bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alternative Techniques for Producing a Quality Surimi and Kamaboko from Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio)
Authors: Jafarpour A. , Gorczyca E.M.
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACT:  The demand for surimi and kamaboko is increasing in the world at the same time as the supply of the fish traditionally used has declined. In an effort to increase the range and hence supply of fish used, factors increasing the quality of surimi and kamaboko from common carp were investigated. The best surimi and kamaboko characteristics were produced by a modified conventional method (MCM) rather than traditional method (TM), alkaline‐aided method (AAM), and pH modified method (PMM). MCM processing used centrifugation instead of decanting and filtering to optimize dewatering and remove the sarcoplasmic proteins (Sp‐P). The temperature sweep test, at the end of sol–gel transition stage (at 75 °C), showed significantly (P < 0.05) greater G′ for the kamaboko from MCM than that from other methods tested. Furthermore, the greatest and the least gel strengths were obtained with MCM and TM kamaboko, respectively. The protein recovery was about 67%, 74%, 87%, and 92% for TM, AAM, MCM, and PMM, respectively. TM and MCM resulted in the removal of Sp‐P as determined by SDS‐PAGE. The superiority of MCM kamaboko gel characteristics was supported by scanning electron micrographs (SEM) of the gel, which showed a significantly (P < 0.05) greater number of polygonal structures than for the TM kamaboko, which had the fewest and largest polygonal structures. The pH‐shifting methods improved the textural quality of the resultant kamaboko compared with TM. However, a simple modification (centrifugation compared with decanting) by MCM in the surimi process can further improve the quality of the surimi and kamaboko gels. Furthermore, because it removed Sp‐P and still preserved gel strength, it suggests that Sp‐P are not required for gel strength.
Go‐Go Global: Teaching What We Know of Culture and the Negotiation Dance
Authors: Adair Wendi L.
Published: October 2008

This article discusses content and methods for bringing recent empirical findings on culture and the negotiation dance into the classroom. Topics include differences between the low and high context negotiation dance, offers as information, avoiding first offer anchors, and negotiation stages. Methods are discussed for teaching these topics using an experimental experiential approach in a culturally homogeneous or culturally diverse negotiation class.
Using Final Deadlines Strategically in Negotiation
Authors: Gino Francesca , Moore Don
Published: October 2008

Many practitioner‐oriented negotiation texts advise negotiators who are under time pressure to keep their final deadlines secret, especially if they are in a weak position. While this advice is consistent with intuition, recent research on the effects of revealing deadlines in negotiation has proven it to be incorrect. This is a useful lesson for students of negotiation, who often find themselves under time pressure at the bargaining table. The article discusses ways in which this lesson can be successfully taught in the classroom. In doing so, the present work reviews prior studies that investigated the effects of revealing final deadlines on negotiation outcomes and explains why negotiators mistakenly believe they ought to keep their deadlines secret.
Development and characterization of chloroplast microsatellite markers for Cryptomeria japonica D. Don
Authors: HIRAO T. , WATANABE A. , MIYAMOTO N. , TAKATA K.
Published: October 2008

We developed 17 chloroplast microsatellite markers, which consisted of seven mononucleotide microsatellites with a minimum repeat number of 10 and 10 dinucleotide microsatellites with a minimum repeat number of six, from the complete chloroplast genomic sequence of Cryptomeria japonica. A survey of 45 C. japonica individuals showed the number of alleles ranging from two to 11 alleles and a diversity index ranging from 0.085 to 0.895. Consequently, the 45 C. japonica individuals were divided into 39 haplotypes. These markers will be useful genetic markers in the gene flow analysis and population genetics of C. japonica.
Isometric force development in human horizontal eye muscles and pulleys during saccadic eye movements
Authors: Lennerstrand Gunnar , Bolzani Roberto , Benassi Mariagrazia , Tian Suna , Schiavi Costantino
Published: October 2008

Purpose:  The connective tissue elements forming the check ligaments and portals of the human eye muscles have recently been ascribed with a pulley function. Active positioning of the pulleys over orbital layer contraction during eye movements has been suggested. Other studies have instead demonstrated fibrous tissue connections between all parts of the muscle and the pulleys. We aimed to compare the isometric force developed at the muscle tendon and at the pulleys of the horizontal eye muscles, and to investigate which eye muscle structures might exert force on the pulleys.

Methods:  Isometric force development was recorded from the lateral and medial rectus muscles in six patients operated for strabismus under topical anaesthesia. Two strain gauge probes were used, each attached with 5–0 silk sutures either to the muscle tendon or to the pulley. The eye muscles were activated by horizontal saccadic eye movements in steps from 30 degrees in the off‐direction to 30 degrees in the on‐direction of the muscles.

Results:  The forces developed at the tendon and pulley were almost identical with respect to amplitude and other parameters. No differences were found in forces developed at the pulleys of the medial and lateral rectus muscles.

Conclusions:  The results support the presence of fibrous tissue connections between all eye muscle fibres and pulley structures, rather than orbital fibre control of the pulley.
Longterm results after phacovitrectomy and foldable intraocular lens implantation
Authors: Li Wensheng , Sun Gang , Wu Ronghan , Wang Xindan , Xu Ming , Sun Changwen
Published: October 2008

Purpose:  This study aimed to evaluate the longterm results of phacovitrectomy and foldable intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in eyes with significant cataract and co‐existing vitreoretinal diseases.

Methods:  We carried out a retrospective study of 186 eyes of 149 patients with various vitreoretinal abnormalities and visually significant cataracts. Vitreoretinal surgery was combined with phacoemulsification and foldable IOL implantation. Main outcome measures were visual acuity (VA), preoperative data, and intraoperative and postoperative complications.

Results:  The most common indications for surgery were non‐diabetic vitreous haemorrhage and proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Preoperative vision ranged from 0.6 to light perception; postoperative vision ranged from 1.2 to no light perception. Postoperatively, in 162 eyes (87.1%) VA improved by ≥ 3 lines on the decimal chart. In 14 eyes (7.5%), vision remained within 3 lines of preoperative levels and in 10 eyes (5.3%), vision had decreased by the last follow‐up. Postoperative complications included elevated intraocular pressure and posterior capsule opacification, corneal edema, macular edema, fibrinous reaction, vitreous hemorrhage, corneal epithelial defects, anterior chamber hyphema, choroidal detachment, persistent macular hole, posterior synechiae, recurrent retinal detachment, rubeosis iridis, neovascular glaucoma.

Conclusions:  Combined vitreoretinal surgery and phacoemulsification with foldable IOL implantation is safe and effective in treating vitreoretinal abnormalities co‐existing with cataract. Based on extensive experience with the combined procedure, we suggest that combined surgery is recommended in selected patients with simultaneous vitreoretinal pathological changes and cataract.
A limited contribution of Ca2+ current facilitation to paired‐pulse facilitation of transmitter release at the rat calyx of Held
Authors: Müller Martin , Felmy Felix , Schneggenburger Ralf
Published: October 2008

Recent studies have suggested that transmitter release facilitation at synapses is largely mediated by presynaptic Ca2+ current facilitation, but the exact contribution of Ca2+ current facilitation has not been determined quantitatively. Here, we determine the contribution of Ca2+ current facilitation, and of an increase in the residual free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in the nerve terminal, to paired‐pulse facilitation of transmitter release at the calyx of Held. Under conditions of low release probability imposed by brief presynaptic voltage‐clamp steps, transmitter release facilitation at short interstimulus intervals (4 ms) was 227 ± 31% of control, Ca2+ current facilitation was 113 ± 4% of control, and the peak residual [Ca2+]i was 252 ± 18 nm over baseline. By inferring the ‘local’[Ca2+]i transients that drive transmitter release during these voltage‐clamp stimuli with the help of a kinetic release model, we estimate that Ca2+ current facilitation contributes to ∼40% to paired‐pulse facilitation of transmitter release. The remaining component of facilitation strongly depends on the build‐up, and on the decay of the residual free [Ca2+]i, but cannot be explained by linear summation of the residual free [Ca2+]i, and the back‐calculated ‘local’[Ca2+]i signal, which only accounts for ∼10% of the total release facilitation. Further voltage‐clamp experiments designed to compensate for Ca2+ current facilitation demonstrated that about half of the observed transmitter release facilitation remains in the absence of Ca2+ current facilitation. Our results indicate that paired‐pulse facilitation of transmitter release at the calyx of Held is driven by at least two distinct mechanisms: Ca2+ current facilitation, and a mechanism independent of Ca2+ current facilitation that closely tracks the time course of residual free [Ca2+]i.
Autonomous initiation and propagation of action potentials in neurons of the subthalamic nucleus
Authors: Atherton Jeremy F. , Wokosin David L. , Ramanathan Sankari , Bevan Mark D.
Published: October 2008

The activity of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) is intimately related to movement and is generated, in part, by voltage‐dependent Na+ (Nav) channels that drive autonomous firing. In order to determine the principles underlying the initiation and propagation of action potentials in STN neurons, 2‐photon laser scanning microscopy was used to guide tight‐seal whole‐cell somatic and loose‐seal cell‐attached axonal/dendritic patch‐clamp recordings and compartment‐selective ion channel manipulation in rat brain slices. Action potentials were first detected in a region that corresponded most closely to the unmyelinated axon initial segment, as defined by Golgi and ankyrin G labelling. Following initiation, action potentials propagated reliably into axonal and somatodendritic compartments with conduction velocities of ∼5 m s−1 and ∼0.7 m s−1, respectively. Action potentials generated by neurons with axons truncated within or beyond the axon initial segment were not significantly different. However, axon initial segment and somatic but not dendritic or more distal axonal application of low [Na+] ACSF or the selective Nav channel blocker tetrodotoxin consistently depolarized action potential threshold. Finally, somatodendritic but not axonal application of GABA evoked large, rapid inhibitory currents in concordance with electron microscopic analyses, which revealed that the somatodendritic compartment was the principal target of putative inhibitory inputs. Together the data are consistent with the conclusions that in STN neurons the axon initial segment and soma express an excess of Nav channels for the generation of autonomous activity, while synaptic activation of somatodendritic GABAA receptors regulates the axonal initiation of action potentials.
Altered expression of TRPV1 and sensitivity to capsaicin in pulmonary myelinated afferents following chronic airway inflammation in the rat
Authors: Zhang Guangfan , Lin Ruei‐Lung , Wiggers Michelle , Snow Diane M. , Lee Lu‐Yuan
Published: October 2008

Vagal pulmonary myelinated afferents are normally not activated by capsaicin, a selective agonist of transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) receptors. This study was carried out to investigate whether the expression of TRPV1 in these afferents is altered when chronic airway inflammation is induced by ovalbumin (Ova) sensitization. Two groups of Brown–Norway rats (sensitized and control) were exposed to aerosolized Ova and vehicle, respectively, 3 days per week for 3 weeks. After the C‐fibre conduction in both vagus nerves was blocked, right‐atrial injection of capsaicin elicited augmented breaths in sensitized rats breathing spontaneously, but not in control rats, indicating a stimulation of rapidly adapting receptors (RARs) by capsaicin. Single‐unit fibre activities of RARs and slow adapting receptors (SARs), identified by their firing behaviour and adaptation indexes in response to lung inflation, were recorded in anaesthetized, vagotomized and artificially ventilated rats. Capsaicin injection evoked either negligible or no response in both RARs and SARs of control rats. However, in striking contrast, the same dose of capsaicin evoked an immediate stimulatory effect on these myelinated afferents in sensitized rats. Furthermore, the immunohistochemistry experiments showed that there was a significant increase in the proportion of TRPV1‐expressing pulmonary neurones in nodose ganglia of sensitized rats; this increase in TRPV1 expression was found mainly in neurofilament‐positive (myelinated) neurones. In conclusion, allergen‐induced airway inflammation clearly elevated capsaicin sensitivity in myelinated pulmonary afferents, which probably resulted from an increased expression of TRPV1 in these sensory nerves.
GABA transporter 1 tunes GABAergic synaptic transmission at output neurons of the mouse neostriatum
Authors: Kirmse Knut , Dvorzhak Anton , Kirischuk Sergei , Grantyn Rosemarie
Published: October 2008

GABAergic medium‐sized striatal output neurons (SONs) provide the principal output for the neostriatum. In vitro and in vivo data indicate that spike discharge of SONs is tightly controlled by effective synaptic inhibition. Although phasic GABAergic transmission critically depends on ambient GABA levels, the role of GABA transporters (GATs) in neostriatal GABAergic synaptic transmission is largely unknown. In the present study we aimed at elucidating the role of GAT‐1 in the developing mouse neostriatum (postnatal day (P) 7–34). We recorded GABAergic postsynaptic currents (PSCs) using the whole‐cell patch‐clamp technique. Based on the effects of NO‐711, a specific GAT‐1 blocker, we demonstrate that GAT‐1 is operative at this age and influences GABAergic synaptic transmission by presynaptic and postsynaptic mechanisms. Presynaptic GABABR‐mediated suppression of GABA release was found to be functional at all ages tested; however, there was no evidence for persistent GABABR activity under control conditions, unless GAT‐1 was blocked (P12–34). In addition, whereas no tonic GABAAR‐mediated conductances were detected in SONs until P14, application of a specific GABAAR antagonist caused distinct tonic outward currents later in development (P19–34). In the presence of NO‐711, tonic GABAAR‐mediated currents were also observed at P7–14 and were dramatically increased at more mature stages. Furthermore, GAT‐1 block reduced the median amplitude of GABAergic miniature PSCs indicating a decrease in quantal size. We conclude that in the murine neostriatum GAT‐1 operates in a net uptake mode. It prevents the persistent activation of presynaptic GABABRs (P12–34) and prevents (P7–14) or reduces (P19–34) tonic postsynaptic GABAAR activity.
Contribution of respiratory muscle blood flow to exercise‐induced diaphragmatic fatigue in trained cyclists
Authors: Vogiatzis Ioannis , Athanasopoulos Dimitris , Boushel Robert , Guenette Jordan A. , Koskolou Maria , Vasilopoulou Maroula , Wagner Harrieth , Roussos Charis , Wagner Peter D. , Zakynthinos Spyros
Published: October 2008

We investigated whether the greater degree of exercise‐induced diaphragmatic fatigue previously reported in highly trained athletes in hypoxia (compared with normoxia) could have a contribution from limited respiratory muscle blood flow. Seven trained cyclists completed three constant load 5 min exercise tests at inspired O2 fractions () of 0.13, 0.21 and 1.00 in balanced order. Work rates were selected to produce the same tidal volume, breathing frequency and respiratory muscle load at each (63 ± 1, 78 ± 1 and 87 ± 1% of normoxic maximal work rate, respectively). Intercostals and quadriceps muscle blood flow (IMBF and QMBF, respectively) were measured by near‐infrared spectroscopy over the left 7th intercostal space and the left vastus lateralis muscle, respectively, using indocyanine green dye. The mean pressure time product of the diaphragm and the work of breathing did not differ across the three exercise tests. After hypoxic exercise, twitch transdiaphragmatic pressure fell by 33.3 ± 4.8%, significantly (P < 0.05) more than after both normoxic (25.6 ± 3.5% reduction) and hyperoxic (26.6 ± 3.3% reduction) exercise, confirming greater fatigue in hypoxia. Despite lower leg power output in hypoxia, neither cardiac output nor QMBF (27.6 ± 1.2 l min−1 and 100.4 ± 8.7 ml (100 ml)−1 min−1, respectively) were significantly different compared with normoxia (28.4 ± 1.9 l min−1 and 94.4 ± 5.2 ml (100 ml)−1 min−1, respectively) and hyperoxia (27.8 ± 1.6 l min−1 and 95.1 ± 7.8 ml (100 ml)−1 min−1, respectively). Neither IMBF was different across hypoxia, normoxia and hyperoxia (53.6 ± 8.5, 49.9 ± 5.9 and 52.9 ± 5.9 ml (100 ml)−1 min−1, respectively). We conclude that when respiratory muscle energy requirement is not different between normoxia and hypoxia, diaphragmatic fatigue is greater in hypoxia as intercostal muscle blood flow is not increased (compared with normoxia) to compensate for the reduction in , thus further compromising O2 supply to the respiratory muscles.
Effects of Local Metal Loss on Deformability of Line Pipes Subjected to Compressive Load
Authors: Hashimoto Yoshikazu , Hagiwara Naoto , Yatabe Hiroshi , Oguchi Noritake
Published: October 2008

In this paper, the deformability of line pipe with local metal loss was examined. A full-scale experiment and a finite element (FE) analysis were carried out for line pipe with local metal loss subjected to an axial compressive load. As a result, a good agreement was obtained between the analytical and experimental results. This indicated that the present analytical method was applicable to evaluate the deformability of line pipes with local metal loss subjected to a large ground movement. Parametric studies were then conducted to clarify the relationship between the geometry of the local metal loss and the deformability using the FE analytical method.
Automatic coregistration of volumetric images based on implanted fiducial markers
Authors: Koch Martin , Maltz Jonathan S. , Belongie Serge J. , Gangadharan Bijumon , Bose Supratik , Shukla Himanshu , Bani‐Hashemi Ali R.
Published: October 2008

The accurate delivery of external beam radiation therapy is often facilitated through the implantation of radio‐opaque fiducial markers (gold seeds). Before the delivery of each treatment fraction, seed positions can be determined via low dose volumetric imaging. By registering these seed locations with the corresponding locations in the previously acquired treatment planning computed tomographic (CT) scan, it is possible to adjust the patient position so that seed displacement is accommodated. The authors present an unsupervised automatic algorithm that identifies seeds in both planning and pretreatment images and subsequently determines a rigid geometric transformation between the two sets. The algorithm is applied to the imaging series of ten prostate cancer patients. Each test series is comprised of a single multislice planning CT and multiple megavoltage conebeam (MVCB) images. Each MVCB dataset is obtained immediately prior to a subsequent treatment session. Seed locations were determined to within with an accuracy of for datasets obtained by application of a mean imaging dose of per study. False positives occurred in three separate instances, but only when datasets were obtained at imaging doses too low to enable fiducial resolution by a human operator, or when the prostate gland had undergone large displacement or significant deformation. The registration procedure requires under nine seconds of computation time on a typical contemporary computer workstation.
Initial evaluation of a commercial EPID modified to a novel direct‐detection configuration for radiotherapy dosimetry
Authors: Vial Philip , Greer Peter B. , Oliver Lyn , Baldock Clive
Published: October 2008

Electronic portal imaging devices (EPIDs) integrated with medical linear accelerators utilize an indirect‐detection EPID configuration (ID‐EPID). Amorphous silicon ID‐EPIDs provide high quality low dose images for verification of radiotherapy treatments but they have limitations as dosimeters. The standard ID‐EPID configuration includes a high atomic number phosphor scintillator screen, a copper layer, and other nonwater equivalent materials covering the detector. This configuration leads to marked differences in the response of an ID‐EPID compared to standard radiotherapy dosimeters such as ion chambers in water. In this study the phosphor and copper were removed from a standard commercial EPID to modify the configuration to a direct‐detection EPID (DD‐EPID). Using solid water as the buildup and backscatter for the detector, dosimetric measurements were performed on the DD‐EPID and compared to standard dose‐in‐water data for 6 and photons. The sensitivity of the DD‐EPID was approximately eight times less than the ID‐EPID but the signal was sufficient to produce accurate and reproducible beam profile measurements for open beams and an intensity‐modulated beam. Due to the lower signal levels it was found necessary to ensure that the dark field correction (no radiation) DD‐EPID signal was stable or updated frequently. The linearity of dose response was comparable to the ID‐EPID but with a greater under‐response at low doses. DD‐EPID measurements of field size output factors and beam profiles at the depth of maximum dose , and tissue‐maximum ratios between the depths of 0.5 and , were in close agreement with dose in water measurements. At depths beyond the DD‐EPID showed a greater change in response to field size than ionisation chamber measurements and the beam penumbrae were broader compared to diode scans. The modified DD‐EPID configuration studied here has the potential to improve the performance of EPIDs for dose verification of radiotherapy treatments.
Feature‐based rectal contour propagation from planning CT to cone beam CT
Authors: Xie Yaoqin , Chao Ming , Lee Percy , Xing Lei
Published: October 2008

The purpose of this work is to develop a novel feature‐based registration strategy to automatically map the rectal contours from planning computed tomography (CT) (pCT) to cone beam CT (CBCT). The rectal contours were manually outlined on the pCT. A narrow band with the outlined contour as its interior surface was then constructed, so that we can exclude the volume inside the rectum in the registration process. The corresponding contour in the CBCT was found by using a feature‐based registration algorithm, which consists of two steps: (1) automatically searching for control points in the pCT and CBCT based on the features of the surrounding tissue and matching the homologous control points using the scale invariance feature transformation; and (2) using the control points for a thin plate spline transformation to warp the narrow band and mapping the corresponding contours from pCT to CBCT. The proposed contour propagation technique is applied to digital phantoms and clinical cases and, in all cases, the contour mapping results are found to be clinically acceptable. For clinical cases, the method yielded satisfactory results even when there were significant rectal content changes between the pCT and CBCT scans. As a consequence, the accordance between the rectal volumes after deformable registration and the manually segmented rectum was found to be more than 90%. The proposed technique provides a powerful tool for adaptive radiotherapy of prostate, rectal, and gynecological cancers in the future.
Natal Homing and Connectivity in Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Populations
Authors: Rooker Jay R. , Secor David H. , De Metrio Gregorio , Schloesser Ryan , Block Barbara A. , Neilson John D.
Published: October 2008

Atlantic bluefin tuna populations are in steep decline, and an improved understanding of connectivity between individuals from eastern (Mediterranean Sea) and western (Gulf of Mexico) spawning areas is needed to manage remaining fisheries. Chemical signatures in the otoliths of yearlings from regional nurseries were distinct and served as natural tags to assess natal homing and mixing. Adults showed high rates of natal homing to both eastern and western spawning areas. Trans-Atlantic movement (east to west) was significant and size-dependent, with individuals of Mediterranean origin mixing with the western population in the U.S. Atlantic. The largest (oldest) bluefin tuna collected near the northern extent of their range in North American waters were almost exclusively of western origin, indicating that this region represents critical habitat for the western population.
Ubiquitin-Like Protein Involved in the Proteasome Pathway of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Pearce Michael J. , Mintseris Julian , Ferreyra Jessica , Gygi Steven P. , Darwin K. Heran
Published: October 2008

The protein modifier ubiquitin is a signal for proteasome-mediated degradation in eukaryotes. Proteasome-bearing prokaryotes have been thought to degrade proteins via a ubiquitin-independent pathway. We have identified a prokaryotic ubiquitin-like protein, Pup (Rv2111c), which was specifically conjugated to proteasome substrates in the pathogen
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
. Pupylation occurred on lysines and required proteasome accessory factor A (PafA). In a
pafA
mutant, pupylated proteins were absent and substrates accumulated, thereby connecting pupylation with degradation. Although analogous to ubiquitylation, pupylation appears to proceed by a different chemistry. Thus, like eukaryotes, bacteria may use a small-protein modifier to control protein stability.
Are Octahedral Ruthenium(II/III) and Osmium(II/III) Complexes Always Low-Spin?
Authors: Srnec Martin , Chalupský Jakub , Rulíšek Lubomír
Published: October 2008

The influence of geometrical changes on the spin multiplicity of the ground states of the octahedral ruthenium(II/III) and osmium(II/III) complexes is investigated using the TD-DFT and MRCI methods. On the example of the [RuCl6]4- complex, we show that only after the optimisation of the molecular geometry in a solvent (using a polarised continuum model), which shortens the M-L bond lengths by ~0.2 Å, is the correct order of spin states obtained (i.e. a singlet is correctly predicted to be the ground state). On the contrary, in terms of the in vacuo optimised geometries of this negatively charged species, both the DFT and MRCI calculations predict a quintet ground state. This finding is further analysed by calculating the low- and high-spin potential energy curves corresponding to an elongation of the M-L distance, which makes it possible to predict the critical point at which the crossing of the two spin states occurs. Finally, it is complemented by the TD-DFT calculations of the lowest excited states in each spin multiplicity for a series of prototypical ligands. It is demonstrated that the calculated results correlate well with the known strengths of the ligand field. The two findings presented in this work are a small contribution to our understanding of the electronic structure and properties of the octahedral ruthenium(II/III) and osmium(II/III) complexes, which are relevant both in biomolecular and material sciences.
Dog bites: still a problem?
Authors: Gilchrist J , Sacks J J , White D , Kresnow M-J
Published: October 2008

Objective:

To estimate the incidence of dog bites in the USA and compare it with similar estimates from 1994.

Design:

Nationally representative cross-sectional, list-assisted, random-digit-dialed telephone survey conducted during 2001–2003.

Methods:

Weighted estimates were generated from data collected by surveying 9684 households during 2001–2003 and compared with results from a similar survey conducted in 1994. Estimates for persons aged 15–17 years were extrapolated on the basis of rates for 10–14-year-olds.

Results:

Whereas the incidence of dog bites among adults remained relatively unchanged, there was a significant (47%) decline in the incidence of dog bites among children compared with that observed in the 1994 survey, particularly among boys and among those aged 0–4 years. Between 2001 and 2003, an estimated 4 521 300 persons were bitten each year. Of these, 885 000 required medical attention (19%). Children were more likely than adults to receive medical attention for a dog bite. Among adults, bite rates decreased with increasing age. Among children and adults, having a dog in the household was associated with a significantly increased incidence of dog bites, with increasing incidence also related to increasing numbers of dogs.

Conclusions:

Dog bites continue to be a public health problem affecting 1.5% of the US population annually. Although comparison with similar data from 1994 suggests that bite rates for children are decreasing, there still appears to be a need for effective prevention programs.
Does the decline in road traffic injury in London vary by ethnicity?
Authors: Malhotra N , Hutchings A , Edwards P
Published: October 2008

Objective:

To examine ethnic variations in trends in road traffic injuries in London.

Design:

Analysis of STATS19 data comparing trends in road traffic casualty rates by ethnic group.

Setting:

London, 2001–6.

Subjects:

Children (⩽14 years) and adults (⩾15 years).

Main outcome measures:

Annual casualty rates in white, black, and Asian pedestrians, cyclists, and car occupants.

Results:

Casualty rates in London declined each year between 2001 and 2006 by an average of 8.8% (95% CI 8.5% to 9.0%). After adjustment for area-level deprivation, there was good evidence that the average annual reduction in injury rates in car occupants was significantly less in Asian than in white adults (10.9% vs 14.4%, p<0.001). There was some evidence that average annual reductions in injury rates were lower in black than in white adult pedestrians (7.4% vs 9.3%, p = 0.041) and car occupants (13.2% vs 14.4%, p = 0.03).

Conclusions:

Casualty rates in London have declined for pedestrians, cyclists, and car occupants in three broad ethnic groups. Asian car drivers appear to have benefited least from these reductions.
Prevention of agricultural injuries: an evaluation of an education-based intervention
Authors: Hagel L M , Pickett W , Pahwa P , Day L , Brison R J , Marlenga B , Crowe T , Snodgrass P , Ulmer K , Dosman J A
Published: October 2008

Objective:

To evaluate the effectiveness of an agricultural health and safety program in reducing risks of injury.

Design:

Cross-sectional survey.

Setting:

50 rural municipalities in the Province of Saskatchewan, Canada.

Intervention:

The Agricultural Health and Safety Network (AHSN), a mainly educational program that administered 112 farm safety interventions over 19 years.

Subjects:

5292 farm people associated with 2392 Saskatchewan farms. Farms and associated farm people were categorized into three groups according to years of participation in the AHSN.

Main measures:

Impact: self-reported prevalence of: (1) farm safety practices; (2) physical farm hazards. Outcome: (1) self-reported agricultural injuries.

Results:

After adjustment for group imbalances and clustering at the rural municipality level, the prevalence of all impact and outcome measures was not significantly different on farms grouped according to years of AHSN participation. To illustrate, the adjusted relative risk of reporting no rollover protection on tractors among farms with none (0 years) versus high (>8 years) levels of AHSN participation was 0.95 (95% CI 0.69 to 1.30). The adjusted relative risk for agricultural injuries (all types) reported for the year before the survey was 0.99 (95% CI 0.74 to 1.32).

Conclusions:

Educational interventions delivered via the AHSN program were not associated with observable differences in farm safety practices, physical farm hazards, or farm-related injury outcomes. There is a need for the agricultural sector to extend the scope of its injury prevention initiatives to include the full public health model of education, engineering, and regulation.
Reducing the burden of road traffic injury: translating high-income country interventions to middle-income and low-income countries
Authors: Stevenson M , Yu J , Hendrie D , Li L-P , Ivers R , Zhou Y , Su S , Norton R
Published: October 2008

Objective:

To increase seat belt restraint use in Guangzhou City, People’s Republic of China.

Design:

Comparison group pre-test, post-test design.

Setting:

Guangzhou City.

Interventions:

Interventions to increase the prevalence of seat belt use in high-income countries (enhanced training and enforcement practices along with raising of public awareness) were adapted and implemented in Guangzhou. The prevalence of seat belt use was determined before and after the introduction of the 12-month intervention. Seat belt prevalence was also examined over the same time period in the neighboring city of Nanning, and an incremental cost-effectiveness analysis of the intervention was undertaken.

Main outcome measures:

Prevalence rates and incremental cost effectiveness ratios.

Results:

A 12% increase in seat belt use was observed in Guangzhou over the study period, increasing from a prevalence of 50% before (error range 30–62%) to 62% after (error range 60–67%) (p<0.001) the intervention; an absolute change difference between the intervention and reference city of 20% was achieved. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of the intervention was ¥3246 (US$418) per disability-adjusted life year saved.

Conclusions:

This city-wide intervention demonstrates that it is possible to increase the prevalence of seat belt use using similar methods to those used in high-income countries and, importantly, that such an approach is cost-effective.
Performance-based building codes: a call for injury prevention indicators that bridge health and building sectors: Table 1
Authors: Edwards N
Published: October 2008

The international introduction of performance-based building codes calls for a re-examination of indicators used to monitor their implementation. Indicators used in the building sector have a business orientation, target the life cycle of buildings, and guide asset management. In contrast, indicators used in the health sector focus on injury prevention, have a behavioural orientation, lack specificity with respect to features of the built environment, and do not take into account patterns of building use or building longevity. Suggestions for metrics that bridge the building and health sectors are discussed. The need for integrated surveillance systems in health and building sectors is outlined. It is time to reconsider commonly used epidemiological indicators in the field of injury prevention and determine their utility to address the accountability requirements of performance-based codes.
The Eocene mystery flower of McAbee, British Columbia
Authors: Manchester Steven R. , Pigg Kathleen B.
Published: October 2008

A distinctive, extinct type of flower and fruit is described based on coalified compression and impression fossils from the Eocene lake bed deposits of McAbee, British Columbia. Dillhoffia cachensis gen. et sp. nov. has an elongate-ellipsoidal fruit with an epigynous, completely connate funnelform calyx 1.8–2.9 cm in diameter, with an unlobed, orbicular margin. The fruit narrows apically into a single style divided into four slightly recurved stigmatic arms. Fruits are pedicellate, borne in globose heads. Stamens, pollen, and internal fruit morphology remain unknown, but the available details of gynoecial and perianth morphology present a suite of characters not encountered in any known extant genus, and the familial affinities remain uncertain. This is noteworthy, because many other elements of the same Eocene flora represent extant genera with clear familial assignments such as Cunninghamia , Ginkgo , Aesculus , Alnus , Betula , Dipteronia , Fagus , Trochodendron , and Ulmus .
VECTOR AND AXIAL-VECTOR STRUCTURES OF THE Θ+
Authors: KIM HYUN-CHUL , LEDWIG TIM , GOEKE KLAUS
Published: October 2008

We present in this talk recent results of the vector and axial-vector transitions of the nucleon to the pentaquark baryon Θ+, based on the SU(3) chiral quark-soliton model. The results are summarized as follows: K*NΘ vector and tensor coupling constants turn out to be gK*NΘ ≃ 0.81 and fK*NΘ ≃ 0.84, respectively, and the KNΘ axial-vector coupling constant to be [Formula: see text]. As a result, the total decay width for Θ+ → NK becomes very small: ΓΘ→NK ≃ 0.71 MeV , which is consistent with the DIANA result ΓΘ→NK = 0.36 ± 0.11 MeV .
THE OLD AND THE NEW OF PARITY-VIOLATING TWO-PION-EXCHANGE NN POTENTIAL
Authors: HYUN C. H. , DESPLANQUES B. , ANDO S. , LIU C.-P.
Published: October 2008

We consider the parity-violating two-pion-exchange potential obtained from the covari-ant formalism in the past and the state-of-the-art effective field theory approach. We discuss the behavior of the potential in coordinate space and its application to the parity-violating asymmetry in [Formula: see text] at threshold.
STRUCTURE OF THE NUCLEON AND ROPER RESONANCE WITH DIQUARK CORRELATIONS
Authors: NAGATA K. , HOSAKA A.
Published: October 2008

We investigate the electric form factors of the nucleon and Roper resonance using a quark-diquark model. We find that the charge radii of the nucleon and Roper resonance are almost the same in size.
DILEPTON PRODUCTION FROM DROPPING ρ IN THE VECTOR MANIFESTATION
Authors: HARADA MASAYASU , SASAKI CHIHIRO
Published: October 2008

In this write-up we summarize the main result of our analysis on the thermal dilepton production rate from the dropping ρ based on the vector manifestation (VM). In the analysis, we showed that the effect of the strong violation of the vector dominance (VD) predicted by the VM, substantially suppresses the dilepton production rate compared with the one predicted by assuming the VD together with the dropping ρ.
STRUCTURE AND FORMATION OF KAONIC ATOMS AND KAONIC NUCLEI
Authors: YAMAGATA JUNKO , HIRENZAKI SATORU , NAGAHIRO HIDEKO , JIDO DAISUKE
Published: October 2008

We study theoretically the in-flight (K−, N) reactions for the formation of [Formula: see text] systems using the microscopic chiral unitary s-wave [Formula: see text] amplitude to get deeper physical insights on the expected spectra, and to investigate the experimental feasibility of the reaction at J-PARC facility. We show the missing mass spectra of the (K−, N) reactions accompanied by the particle emissions due to [Formula: see text] absorption in nucleus.
QUARK MASS RATIOS AND MASS SPLIT OF π0-π±INChPTWITH THE DIFFERENCE OF QUARK CONDENSATES CONSIDERED
Authors: LI XIAOYA , WANG BIN , CHEN XIAOZHAO , LÜ XIAOFU
Published: October 2008

The chiral effective Lagrangian for pseudoscalar meson nonet including eight Goldstone bosons and a SU (3) singlet η0is constructed with the breaking effect of chiral symmetry in both quark condensate and quark mass differences taken into account. The [Formula: see text] mixing is discussed. By solving the mass equations of pseudoscalar mesons, the quark mass ratios are obtained and the quark condensate ratios are constrained in ranges. The mass split of π0-π±is discussed.
AdS/CFT CORRESPONDENCE VIA R-CURRENT CORRELATION FUNCTIONS REVISITED
Authors: MAMEDOV SHAHIN , PARVIZI SHAHROKH
Published: October 2008

Motivated by realizing open/closed string duality in the work by Gopakumar [Phys. Rev. D70, 025009 (2004)], we study two- and three-point correlation functions of R-current vector fields in [Formula: see text] super-Yang–Mills theory. These correlation functions in free field limit can be derived from the worldline formalism and are written as heat kernel integrals in the position space. We show that reparametrizing these integrals converts them to the expected AdS supergravity results which are known in terms of bulk to boundary propagators. We expect that this reparametrization corresponds to transforming open string moduli parametrization to the closed string ones.
ON THE SHAPES OF ELEMENTARY DOMAINS OR WHY MANDELBROT SET IS MADE FROM ALMOST IDEAL CIRCLES?
Authors: DOLOTIN V. , MOROZOV A.
Published: October 2008

Direct look at the celebrated "chaotic" Mandelbrot Set (in Fig. 1) immediately reveals that it is a collection of almost ideal circles and cardioids, unified in a specific forest structure. In the paper arXiv:hep-th/0501235, a systematic algebro-geometric approach was developed to the study of generic Mandelbrot sets, but emergency of nearly ideal circles in the special case of the family x2+ c was not fully explained. In the present, paper, the shape of the elementary constituents of Mandelbrot Set is explicitly calculated, and difference between the shapes of root and descendant domains (cardioids and circles respectively) is explained. Such qualitative difference persists for all other Mandelbrot sets: descendant domains always have one less cusp than the root ones. Details of the phase transition between different Mandelbrot sets are explicitly demonstrated, including overlaps between elementary domains and dynamics of attraction/repulsion regions. Explicit examples of three-dimensional sections of Universal Mandelbrot Set are given. Also a systematic small-size approximation is developed for evaluation of various Feigenbaum indices.
GAUGE AND YUKAWA COUPLINGS IN 6D SUPERSYMMETRIC SU(6) MODELS
Authors: UEKUSA NOBUHIRO
Published: October 2008

We study six-dimensional (6D) SU(6) supersymmetric models where the doublet–triplet splitting, quark–lepton mass relations and gaugino-mediated supersymmetry breaking are taken into account. We find that effective 4D gauge coupling constants have highly nontrivial behavior between two compactification scales. It is shown that realistic patterns of Yukawa coupling constants are obtained for valid values of parameters and that hierarchical numbers are generated via suppression by extra-dimensional effects.
NEW DIRAC QUANTUM MODES IN MOVING FRAMES OF THE DE SITTER SPACE–TIME
Authors: COTĂESCU ION I. , CRUCEAN COSMIN
Published: October 2008

Recently a new time-evolution picture of the Dirac quantum mechanics was defined in charts with spatially flat Robertson–Walker metrics, under the name of Schrödinger picture (I. I. Cotăescu, Mod. Phys. Lett. A22, 2965 (2007)). In the present paper, new Dirac quantum modes are found in moving charts of the de Sitter space–time using the technical advantages offered by this picture. The principal result is a new set of energy eigenspinors which behave as polarized plane waves and form a complete system of orthonormalized solutions of the free Dirac equation.
CONVOLUTION FORMULA AND FINITE W BOSON WIDTH EFFECTS IN TOP QUARK WIDTH
Authors: CALDERÓN G. , CASTRO G. LÓPEZ
Published: October 2008

In the Standard Model, the top quark decay width Γt is computed from the exclusive t → bW decay. We argue in favor of using the three body decays [Formula: see text] to compute Γt as a sum over these exclusive modes. As dictated by the S-matrix theory, these three body decays of the top quark involve only asymptotic states and incorporate the width of the W boson resonance in a natural way. The convolution formula commonly used to include the finite width effects is found to be valid, in the general case, when the intermediate resonance couples to a conserved current (limit of massless fermions in the case of W bosons). The relation Γt = Γ(t → bW) is recovered by taking the limit of massless fermions followed by the W boson narrow width approximation. Although both calculations of Γt are different at the formal level, their results would differ only by tiny effects induced by light fermion masses and higher-order radiative corrections.
FERMION DISPERSION IN AXION MEDIUM
Authors: MIKHEEV N. V. , NARYNSKAYA E. N.
Published: October 2008

The interaction of a fermion with the dense axion medium is investigated for the purpose of finding an axion medium effect on the fermion dispersion. It is shown that axion medium influence on the fermion dispersion under astrophysical conditions is negligible small if the correct Lagrangian of the axion–fermion interaction is used.
ON GEOMETRICAL INTERPRETATION OF NON-ABELIAN FLAT DIRECTION CONSTRAINTS
Authors: CLEAVER G. B. , NANOPOULOS D. V. , PERKINS J. T. , WALKER J. W.
Published: October 2008

In order to produce a low-energy effective field theory from a string model, it is necessary to specify a vacuum state. In order that this vacuum be supersymmetric, it is well known that all field expectation values must be along so-called flat directions, leaving the F- and D-terms of the scalar potential to be zero. The situation becomes particularly interesting when one attempts to realize such directions while assigning vacuum expectation values to fields transforming under non-Abelian representations of the gauge group. Since the expectation value is now shared among multiple components of a field, satisfaction of flatness becomes an inherently geometrical problem in the group space. Furthermore, the possibility emerges that a single seemingly dangerous F-term might experience a self-cancellation among its components. The hope exists that the geometric language can provide an intuitive and immediate recognition of when the D and F conditions are simultaneously compatible, as well as a powerful tool for their comprehensive classification. This is the avenue explored in this paper, and applied to the cases of SU (2) and SO (2N), relevant respectively to previous attempts at reproducing the MSSM and the flipped SU (5) GUT. Geometrical interpretation of non-Abelian flat directions finds application to M-theory through the recent conjecture of equivalence between D-term strings and wrapped D-branes of Type II theory.1 Knowledge of the geometry of the flat direction "landscape" of a D-term string model could yield information about the dual brane model. It is hoped that the techniques encountered will be of benefit in extending the viability of the quasirealistic phenomenologies already developed.
LANDSCAPE IMPLICATIONS OF EXTENDED HIGGS MODELS
Authors: CLAVELLI L.
Published: October 2008

From several points of view, it is strongly suggested that the current universe is unstable and will ultimately decay to one that is exactly supersymmetric (SUSY). The possibility that atoms and molecules form in this future universe requires that the degenerate electron/selectron mass is non-zero and hence that electroweak symmetry breaking (EWSB) survives the phase transition to exact SUSY. However, the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model (MSSM) and several of its extensions have no EWSB in the SUSY limit. Among the extended Higgs models that have been discussed, one stands out in this regard. The Higgs sector that is revealed at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) will therefore have implications for the future universe. We also address the question as to whether the transition to the exact SUSY phase with EWSB is exothermic.
IMPLEMENTATION OF ONE-QUBIT DEUTSCH–JOZSA ALGORITHM IN A TRIPLE-WELL SEMICONDUCTOR QUANTUM DOT SYSTEM
Authors: DONG PING , ZHENG XIAO-HU , CAO ZHUO-LIANG
Published: October 2008

A physical scheme for implementing the one-qubit Deutsch–Jozsa algorithm by electronic population adiabatic transfer in a triple-well quantum dot system is proposed. The scheme is relatively insensitive to gate errors and other external noise. Furthermore, the implementation of Deutsch–Jozsa algorithm via the quantum dot system provides a good example for oracle-based solid quantum computing.