bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pyrolytic cleavage mechanisms of lignin-ether linkages: A study on p-substituted dimers and trimers
Authors: Kawamoto Haruo , Nakamura Takeshi , Saka Shiro
Published: December 2007

Pyrolytic cleavage mechanisms of lignin-ether linkages were studied with some dimers and trimers which have various p-substituted Cα-phenoxy groups (-H, -OCH3, -Cl or -COCH3). Pyrolysis of these model compounds provides phenols and isoeugenol type products. To determine whether the reactions mechanisms are heterolytic or homolytic, the reactivities were compared based on Hammett's substituent constant (σ
p
) and the ΔBDE parameter, namely the bond dissociation energy (BDE) reduction. The α-ether-linkages in phenolic forms are cleaved in a heterolytic mechanism, while in non-phenolic forms the α-ether linkages are cleaved homolytically. Cleavage of these α-ether linkages is the rate-determining step for the scission of the Cβ-O bond in trimers. The β-ether-linkages in the non-phenolic trimers are cleaved through the β-scission type reaction from the benzyl radical intermediates. On the other hand, quinone methide formation through heterolytic cleavage of the α-ether linkages is the key step for following homolysis of the Cβ-O bonds in the phenolic trimers. Electron attracting character of the quinone methide structure reduces the BDE of the Cβ-O bond.
Digital Preservation: Architecture and Technology for Trusted Digital Repositories
Authors: Jantz Ronald , Giarlo Michael J.
Published: December 2007

Developing preservation processes for a trusted digital repository will require the integration of new methods, policies, standards, and technologies. Digital repositories should be able to preserve electronic materials for periods at least comparable to existing preservation methods. Modern computing technology in general is barely fifty years old and few of us have seen or used digital objects that are more than ten years old. While traditional preservation practices are comparatively well-developed, lack of experience and lack of consensus raise some questions about how we should proceed with digital-based preservation processes. Can we preserve a digital object for at least one-hundred years? Can we answer questions such as “Is this object the digital original”? or “How old is this digital object”? What does it mean to be a trusted repository of digital materials? A basic premise of this article is that there are many technologies available today that will help us build trust in a digital preservation process and that these technologies can be readily integrated into an operational digital preservation framework.
Microfilm Media and Technology in a Digital World
Authors: Breslawski Robert
Published: December 2007

With the rapid changes in technology for information creation, capture, display, distribution, storage and preservation, questions abound about the current state of microfilm and its place in the modern information management industry. Clearly there is a place for microfilm in the modern preservation vision. When it comes to information having permanent value, micrographic media remains a stalwart companion of those not willing to risk their data to the perils of digital data storage only. Quoting Jim Harvey of Altek Systems, “Now the word on the street is that without migration, degradation occurs in as little as seven years depending on storage conditions. This is an anathema to archival collections of information … Some are getting ‘that old time religion’ and backing up digital information collections with a permanent micrographic copy.”
Digitizing Glass Lantern Slides The Mira Lloyd Dock Project at the Pennsylvania State University
Authors: White Alica , Ma Jin , Wentzel Lawrence
Published: December 2007

In 2002–03, the Pennsylvania State University Libraries digitized 468 glass lantern slides from the collection of Mira Lloyd Dock (1853–1945). Dock was a native Pennsylvanian who was very active in the City Beautiful movement in the early 1900s and extremely influential in the founding of the Pennsylvania State Forestry Academy at Mont Alto in 1903. The slides primarily feature tree specimens in their natural settings, flower and plant specimens, as well as some European urban and historic sites. They were most likely used by Dock in her lectures to forestry students at Mont Alto and to civic groups, to whom she offered “lectures on forestry and village improvements… ‘with or without lantern slides’.”
American Broadsides and Ephemera, Series I, 1760–1900. Chester, VT: Readex, 2005–2006
Authors: Sleeman Bill
Published: December 2007

The Readex Company (a division of NewsBank) has in the past few years become one of the library community's primary vendors for searchable, full-text databases of Americana. Of course it helps to be a partner with one of the best collections of this type in the country – The American Antiquarian Society (AAS). Still, having a rich source of primary documents is only half the process and Readex, by bringing together a talented group of editors, indexers, web designers and document conversion specialists has proven itself an equal partner in their arrangement with the AAS.
Special Collections to Digitize Historic Tobacco and Crop Science Materials
Authors: Black Lois Fischer
Published: December 2007

Thanks to support from the North Carolina Farm Bureau, the North Carolina Tobacco Foundation, and the North Carolina Research Commission, the NCSU Libraries' Special Collections Research Center will construct, enhance, and maintain the “Living Off the Land” Web site. The site will provide digital access to collections of rare and unique items on tobacco and crop science history in North Carolina dating from 1850 through 1950. Tobacco has figured prominently not only in the economy of the state, but also in its culture, from colonial times to the present. Agricultural history is a frequent area of interest for researchers and visitors alike to North Carolina's cultural repositories. Completion of this project will result in expanded access to the resources available for the study of the state's tobacco and crop science history.
Differential Gating and Recruitment of P/Q-, N-, and R-Type Ca2+Channels in Hippocampal Mossy Fiber Boutons
Authors: Li Liyi , Bischofberger Josef , Jonas Peter
Published: December 2007

Voltage-gated Ca2+channels in presynaptic terminals initiate the Ca2+inflow necessary for transmitter release. At a variety of synapses, multiple Ca2+channel subtypes are involved in synaptic transmission and plasticity. However, it is unknown whether presynaptic Ca2+channels differ in gating properties and whether they are differentially activated by action potentials or subthreshold voltage signals. We examined Ca2+channels in hippocampal mossy fiber boutons (MFBs) by presynaptic recording, using the selective blockers ω-agatoxin IVa, ω-conotoxin GVIa, and SNX-482 to separate P/Q-, N-, and R-type components. Nonstationary fluctuation analysis combined with blocker application revealed a single MFB contained on average ∼2000 channels, with 66% P/Q-, 26% N-, and 8% R-type channels. Whereas both P/Q-type and N-type Ca2+channels showed high activation threshold and rapid activation and deactivation, R-type Ca2+channels had a lower activation threshold and slower gating kinetics. To determine the efficacy of activation of different Ca2+channel subtypes by physiologically relevant voltage waveforms, a six-state gating model reproducing the experimental observations was developed. Action potentials activated P/Q-type Ca2+channels with high efficacy, whereas N- and R-type channels were activated less efficiently. Action potential broadening selectively recruited N- and R-type channels, leading to an equalization of the efficacy of channel activation. In contrast, subthreshold presynaptic events activated R-type channels more efficiently than P/Q- or N-type channels. In conclusion, single MFBs coexpress multiple types of Ca2+channels, which are activated differentially by subthreshold and suprathreshold presynaptic voltage signals.
Light-Evoked Calcium Responses of Isolated Melanopsin-Expressing Retinal Ganglion Cells
Authors: Hartwick Andrew T. E. , Bramley Jayne R. , Yu Jianing , Stevens Kelly T. , Allen Charles N. , Baldridge William H. , Sollars Patricia J. , Pickard Gary E.
Published: December 2007

A small number (<2%) of mammalian retinal ganglion cells express the photopigment melanopsin and are intrinsically photosensitive (ipRGCs). Light depolarizes ipRGCs and increases intracellular calcium levels ([Ca2+]i) but the signaling cascades underlying these responses have yet to be elucidated. To facilitate physiological studies on these rare photoreceptors, highly enriched ipRGC cultures from neonatal rats were generated using anti-melanopsin-mediated plate adhesion (immunopanning). This novel approach enabled experiments on isolated ipRGCs, eliminating the potential confounding influence of rod/cone-driven input. Light induced a rise in [Ca2+]i(monitored using fura-2 imaging) in the immunopanned ipRGCs and the source of this Ca2+signal was investigated. The Ca2+responses were inhibited by 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate, SKF-96365 (1–2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-[3-(4-methoxyphenyl)propoxy]ethyl-1H-imidazole), flufenamic acid, lanthanum, and gadolinium, consistent with the involvement of canonical transient receptor potential (TRP) channels in ipRGC phototransduction. However, the contribution of direct Ca2+flux through a putative TRP channel to ipRGC [Ca2+]iwas relatively small, as most (∼90%) of the light-induced Ca2+responses could be blocked by preventing action potential firing with tetrodotoxin. The L-type voltage-gated Ca2+channel (VGCC) blockers verapamil and (+)-cis-diltiazem significantly reduced the light-evoked Ca2+responses, while the internal Ca2+stores depleting agent thapsigargin had negligible effect. These results indicate that Ca2+influx through VGCCs, activated after action potential firing, was the primary source for light-evoked elevations in ipRGC [Ca2+]i. Furthermore, concurrent Ca2+imaging and cell-attached electrophysiological recordings demonstrated that the Ca2+responses were highly correlated to spike frequency, thereby establishing a direct link between action potential firing and somatic [Ca2+]iin light-stimulated ipRGCs.
NR2B Signaling Regulates the Development of Synaptic AMPA Receptor Current
Authors: Hall Benjamin J. , Ripley Beth , Ghosh Anirvan
Published: December 2007

The postnatal maturation of glutamatergic synapses involves a change in composition and functional contribution of postsynaptic receptors. Developing cortical synapses are dominated by NMDA receptors (NMDARs) containing NR2B subunits and are characterized by a low ratio of AMPA/NMDA receptor-mediated current. Synapse maturation is marked by the incorporation of NR2A-containing NMDA receptors and an increase in the AMPA/NMDA current ratio. We show here that NMDARs containing the NR2B subunit regulate glutamatergic transmission at developing synapses by negatively influencing the synaptic incorporation of AMPA receptors (AMPARs). Genetic removal of NR2B leads to increased surface expression and synaptic localization of AMPA receptor subunits and a corresponding increase in AMPAR-mediated synaptic current. Enrichment of synaptic AMPARs, in the absence of NR2B signaling, is associated with increased levels of transmembrane AMPAR regulatory protein (TARP) expression and is blocked by expression of a dominant-negative TARP construct (γ-2ΔC). These observations suggest that NR2B signaling limits AMPA receptor incorporation at developing synapses by negatively regulating TARP expression and provide a mechanism to explain the maintenance of low AMPA/NMDA ratio at immature glutamatergic synapses.
The changing benefits of global equity investing: Developed and emerging markets, 1997–2007
Authors: Magas I.
Published: December 2007

Are there any long standing benefits in international equity investing? Did the acceleration of global financial integration bring clearly measurable benefits to international equity investors? Is there a convergence of equity market profitability around the world? These are the main questions of this paper. All of these questions got an affirmative answer, but, as it may be immediately suspected, many durable qualifiers and caveats apply. Section 1 reviews some key propositions of modern investment theory and some recent evidence on the benefits of international asset allocation on equity markets. It is argued that the desired benefits — as predicted by theory — can be and have been captured in terms of better risk/return trade-offs due to international diversification of equity portfolios. Manifest benefits aside, however, many dampening factors come into play when considering long term capacities of realising these benefits. Mainly the changing correlation structure of global markets and the increased currency risk, which still remained very difficult to hedge, were identified as permanent factors to limit the power of international diversification in pushing out the efficient frontier of the equity set. Section 2 presents comparative evidence on global equity markets’ performance and gives an account of the wide variations in the US dollar denominated returns of major markets, developed and emerging. There is some support to the view that a certain convergence can be depicted in the profitability levels of different markets. Exchange rate movements, however, accounted for almost one third of variations in profitability on average. As of April 2007, stock market valuations did favour emerging markets (and to some extent EU-27) when compared to Japan or the US.
Uso de teorías y modelos en artículos de una revista latinoamericana de salud pública, 2000-2004
Authors: Cabrera Arana Gustavo Alonso
Published: December 2007

OBJETIVO: Caracterizar la frecuencia y tipo de uso de teorías o modelos citados en artículos publicados en una revista latinoamericana de salud publica entre los años 2000 y 2004. MÉTODOS: Se escogió la Revista de Saúde Pública por su historia de publicación periódica sin interrupción e impacto actual en la comunicación científica del área. Se aplicó un procedimiento estándar para leer los artículos y clasificarlos en una tipología arbitraria de cuatro niveles según la profundidad del uso dado a los referentes teóricos o modelos citados en los textos para describir asuntos o problemas abordados, formular métodos y discutir a rigor los hallazgos comunicados. RESULTADOS: Se leyeron 482 artículos: 421 (87%) investigaciones, 42 (9%) revisiones o especiales y 19 (4%) textos de opinión o reflexión. En las 421 investigaciones, 286 (68%) tuvieron enfoque cuantitativo, 110 (26%) cualitativo y 25 (6%) mixtos. La cita de teorías o modelos fue infrecuente; 90 (19%) artículos revisados citan algun referente. Según la profundidad de uso 29 (6%) de los 90 fueron tipo I, 9 (1,9%) tipo II, 6 (1,3%) tipo III y 46 (9,5%), tipo IV. CONCLUSIONES: La citación de modelos fue nueve veces más frecuente que la de alguna teoría; el uso ideal, el tipo IV, ocurrió en apenas uno de cada diez artículos analizados. Hay relevancia de explicitar los marcos teóricos y modelos usados al abordar temas, formular hipótesis, diseñar métodos y discutir hallazgos en las contribuciones de las revistas científicas del área.
Fatores associados à evolução ponderal de gestantes: uma análise multinível
Authors: Konno Silvia Cristina , Benicio Maria Helena D' Aquino , Barros Aluísio J. D.
Published: December 2007

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a influência de fatores socioeconômicos, reprodutivos e comportamentais sobre a evolução do peso durante a gestação. MÉTODOS: O peso corporal foi mensurado prospectivamente em uma coorte de 215 gestantes saudáveis atendidas por um serviço público de pré-natal do Município de São Paulo, no período de 1997 a 1998. Os critérios de inclusão foram: idade > 18 anos e início do pré-natal com idade gestacional < 16 semanas. A relação entre as variáveis independentes com a evolução do peso durante a gestação foi avaliada mediante análise multinível linear hierarquizada, analisada pelo teste de máxima verossimilhança. RESULTADOS: Na análise multinível, os fatores significantemente associados ao ganho de peso gestacional foram IMC inicial, escolaridade, situação marital e paridade. As equações obtidas permitiram identificar o efeito individualizado de cada uma das características: IMC inicial eutrófico, escolaridade >4 anos, ausência de companheiro e primiparidade proporcionam acréscimos de 3,0 kg, 1,9 kg, 2,3 kg e 2,4 kg, respectivamente, no ganho de peso total durante a gestação. CONCLUSÕES: O IMC inicial, escolaridade e paridade são características maternas que, com o estado marital, devem ser consideradas no desenvolvimento de estratégias para a promoção de um ganho de peso adequado durante a gestação.
Fatores de risco para mortalidade neonatal precoce
Authors: Schoeps Daniela , Almeida Marcia Furquim de , Alencar Gizelton Pereira , França Jr. Ivan , Novaes Hillegonda Maria Dutilh , Siqueira Arnaldo Augusto Franco de , Campbell Oona , Rodrigues Laura Cunha
Published: December 2007

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os fatores de risco da mortalidade neonatal precoce. MÉTODOS: Estudo caso-controle de base populacional com 146 óbitos neonatais precoces e amostra de 313 controles obtidos entre os sobreviventes ao período neonatal, na região sul do município de São Paulo, no período de 1/8/2000 a 31/1/2001. As informações foram obtidas por meio de entrevistas domiciliares e prontuários hospitalares. Foi realizada análise hierarquizada em cinco blocos com características: 1) socioeconômicas das famílias e das mães; 2) psicossociais maternas; 3) biológicas e da história reprodutiva materna; 4) do parto; 5) do recém-nascido. RESULTADOS: Os fatores de risco para a mortalidade neonatal precoce foram: Bloco 1: baixa escolaridade do chefe da família (OR=1,6; IC 95%: 1,1;2,6); domicílio em favela (OR=2,0; IC 95%: 1,2;3,5), com até um cômodo (OR=2,2; IC 95%: 1,1;4,2); Bloco 2: mães com união recente (OR=2,0; IC 95%: 1,0;4,2) e sem companheiro (OR=1,8; IC 95%: 1,1;3,0), presença de maus tratos (OR=2,7;1,1-6,5); Bloco 3: presença de intercorrência na gravidez (OR=8,2; IC 95%: 5,0;13,5), nascimento prévio de baixo peso (OR=2,4; IC 95%: 1,2;4,5); pré-natal ausente (OR=16,1; IC 95%: 4,7;55,4) ou inadequado (OR=2,1; IC 95%: 2,0;3,5); Bloco 4: presença de problemas no parto (OR=2,9; IC 95%: 1,4;5,1), mães que foram ao hospital de ambulância (OR=3,8; IC 95%: 1,4;10,7); Bloco 5: baixo peso ao nascer (OR=17,3; IC 95%: 8,4;35,6), nascimento de pré-termo (OR=8,8; IC 95%: 4,3;17,8). CONCLUSÕES: Além dos fatores proximais (baixo peso ao nascer, gestações de pré-termo, problemas no parto e intercorrências durante a gestação), identificou-se a participação de variáveis que refletem exclusão social e de fatores psicossociais. Esse contexto pode afetar o desenvolvimento da gestação e dificultar o acesso das mulheres aos serviços de saúde. A assistência pré-natal adequada poderia minimizar parte do efeito dessas variáveis.
Major sporting events—planning for legacy
Authors: Taylor M. , Edmondson I.
Published: December 2007

The planning of major sporting events now requires serious consideration to be given to legacy. This paper examines the nature of legacy planning and how its importance is now recognised by both bidding teams and event planning bodies. The concept of legacy is shown to be broad, encompassing economic, social, cultural, environmental, sporting and political impacts. Several examples of good and less good practice in respect of legacy planning are examined and a detailed review of how London's 2012 organisers are learning the lessons of past major sporting events is presented. To maximise the impact of legacy for major events, this paper suggests it is critical that the legacy vision—a clear articulation of legacy benefits—is in place well in advance of the event. Six ways in which legacy benefits can be secured for major sporting events are recommended: articulating the vision for legacy development as early as possible; legacy business case evaluation; attracting private sector funding for legacy development; the delivery of venues that meet the legacy aspirations of all stakeholders; coordinated venue management and operation; and rigorous evaluation of the wider socio-economic legacy.
Safety and traffic management for PGA 2006 in Watford, UK
Authors: Hejazi L. , Smith A.
Published: December 2007

This paper sets out the safety and traffic management arrangements for one of the most prestigious events in the sports calendar, the PGA World Golf Championship, held for the first time in the UK in 2006. Hertfordshire Highways was responsible for ensuring that safety was maintained and gridlock avoided during the six-day event. This paper describes the meticulous planning arrangements prior to the event, as well as the coordination between the many organisations responsible for ensuring that traffic could enter and exit the various car parks and that plans were in place in the event of an emergency on site. The paper ends with lessons learned and considers what actions taken might be different if an event of this scale were to be held in Hertfordshire in the future.
A Seismic Inversion Experiment to Identify Scatterers in a Granite Outcrop
Authors: Toteva Tatiana , Long Leland Timothy
Published: December 2007

A scattering inversion experiment was conducted on exposed Panola granite located southeast of Atlanta, Georgia, in the Panola Mountain Research Watershed. The objective was to test a near-surface seismic technique for locating subsurface discontinuities, such as fractures, that can be strong scatterers of seismic waves. Shallow water-productive fractures in the crystalline and metamorphic rocks underlying expanding suburban and urban areas, like those in central Georgia, are important because they have the potential of significantly augmenting surface freshwater supplies. Sixteen vertical [Formula: see text] geophones were placed in an array with aperture of [Formula: see text]. A weight-drop source was deployed around the array at distances of [Formula: see text]. We successfully recorded seismic waves in the frequency range of [Formula: see text] traveling through the unweathered Panola granite. The lack of overburden suppressed the interference from dispersed surface waves and enhanced coupling of the high-frequency energy source to the granite. We calculated semblance coefficients for waves propagating across the array as a function of time, back-azimuth and apparent velocity and used these to locate the source of the scattered waves within a [Formula: see text] area extending [Formula: see text] below the surface. Zones that were strong scatterers of surface waves correlated with topographic irregularities on the rock outcrop and the location of a small creek. Scattered [Formula: see text]- and [Formula: see text]-waves identified a three-dimensional distribution of scatterers which outlines the downward extension of fractures below the stream and the contact of the granite with amphibolite biotite gneiss.
Distinguishing types of gaps in (ω)/fin
Authors: Yorioka Teruyuki
Published: December 2007

Supplementing the well known results of Kunen we show that Martin's Axiom is not sufficient to decide the existence of (ω1, ϲ)-gaps when (ϲ, ϲ)-gaps exist, that is, it is consistent with ZFC that Martin's Axiom holds and there are (ϲ, ϲ)-gaps but no (ω1, ϲ)-gaps.
Interventions Used by Physical Therapists in Home Care for People After Hip Fracture
Authors: Mangione Kathleen Kline , Lopopolo Rosalie B , Neff Nancy P , Craik Rebecca L , Palombaro Kerstin M
Published: December 2007

Background and Purpose

The majority of older people who survive a hip fracture have residual mobility disabilities. Any attempt to systematically reduce mobility disabilities after hip fracture, however, requires knowledge of the adequacy of current management practices. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to begin to understand the nature of physical therapy home care management by describing “usual care” for people after hip fracture.

Subjects and Methods

In 2003 and 2004, a national survey was conducted of all members of the American Physical Therapy Association who identified home care as their primary practice setting (n=3,130). “Usual care” was operationally defined as when more than 50% of respondents reported that they “always” or “often” use a specific intervention.

Results

Survey questionnaires (1,029) were returned with a response rate of 32.9%. Functional training activities, including bed mobility, transfer and gait training, balance training, safety training, and patient education, were reported very frequently. Active-range-of-motion exercises were performed much more frequently than exercises involving added resistance.

Discussion and Conclusion

This study provides a detailed description of the physical therapy interventions provided in the home care setting for patients after hip fracture. The sample size and national representation increase our confidence that this description accurately depicts physical therapist practice.
New Multidisciplinary Prostate Bone Metastases Clinic: First of Its Kind in Canada
Authors: Goh P. , Harris K. , Napolskikh J. , Chow E. , Sinclair E. , Emmenegger U. , Lemon S. , Yee A. , Wynnychuk L. , Myers J. , Danjoux C. , Ko Y.
Published: December 2007

Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin malignancy in men. Almost all men who die from prostate cancer have hormone-refractory prostate cancer with metastasis to bone. Emerging supportive treatments—including chemotherapy, bisphosphonates, and surgery—require integration that is optimized in a multidisciplinary setting. A multidisciplinary clinic for bone metastases has been in place at Toronto–Sunnybrook Regional Cancer Centre since 1999, combining orthopedic surgery, radiation oncology, interventional radiology, and palliative medicine for all patients with bone metastases. The addition of a prostate-focused multidisciplinary clinic integrates these services for patients with advanced prostate cancer.
Radiolabelled Monoclonal Antibodies in the Treatment of Metastatic Cancer
Authors: Goldenberg D.M.
Published: December 2007

Most cancer patients die from advanced [...]
Polyaniline/pillared montmorillonite clay composite nanofibers
Authors: Binitha N. Narayanan , Sugunan Sankaran
Published: December 2007

In situ polymerization of aniline is done inside the pillared clay matrix. The nonswellable pillared clay confined matrix allows efficient polymerization that leads to nanofibrous morphology. As a result high polymer order and crystallinity is attained and is evident from XRD patterns. The strong interaction between the clay layers and polyaniline (PANI) is understood from FTIR and DRS spectra. Additionally these analytical results suggest that the prepared PANI is in the doped state. The PANI/pillared clay nanocomposite formation gives additional thermal stability to the polymer backbone and is clear from the DTG curves. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Effects of nitrogen and carbon dioxide gases on the degradation of low‐density polyethylene during extrusion and origin of the color
Authors: Dubrocq C. , Milesi M. , Ramès‐Langlade G. , Monasse B.
Published: December 2007

The effect of inert gases, nitrogen and carbon dioxide, on the oxidative degradation of low‐density polyethylene appearing as colored spots has been studied during an extrusion process in competition with an antioxidant. Extrusion under inert gases significantly decreases the degradation level in the critical region of the process in comparison with classical extrusion under air. The effect of antioxidants on degradation during extrusion at a high temperature is weak. The main processes acting on this reduction of polymer oxidation and the origin of the color of degraded domains have been investigated. Energy‐dispersive spectra of particles have confirmed that degradation is caused by thermooxidation. The nature of chromophore groups in degraded areas has been identified by IR microscopy. We found that β‐conjugated ketoenols are present inside colored spots and seem to be responsible for the color of degraded parts. Quantum calculations have confirmed that such chemical structures absorb visible light and create reddish and brown colors. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Target metabolic profiling analysis of free amino acids in plasma as EOC/TBDMS derivatives by GC‐SIM‐MS
Authors: Paik Man‐Jeong , Moon Seung‐Min , Kim Kyoung‐Rae , Choi Sangdun , Ahn Young‐Hwan , Lee Gwang
Published: December 2007

Metabolic profiling analysis of free amino acids (AAs) in plasma (20 µL) was performed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry in selected ion monitoring mode after ethoxycarbonyl/tert‐butyldimethylsilyl derivatives. Characteristic fragment ions, including [M − 57] + ions, permitted sensitive and selective detection of most of the AAs in the presence of co‐extracted carboxylic acids, including free fatty acids, at much higher levels. The overall method was linear (r ≥ 0.9991), reproducible (relative standard deviation = 2.3–8.8%) and accurate (relative error = −7.3–7.7%) with detection limits of 0.01–1.9 ng/mL. A total of 18 AAs, 15 protein AAs and three nonprotein AAs were quantitatively screened in a normal human plasma sample. This selective and simple method using a minimal sample volume was effective for the quantitation of plasma free AAs. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Three circles theorems for Schrödinger operators on cylindrical ends and geometric applications
Authors: Colding Tobias H. , Minicozzi William P. , De Lellis Camillo
Published: December 2007

We show that for a Schrödinger operator with bounded potential on a manifold with cylindrical ends, the space of solutions that grows at most exponentially at infinity is finite dimensional and, for a dense set of potentials (or, equivalently, for a surface for a fixed potential and a dense set of metrics), the constant function 0 is the only solution that vanishes at infinity. Clearly, for general potentials there can be many solutions that vanish at infinity.

One of the key ingredients in these results is a three circles inequality (or log convexity inequality) for the Sobolev norm of a solution u to a Schrödinger equation on a product N × [0, T], where N is a closed manifold with a certain spectral gap. Examples of such N's are all (round) spheres 𝕊n for n ≥ 1 and all Zoll surfaces.

Finally, we discuss some examples arising in geometry of such manifolds and Schrödinger operators.© 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Different behavioral effects of neurotoxic dorsal hippocampal lesions placed under either isoflurane or propofol anesthesia
Authors: Baxter Mark G. , Murphy Kathy L. , Crosby Gregory , Culley Deborah J.
Published: December 2007

Anesthetic protocols for behavioral neuroscience experiments are evolving as new anesthetics are developed and surgical procedures are refined to improve animal welfare. We tested whether neurotoxic dorsal hippocampal lesions produced under two different anesthetic protocols would have different behavioral and/or histo‐pathological effects. Rats were anesthetized with either propofol, an intravenous anesthetic, or isoflurane, a gaseous anesthetic, and multiple injections of an excitotoxin (N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate) were stereotaxically placed in the dorsal hippocampus bilaterally. Intraoperative physiological parameters were similar in the two surgical groups, as were the volumes of the lesions, although the profile of postoperative impairment in a spatial learning task differed between the lesion groups depending on the anesthetic regimen used. These results show that the choice of anesthetic protocol is a critical variable in designing behavioral neuroscience experiments using neurosurgical procedures. This factor should be considered carefully in experimental design and in cross‐study comparisons of lesion effects on behavior. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Renal failure does not preclude cure in children receiving chemotherapy for Wilms tumor: A report from the National Wilms Tumor Study Group
Authors: Feusner James H. , Ritchey Michael L. , Norkool Pat A. , Takashima Janice R. , Breslow Norman E. , Green Daniel M.
Published: December 2007

Background

Children with Wilms tumor can develop renal failure during treatment. Since there are few published data concerning the appropriate chemotherapy for this situation, we reviewed the experience of children who developed renal failure while being treated on National Wilms Tumor Study Group (NWTSG) studies 1–4 (1969–1994).

Patients and Methods

Data files in the NWTSG Data Center for all patients with Wilms tumor were screened. Patient demographics and tumor and treatment data were abstracted from those who developed renal failure.

Results

Twenty‐eight of 5,910 (0.47%) children with Wilms tumor registered on NWTSG studies I through IV (1971–1994) were treated with chemotherapy after developing renal failure. Among these patients vincristine at full dose (0.05 mg/kg dose) did not increase the risk of severe toxicity. Dactinomycin (full dose: 15 mcg/kg day × 5) increased the risk for severe neutropenia when given at 75–100% of full dose. There was no compelling evidence for increased toxicity of doxorubicin when given at 100% versus 50% dosing (full dose: 20 mg/m2 day × 3), but the number of patients analyzed was small. The overall survival percentage was 39%, but 64% for those patients who were in their initial treatment phase at the time of renal failure.

Conclusion

The data suggest that, in the setting of renal failure, reduction of dosing is not necessary for the three main agents used for treatment of newly diagnosed Wilms tumor, and cure is not precluded. Accurate pharmacologic and pharmacokinetic studies are needed for any patient being treated while in renal failure. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:242–245. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prenatal testing for uniparental disomy: indications and clinical relevance
Authors: Kotzot D.
Published: December 2007

This review aims to provide a rational and ethical basis for prenatal testing for uniparental disomy (UPD) in cases with abnormal ultrasound findings or numeric and/or structural chromosomal aberrations in chorionic villous or amniotic fluid samples. The clinical phenotypes of the genomic imprinting‐associated paternal UPD 6 (transient neonatal diabetes mellitus), maternal UPD 7 (Silver–Russell syndrome), paternal UPD 11p (Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome), maternal UPD 14 (precocious puberty, short stature and highly variable developmental delay), paternal UPD 14 (polyhydramnios and a bell‐shaped thorax), maternal UPD 15 (Prader–Willi syndrome), paternal UPD 15 (Angelman syndrome), maternal UPD 16 and UPD 20, as well as the diagnostic options, are summarized. In addition, the clinical impact of UPD testing and its relevance in various prenatal diagnostic situations are discussed. As a general rule, prenatal UPD testing, following genetic counseling, is justified if paternal UPD 14, maternal UPD 15 or paternal UPD 15 are suspected. In contrast, considering the mild phenotypes of paternal UPD 6 and maternal UPD 7, prenatal UPD testing is questionable. Because of the highly variable phenotype for paternal UPD 11p, maternal UPD 14 and maternal UPD 16, prenatal testing should be discussed critically on an individual basis. For all other chromosomes, prenatal UPD testing is purely academic and should therefore not be performed on a routine basis, particularly because a positive result might confuse the parents more than it actually helps them. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Geographic patterns of endemism and speciation in amphibians and reptiles of the Ryukyu Archipelago, Japan, with special reference to their paleogeographical implications
Authors: Ota Hidetoshi
Published: December 2007

This paper analyzes the phylogeographical patterns of amphibian and reptile lineages distributed in the Ryukyu islands south of the Tokara Gap on the basis of relevant distributional data and phylogenetic hypotheses hitherto published. Results indicate the numerical dominance of highly relict lineages in the central Ryukyus, and the occurences of a few more or less relict lineages in the Miyako Group as well. On the other hand, most species and subspecies endemic to the Yaeyama Group or to the Yaeyama and Miyako Groups are considered to be direct consequences of vicariance with adjacent regions. Three major hypotheses regarding the Cenozoic paleogeography of the central and the southern Ryukyus are examined in the light of the present results and a modified hypothesis is proposed accordingly.
How small can the difference among competitors be for coexistence to occur
Authors: Kashiwagi Akiko , Kanaya Tadashi , Yomo Tetsuya , Urabe Itaru
Published: December 2007

Closely related competitors comprising of Escherichia coli strains having the same metabolic system and differing only with a few bases on the glutamine synthetase gene in the plasmid pKGN were previously shown to coexist in a chemostat. The differences among these closely related competitors can be considered large enough to allow coexistence as the level of enzyme activity is different. To bring the difference among competitors to the slightest possible, the mutation was introduced on the noncoding region of the plasmid pKGN harbored in the wild‐type strain (strain W). The new strain, strain W’, carries the plasmid pKGN’ with a 4‐base insertion at the Hind III site in the polycloning site of pKGN. As the noncoding region is a nucleotide segment that is not translated into amino acids, the relatedness between strains W and W’ is the closest possible from the genetic point of view. Interestingly, though both strains are almost identical, they can coexist stably in a chemostat irrespective of the initial population size. These experimental results suggest that in the natural ecosystem, no matter how akin competitors are, coexistence is not impossible.
Delayed maturation in the colonial coral Goniastrea aspera (Scleractinia): whole‐colony mortality, colony growth and polyp egg production
Authors: Sakai Kazuhiko
Published: December 2007

The present study examines (1) the cost of reproduction on colony growth, and (2) relationships among sexual maturity, whole‐colony mortality rate and colony growth rate in Goniastrea aspera free from external influences by macrobenthos. Survival of colonies in permanent plots was followed for two years. Egg production by polyps in colonies collected just before the first spawning of a year was estimated by dissecting the polyps. Growth of the colonies (increase in number of polyps) was followed over one annual reproductive cycle. The cost of egg production on colony growth was apparent through colony ontogeny: (1) immature colonies had a greater annual growth rate than mature colonies, but produced almost no eggs; (2) in mature colonies, growth rate was negatively correlated with NE/PV (number of eggs per polyp volume mm‐3). Annual whole‐colony mortality was high in colonies with fewer than11 polyps in initial colony size, while mortality was extremely low once a colony grew beyond this size. This critical size for low whole‐colony mortality was much smaller than the colony size (40 polyps) which would attain maturity one year later. Age at maturity was estimated as six years. While survival to maturity may be a selective force for the evolution of delayed maturation, the present data suggest that high colony fecundity, achieved after a long growth period as an immature colony, and an abrupt decrease of colony growth rate after maturation are the crucial forces.
Genetic risk of domestication in artificial fish stocking and its possible reduction
Authors: Harada Yasushi , Yokota Masashi , Iizuka Masaru
Published: December 2007

Genetic hazards associated with the stocking of fish juveniles produced in hatcheries were studied with simple mathematical models. Domestication is the process of acquiring a genetic characteristics that are advantageous in a hatchery environment but that are disadvantageous in a natural environment due to the selection pressure in the hatchery differing from that in the natural environment. Conditions for the propagation of mutants enhancing domestication were obtained for a variety of stocking strategies specified by parameters related to hatchery productivity and kind of brood stock used. By using this, the possibility of reducing the risk of domestication was studied. As a means of reducing the risk, selective use of wild‐born individuals for brood stock was considered. The effectiveness of this was analyzed for both the cases where all brood stock is collected from the wild, and the male brood stock is collected from the wild and the female brood stock is born and reared in a hatchery. We also estimate how much hatchery release can be increased without increasing the risk by employing these means. It is concluded that the use of only male brood stock from the wild is not very effective in reducing the risk of domestication. Further, it is concluded that selective use of the wild‐born individuals of both sexes for brood stock is highly desirable if the contribution of released individuals to the natural reproduction is high. In other words, substantial increase of hatchery release may be possible while keeping risk at a level comparable to that under moderate hatchery release, if it is accompanied by the selective use of wild‐born individuals for brood stock.
Social structure and the defensive role of soldiers in a eusocial bamboo aphid, Pseudoregma bambucicola (Homoptera: Aphididae): A test of the defence‐optimization hypothesis
Authors: Shibao Harunobu
Published: December 2007

A complete understanding of the evolution of sociality in aphids requires a detailed knowledge of the patterns of soldier investment in their ecology. The eusocial bamboo aphid Pseudoregma bambucicola has a morphologically specialized first‐instar soldier caste. The proportion of soldiers was positively correlated with colony size. Within a colony, soldiers were evenly distributed among subcolonies; within each subcolony, however, their distribution was biased toward peripheries which were exposed to many predators. Field experiments introducing natural enemies such as Eupeodes confrater (Diptera: Syrphidae) and Synonycha grandis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) revealed that the survival rate of these predators was negatively correlated with the density of soldiers, suggesting that soldiers can more or less defend their colonies by killing or removing a range of natural enemies. Observations suggest that large mature colonies attract more predators than newly established small colonies and that, within a colony, the predators attack each subcolony regardless of its position on bamboo shoots. This implies the presence of a positive correlation between colony size and predation risk. Thus, the investment in soldiers seems to reflect the attacking pattern of predators within a colony. These results agree with the defence‐optimization hypothesis in soldier investment of P. bambucicola colonies.
A simple method to estimate insect mortality from field census data: A modification of the Kiritani‐Nakasuji‐Manly method
Authors: Yamamura Kohji
Published: December 2007

Various methods have been proposed to estimate demographic parameters such as mortality from field census data. Simple methods proposed earlier are applicable only for limited situations. For example, the Kiritani‐Nakasuji‐Manly method is applicable only if individuals are observable until their death. Improved methods proposed later are not subject to such limitations, but are not so widely used in the field of applied entomology, probably because of the complexity of the calculations involved. In this paper, I propose an intermediate method that requires only a pocket calculator, considering the practical convenience for field scientists. This method, which is a modification of the Kiritani‐Nakasuji‐Manly method, gives an estimate of the number of individuals entering a stage from the frequency of two stages when the stage duration is known.
Leisure boredom and high school dropout in Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Wegner Lisa , Flisher Alan J. , Chikobvu Perpetual , Lombard Carl , King Gary
Published: December 2007

This prospective cohort study investigated whether leisure boredom predicts high school dropout. Leisure boredom is the perception that leisure experiences do not satisfy the need for optimal arousal. Participants completed a self‐report questionnaire which included the Leisure Boredom Scale. The original cohort of grade 8 students (n=303) was followed up twice at 2‐yearly intervals. Of the 281 students at the second follow‐up, 149 (53.0%) students had dropped out of school. The effect of leisure boredom on dropout was investigated using logistic regression taking into account the clustering effect of the schools in the sampling strategy, and adjusting for age, gender and racially classified social group. Leisure boredom was a significant predictor of dropout (OR=1.08; 95% CI: 1.01–1.15) in students 14 years and older, but not so in younger students (OR=1.0; 95% CI: 0.95–1.05). The study has shown that measuring leisure boredom in grade 8 students can help identify students who are more likely to dropout of school. Further research is needed to investigate the longitudinal association between leisure boredom and school dropout.
The effect of electroacupuncture on opioid‐like medication consumption by chronic pain patients: A pilot randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Zheng Zhen , Guo Runxiang J. , Helme Robert D. , Muir Andrew , Da Costa Cliff , Xue Charlie C.L.
Published: December 2007

Opioid‐like medications (OLM) are commonly used by patients with various types of chronic pain, but their long‐term benefit is questionable. Electroacupuncture (EA) has been previously shown beneficial in reducing post‐operative acute OLM consumption. In this pilot randomized controlled trial, the effect of EA on OLM usage and associated side effects in chronic pain patients was evaluated. After a two‐week baseline assessment, participants using OLM for their non‐malignant chronic pain were randomly assigned to receive either real EA (REA, n=17) or sham EA (SEA, n=18) treatment twice weekly for 6 weeks before entering a 12‐week follow‐up. Pain, OLM consumption and their side effects were recorded daily. Participants also completed the McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ), SF‐36 and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) at baseline, and at the 5th, 8th, 12th, 16th and 20th week. Nine participants withdrew during the treatment period with another three during the follow‐up period. Intention to treat analysis was applied. At the end of treatment period, reductions of OLM consumption in REA and SEA were 39% and 25%, respectively (p=0.056), but this effect did not last more than 8 weeks after treatment. There was no difference between the two groups with respect to reduction of side effects and pain and the improvement of depression and quality of life. In conclusion, REA demonstrates promising short‐term reduction of OLM for participants with chronic non‐malignant pain, but such effect needs to be confirmed by trials with adequate sample sizes.