ13C values by as much as 0.80‰. A Bland‐Altman evaluation of the GC‐C‐IRMS measurements resulted in excellent agreement for pure oils (±0.08‰) and oils extracted from French fries (±0.49‰), demonstrating reliable simultaneous quantification of FAME concentration and δ13C values. Thus, we conclude that for studies requiring both the quantification of analyte and δ13C data, such as authentication or metabolic flux studies, GC‐C‐IRMS can be used as the sole analytical method. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydrogen and oxygen isotope values in hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Barnette Janet E. , Lott Michael J. , Howa John D. , Podlesak David W. , Ehleringer James R.
Published: April 2011

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a widely used oxidizer with many commercial applications; unfortunately, it also has terrorist‐related uses. We analyzed 97 hydrogen peroxide solutions representing four grades purchased across the United States and in Mexico. As expected, the range of hydrogen (δ2H, 230‰) and oxygen (δ18O, 24‰) isotope values of the H2O2 solutions was large, reflecting the broad isotopic range of dilution waters. This resulted in predictable linear relationships of δ2H and δ18O values of H2O2 solutions that were near parallel to the Meteoric Water Line (MWL), offset by the concentration of H2O2 in the solution. By grade, dilute (3 to 35%) H2O2 solutions were not statistically different in slope. Although the δ2H values of manufactured H2O2 could be different from those of water, rapid H2O2–H2O exchange of H atoms eliminated any distinct isotope signal. We developed a method to measure the δ18O value of H2O2 independent of dilution water by directly measuring O2 gas generated from a catalase‐induced disproportionation reaction. We predicted that the δ18O values of H2O2 would be similar to that of atmospheric oxygen (+23.5‰), the predominant source of oxygen in the most common H2O2 manufacturing process (median disproportionated δ18O = 23.8‰). The predictable H‐O relationships in H2O2 solutions make it possible to distinguish commercial dilutions from clandestine concentration practices. Future applications of this work include synthesis studies that investigate the chemical link between H2O2 reagents and peroxide‐based explosive products, which may assist law enforcement in criminal investigations. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On‐line reaction monitoring by extractive electrospray ionisation
Authors: McCullough Bryan J. , Bristow Tony , O'Connor Gavin , Hopley Chris
Published: April 2011

The design and development of a novel extractive electrospray ionisation (EESI) device for on‐line reaction monitoring is described. The EESI apparatus uses a secondary, grounded nebuliser to produce an analyte aerosol and a Venturi pump is then used to transfer a sample of the aerosol to an electrospray source where it is ionised. The EESI apparatus was then tested with a variety of small, organic molecules to assess sensitivity, linearity and dynamic range. The performance of the technique will depend on the mass spectrometer used for the experiments; in the configurations used here it has a useable dynamic range of around 3.5 orders of magnitude with a linear range of around 2.5 orders of magnitude and is capable of analysing species present down to low µg/mL with signal‐to‐noise ratio greater than 2.5. The use of EESI for reaction monitoring was validated using a series of mock reaction mixtures and then used to monitor the base hydrolysis of ethyl salicylate to salicylic acid. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Formation of iron complexes from trifluoroacetic acid based liquid chromatography mobile phases as interference ions in liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization mass spectrometric analysis
Authors: Shukla Anil , Zhang Rui , Orton Daniel J. , Zhao Rui , Clauss Therese R. W. , Moore Ronald , Smith Richard D.
Published: April 2011

Two unexpected singly charged ions at m/z 1103 and 944 have been observed in mass spectra obtained from electrospray ionization mass spectrometric analysis of liquid chromatography effluents with mobile phases containing trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) that severely interfered with sample analysis. Accurate mass measurement and tandem mass spectrometry studies revealed that these two ions are composed of three components; clusters of trifluoroacetic acid, clusters of mass 159 and iron. Formation of these ions is inhibited by removing TFA from the mobile phases and using formic acid in its place, replacing the stainless steel union with a titanium union or by adding a small blank fused‐silica capillary column between the chromatography column and the electrospray tip via a stainless steel union without any adverse effects to chromatographic separation, peak broadening or peptide identifications. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrostatic force microscopy of self‐assembled peptide structures
Authors: Clausen Casper Hyttel , Dimaki Maria , Panagos Spyros Pantoleon , Kasotakis Emmanouil , Mitraki Anna , Svendsen Winnie Edith , Castillo‐León Jaime
Published: April 2011

In this report electrostatic force microscopy (EFM) is used to study different peptide self‐assembled structures such as tubes and particles. It is shown that not only geometrical information can be obtained using EFM, but also information about the composition of different structures. In particular we use EFM to investigate the structures of diphenylalanine peptide tubes, particles, and CSGAITIG peptide particles placed on pre‐fabricated SiO2 surfaces with a backgate. We show that the cavity in the peptide tubes could be due to the presence of water residues. Additionally we show that self‐assembled amyloid peptides form spherical solid structures containing the same self‐assembled peptide in its interior. In both cases transmission electron microscopy is used to verify these structures. Further, the limitations of the EFM technique are discussed, especially when the observed structures become small compared with the radius of the AFM tip used. Finally, an agreement between the detected signal and the structure of the hollow peptide tubes is demonstrated. SCANNING 33: 201–207, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Morphological and thermal characterization of native starches from Andean crops
Authors: Torres Fernando G. , Troncoso Omar P. , Díaz Diego A. , Amaya Evelin
Published: April 2011

We have characterized and compared the morphological and thermal properties exhibited by starches from different Andean crops. Starches were extracted from tubers, root, fruits, and other starch containing parts of different plants. Morphological characterization was carried out by means of light optical microscopy. Thermal analysis was performed by DSC. The morphological properties of starch granules as well as the gelatinization parameters vary considerably among plants sources. Feret's diameter of granule starches is related to the part of the plant from which starch is obtained corresponding the largest starch granules (≈42.5 µm) to tuber sources, whereas, smallest granules to root sources (≈8.9 µm). The specific enthalpies of gelatinization were in the range 9–18.7 J/g. An inverse correlation between specific enthalpies and specific surface area (SSA) for starch with water content of 75% indicates that starches with higher SSAs need less energy to complete the gelatinization process than those with lower SSAs. The results show that starches from Andean crops could be used as raw material for the production of new starch‐based thermoplastics.
Neural basis of affect and emotion
Authors: Kirkland Tabitha , Cunningham William A.
Published: April 2011

Research on affect and emotion has recently been informed by novel methods and theories in cognitive neuroscience. This perspective, known as affective neuroscience, has the potential to dramatically improve our understanding of fundamental processes of emotion. In this article, we review the major neural systems involved in emotion and consider the computational properties of these regions. Specifically, we consider affect systems associated with the representation of predicted and experienced affective states, the cortical re‐representation of body states, and the role of reflection in generating and maintaining emotional episodes. WIREs Cogni Sci 2011 2 656–665 DOI: 10.1002/wcs.145

This article is categorized under:

Neuroscience > Cognition
The Taguchi method
Authors: Mitra Amitava
Published: April 2011

Achieving robustness in product and process designs is of importance to various stakeholders such as manufacturers, suppliers, and consumers. As variability exists in all operations, it is desirable to create products and processes that are not very sensitive to factors that are not controllable. The Taguchi method is an approach to robust design. Inherent in the Taguchi method is the definition of a loss function. This loss function formulation is influenced by the type of quality characteristic under consideration, that is, smaller‐is‐better, larger‐is‐better, or target‐is‐best. Furthermore, based on the selected type of quality characteristic, a performance measure is defined. Such performance measures, usually called signal‐to‐noise (S/N) ratios, are used to determine optimal settings of the controllable factors. Typically, a two‐step procedure is adopted in the Taguchi method. In the first step, the S/N ratio is maximized, whereas in the second step, using an adjustment factor that does not affect the S/N ratio, the mean response is adjusted to meet the target value, where appropriate. Experimental designs make use of orthogonal arrays to determine factor settings for obtaining data for subsequent analysis. The number of experimental runs is very modest in relation to the number of factors being investigated. WIREs Comp Stat 2011 3 472–480 DOI: 10.1002/wics.169

This article is categorized under:

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Robust Methods

Data: Types and Structure > Time Series, Stochastic Processes, and Functional Data
Mucoadhesive nanosystems for vaginal microbicide development: friend or foe?
Authors: das Neves José , Amiji Mansoor , Sarmento Bruno
Published: April 2011

Topical microbicides are a promising strategy in the prevention of vaginal and rectal HIV transmission as well as other sexually transmitted pathogens. The perspective of developing nanotechnology‐based systems for topical microbicides seems to be useful because important features such as enhanced drug release, targeting, and epithelial penetration can be achieved. However, the interaction of nanoparticles with the mucus fluids that cover the cervicovaginal mucosal epithelium, which can work either as a docking point or as a barrier for diffusion, has been frequently neglected. In this review, we discuss the principles of nanosystems' adhesion to the mucosal tissue and how this relates to the development of optimized microbicide formulations. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2011 3 389–399 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.144

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Infectious Disease

Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology
Optimization of a functionally graded circular plate with inner rigid thin obstacles. I. Continuous problems
Authors: Hlaváček I. , Lovíšek J.
Published: April 2011

Optimal control problems are considered for a functionally graded circular plate with inner rigid obstacles. Axisymmetric bending and stretching of the plate is studied using the classical Kirchhoff theory. The plate material is assumed to vary according to a power‐law distribution in terms of the volume fractions of the constituents. Four optimal design problems are considered for the elastic circular plate. The state problem is represented by a variational inequality with a monotone operator and the design variables (i.e., the thickness and the exponent of the power‐law) influence both the coefficients and the set of admissible state functions. We prove the existence of a solution to the above‐mentioned optimal design problems.
Prediction of macrozoobenthic species distribution in the Korean Saemangeum tidal flat based on a logistic regression model of environmental parameters
Authors: Ryu Jongseong , Kim Hae‐Cheol , Khim Jong Seong , Kim Yong Hoon , Park Jinsoon , Kang Daeseok , Hwang Jin Hwan , Lee Chang‐Hee , Koh Chul‐Hwan
Published: April 2011

This study aims to contribute to the development of heuristic statistical models, which are able to predict benthic macrofaunal responses to environmental gradients in coastal areas, such as tidal flats. Ecological response surfaces were derived for 15 intertidal macrobenthic species, using logistic regression based on three separate environmental parameters (shore level, mud content, and organic content) measured on the tidal flats of the Saemangeum estuary, Korea. The presence/absence of the 15 intertidal macrofauna was accurately predicted from each separate environmental factor in the environmental models, with a prediction accuracy of ~65–92%. Subsequently, geographical comparison was made between the mapped probability surfaces and maps of observed species occurrence. The results indicated that the models developed for different species exhibited a wide variety of functional forms, highlighting potential variability in species response to changes in habitat conditions, even for closely associated species with a similar trophic type. Our modeling approach was capable of predicting macrobenthic species distributions with a relatively high degree of accuracy, although the ecological processes controlling intertidal macrobenthic distribution could not be fully determined. Overall, good agreement between modeling results and field observations, with relatively high concordance regardless of target species, emphasized that such an approach would be of practical use in terms of ecosystem approach to tidal flat management.
Aggregation and Thermodynamic Properties of Some Cationic Gemini Surfactants
Authors: Akbaş Halide , Elemenli Aylin , Boz Mesut
Published: April 2011

In this study, the gemini surfactants of the alkanediyl‐α‐ω‐bis(alkyl dimethyl ammonium) dibromide type, on the one hand, with different alkyl groups containing m carbon atoms and an ethanediyl spacer, referred to as “m‐2‐m” (m = 10, 12 and 16) and, on the other hand, with n‐C16 alkyl groups and different spacers containing s carbon atoms, referred to as “16‐s‐16” (s = 2, 6, 10 and Ar (8)) have been synthesized, purified and characterized. The critical micelle concentration (CMC), micelle ionization degree (α) and Gibbs free energy of micellization (∆Gmic) of these surfactants and the monomeric cationic surfactants DTAB and CTAB have been determined by means of electric conductivity measurements. In addition, the temperature dependence of the CMC was determined for the 10‐2‐10 gemini surfactant. The CMCs of the gemini surfactants are found to be much lower than those of the corresponding monomeric surfactants and the effect of the hydrophobic alkyl chain length is more important than that of the spacer. The CMC of 16‐s‐16 passes through a maximum of (or around) s = 6 and then decreases for s = 10. The presence of a maximum CMC is explained by the contribution of a change of conformation of the surfactant with increasing spacer chain length. The changes of α with s and m are found qualitatively similar to those found for CMC values. The values of ∆Gmic are more negative for the dimers than for the monomers and also change with an increasing spacer carbon number, as CMC values do. The thermodynamic parameters of micellization indicate that the micellization of 10‐2‐10 is enthalpy driven.
Microcredit, Family Planning Programs, and Contraceptive Behavior: Evidence From a Field Experiment in Ethiopia
Authors: Desai Jaikishan , Tarozzi Alessandro
Published: April 2011

The impact of community-based family planning programs and access to credit on contraceptive use, fertility, and family size preferences has not been established conclusively in the literature. We provide additional evidence on the possible effect of such programs by describing the results of a randomized field experiment whose main purpose was to increase the use of contraceptive methods in rural areas of Ethiopia. In the experiment, administrative areas were randomly allocated to one of three intervention groups or to a fourth control group. In the first intervention group, both credit and family planning services were provided and the credit officers also provided information on family planning. Only credit or family planning services, but not both, were provided in the other two intervention groups, while areas in the control group received neither type of service. Using pre- and post-intervention surveys, we find that neither type of program, combined or in isolation, led to an increase in contraceptive use that is significantly greater than that observed in the control group. We conjecture that the lack of impact has much to do with the mismatch between women’s preferred contraceptive method (injectibles) and the contraceptives provided by community-based agents (pills and condoms).
On the uniqueness of sign changing bound state solutions of a semilinear equation
Authors: Yarur Cecilia S. , Cortázar Carmen , García-Huidobro Marta
Published: April 2011

We establish the uniqueness of the higher radial bound state solutions of

\mathrm{\Delta }u + f(u) = 0,\:x \in \mathbb{R}^{n}.

We assume that the nonlinearity

f \in C(−\infty ,\infty )

is an odd function satisfying some convexity and growth conditions, and has one zero at

b > 0

, is nonpositive and not-identically 0 in

(0,b)

, positive in

[b,\infty)

, and is differentiable in

(0,\infty)

.
Absence of long‐term analgesic effect from a short‐term S‐ketamine infusion on fibromyalgia pain: A randomized, prospective, double blind, active placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Noppers Ingeborg , Niesters Marieke , Swartjes Maarten , Bauer Martin , Aarts Leon , Geleijnse Natasja , Mooren René , Dahanl Albert , Sarton Elise
Published: April 2011

To assess the analgesic efficacy of the N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor antagonist S(+)‐ketamine on fibromyalgia pain, the authors performed a randomized double blind, active placebo‐controlled trial. Twenty‐four fibromyalgia patients were randomized to receive a 30‐min intravenous infusion with S(+)‐ketamine (total dose 0.5 mg/kg, n=12) or the active placebo, midazolam (5 mg, n =12). Visual Analogue Pain Scores (VAS) and ketamine plasma samples were obtained for 2.5‐h following termination of treatment; pain scores derived from the fibromyalgia impact questionnaire (FIQ) were collected weekly during an 8‐week follow‐up. Fifteen min after termination of infusion the number of patients showing a reduction in pain scores >50% was 8 vs. 3 (P<0.05), at t=180 min 6 vs. 2 (ns), at the end of week‐1 2 vs. 0 (ns) and at end of week‐8 2 vs. 2 in the ketamine and midazolam groups, respectively. Ketamine effect on VAS closely followed ketamine plasma concentrations. For VAS and FIQ scores no significant differences in treatment effects were observed in the 2.5‐h following infusion or during the 8‐week follow‐up. Side effects as measured by the Bowdle questionnaire (which scores for 13 separate psychedelic symptoms) were mild to moderate in both study groups and declined rapidly, indicating adequate blinding of treatments. Efficacy of ketamine was limited and restricted in duration to its pharmacokinetics. The authors argue that a short‐term infusion of ketamine is insufficient to induce long‐term analgesic effects in fibromyalgia patients.
Toll‐like receptors in rheumatic diseases: Are we paying a high price for our defense against bugs?
Authors: Santegoets K.C.M. , van Bon L. , van den Berg W.B. , Wenink M.H. , Radstake T.R.D.J.
Published: April 2011

In the last decade Toll‐like receptor (TLR) research has led to new insights in the pathogenesis of many rheumatic diseases. In autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis and systemic sclerosis TLR signaling is likely to be involved in tolerance breakthrough and chronic inflammation via combined Fc gamma receptors and TLR recognition of immune complexes. Furthermore, inflammatory diseases like psoriatic arthritis and gout also show more and more evidence for TLR involvement. In this review we will discuss the involvement of TLR signaling in several rheumatic diseases and stress their similarities and differences based on recent findings.
Growth trajectories of the human fetal brain tissues estimated from 3D reconstructed in utero MRI
Authors: Scott Julia A. , Habas Piotr A. , Kim Kio , Rajagopalan Vidya , Hamzelou Kia S. , Corbett‐Detig James M. , Barkovich A. James , Glenn Orit A. , Studholme Colin
Published: April 2011

In the latter half of gestation (20–40 gestational weeks), human brain growth accelerates in conjunction with cortical folding and the deceleration of ventricular zone progenitor cell proliferation. These processes are reflected in changes in the volume of respective fetal tissue zones. Thus far, growth trajectories of the fetal tissue zones have been extracted primarily from 2D measurements on histological sections and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In this study, the volumes of major fetal zones—cortical plate (CP), subplate and intermediate zone (SP + IZ), germinal matrix (GMAT), deep gray nuclei (DG), and ventricles (VENT)—are calculated from automatic segmentation of motion‐corrected, 3D reconstructed MRI. We analyzed 48 T2‐weighted MRI scans from 39 normally developing fetuses in utero between 20.57 and 31.14 gestational weeks (GW). The supratentorial volume (STV) increased linearly at a rate of 15.22% per week. The SP + IZ (14.75% per week) and DG (15.56% per week) volumes increased at similar rates. The CP increased at a greater relative rate (18.00% per week), while the VENT (9.18% per week) changed more slowly. Therefore, CP increased as a fraction of STV and the VENT fraction declined. The total GMAT volume slightly increased then decreased after 25 GW. We did not detect volumetric sexual dimorphisms or total hemispheric volume asymmetries, which may emerge later in gestation. Further application of the automated fetal brain segmentation to later gestational ages will bridge the gap between volumetric studies of premature brain development and normal brain development in utero.
Supplementation with fish oil and coconut fat prevents prenatal stress‐induced changes in early postnatal development
Authors: Borsonelo Elizabethe C. , Suchecki Deborah , Calil Helena Maria , Galduróz José Carlos F.
Published: April 2011

Adequate development of the central nervous system depends on prenatal and postnatal factors. On one hand, prenatal stress (PNS) has been implicated in impaired development of the offspring. On other hand, nutritional factors during pregnancy and lactation can influence fetal and postnatal growth. This study assessed the postnatal development of rat offspring exposed to PNS, which consisted of restraint and bright lights, 3 times/day, from days 14 to 20 of pregnancy, whose mothers were fed different diets during pregnancy and lactation: regular diet, diet supplemented with coconut fat or fish oil. When pregnancy was confirmed, they were distributed into control (CTL) or PNS groups. At birth, PNS males and females weighed less than those in the group CTL. At 21 days of age, this alteration was no longer observed with fish oil and coconut fat groups. PNS and coconut fat diet induced increased locomotor activity in 13 day old male and female pups, and this effect was prevented by fish oil supplementation only in females. In conclusion, postnatal development from birth to weaning was influenced by PNS and diet and some of those alterations were prevented by coconut fat and fish oil.
The limited effects of power on satisfaction with joint consumption decisions
Authors: Fisher Robert J. , Grégoire Yany , Murray Kyle B.
Published: April 2011

We conduct three experiments in which participants in dyads choose between two restaurants, each of which is preferred by only one participant, and one participant has the power to decide which restaurant both will patronize. We find that the power to make a joint decision increases satisfaction with the choice only when those involved have a competitive decision orientation, a weak or anonymous relationship, and the outcome they choose is subsequently available. Participants who have a cooperative orientation are satisfied whether or not they have power and whether or not the resulting choice is consistent with their initial preferences.
Cyclic estrous-like behavior in a spayed cat associated with excessive sex-hormone production by an adrenocortical carcinoma
Authors: Meler Erika N. , Scott-Moncrieff J. Catharine , Peter Augustine T. , Bennett Sara , Ramos-Vara Jose , Salisbury S. Kathleen , Naughton James F.
Published: April 2011

A 15-year-old, spayed female domestic shorthair cat was evaluated for 1-year duration of cyclic intermittent estrous behavior. Diagnostic testing performed before referral, including baseline progesterone concentration, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone stimulation test and surgical exploratory laparotomy, had remained inconclusive for a remnant ovary. Evaluation of sex hormones before and after adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) administration revealed increased basal concentrations of androstenedione, estradiol, progesterone, and 17α−hydroxyprogesterone and normal ACTH-stimulated hormone concentrations. Enlargement of the right adrenal gland was identified by abdominal ultrasound. The cat underwent an adrenalectomy and histopathology of the excised adrenal gland was consistent with an adrenocortical carcinoma. Clinical signs resolved immediately following surgery, and most hormone concentrations declined to within or below the reference interval (RI) by 2 months after surgery.
Mucoceles of the oral cavity in pediatric patients
Authors: Wu Chung Wei , Kao Yu‐Hsun , Chen Chao‐Ming , Hsu Han Jen , Chen Chun‐Ming , Huang I‐Yueh
Published: April 2011

Mucoceles are quite common in the oral cavity, but reports on pediatric patients are very rare. The aims of this study were to present our data and experience in the treatment of mucoceles of the oral cavity in pediatric patients, to compare them with those of other countries, and to remind the pediatric physician to devote much attention to lesions of the oral cavity in children. This retrospective study is based on the record of the patients who received surgical treatment for mucoceles of the oral cavity with pathologic confirmation at the Department of Dentistry, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Taiwan, between 2000 and 2004. Patients younger than 18 years were included in this study. The analyzed data included age, gender, site, size, histopathologic findings, surgical methods, and complications. There were a total of 289 patients with mucoceles confirmed by histopathologic examination. As many as 64 patients were younger than 18 years. Of the 64, 34 were girls and 30 were boys; 89.1% of the lesions were in the lower lip; and 48.4% of the lesions were less than 5 mm in diameter. Histopathologic findings showed that all mucoceles were of the extravasation type. As many as 30 patients were treated by carbon dioxide laser vaporization, and two cases recurred (6.67%); 34 patients were treated by surgical excision, and the recurrence rate (5.88%) was not statistically different for the treatment methods. The laser vaporization has the advantage of less bleeding, no sutures, and saving time, especially suitable for children with oral mucocele.
Legislatures: Help or hindrance in achieving successful crisis management?
Authors: Stark Alastair
Published: April 2011

Legislatures have the potential to influence the politics and policies of crisis management. As such, they deserve analytical treatment from those interested in the effectiveness of state-led efforts to resolve crises. However, determining and evaluating the extent of a legislature's involvement in a crisis management process is a complicated research endeavour. The purpose of this article is to reduce this complexity by presenting a research framework that can be used for the analytical and evaluative exploration of legislatures in relation to crisis management. As the framework unfolds, insights are generated about how the interaction between politics and policy affects crisis management performance, and the ways in which interpretations of ‘success’ and ‘failure’ are constructed subjectively by crisis actors. Emerging from the framework is an argument that assessments of institutional performance must be cognizant of the ‘normative pluralism’ that characterises contemporary crises.
Chronic postoperative pain and sensory changes following reduction mammaplasty
Authors: von Sperling Marie L. , Høimyr Hilde , Finnerup Kenneth , Jensen Troels S. , Finnerup Nanna B.
Published: April 2011

Background

Few studies have examined persistent pain after reduction mammaplasty, and sensory changes remain a controversial subject with studies reporting both reduced, improved, and unchanged skin sensitivity following surgery. The aim of the present study was to describe the prevalence, character, and impact of sensory changes and persistent pain following breast reduction surgery and to assess possible causes and predictors of persistent sensory changes and chronic pain.

Methods

In May 2010, a detailed questionnaire was mailed to all 109 patients who underwent reduction mammaplasty at the Department of Plastic Surgery, Aalborg Hospital from September 2004 to February 2010. Ninety patients (83%) returned the questionnaire; mean age was 48.7 years (SD 14.7); and mean time since surgery was 27.7 months.

Results

Eight patients reported that they had sensory abnormalities in the breasts before surgery, which normalized or improved in four, remained unchanged in one, and worsened in three patients following surgery. Forty-nine patients (54%) reported sensory changes in the nipple–areola complex or skin as a consequence of surgery. Sixty-nine patients reported having pain before surgery (most often in the neck/back), which was completely relieved in 42% and partially in 43%. Twenty-five patients (28%) reported having pain in the breasts as a consequence of the operation: 20% had chronic pain (defined as constant pain or pain at least once weekly for at least 3 months) and 7% had moderate to severe pain. In more than half of the patients, the pain was compatible with neuropathic pain. Patients with pain tended to be less satisfied with the surgery than those without pain (p = 0.07, Mann–Whitney U test). Young age, time since surgery, complications to surgery and sensory abnormalities before surgery were significantly related to pain.

Conclusion

Reduction mammaplasty relieved neck and back pain in most patients, but the surgery is associated with a risk of developing new sensory abnormalities and persistent neuropatic pain.

Implications

The clinical implication of this study is that reduction mammaplasty may sooth preexisting neck- and back pain, but may lead to a new condition in the patient with chronic sensory changes and pain in the breasts.
ON BECOMING A CHIEF IN THE KAOKOVELD, COLONIAL NAMIBIA, 1916–25
Authors: GEWALD JAN-BART
Published: April 2011

In 1916 a warlord named Oorlog – ‘war’, in Afrikaans – moved into the Kaokoveld in the far north-west of what is now Namibia, and drove off the original inhabitants. Shortly after, Oorlog was formally recognized as a chief by the newly established South African administration and elevated to the highest position of power in the Kaokoveld. This article, through investigating how Oorlog came to be elevated to this position of power, explores issues of colonial governance and personal relationships. By focusing on the micropolitics of the Kaokoveld, it emphasizes how interpersonal relationships – not bureaucratic structures – were of crucial importance in the establishment and maintenance of early colonial rule in Africa.
Why Do Traders Choose to Trade Anonymously?
Authors: Comerton-Forde Carole , Putniņš Tālis J. , Tang Kar Mei
Published: April 2011

This paper examines the use, determinants, and impact of anonymous orders in a market where disclosure of broker identity in the trading screen is voluntary. We find that most trading occurs nonanonymously, contrary to prior literature that suggests liquidity gravitates to anonymous markets. By strategically using anonymity when it is beneficial, traders reduce their execution costs. Traders select anonymity based on various factors including order source, order size and aggressiveness, time of day, liquidity, and expected execution costs. Finally, we report how anonymous orders affect market quality and discuss implications for market design.
Governance Problems in Closely Held Corporations
Authors: Nagar Venky , Petroni Kathy , Wolfenzon Daniel
Published: April 2011

A major governance problem in closely held corporations is the majority shareholders’ expropriation of minority shareholders. As a solution, legal and finance research recommends that the main shareholder surrender some control to minority shareholders via ownership rights. We test this proposition on a large data set of closely held corporations. We find that shared-ownership firms report a substantially larger return on assets and lower expense-to-sales ratios. These findings are robust to institutionally motivated corrections for endogeneity of ownership structure. We provide evidence on the presence of governance problems and the effectiveness of shared ownership as a solution in settings characterized by illiquidity of ownership.
Spontaneous reversibility of damage to outer hair cells after sodium salicylate induced ototoxicity
Authors: de Almeida-Silva I , de Oliveira J A A , Rossato M , Salata F Fiacadori , Hyppolito M A
Published: April 2011

Background:

High sodium salicylate doses can cause reversible hearing loss and tinnitus, possibly due to reduced outer hair cell electromotility. Sodium salicylate is known to alter outer hair cell structure and function. This study determined the reversibility and cochlear recovery time after administration of an ototoxic sodium salicylate dose to guinea pigs with normal cochlear function.

Study design:

Prospective experimental investigation.

Methods:

All animals received a single 500 mg sodium salicylate dose, but with different durations of action. Function was evaluated before drug administration and immediately before sacrifice. Cochleae were processed and viewed using scanning electron microscopy.

Results:

Changes in outer hair cell function were observed to be present 2 hours after drug administration, with recovery of normal anatomy beginning after 24 hours. Subsequently, derangement and distortion of cilia reduced, with effects predominantly in row three. At 168 hours, cilia were near-normal but with mild distortions which interfered with normal cochlear physiology.

Conclusions:

Ciliary changes persisted for up to 168 hours after ototoxic sodium salicylate administration.
New species of the genus Isorropodon (Bivalvia: Vesicomyidae: Pliocardiinae) from cold methane seeps at Nyegga (Norwegian Sea, Vøring Plateau, Storrega Slide)
Authors: Krylova E.M. , Gebruk A.V. , Portnova D.A. , Todt C. , Haflidason H.
Published: April 2011

A new species of vesicomyid bivalve (Isorropodon nyeggaensis sp. nov.) is described based on shell morphology, from the Nyegga cold methane seep area on the Norwegian continental margin. This is the first description of vesicomyids from the Norwegian Sea and the northernmost record of recent representatives of the family Vesicomyidae. A dispersion of the genus into the Norwegian Sea basin from the north-eastern Atlantic is suggested. A brief description of other macrofauna from methane seep sites at Nyegga is also given.
Optimizing T-pod settings and testing range of detection for bottlenose dolphins in Doubtful Sound, New Zealand
Authors: Elliott Riley G. , Dawson Stephen M. , Rayment William J.
Published: April 2011

Autonomous acoustic data loggers can provide useful data on habitat use and activity patterns of vocalizing cetaceans. One type, the T-POD, uses filters that can be set to match the click characteristics of the target species. We used wideband acoustic recordings to document typical click spectra of bottlenose dolphins in Doubtful Sound, New Zealand, in order to develop T-POD settings optimal for that population. T-PODs at these settings made between 8 and 33 times as many detections as accompanying T-PODs set as in other studies of this species, confirming the value of optimizing settings for a particular dolphin population. Maximum detection range was 1313 m, and mean range of first detection was 593 m. Of 45 groups observed within 500 m of the T-POD, 47% were detected acoustically. Effective detection radius was estimated at 266 m (95% CI 222–317 m).
Spatial genetic structure and demographic inference of the Patagonian squidDoryteuthis gahiin the south-eastern Pacific Ocean
Authors: Ibáñez Christian M. , Argüelles Juan , Yamashiro Carmen , Adasme Luis , Céspedes Renato , Poulin Elie
Published: April 2011

Doryteuthis gahiis a small squid species that has a wide distribution in South America. This species is characterized by coastal and benthic spawning, and its ontogenetic vertical migration is associated with upwelling zones, features that may restrict its dispersal potential. It has also been proposed that populations of these neritic squid are structured by the influence of local processes which act as barriers to gene flow. Based on this background, we evaluate the geographical structure of genetic diversity inD. gahialong its distribution in the south-eastern Pacific Ocean. We used 116 COI mtDNA sequences of squid collected from different sites in Peru and Chile and calculated genetic diversity, the population structure index Fst, and performed analysis of spatial molecular variance and exact tests to detect differences among localities. To infer demographic history we carried out tests of neutrality and Bayesian skyline analysis. Although there was little molecular divergence between Peru and Chile, we detected a significant genetic differentiation ofD. gahialong its geographical distribution. Squid from Chile showed higher genetic diversity than those of Peru and the results of the demographic inference analysis suggest that the population of Peru is experiencing or experienced in the recent past demographic expansion, a pattern that was not found in Chile. We think that the current genetic patterns are consequences of northward migrations in the glaciation periods and posterior re-colonization of southern Chile in the deglacial period.
The Employment Effects of Recession on Couples in the UK: Women's and Household Employment Prospects and Partners’ Job Loss
Authors: HARKNESS SUSAN , EVANS MARTIN
Published: April 2011

The effect that the 2008/09 recession has had on unemployment and, in particular, on the distribution of job losses across households is of key concern to policymakers. During the 1991 recession rising male unemployment was associated with a sharp increase in the number of workless households, with this polarisation of work between ‘work-rich’ and ‘work-poor’ persisting many years later. Part of the reason for this polarisation was that the design of the tax and benefit system produced weak work incentives for women partnered to unemployed men, particularly if the jobs open to them were either part time or low paid. Since 1999, the United Kingdom has undertaken reform of employment and transfer programmes, with a particular focus on boosting incomes and work incentives for families with children. The resulting literature focussed on the impact that these reforms had on women's movements into employment. Since the economy entered recession in 2008, an increasingly important question is how have these reforms affected women's decisions to remain in employment (or enter into work) if their partner becomes unemployed. This paper usesLabour Force Surveydata to assess the effect of male job loss on their partners' employment and to examine the implications for the distribution of jobs across households. Results suggest that working women whose partners lost their jobs in the 2008/09 recession were more likely to remain in work than before and this has helped to mediate the growth in workless couple households.
Roman Grain Pests in Britain: Implications for Grain Supply and Agricultural Production
Authors: Smith David , Kenward Harry
Published: April 2011

It is over 30 years since Paul Buckland first presented a series of arguments concerning beetle (Coleoptera) grain pests: their origin, the timing of their introduction to Britain, and their implications for agricultural production during the Roman occupation. Here we return to the topic in the light of new data from a range of archaeological deposits, including civilian and military sites dating from the earliest period of Roman occupation. Infestation rates and, potentially, grain loss may have been high throughout Roman Britain, though many infestations may have been in equine feed. Beetle grain pests are not recorded in Britain prior to the Roman invasion, and it appears that they were absent, or extremely rare, in the early medieval period and up to the Norman Conquest. This pattern of occurrence is reviewed and it is suggested that ecological theory offers an explanation which is in accord with supposed socio-economic changes and trade. The role of grain pests is considered in the economic modelling of Romano-British agriculture.