bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modification of Rayleigh–Plesset Theory for Reproducing Dynamics of Cavitation Bubbles in Liquid-Phase Laser Ablation
Authors: Soliman Wafaa , Nakano Tetsutaro , Takada Noriharu , Sasaki Koichi
Published: November 2010

The solution of the conventional Rayleigh–Plesset equation did not agree with the experimental results on the temporal variations of the sizes of cavitation bubbles produced by laser ablation in water. In this work, we modified the conventional Rayleigh–Plesset theory in the following two points to reproduce the experimental observation theoretically. One was to introduce the effect of the contact angle among the water, the cavitation bubble, and the ablation target. The other was to treat the surface tension and the kinematic viscosity coefficient of water as additional adjusting parameters to fit the theoretical result with the experimental observation. The latter modification was effective especially for laser ablation in the pressurized water. Better agreement between the theoretical and the experimental results was realized with the help of these modifications, but anomalous thermodynamic parameters were necessary to obtain the best fitting. We evaluated the pressures and the temperatures inside the cavitation bubbles.
Numerical Analysis of the Measurement of Near-Beam Electron Cloud Density in Field-Free Region at KEK B-Factory Low-Energy Ring
Authors: Jain Puneet , Fukuma Hitoshi , Kanazawa Ken-ichi , Suetsugu Yusuke
Published: November 2010

A large number of electrons in the so-called electron cloud are accumulated in beam chambers in positron storage rings. These electrons interact with the beam and can make the beam unstable. The density information of the electron cloud near the beam is therefore fundamental for studying beam instability and mitigation techniques related to the electron cloud. Recently, a method to measure the density of the electron cloud near the beam has been proposed by Kanazawa et al. The method enables the measurement of high-energy electrons selectively using a retarding field analyzer located on a chamber wall, noting that the electrons near the beam receive a strong kick by the beam. They calculated the density of the electron cloud simply assuming that the electrons that receive a kick are stationary. We examined the measurement technique in detail using a new computer code developed by us. The analysis showed that the volume near the beam occupied by the detected electrons, i.e., the observed volume, was strongly deformed owing to the horizontal velocity of the electrons; nevertheless this volume calculated assuming that the stationary electrons can still be used for calculating the density of the electron cloud in their measurement conditions.
pH-Dependent Fluorescence Spectra, Lifetimes, and Quantum Yields of Firefly-Luciferin Aqueous Solutions Studied by Selective-Excitation Fluorescence Spectroscopy
Authors: Ando Yoriko , Akiyama Hidefumi
Published: November 2010

We investigated the pH-dependent fluorescence spectra, quantum yields, and lifetimes of firefly luciferin in aqueous solutions by varying the pH and excitation wavelength. Green fluorescence peaking at 540 nm and red fluorescence peaking at about 620 nm were detectable in the pH range between 1 and 10. The lifetime of the green fluorescence decreased significantly from about 5 to 0.5 ns with decreasing pH from 10 to 1, while the red fluorescence lifetime was almost constant, about 0.4 ns, in the measurable pH range between 1 and 4. The pH dependence of the green-fluorescence lifetime had analogous pH-dependence with that of the fluorescence quantum yield. This reflects the contribution of the emission-efficiency variation of green fluorescence due to the pH-sensitivity of a non-radiative decay that competes with a pH-insensitive radiative decay.
Autoantibodies to Tumor-Associated Antigens in Breast Carcinoma
Authors: Piura Ettie , Piura Benjamin
Published: November 2010

Autoantibodies (AAbs) to tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) have been identified in the circulation of patients with cancer. This paper will focus on recent knowledge related to circulating AAbs to TAAs in breast carcinoma. So far, the following TAAs have been identified to elicit circulating AAbs in breast carcinoma: p53, MUC-1, heat shock proteins (HSP-27, HSP-60, and HSP-90), HER2/neu/c-erb B2, GIPC-1, c-myc, c-myb, cancer-testis antigens (NY-ESO-1), BRCA1, BRCA2, endostatin, lipophilin B, cyclin B1, cyclin D1, fibulin, insulin-like growth factor binding protein 2 (IGFBP-2), topoisomerase II alpha (TOPO2α), and cathepsin D. Measurement of serum AAbs to one specific TAA only is of little value for screening and early diagnosis of breast carcinoma; however, assessment of AAbs to a panel of TAAs may have promising diagnostic potential.
Preparation of Rat Gingival Mitochondria with an Improved Isolation Method
Authors: Kaneko Noriaki , Rikimaru Tetsuya , Fujimura Tetsuyuki , Mori Shigeyasu , Hidaka Saburo , Kaya Hidehiro
Published: November 2010

In order to establish a method of obtaining rat gingival mitochondria (Mt), Mt fractions were prepared in various combinations of homogenizing time with collagenase concentration. Rat gingival tissues were excised, minced, treated with collagenase, homogenized, and subjected to differential centrifugation rates. Both the respiratory control ratio (RCR) and adenosine diphosphate/oxygen (ADP/O) ratio of the Mt fraction prepared in a combination of 40, 50, or 60 sec homogenization with collagenase in a concentration range of 0.115%–0.130% (w/v) were measured. The values for the RCR and ADP/O ratio of the Mt fraction obtained in an optimal condition was and , respectively. These results suggest that Mt of fairly high quality can be obtained through this refined combination of the homogenizing time and collagenase concentration.
Modeling and Pricing of Variance and Volatility Swaps for Local Semi‐Markov Volatilities in Financial Engineering
Authors: Swishchuk Anatoliy , Manca Raimondo
Published: November 2010

We consider a semi‐Markov modulated security market consisting of a riskless asset or bond with constant interest rate and risky asset or stock, whose dynamics follow gemoetric Brownian motion with volatility that depends on semi‐Markov process. Two cases for semi‐Markov volatilities are studied: local current and local
semi‐Markov volatilities. Using the martingale characterization of semi‐Markov processes, we find the minimal martingale measure for this incomplete market. Then we model and price variance and volatility swaps for local semi‐Markov stochastic volatilities.
A QoS-Based Topology Control Algorithm for Underwater Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Liu Linfeng
Published: November 2010

The topology control techniques of underwater wireless sensor networks and terrestrial wireless sensor networks are significantly different because of the particularity of underwater environments and acoustic communication. In this paper, an underwater wireless sensor network model was constructed, and six universal topology control objectives were concluded. The QoS topology control problem was mapped into an ordinal potential game model, and a distributed strategy adjustment algorithm for nodes was designed accordingly. The strategy vector resulting from the algorithm converges to the Nash equilibrium; minor complexity and preferable approximate ratios can be represented by the algorithm as well. The performance of the algorithm was analyzed through simulation experiments which indicate a well-constructed topology. Every objective was upgraded when model parameters were set suitable.
Aspiration before and after Supraglottoplasty regardless of Technique
Authors: Rastatter Jeffrey C. , Schroeder James W. , Hoff Stephen R. , Holinger Lauren D.
Published: November 2010

Objective. To determine the incidence of preoperative and postoperative aspiration in infants who undergo supraglottoplasty. To determine the effect of cold steel and CO2laser supraglottoplasty on aspiration in infants with severe laryngomalacia.Design. Retrospective study.Setting. Tertiary pediatric hospital.Patients. Thirty-nine patients who underwent CO2laser-assisted supraglottoplasty (CLS) or cold steel supraglottoplasty (CSS) for severe laryngomalacia.Main Outcome Measures. Aspiration and upper-airway obstruction.Results. Thirty-nine patients met inclusion criteria (18 males, 21 females). Eighteen patients underwent CSS and 21 patients underwent CLS. 10/39 (25.6%) of the patients had preoperative aspiration, and 2/10 (20%) resolved after supraglottoplasty. New onset aspiration was found in 4/13 (30.8%) in the CSS group and 9/16 (56.3%) in the CLS group.Conclusions. There is no significant difference in the rate of postoperative new-onset aspiration or relief of upper-airway obstruction in the CLS or CSS, is temporary and can be managed with thickened diet or temporary tube feedings. The rate of persistent postoperative aspiration was statistically similar regardless of the method of surgery.
Practical Concerns Regarding the 7th Edition AJCC Staging Guidelines
Authors: Buethe D. , Warner C. , Miedler J. , Cockerell C. J.
Published: November 2010

The 7th edition of the AJCC Cancer Staging Manual represents a dramatic shift in the way that cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is staged, in that it is first attempt to incorporate evidence-based medicine into the staging guidelines for cSCC. In our opinion, the changes made to the seventh edition represent a significant improvement over previous editions and will ultimately lead to improved patient stratification, more accurate prognostic data, and a better framework to guide clinical decision making. However, there are a number of issues within the latest guidelines that require clarification or are impractical for clinical practice. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the key changes to the 6th edition staging manual as they pertain to cSCC, to point out impractical component of the 7th edition and/or aspects that require further clarification, and to make recommendations that address any current shortcomings to improve subsequent editions. Specific focus will be given to the inclusion of separate guidelines for cSCC and Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), the incorporation of high-risk factors as modifiers of T stage, the addition of new guidelines for advanced T stage, and the changes in stratification of lymph node status. This paper is modified from a more comprehensive treatment of the staging of nonmelanoma skin cancer by Warner and Cockerell entitled“The new 7th edition American joint committee on cancer staging of cutaneous nonmelanoma skin cancer: a critical review,”in the American Journal of Clinical Dermatology (paper accepted, pending publication).
Long-Term Outcome of an HIV-Treatment Programme in Rural Africa: Viral Suppression despite Early Mortality
Authors: Barth Roos E. , Tempelman Hugo A. , Moraba Robert , Hoepelman Andy I. M.
Published: November 2010

Objective. To define the long-term (2–4 years) clinical and virological outcome of an antiretroviral treatment (ART) programme in rural South Africa.Methods. We performed a retrospective observational cohort study, including 735 patients who initiated ART. Biannual monitoring, including HIV-RNA testing, was performed. Primary endpoint was patient retention; virological suppression (HIV-RNA < 50 copies/mL) and failure (HIV-RNA > 1000 copies/mL) were secondary endpoints. Moreover, possible predictors of treatment failure were analyzed.Results. 63% of patients (466/735) have a fully suppressed HIV-RNA, a median of three years after treatment initiation. Early mortality was high: 14% died within 3 months after treatment start. 16% of patients experienced virological failure, but only 4% was switched to second-line ART. Male gender and a low performance score were associated with treatment failure; immunological failure was a poor predictor of virological failure.Conclusions. An “all or nothing” phenomenon was observed in this rural South African ART programme: high early attrition, but good virological control in those remaining in care. Continued efforts are needed to enrol patients earlier. Furthermore, the observed viro-immunological dissociation emphasises the need to make HIV-RNA testing more widely available.
Canadian Physicians' Use of Antiobesity Drugs and Their Referral Patterns to Weight Management Programs or Providers: The SOCCER Study
Authors: Padwal R. S. , Damjanovic S. , Schulze K. M. , Lewanczuk R. Z. , Lau D. C. W. , Sharma A. M.
Published: November 2010

Antiobesity pharmacotherapy and programs/providers that possess weight management expertise are not commonly used by physicians. The underlying reasons for this are not known. We performed a cross-sectional study in 33 Canadian medical practices (36 physicians) examining 1788 overweight/obese adult patients. The frequency of pharmacotherapy use and referral for further diet, exercise, behavioral management and/or bariatric surgery was documented. If drug treatment or referral was not made, reasons were documented by choosing amongst preselected categories. Logistic regression models were used to identify predictors of antiobesity drug use. No single antiobesity management strategy was recommended by physicians in more than 50% of patients. Referral was most common for exercise (49% of cases) followed by dietary advice (46%), and only 5% of eligible patients were referred for bariatric surgery. Significant predictors of initiating/continuing pharmacotherapy were male sex (OR 0.70; 95% CI 0.52–0.94), increasing BMI (1.02; 95% CI 1.01–1.03), and private drug coverage (1.78; 95% CI 1.39–2.29). “Not considered” and “patient refusal” were the main reasons for not initiating further weight management. We conclude that both physician and patient factors act as barriers to the use of weight management strategies and both need to be addressed to increase uptake of these interventions.
From Gastric Inflammation to Gastric Cancer
Authors: Bornschein Jan , Kandulski Arne , Selgrad Michael , Malfertheiner Peter
Published: November 2010

The majority of gastric adenocarcinomas are related to chronic inflammation induced by Helicobacter pylori infection. For intestinal-type gastric cancer, a multistep process of mucosal alterations leading from gastritis via glandular atrophy, intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia to invasive carcinoma is well recognized. Ongoing clinical studies focus on a ‘point of no return’. It is defined as a situation when certain alterations are no longer reversible by H. pylori eradication and progression to gastric cancer may continue. H. pylori affects the mucosal as well as the systemic immune response by secretion of cytokines and the recruitment of distinct inflammatory cells. The immune response is characterized by a balance between a Th1-dominated response and the recruitment of antigen-specific regulatory T cells that allow the bacteria to persist in human gastric mucosa. Besides immune-mediated effects, H. pylori induces cellular alterations as well as genetic alterations in genes that are essential for the epigenetic integrity and mucosal homeostasis. These genetic alterations during gastric cancer development are in focus of intensive research and should ultimately allow the identification of risk factors involved in gastric carcinogenesis. The detection of individuals at high risk for gastric cancer would help to design appropriate strategies for prevention and surveillance.
Gastric Cancer: Epidemiology and Risk Factors
Authors: Krejs Guenter J.
Published: November 2010

The incidence of gastric cancer is decreasing and lies between 10 and 15 new cases per 100,000 population per year in most Western countries. Peak age is between 60 and 80 years. While distal gastric cancers account for the overall decrease in gastric cancer, tumors in the proximal stomach (cardia and esophagogastric junction) are on the rise. Recognized risk factors for gastric cancer are infection with Helicobacter pylori, dietary factors (e.g. high intake of salt-preserved foods), smoking, pernicious anemia and a history of partial gastrectomy.
Role of Cyclooxygenase-2 in Pathogenesis and Prevention of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Hahn Ezra , Kraus Sarah , Arber Nadir
Published: November 2010

Chemoprevention of colorectal cancer is a promising science that has particular importance due to the limited success of current treatments for most advanced common malignancies. Many chemopreventive agents have been studied including cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors. Two isoforms of the COX enzymes are COX-1 and COX-2. COX-1 is constitutively expressed in normal tissue, serving an important role in tissue homeostasis, whereas COX-2 is an inducible enzyme, which is markedly overexpressed at sites of inflammation and colorectal neoplasms. The preventive efficacy of traditional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which inhibit COX-1 and/or COX-2, has considerable support from animal and epidemiological studies; however, there are well-documented toxicities associated with NSAID use. These adverse effects are attributed to NSAIDs’ inhibition of COX-1. The development of COX-2 specific inhibitors gave hopes of bypassing the associated traditional NSAID toxicities while better targeting tissues sustaining inflammation and neoplasia. The PrsSAP, APC and APPROVe trials demonstrated the efficacy of COX-2 specific inhibitors in preventing the recurrence of sporadic colorectal polyps. However, the trials were terminated early due to discovery of significant cardiovascular toxicity, although the exact extent of this toxicity remains unclear. The exact mechanisms through which NSAIDs exert their cancer preventing effects are currently unknown; inhibition of COX-2 is of great importance, but COX-2 independent pathways exist as well. In addition, the efficacy of NSAID use for cancer prevention can differ significantly between individuals. Personalized medicine in this field is also greatly anticipated. Combination therapy is under extensive research in order to improve efficacy while reducing toxicity profiles. Chemoprevention of colorectal cancer is largely possible, but the ultimate drug and proper patient selection, among other elements of the cancer prevention equation, are still needed.
Alezzandrini Syndrome: Report of a Sixth Clinical Case
Authors: Andrade A. , Pithon M.
Published: November 2010

The aim of this article is to describe an additional clinical case of a patient with Alezzandrini syndrome. Clinically the patient presented with unilateral vitiligo on the left cheek, with partial loss of hearing and vision on the same side.
Model of in vitro Healing to Test the Influence of Dedifferentiated Crithmum maritimum Cells on Dermal Repair and Epidermal Regeneration
Authors: Lequeux C. , Lhoste A. , Rovere M.R. , Montastier C. , Damour O.
Published: November 2010

Background: The aim was to test the influence of dedifferentiated Crithmum maritimum cells (dCMC), totipotent vegetal stem cells, on epidermal regeneration in perfect homeostasis using a skin equivalent (SE) model. Materials and Methods: SE are prepared by seeding fibroblasts on a collagen-glycosaminoglycan-chitosan dermal substrate (DS) epidermalized by keratinocytes 3 weeks later. The originality of this present study lies in the systemic administration of dCMC from the moment when fibroblasts are seeded in the DS right through to the reconstruction of the SE. The thickness of the epidermis as well as the number of proliferating cells expressing Ki-67 and layers expressing terminal differentiation marker (filaggrin) were compared in the dCMC-treated SE versus an untreated control group. Results: dCMC accelerated the complete regeneration and differentiation of the epidermis compared to the negative control (35 days instead of 42 days). Histology showed a multilayered, thick and differentiated epithelium after 35 days of culture. The basal and suprabasal layers had increased 4.88 ± 0.41 times versus the negative control (Mann-Whitney U test: p < 0.001). This result was attributed to the greater proliferation of basal cells because the cell numbers expressing the Ki-67 proliferation marker had increased significantly compared to the negative control (Mann-Whitney U test: p < 0.001). Moreover, dCMC allowed the differentiated epithelium to recover because only treated SE expressed the terminal differentiation marker filaggrin. Conclusion: Our data show that dCMC enhance epidermal cell grafts by stimulating their regeneration and differentiation in perfect homeostasis. They allow the epidermis to recover its structure for protective functions faster than the negative control.
Variations in biochemical composition and lipoperoxidation levels of Hyalella bonariensis maintained in laboratory with different diets
Authors: da Silva Castiglioni Daniela , Dutra Bibiana Kaiser , Cahansky Alejandra , Rodriguez Enrique , Oliveira Guendalina Turcato , Bond-Buckup Georgina
Published: November 2010

We compared the effect of different diets in the biochemical composition, levels of lipoperoxidation and survival rates of males and females of Hyalella bonariensis. These crustaceans live in limnetic environments and different kinds of food habits are present in the genus Hyalella. Adult animals were collected in the spring (September) in a stream near to Salto city, Buenos Aires. In the laboratory, the animals were kept submerged in aquariums, separated by sex, under controlled conditions and survive rates were observed. They were fed ad libitum for 45 days with four different diets, and after this period the animals were used for biochemical determinations. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in the responses to glycogen, proteins, lipids, triglycerides and lipoperoxidation levels in both sexes of these amphipods taken from the natural environment. Animals that received macrophytes associated a ration with high content of proteins (43%) during 45 days presented the major survival rates (males= 86.6% and females= 96.6%). These responses can be revealed that this specie primarily feeding macrophytes associated with deposit feeder, and that this diet is more generalized. This study showed the importance of the proteins in diet of this amphipod, were the females increased the reserves of proteins and triglycerides with different diets probably for reproductive events and male increased the reserves of glycogen and triglycerides for reproductive events and growth.
Analysis of population development and effectiveness of management in resident greylag geese Anser anser in the Netherlands
Authors: Klok Chris , van Turnhout Chris , Willems Frank , Voslamber Berend , Ebbinge Bart , Schekkerman Hans
Published: November 2010

The resident Greylag goose population in the Netherlands has strongly increased in number which led to conflict with agricultural interests, public concern on goose hunting and legal debate on the need to regulate geese. Such a debate can be facilitated by insight in population development and the effectiveness of management options. In this paper we analyse the historic population development and apply density independent and density dependent models to investigate possible future population development and the impact of management on this development. We explored the influence of density dependence by applying the amount of gosling rearing habitat as the first limiting factor. The models were parameterised with life-history data of two well studied populations during their exponential growth phase as a proxy for the total Dutch population for which life-history data are unavailable. The effectiveness of two management options aimed to reduce population growth: culling birds and egg reduction are assessed with these models. The developed models can be used as a management tool to evaluate the consequences of different measures in advance of their implementation. The results show significant positive growth rates which approximate the growth rate of the total Dutch population based on census data. With density dependence in the amount of gosling rearing habitat the population will grow for another one or two decades before it stabilizes. Of the two considered management options culling birds is more effective in reducing bird numbers than egg reduction. This conclusion holds both under density independent and density dependent conditions.
Differences in sexual dimorphism among four gazelle taxa (Gazella spp.) in the Middle East
Authors: Wronski Torsten , Sandouka Mohamed , Plath Martin , Cunningham Peter
Published: November 2010

Sexual selection can lead to sexual dimorphism, where elaborated traits used in mate attraction or weaponry are more expressed in the male sex. The degree of sexual dimorphism, however, is known to vary even among closely related taxa. Here we examined sexual dimorphism in horn length and three measures related to body size (body weight, shoulder height, and neck circumference) in four gazelle taxa, representing at least three species, i.e. Dorcas gazelle (G. dorcas), Sand gazelle (G. subgutturosa marica) and Mountain gazelle (G. gazella). The latter is represented by two distinctive phenotypes maintained and bred at the King Khalid Wildlife Research Centre in Saudi Arabia. We describe marked differences in sexual dimorphism among taxa. For example, the difference in sexually dimorphic horn development was driven primarily by females exhibiting pronounced differences in horn development. We discuss how divergent mating systems, and group sizes affect these differences among the examined taxa, with more competition in larger groups probably promoting the evolution of larger horns in females, thereby leading to less sexual dimorphism.
Spatial distribution models in a frugivorous carnivore, the stone marten (Martes foina): is the fleshy-fruit availability a useful predictor?
Authors: Virgós Emilio , Cabezas-Díaz Sara , Mangas Julián , Lozano Jorge
Published: November 2010

Fleshy-fruit availability is rarely used as a predictor in stone marten (Martes foina) habitat models, despite its frugivorous carnivore diet. Data on stone marten occurrence, habitat structure and fleshy-fruit species abundance was collected along 2 km long survey routes within 2 × 2 km sample plots (n = 30). Two different spatial scales were considered: 1) the entire survey route; and 2) 200 m segments within each 2 km survey route. Data analyses included Poisson General Linear Models (GLM) and Generalized Linear Mixed Models (GLMM) for the first and second approaches, respectively.Strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo) availability was significantly and positively correlated to stone marten occurrence at both spatial scales, particularly for the large-scale model. At the larger scale, a lower correlation to the traditional habitat structure variables was observed. Tree cover was the most important variable in the small-scale model, but strawberry tree availability was also an important predictor. Stone marten abundance was low in areas of high tree cover and absence of strawberry trees; emphasising the prominent role of strawberry trees per se in the abundance of stone martens. Our results indicated that including fine, field-derived estimates of key food resources for species can increase the utility of habitat models.
Nesting plants of dwarf honeybee, Apis florea F. under tropical conditions of Karnataka, India
Authors: Basavarajappa Shekarappa
Published: November 2010

The study was conducted to record the nesting plants of dwarf honeybee, Apis florea at different habitats under tropical conditions of Karnataka, India during 2007-2008. The data revealed that, 13 genera belonging to nine trees (8 families) and four shrubs (4 families) provided the nesting platform to A. florea. The density, abundance, and frequency of nesting plants varied considerably. While Pongamia pinnata was selected frequently among the trees, Bouganvillea sp. was preferred among the shrubs for nesting. There was a significant variation (X2 = 18.25; P<0.05) among the tree and shrub species selected for nesting by A. florea in different habitats. Further, thin to medium (2-4 inch dia.) sized limbs, often interspersed thickly at different elevations in trees and shrubby plants were found suitable for the construction of colonies. The combs were found at the peripheral and middle regions of thickly interspersed canopy in trees and shrubs respectively, possibly to ensure withstanding the comb weight, protecting the comb from wind blow, and avoiding predation and hunting. Thus, it appears that A. florea adopts elite strategy to safeguard its colonies from certain ecological and biological impediments in the wild by choosing plants with thick interspersed limbs covered with thick canopy. In view of its role as an important pollinating agent of many crops, the preservation of the commonly chosen nesting plants becomes all the more important for conservation of A. florea.
Phylogeographic structure and gene flow of Himalayan snowcock (Tetraogallus himalayensis)
Authors: Luzhang Ruan , Bei An , Backstrom Niclas , Huaxing Luo , Longying Wen , Lixun Zhang , Naifa Liu
Published: November 2010

We have used phylogeographic methods to investigate the genetic structure and population history of the endangered Himalayan snowcock (Tetraogallus himalayensis) in northwestern China. The mitochondrial cytochrome b gene was sequenced of 102 individuals sampled throughout the distribution range. In total, we found 26 different haplotypes defined by 28 polymorphic sites. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that the samples were divided into two major haplogroups corresponding to one western and one eastern clade. The divergence time between these major clades was estimated to be approximately one million years. An analysis of molecular variance showed that 40% of the total genetic variability was found within local populations, 12% among populations within regional groups and 48% among groups. An analysis of the demographic history of the populations suggested that major expansions have occurred in the Himalayan snowcock populations and these correlate mainly with the first and the second largest glaciations during the Pleistocene. In addition, the data indicate that there was a population expansion of the Tianshan population during the uplift of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, approximately 2 million years ago.
Ovarian morphology and oogenesis dynamic of the diplopod Urostreptus atrobrunneus Pierozzi & Fontanetti, 2006 (Spirostreptidae), a potential plague in urban centers
Authors: Fontanetti Carmem , da Silva Souza Tatiana , Calligaris Izabela Braggião , Bozzatto Vlamir
Published: November 2010

This study presents the morphology of the ovary, as well as the dynamics of the vitellogenesis process in oocytes of the diplopod Urostreptus atrobrunneus (Spirostreptida, Spirostreptidae). The oocytes are arranged in clusters called ovisacs, which are distributed in a paired way along the body. The ovary is of the panoistic type. Differently from the other species of diplopods, it was observed little calcium in the oocytes of U. atrobrunneus. Lipids and proteins probably have double origin, i.e, endogenous and exogenous, with probable participation of the adjacent perivisceral fat body. The polysaccharides probably have exogenous origin with participation of the follicular epithelium in the synthesis and/or incorporation of these elements.
Trade Secrets in the Intellectual Property Strategies of Entrepreneurs: The Estonian Experience
Authors: Värv Age , Pisuke Heiki , Mets Tõnis , Vasamäe Elise , Kelli Aleksei
Published: November 2010

Secrecy is a traditional method of knowledge protection. The protection and management of trade secrets has high strategic relevance for small transition economies. As the majority of Estonian entrepreneurs are SMEs in low-tech sectors, the implementation of adequate trade-secret protection strategy is vital. There are several advantages to trade-secret protection. First, the scope of trade-secret protection can be extensive and includes non-patentable knowledge. Second, it does not require the registration or fulfilment of any formal procedures.The Estonian high-tech sector also relies on trade-secret protection. Concentration of activities in a low- or high-tech sector only determines whether entrepreneurs combine patent and trade-secret protection or whether they are solely dependent on trade-secret protection.The enhancement of entrepreneurial skills to manage trade-secrets is crucial. Despite the high strategic relevance of trade secret protection, Estonian entrepreneurs do not, yet, seem to have the necessary capabilities to leverage trade-secret protection. A similar situation can be detected in other Baltic states. Therefore, the main focus of this article is on the exploration of how to control and utilize trade secrets in the value creation process by entrepreneurs in the Estonian legal and economic environment through appropriate economic and legal strategies and relevant legal implementation and protection measures. The authors analyze theoretical and practical issues concerning trade-secret protection, argue their own concepts and put forward several proposals.
Legislative Evolution in Romanian Criminal Proceedings: The Special Procedure for Compensation of Material or Moral Damages in Cases of Judicial Error
Authors: Damaschin Mircea
Published: November 2010

This article analyzes the special procedure for compensating material or moral damages where there has been a wrongful conviction—or other wrongful injury to individual liberty—caused by error in Romanian criminal proceedings.This remedy is provided for by the 1969 Romanian Criminal Procedure Code; however (perhaps inevitably), tension has risen between these provisions and those of the 1991 Romanian Constitution resulting in amendments to both the Code and the Constitution. The most significant of these amendments have flowed from decisions of the Romanian Constitutional Court; in turn, the Constitutional Court has been guided in its determinations of constitutionality by interpretations of the 1950 European Convention on Human Rights.In the present article, the author presents the evolution of Romania's legal framework in this field, analyzing key decisions of the Romanian Constitutional Court. Also considered here is the jurisprudence of Romanian ordinary courts dealing with the compensatory remedy for material or moral damages awarded to victims of judicial error in Romanian criminal proceedings. The relevance here of the practice of the European Court of Human Rights, which has been critical of Romania in this regard, cannot be overestimated.Finally, this article considers the potential effect of changes contained the new Criminal Procedure Code, which has been adopted in mid-2010 by the Romanian Parliament.
Bridge over the Straits of Messina
Authors: Füßer Klaus , Nastasi Giuseppe , Lau Marcus
Published: November 2010

The idea of establishing a connection between Sicily and mainland Europe is an old one. The Italian Prime Minister Berlusconi is determined to see this idea come to fruition and laid the foundations for its planning during his first term in office. A bridge, more than 3 kilometres long and 65 metres in height at its highest point, is to be built in the midst of a region exposed to the risk of earthquakes. First and foremost this bridge is a status symbol, which, by the way, is going to cost approx. EUR 6 bn. Independent of the political controversy accompanying this mammoth project, it also gives rise to numerous judicial issues. The impacts upon the sensitive natural surroundings, protected by Natura 2000, are a source of particular concern; a concern which has been brushed aside by the Italian authorities. Another concern relates to the responsibility of the courts involved. These issues will be discussed critically in this article.
Phosphorus, Land Use and Absolute Quantity Reductions as a Legal Problem
Authors: Ulrich Andrea , Holzapfel Nadine , Ekardt Felix
Published: November 2010

This article broaches the legal treatment of the declining, non-renewable, non-substitutable resource phosphorus which is indispensable for life. Furthermore, excessive and dissipative phosphorus entry into the environment, soils, and water bodies has significant harmful effects on ecosystems. Insufficient European and national legal regulations lack concreteness, real enforcement, prevention of relocating problems and a safeguard for absolute quantity reductions in phosphorus usage. Furthermore, it is the sum of multiple minor actions of farmers etc. that can lead to ecologically and resource-related fatale consequences. It is not sufficient to increase efficiency in phosphorus uptake per individual plant, because if crop cultivation is expanded to previously unused areas at the same time, for instance via greater animal feed crop production (due to globally rising meat consumption) or via bioenergy plant production, it will be impossible to achieve the necessary absolute phosphorus application reductions by higher efficiency per plant. We conclude that this will eventually lead to an important new strategy in environmental policy: "Technical solutions", "efficiency" and "command and control" alone will not solve resource problems or quantity problems if at the same time (global) production increases or remains at a constant high level.
Water-Related Tools for Climate Change Adaptation in the Flemish Region: The Art of Linking Water Quality Standards to Spatial Planning
Authors: De Smedt Peter
Published: November 2010

The Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) establishes a framework for integrated water management and functions as a major legal frame for the protection of water bodies in Europe. In the Flemish Region the Directive has been implemented by the Decree of 18 July 2003 on Integral Water Policy. As climate change affects the quality and quantity status of water bodies, the question arises whether the Water Framework Directive (WFD) and the Flemish implementation legislation are well-suited to handle climate change impacts. Although climate change concerns are not explicitly incorporated in the text of the WFD and the Flemish Decree, this author believes that the main components for an effective adaptation strategy are included in the above mentioned legislation. More in particular, this is achieved by the environmental objectives which have to be elaborated in environmental quality standards (EQS) on the one hand, and the integrated approach on the other hand. Water quality management on the basis of a high level of protection of the aquatic environment is indispensable for adapting to climate change, as ecosystem-based adaptation is most cost-effective. Therefore spatial planning should integrate water quality concerns, as spatial planning may be critical for spatial quality and more specific for the achievement of the environmental objectives. Consequently this contribution focuses on the impact of water quality standards on permit decision-making and spatial planning. In this context some legal instruments anchored in the Flemish legislation on integral water policy will be highlighted, especially the 'watertoets' (translated as the water checkup), which may be useful to facilitate adaptation to climate change.
Balancing Conflicting Goods The European Human Rights Jurisprudence on Environmental Protection
Authors: Desmet Ellen
Published: November 2010

The implementation of environmental protection measures may interfere with the enjoyment of certain human rights. The European Court of Human Rights and the former Commission have developed quite an extensive jurisprudence in which these potentially conflicting goods of human rights and nature protection are balanced. Conservation-related cases have generally concerned the right to property, the right to private life and home, the right to a fair trial and the prohibition of discrimination. Especially with regard to the right to property, an increase in conservation-related cases and findings of violations is noticeable.
New method to realise superplastic deformation of ultrahigh strength steel
Authors: Zhang H. , Cheng X. L. , Bai B. Z.
Published: November 2010

The superplastic behaviour of an ultrahigh strength steel (Fe–0·47C–1·98Mn–1·37Si–0·91Cr–0·25Mo) after a proper predeformation has been studied. The predeformation mentioned above was conducted with true strain of 1·2 at strain rate of 10−3 s−1 at 973 K. It was found that water cooled specimen after the predeformation exhibits superplastic characteristics under suitable conditions although the microstructure of the specimen contains massive martensite, which is commonly thought to be unbeneficial for superplasticity. Further study shows that the microstructure transforms to ferrite+spheroidised carbide dual phase under a very small strain during the early stage of superplastic deformation.
Microstructure, hardness and residual stress distribution of dissimilar metal electron beam welds: Maraging steel and high strength low alloy steel
Authors: Venkateswara Rao V. , Madhusudhan Reddy G. , Sitarama Raju A. V.
Published: November 2010

The present investigation reports on a study that has been taken up to develop an understanding of the electron beam welding characteristics of similar and dissimilar combination of maraging steel and high strength low alloy steel, which are in the hardened condition, i.e. maraging steel, in a solution that was in treated and aged condition, whereas high strength low alloy steel in a quenched and tempered condition before welding. The joint characterisation studies include microstructural examination, microhardness survey across the weldment and measurement of residual stresses. Maraging steel weld metal is under compressive stress rather than tensile stress as observed in low alloy steel welds because the martensite transformation occurs at a relatively low temperature. It has been observed that, in dissimilar metal welds, tensile stress is observed at the fusion boundary of low alloy steel and weld metal, whereas compressive stress is obtained at the location between weld and maraging steel fusion boundary. Dissimilar weldment contains a soft region beside the interface on maraging steel side because of the diffusion of manganese from low alloy steel towards maraging steel. The observed residual stresses, hardness distribution across the similar and dissimilar metal welds are correlated with the observed microstructures.
Quantitative X-ray diffraction analysis of development of Z phase in 12%Cr–Nb–V–N steel
Authors: Di Nunzio P. E. , Cipolla L. , Tiberi Vipraio S. , Martelli S. , Somers M. A. J.
Published: November 2010

To study the evolution of nitrides (Nb,V)N, (V,Nb)N and Cr2N, and in particular the formation of the Z phase Cr(V, Nb)N, a model alloy with composition similar to that of 12%Cr steels for high temperature applications, microalloyed with Nb and V but with a very low carbon content, has been designed. A quantitative determination of the volume fractions of the extracted nitrides that had formed after aging treatments at 650°C for up to 10 000 h was carried out by an X-ray diffraction procedure, based on the Rietveld approach. The investigation of the Z phase evolution by the Johnson–Mehl–Avrami–Kolmogorov kinetics at 650 and 700°C revealed that, as the kinetic exponent is very close to unity, the formation mechanism of this phase is not associated with a conventional process of nucleation but hints at a gradual diffusion controlled transformation of the pre-existing V and Nb nitrides.
Influence of post-weld heat treatments on microstructure and mechanical properties of gas tungsten arc maraging steel weldments
Authors: Venkateswara Rao V. , Madhusudhan Reddy G. , Sitarama Raju A. V.
Published: November 2010

The response to post-weld heat treatment of an 18%Ni (250 grade) gas tungsten arc weld metal has been investigated. The post-weld heat treatments are (a) direct aging at 480°C/3 h/air cooling, (b) solutionising at 815°C/1 h/air cooling+aging at 480°C/3 h/air cooling and (c) homogenisation at 1150°C/1 h/air cooling+solutionising at 815°C/1 h/air cooling+aging at 480°C/3 h/air cooling. Metallographic characterisation of fusion zone revealed pronounced segregation of titanium and molybdenum along the interdendritic and intercellular boundaries. This led, during subsequent aging, to austenite reversion at temperatures much lower than in wrought (unwelded) material. Solutionised treatment at 815°C does not remove the segregation. Homogenisation treatment (1150°C/1 h/air cooling) succeeded in making the composition become homogenised. Mechanical properties including tensile, hardness and impact toughness were evaluated. Tensile test results showed that directly aged weldments exhibited lower strength but higher ductility than the other cases; this was attributed to the presence of reverted austenite. Homogenisation at 1150°C/1 h/air cooling+solutionising at 815°C/1 h/air cooling+aging at 480°C/3 h/air cooling resulted in optimum tensile properties. A substantial increase in fusion zone toughness was observed after homogenisation+solutionising+aged condition due to a decrease in the content of austenite content compared to the directly aged condition. The reduction in microsegregation by diffusion of alloying elements from cell boundaries to the cell during homogenisation treatment is responsible for the decrease in austenite content.
Numerical determination of permeability of Al–Cu alloys using 3D geometry from X-ray microtomography
Authors: Khajeh E. , Maijer D. M.
Published: November 2010

In the present study, the permeabilities of Al–15·5 wt-%Cu and Al–19·5 wt-%Cu have been determined numerically by solving the full Navier–Stokes equations on 3D geometries of interdendritic channels obtained by X-ray microtomography. The samples for X-ray microtomography imaging were sectioned from different heights in directionally solidified cylinders in order to obtain a variety of microstructures for each composition. The flow has been solved using a second order accurate finite volume method approach. The effect of employing uniform or unstructured mesh on the calculated permeability has been studied. The Marching–Cube triangulation method was used to extract accurate surfaces for unstructured volume meshing. Calculated values of permeability for this range of solid fractions show partial agreement with previous experiments. Observed deviations are analysed and ultimately attributed to experimental error associated with the difficulties of measuring permeability.
Study of preparation conditions of novel dissolving coating method applied to PA6 fibres
Authors: Jin X. , Xiao C. F. , Wang W. Y.
Published: November 2010

In the dissolving coating method, dissolution of the fibre surface is the necessary condition for imparting durability conductivity to fibre. On the other hand, it would make a strong effect on the mechanical properties of the treated fibre. The main propose of the present paper is making a study on the preparing conditions of dissolving coating method both from the view of electrical and mechanical properties of final fibres. In the present research, there are four parameters associated with the electrical and mechanical properties of final fibres, i.e. concentration of solvent A, content of CB in coating mixture B, dissolved PA6 polymer content in coating mixture C and roller speed D. The influence of the main parameters on the mechanical and conductive properties was discussed using single factor tests first. Then, two orthogonal arrays were designed, and the optimisation dissolving coating method condition for PA6 fibres was confirmed.
Synthesis and Gelation Behavior of 4′-Propyl-1,1′-bi(cyclohexyl)-4-one 4-Alkoxybenzoylhydrazone
Authors: Li Juan , Chen Pei , Chen Xinbing , An Zhongwei , Li Yan
Published: November 2010

A series of new alkoxybenzoylhydrazones of 4′-propyl-1,1′-bi(cyclohexyl)-4-one were prepared as novel low molecular weight organogelators (LMOGs). Their gelation behaviors in 10 solvents were tested. Some of the compounds could form stable gels in bulk organic solvents and self-assemble into fibrous microstructures in organogel phase. FTIR and 1H NMR spectroscopy studies revealed that hydrogen bonding between the gelator molecules was one of the main driving forces for the formation of the gels.