bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biobehavioral and psychological differences between overweight adults with and without waist circumference risk
Authors: Grossniklaus Daurice A. , Gary Rebecca A. , Higgins Melinda K. , Dunbar Sandra B.
Published: October 2010

Waist circumference (WC) has emerged as an independent predictor of cardiometabolic disease. The purpose of this study was to examine differences between overweight adults with and without WC risk in four domains: demographic, clinical and biological, psychological, and behavioral. The sample (N = 87) was primarily sedentary, middle‐aged, women, and African‐Americans. The majority of participants had WC risk, those with WC risk were older, were women, and had higher body mass index, higher morning salivary cortisol levels, and more depressive symptoms than those without WC risk. Caloric and macronutrient intake did not differ between those with and without WC risk. Our findings could lead to the development of targeted interventions to prevent and/or reduce abdominal obesity, thereby reducing cardiometabolic risk. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 33:539–551, 2010
Does more federal environmental funding increase or decrease states' efforts?
Authors: Clark Benjamin Y. , Whitford Andrew B.
Published: October 2010

We examine the flow of federal grants‐in‐aid from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to the states. We simultaneously model two dependent variables (the flow of EPA funds, and state environmental and natural resource budgets) to identify the independent roles of state political institutions, political preferences, economic and demographic characteristics, and the task environment. Our central focus, though, is on the relationship between grants and state spending after taking into account those direct effects. We examine the evidence for positive association (a flypaper effect) and negative association (crowding out). We show the different roles for political institutions, political preferences, demographic and economic characteristics, and the task environment in each spending context. Most importantly, we find evidence for a flypaper effect between federal funds and state spending: Federal spending and state spending are positively correlated after accounting for the contribution of the unique factors. © 2010 by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management.
The role of epidermal growth factor receptor in chordoma pathogenesis: a potential therapeutic target
Authors: Shalaby Asem , Presneau Nadège , Ye Hongtao , Halai Dina , Berisha Fitim , Idowu Bernadine , Leithner Andreas , Liegl Bernadette , Briggs Timothy RW , Bacsi Krisztian , Kindblom Lars‐Gunnar , Athanasou Nicholas , Amary Maria Fernanda , Hogendoorn Pancras CW , Tirabosco Roberto , Flanagan Adrienne M
Published: October 2010

Chordoma, the molecular hallmark of which is T (brachyury), is a rare malignant bone tumour with a high risk of local recurrence and a tumour from which metastatic disease is a common late event. Currently, there is no effective drug therapy for treating chordomas, although there is evidence that some patients respond to the empirical use of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antagonists. The aim of this study was to determine the role of EGFR in the pathogenesis of chordoma. Paraffin‐embedded material from 173 chordomas from 160 patients [sacro‐coccygeal (n = 94), skull‐based (n = 50), and mobile spine (n = 16)] was analysed by immunohistochemistry and revealed total EGFR expression in 69% of cases analysed. Of 147 informative chordomas analysed by FISH, 38% revealed high‐level EGFR polysomy, 4% high‐level polysomy with focal amplification, 18% low‐level polysomy, and 39% disomy. Phospho‐receptor tyrosine kinase array membranes showed EGFR activation in the chordoma cell line U‐CH1 and all of the three chordomas analysed. Direct sequencing of EGFR (exons 18–21), KRAS, NRAS, HRAS (exons 2, 3), and BRAF (exons 11, 15) using DNA from 62 chordomas failed to reveal mutations. PTEN expression was absent by immunohistochemistry in 19 of 147 (13%) analysed chordomas, only one of which revealed high‐level polysomy of EGFR. The EGFR inhibitor tyrphostin (AG 1478) markedly inhibited proliferation of the chordoma cell line U‐CH1 in vitro and diminished EGFR phosphorylation in a dose‐dependant manner, a finding supported by inhibition of phosphorylated Erk1/2. p‐Akt was suppressed to a much lesser degree in these experiments. There was no reduction of T as assessed by western blotting. These data implicate aberrant EGFR signalling in the pathogenesis of chordoma. This study provides a strategy for patient stratification for treatment with EGFR antagonists. Copyright © 2010 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polymer nanofiber‐templated fabrication and characterization of gallium oxide nanofibers consisting of granular nanoparticles
Authors: Park Soo‐Jin , Barakat Nasser AM , Jeong Kwang‐Un , Kim Hak‐Yong
Published: October 2010

Gallium oxide (β‐Ga2O3) is an interesting semiconductor that has a wide bandgap and can be used as an optoelectronic material in flat‐panel displays, solar energy conversion devices and optical limiters for UV light. However, it is difficult to fabricate and process Ga2O3 nanofibers for actual optoelectronic applications. When the excellent processability of polymeric materials is introduced into the inorganic nanofiber fabrication process, this limitation can be easily overcome. The aim of the research reported was to prepare granular Ga2O3 nanofibers utilizing an electrospun polyacrylonitrile nanofiber template combined with sol‐gel technology. Ga2O3 nanofibers were successfully fabricated by electrospinning a solution of polyacrylonitrile mixed with gallium nitrate and subsequent calcination. The surface and bulk morphologies of the calcined nanofibers investigated using field‐emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) indicated that Ga2O3 nanofibers were constructed by the fusion of gallium oxide nanoparticles. TEM bright‐field images combined with selected‐area electron diffraction indicated that the average diameter of the Ga2O3 nanofibers produced was ca 55 nm and the crystalline structure was β‐Ga2O3 with a monoclinic unit cell. Furthermore, the photoluminescence spectrum of the Ga2O3 nanofibers exhibited two strong green emission peaks and one UV emission peak. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Biodegradable antistatic plasticizer based on citrate electrolyte doped with alkali metal salt and its poly(vinyl chloride) composites
Authors: Wang Jiliang , Che Rongsheng , Yang Wanqing , Lei Jingxin
Published: October 2010

An eco‐friendly citrate electrolyte‐based antistatic plasticizer (CEAP) consisting of sodium thiocyanate‐doped tris(2‐butoxyethyl) citrate was successfully synthesized using a typical esterification reaction between citric acid and 2‐butoxyethanol. Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC)/CEAP composites were then prepared in a Haake torque rheometer. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to confirm both the structure of the synthesized CEAP and the coordination effects between the doping salt and CEAP. The dependence of the conductivity of the synthesized CEAP on temperature and concentration of the doping salt was investigated. The surface resistivity and mechanical properties of the PVC/CEAP composites were also studied. The results showed that the surface resistivity of the PVC/CEAP composites could be effectively reduced to the order of 107Ω sq−1 when the CEAP content reached 80 phr. The surface resistivity of the composites still reached 108Ω sq−1 even at a relative humidity of 12%, showing an excellent electrostatic discharge (ESD) capacity. The fabricated composites with good ESD capacity also had a tensile strength of 10 MPa and an elongation at break of 400%, which could satisfy requirements for packaging applications or similar usages. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Morphological dependency of polymer electrolyte membranes on transient salt type: effects of anion species
Authors: Esmaeili Majid , Madaeni Sayed S , Barzin Jalal
Published: October 2010

Two types of transition metal salts, i.e. Cu(NO3)2 and CuCl2, with different anion species were used to prepare various polyethersulfone‐based poly(N‐vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) composite membranes. The polymer crystallinity, strength of some of the bonds in the membrane structure and effects of anion species on the membrane morphology were investigated through X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectrometry (SEM‐EDX), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy. The XRD results indicated an enhancement of the PVP crystallinity after addition of Cu(NO3)2. Moreover, addition of copper salt was accompanied by an increase of effective membrane distances. The FTIR analysis revealed that the nitrate ions might be better distributed than the other salt ions. The complexes created between them and carbonyl oxygens on the PVP chains were thus stronger. More powerful interactions caused a crystallinity enhancement following the addition of Cu(NO3)2. The SEM‐EDX experiment gave insight into the copper ion and carbonyl oxygen distributions in the membrane surface and active layer. The uniform distribution of copper ions resulted in a clear distribution of interchain interactions and complexes in the active layer structure and also caused structural order improvement. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
New thermosets obtained from bisphenol A diglycidyl ether and hydroxyl‐ended hyperbranched polymers partially blocked with benzoyl and trimethylsilyl groups
Authors: Foix David , Fernández‐Francos Xavier , Salla Josep M , Serra Àngels , Morancho Josep M , Ramis Xavier
Published: October 2010

New epoxy thermosets with improved flexibility were prepared by chemical modification of bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (DGEBA) with hyperbranched polymers (HBPs). Hydroxyl‐ended hyperbranched polyesters were modified by blocking part of the hydroxyl groups with trimethylsilyl or benzoyl groups. The curing of mixtures of DGEBA with various proportions of two modified HBPs using ytterbium triflate as cationic initiator was investigated using differential scanning calorimetry and thermomechanical analysis. The characterization of these materials was performed using several thermal analysis techniques and their morphology was investigated using electron microscopy. High proportions of HBPs reduced the glass transition temperature and the relaxed storage modulus but barely affected gelation. The overall curing shrinkage was controlled by the content of hydroxyl groups and by the changes of HBP molecular interactions during curing. The results indicated that the relative proportion and type of terminal groups play a role in the evolution of the curing and the properties of the thermosets. Hydroxyl groups promoted the covalent incorporation of the HBP to the network via hydroxyl‐induced chain‐transfer reactions, whereas benzoyl groups promoted phase separation. Formulations containing HBP blocked with benzoyl groups showed two phases connected through covalent linkages between the HBP‐rich phase and the epoxy matrix. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Polybenzoxazine‐based composites as high‐performance materials
Authors: Kiskan Baris , Ghosh Narendra Nath , Yagci Yusuf
Published: October 2010

Polybenzoxazines are newly developed thermoset polymers exhibiting versatility in a wide range of applications including in the electronics and aerospace industries. When combined as composites, the attractive characteristics of both components are apparent. The chemistry of benzoxazine synthesis offers wide molecular design flexibility and thus facilitates preparation of various polybenzoxazine‐based composites. This article reviews recent developments in the preparation and thermal curing of benzoxazine composites with a focus on structure–property relations of cured materials. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis and characterization of calix[4]arene‐containing polyimides
Authors: Hobzova Radka , Sysel Petr , Duskova‐Smrckova Miroslava
Published: October 2010

Three types of amino‐functionalized calixarenes, i.e. the diaminocalix[4]arenes 5,17‐diaminomethyl‐25,26,27,28‐tetrapropoxycalix[4]arene, 25,27‐diaminoethoxy‐26,28‐dihydroxycalix[4]arene and 5,11,17,23‐tetra‐tert‐butyl‐25,27‐diaminoethoxy‐26,28‐dihydroxycalix[4]arene, were synthesized and incorporated as comonomers into the backbones of aromatic polyimides. As a first step, polyimide precursors (poly(amic acid)s) were prepared by condensation reaction of diamine with dianhydride at the stoichiometric ratio. The diamine component was composed of synthesized diaminocalix[4]arene and commercial 4,4′‐oxydianiline combined in various molar ratios. The dianhydride used was 4,4′‐oxydiphthalic anhydride. The poly(amic acid)s were characterized using intrinsic viscosity measurements and their chemical composition was determined using 1H NMR spectroscopy. The precursors were then transformed into the polyimides using a thermal treatment. Thermal and dynamic mechanical behaviour, wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction and solubility of the resulting polyimide films in selected solvents were evaluated. The structure–property relationship of the novel types of synthesized polyimides is discussed in terms of the calixarene monomer used and the fraction of it incorporated into the polymer backbone. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Acute Knee Haemarthrosis: A Case Report Describing Diagnosis and Management for a Patient on Anticoagulation Medication
Authors: Ross Michael D. , Elliott Ryan
Published: October 2010

Background and Purpose. A 63‐year‐old woman was referred to physical therapy with a 3 day history of constant anterior left knee pain that was atraumatic in nature. The patient was taking anticoagulation medication for chronic atrial fibrillation. Her international normalized ratio (INR) was within normal limits when assessed 3 weeks prior to her initial physical therapy evaluation. Method. Physical examination revealed an antalgic gait, moderate left knee effusion, limited painful knee range of motion, normal ligamentous testing and negative joint line or patellofemoral joint palpation. The patient was instructed in the use of a single‐point cane, use of ice, positional comfort and relative rest from weight‐bearing activities. Upon re‐assessment 2 days later, the patient's knee pain and effusion had worsened despite compliance with day 1 instructions. Given that there was no clear mechanism of injury and the worsening nature of the disorder, the physical therapist discussed the case with the patient's physician, and immediate appointments for laboratory testing and potential knee aspiration were obtained. Results. Laboratory testing demonstrated that INR values had elevated to a supratherapeutic level of anticoagulation. Fluid from the patient's left knee was aspirated, revealing a haemarthrosis. The patient's symptoms immediately improved following aspiration. After suspending her anticoagulation medication dose for 1 day, her INR value returned to therapeutic range. She was symptom free within 3 weeks with physical therapy intervention and had remained symptom free at 1 year following the knee haemarthrosis. Conclusion. We recommend that physical therapists screen all patients for whether or not they are taking anticoagulation medications, especially before implementation of manual therapy or therapeutic exercise interventions. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Co‐purification of Mac‐2 binding protein with galectin‐3 and association with prostasomes in human semen
Authors: Block Ashley S. , Saraswati Sarika , Lichti Cheryl F. , Mahadevan Maha , Diekman Alan B.
Published: October 2010

BACKGROUND

Prostasomes are exosome‐like vesicles that are secreted by the prostate and incorporated into semen during ejaculation. Human prostasomes are proposed to function in regulation of sperm function, immunosuppression, and prostate cancer progression. Previously, we identified galectin‐3 on the surface of prostasomes. Galectin‐3 is a β‐galactoside binding protein involved in immunomodulation, cell interactions, and cancer progression, including prostate cancer. Functional characterization of galectin‐3 in a given biological environment includes identification of its target glycoprotein ligands.

METHODS

Candidate galectin‐3 ligands in prostasomes were identified by tandem mass spectrometry of proteins that co‐purified with galectin‐3 during lactose affinity chromatography. Immunochemical and biochemical methods were used to investigate the association of Mac‐2 binding protein (M2BP) with prostasomes.

RESULTS

Proteins identified by tandem mass spectrometry included M2BP, CD26/dipeptidyl peptidase IV, prolactin‐inducible protein (PIP), olfactomedin‐4 (OLFM4), and semenogelins I and II (SgI and SgII). M2BP is a known galectin‐3 ligand that was not previously described in prostasomes. M2BP protein bands were detected in the testis, epididymis, vas deferens, prostate, seminal vesicle, and sperm extracts. In seminal plasma, M2BP was identified in the soluble fraction and in purified prostasomes. Surface biotinylation and immunofluorescence studies indicated that M2BP is present on the prostasome surface and on sperm, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

M2BP, CD26, PIP, OLFM4, and SgI and SgII are candidate glycoprotein ligands for galectin‐3 in prostasomes. Given their overlap in functional significance with prostasomes and galectin‐3, the identification of these glycoproteins as galectin‐3 ligands in prostasomes lays the groundwork for future studies of prostasomes in reproduction and prostate cancer. Prostate 71:711–721, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Differential expression of peroxiredoxins in prostate cancer: Consistent upregulation of PRDX3 and PRDX4
Authors: Basu Anamika , Banerjee Hiya , Rojas Heather , Martinez Shannalee R. , Roy Sourav , Jia Zhenyu , Lilly Michael B. , De León Marino , Casiano Carlos A.
Published: October 2010

BACKGROUND

The peroxiredoxins (PRDXs) are emerging as regulators of antioxidant defense, apoptosis, and therapy resistance in cancer. Because their significance in prostate cancer (PCa) is unclear, we investigated their expression and clinical associations in PCa.

METHODS

Transcript expression of PRDX1–6 in PCa was evaluated in cancer gene microarray datasets, whereas protein expression was evaluated by immunoblotting in prostate cell lines, and by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in prostate tissue microarrays (TMAs) containing tumor (n = 80) and control (n = 17) tissues. PRDX3 was also analyzed in TMAs containing PCa tissues from African‐American and Caucasian patients (n = 150 per group). PRDX expression was correlated with patients' clinicopathologic characteristics.

RESULTS

Analysis of PRDX expression in cancer microarray datasets revealed consistent upregulation (tumor vs. normal) of PRDX3 and 4. All PRDXs exhibited elevated protein expression in PCa cell lines, compared with non‐tumor cells. IHC revealed significant overexpression of PRDX3 and 4 in PCa, associated with age, increased prostate specific antigen (PSA), tumor stage, or Gleason score. High PRDX3 staining was associated with early age and elevated Gleason score at time of radical prostatectomy in African‐American but not in Caucasian patients with PCa. PSA recurrence free survival in patients with low PRDX3 tumor expression was significantly longer in Caucasians compared to African‐Americans, but no difference was detected for high expression.

CONCLUSIONS

PRDXs exhibit differential expression in prostate tumors, with PRDX3 and 4 consistently upregulated. Their role in PCa development, and their potential as biological determinants of PCa health disparities and novel therapeutic targets, deserve further investigation. Prostate 71:755–765, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Androgen‐induced PSA expression requires not only activation of AR but also endogenous IGF‐I or IGF‐I/PI3K/Akt signaling in human prostate cancer epithelial cells
Authors: Liu Xunxian , Choi Renee Y. , Jawad Shayma M. , Arnold Julia T.
Published: October 2010

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer (PrCa) risk is positively associated with levels of insulin‐like growth factor I (IGF‐I) and prostate specific antigen (PSA), both androgen receptor (AR) signaling target genes in PrCa cells. Although activated AR is required for androgen‐induction of expression of both genes, effects of the IGF‐I signaling pathways on the androgen‐induction of PSA have not been studied.

METHODS

Human prostate stromal and epithelial cancer cells were treated alone or in coculture with steroid hormone and/or inhibitors. Gene or protein expression was analyzed by real time RT‐PCR or Western blotting of lysates, nuclear extracts, or immunoprecipitated products.

RESULTS

In PrCa epithelial cells, endogenous IGF‐I, significantly induced by R1881, was required for R1881‐induction of PSA. Increased IGF‐I correlated with accumulation of cytoplasmic dephospho β‐catenin (CPDP β‐catenin), a co‐activator of AR signaling. Exogenous IGF‐I enhanced R1881‐induced PSA and accumulation of CPDP β‐catenin in LAPC‐4 cells. Functional depletion of IGF‐I or IGF‐I receptor diminished PSA induction. Induction of IGF‐I reached a plateau while PSA consecutively increased. Inhibiting PI3K abolished R1881‐induced Akt phosphorylation, CPDP and nuclear β‐catenin and nuclear association of AR/β‐catenin, consequently abrogating R1881‐induced expression of IGF‐I and/or PSA.

CONCLUSIONS

By integrating androgen, IGF‐I and β‐catenin signaling pathways, these data reveal that androgen‐induced PSA expression requires activation of AR and endogenous IGF‐I or IGF‐I/PI3K/Akt signaling, suggesting a positive feedback cycle for increased production of PSA associated with PrCa. Prostate 71:766–777, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of a phytotherapeutic agent, Eviprostat®, on prostatic and urinary cytokines/chemokines in a rat model of nonbacterial prostatitis
Authors: Sugimoto Mikio , Oka Michiko , Tsunemori Hiroyuki , Yamashita Motoki , Kakehi Yoshiyuki
Published: October 2010

BACKGROUND

Chronic inflammation in the prostate has recently been recognized as an important component of the symptom progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia. The objective of this study was to evaluate a range of cytokines/chemokines in prostate tissue and urine to identify markers of prostate inflammation in a prostatitis model and to investigate the effect of a phytotherapeutic agent, Eviprostat®, on these markers.

METHODS

Ten‐month‐old male Wistar rats were divided into four groups. Nonbacterial prostatitis (NBP) was experimentally induced in groups 2–4 by castration followed by daily subcutaneous injection of 17β‐estradiol for 30 days. Control rats were fed a standard diet, while animals in the Eviprostat groups were fed a diet containing 0.05 or 0.1% Eviprostat for 30 days. The levels of cytokines/chemokines in prostate tissue on the 31st day and in urine collected the day before castration and the day before removal of the prostate were determined.

RESULTS

Experimentally induced NBP increased the prostatic levels of the cytokines interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α). The levels of the chemokines CCL2/monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1), CCL3/macrophage inflammatory protein‐1α (MIP‐1α), CXCL1/CINC‐1, CXCL3/CINC‐2, and CXCL5/LIX were elevated in both prostate and urine. Eviprostat significantly suppressed the increases in prostate IL‐1β, TNF‐α and CCL3/MIP‐1α and prostatic and urinary CCL2/MCP‐1 and CXCL1/CINC‐1.

CONCLUSIONS

Chemokines, including CCL2/MCP‐1 and CXCL1/CINC‐1, were elevated in the prostate and urine of NBP rats, and Eviprostat potently suppressed the increases in CCL2/MCP‐1 and CXCL1/CINC‐1. These chemokines are therefore candidate diagnostic biomarkers for nonbacterial chronic prostatic inflammation. Prostate 77:438–444, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of nozzle type and spray angle on spray deposition in ivy pot plants
Authors: Foqué Dieter , Nuyttens David
Published: October 2010

BACKGROUND: Fewer plant protection products are now authorised for use in ornamental growings. Frequent spraying with the same product or a suboptimal technique can lead to resistance in pests and diseases. Better application techniques could improve the sustainable use of the plant protection products still available. Spray boom systems—instead of the still predominantly used spray guns—might improve crop protection management in greenhouses considerably. The effect of nozzle type, spray pressure and spray angle on spray deposition and coverage in ivy pot plants was studied, with a focus on crop penetration and spraying the bottom side of the leaves in this dense crop.

RESULTS: The experiments showed a significant and important effect of collector position on deposition and coverage in the plant. Although spray deposition and coverage on the bottom side of the leaves are generally low, they could be improved 3.0–4.9‐fold using the appropriate application technique.

CONCLUSIONS: When using a spray boom in a dense crop, the nozzle choice, spray pressure and spray angle should be well considered. The hollow‐cone, the air‐inclusion flat‐fan and the standard flat‐fan nozzle with an inclined spray angle performed best because of the effect of swirling droplets, droplets with a high momentum and droplet direction respectively. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Sahara transit: times, spaces, people
Authors: Bredeloup Sylvie
Published: October 2010

Transit migration is not a completely new phenomenon. In fact the real novelty is that it is perceived or presented as new by international experts. By re‐emphasising the transitory nature of migration the term reintroduces an aspect of uncertainty in migration patterns, associating social marginalisation with precarious impermanence and illegality with criminality and transit, in order to provide an argument to eliminate it. In fact it is only a minority of nationals of sub‐Saharan African countries who, having crossed the Sahara, actually want to continue to Europe. The majority are happy to work more permanently in the Maghreb while cross border circulation continues on a seasonal basis. To confuse the figure of the trans‐Saharan migrant with those of the victim stuck on a boat off the coast of Lampedusa or trapped in the forests of Bel Younes at Ceuta or Mariwari, near Mellila is to twist reality. There is one certainty, nevertheless, amongst all these approximations: the precarious status of transit migrants has grown as states have cooperated in border control operations and as solidarity between migrants and other migrants or non‐migrants, which provides a safety net during migratory movements, has gradually faded. Across the Sahara, migrants in transit leave traces, particular changes in places which research must explain before they are totally erased, before both states and migrants themselves contribute for different reasons to their disappearance. The Sahara is not only a space that is crossed, it's also a place that is worked on, urbanised by the passage and residence of generations of migrants. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reverse remittances in the migration–development nexus: two‐way flows between Ghana and the Netherlands
Authors: Mazzucato Valentina
Published: October 2010

Scholarship on the migration–development nexus has focused on the outcomes of remittances received by the inhabitants of countries in the Global South. This paper argues that this conceptualisation of remittances as one‐way flows obscures the fact that remittances are part of reciprocal social relations. As such, they also entail flows of goods, money, and especially services from countries in the Global South to migrants, or what is called reverse remittances. The paper contributes to emerging literature on reverse remittances by broadening the conceptualisation of reverse remittances and presenting an analysis of their characteristics as well as those of receivers and providers. We find that most remittances from home communities to migrants are in the form of services rendered. These include childcare and helping with migrants' investments in housing and business. Furthermore, we elaborate on another type of reverse remittance overlooked in the literature: services conducted to help migrants obtain documents to regularise their stays in the host country. The type of reverse remittance received differs for documented and undocumented migrants, and the providers differ according to kin and non‐kin relations. Depending on their significance, reverse remittances can be important in determining whether and how migration can lead to a betterment of people's lives in the Global South and are therefore relevant for the migration–development nexus, which has heretofore neglected their existence. The analysis is based on a simultaneous matched sample methodology conducted with 131 migrants in the Netherlands and their network members in Ghana, using both quantitative and qualitative analyses. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Atmospheric pressure growth of Eu‐doped GaN by organometallic vapor phase epitaxy
Authors: Furukawa Naoki , Nishikawa Atsushi , Kawasaki Takashi , Terai Yoshikazu , Fujiwara Yasufumi
Published: October 2010

We investigated the luminescence properties of the Eu‐doped GaN (GaN:Eu) grown at atmospheric (100 kPa) and low (10 kPa) pressures by organometallic vapor phase epitaxy (OMVPE). Although Eu concentration of atmospheric pressure GaN:Eu (AP‐GaN:Eu) is lower than that of low pressure GaN:Eu (LP‐GaN:Eu), the integrated photoluminescence (PL) intensity of the AP‐GaN:Eu was 10 times higher than that of the LP‐GaN:Eu (A. Nishikawa et al., Appl. Phys. Lett. 97, 051113 (2010)). Temperature dependent PL and time‐resolved PL measurements revealed that the improved PL intensity was attributed to the higher crystal quality of the AP‐GaN:Eu compared to that of the LP‐GaN:Eu, which resulted in the enhancement of the energy transfer efficiency from the GaN host material to the Eu ions and in the increase in the number of optically active Eu ions.
Dynamic photoluminescence lifetime imaging for the characterisation of silicon wafers
Authors: Herlufsen Sandra , Ramspeck Klaus , Hinken David , Schmidt Arne , Müller Jens , Bothe Karsten , Schmidt Jan , Brendel Rolf
Published: October 2010

We present a fast and calibration‐free carrier lifetime imaging technique based on photoluminescence (PL) measurements using an InGaAs camera for the examination of crystalline silicon wafers. The carrier lifetime is determined from the time dependent luminescence emission after optical excitation. A ratio, including four PL images acquired at different times during the modulated excitation, is calculated and found to depend only on the camera integration time and the effective carrier lifetime. Therefore, the carrier lifetime is unambiguously determined by this ratio without knowing any additional wafer parameter. We demonstrate the applicability of the dynamic PL technique to multicrystalline silicon wafers. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Sample size re‐estimation for survival data in clinical trials with an adaptive design
Authors: Togo Kanae , Iwasaki Manabu
Published: October 2010

In clinical trials with survival data, investigators may wish to re‐estimate the sample size based on the observed effect size while the trial is ongoing. Besides the inflation of the type‐I error rate due to sample size re‐estimation, the method for calculating the sample size in an interim analysis should be carefully considered because the data in each stage are mutually dependent in trials with survival data. Although the interim hazard estimate is commonly used to re‐estimate the sample size, the estimate can sometimes be considerably higher or lower than the hypothesized hazard by chance. We propose an interim hazard ratio estimate that can be used to re‐estimate the sample size under those circumstances. The proposed method was demonstrated through a simulation study and an actual clinical trial as an example. The effect of the shape parameter for the Weibull survival distribution on the sample size re‐estimation is presented. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Paeoniflorin protects against NMDA‐induced neurotoxicity in PC12 cells via Ca2+ antagonism
Authors: Mao Qing‐Qiu , Zhong Xiao‐Ming , Li Zhao‐Yi , Huang Zhen
Published: October 2010

Preclinical and clinical investigation has shown that hippocampal neuronal atrophy and destruction can be observed in patients with depression, and this can be ameliorated with antidepressant medication. Neuroprotection has therefore been proposed as one of the mechanisms of action of antidepressants. Paeoniflorin, a monoterpene glycoside, has been reported to display antidepressant‐like effects in animal models of behavioral despair. The present study aimed to examine the protective effect of paeoniflorin treatment on N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA)‐induced neurotoxicity in cultured rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells. Paeoniflorin was shown to elevate cell viability, decrease lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release in NMDA‐treated PC12 cells. Paeoniflorin also reversed the increased intracellular calcium (Ca2+) concentration and the reduced Calbindin‐D28K mRNA level caused by NMDA in PC12 cells. These results suggest that paeoniflorin exerts a neuroprotective effect on NMDA‐induced neurotoxicity in PC12 cells, at least in part, via Ca2+ antagonism. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antiinflammatory sesquiterpenes from the root oil of Ferula hermonis
Authors: Geroushi Afaf , Auzi Abdurazag A. , Elhwuegi Abdalla Salem , Elzawam Fawzi , Elsherif Akram , Nahar Lutfun , Sarker Satyajit D.
Published: October 2010

Ferula hermonis Boiss. (Apiaceae), commonly known as ‘Shilsh‐el‐zallouh’, ‘Hashishat‐al‐kattira’ or ‘The Lebanese viagra’, is a small shrub that grows abundantly on the Hermon Mountain between Syria and Lebanon. The seeds and roots of this plant have long been used in the Middle East as an aphrodisiac, and for the treatment of frigidity and impotence for both men and women. The antiinflammatory properties of three major daucane esters, ferutinin (1) teferin (2) and teferidin (3), isolated from the root oil of Ferula hermonis, were assessed by the carrageenan‐induced oedema model in rats. The antiinflammatory effect of both 1 and 2 was observed with a dose of 100 mg/kg, while compound 3 did not show any antiinflammatory activity; conversely it produced a significant proinflammatory effect 2 and 3 h after carrageenan injection. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Renoprotective effect of Tanshinone IIA, an active component of Salvia miltiorrhiza, on rats with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Ahn Young‐Min , Kim Su Kang , Lee Sang‐Hun , Ahn Se‐Young , Kang Sung Wook , Chung Joo‐Ho , Kim Sung‐Do , Lee Byung‐Cheol
Published: October 2010

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common cause of end‐stage renal disease. Antihypertensive agents are used clinically to inhibit the progression of CKD, but cannot prevent eventual renal failure. This study investigated the effect of Tanshinone IIA, an active component of Salvia miltiorrhiza, in rats suffering from CKD induced by 5/6 nephrectomy. After development of renal insufficiency, the rats were treated with Tanshinone IIA (10 mg/kg) for 8 weeks. Serum creatinine, angiotensin II (Ang II), transforming growth factor β1 (TGF‐β1) and collagen IV levels were significantly reduced in Tanshinone IIA treated rats compared with a control group. In addition, Tanshinone IIA suppressed increases in urinary protein excretion in CKD rats. These findings suggest that chronic oral administration of Tanshinone IIA can improve renal dysfunction associated with CKD. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Growing‐error correction of ensemble Kalman filter using empirical singular vectors
Authors: Ham Yoo‐Geun , Kang In‐Sik
Published: October 2010

In this study, a new Ensemble Kalman Filter (EnKF) algorithm called EnKF with growing‐error correction (EnKF‐GEC) is developed for minimizing the growing component of the forecast error; for this purpose, prospective observations are assimilated using empirical singular vectors (ESVs). Unlike the Ensemble Kalman Smoother (EnKS) or four‐dimensional EnKF (4DEnKF), the EnKF‐GEC is designed to reduce the analysis error at the last analysis time (errors of initial condition for prediction). By performing assimilation experiments using the CZ‐SPEEDY coupled model within a perfect model framework, it is shown that the analysis errors obtained using the EnKF‐GEC are significantly reduced as compared to those obtained using the conventional EnKF until the last analysis time as well as during the middle of analysis time. This indicates that the new algorithm is beneficial for prediction. Seasonal prediction results show that the prediction skill when initial conditions are generated by the EnKF‐GEC is superior to when initial conditions are generated by the conventional EnKF or EnKS, particularly during the early forecast lead month. For example, correlation skill improvement with 16 ensemble members is about 0.1 for a 3‐month lead forecast. In addition, it is shown that the new EnKF algorithm is more effective for unpredictable regions, where the value of the unstable singular vector is robust. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
Reliability estimation in a Weibull lifetime distribution with zero‐failure field data
Authors: Jiang Ping , Lim Jae‐Hak , Zuo Ming J. , Guo Bo
Published: October 2010

The estimation of product reliability has attracted worldwide attention during the past several decades. The estimation procedure usually begins with parameter estimation based on test data. When there is no failure occurring in tests, traditional approaches like Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE) cannot be applied to estimate parameters. When product lifetime follows a Weibull distribution, to cope with this problem, we propose the modified MLE (MMLE) for estimating the parameters, based on the zero‐failure data. In this paper, we also consider the prior reliability estimate from a similar product and make use of it by incorporating it with the MMLE to construct the shrinkage preliminary test estimator (SPTE). We present the calculation method of the shrinkage factor in the SPTE, by referring to the comparison of critical quality characteristics related to product reliability, between the current batch of products and the similar (or earlier version) batch of products. Restrictions for the shrinkage factor to ensure the performance of SPTE are also discussed. The example demonstrates that the proposed SPTE of the product reliability is an effective methodology to estimate the product reliability and improve the estimation performance of the MMLE, when only zero‐failure data are available. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A navigation system for open liver surgery: design, workflow and first clinical applications
Authors: Peterhans M. , vom Berg A. , Dagon B. , Inderbitzin D. , Baur C. , Candinas D. , Weber S.
Published: October 2010

Background

The surgical treatment of liver tumours relies on precise localization of the lesions and detailed knowledge of the patient‐specific vascular and biliary anatomy. Detailed three‐dimensional (3D) anatomical information facilitates complete tumour removal while preserving a sufficient amount of functional liver tissue.

Methods

We present an easy to use, clinically applicable navigation system for efficient visualization and tool guidance during liver surgery. Accurate instrument guidance within 3D planning models was achieved with a fast registration procedure, assuming a locally rigid and temporarily static scenario. After deformations occurring during the procedure, efficient means for registration updates are provided. Special focus was given to workflow integration and the minimization of overhead time. The navigation system was validated with nine clinical cases.

Results

Navigated surgical interventions were performed with a median time overhead of 16.5 min. The navigation technology had a median accuracy of 6.3 mm, improving anatomical orientation and the detection of structures at risk.

Conclusions

Successful application of the navigation technology to open liver surgery was achieved by minimizing the procedural complexity and optimizing integration within the existing surgical environment. The assumption of locally rigid patient registration was validated, and clinical evaluation shows clear benefits for the surgeon. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mesohabitat use by brown trout (Salmo trutta) in a small groundwater‐dominated stream
Authors: Gosselin M.‐P. , Maddock I. , Petts G.
Published: October 2010

Groundwater‐dominated streams have particular flow regimes that commonly support populations of trout. Meso‐ and micro‐habitat surveys were carried out on a reach of the river Tern that drains a Triassic sandstone aquifer in the English West Midlands, to investigate brown trout (Salmo trutta) habitat use with varying flows. Mesohabitats were mapped over a range of summer and autumn flows and coupled with direct underwater observation (snorkelling) of fish locations together with point measurements of velocity and depth. The number of habitat types recorded was low and dominated by glides, runs, and backwaters. Brown trout showed a strong association with glides and runs with adults being more associated with runs and parr with glides. General habitat use curves showed brown trout to favour depths between 0.30 and 0.40 m and velocities below 0.40 m s−1. A clear preference was shown for sand and gravel bed materials. However, the differentiation of hydraulic habitats was weak and there was no trend in mesohabitats or change in trout use of mesohabitats with discharge. The study raises limitations of the mesohabitat survey approach when linking fish ecology, flow and physical habitat in small streams with low flow variability and low habitat diversity. In these situations, other factors (especially cover features) appear to strongly influence brown trout distribution. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Passage efficiency of offset and straight orifices for upstream movements of Iberian barbel in a pool‐type fishway
Authors: Silva A. T. , Santos J. M. , Ferreira M. T. , Pinheiro A. N. , Katopodis C.
Published: October 2010

Although coarse fish species are frequently the predominant taxa found in rivers, they are often neglected in fish passage studies. Detailed knowledge on the impact of hydraulics on the movements and swimming performance of these species is very limited. In this study, offset and straight orifices in a pool‐type fishway prototype were tested in terms of their suitability for Iberian barbel's (Luciobarbus bocagei) upstream movements. The effects of water velocity and turbulence descriptors on fish swimming performance were herein also analysed. Overall, the offset configuration was found to have a significantly higher rate of fish passage success (68%) than the straight arrangement (28%). The time taken to successfully negotiate the fishway was also significantly lower when it featured an offset configuration, particularly for small adults. Of all analysed hydraulic parameters, Reynolds shear stress (RSS) seemed to be the one that most strongly influenced the movements of Iberian barbel within the fishway. The findings provide evidence that the barbel's swimming performance and capacity to successfully migrate upstream through a fishway strongly depend on the arrangement of orifices and turbulence, in particular RSS, within a fish pass. More detailed research focusing on other ‘weak’ swimmers is recommended to improve future designs of pool‐type fishways suitable for other coarse species. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A framework for evaluating the spatial configuration and temporal dynamics of hydraulic patches
Authors: Wallis C. , Maddock I. , Visser F. , Acreman M.
Published: October 2010

A framework for evaluating the spatial configuration and temporal dynamics of hydraulic patches was tested in a UK lowland river. Detailed hydraulic assessment was carried out at four discharges between 0.303 m3 s−1 and 1.410 m3 s−1 in a 56 m reach. Five hydraulic patches, as combinations of depth and mean column velocity, and the transitional zones between them were delineated using fuzzy cluster analysis. The composition and configuration of the hydraulic patch mosaic was quantified using spatial metrics. Results showed that the proportion, size, shape and relative location of hydraulic patches all varied with discharge, however intermediate flows appeared to support the most diverse hydraulic patch composition and configuration. This suggests the spatial influence of mesoscale bedforms on hydraulic patches is mediated by temporal variations in discharge. Transitional areas between hydraulic patches occupied a significant proportion of the reach at all flows (33–38%) and may function as in‐stream ecotones. The framework addresses the need for a quantitative, spatially explicit approach to hydraulic assessment which could be used to assess the implications of flow regulation and hydromorphological alteration on hydraulic diversity. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mental models, decision rules, and performance heterogeneity
Authors: Gary Michael Shayne , Wood Robert E.
Published: October 2010

This paper focuses on the role of managerial cognition as a source of heterogeneity in firm strategies and performance. We link differences in mental models to differences in decision rules and performance in a management simulation. Our results show more accurate mental models lead to better decision rules and higher performance. We also find that decision makers do not need accurate knowledge of the entire business environment; accurate mental models of the key principles are sufficient to achieve superior performance. A fundamental assumption in much of strategic management is that managers who have a richer understanding about organizational capabilities and the dynamics of industry structure can improve the performance of their firms. Our findings provide empirical evidence supporting this assumption and show that differences in mental models help explain ex ante why managers and firms adopt different strategies and achieve different levels of competitive success. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Governing collaborative activity: interdependence and the impact of coordination and exploration
Authors: Aggarwal Vikas A. , Siggelkow Nicolaj , Singh Harbir
Published: October 2010

We examine the performance implications of selecting alternate modes of governance in interorganizational alliance relationships. While managers can choose from a range of modes to govern alliances, prior empirical evidence offers limited guidance on the performance impact of this choice. We use an agent‐based simulation of interfirm decision making to complement empirical studies in this area. Our results point to a complex interplay between interdependencies, governance structures, and firms' search capabilities. Different patterns of interdependence create varying needs with respect to coordination and exploration, while at the same time different governance modes, coupled with organizational search capabilities, supply varying degrees of these factors. Firm performance in an alliance relationship improves when the needs and supplies of coordination and exploration are matched. We find situations in which stronger organizational search capabilities can backfire, leading to lower exploration within the alliance relationship, and hence to lower firm performance. Moreover, we show that for higher levels of interdependence, coordination can become more critical for firm performance than exploration: unless it is tied to coordination, exploration can be ineffective in alliance settings. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.