bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fringe explosions: risk and vulnerability in Canada's new in‐between urban landscape
Authors: KEIL ROGER , YOUNG DOUGLAS
Published: September 2009

This article argues that a new landscape of urbanization takes shape in Canadian cities. In‐between the old downtowns and the new suburbs of urban Canada, a hitherto underexposed and under‐researched mix of residential, commercial, industrial, educational, agricultural and ecologically protected areas and land uses has become the home and workplace, and increasingly also the playspace of most people in Canada. The article examines this new landscape through the lens of the specific risks and vulnerabilities experienced by its inhabitants and users. Using a propane gas explosion in Toronto in the summer of 2008 as an example, we demonstrate that the ‘in‐between city’ is a space of great complexity, which has grown haphazardly and in a contradictory fashion, where, in contrast to the archetype of inner city and suburb, no clear spatial imaginary has been guiding urban development. This leads to always uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous proximities between various and competing uses and social practices. This is nowhere as clear as it is in the splintered urban infrastructures that service this landscape or use the in‐between city's space to service other adjacent or distant purposes.
Archipelagic Orinda? Katherine Philips and the Writing of Welsh Women’s Literary History
Authors: Prescott Sarah
Published: September 2009

This essay engages in current debates concerning the writing of early modern women’s ‘archipelagic’ literary history with specific reference to the 17th‐century poet Katherine Philips (1632–1664), known as the ‘matchless Orinda’. Taking into account literary scholarship on both women’s writing and British studies, the essay argues that both Wales and Anglophone Welsh women writers need to be incorporated into the debate if we are to have a genuinely inclusive archipelagic picture of early modern literary practices. The essay asks in what ways Katherine Philips can be discussed as a Welsh writer in an archipelagic frame and how this reassessment might impact on how we read her poetry. Further areas of investigation opened up by taking Katherine Philips as a case study include the extent to which Anglophone and Welsh women writers can be compared in the early modern period. The conclusion raises the possibility that there may have been little contact between the two literatures of Wales as practiced by early modern women writers.
Results of breast‐conserving therapy for multifocal or multicentric breast cancers
Authors: CHIE Eui Kyu , KIM Kyubo , HAN Wonshik , NOH Dong‐Young , OH Do‐Youn , IM Seock‐Ah , KIM Tae‐You , BANG Yung‐Jue , HA Sung W
Published: September 2009

Aim:  To evaluate the outcome of breast‐conserving treatment including adjuvant radiotherapy in patients with multifocal or multicentric breast cancers.

Methods:  Between February 1996 and January 2002 13 patients presented with multifocal or multicentric breast tumors underwent breast‐conserving therapy. Their median age was 44 years (range; 32–56). Nine patients had T1 disease and four had T2 disease. Nodal involvement was confirmed in three patients. All patients had breast‐conserving surgery and axillary lymph node dissection with clear resection margin. Whole breast irradiation was given up to 50.4 Gy in 28 fractions followed by 10 Gy boost to tumor bed. Twelve patients received adjuvant systemic therapy: chemotherapy in four patients, hormonal therapy in five patients and both in three patients.

Results:  At a median follow‐up duration of 70 months, all patients were alive without evidence of disease. The cosmetic outcome was evaluated in 11 patients. Cosmesis was excellent in two patients, good in six patients and fair in three patients.

Conclusion:  Multifocal and/or multicentric breast cancers can be successfully treated with breast‐conserving surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy when complete microscopic resection and contemporary systemic therapy are given.
Communicating breast cancer treatment complication risks: When words are likely to fail
Authors: GRAHAM Peter H , MARTIN Rowena M , BROWNE Lois H
Published: September 2009

Aim:  The aim of the present study was to describe women's preferences for the quantification of the risk of a serious complication after regional nodal radiotherapy for breast cancer and women's interpretation of a range of descriptive terms.

Methods:  A cross‐sectional survey was conducted to elicit risk expression preferences and interpretation of words commonly used to describe the risk or frequency of a complication. Two hundred and sixty‐two women who had experienced breast‐only radiotherapy for early breast cancer at a Sydney teaching hospital were recruited for the survey.

Results:  The most preferred single method of expression of a risk is descriptive words, for example “uncommon” (52%), followed by percentages (27%) and numbers, for example 1 in 100 (21%). Lower education levels, more advanced cancer stage and older age increase the preference for descriptive words. When considering a serious complication of treatment, such as loss of the function of an arm, the modal interpretation of the descriptors “sometimes” was 1/100 (36% of women), “uncommon” was 1/1000 (35%), “very uncommon” was 1/10 000 (40%), “rare” was 1/10 000 (58%) and “very rare” was 1/10 000 (51%). However, the range of interpretations and the consistent assignment of extremely low frequencies of risk generally render descriptive words without numerical quantification inadequate for informed consent.

Conclusion:  Although risks of side‐effects are often described in words such as common, uncommon and rare, qualification should be provided with numerical values to ensure better understanding of risk.
Corrosion Behavior of PM Processed Ti–Ca–P Bioceramic Composites in Hank's Balanced Salt Solution Using Potentiodynamic Studies
Authors: Karanjai Malobika , Jyothirmayi Addura , Sundaresan Ranganathan , Rama Mohan Tallapragada R. , Kashyap Badri P.
Published: September 2009

Ti–Ca–P bioceramic composites for load bearing implants developed by a new powder metallurgy processing technique were studied for their electrochemical corrosion properties. For determining corrosion behavior of such composites having in situ formed bioactive Ca–P phases, potentiodynamic and studies were conducted in simulated body fluid namely Hank's balanced salt solution. Potentiodynamic polarization tests showed no evidence of pitting corrosion. Corrosion potentials (−0.27 to −0.53 V) and corrosion rates (0.17–4.46 mills per year) of Ti–Ca–P bioceramic composite samples were superior to earlier reported results for coated Ti implants due to the formation of passive layer of bone‐like calcium phosphate on the sample surface.
The Effect of Prewetting on the Loading of γ‐Alumina Washcoated Cordierite Monolith
Authors: Mogalicherla Aswani Kumar , Kunzru Deepak
Published: September 2009

Washcoating of alumina on cordierite monoliths has been studied with the objective of preparing monoliths with high loadings (>30 wt%). As the alumina loading increased, the competition between spreading and imbibition of the slurry in the monolith channels had a predominant influence on the loading that could be achieved. It was observed that, partial saturation of the washcoat with water allowed the use of concentrated slurries during multiple immersions. The effect of prewetting on the washcoat properties such as adhesion, uniformity, porosity, and reproducibility was investigated.
MnO Modification on Microstructure and Electrical Properties of Lead‐Free Bi0.485Na0.425K0.06Ba0.03TiO3 Solid Solution Around Morphotropic Phase Boundary
Authors: Zhu Mankang , Hu Hanchen , Lei Na , Hou Yudong , Yan Hui
Published: September 2009

MnO‐added Bi0.485Na0.425K0.06Ba0.03TiO3 solid solution around the morphotropic phase boundary is produced by the solid oxide reaction process. All the specimens maintain a coexistence of rhombohedral and tetragonal phases, while the suitable addition of MnO apparently promoted grain growth. Besides, the suitable addition of MnO results in the increase of the dielectric permittivity ɛr, piezoelectric strain d33, electromechanical coupling kp, and the mechanical quality Qm, together with a decrease of dissipation factor tan δ. The specimen added with 0.30 wt% MnO reaches an optimal electrical properties: ɛr=863, tan δ=0.0124, d33=190 pC/N, kp=0.32, and Qm=314.
Cross‐Polarization Confocal Imaging of Subsurface Flaws in Silicon Nitride
Authors: Liu Zunping , Sun Jiangang , Pei Zhijian
Published: September 2009

A cross‐polarization confocal microscopy (CPCM) method was developed to image subsurface flaws in optically translucent silicon nitride (Si3N4) ceramics. Unlike conventional confocal microscopy, which measures reflected light so is applicable only to transparent and semi‐transparent materials, CPCM detects scattered light from subsurface while filtering out the reflected light from ceramic surface. For subsurface imaging, the refractive‐index mismatch between imaging (air) and imaged (ceramic) medium may cause image distortion and reduce resolution in the depth direction. This effect, characterized by an axial scaling factor (ASF), was analyzed and experimentally determined for glass and Si3N4 materials. The experimental CPCM system was used to image Hertzian C‐cracks generated by various indentation loads in the subsurface of a Si3N4 specimen. It was demonstrated that CPCM may provide detailed information of subsurface cracks, such as crack angle and path, and subsurface microstructural variations.
A Screening Design Approach for the Understanding of Spark Plasma Sintering Parameters: A Case of Translucent Polycrystalline Undoped Alumina
Authors: Aman Yann , Garnier Vincent , Djurado Elisabeth
Published: September 2009

An experimental screening design was used to evaluate the effects of spark plasma sintering (SPS) parameters such as heating rate, sintering temperature, dwell duration, and green‐shaping processing on the relative density, grain size, and the optical properties of polycrystalline alumina (PCA). It is shown that heating rate and sintering temperature are the most critical factors for the densification of PCA during SPS. Green‐shaping processing could prevent grain growth at low SPS sintering temperatures. No predominant SPS parameters are observed on the optical properties. Hence, the optical properties of PCA are controlled by microstructural evolution during the SPS process.
Spatial Patterns of Seed Dispersal by White‐Faced Capuchins in Costa Rica: Evaluating Distant‐Dependent Seed Mortality
Authors: Valenta Kim , Fedigan Linda M.
Published: September 2009

Spatial patterns of seed dispersal are the focus of numerous theoretical examinations of endozoochory. Here, we examine the spatial pattern of seed dispersal by white‐faced capuchin monkeys Cebus capucinus in Santa Rosa National Park, Costa Rica, and the neighborhood characteristics and distance variables most closely associated with seed survival and germination, and seedling survival and growth in various locations. Overall, distance to the nearest fruiting conspecific tree has the most positive, consistent effect on growth and survival variables, which supports a variation of the Janzen–Connell seed escape hypothesis.
Bird Community Composition in a Shaded Coffee Agro‐ecological Matrix in Puebla, Mexico: The Effects of Landscape Heterogeneity at Multiple Spatial Scales
Authors: Leyequién Eurídice , de Boer W.F. , Toledo Víctor M.
Published: September 2009

This study examined the importance of habitat heterogeneity on the avian community composition, and investigated the scale at which species abundances respond to habitat variables. The study was conducted within a diverse landscape matrix of a shaded coffee region in Mexico. To detect at which characteristic spatial scale different species and foraging guilds respond most strongly we analyzed the effect of plot‐, patch‐ and landscape‐level variables at different spatial extent (i.e., different kilometer radii) on species composition and foraging guilds. We used redundancy analysis to identify species–environment correlations, and to identify predictor variables that best explained the bird community structure, quantified the influence of plot‐, patch‐ and landscape‐level variables on the bird community composition. In addition, we used the 4th‐corner method to detect significant relationships between the dietary guilds and plot‐, patch‐ and landscape‐level variables. We recorded 12,335 individuals of 181 bird species; 105 bird species were recorded foraging within the shaded coffee plantations. We found that plot‐ and landscape‐level variables significantly explained the bird community composition best across all scales, and were significantly correlated with the abundance of the dietary guilds. In contrast, patch‐level variables were less important. Habitat composition variables (i.e., coffee, forest and agricultural area) were among the most important predictors. Canopy structure was more important than other vegetation structure variables in explaining dietary guild structure. Hence, the maintenance of a heterogeneous landscape with a high‐quality matrix within an agro‐ecological region enhances bird conservation.
Seedling Mortality and Herbivory Damage in Subtropical and Temperate Populations: Testing the Hypothesis of Higher Herbivore Pressure Toward the Tropics
Authors: del‐Val Ek , Armesto Juan J.
Published: September 2009

Herbivory rates are generally thought to be higher in tropical than in temperate forests. Nevertheless, tests of this biogeographic prediction by comparing a single plant species across a tropical‐temperate range are scarce. Here, we compare herbivore damage between subtropical and temperate populations of the evergreen tree Aextoxicon punctatum (Olivillo), distributed between 30° and 43° S along the Pacific margin of Chile. To assess the impact of herbivory on Olivillo seedlings, we set up 29 experimental plots, 1.5 × 3 m: 16 in forests of Fray Jorge National Park (subtropical latitude), and 13 in Guabún, Chiloé Island (temperate latitude). Half of each plot was fenced around with chicken wire, to exclude small mammals, and the other half was left unfenced. In each half of the plots we planted 16 seedlings of Olivillo in December 2003, with a total of 928 plants. Seedling survival, leaf production and herbivory by invertebrates were monitored over the next 16 mo. Small mammal herbivores killed ca 30 percent of seedlings in both sites. Nevertheless, invertebrate herbivory was greater in the temperate forest, thus contradicting the expected trend of increasing herbivore impact toward the tropics. Seedling growth was greater in subtropical forest suggesting better conditions for tree growth or that higher invertebrate herbivory depressed seedling growth in the temperate forest. Invertebrate herbivory increased toward temperate latitudes while small mammal herbivory was similar in both sites. We suggest that comparison of single species can be useful to test generalizations about latitudinal patterns and allow disentangling factors controlling herbivory patterns across communities.
MAPPING THE EFFECT OF INFORMATION ABOUT ANIMAL WELFARE ON CONSUMER LIKING AND WILLINGNESS TO PAY FOR YOGURT
Authors: CARLUCCI A. , MONTELEONE E. , BRAGHIERI A. , NAPOLITANO F.
Published: September 2009

Preference mapping identified different groups of consumers on the basis of their disconfirmations (occurring when the product is either better or worse than expected) and assimilations (occurring when actual liking [L] moves toward the expectations). The negative disconfirmation of a group of consumers (Group 1) was based on the information about animal welfare (the products were worse than expected because the information about animal welfare induced high expectations), whereas in Group 2 the sensory properties of the products prevailed in orienting consumer disconfirmation (products were worse than expected because the sensory properties of low‐fat yogurt were disliked). The map of assimilation showed that consumers from Group 1 had higher assimilation for plain yogurt associated with high welfare standards as a consequence of the high discrepancy between blind and expected L for these products. A similar behavior was observed for Group 2 (higher discrepancy between blind and expected L corresponding to higher assimilation for low‐fat yogurt paired with high welfare standards).

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Consumers based their choices both on sensory properties (plain yogurts were preferred to low‐fat yogurts) and on information about animal welfare (products associated with high welfare standards were preferred to the others). Preference mapping was able to identify groups of consumers behaving differently, as compared with the general trend, on the basis of their disconfirmations and assimilations.

Consumer willingness to pay reflected the hedonic behavior, thus validating the auction procedure for food liking evaluation purposes and providing a useful tool to obtain information about the real value (i.e., in monetary terms) consumers give to animal welfare.
IMPACT OF BOUNDARY‐SPANNING INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND POSITION IN CHAIN ON FIRM PERFORMANCE
Authors: YAO YULIANG , DRESNER MARTIN , PALMER JONATHAN W.
Published: September 2009

A series of hypotheses, derived from resource‐based view (RBV) and extended RBV theory, are developed to assess how boundary‐spanning information technologies (BSIT) are perceived to impact performance improvement, measured by order cost reduction, inventory reduction and customer satisfaction. Data are gathered from managers in the food industry to test our hypotheses. The results of our empirical analysis lend support to RBV theory in that we find that the use of BSIT is perceived to be positively associated with performance benefits. We also find that supply chain intermediaries — distributors and retailers — perceive greater performance improvements from BSIT than do manufacturers. The findings are significant in that investments in BSIT can produce important benefits for firm operations, and may forestall potential disintermediation from supply chains. Finally, we find that despite the greater perception of benefits from BSIT by intermediaries, they do not actually invest in BSIT to any greater extent than do manufacturers. This result may suggest that intermediaries are under‐investing in BSIT.
SPECIAL TOPIC FORUM ON SUSTAINABLE SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT: INTRODUCTION AND REFLECTIONS ON THE ROLE OF PURCHASING MANAGEMENT*
Authors: KRAUSE DANIEL R. , VACHON STEPHAN , KLASSEN ROBERT D.
Published: September 2009

This paper introduces a special topic forum on “Sustainable Supply Chain Management.” Before introducing the papers included in the forum, the authors provide thoughts on the direction and future of sustainability research, particularly in the context of purchasing and supply chain management. The underlying premise that structures our discussion is straightforward: a company is no more sustainable than its supply chain. As such the purchasing function becomes central in a company's sustainability effort. In doing so, we reflect on the relationship between purchasing management and sustainable development by drawing from Kraljic's seminal article on how “Purchasing Must Become Supply Management.”
LOOKING FORWARD, PUSHING BACK AND PEERING SIDEWAYS: ANALYZING THE SUSTAINABILITY OF INDUSTRIAL SYMBIOSIS
Authors: BANSAL PRATIMA , MCKNIGHT BRENT
Published: September 2009

This paper compares and contrasts two different forms of interorganizational relationships that deal with the production and movement of waste: industrial symbiosis and supply chains. Industrial symbiosis reuses, recycles and reprocesses byproducts and intermediates within the system of organizations, whereas conventional supply chains reduce waste within manufacturing processes and reuse end‐of‐life products. Although both these models address waste, there is surprisingly little consideration of industrial symbiosis within supply chain research. Yet, industrial symbiosis has much to offer the study of sustainable development within supply chains. Industrial symbiosis emphasizes community, cooperation and coordination among firms, which serves to protect the environmental integrity, social equity and economic prosperity of the region — all hallmarks of sustainable development. However, such tight integration among a diverse set of organizations is difficult to jump start and difficult to maintain. In this paper, we also outline the challenges and offer some ideas on how to address these challenges. We ground our insights from interviews with firms in the Sarnia‐Lambton region of Ontario, Canada. This region is home to over 130,000 people, and has a strong physical infrastructure and social structures that have facilitated symbiotic relationships among local businesses.
Improving the School Environment to Reduce School Violence: A Review of the Literature*
Authors: Johnson Sarah Lindstrom
Published: September 2009

BACKGROUND: School violence can impact the social, psychological, and physical well‐being of both students and teachers and disrupt the learning process. This review focuses on a new area of research, the mechanisms by which the school environment determines the likelihood of school violence.

METHODS: A search for peer‐reviewed articles was made in six databases and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's report on school‐violence interventions. Twenty‐five articles that attempted to understand the influence of either the school social or physical environment in determining teacher and student perceptions of safety and experiences of violence were included.

RESULTS: Most of the included articles were cross‐sectional surveys of junior high or high school students and staff. As articles used different measures of the school physical and social environment, a classification system was created. Using this system, studies show that schools with less violence tend to have students who are aware of school rules and believe they are fair, have positive relationships with their teachers, feel that they have ownership in their school, feel that they are in a classroom and school environment that is positive and focused on learning, and in an environment that is orderly.

CONCLUSION: The school social and physical environment appears to offer intervention opportunities to reduce school violence. However, the lack of consistency in school environment variables as well as the lack of longitudinal and experimental research designs limits the applicability of these findings.
Changes in Psychosocial Factors and Physical Activity Frequency Among Third‐ to Eighth‐Grade Girls Who Participated in a Developmentally Focused Youth Sport Program: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Debate Rita D. , Pettee Gabriel Kelley , Zwald Marissa , Huberty Jennifer , Zhang Yan
Published: September 2009

BACKGROUND: Despite the numerous physiological, psychological, and academic benefits of physical activity (PA), declines in PA levels among girls have been observed over the last decade. The purpose of this preliminary study was to assess the short‐term changes pertaining to Girls on the Run and Girls on Track developmentally focused youth sport programs (DYS) on global self‐esteem, body image, commitment to PA, and PA frequency.

METHODS: This preliminary study employed a nonexperimental, one‐group, pre‐ and postintervention study design using a 29‐item paper‐and‐pencil assessment tool (n = 1034).

RESULTS: Paired sample t‐tests from pre‐ to postintervention revealed statistically significant differences in self‐esteem (p < .001), body size satisfaction (p < .001), and vigorous PA frequency (p < .001). Stratification by the number of times participating in the intervention revealed the greatest changes at first participation followed with continued improvements in self‐esteem (p = .013) and body size satisfaction (p < .001) for those participating in a second time. Age differences were also observed between participants ≤10 years old and 11–15 years; in that significant improvements in commitment to PA (p = .003) were observed for the older girls.

CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest DYS programs Girls on the Run and Girls on Track may produce beneficial changes in self‐esteem, body size satisfaction, PA commitment, and PA frequency. Although the findings from the current report are preliminary, they suggest that DYS programs designed exclusively for girls may provide the necessary framework to promote PA to achieve the numerous associated benefits.
Female scent mobilizes leukocytes to airways in BALB/c male mice
Authors: LITVINOVA Ekatherina A. , MOSHKIN Mikhail P. , GERLINSKAYA Ludmila A. , NAGATOMI Ryoichi , ZHANG Xiumin , MATSUO Kaori , SHIKANO Shuichi
Published: September 2009

The scent of receptive females as a signal to reproduction stimulates male mice to olfactory search of a potential breeding partner. This searching behavior is coupled with infection risk due to bacterial contamination of the fecal and urine scent marks. We hypothesized that sniffing of female soiled bedding induced the migration of immuno‐competent cells into airways as a possible adaptation to breeding‐related infection. Using bronchoalveolar lavage in a study on mice, we found the number of leukocytes to be significantly higher in male mice that were provided new portions of soiled bedding daily from female cages, in comparison with male mice that were kept in isolation from female scent. The number of leukocytes in blood was equal in both groups. However, monocytes were fewer in number in male mice exposed to female scent than in male mice isolated from female mice. Scent‐induced migration of leukocytes was accompanied by typical behavioral (increased sniffing activity and aggressiveness) and morphological (increase preputial glands and seminal vesicles) responses to olfactory sexual stimulus.
Using presence signs to discriminate between similar species
Authors: SANTOS Sara M. , MIRA António P. , MATHIAS Maria Luz
Published: September 2009

The Lusitanian and the Mediterranean pine voles (Microtus lusitanicus Gerbe, 1879 and Microtus duodecimcostatus de Selys‐Longchamps, 1839) are fossorial sister species and have an allopatric pattern of distribution in Portugal, which includes a potential sympatry area in the centre of the country. The present study aimed to determine the validity of using presence signs in the field for discrimination of the two species in an area of sympatry (Northern Alentejo) and the characteristics that achieve the best classification accuracy. A total of 175 trapping plots were sampled across the study area. Prior to the set up of traps, ten presence signs were randomly selected for measurements of four variables: proportion of soil mounds, mean diameter of mounds, proportion of burrow openings and mean diameter of burrow openings. On the basis of a classification tree analysis, results showed that presence signs can be used to discriminate plots inhabited by one or the other species in the studied sympatry area. The characteristic that most accurately enables species identification is the proportion of burrow openings: for every ten presence signs found in a plot, if more than eight have an opening, then it is inhabited by M. lusitanicus (i.e. mostly burrow openings with few or no mounds present); if eight or fewer have an opening, M. duodecimcostatus is present (i.e. mostly mounds with few or no burrow openings).
Molecular analysis of the sex chromosomes of the platyfish Xiphophorus maculatus: Towards the identification of a new type of master sexual regulator in vertebrates
Authors: BÖHNE ASTRID , SCHULTHEIS Christina , GALIANA‐ARNOUX Delphine , FROSCHAUER Alexander , ZHOU Qingchun , SCHMIDT Cornelia , SELZ Yvonne , OZOUF‐COSTAZ Catherine , DETTAI Agnès , SEGURENS Béatrice , COULOUX Arnaud , BERNARD‐SAMAIN Sylvie , BARBE Valérie , CHILMONCZYK Stefan , BRUNET Frédéric , DARRAS Amandine , TOMASZKIEWICZ Marta , SEMON Marie , SCHARTL Manfred , VOLFF Jean‐Nicolas
Published: September 2009

In contrast to mammals and birds, fish display an amazing diversity of genetic sex determination systems, with frequent changes during evolution possibly associated with the emergence of new sex chromosomes and sex‐determining genes. To better understand the molecular and evolutionary mechanisms driving this diversity, several fish models are studied in parallel. Besides the medaka (Oryzias latipes Temminck and Schlegel, 1846) for which the master sex‐determination gene has been identified, one of the most advanced models for studying sex determination is the Southern platyfish (Xiphophorus maculatus, Günther 1966). Xiphophorus maculatus belongs to the Poeciliids, a family of live‐bearing freshwater fish, including platyfish, swordtails and guppies that perfectly illustrates the diversity of genetic sex‐determination mechanisms observed in teleosts. For X. maculatus, bacterial artificial chromosome contigs covering the sex‐determination region of the X and Y sex chromosomes have been constructed. Initial molecular analysis demonstrated that the sex‐determination region is very unstable and frequently undergoes duplications, deletions, inversions and other rearrangements. Eleven gene candidates linked to the master sex‐determining gene have been identified, some of them corresponding to pseudogenes. All putative genes are present on both the X and the Y chromosomes, suggesting a poor degree of differentiation and a young evolutionary age for platyfish sex chromosomes. When compared with other fish and tetrapod genomes, syntenies were detected only with autosomes. This observation supports an independent origin of sex chromosomes, not only in different vertebrate lineages but also between different fish species.
Origin of the neuro‐sensory system: new and expected insights from sponges
Authors: RENARD EMMANUELLE , VACELET Jean , GAZAVE Eve , LAPÉBIE Pascal , BORCHIELLINI Carole , ERESKOVSKY Alexander V.
Published: September 2009

The capacity of all cells to respond to stimuli implies the conduction of information at least over short distances. In multicellular organisms, more complex systems of integration and coordination of activities are necessary. In most animals, the processing of information is performed by a nervous system. Among the most basal taxa, sponges are nerveless so that it is traditionally assumed that the integrated neuro‐sensory system originated only once in Eumetazoa, a hypothesis not in agreement with some recent phylogenomic studies. The aim of this review is to show that recent data on sponges might provide clues for understanding the origin of this complex system. First, sponges are able to react to external stimuli, and some of them display spontaneous movement activities. These coordinated behaviors involve nervous system‐like mechanisms, such as action potentials and/or neurotransmitters. Second, genomic analyses show that sponges possess genes orthologous to those involved in the patterning or functioning of the neuro‐sensory system in Eumetazoa. Finally, some of these genes are expressed in specific cells (flask cells, choanocytes). Together with ultrastructural data, this gives rise to challenging hypotheses concerning cell types that might play neuro‐sensory‐like roles in sponges.
Darwin and the cirripedes: Insights and dreadful blunders
Authors: DEUTSCH Jean S.
Published: September 2009

Charles Darwin's favorite animals were cirripedes (barnacles). Indeed, he worked intensively on cirripedes during the years he was maturing his thoughts regarding his theory, which eventually led to the publication of The Origin of Species. Here I present some of Darwin's achievements in the morphology, systematics and biology of these small marine invertebrates, and also, in light of our present knowledge, some mistakes he made.
Antigenic Phenotype and Phagocytic Capacity of MG‐63 Osteosarcoma Line
Authors: Díaz‐Rodríguez L. , García‐Martínez O. , Arroyo‐Morales M. , Reyes‐Botella C. , Ruiz C.
Published: September 2009

Human osteoblasts isolated from bone tissue samples have their own specific antigen profile but also share expression of antigens that are characteristic of other immunocompetent cells. Given that these findings come from studies performed in primary cultures of human osteoblasts, it was decided to test whether these antigen profiles and functional characteristics are retained in a characterized osteoblast cell line (MG‐63). We show that some of these characteristics are also found in the MG‐63 osteosarcoma cell line. We have demonstrated, using monoclonal antibodies and cytometry, that these cells expressed CD10, CD13, CD44, and CD54 antigens but were negative for CD69 and HLA‐DR antigens. Functionally, 100% of MG‐63 cells showed phagocytic capacity with a high phagocytic index. This study corroborates that osteoblastic cells have an immunological profile.
The Role of Sirtuins in the Control of Metabolic Homeostasis
Authors: Yu Jiujiu , Auwerx Johan
Published: September 2009

Recently the function of the sirtuin family, named after their homology to the Saccharomyces cerevisiae gene silent information regulator 2 (Sir2), has received a lot of attention, as their beneficial impact on longevity was linked to their effects on metabolic control. All sirtuins require nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) for their deacetylase or ADP‐ribosyl transferase activity, linking their function tightly to cellular energy levels. SIRT1, the founding member of the sirtuin family, modulates many aspects of glucose and lipid homeostasis in almost all key metabolic tissues. Other members including SIRT2, SIRT3, and SIRT4 are also implicated in various metabolic processes. Here, we review the recent data related to the role of sirtuins in the control of metabolic homeostasis and possible underlying molecular mechanisms.
Bone Mineral Density, Osteocalcin, and Bone‐specific Alkaline Phosphatase in Patients with Insulin‐dependent Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Lumachi Franco , Camozzi Valentina , Tombolan Valeria , Luisetto Giovanni
Published: September 2009

The aims of this study were to evaluate the prevalence of osteopenia and the relationships between osteocalcin (OC), bone alkaline phosphatase (bALP), and bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). A group of 18 patients (median age 47, range 36–51) with uncomplicated IDDM (Group A) were matched by sex, age, and body mass index with 21 healthy control volunteers (Group B). All subjects underwent osteodensitometry with measurement of BMD at the lumbar spine and femoral neck. Osteopenia was present in 11 (61.1%) and 2 (9.5%) of Group A and B patients (P= 0.01), respectively. Both OC (28.4 ± 16.4 versus 41.2 ± 14.6 ng/mL; P= 0.005) and bALP (51.3 ± 11.8 versus 61.7 ± 10.6 U/L; P= 0.006) serum levels were significantly lower in patients with IDDM. BMD did not correlate with either OC or bALP. In conclusion, osteopenia is common among patients with IDDM, but the relationship between bone formation markers and BMD is still unclear.
From Sugar to Fat
Authors: Glimcher Laurie H. , Lee Ann‐Hwee
Published: September 2009

Lipogenesis occurs primarily in the liver, where dietary carbohydrates control the expression of key enzymes in glycolytic and lipogenic pathways. We have recently discovered that the transcription factor XBP1, best known as a key regulator of the unfolded protein response (UPR), is required for de novo fatty acid synthesis in the liver, a function unrelated to its role in the UPR.1 XBP1 protein expression is induced in the liver by a high carbohydrate diet and directly controls the induction of critical genes involved in fatty acid synthesis. Specific deletion of XBP1 in adult liver using an inducible approach results in profound hypocholesterolemia and hypotriglyceridemia, which could be attributed to diminished production of lipids in the liver. Notably, this phenotype is not associated with fatty liver (hepatic steatosis) or significant compromise in protein secretion. XBP1 joins an already rich field of transcriptional regulatory proteins in the control of hepatic lipogenesis. Its function in lipogenesis appears to be highly significant as evidenced by the phenotype of the genetic mutant strain. A more complete understanding of the mechanisms by which XBP1 accelerates de novo fatty acid synthesis in the liver while preserving normal hepatic lipid composition is highly relevant to the treatment of diseases such as atherosclerosis and metabolic syndrome that are associated with dyslipidemia. Since excess fat accumulation in the liver could result from increased hepatic fatty acid synthesis, compounds that inhibit XBP1 activation may also be useful therapeutics for the treatment of human alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), increasingly common causes of morbidity and mortality in the United States.
Universal Primer‐Multiplex PCR Approach for Simultaneous Detection of Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella spp. in Food Samples
Authors: Yuan Yanfang , Xu Wentao , Zhai Zhifang , Shi Hui , Luo Yunbo , Chen Zhuojun , Huang Kunlun
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACT:  Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella spp. are 3 kinds of the most important food‐borne human pathogens. Traditional microbiological analysis is labor‐intensive, time‐consuming, and easily contaminated, thus producing false positive signals; it also involves much subjectivity judgments. Multiplex‐PCR could be applied to detect multiple target organisms simultaneously to save time and labor, but there is always disproportionate amplification resulting from the disparity of different primers. To gain a rapid and sensitive method, a universal primer‐multiplex PCR system (UP‐M‐PCR) was developed and applied for simultaneous detection of the 3 organisms. This method simplified traditional multiplex‐PCR reaction system and overcame its amplification disparities among different primers; moreover, it got a high specificity and sensitivity (85, 155, and 104 copies/reaction for E. coli O157, L. monocytogenes, and Salmonella spp., respectively). Compared with the time‐consuming and laborious microbiological analysis, UP‐M‐PCR had a lower risk of cross‐contamination without inoculation and incubation. Test results for 36 food samples showed that UP‐M‐PCR method got a relative accuracy of 91.77% when compared with traditional microbiological analysis. It could serve as a rapid screening method for pathogen detection and could detect target genes even in dead pathogenic cells. In addition, it has the potential to be performed in an automation mode and might find broader application in simultaneous detection of other multiple pathogens.
Fluticasone Propionate Aerosol is More Effective for Prevention than Treatment of Recurrent Airway Obstruction
Authors: Robinson N.E. , Berney C. , Behan A. , Derksen F.J.
Published: September 2009

Background:Efficacy of inhaled fluticasone propionate (FP) for management of recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) has only been evaluated after several weeks' treatment.

Objectives:To compare efficacy of (1) 3‐day treatments with FP to dexamethasone (DEX) for management of RAO; and (2) FP and DEX to no treatment in prevention of acute RAO exacerbations.

Animals:Nine RAO affected horses.

Methods:Crossover studies in RAO‐affected horses compared (a) 3‐day treatment of RAO exacerbation with FP (3 and 6 mg q12h) and DEX (0.1 mg/kg q24h) and (b) FP (6 mg q12h) and DEX (0.1 mg/kg q24h) to no treatment for prevention of acute exacerbations of RAO. Treatment efficacy and unwanted effects were judged from maximal change in pleural pressure (ΔPplmax), serum cortisol (COR), bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cytology, and subjective scores for respiratory distress and lameness.

Results:In treatment trial, DEX and FP (6 mg) significantly decreased ΔPplmaxby 48 and 72 hours, respectively; FP (3 mg) had no significant effect. DEX decreased COR more than did FP. In prevention trial, both DEX and FP (6 mg) prevented the increase in ΔPplmaxthat occurred in untreated horses. Both treatments decreased COR to the same degree. FP and DEX had no effects on bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cytology and there was no evidence of laminitis.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance:FP (6 mg q12h) is as effective as DEX for prevention of acute exacerbations of RAO and lower doses should be evaluated. High‐dose FP is not as effective as DEX for treatment of RAO exacerbations.
Infectious Agents Detected in the Feces of Diarrheic Foals: A Retrospective Study of 233 Cases (2003–2008)
Authors: Frederick J. , Giguère S. , Sanchez L.C.
Published: September 2009

Background:Diarrhea is common in foals but there are no studies investigating the relative prevalence of common infectious agents in a population of hospitalized diarrheic foals.

Objectives:To determine the frequency of detection of infectious agents in a population of hospitalized foals with diarrhea and to determine if detection of specific pathogens is associated with age, outcome, or clinicopathologic data.

Animals:Two hundred and thirty‐three foals ≤ 10 months of age with diarrhea examined at a referral institution.

Methods:Retrospective case series. Each foal was examined forSalmonellaspp., viruses,Clostridium difficiletoxins,Clostridium perfringensculture,C. perfringensenterotoxin,Cryptosporidiumspp., and metazoan parasites in feces collected at admission or at the onset of diarrhea.

Results:At least 1 infectious agent was detected in 122 foals (55%). Rotavirus was most frequently detected (20%) followed byC. perfringens(18%),Salmonellaspp. (12%), andC. difficile(5%). Foals < 1 month of age were significantly more likely to be positive forC. perfringens(odds ratio [OR] = 15, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.5–66) or to have negative fecal diagnostic results (OR = 3.0, 95% CI = 1.7–5.2) than older foals. Foals > 1 month of age were significantly more likely to haveSalmonellaspp. (OR = 2.6, 95% CI = 1.2–6.0), rotavirus (OR = 13.3, 95% CI = 5.3–33), and parasites (OR = 23, 95% CI = 3.1–185) detected compared with younger foals. Overall 191 of the 223 foals (87%) survived. The type of infectious agent identified in the feces or bacteremia was not significantly associated with survival.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance:In the population studied, foals with diarrhea had a good prognosis regardless of which infectious agent was identified in the feces.
Study of the Influence of the Nominal Power on the Selection of the CCGT Power Plant Optimum Configuration Including Supercritical Configurations
Authors: Duran M. D. , Rovira A.
Published: September 2009

It is the purpose of this work to show how to select the best configuration as a function of the combined cycle power. It uses thermo-economic optimization technique based on flexible genetic algorithms (GA). These results will be based on a Thermoeconomic model developed in previous works, this maximizes the cash flow by choosing the correct parameters for the plant design — particularly those corresponding to the HRSG — subject to the restriction that hypothetical, but realistic turbines have already been chosen. This study begins with an analysis of the trends in the commercial gas turbines (GT) design. It was observed that in spite of the diverse companies, the design parameters as well as the turbine cost, follow certain trends depending on the turbine power. When a CCGT power plant is planned, once the GT is selected, is necessary to determine which configuration of the HRSG is the most appropriate in order to get the maximum performance and the best economical results. There is a wide variety of selections of CCGT power plants configurations. To facilitate the analysis of this ample number of CCGT systems we will apply our study to the following types of HRSG: Double pressure with and without reheater, Triple pressure levels with reheater and Triple pressure levels with reheater and supercritical pressure. As a result of this study it may be observed that some design trends should be established so as to decide which configuration (including supercritical cycles) is better to select to specific power.
Design With Constructal Theory: Vascularized Composites for Volumetric Cooling
Authors: Kim Sunwoo , Lorente Sylvie , Bejan Adrian
Published: September 2009

Constructal theory complements the analysis of thermodynamic systems by focusing on the flow configuration of the system, and on the relationship between configuration (design) and global performance. The design progress made in this emerging field is reviewed in a new book [1]. In this paper we outline our progress on developing flow architectures for a new class of smart materials: composites with vascular channels that provide volumetric flowing (bathing) and cooling.
Thermoeconomic Optimization of COOLCEP-S: A Novel Zero-CO2-Emission Power Cycle Using LNG (Liquified Natural Gas) Coldness
Authors: Liu Meng , Lior Noam , Zhang Na , Han Wei
Published: September 2009

This paper presents a thermoeconomic optimization of a novel zero-CO2 and other emissions and high efficiency power and refrigeration cogeneration system, COOLCEP-S† which uses the liquefied natural gas (LNG) coldness during its revaporization. It was predicted that at the turbine inlet temperature (TIT) of 900°C, the energy efficiency of the COOLCEP-S system reaches 59%. The thermoeconomic optimization determines the specific cost, the cost of electricity, and the system payback period. The optimization started by performing a thermodynamic sensitivity analysis, which has shown that for a fixed TIT and pressure ratio, the pinch point temperature difference in the recuperator, ΔTp1, and that in the condenser, ΔTp2, are the most significant unconstrained variables to have a significant effect on the thermal performance of this novel cycle. The thermoeconomic analysis of the cycle (with fixed net power output of 20 MW and plant life of 40 years) shows that the payback period with the revenue from electricity and CO2 mitigation was ∼5.9 years, and would be reduced to ∼3.1 years when there is a market for the refrigeration byproduct. The capital investment cost of the economically optimized plant is estimated to be about $1,000/kWe, and the cost of electricity is estimated to be 0.34–0.37 CNY/kWh (∼0.04 $/kWh). These values are much lower than those of conventional coal power plants being installed at this time in China, which, in contrast to COOLCEP-S, do produce CO2 emissions at that.
Process Simulation of a Reverse Osmosis Desalination Plant Powered by Photovoltaic Panels for Kalymnos Island
Authors: Amati Valentina , Zapater Carlos Herrando , Sciubba Enrico , Marcuello Javier Uche
Published: September 2009

The present paper discusses a novel application of the currently most popular water desalination technology: a solar-powered reverse osmosis plant (PV-RO in the following). Kalymnos, one of the Greek Dodecanese islands, was selected as the site for the design exercise. The solar irradiation data for this location were used to design the PV-RO plant that is simulated in this paper. The PV power production varies with insolation, and therefore the plant operates under variable flow conditions. This variability, as well as that induced by cloudy weather, is reduced by means of suitable electrical storage (a Pb-acid battery array). The influence of some relevant process parameters is studied by means of a numerical process simulation of the plant, and a pseudo-optimal operating point was found that minimizes the energy consumption per unit mass of distillate, within the World Health Organization standards of salt concentration. An economic analysis is also performed to calculate the product cost: the results indicate that the PV-RO plant is much more cost effective than the present ship-based water delivery system. An exergy and thermo-economic analysis are provided as well.