bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metal nanoparticles as efficient catalysts for organic reactions
Authors: Ranu Brindaban C. , Chattopadhyay Kalicharan , Adak Laksmikanta , Saha Amit , Bhadra Sukalyan , Dey Raju , Saha Debasree
Published: November 2009

Pd(0) nanoparticles have been demonstrated to be very efficient catalysts for C–C bond-forming reactions. These include coupling ofvicinal-diiodoalkenes and acrylic esters and nitriles leading to the stereoselective synthesis of 2-alkene-4-yn-esters and nitriles, allylation of active methylene compounds by allyl acetate, and Hiyama cross-coupling of aryliodides with arylsilanes. Cu(0) nanoparticles catalyze aryl-sulfur bond formation, accomplishing the synthesis of functionalized aryl sulfides and aryl- and vinyl dithiocarbamates. Cu nanoparticles have also been used for the chemoselective reduction of aromatic nitro compounds.
Fabrication of a vertically aligned carbon nanotube electrode and its modification by nanostructured MnO2 for supercapacitors
Authors: Zhang Wei-De , Chen Jin
Published: November 2009

Strongly bonded arrays of vertically aligned, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) have been successfully grown on Ta foils, and provide a convenient basis for fabricating electrodes with high conductivity and stability. The MWNT arrays were further coated by nanostructured MnO2 through reacting with KMnO4 solution at room temperature. The morphology of the MnO2/MWNT nanocomposite was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It was found that the MnO2 is a beehive-like nanostructure that is homogeneously and densely coated on the surface of the MWNTs. The capacitance of the MWNT electrode was significantly increased from 0.14 to 6.81 mF cm–2 after being modified with nanostructured MnO2, that is, the mass-specific capacitance of the bare and MnO2-modified MWNTs was about 33 and 446 F g–1, respectively. The MnO2/MWNT nanocomposite on Ta foils could be potential for developing a supercapacitor.
Suppression of methanol cross-over in novel composite membranes for direct methanol fuel cells
Authors: Fang Yong , Miao Ruiying , Wang Tongtao , Wang Xindong
Published: November 2009

A series of novel composite membranes was prepared by using poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) with polyimide (PI) as base material and 8-trimethoxysilylpropyl glycerine ether-1,3,6-pyrenetrisulfonic acid (TSGEPS) as proton conductor for direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). The parameters of membranes, including water sorption, hydrolysis stability, dimensional stability, proton conductivity, and methanol permeability were studied. The proton conductivity of the membranes is in the order of 10–2 S/cm, and the membranes show better resistance to methanol permeability (1.51 × 10–7 cm2 s–1) and better selectivity (20.6 × 104 S cm–3 s) than those of Nafion115 under the same measurement conditions.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation for Bradycardia With Poor Perfusion Versus Pulseless Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Donoghue Aaron , Berg Robert A. , Hazinski Mary Fran , Praestgaard Amy H. , Roberts Kathryn , Nadkarni Vinay M. ,   for the American Heart Association National Registry of CPR Investigators
Published: November 2009

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess whether pediatric inpatients who receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for bradycardia with poor perfusion are more likely to survive to hospital discharge than pediatric inpatients who receive CPR for pulseless arrest (asystole/pulseless electrical activity [PEA]), after controlling for confounding characteristics.

METHODS: A prospective cohort from the National Registry of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation was enrolled between January 4, 2000, and February 23, 2008. Patients who were younger than 18 years and had an in-hospital event that required chest compressions for >2 minutes were eligible. Patients were divided into 2 groups on the basis of initial rhythm and pulse state: bradycardia/poor perfusion and asystole/PEA. Patient characteristics, event characteristics, and clinical characteristics were analyzed as possible confounders. Univariate analysis between bradycardia and asystole/PEA patient groups was performed. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine whether an initial state of bradycardia/poor perfusion was independently associated with survival to discharge.

RESULTS: A total of 6288 patients who were younger than 18 years were reported; 3342 met all inclusion criteria. A total of 1853 (55%) patients received chest compressions for bradycardia/poor perfusion compared with 1489 (45%) for asystole/PEA. Overall, 755 (40.7%) of 1353 patients with bradycardia survived to hospital discharge, compared with 365 (24.5%) of 1489 patients with asystole/PEA. After controlling for known confounders, CPR for bradycardia with poor perfusion was associated with increased survival to hospital discharge.

CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric inpatients with chest compressions initiated for bradycardia and poor perfusion before onset of pulselessness were more likely to survive to discharge than pediatric inpatients with chest compressions initiated for asystole or PEA.
Transflective device with a transparent organic light‐emitting diode and a reflective liquid‐crystal device
Authors: Chiu Tien‐Lung , Xianyu Haiqing , Ge Zhibing , Lee Jiun‐Haw , Liu Kou‐Chen , Wu Shin‐Tson
Published: November 2009

Abstract— A high‐transmittance transflective device based on a hybrid structure consisting of a transparent organic light‐emitting diode (OLED) stacked on top of a reflective liquid‐crystal device (RLCD) was conceptually demonstrated. By placing the transparent OLED on top of a vertically aligned LCD operated under normally black mode, a transmittance as high as 75.7% was obtained due to the asymmetric emission characteristics of a transparent OLED. To further improve the performance in the transmissive mode, a polarizer‐free LCD was used, which yielded an ultra‐high transmittance (82.2% overall).
A 5.8‐in. phosphorescent color AMOLED display fabricated by ink‐jet printing on plastic substrate
Authors: Suzuki Mitsunori , Fukagawa Hirohiko , Nakajima Yoshiki , Tsuzuki Toshimitsu , Takei Tatsuya , Yamamoto Toshihiro , Tokito Shizuo
Published: November 2009

Abstract— A flexible phosphorescent color active‐matrix organic light‐emitting‐diode (AMOLED) display on a plastic substrate has been fabricated. Phosphorescent polymer materials are used for the emitting layer, which is patterned using ink‐jet printing. A mixed solvent system with a high‐viscosity solvent is used for ink formulation to obtain jetting reliability. The effects of evaporation and the baking condition on the film profile and OLED performances were investigated. An organic thin‐film‐transistor (OTFT) backplane, fabricated using pentacene, is used to drive the OLEDs. The OTFT exhibited a current on/off ratio of 106 and a mobility of 0.1 cm2/V‐sec. Color moving images were successfully shown on the fabricated display.
How to reduce light leakage and clipping in local‐dimming liquid‐crystal displays
Authors: Kim Seong‐Eun , An Joo‐Young , Hong Jong‐Ju , Lee Tae Wook , Kim Chang Gone , Song Woo‐Jin
Published: November 2009

Abstract— In conventional LCDs, the backlight is set to maximum luminance regardless of the image. For dark scenes, this approach causes light leakage and power waste. Especially, light leakage in dark scenes degrades the contrast ratio of LCDs; to circumvent this problem, local‐dimming systems have been proposed. In these systems, the LED backlight is divided into several local blocks and the backlight luminance of each local block is controlled individually, and pixel values are adjusted simultaneously according to the luminance profile of the dimmed backlight. In this paper, a method of determining the LED backlight luminance of each local block depending on the image is proposed; this method significantly improves the image quality of LCDs. First, we introduce methods of quantifying light‐leakage at dark gray levels and clipping at bright gray levels. Then, the proposed method to determine the dimming duty, which controls the LED backlight luminance by compromising between these two measures, was derived. The proposed algorithm preserves the original image with little clipping distortion and effectively reduces light leakage.
Numerical analysis of density of energy states for electron‐emission sources in MgO
Authors: Ho S. , Nobuki S. , Uemura N. , Mori S. , Miyake T. , Suzuki K. , Mikami Y. , Shiiki M. , Kubo S.
Published: November 2009

Abstract— An analytical method to determine the density of energy states of electron‐emission sources (EESs) in chemical‐doped MgO is described using a discharge probability model and a thermal excitation and emission model. The density of energy states for multiple types of EESs is represented by using a linear combination of Gaussian functions of which parameters are determined by the theoretical emission time constant of an exoelectron and statistical delay time ts extracted from experimental stochastic distributions of discharge delay time in plasma‐display panels. When applied to Si‐doped MgO, the effective number of Si EES is calculated to be 1.8 × 106 per cell. The average and standard deviations of activation energy have an energy level of 770 meV and a large value of 55 meV. In Si and H co‐doped MgO, the high peak density of [H2−]0 appears at 550 meV. ts at the short time interval of 1 msec decreases and is independent of temperature due to exoelectron emission from the [H2−]0. The dependence of ts at a time interval of 10 msec on temperature becomes weak because the energy structure of the Si EES broadens significantly attributed to the electrostatic effects of the doped H atoms.
Pilot-Scale Engineered Wetland Design for Produced Water Treatment
Authors: Davis Brian M. , Wallace Scott D. , Wilson Roberta
Published: November 2009

Engineered wetlands are a promising technology for treatment of oilfield and gasfield produced water. The engineering optimization of natural treatment processes, adapted from chemical engineering reactor design principles, shows that engineered wetlands are a viable alternative to mechanical produced water treatment systems.

Engineered wetlands incorporate a subsurface flow gravel bed reactor, lined with an impermeable liner and equipped with an aeration system to enhance oxygen delivery. Design parameters include biodegradation rate coefficients for biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and individual organic compounds, produced water flowrate, temperature, and influent and required effluent concentrations.

An oil and gas company in the Caspian region is seeking to use engineered wetlands for treatment of oilfield and gasfield produced water. The oilfield produced water concentrations are high in total dissolved solids (TDS: 43048 mg/L), BOD (14693 mg/L), and oil and grease (1213 mg/L) and moderately high in total benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX; 3.067 mg/L). The gasfield produced water concentrations are moderately high in TDS (16110 mg/L), BOD (9910 mg/L), and oil and grease (557 mg/L) and high in total BTEX (12.393 mg/L). Pilot-scale engineered wetland treatment systems have been designed on a flowrate basis of 100 m3/d using the first-order kinetic mass reaction model recently published by Kadlec and Wallace (2009). This model uses a modified tanks-in-series number that accounts for both hydraulic effects and weathering effects in the biodegradation rate. Hydraulic effects are caused by dispersion in the saturated gravel bed. Variation in the biodegradation rate is because of rapid biodegradation at the upgradient portion of the engineered wetland, in which short chain/low molecular weight organics are oxidized at rapid rates, and slower biodegradation at the downgradient portion of the engineered wetland, in which long chain/higher molecular weight organics are oxidized at lower rates. This advanced design process, combined with BOD surface area loading criteria, enables the optimization of engineered wetland design for produced water treatment.
Predicting When and Where Hydrate Plugs Form in Oil-Dominated Flowlines
Authors: Boxall John , Davies Simon , Koh Carolyn A. , Sloan E. Dendy
Published: November 2009

This work provides a means to predict when and where hydrate plugs will form in oil-dominated flowlines. The method was funded by the DeepStar Consortium of Energy Companies and is based on a Colorado School of Mines hydrate kinetic (CSMHyK) model developed over the last six years, which is currently an addition to the transient multiphase program OLGA by SPT Group Inc. The predictions show good agreement to data for hydrate formation in three flow loops with five oils.

Recent CSMHyK-OLGA workshops have been held in Houston (March and April 2007) and Oslo (May 2007), and major companies are beginning to use the program in flow assurance to predict where and when hydrate plugs will form in flowlines.
Cost of an Accounting Education, Economic Returns, and Preparation to Enter the Profession
Authors: Dunn Kimberly A. , Hooks Karen L.
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACT: Costs of a college education continue to increase faster than overall inflation. The debt students in the United States incur to complete college is also escalating. The purpose of this study is to examine the cost of obtaining an undergraduate and graduate degree in accounting and expected cash flows for the first ten years in public accounting for students with and without educational loans. We analyze CPA exam pass rates for any relationships between education costs and level of technical preparation for entry into the profession. We find that cash flow analysis of different combinations of costs, financing, and career choices reveals that monetary outcomes vary widely with different combinations. We find limited systematic differences of universities' CPA exam pass rates based on cost of education. This suggests that appropriate technical preparation for an accounting career is available to students attending universities across the cost spectrum.
The X-chromosome-linked immunodeficiency determines an improved course of murine lagochilascariosis
Authors: Prudente M. , Lino-Junior R. , Carvalhaes M.
Published: November 2009

Lagochilascaris minor is the causative agent of lagochilascariosis, a disease that affects the neck region causing exudative abscesses with eggs, adult parasites and L3/L4 larvae within purulent exudates. Nowadays, mice are considered intermediate hosts for the parasite. To determine the pattern of infection in B1 cell-defective mice, experimental lagochilascariosis was studied in BALB/c and X-chromosome-linked immunodeficient (Xid) mice. BALB.xid infected mice showed higher survival ratios and less intense lung lesions than BALB/c mice. Serum levels of IL-10 was higher in BALB/c infected mice when compared to BALB.xid animals; however, serum levels of IFNγ, in control and infected BALB.xid mice, were statistically different from that seen in BALB/c mice. We discuss the participation of B1 cells and their cytokines in the resistance to infection.
First report of Paramphistomum leydeni Näsmark, 1937 (Trematoda: Paramphistomidae) in Argentina, and re-examination of Cotylophoron cotylophorum sensu Racioppi et al. (1994)
Authors: Sanabria R. , Martorelli S. , Romero J.
Published: November 2009

Cotylophoron cotylophorum and Balanorchis anastrophus are the only amphistomes of ruminants that have been described so far in Argentina. Recent observations suggest that C. cotylophorum could have been misclassified. To confirm this, we examined specimens, collected in Corrientes Province and classified by Racioppi et al. (1994) as Cotylophoron cotylophorum, and re-classified these as Paramphistomum leydeni Näsmark, 1937. Flukes collected from Zárate (Buenos Aires) were also studied and compared against the former, resulting in the same species. The present study reports the existence of P. leydeni in Argentina, modifies the previous classification of C. cotylophorum and suggests that, based on the evidence of the amphistomes described so far, P. leydeni would be the most prevalent species in cattle of Argentina.
Comments on the occurrence of Leptonchus granulosus Cobb, 1920 in the Slovak Republic
Authors: Lišková M.
Published: November 2009

A rare nematode species Leptonchus granulosus Cobb, 1920 was recovered from soil samples collected from pine forest from the locality of Mužla, in south-western part of the country and from fruit (apricot and peach) orchards from the locality of Svätá Mária, in south-eastern region of Slovakia. In spite of geographical distance of the localities, both are characterised by warm and dry conditions and by specific very light sandy soils derived from dune sand. Only females were recovered from both localities.
Supine Patient Positioning During Repair of Achilles Tendon Rupture
Authors: Tan Giselle J. , Kadakia Anish R. , Jeng Clifford L.
Published: November 2009

Level of Evidence: V, Expert Opinion
High Frequency In Vitro Propagation of Adhatoda vasica Nees through Shoot Tip and Nodal Explants Culture
Authors: Khalekuzzaman M , Rahman MS , Rashid MH , Hossain MS
Published: November 2009

An efficient protocol for in vitro propagation of Adhatoda vasica Nees was established using shoot tip and nodal explants from field grown mature plant. Proliferation of multiple shoots was achieved on MS medium supplemented with different concentrations and combinations of cytokinins (0.5-4.0 mg/l) and auxins (0.1-1.0 mg/l). Maximum number of shoots per explant (13.0) was obtained on MS medium supplemented with 2.0 mg/l BAP + 0.2 mg/l NAA. Among two types of explants used in this study, nodal explants showed better response in respect of multiple shoot production. The elongated shoots were excised and subcultured for rooting on MS medium supplemented with different concentrations of auxins (IBA and NAA). Highest 80% rooting was achieved; and three to four roots per shoot were recorded in medium with 1.0 mg/l IBA within 4 weeks of culture. The in vitro raised plantlets were acclimatized and successfully transferred to natural condition in pot. The regenerated plants were healthy, uniform and identical to the donor plants and the survival percentage was 80%. Key words: Micropropagation, Adhatoda vasica, shoot tip, nodal explant.   DOI:10.3329/jbs.v16i0.3739 J. bio-sci. 16: 35-39, 2008
Callus Induction and Plantlet Regeneration from In Vivo Nodal and Internodal Segments and Shoot Tip of Dalbergia sissoo Roxb.
Authors: Bari MA , Ferdaus KMKB , Hossain MJ
Published: November 2009

A complete and efficient protocol was developed for in vitro callus induction, somatic embryogenesis and plantlet regeneration from in vivo nodal and internodal segments and shoot tips of sissoo (Dalbergia sissoo Roxb.). The highest percentage of callus induction (100%) was achieved from nodal segment on MS medium supplemented with 2.0 mg/1 BAP + 0.5 mg/1 NAA. This combination also produced highest fresh weight (5.4 g.) of callus per culture and produced friable green callus. The highest number of shoots (2.4) per explant was recorded on MS medium supplemented with 1.5 mg/1 BAP + 0.5 mg/1 IAA for internode segment. The maximum number of roots (5.1)per shoot was observed in the MS medium having 1.0 mg/1 IBA + 2.0 mg/1 NAA. The well Rooted plantlets were acclimatized and successfully established into soil in the natural condition where 60% plantlets were survived. Keywords: Dalbergia sissoo, nodal segment, internodal segments, shoot tip, callus, embryo, regeneration.   DOI:10.3329/jbs.v16i0.3740 J. bio-sci. 16: 41-48, 2008
Thyroid function in Bangladeshi Patients with Vitiligo (Sheti)
Authors: Amin Md Ziaul , Rahman Mohd Hafizur , Hassan Parvez
Published: November 2009

Serum thyroid hormone levels have been assayed to evaluate the thyroid hormonal function in Vitiligo patients of Bangladesh. The levels of TSH, T3 and T4 in the serum of Vitiligo patients have been analyzed in both the male and female subjects. Results of hormonal assay indicated that some hormonal changes occurred in the Vitiligo patients as compared with the healthy control. In female Vitiligo patient's, TSH level was increased remarkably as compared to the control male patients, but T3 and T4 became lower than the normal range whereas, in case of male patients, T4 level was significantly higher than the T3 and TSH level. TSH level was significantly elevated in the female patients compared with the male patients. Key words: Thyroid hormones, Vitiligo, TSH, T3 and T4 levels.   DOI:10.3329/jbs.v16i0.3749    J. bio-sci. 16: 101-103, 2008
Occurence and Abundance of some Copepods in a Fish Pond in Rajshahi, Bangladesh in relation to the Physico-Chemical Conditions
Authors: Bhuiyan Abdus Salam , Islam MT , Sharmeen R
Published: November 2009

An investigation was carried out to find out the occurrence and abundance of copepods in relation to physico-chemical parameters in a fish pond within the Rajshahi University Campus, Rajshahi, Bangladesh from December, 2006 to September, 2007. A total of 5 genera of copepods of which 2 species belong to Cyclops were identified. Highest density of copepods (768 units/l) was observed in May 2007. Seasonal succession of copepods showed the most abundance in spring, followed by winter, summer and autumn. Correlationship between different physico-chemical parameters and copepods were also analyzed. Key words: Copepod occurrence, physico-chemical parameters, fish pond.   DOI:10.3329/jbs.v16i0.3752 J. bio-sci. 16: 115-119, 2008
Effect of Plant Materials on Developmental Periods of Two Spotted Spider Mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae)
Authors: Islam MT , Haque MM , Naher N , Parween S
Published: November 2009

Low concentration of raw flower juice of Calotropis porcera (Asclepiadecae) and seed dust of Nerium oleander (Apocynacae) significantly delayed the egg to adult development of two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch, for three successive generations under laboratory trial. The flower juice of C. porcera was found more effective than the seed dust of N. oleander in delaying the developmental period of TSSM. Key words: C. porcera, N. oleander, T. urticae, TSSM, developmental period. DOI:10.3329/jbs.v16i0.3753 J. bio-sci. 16: 121-124, 2008
What is the “Equal Weight View”?
Authors: Jehle David , Fitelson Branden
Published: November 2009

In this paper, we investigate various possible (Bayesian) precisifications of the (somewhat vague) statements of “the equal weight view” (EWV) that have appeared in the recent literature on disagreement. We will show that the renditions of (EWV) that immediately suggest themselves are untenable from a Bayesian point of view. In the end, we will propose some tenable (but not necessarily desirable) interpretations of (EWV). Our aim here will not be to defend any particular Bayesian precisification of (EWV), but rather to raise awareness about some of the difficulties inherent in formulating such precisifications.
A Vindication of the Equal-Weight View
Authors: Bogardus Tomas
Published: November 2009

Some philosophers believe that when epistemic peers disagree, each has an obligation to accord the other's assessment the same weight as her own. I first make the antecedent of this Equal-Weight View more precise, and then I motivate the View by describing cases in which it gives the intuitively correct verdict. Next I introduce some apparent counterexamples–cases of apparent peer disagreement in which, intuitively, one should not give equal weight to the other party's assessment. To defuse these apparent counterexamples, an advocate of the View might try to explain how they are not genuine cases of peer disagreement. I examine David Christensen's and Adam Elga's explanations and find them wanting. I then offer a novel explanation, which turns on a distinction between knowledge from reports and knowledge from direct acquaintance. Finally, I extend my explanation to provide a handy and satisfying response to the charge of self-defeat.
A Ghost of a Chance, After All
Authors: Johnson Laurie
Published: November 2009

Does a Postal Principle, a principle of destinerrance, hold true for computer mediated communication (CMC)? Perhaps. However, the question is not one concerning technology. Is it rather the case that we must ask, after Derrida, after all, whether destinerrance ever held true, as a principle? This paper considers the prospect that the Postal Principle was, in principle, or as a principle, an expression of a truth value from something that can not in fact, be held at all: the ghost in the machine. Drawing on a phenomenology of computer practice, the paper argues that there is greater explanatory value to be found in Derrida's more recent comments on the relative exteriority of the technological apparatus (in Archive Fever and elsewhere), framing an understanding of the human body as partes extra partes. Yet it is demonstrated here that this same framing was already in place from the moment that the principle of destinerrance was first articulated, and that a subsequent technical turn in Derrida's work merely extends a framework already set in place in the earlier work (in The Post Card, for example). It is argued, then, that in articulating a Postal Principle for the purpose of guaranteeing its failure, Derrida had calculated the future trajectory – and had built the logic of the calculation and of the ‘jet’ words, as he calls them, into this trajectory – of what I call the ‘fantasy of the disembodied virtualm’ through which users of CMC project themselves into the archive of archives that the internet was bound to become.
Use of Maximum Entropy Modeling in Wildlife Research
Authors: Baldwin Roger  A.
Published: November 2009

Maximum entropy (Maxent) modeling has great potential for identifying distributions and habitat selection of wildlife given its reliance on only presence locations. Recent studies indicate Maxent is relatively insensitive to spatial errors associated with location data, requires few locations to construct useful models, and performs better than other presence-only modeling approaches. Further advances are needed to better define model thresholds, to test model significance, and to address model selection. Additionally, development of modeling approaches is needed when using repeated sampling of known individuals to assess habitat selection. These advancements would strengthen the utility of Maxent for wildlife research and management.
Treatment of Pediatric Localized Scleroderma: Results of a Survey of North American Pediatric Rheumatologists
Authors: LI SUZANNE C. , FELDMAN BRIAN M. , HIGGINS GLORIA C. , HAINES KATHLEEN A. , PUNARO MARILYNN G. , O’NEIL KATHLEEN M.
Published: November 2009

Objective.

We surveyed pediatric rheumatologists (PR) in North America to learn how they treat pediatric localized scleroderma (LS), a disease associated with significant morbidity for the growing child.

Methods.

A Web-based survey was sent to the 195 PR members of the pediatric rheumatology research alliance CARRA (Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance). Members were asked which medications they use to treat LS and which factors modify their treatment strategies. Clinical vignettes were provided to learn the specific treatment regimens used.

Results.

A total of 158 PR from over 70 clinical centers in the United States and Canada participated in the survey, representing 81% of the CARRA membership. These PR saw over 650 patients with LS in the prior year. Nearly all respondents treated LS with methotrexate (MTX) and corticosteroids; most of them intensify treatment for lesions located on the face or near a joint, and about half intensify treatment for recent disease onset (< 6 months). Most PR reserve topical medications for limited treatment situations. Clinical vignettes showed that PR use a broad range of treatment doses and durations for MTX and corticosteroids.

Conclusion.

Most PR in North America treat localized scleroderma with a combination of MTX and corticosteroids. However, there is no consensus on specific treatment regimens. There is a need for controlled treatment trials to better determine optimal therapy for this potentially disabling disease.
Prediction of Vertebral Fractures Is Specific for Gender and Site of Bone Mineral Density Measurement
Authors: JACOBS JOHANNES W.G. , DA SILVA JOSÉ A.P. , ARMBRECHT GABRIELE , BIJLSMA JOHANNES W.J. , VERSTAPPEN SUZANNE M.M.
Published: November 2009

Objective.

To investigate basic assumptions of prediction models for future vertebral fractures.

Methods.

Lateral radiographs of the spine were obtained from 314 Portuguese individuals aged 60 years or older (205 women and 109 men) with bone mineral density (BMD) measurements at several sites. Associations between BMD at various sites, participant characteristics, and vertebral fractures were investigated. For men and women separately, logistic regression analyses and analyses of areas under the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves were performed to determine the accuracy of BMD measurment at predicting the presence of vertebral deformities.

Results.

BMD measurements at all sites significantly predicted the presence of osteoporotic vertebral deformities in women but not in men. Similarly, in analyses of areas under ROC curves, BMD assessments were statistically significantly related to vertebral deformities in women but not in men. In multivariate analyses, BMD measurements of the lumbar spine and of the forearm, adjusted for gender, age, and body mass index, significantly predicted the presence of vertebral deformity, but BMD of the hip sites did not.

Conclusion.

Prediction of fractures is specific for gender and site of BMD measurement. This challenges the use of similar algorithms for men and women as well as the use of hip BMD data to accurately estimate future vertebral fracture risk.
Phosphoinositide and Inositol Phosphate Analysis in Lymphocyte Activation
Authors: Sauer Karsten , Huang Yina Hsing , Lin Hongying , Sandberg Mark , Mayr Georg W.
Published: November 2009

Lymphocyte antigen receptor engagement profoundly changes the cellular content of phosphoinositide lipids and soluble inositol phosphates. Among these, the phosphoinositides phosphatidylinositol 4,5‐bisphosphate (PIP2) and phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5‐trisphosphate (PIP3) play key signaling roles by acting as pleckstrin homology (PH) domain ligands that recruit signaling proteins to the plasma membrane. Moreover, PIP2 acts as a precursor for the second messenger molecules diacylglycerol and soluble inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate (IP3), essential mediators of PKC, Ras/Erk, and Ca2+ signaling in lymphocytes. IP3 phosphorylation by IP3 3‐kinases generates inositol 1,3,4,5‐tetrakisphosphate (IP4), an essential soluble regulator of PH domain binding to PIP3 in developing T cells. Besides PIP2, PIP3, IP3, and IP4, lymphocytes produce multiple other phosphoinositides and soluble inositol phosphates that could have important physiological functions. To aid their analysis, detailed protocols that allow one to simultaneously measure the levels of multiple different phosphoinositide or inositol phosphate isomers in lymphocytes are provided here. They are based on thin layer, conventional and high‐performance liquid chromatographic separation methods followed by radiolabeling or non‐radioactive metal‐dye detection. Finally, less broadly applicable non‐chromatographic methods for detection of specific phosphoinositide or inositol phosphate isomers are discussed. Support protocols describe how to obtain pure unstimulated CD4+CD8+ thymocyte populations for analyses of inositol phosphate turnover during positive and negative selection, key steps in T cell development. Curr. Protoc. Immunol. 87:11.1.1‐11.1.46. © 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
TRAF‐Mediated TNFR‐Family Signaling
Authors: Ha Hyunil , Han Daehee , Choi Yongwon
Published: November 2009

The tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily consists of a wide variety of cell‐bound and secreted proteins that regulate numerous cellular processes. In particular, TNF‐family proteins regulate the proliferation and death of tumor cells, as well as activated immune cells. This overview discusses the mammalian TNF receptor‐associated factors (TRAFs), of which TRAF1, 2, 3, 5, and 6 have been shown to interact directly or indirectly with members of the TNF receptor superfamily. Structural features of TRAF proteins are described along with a discussion of TRAF‐interacting proteins and the signaling pathways activated by the TRAF proteins. Finally, we examine the phenotypes observed in TRAF‐knockout mice. Curr. Protoc. Immunol. 87:11.9D.1‐11.9D.19. © 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Phylogeographic analysis of paternal lineages in NE Portuguese Jewish communities
Authors: Nogueiro Inês , Manco Licínio , Gomes Verónica , Amorim António , Gusmão Leonor
Published: November 2009

The establishment of Jewish communities in the territory of contemporary Portugal is archaeologically documented since the 3rd century CE, but their settlement in Trás‐os‐Montes (NE Portugal) has not been proved before the 12th century. The Decree of Expulsion followed by the establishment of the Inquisition, both around the beginning of the 16th century, accounted for a significant exodus, as well as the establishment of crypto‐Jewish communities. Previous Y chromosome studies have shown that different Jewish communities share a common origin in the Near East, although they can be quite heterogeneous as a consequence of genetic drift and different levels of admixture with their respective host populations. To characterize the genetic composition of the Portuguese Jewish communities from Trás‐os‐Montes, we have examined 57 unrelated Jewish males, with a high‐resolution Y‐chromosome typing strategy, comprising 16 STRs and 23 SNPs. A high lineage diversity was found, at both haplotype and haplogroup levels (98.74 and 82.83%, respectively), demonstrating the absence of either strong drift or founder effects. A deeper and more detailed investigation is required to clarify how these communities avoided the expected inbreeding caused by over four centuries of religious repression. Concerning haplogroup lineages, we detected some admixture with the Western European non‐Jewish populations (R1b1b2‐M269, ∼28%), along with a strong ancestral component reflecting their origin in the Middle East [J1(xJ1a‐M267), ∼12%; J2‐M172, ∼25%; T‐M70, ∼16%] and in consequence Trás‐os‐Montes Jews were found to be more closely related with other Jewish groups, rather than with the Portuguese non‐Jewish population. Am J Phys Anthropol 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Plant foods consumed by Pan: Exploring the variation of nutritional ecology across Africa
Authors: Hohmann Gottfried , Potts Kevin , N'Guessan Antoine , Fowler Andrew , Mundry Roger , Ganzhorn Joerg U. , Ortmann Sylvia
Published: November 2009

It has been shown that differences in resource density and nutrient supply affect variation in ranging patterns, habitat use, and sociality. Among nonhuman primates, chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) and bonobos (P. paniscus) have often been used as models for the link between social system and habitat ecology. Field reports suggest that resource density is higher in habitats occupied by bonobos (compared to chimpanzee habitats), and in the West (compared to the East) of the range of chimpanzees. In this study we compared diet quality at the level of species and populations using information from nutritional analyses of fruit and leaves consumed by chimpanzees (three) and bonobos (one population). Quality of plant foods was assessed on the basis of a) the concentration of macronutrients, fiber, and anti‐feedants, and b) associations of different nutrient components. Overall plant samples collected at each site differed in terms of macronutrient content. However, nutritious quality and gross energy content of food samples were similar suggesting that dietary quality reflects selectivity rather than habitat ecology. The quality of plant foods consumed by bonobos was within the range of chimpanzees and the quality of plant foods consumed by western chimpanzees was not higher than that of eastern chimpanzees. While the results showed significant variation across forests inhabited by Pan, they did not match with geographical patterns between and within Pan species as proposed in previous studies. This suggests that the nutritional quality of the habitat is not always a reliable predictor of the quality of the diet. Am J Phys Anthropol 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ecological stress and linear enamel hypoplasia in Cebus
Authors: Chollet Madeleine B. , Teaford Mark F.
Published: November 2009

Although it is assumed that monkeys in some environments experience more nutritional or physiological stress than others, little research has been conducted on this topic. This study examines the relationship between linear enamel hypoplasia (LEH) frequency, a physiological indicator of stress, and environmental stressors. To test this relationship, LEH frequencies were calculated for 144 Cebus from 54 locations in Brazil. Habitat, temperature range, and annual rainfall were compared between individuals with and without LEH. The LEH frequency for Cebus from semideciduous forests was significantly higher than that for monkeys from coastal areas, the rainforest, and the savanna (χ2 = 9.97, df = 1; P = 0.0016). A significantly higher LEH frequency was also found for monkeys living in environments with the mean annual temperature between 15 and 18°C than for those in environments greater than 18°C (χ2 = 7.74, df = 1, P = 0.0054). However, no significant difference was found between LEH frequency and annual rainfall (t = 1.22, P = 0.23) or the average difference in rainfall between the driest and wettest months (t = 0.77, P = 0.44). These results indicate that levels of physiological stress can differ among environments and that habitat and temperature, but not precipitation, may be driving the difference in stress levels among environments. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Inter‐laboratory control data for reproductive endpoints required in the OPPTS 870.3800/OECD 416 reproduction and fertility test
Authors: Marty M. S. , Allen B. , Chapin R. E. , Cooper R. , Daston G. P. , Flaws J. A. , Foster P. M. D. , Makris S. L. , Mylchreest E. , Sandler D. , Tyl R. W.
Published: November 2009

BACKGROUND: The U.S. EPA revised the Reproduction and Fertility Effects Test Guideline (OPPTS 870.3800/OECD 416) in 1998, adding numerous endpoints in an effort to incorporate new methodologies, improve the sensitivity for detecting reproductive toxicants, and more efficiently utilize study animals. Many of these new endpoints have not been used in regulatory reproductive toxicology studies prior to their inclusion in the test guidelines; thus, the Health and Environmental Sciences Institute (HESI) of the International Life Sciences Institute (ILSI) initiated the Reproductive Endpoints Project to examine the utility of these new endpoints. METHODS: This report provides a retrospective analysis of 43 multi‐generation studies (16 in Wistar rats, 27 in Sprague‐Dawley rats) conducted according to the latest version of the test guidelines. It focuses on vehicle (negative) control values (means and ranges) for the various endpoints to examine inter‐laboratory variability. RESULTS: Based on the compiled data, the most variable endpoints across laboratories and their associated coefficients of variation (CV) for each generation were: percent abnormal sperm (166–205%), testicular spermatid concentration (126–147%), postimplantation loss (97–104%), primordial follicle counts (69%, only measured in P2 females), and epididymal sperm concentration (52–57%). Absolute and relative prostate and thymus weights, weanling uterine weights, and anogenital distance had CVs of 25–50%. Sources of variability included procedural differences between laboratories, inherent biological variability, and/or small sample sizes for some endpoints. CONCLUSIONS: These inter‐laboratory control data provide a means for laboratories to review their performance on reproductive toxicity measures, and provide perspective for interpreting their own control data and data from treated animals. Birth Defects Res (Part B) 86:470–489, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
p63 and its isoforms as markers of rat oral mucosa epidermal stem cells in vitro
Authors: Tao Qian , Qiao Bin , Lv Biao , Zheng Chaoqun , Chen Zhifeng , Huang Hongzhang
Published: November 2009

Although techniques for purifying epidermal stem cells (ESCs) have been established, enriching a pure population of viable ESCs is still a challenging task. One approach toward enhancing the purity and viability of ESCs involves cell markers. While evidence suggests that p63 plays a role in maintaining the population of ESCs, whether p63 can function as a specific marker for ESCs is unclear. We isolated and cultured oral ESCs and illustrated the expression of p63 and its isoforms in rat oral mucosa tissues and stem cells before and after differentiation. Semi‐reverse transcription PCR detected the TA, ΔN, α and β isoforms when cells were cultured for 2 days, but only TA and γ were detected after 14 days. We also found that p63 is expressed in basal and suprabasal epithelial layers of rat oral mucosa, but it was implied p63 does not mark stem cells specifically, while the ΔNp63α and ΔNp63β isoforms may be specific markers of rat oral mucosa stem cells. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Differential responses to oxidative stress and calcium influx on expression of the transforming growth factor‐β family in myoblasts and myotubes
Authors: Furutani Yuuma , Murakami Masaru , Funaba Masayuki
Published: November 2009

Changes in gene expression of TGF‐β family members and their receptors in response to treatment with H2O2 and a calcium ionophore, A23187, were examined in C2C12 myoblasts and myotubes. The expression of Myf5, an initial regulator of myogenesis, was increased by A23187, and H2O2 inhibited the up‐regulation of Myf5. Treatment with H2O2 decreased the expression of MHC IIb, a protein component of the myofibrils, irrespective of the presence of A23187, suggesting an inhibitory role of oxidative stress for myogenesis. Expression of ligands and receptors for the TGF‐β family was modulated in response to H2O2 and A23187. Treatment with H2O2 decreased expression of TGF‐β3, BMP‐4, ALK4, ALK5, and ActRIIB, and increased expression of inhibin α and inhibin βA in either the myoblast stage or the myotube stage, or both. A23187 potentiated down‐regulation of BMP‐4 and ALK4 expression, and up‐regulation of TGF‐β1, TGF‐β2, inhibin α, inhibin βA, ALK2, and ALK3 expression. These results indicate that oxidative stress and Ca2+ influx affect expression of the TGF‐β family in C2C12 myoblasts and myotubes. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Forecasting the 10‐year US Treasury rate
Authors: Baghestani Hamid
Published: November 2009

This study compares the performance of two forecasting models of the 10‐year Treasury rate: a random walk (RW) model and an augmented‐autoregressive (A‐A) model which utilizes the information in the expected inflation rate. For 1993–2008, the RW and A‐A forecasts (with different lead times and forecast horizons) are generally unbiased and accurately predict directional change under symmetric loss. However, the A‐A forecasts outperform the RW, suggesting that the expected inflation rate (as a leading indicator) helps improve forecast accuracy. This finding is important since bond market efficiency implies that the RW forecasts are optimal and cannot be improved. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of cathode ray tube display formats on quality‐assurance auditor's performance
Authors: Ramadan Mohamed , Mohamed Ahamed , El‐Hariry Hussien
Published: November 2009

The auditing process is a necessary and integral part of a quality‐assurance system. The tendency of using computers in the auditing process is a necessity. This work describes three experiments designed to explore the effects of presenting written material variables on reading speed and comprehension. Five graduate students who consented to participate first completed the font style selection process among six Arabic font styles. “Simplified,” “Traditional,” and “Koufi” font styles were selected from the typography style selection process to be implemented in the next two experiments. Eleven auditors and fourteen undergraduate students with and without knowledge of using computers participated in the second and the third experiments. The font types (Simplified Arabic, Traditional Arabic, and Monotype Koufi) and the font sizes (10, 13, and 16 point) were independent variables in the second experiment. Color combinations (white/black, black/white, blue/white, and white/blue), column types (one and two columns) that are crossed within auditors and naive students were the independent variables in the third experiment. Reading speed, comprehension levels in terms of accuracy of answering recognition and recall questions, and discomfort subjective measures were the dependent variables in both experiments. Results showed that the quality‐assurance auditors were superior to students at reading speed and comprehension. A 13‐point Simplified Arabic font type was better than other font type and font size combinations in terms of reading comprehension and discomfort measure. In addition, white characters on a black background screen color was superior to other character\screen color combinations in terms of reading speed, reading comprehension, and discomfort measure. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Assessment of extreme drought and human interference on baseflow of the Yangtze River
Authors: Dai Zhi‐Jun , Chu Ao , Du Jin‐Zhou , Stive Marcel , Hong Yan
Published: November 2009

Attention has been given to baseflow in large rivers, but up to now, no study on baseflow for the Yangtze River in combination with extreme drought and extensive human activities has been carried out. Discharge data in 2000–2005 and in the extreme drought years, 1978 and 2006, at stations along the main stream, lakes and distributaries of the Yangtze River were collected to analyse the features of baseflow in 2006 by using baseflow separation technique, HYSEP. It can be seen that the baseflow relative to the streamflow in 2006 was greater than those in other years. The variation of baseflow discharge in the Upper Yangtze River Stream (UYRS) was larger than that in the Mid‐Lower Yangtze River Stream (MLYRS). Human activities in MLYRS are more intensive than that in the UYRS and the baseflow discharge was greater. The baseflow is influenced by the extreme climate and human activities along the Yangtze River with the former being the dominant factor in 2006. The contribution of human interference to baseflow discharge was about 10% in 2006. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.