bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor–Associated Factor 1 (TRAF1) Deficiency Attenuates Atherosclerosis in Mice by Impairing Monocyte Recruitment to the Vessel Wall
Authors: Missiou Anna , Köstlin Natascha , Varo Nerea , Rudolf Philipp , Aichele Peter , Ernst Sandra , Münkel Christian , Walter Carina , Stachon Peter , Sommer Benjamin , Pfeifer Dietmar , Zirlik Katja , MacFarlane Lindsey , Wolf Dennis , Tsitsikov Erdyni , Bode Christoph , Libby Peter , Zirlik Andreas
Published: April 2010

Background—

Members of the tumor necrosis factor superfamily, such as tumor necrosis factor-α, potently promote atherogenesis in mice and humans. Tumor necrosis factor receptor–associated factors (TRAFs) are cytoplasmic adaptor proteins for this group of cytokines.

Methods and Results—

This study tested the hypothesis that TRAF1 modulates atherogenesis in vivo. TRAF1
−/−
/LDLR
−/−
mice that consumed a high-cholesterol diet for 18 weeks developed significantly smaller atherosclerotic lesions than LDLR
−/−
(LDL receptor–deficient) control animals. As the most prominent change in histological composition, plaques of TRAF1-deficient animals contained significantly fewer macrophages. Bone marrow transplantations revealed that TRAF1 deficiency in both hematopoietic and vascular resident cells contributed to the reduction in atherogenesis observed. Mechanistic studies showed that deficiency of TRAF1 in endothelial cells and monocytes reduced adhesion of inflammatory cells to the endothelium in static and dynamic assays. Impaired adhesion coincided with reduced cell spreading, actin polymerization, and CD29 expression in macrophages, as well as decreased expression of the adhesion molecules intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 in endothelial cells. Small interfering RNA studies in human cells verified these findings. Furthermore, TRAF1 messenger RNA levels were significantly elevated in the blood of patients with acute coronary syndrome.

Conclusions—

TRAF1 deficiency attenuates atherogenesis in mice, most likely owing to impaired monocyte recruitment to the vessel wall. These data identify TRAF1 as a potential treatment target for atherosclerosis.
Inhibiting Mitochondrial Fission Protects the Heart Against Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Ong Sang-Bing , Subrayan Sapna , Lim Shiang Y. , Yellon Derek M. , Davidson Sean M. , Hausenloy Derek J.
Published: April 2010

Background—

Whether alterations in mitochondrial morphology affect the susceptibility of the heart to ischemia/reperfusion injury is unknown. We hypothesized that modulating mitochondrial morphology protects the heart against ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Methods and Results—

In response to ischemia, mitochondria in HL-1 cells (a cardiac-derived cell line) undergo fragmentation, a process that is dependent on the mitochondrial fission protein dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1). Transfection of HL-1 cells with the mitochondrial fusion proteins mitofusin 1 or 2 or with Drp1
K38A
, a dominant-negative mutant form of Drp1, increased the percentage of cells containing elongated mitochondria (65±4%, 69±5%, and 63±6%, respectively, versus 46±6% in control: n=80 cells per group;
P
<0.05), decreased mitochondrial permeability transition pore sensitivity (by 2.4±0.5-, 2.3±0.7-, and 2.4±0.3-fold, respectively; n=80 cells per group;
P
<0.05), and reduced cell death after simulated ischemia/reperfusion injury (11.6±3.9%, 16.2±3.9%, and 12.1±2.9%, respectively, versus 41.8±4.1% in control: n=320 cells per group;
P
<0.05). Treatment of HL-1 cells with mitochondrial division inhibitor-1, a pharmacological inhibitor of Drp1, replicated these beneficial effects. Interestingly, elongated interfibrillar mitochondria were identified in the adult rodent heart with confocal and electron microscopy, and in vivo treatment with mitochondrial division inhibitor-1 increased the percentage of elongated mitochondria from 3.6±0.5% to 14.5±2.8% (
P
=0.023). Finally, treatment of adult murine cardiomyocytes with mitochondrial division inhibitor-1 reduced cell death and inhibited mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening after simulated ischemia/reperfusion injury, and in vivo treatment with mitochondrial division inhibitor-1 reduced myocardial infarct size in mice subject to coronary artery occlusion and reperfusion (21.0±2.2% with mitochondrial division inhibitor-1 versus 48.0±4.5% in control; n=6 animals per group;
P
<0.05).

Conclusion—

Inhibiting mitochondrial fission protects the heart against ischemia/reperfusion injury, suggesting a novel pharmacological strategy for cardioprotection.
Elevated Mineralocorticoid Receptor Activity in Aged Rat Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Promotes a Proinflammatory Phenotype via Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase 1/2 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-Dependent Pathways
Authors: Krug Alexander W. , Allenhöfer Lena , Monticone Robert , Spinetti Gaia , Gekle Michael , Wang Mingyi , Lakatta Edward G.
Published: April 2010

Arterial aging is a predominant risk factor for the onset of cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension, myocardial infarction, or stroke. Aging is associated with intravascular renin-angiotensin system activation, increased vascular stiffness, intima-media thickening, and a proinflammatory phenotype. Little is known about the influence of aldosterone on arterial aging. Hence, we hypothesized that aldosterone and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) activation might contribute to and possibly accelerate the arterial aging process. We demonstrate increased MR expression in whole aortae and early passage aortic vascular smooth muscle cells from aged (30 months) compared with adult (8 months) F344XBN rats. Sensitivity to aldosterone-induced extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 mitogen-activated protein kinase activity is increased in aged cells. MR blockade and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibition prevent age-associated increases of transforming growth factor-β, intercellular adhesion molecule 1, and procollagen 1. Aldosterone increases expression of proinflammatory marker proteins, shifting the phenotype of adult vascular smooth muscle cells toward the proinflammatory phenotype of aged rats. Epidermal growth factor receptor expression is increased with age and by aldosterone, and inhibition of epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase decreases age-associated proinflammatory marker expression. Our data support the hypothesis that increased constitutive MR signaling may promote and amplify age-associated inflammation that accompanies arterial aging through increased angiotensin II-stimulated expression of MR and enhanced sensitivity to aldosterone-mediated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 activation, likely related to increased epidermal growth factor receptor expression.
John Cassian and the Christology of Romans 8,3
Authors: Keech Dominic
Published: April 2010

This paper focuses on Cassian’s characterisation of Christ ‘in the likeness of sinful flesh’ (Romans 8,3) and argues that it forms a dual reception of the treatment of the same text found in the work of Origen and Augustine of Hippo. Inasmuch as Augustine’s exegesis constitutes a reception of Origen, Cassian’s reproduction of their shared thought forms a silent judgment on the impact and importance of the first Origenist Controversy in the Latin West. Further, whilst Origen and Augustine situate their Christological exegesis of the passage within a coherent account of the origin and transmission of sin, Cassian does not. Consequently, this paper questions recent scholarly attempts to re-evaluate Cassian’s capacities as a synthetic theologian, by arguing that he prioritised a distinct theological tradition and its authoritative representatives over a tight theological coherence in his work.
Variations in Subpixel Fire Properties with Season and Land Cover in Southern Africa
Authors: Eckmann Ted C. , Still Christopher J. , Roberts Dar A. , Michaelsen Joel C.
Published: April 2010

Some of the most widely used datasets for monitoring the world’s fires come from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) sensors aboard NASA’s Terra and Aqua satellites. For virtually all remote sensing systems, including MODIS, pixels that contain fires comprise a mix of burning and nonburning components, each with sizes and temperatures that vary between pixels. Current remote sensing products provide little information about these subpixel components, severely limiting estimates of the gas and aerosol emissions and ecological impacts from the world’s fires. This study shows how multiple endmember spectral mixture analysis (MESMA) can estimate subpixel fire sizes and temperatures from MODIS and can overcome many limitations of existing methods for characterizing fire intensities from remotely sensed data, such as the fire radiative power (FRP) approach. This study used MESMA to estimate subpixel fire sizes and temperatures for MODIS scenes in southern Africa, analyzed how these sizes and temperatures varied with season and land cover, and compared these to analyses made with FRP. This study could be the first to analyze fire sizes and temperatures on a spatial scale as large as a MODIS scene and a temporal scale as large as a full fire season. The variations in MESMA estimates of fire temperature with season and land cover were more consistent than the FRP estimates. Based on these findings, MESMA appears to be more effective than FRP at capturing some variations in fire temperatures, which strongly influence the gas and aerosol emissions from fires, along with their effects on ecosystems.
Surface Pressure Features of Landfalling Typhoon Rainbands and Their Possible Causes
Authors: Yu Cheng-Ku , Tsai Chia-Lun
Published: April 2010

This study uses temporally high-resolution surface observations, Doppler radar, and micro rain radar to document the finescale features of the two landfalling rainbands associated with Typhoon Longwang (2005) as they passed over northern Taiwan. The present case allows a unique opportunity to investigate well-defined, convectively active tropical cyclone rainbands over land. In particular, the surface pressure fluctuations observed during the passage of the two rainbands and their possible causes are explored. The rainbands were predominantly convective in nature, with embedded stratiform precipitation outside their inner/outer edge. Analyses of surface observations show similar surface pressure fluctuations during the rainband’s passage. Low (high) pressure with relatively strong (weak) cross-band flow and warmer (colder) temperature was located inside the outer (inner) edge. Maximum (minimum) pressure perturbations were observed to be ∼1.5 (∼−1) mb, with smaller magnitudes (<∼0.4 mb) outside the outer/inner edge. In particular, the studied rainbands possess some wavelike characteristics such as outward propagation, undulations of surface pressure perturbations, and opposite phase relation between the surface pressure perturbations and the cross-band flow. Detailed analyses indicate that the combined effects of pressure perturbations produced by moist convection and those associated with wave activities initiated within the typhoon could explain the observed surface features. The present study provides observational evidence to support the importance of wave dynamics and their interactions with moist convection for the generation of surface pressure perturbations associated with the observed tropical cyclone rainbands.
Kullback–Leibler Divergence as a Forecast Skill Score with Classic Reliability–Resolution–Uncertainty Decomposition
Authors: Weijs Steven V. , van Nooijen Ronald , van de Giesen Nick
Published: April 2010

This paper presents a score that can be used for evaluating probabilistic forecasts of multicategory events. The score is a reinterpretation of the logarithmic score or ignorance score, now formulated as the relative entropy or Kullback–Leibler divergence of the forecast distribution from the observation distribution. Using the information–theoretical concepts of entropy and relative entropy, a decomposition into three components is presented, analogous to the classic decomposition of the Brier score. The information–theoretical twins of the components uncertainty, resolution, and reliability provide diagnostic information about the quality of forecasts. The overall score measures the information conveyed by the forecast. As was shown recently, information theory provides a sound framework for forecast verification. The new decomposition, which has proven to be very useful for the Brier score and is widely used, can help acceptance of the logarithmic score in meteorology.
Dynamic Moisture Absorption Behavior of Polyester-Cotton Fabric and Mathematical Model
Authors: Yingchun Du  , Jin Li
Published: April 2010

We investigate the dynamic moisture absorption behavior of polyester—cotton fabrics of different warp and weft densities, survey the dry-basis moisture contents of these various fabrics under variant temperature and relative humidity, and acquire a dynamic moisture absorption curve and balanced moisture content of these fabrics. The results show that the fabric moisture absorption velocity is in reverse relation with its warp and weft densities. By applying the Fick’s Law for diffusion in porous media, a mathematical model for the fabric’s dynamic moisture absorption is established, which is represented in the form of a non-linear partial differential equation boundary value problem; in order to simplify the calculation of the solution, a model parameter a is put forward, defined as the “structural factor”, relating to the fabric structure. After the model is solved under six-point format finite difference method, the distribution of the dry-basis moisture content in the diffusion direction at different times can be obtained. Based on the experimental data, the golden section method is utilized to estimate the model parameter a, and the linear relation between the parameter a and the product of warp and weft densities j is obtained by mathematical software “Mathematica”. The simulation value of dry-basis moisture content from the model matches the experimental observations.
Prediction of the Color and of the Color Solidity of a Jigger-dyed Cellulose-based Fabric: A Cascade Neural Network Approach
Authors: Furferi Rocco , Carfagni Monica
Published: April 2010

The color and the color stability of a fabric dyed with a jigger machine are highly dependent on the color of the dyes and on technological parameters, such as the process temperature, pH of the dyebath, and time of dyeing. On the basis of their skill, colorists are capable of choosing the technological parameters and the recipes for dyes in order to obtain the desired dyed fabric. However, they need to perform many tests before reaching the preferred product. As a matter of fact, a straightforward relationship between the color of dyes, process parameters, and final color and color solidity is not found in literature. The present work aims to help the colorist in predicting the color and the color stability of the fabric, without the needing to physically dye it. In detail the paper describes a tool, based on the Cascade Neural Network (CNN), that is able to receive the value of some colorimetric and technological parameters as input and to predict, as output, the color appearance and the color solidity of a fabric dyed with a jigger machine. The CNN is composed of a “color prediction module” (ANN I) and a “color solidity prediction module” (ANN II) that work in cascade. The CNN has been validated by means of a large set of experiments. The mean error between the color prediction and the real values of the dyed fabric, in terms of CIE 1976 ( L*, a*, b *) color distance, is equal to 0.47 with a variance of 0.031. The maximum color solidity prediction error is 0.5.
Electrospun Nanofibers of Polypyrrole-Poly(Acrylonitrile-co-Vinyl Acetate)
Authors: Cetiner Suat , Kalaoglu Fatma , Karakas Hale , Sarac A. Sezai
Published: April 2010

The oxidative polymerization of pyrrole (Py) by cerium(IV) on Poly(Acrylonitrile- co-Vinyl Acetate) matrix was performed. Nanofibers were obtained from this solution by the electrospinning method. A new absorption band was observed corresponding to the CH in plane vibration of polypyrrole (PPy) by Fourier transform infrared-attenuated total reflectance spectrophotometric analysis. A linear relationship was determined between the absorbance ratios of functional groups corresponding to the conjugated polymeric units and initial Py concentrations in the presence and absence of Py. Scanning electron microscope images indicated that the diameters of nanofibers were dependent on PPy content and that the average nanofiber diameters were reduced with increasing the initially added Py concentration. The alternating current conductivity of nanofibers was increased with frequency, particularly in the higher frequency region (> 105 Hz).
Multilayered and Multidirectionally-stitched aramid Woven Fabric Structures: Experimental Characterization of Ballistic Performance by Considering the Yarn Pull-out Test
Authors: Bilisik K. , Korkmaz M.
Published: April 2010

The aim of this study was to understand the energy absorption mechanism and failure modes of newly developed multidirectionally-stitched structures. Para-aramid woven fabric was used. The structures were in unstitched and stitched forms. Nylon 6.6 yarn was used to stitch the structure in one, two and four directions whereas Kevlar® 129 yarn was used to make only the four-directionally-stitched structures. The yarn pull-out fixture was developed and the yarn pull-out test was performed on single woven fabric and stitched structures. Ballistic tests were performed on the structures using 9 mm full metal jacketed projectiles with a speed of 300 to 400 m/s. If the applied kinetic energy level is under the yarn breaking extension, crimp in the orthogonal yarns at the fabric structure is firstly removed, and thereafter yarn pull-out takes place in the structure plane, and later stage fabric deformation occurs in the out-of-plane direction of the structure. This phenomenon continues from the outside to the inside layers. If the applied kinetic energy level is above the yarn breaking extension, firstly partial and total filament breakages and subsequently crimp removal and yarn pull out stages occur. These phenomena take place as multiple yarn failure in the outer layers and mostly crimp removal and yarn pull-out towards the inside layers occur. In both cases, fabric and structure bending were ignored. The energy absorption level of the stitched structures was slightly higher than that of the unstitched structures due to the fact that some of the energy was absorbed to delaminate the interlayer, which was locked by the stitching yarns. Also, the conical depth in the stitched structure was low compared with that of the unstitched structure.
Tropical savannas: Biomass, plant ecology, and the role of fire and soil on vegetation
Authors: Furley Peter
Published: April 2010

Four major themes can be identified over the period 2008—2009: (1) the increasing use, sophistication and resolution of remote sensing techniques and the application of these methods to assessment of biomass, C-balance and biosphere-atmosphere interactions; (2) continued interest in dynamic change processes affecting individual species and plant communities, and the changing proportions of tree, shrub and herbaceous components; (3) the nature, impact and management of fire; and (4) increasing awareness of the importance of soils and soil moisture in shaping the nature and distribution of vegetation, particularly at local scales.
Ecosystem services of peatlands: Implications for restoration
Authors: Kimmel Kai , Mander Ülo
Published: April 2010

The aim of this overview paper is to analyse the inclusion and use of the ecosystem services concept in scientific studies of degraded peatlands and peatland restoration. Publications indexed by the Institute of Science Information (ISI) Web of Science (WoS) from 1980 to October 2009 were analysed. Word combinations relevant to peatland ecosystem services in the title, keywords and abstract were used. We followed the division of ecosystem services into four categories: supporting, regulating, provisioning and cultural, as provided by the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (2005). The analysis indicated that the concept of ecosystem services is not referred to explicitly in ISI WoS studies on peatland restoration. The interpretation of the content identified using search phrases related to various beneficial functions of peatlands showed that they mainly include information on regulating and supporting ecosystem services critical to sustaining vital ecosystem functions that deliver benefits to people. There are only a few articles addressing provisioning and cultural ecosystem services. One of the key issues concerning the effect of peatland restoration in the provisioning of ecosystem services is the balance of greenhouse gases and their role in global climate regulation.
Estimating plot-level tree height and volume of Eucalyptus grandis plantations using small-footprint, discrete return lidar data
Authors: Tesfamichael S.G. , van Aardt J.A.N. , Ahmed F.
Published: April 2010

This study explores the utility of small-footprint, discrete return lidar data in deriving important forest structural attributes with the primary objective of estimating plot-level mean tree height, dominant height, and volume of Eucalyptus grandis plantations. The secondary objectives of the study were related to investigating the effect of lidar point densities (1 point/m2, 3 points/m2, and 5 points/m2) on height and volume estimates. Tree tops were located by applying local maxima (LM) filtering to canopy height surfaces created at each density level, followed by buffering using circular polygons. Maximum and mean height values of the original lidar points falling within each tree polygon were used to generate lidar mean and dominant heights. Lidar mean value was superior to the maximum lidar value approach in estimating mean plot height (R2∼0.95; RMSE∼7%), while the maximum height approach resulted in superior estimates for dominant plot height (R2 ∼0.95; RMSE∼5%). These observations were similar across all lidar point density levels. Plot-level volume was calculated using approaches based on lidar-derived height variables and stems per hectare, as well as stand age. The level of association between estimated and observed volume was relatively high (R2=0.82—0.94) with non-significant differences among estimates at high lidar point densities and field observation. Nearly all estimates, however, exhibited negative biases and RMSE ranging in the order of 20—43%. Overall, the results of the study demonstrate the potential of lidar-based approaches for forest structural assessment in commercial plantations, even though further research is required on improving stems per hectare (SPHA) estimation.
Nocturnal awakening with headache and its relationship with sleep disorders in a population-based sample of adult inhabitants of São Paulo City, Brazil
Authors: Lucchesi Ligia Mendonça , Speciali Jose Geraldo , Santos-Silva Rogerio , Taddei Jose Augusto , Tufik Sergio , Bittencourt Lia Rita Azeredo
Published: April 2010

Our aim was to estimate the prevalence of nocturnal awakening with headache (NAH) in the population of São Paulo City according to gender, age (20–80 years old) and socioeconomic classes and its relationship to sleep disorders, sleep parameters, anxiety, depression, fatigue, life quality and obesity. We used a population-based survey with a representative three-stage cluster sample. Questionnaires and scales were applied face-to-face, and polysomnography was performed in 1101 volunteers, aged 42 ± 14 years, 55% women. The complaint of NAH occurring at least once a week had a prevalence of 8.4%, mostly in women, obese subjects and those aged 50–59 years-old. We observed associations of NAH with insomnia, restless leg syndrome (RLS), nightmares and bruxism, but not obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. In a logistics regression model, risk factors for NAH were female gender, odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval [CI]) 4.5 (2.8–7.3); obesity, OR 1.9 (1.1–3.3); age between 50 and 59 years, OR 2.4 (1.2–4.7); severe anxiety, OR 8.1 (3.6–18.1); RLS, 2.7 (1.2–5.6); and nightmares, 2.2 (1.3–3.7). Our study shows that NAH was highly prevalent in the population of São Paulo and suggests that this phenomenon has specific characteristics with specific risk factors: obesity, RLS and nightmares.
A Life Course Perspective on Information Technology Work
Authors: Marshall Victor W.
Published: April 2010

Workforce Aging in the New Economy (WANE) is an international study of information technology workers in small- and medium-sized workplaces. The study was designed to explore life course issues, placing individuals in structural contexts that themselves change over time and addressing both life course management of the employees and how globalization and life course—related dimensions of the workforce jointly influence the management and survivability of small enterprises. Thus, the study links micro- and macroapproaches to understand life course issues. This article illustrates the approach with findings in two areas: how people make careers in changing work structures, and age and generational stratification issues. The article is dedicated to the memory of Chuck Longino, dear friend and colleague on the study research team, whose untimely death prevented him from seeing the project through to completion.
“My Grandparent Has Dementia”
Authors: Celdrán Montserrat , Triadó Carme , Villar Feliciano
Published: April 2010

The study examined the grandparent–grandchild relationship when the grandparent has dementia. Grandchildren living in Barcelona, Spain, participated in the study ( n = 145). These participants completed a questionnaire that included questions on: (a) the frequency of 15 emotions they may have experienced in this relationship, (b) their current relationship with a grandparent who has dementia (frequency of contact, emotional closeness, and satisfaction with the relationship), and (c) perception of changes in the relationship. Results showed that the dementia process has a negative impact on the relationship between grandparent and grandchildren. However, in some cases, there was also potential for positive changes, which are mainly related to the ability to keep emotional contact and express positive emotions. Findings suggested the need to take into account grandchildren when planning training programs for families caring for relatives with dementia, such as providing information about the disease and improving their coping strategies.
Caregiver Burden and Quality of Life of Older Persons With Stroke
Authors: Isaac Vivian , Stewart Robert , Krishnamoorthy Ennapadam S.
Published: April 2010

This article reports a preliminary investigation in India of the association between caregiver burden and quality of life (QOL) in older persons with stroke after controlling for disability, depression, and sociodemographic factors. A cross-sectional analysis was carried out with 46 stroke patients attending a community hospital in India. The primary outcome variable was patient QOL assessed using the World Health Organization Quality of Life questionnaire–short form (WHOQOL-Bref). The primary explanatory variable was caregiver burden, assessed using the Zarit Inventory. Patient economic dissatisfaction ( F = 6.12, p = .04), patient depression ( F = 20.8, p < .001), and caregiver burden ( F = 7.36, p = .009) were found to be associated with lower patient QOL. Caregiver burden was independently associated with lower patient QOL after controlling for patient depression, disability, and economic dissatisfaction (standardized B coefficient = −0.28, p = .03). The level of caregiver burden was a significant correlate of QOL after stroke. Implications for future studies and practice are discussed.
Effects of a precomposting step on the vermicomposting of dairy manure-waste paper mixtures
Authors: Mupondi Lushian T , Mnkeni Pearson NS , Muchaonyerwa Pardon
Published: April 2010

Thermophilic composting is being promoted as a means of sanitizing waste materials prior to vermicomposting. The precomposting duration is, however, critical to the success of the vermicomposting phase as it affects worm biomass. This study evaluated the effectiveness of different precomposting periods (0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks) on the sanitization and vermicomposting of dairy manure—waste paper mixtures. The parameters measured were coliform bacteria and protozoa oocyst numbers, earthworm growth, as well as stabilization and nutrient content of vermicomposts. Over 95% of fecal coliforms, Escherichia coli and of E. coli 0157 were eliminated from the waste materials within 1 week of precomposting and total elimination of these and protozoan oocysts was achieved after 3 weeks of precomposting. Microbial biomass carbon and water soluble carbon of waste mixtures decreased with increase in precomposting time and impacted negatively on earthworm growth and subsequent stabilization of the dairy manure—paper waste mixtures. Vermicomposts from waste mixtures precomposted for over 2 weeks were less stabilized, less humified and had lower nutrient contents than vermicomposts from waste mixtures precomposted for 1 week or less. A precomposting period of 1 week was found to be ideal for the effective vermicomposting of dairy manure—waste paper mixtures.
Steel slag used in landfill cover liners: laboratory and field tests
Authors: Herrmann Inga , Andreas Lale , Diener Silvia , Lind Lotta
Published: April 2010

Stricter rules for landfilling within the EU have led to the closure of many landfills and a need for large amounts of cover liner materials. Therefore, the potential utilization of mixtures of electric arc furnace slag (EAFS) and ladle slag (LS), which are currently deposited in landfills, as a material for use as landfill liner was investigated. Laboratory analyses showed the mixtures to have similar compression strength to that of high-strength concrete and low hydraulic conductivity (< 10-11 m s-1 in some cases). However, both their hydraulic conductivity and compaction properties were strongly affected by the time between adding water to the mixtures and compacting them (tests showed that a delay of 24 h can lead to an increase in hydraulic conductivity, so it should be compacted as soon as possible after mixing the material with water). In addition, the performance of a cover liner constructed using EAFS and LS was studied in a 2-year field trial on a landfill for municipal solid waste, in which the average amount of leachate collected from ten lysimeters was only 27 L m-2 year-1, easily meeting Swedish criteria for the permeability of covers on non-hazardous waste landfills (≤50 L m-2 year-1). Thus, the material seems to have promising potential for use in barrier constructions.
Why Was the Monarchy Not Restored in Post-Communist Bulgaria?
Authors: Vassilev Rossen
Published: April 2010

The controversy over bringing back Bulgaria’s abolished monarchy reflects in a large measure the prolonged agony the country has been undergoing ever since it launched on a course of painful post-communist reforms. Against the background of a deep economic crisis, mass poverty, the breakdown of law and order, and political chaos that have traumatized the population, the attempts to reinstate the monarchy have failed only because of its low historical legitimacy. While the ex-king’s triumph in the June 2001 election initially seemed to improve the chances for bringing back the monarchy, such a restoration has been rendered less likely now by the numerous failures and blunders of his time in office, particularly his inability to rebuild the ailing national state and economy. In spite of some notable foreign policy successes such as Bulgaria’s entry into NATO and the European Union, ex—Prime Minister Simeon did not live up to the naïvely overoptimistic expectations of Bulgarians who had hoped that he would save their country from the profound economic, social, political, institutional, and even moral crisis into which it has descended. The precipitous fall of the political fortunes of Simeon, especially as a result of the public relations disaster involving the scandalous “restitution” of his family’s properties that turned the ex-monarch into a multimillionaire, does not bode well for the prospect of reintroducing the monarchy. In the eyes of many ordinary Bulgarians, the former king has now turned into a liability and an embarrassing disappointment.
The reproduction of Estonian provinces in the context of transitional administrative reform
Authors: Sepp Veiko , Veemaa Jaanus
Published: April 2010

The paper examines the reproduction of Estonian provinces within governmental practices when re-establishing the nation-state in the years 1989—2002.The theory of regional institutionalization, introduced by the Finnish geographer Anssi Paasi, is modified as the analytical framework of the study. The qualitative analysis of interview transcripts, legislative acts, official documents and media texts demonstrates the unequal reproduction of provinces on four analytical dimensions — territorial, symbolic, institutional and regional system. The territorial changes and institutional modifications that occurred during the transition period, when the Estonian provinces were symbolically re-established, were less drastic than those that occurred under the Soviet administration but have nevertheless weakened the provinces as an effective layer of government.The study also shows that the postponed administrative reform in 1997—2002 had a dual nature that led to contradictory outcomes. One outcome was that the postponed reform, as a normative representational practice aimed at making substantial changes in the administrative system, had a predominantly negative and de-productive effect on the provincial reality in Estonia. The other outcome was that the postponed reform, as a practice relying on the extant institutional, physical and cultural realities of the provinces, tended to contribute positively to the reproduction of the provinces. However, the analysis reveals that neither tendency was uniform, the variations depending on the character of provinces and institutional actors.
Finding Inspiration in Middle School General Music
Authors: McAnally Elizabeth Ann
Published: April 2010

Middle school general music programs can be vibrant, exciting places, where students are inspired to learn more about music and themselves. In this article, the author discusses how to work with rather than against adolescents’ age-appropriate characteristics when planning content, process, assessment , and classroom environment. Then, she offers a brief description of thematic study from her own general music classroom, through which students explore five composers and the inspiration for their work.
Individual Competition and the Emergence of Density-Dependent Exposure to Predation: How Behaviors Influence Population Processes
Authors: Hsuan Lammers J. , Warburton Kevin , Cribb Bronwen W.
Published: April 2010

Resource competition acts at both the individual and the population levels. Stable dynamics result in a persistent system whereas unstable dynamics can result in extinction. This study explores how localized competition between individuals, over spatially distributed resources, influences exposure to predation. Using data from real-world experiments to inform a simulation, individual behaviors are linked to density-dependent population processes. The prominent emergent property is density-dependent exposure to predation. Depending on the population size and the availability of refugia, different aspects of the competitive behaviors drive the density-dependent effect. The results of the model provide a conceptual base for how specific interactions between individuals can bring about emergent population level processes.
Fitness Space Structure of a Neuromechanical System
Authors: Beer Randall D.
Published: April 2010

This article rigorously characterizes the structure of the entire fitness space of a simple neuromechanical system consisting of a model leg in closed-loop interaction with a neural controller. Using tools from the theory of piecewise-smooth dynamical systems, we derive expressions for the location and layout of the region of high-fitness solutions in parameter space, and we show how both the boundary and the internal structure of this region arise from specific neural, mechanical, and neuromechanical properties of the walking system. In addition, we characterize the structure of the map from neural parameters to gaits to fitness.
Engaging Local Businesses in HIV Prevention Efforts
Authors: Phillips-Guzman Christina M. , Martinez-Donate Ana P. , Hovell Melbourne F. , Blumberg Elaine J. , Sipan Carol L. , Rovniak Liza S. , Kelley Norma J.
Published: April 2010

Participation of different community sectors, including the private business sector, is necessary to fight the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Local businesses may be reluctant to participate in HIV prevention because of fear of negative customer reactions and loss of revenue. This study examines the extent to which residents of two communities in San Diego, California, would support HIV prevention initiatives in local businesses. A population-based household survey (N = 200) is conducted in two communities with higher versus lower risk for HIV. The survey includes questions regarding the acceptability of HIV prevention activities, such as condom and brochure distribution in businesses, and history of exposure to HIV prevention activities in local businesses. Most residents agree that (a) business involvement in prevention activities would reduce HIV (92%), (b) free or low-cost condoms available in businesses could prevent the spread of HIV (90.9%) and increase condom accessibility (87%), and (c) they would prefer to shop at businesses that supported HIV prevention versus those that did not (87.4%). These findings suggest that HIV prevention in local businesses would be supported by residents and would be unlikely to adversely affect business profits. This information could be used to design interventions to engage local businesses in HIV-prevention efforts.
Analysis of Participatory Photojournalism in a Widely Disseminated Skin Cancer Prevention Program
Authors: Hall Dawn , Kline Melissa , Glanz Karen
Published: April 2010

This article describes the content of pictures submitted to a photo contest as part of a nationally disseminated skin cancer prevention program called Pool Cool. The aims of this analysis are to describe sun-safety behaviors and environmental supports depicted in the photos and to gain insight into pool staff perceptions of the program. A directed approach was used to assess the content of 1,886 photos submitted in 2005 and 2006. Staying in the shade and applying sunscreen were the most common sun-safety behaviors shown among children. Among adults and lifeguards, wearing sunglasses and a shirt with sleeves were most common. Most photos contained at least one sun-safety support, and half showed use of Pool Cool program materials. Most photos promoted the use of Pool Cool materials, sun-safety behaviors, or sun-safe pool environments. Participatory photojournalism is a low-cost and effective way to generate widespread interest and support for community health promotion programs.
Adolescents’ Perceptions of Tobacco Control Measures in the United Kingdom
Authors: Brown Abraham , Moodie Crawford
Published: April 2010

Understanding youth perceptions of measures that either encourage or discourage youth smoking is critical to help inform and consolidate tobacco control policy. Twelve focus groups, comprising adolescent smokers ( N = 32) and nonsmokers ( N = 35) aged 11 to 16 years were conducted in Glasgow and Lothian, Scotland. Each focus group explored factors adolescents encounter in everyday life that they perceive to facilitate or impede smoking, and about smoke-free legislation, smoking in domestic situations, access to cigarettes, and health warnings. It emerged that antitobacco advertisements and smoke-free legislation were considered of value in terms of being capable of reducing smoking. Although some adolescent smokers believed that adult smokers would not stop smoking because of a smoking ban, but instead compensate by smoking more elsewhere, such as at home, most adolescents with smoking parents or relatives indicate that this has not happened. Tightening regulation on ease of access to cigarettes was considered a suitable means of reducing youth smoking, although some smokers suggested that this could be easily circumvented by having others purchase tobacco on their behalf. Despite high awareness, text-only health warnings were not considered to discourage smoking. Point-of-sale tobacco displays however were considered to encourage smoking—being cool, fun, and attractive.
Establishing a continuum of care between HIV prevention trials and public healthcare systems: The MIRA Standard of Care program
Authors: Clouse Kate , Montgomery Elizabeth T , Milford Cecilia , Watadzaushe Connie , Nkala Busi , Fancher Heidi , Lince Naomi , Cheng Helen , Thompson Marin , van der Straten Ariane
Published: April 2010

Background The ability of researchers to provide sustainable care to individuals who acquire HIV during participation in HIV prevention trials has rapidly expanded along with national treatment options. The Methods for Improving Reproductive Health in Africa (MIRA) trial (2003—2006), a phase III multi-site randomized controlled trial, measured the effectiveness of the diaphragm used with Replens ® lubricant gel in preventing heterosexual acquisition of HIV among women in Zimbabwe and South Africa. The MIRA Standard of Care program, which started towards the end of the trial period and continued for 5 months after trial closeout, enabled women who acquired HIV during the trial to receive additional counseling and clinical care and facilitated links to long-term HIV-related care and treatment from public health facilities.

Purpose To describe eligible participants’ uptake of these optional services and evaluate the program’s strengths and limitations.

Methods All women who acquired HIV during their MIRA participation were re-contacted and invited to return to the study clinics for additional care and referrals. Sites reported monthly statistics of uptake of services.

Results From start to end, 185 of 323 (57%) HIV-positive participants accepted additional care; 81 (25%) could not be relocated. 142 (44%) women received referrals to government healthcare facilities and 90 (28%) enrolled in wellness/ treatment programs. Fifty-seven (18%) declined further care, but reasons for doing so were not recorded systematically.

Limitations The program began after most participants had exited from the MIRA trial and required re-contacting women, resulting in difficulty in locating some participants.

Conclusions In the future, care for participants who seroconvert should be offered at the trial onset and fully integrated into clinical trials to avoid losing these participants for further care. More research is needed to identify and understand perceived barriers to establishing a continuum of care between clinical trials and public sector health facilities. Clinical Trials 2010; 7: 256—264. http:// ctj.sagepub.com
A disc with fivefold symmetry: the proposed fundamental seed structure for the formation of chrysotile asbestos fibres, polygonal serpentine fibres and polyhedral lizardite spheres
Authors: Cressey G. , Cressey B. A. , Wicks F. J. , Yada K.
Published: April 2010

A chrysotile disc is proposed as the fundamental seed structure for the formation of chrysotile asbestos fibres, polygonal serpentine fibres and polyhedral lizardite spheres. The curvature, fivefold symmetry and hydrogen-bonding alignment of the layers in the seed disc control the formation of the 15 or 30 sectors in polygonal serpentine and the orientations of the planar arrays of 15 or 30 radial crystals in polyhedral serpentine. A polygonized disc precursor to polygonal fibre formation has been observed at an arrested stage of growth in a synthesis experiment.
Widenmannite, a rare uranyl lead carbonate: occurrence, formation and characterization
Authors: Plášil J. , Čejka J. , Sejkora J. , Škácha P. , Goliáš V. , Jarka P. , Laufek F. , Jehlička J. , Němec I. , Strnad L.
Published: April 2010

The rare uranyl lead carbonate widenmannite, Pb2(UO2)(CO3)3, was found at the Jánská vein, Příbram, Czech Republic, where two generations occur in several morphological types and mineral associations in hydrothermal veins. Alpha spectroscopy shows that these two generations have different ages, >220,000 and 118±12 y. ICP-MS analysis indicates that both widenmannites have a dominance of non-radiogenic Pb which originates from weathered galena. The older widenmannite I forms fine-grained, grey to beige aggregates in the highly altered supergene part of the hydrothermal ore vein in association with pyromorphite, cerussite and goethite. The younger widenmannite II occurs as white, yellow or greenish-yellow thin tabular crystals upto 0.5 mm long in association with cerussite, anglesite, limonite, kasolite and an unnamed Pb-U-O phase. Thermal analysis suggests that widenmannite decomposes in several steps, with Pb uranate as the final product. Infrared and Raman spectroscopy confirm the presence of non-equivalent (CO3)2– groups, bidentately coordinated in uranyl hexagonal polyhedra, forming the well known uranyl tricarbonate complex. Infrared spectroscopy shows conclusively that widenmannite does not contain molecular H2O.
Identification of an NK/T cell–restricted progenitor in adult bone marrow contributing to bone marrow– and thymic-dependent NK cells
Authors: Nozad Charoudeh Hojjatollah , Tang Yanjuan , Cheng Min , Cilio Corrado M. , Jacobsen Sten Eirik W. , Sitnicka Ewa
Published: April 2010

Although bone marrow (BM) is the main site of natural killer (NK)–cell development in adult mice, recent studies have identified a distinct thymic-dependent NK pathway, implicating a possible close link between NK- and T-cell development in adult hematopoiesis. To investigate whether a potential NK-/T-lineage restriction of multipotent progenitors might take place already in the BM, we tested the full lineage potentials of NK-cell progenitors in adult BM. Notably, although Lin−CD122+NK1.1−DX5− NK-cell progenitors failed to commit to the B and myeloid lineages, they sustained a combined NK- and T-cell potential in vivo and in vitro at the single-cell level. Whereas T-cell development from NK/T progenitors is Notch-dependent, their contribution to thymic and BM NK cells remains Notch-independent. These findings demonstrate the existence of bipotent NK-/T-cell progenitors in adult BM.