bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Selective Chromogenic Plate, YECA, for the Detection of PathogenicYersinia enterocolitica: Specificity, Sensitivity, and Capacity to Detect PathogenicY. enterocoliticafrom Pig Tonsils
Authors: Denis M. , Houard E. , Labbé A. , Fondrevez M. , Salvat G.
Published: June 2011

A new selective chromogenic plate, YECA, was tested for its specificity, sensitivity, and accuracy to detect pathogenicY. enterocoliticafrom pig tonsils. We tested a panel of 26 bacterial strains on YECA and compared it to PCA, CIN, and YeCM media. Detection of pathogenicY. enterocoliticawas carried out on 50 pig tonsils collected in one slaughter house. Enrichment was done in PSB and ITC broths. Streaking on YECA and CIN was done in direct, after 24H incubation of ITC, after 48H incubation of PSB and ITC. All the plates were incubated at30∘Cduring 24 hours. Presence of typical colonies on CIN and YECA was checked, and isolates were biotyped. PathogenicY. enterocoliticastrains showed an important growth on YECA with small and red fuchsia colonies while biotype 1A exhibited very few violet colonies. Enrichment in ITC during 48H gave the best performance for detecting positive samples in pathogenicY. enterocolitica, and YECA could detect directly pathogenicY. enterocoliticastrains (2, 3, and 4). Use of YECA in combination with ITC generates a time-saver by giving a positive test in 72H.
3D Symmetry Measure Invariant to Subject Pose during Image Acquisition
Authors: Kawale Manas , Lee Juhun , Leung Shi Yin , Fingeret Michelle C. , Reece Gregory P. , Crosby Melissa A. , Beahm Elisabeth K. , Markey Mia K. , Merchant Fatima A.
Published: June 2011

In this study we evaluate the influence of subject pose during image acquisition on quantitative analysis of breast morphology. Three (3D) and two-dimensional (2D) images of the torso of 12 female subjects in two different poses; (1) hands-on-hip (HH) and (2) hands-down (HD) were obtained. In order to quantify the effect of pose, we introduce a new measure; the 3D pBRA (Percentage Breast Retraction Assessment) index, and validate its use against the 2D pBRA index. Our data suggests that the 3D pBRA index is linearly correlated with the 2D counterpart for both of the poses, and is independent of the localization of fiducial points within a tolerance limit of 7 mm. The quantitative assessment of 3D asymmetry was found to be invariant of subject pose. This study further corroborates the advantages of 3D stereophotogrammetry over 2D photography. Problems with pose that are inherent in 2D photographs are avoided and fiducial point identification is made easier by being able to panoramically rotate the 3D surface enabling views from any desired angle.
Response to selection and genotype–environment interaction in mink (Neovison vison) selected on ad libitum and restricted feeding
Authors: Hunnicke Nielsen Vivi , Henrik Møller Steen , Krogh Hansen Bente , Berg Peer
Published: June 2011

Nielsen, V. H., Møller, S. H., Hansen, B. K. and Berg, P. 2011. Response to selection and genotype-environment interaction in mink (Neovison vison) selected on ad libitum and restricted feeding. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 91: 231–237. Mink were selected for high November weight (AL line) and low feed conversion ratio (FC line) on ad libitum feeding and for high November weight on restricted feeding (RF line). After three generations of selection, the average estimated breeding value for November weight was 533, 326, and 150 g in males and 168, 82, and −85 g in females in the AL, RF, and FC lines. The breeding value for feed conversion ratio was −1.39, −0.84 and −0.68 kg feed kg−1 gain in males and −0.39, −0.31 and −0.23 kg feed kg−1 gain in females in the selection lines. In generation 4, the AL, RF and FC lines were tested on both ad libitum and restricted feeding. The estimated breeding value for November weight in males in the AL line (533 g) was significantly greater than that in the RF line (384 g) on ad libitum feeding. The corresponding values on restricted feeding were 297 and 326 g, respectively, which were not significantly different. This indicates genotype×environment interaction. In the AL line, selection improved feed conversion ratio by increased appetite. In the RF line, it was improved by increased feed utilization. Environmental sensitivity in males, estimated from breeding values for November weight was 236 g in the AL line and 58 g in the RF line suggesting that the RF line was more robust to changes in feeding conditions. A smaller litter size in the AL line (4.1) than in the RF line (5.6) indicates that selection for large weight affects reproduction.
Review: The use of direct fed microbials to mitigate pathogens and enhance production in cattle
Authors: McAllister T. A. , Beauchemin K. A. , Alazzeh A. Y. , Baah J. , Teather R. M. , Stanford K.
Published: June 2011

McAllister, T. A., Beauchemin, K. A., Alazzeh, A. Y., Baah, J., Teather, R. M. and Stanford, K. 2011. Review: The use of direct fed microbials to mitigate pathogens and enhance production in cattle. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 91: 193–211. Direct-fed microbials (DFM) have been employed in ruminant production for over 30 yr. Originally, DFM were used primarily in young ruminants to accelerate establishment of the intestinal microflora involved in feed digestion and to promote gut health. Further advancements led to more sophisticated mixtures of DFM that are targeted at improving fiber digestion and preventing ruminal acidosis in mature cattle. Through these outcomes on fiber digestion/rumen health, second-generation DFM have also resulted in improvements in milk yield, growth and feed efficiency of cattle, but results have been inconsistent. More recently, there has been an emphasis on the development of DFM that exhibit activity in cattle against potentially zoonotic pathogens such as Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella spp. and Staphylococcus aureus. Regulatory requirements have limited the microbial species within DFM products to organisms that are generally recognized as safe, such as lactic acid-producing bacteria (e.g., Lactobacillus and Enterococcus spp.), fungi (e.g., Aspergillus oryzae), or yeast (e.g., Saccharomyces cerevisiae). Direct-fed microbials of rumen origin, involving lactate-utilizing species (e.g., Megasphaera elsdenii, Selenomonas ruminantium, Propionibacterium spp.) and plant cell wall-degrading isolates of Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens have also been explored, but have not been commercially used. Development of DFM that are efficacious over a wide range of ruminant production systems remains challenging because[0] comprehensive knowledge of microbial ecology is lacking. Few studies have employed molecular techniques to study in detail the interaction of DFM with native microbial communities or the ruminant host. Advancements in the metagenomics of microbial communities and the genomics of microbial–host interactions may enable DFM to be formulated to improve production and promote health, responses that are presently often achieved through the use of antimicrobials in cattle.
Outdoor yards for sheep during winter – Effects of feed location, roof and weather factors on resting and activity
Authors: Helen Meisfjord Jørgensen Grete , Egil Bøe Knut
Published: June 2011

Jørgensen, G. H. M. and Bøe, K. E. 2011. Outdoor yards for sheep during winter – Effects of feed location, roof and weather factors on resting and activity. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 91: 213–220. The aim of this experiment was to investigate the effect of roof cover and location of feed on sheep's use of an outdoor yard under different weather conditions. A 2×2 factorial experiment was conducted with roof covering of outdoor yard (yes or no) and location of feed (indoors or outdoors) in four different pens, each with one of four possible combinations of these factors. Twenty adult ewes of the Norwegian White breed were randomly allotted to four groups with five animals. Weather parameters were automatically recorded. The following behavioural parameters were scored using instantaneous sampling every 15 min throughout 24-h video recordings: location (indoors or outdoors), general behaviour (stand/walk, resting, feeding). Weather factors did not seem to have any large influence on sheep behaviour. A roof covering the outdoor yard increased time spent in the yard, had no effect on feeding time, a limited effect on resting time, but increased the time spent resting outdoors. Locating the feed outdoors increased time spent in the yard, but also increased the time spent resting indoors, indicating that if a dry and comfortable resting area is offered indoors, the feed should be located in the outdoor yard.
Short Communication: Near infrared reflectance spectroscopy accurately predicts the digestible energy content of barley for pigs
Authors: Zijlstra R. T. , Swift M. L. , Wang L. F. , Scott T. A. , Edney M. J.
Published: June 2011

Zijlstra, R. T., Swift, M. L., Wang, L. F., Scott, T. A. and Edney, M. J. 2011. Short Communication:Near infrared reflectance spectroscopy accurately predicts the digestible energy content of barley for pigs. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 91: 301–304. Density, chicken apparent metabolizable energy (AME), and near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) were tested to predict the widely varying swine digestible energy (DE) content of barley. The DE content of 39 barley samples ranged from 2686 to 3163 kcal kg−1 (90% DM) in grower pigs. The R2 between DE content and density (0.14) and broiler chicken AME content (0.18 and 0.56, without and with enzyme, respectively) was low. In contrast, the coefficient of determination to predict swine DE content for ground barley samples using NIRS was respectable for external validation (R2=0.74) and internal cross validation (1-VR=0.79), but more robust calibrations should be developed for commercial application.
Effects of grain-pellet and alfalfa-pellet subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) challenges on feeding behaviour of lactating dairy cows
Authors: Li S. , Khafipour E. , Krause D. O. , González L. A. , Plaizier J. C.
Published: June 2011

Li, S., Khafipour, E., Krause, D. O., González, L. A. and Plaizier, J. C. 2011. Effects of grain-pellet and alfalfa-pellet subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) challenges on feeding behaviour of lactating dairy cows. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 91: 323–330. The effects of two nutritional challenges aimed at inducing subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) on the feeding behaviour of lactating dairy cows were investigated in two separate experiments. Both experiments included eight tie-stall-housed cows that were fed once daily. Feeding behaviour of individual cows was monitored by continuously weighing the feed in the mangers. In each experiment, ruminal pH was monitored in four rumen cannulated cows. In the first experiment, cows received a control diet containing 50% mixed concentrate and 50% alfalfa and barley silage (DM basis) during weeks 1 to 5 of two subsequent 6-wk periods. During week 6 of both periods, a grain-pellet SARA challenge (GPSC) was conducted by replacing 21% of DM of the basal diet with wheat-barley pellets. Data obtained in week 4 were taken as a control. In the second experiment, cows received a control diet containing 50% of DM as mixed concentrate and 50% of DM as chopped alfalfa hay during the first week of a 5-wk period. Between week 2 and week 5, an alfalfa-pellet SARA challenge (APSC) was conducted by replacing alfalfa hay in the control diet with alfalfa pellets at a rate of 8% per week. Week 1 and week 5 were considered as the control and SARA challenge, respectively. In the first experiment, the GPSC reduced the meal duration from 48.9 to 38.6 min meal−1and the eating time from 6.7 to 5.5 h d−1. Meal criteria, meal frequency, meal size, and eating rate were not affected. In the second experiment, the APSC did not affect the meal criterion, meal duration, and eating time per day, but increased dry matter intake from 18.7 to 24.3 kg d−1, meal frequency from 8.2 to 9.4 meals d−1, meals size from 2.4 to 2.7 kg DM, and eating rate from 54.8 to 67.6 g DM min−1. The duration of the first meal after feed delivery was reduced from 154.5 to 103.6 min by the GPSC and from 146.7 to 112.2 min by the APSC. This reduction in the duration of the first meal was accompanied by a reduction in the drop of the ruminal pH during the GPSC, but not during the APSC. Only the APSC increased eating rate of the first meal. Other parameters of this first meal were not affected by both challenges.
Comparison of expression levels of candidate genes in endometrium of dairy heifers and lactating dairy cows
Authors: Pretheeban T. , Gordon M. B. , Singh R. , Rajamahendran R.
Published: June 2011

Pretheeban, T., Gordon, M. B., Singh, R. and Rajamahendran, R. 2011. Comparison of expression levels of candidate genes in endometrium of dairy heifers and lactating dairy cows. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 91: 255–264. Pregnancy rates (PR) in high-producing lactating dairy cows have declined drastically over the past several decades, but those of heifers have remained constant. Reduced PR could be due to multiple causes, and the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms are still unclear. A compromised maternal uterine environment could be one of factors that could affect the PR. This study was performed to compare the nature of the uterine environment in dairy heifers and lactating dairy cows (2nd/3rd parity) by analyzing the expression levels of selected endometrial genes. Estrus was synchronized in heifers (n=5) and lactating dairy cows (n=5) and endometrial biopsies were performed during the mid luteal phase (day 11) of the estrous cycle. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (Q-RT PCR) and immunohistochemistry were performed to analyse the mRNA and protein levels of genes respectively. Relative abundance of BCL2, HSPA1A, IL1A, TNF, IGF1, FGF2 and SERPINA14 transcripts and the protein expression of IL1A, TNF and FGF2 were significantly higher in heifers in comparison with lactating dairy cows. Our findings suggest an altered endometrial environment in lactating dairy cows compared with heifers. However, whether these differences play a role in pregnancy outcomes should be further investigated.
Ethnographic Intimacy: Thinking through the Ethics of Social Research in Sex Worlds
Authors: Pérez-Y-Pérez Maria , Stanley Tony
Published: June 2011

Ethnographic researchers entering sensitive fields of research become entangled in ethical dilemmas when they encounter ‘sticky’ questions, situations and issues. In undertaking research within two distinct sex worlds: female sex work and male sexual negotiation/risk and HIV, we struggled to manage the contingent links between our relationships with the people who inhabit these worlds, the ethical requirements of our institutional ethics committees, and our hybrid selves. In the context of ‘doing’ intimate ethnography, we were required to craft ourselves into the field and establish a number of intimate and prolonged relationships. While the participants in our studies were active in giving their consent, this did not obviate the risk that they would become objectified within the field relationship and the texts the research generated. These issues are central to our discussion as we consider the lack of fit between ethical guidelines and the practical reality of fieldwork.
Conceptualising Food as Death: A Radical Environmentalist Politics of Food
Authors: Van Kemenade Julie
Published: June 2011

Research into the politics of food cannot assume universal acceptance of what is meant by the term ‘food’ which has multiple meanings and significantly different associations. A semiotic approach demonstrates the meaning and value of this point.

Food has variously been conceptualised as process and as commodity, nature or culture. None of these tropes are value neutral, but are associated with opposing priorities and conflicts of interest.

Drawing from ecocentric and anthropocentric environmental philosophies, an alternative trope, that of food-as-death, can be developed, which challenges other, more dominant, tropes. Semiotics denies the notion that language ‘mirrors’ reality. Rather, language creates reality. Semiotics, then, can be useful in developing alternative realities.

To conceptualise food as death is more than using death as a metaphor. Where food is prioritised as commodity, commercial/industrial food practices promote death: death of the body through malnutrition or over-consumption; death of communities through the power of transnationals and commercial interests; death of the natural world through the prioritisation of these human food provision systems. Food-as-death is a trope which privileges the destructive aspect of food over others such as pleasure, identity and nurturing.

Power is invested in those whose trope gains the greatest acceptance. The challenge for environmentalism is to demonstrate the validity of food-as-death. The essential task therefore, is to demonstrate that food for humans can be organised in a way which affirms the well being of humans, communities and nature. This trope will be food-as-life.
‘If You're Not Allowed to Have Rice, What do you have with your Curry?’: Nostalgia and Tradition in Low-Carbohydrate Diet Discourse and Practice
Authors: Knight Christine
Published: June 2011

Low-carbohydrate diets, notably the Atkins Diet, were particularly popular in Britain and North America in the late 1990s and early 2000s. This paper approaches the low-carbohydrate trend as one response to the twin obesity and diabetes epidemics, drawing firstly on a discourse analysis of bestselling low-carbohydrate diet books, especially The South Beach Diet ( AGATSTON 2003 ). I explore and critique nostalgia in the low-carbohydrate movement as a response to a perceived contemporary health crisis caused by modern Western food habits and lifestyle. The low-carbohydrate literature demonstrates a powerful discursive combination of nostalgia for pre-industrial Western foodways, and valorisation of ‘authentic ethnic’ (non-Western) culinary traditions. Together, these tropes construct a generalised notion of traditional diet which contrasts positively with a putative ‘modern Western diet’. The binary opposition set up between modern Western food habits and a traditional ideal leads to generalisations and factual inaccuracies, as any diet or cuisine that is not modern, and/or not Western, must be adjusted discursively to fit the low-carbohydrate model. Further, in an interview study with low-carbohydrate dieters, dieters’ descriptions of their experiences did not match the nostalgic rhetoric of popular low-carbohydrate manuals. Instead, I found that the requirement to eliminate staple carbohydrate foods severs dieters both practically and symbolically from culinary tradition, whether their own or that of an ethnic Other. I conclude that there is a disjuncture between the romantic ‘nutritional nostalgia’ ( BEARDSWORTH 2002 ) of the diet books, and dieters’ own food practices.
The use of LIDAR as a data source for digital elevation models – a study of the relationship between the accuracy of digital elevation models and topographical attributes in northern peatlands
Authors: Hasan A. , Pilesjö P. , Persson A.
Published: June 2011

Abstract. It is important to study the factors affecting estimates of wetness since wetness is crucial in climate change studies. The availability of digital elevation models (DEMs) generated with high resolution data is increasing, and their use is expanding. LIDAR earth elevation data have been used to create several DEMs with different resolutions, using various interpolation parameters, in order to compare the models with collected surface data. The aim is to study the accuracy of DEMs in relation to topographical attributes such as slope and drainage area, which are normally used to estimate the wetness in terms of topographic wetness indices. Evaluation points were chosen from the high-resolution LIDAR dataset at a maximum distance of 10 mm from the cell center for each DEM resolution studied, 0.5, 1, 5, 10, 30 and 90 m. The interpolation method used was inverse distance weighting method with four search radii: 1, 2, 5 and 10 m. The DEM was evaluated using a quantile-quantile test and the normalized median absolute deviation. The accuracy of the estimated elevation for different slopes was tested using the DEM with 0.5 m resolution. Drainage areas were investigated at three resolutions, with coinciding evaluation points. The ability of the model to generate the drainage area at each resolution was obtained by pairwise comparison of three data subsets. The results show that the accuracy of the elevations obtained with the DEM model are the same for different resolutions, but vary with search radius. The accuracy of the values (NMAD of errors) varies from 29.7 mm to 88.9 mm, being higher for flatter areas. It was also found that the accuracy of the drainage area is highly dependent on DEM resolution. Coarse resolution yielded larger estimates of the drainage area but lower slope values. This may lead to overestimation of wetness values when using a coarse resolution DEM.
N/P ratio of nutrient uptake in the Baltic Sea
Authors: Wan Z. , Jonasson L. , Bi H.
Published: June 2011

Abstract. The N/P ratio of nutrient uptake, i.e., the ratio of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) to dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP) taken by primary producers, varies in different basins and in different seasons in the Baltic Sea. The N/P ratio of nutrient alteration fore and after spring blooms is not same as the N/P ratio of nutrient uptake, but the former can be regarded as an indicator for the later in the Baltic Sea. Based on the observed N/P ratio of nutrient alteration, we hypothesize a non-Redfield N/P ratio of nutrient uptake. The 3D-ecosystem model ERGOM coupled with the circulation model DMI-BSHcmod was used to test the hypothesis. When the Redfield ratio was used in the model, the DIP surplus after spring blooms was too high and resulted in the overly growth of cyanobacteria and too much nitrogen fixation. When the non-Redfield ratio was used in the model, the corresponding problem tended to disappear. In summary, we show that: (1) the Redfield N/P ratio of nutrient uptake in the Baltic Sea tends to be too high; (2) a lower N/P ratio 10:1 appears to work better than the Redfield value; and (3) the N/P ratio of nutrient uptake in the Baltic Proper during spring blooms is around 6:1.
Metastatic Bladder Cancer: A Review of Current Management
Authors: Fletcher Andrew , Choudhury Ananya , Alam Nooreen
Published: June 2011

Bladder cancer continues to result in substantial morbidity and mortality for affected individuals. Advances in the management of metastatic bladder cancer have been limited. Chemotherapy with platinum-based regimes remains the mainstay of first-line treatment. Studies investigating alternative regimes have offered no survival advantage. Targeted therapies may offer benefit either as single agent or in combination with chemotherapy. Symptoms due to metastatic bladder cancer impact patients' quality of life, and therefore holistic management is vital. Such management includes radiotherapy, bisphosphonates, and the involvement of specialist palliative care services. This review will discuss the current management for metastatic bladder cancer, future potential treatment modalities, and the evidence to support the management strategies.
Role of Sandwich Cu Layer in and Effect of Self-Bias on Nanomechanical Properties of Copper/Diamond-Like Carbon Bilayer Films
Authors: Dwivedi Neeraj , Kumar Sushil , Malik Hitendra K. , Rauthan C. M. S. , Panwar O. S.
Published: June 2011

The role of sandwich Cu layer in and effect of self-bias on structural and nanomechanical properties of Cu/DLC bilayer films have been explored. Cu/DLC bilayer films were grown, under varied self-bias from−125to−225 V, using hybrid system involving radio-frequency- (RF-) plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition and RF-sputtering units. Surface topography and mean roughness was studied by atomic force microscope and then correlated with mechanical properties. The addition of sandwich Cu layer in DLC reduces its residual stress and does not affect bilayer film hardness and elastic modulus. Load versus displacement was also employed to estimate various other mechanical parameters, which further correlated with self-bias and structural properties. These Cu/DLC bilayer films seem to be a potential candidate for various industrial applications such as hard and protective coating on cutting tools, solar cells, and wear resistance coating on magnetic storage media.
New Light on the Nebiim from Alexandria: A Chronography to
Replace the Deuteronomistic History
Authors: Guillaume Ph.
Published: June 2011

If the periodization of Israel’s past was worked out by
the composer of the Deuteronomistic History already in the sixth century BCE, is
it not strange that we have to wait until Ben Sira to find the earliest mention
of the Joshua—Kings succession? The four-century gap between the work of DtrH
and Ben Sira begs for an explanation. In the wake of the present trend of
challenging the validity of the Deuteronomistic History hypothesis, this article
reviews the evidence offered by Ben Sira. Identifying the scope of the gloss at
the end of Sira 49 leads to understand the Praise of the fathers (Sira 44—49) as
a theological commentary of the books of the Nebiim, a collection recently put
together when Sira wrote his Wisdom. The Nebiim constituted a rival collection
to the first ever Jewish Chronography crafted barely a century earlier for the
Alexandria library to provide Hellenistic historians with sources pertaining to
Jewish past. On the basis of Nina Collins’ ground-breaking study of the Letter
of Aristeas, the opposition between the Chronography and the Nebiim is
understood as a reflection of the tensions between the Library and the Jews at
the time of the translation of the Torah. The point is that the initiative for
translation and canonization Hebrew literature always originated from
Hellenistic scholars, and that the Jews were reacting to it. The Alexandrian
Canon hypothesis thus needs to be revived, albeit in a modified form, despite
the conclusions reached 40 years ago by Albert Sundberg. Even Josephus, who had
a low opinion of the LXX, based his list of thirteen prophetic books on the
Alexandrian Chronography, transmitted by the LXX’s Historica (Joshua—Esther). In
reaction to the Chronography, Alexandrian Judaism created the Nebiim, retaining
the first part of the Alexandrian Chronography (minus Ruth) while adding the
Prophetic books proper. Whereas Demetrius the Chronographer or the school to
which he belonged is likely to have produced the Chronography, Ben Sira, who
migrated to Egypt with the Ptolemaic elite of Jerusalem after the battle of
Panion could have been involved in the formation of the Nebiim. His grandson
translated his grandfather’s Wisdom once the Nebiim were officially canonized by
the Hasmonaeans. A three-century shift is therefore required for the
organization of the Joshua—Kings succession, which means that the periodization
of Israel’s past belongs to the last stage of the formation of the books of
Joshua, Judges, Samuel and Kings, and not to the onset of their growth.
Alexandria is restored in its position as the leading centre for canonizing ANE
literature.
The Origin of Biblical Israel
Authors: Davies Philip R.
Published: June 2011

This article outlines my answer to the problem of the
origin of ‘biblical Israel’. I look for a period when ‘Israel’ was dominant and
‘Judah’ subordinate, and a period of time in which an identity ‘Israel’ could be
absorbed by a population that also saw itself as ‘Judah’ in such a way that it
was irreversible. However, we do not need to look specifically for a political
definition of ‘Israel’, since when it is defined so as to include Judah
(especially the Pentateuch) rather than when referring to the kingdom that bore
the name (especially Samuel and Kings), ‘Israel’ is used in a primarily
religious (including ethnic) sense, not a political one. This accords well with
its usage in the Neo-Babylonian and Persian periods. For over a century, a
province called ‘Judah’ was in fact governed from a territory that, as the Bible
and biblical historians themselves would describe it, was 'Benjamin’. During
this period the identity ‘Israel’ could very easily permeate the population of
‘Benjamin-Judah’ in such a way that the later restoration of political and
cultic supremacy to Jerusalem could not challenge it, let alone remove it. But
with the reestablishment of Jerusalem, Bethel was defamed and destroyed;
‘Israelite’ stories were revised and overlaid with Judean ones, and (if
Blenkinsopp's reconstruction of the Judean Priesthood during the Neo-Babylonian
and Achaemenid Periods is correct) its Aaronite priesthood was transferred to
Jerusalem, thus relocating the religious centre of Jacob/Israel to the ‘city of
David’. The name ‘Israel’ was thus retained and redefined: ‘biblical Israel’ was
invented, with Judah at its head. The implications of the answer for the history
of biblical traditions are considerable.
Electric Utility Demand Side Management in Canada
Authors: Rivers Nic , Jaccard Mark
Published: June 2011

Government, utility, and private subsidies for energy efficiency play a prominent role in current efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, yet the effectiveness of this policy approach is in dispute. One opportunity for empirical analysis is provided by the past energy efficiency subsidies, called demand-side management programs, offered by electric utilities in North America over several decades. Between 1990 and 2005, most electric utilities in Canada administered such programs, with total spending of $2.9 billion (CDN$2005). This paper uses the significant inter-annual variation in demand side management spending during this period to econometrically estimate the effectiveness of these subsidies. The resulting estimates indicate that these programs have not had a substantial impact on overall electricity consumption in Canada.

doi: 10.5547/ISSN0195-6574-EJ-Vol32-No4-5
The Pitt‐Hopkins syndrome: Report of 16 new patients and clinical diagnostic criteria
Authors: Marangi Giuseppe , Ricciardi Stefania , Orteschi Daniela , Lattante Serena , Murdolo Marina , Dallapiccola Bruno , Biscione Chiara , Lecce Rosetta , Chiurazzi Pietro , Romano Corrado , Greco Donatella , Pettinato Rosa , Sorge Giovanni , Pantaleoni Chiara , Alfei Enrico , Toldo Irene , Magnani Cinzia , Bonanni Paolo , Martinez Federica , Serra Gigliola , Battaglia Domenica , Lettori Donatella , Vasco Gessica , Baroncini Anna , Daolio Cecilia , Zollino Marcella
Published: June 2011

Pitt‐Hopkins syndrome (PTHS) is characterized by severe intellectual disability, typical facial gestalt and additional features, such as breathing anomalies. Following the discovery of the causative haploinsufficiency of transcription factor 4 (TCF4), about 60 patients have been reported. We looked for TCF4 mutations in 63 patients with a suspected PTHS. Haploinsufficiency of TCF4 was identified in 14 patients, as a consequence of large 18q21.2 chromosome deletions involving TCF4 (2 patients), gene mutations (11 patients) and a t(14q;18q) balanced translocation disrupting TCF4 (one patient). By evaluating the clinical features of these patients, along with literature data, we noticed that, in addition to the typical facial gestalt, the PTHS phenotype results from the various combinations of the following characteristics: intellectual disability with severe speech impairment, normal growth parameters at birth, postnatal microcephaly, breathing anomalies, motor incoordination, ocular anomalies, constipation, seizures, typical behavior and subtle brain abnormalities. Although PTHS is currently considered to be involved in differential diagnosis with Angelman and Rett syndromes, we found that combining the facial characteristics with a detailed analysis of both the physical and the neurological phenotype, made molecular testing for PTHS the first choice. Based on striking clinical criteria, a diagnosis of PTHS was made clinically in two patients who had normal TCF4. This report deals with the first series of PTHS patients of Italian origin. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Population history of the Red Sea—genetic exchanges between the Arabian Peninsula and East Africa signaled in the mitochondrial DNA HV1 haplogroup
Authors: Musilová Eliška , Fernandes Verónica , Silva Nuno M. , Soares Pedro , Alshamali Farida , Harich Nourdin , Cherni Lotfi , Gaaied Amel Ben Ammar El , Al‐Meeri Ali , Pereira Luísa , Černý Viktor
Published: June 2011

Archaeological studies have revealed cultural connections between the two sides of the Red Sea dating to prehistory. The issue has still not been properly addressed, however, by archaeogenetics. We focus our attention here on the mitochondrial haplogroup HV1 that is present in both the Arabian Peninsula and East Africa. The internal variation of 38 complete mitochondrial DNA sequences (20 of them presented here for the first time) affiliated into this haplogroup testify to its emergence during the late glacial maximum, most probably in the Near East, with subsequent dispersion via population expansions when climatic conditions improved. Detailed phylogeography of HV1 sequences shows that more recent demographic upheavals likely contributed to their spread from West Arabia to East Africa, a finding concordant with archaeological records suggesting intensive maritime trade in the Red Sea from the sixth millennium BC onwards. Closer genetic exchanges are apparent between the Horn of Africa and Yemen, while Egyptian HV1 haplotypes seem to be more similar to the Near Eastern ones. Am J Phys Anthropol 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Climate‐related variation of the human nasal cavity
Authors: Noback Marlijn L. , Harvati Katerina , Spoor Fred
Published: June 2011

The nasal cavity is essential for humidifying and warming the air before it reaches the sensitive lungs. Because humans inhabit environments that can be seen as extreme from the perspective of respiratory function, nasal cavity shape is expected to show climatic adaptation. This study examines the relationship between modern human variation in the morphology of the nasal cavity and the climatic factors of temperature and vapor pressure, and tests the hypothesis that within increasingly demanding environments (colder and drier), nasal cavities will show features that enhance turbulence and air‐wall contact to improve conditioning of the air. We use three‐dimensional geometric morphometrics methods and multivariate statistics to model and analyze the shape of the bony nasal cavity of 10 modern human population samples from five climatic groups. We report significant correlations between nasal cavity shape and climatic variables of both temperature and humidity. Variation in nasal cavity shape is correlated with a cline from cold–dry climates to hot–humid climates, with a separate temperature and vapor pressure effect. The bony nasal cavity appears mostly associated with temperature, and the nasopharynx with humidity. The observed climate‐related shape changes are functionally consistent with an increase in contact between air and mucosal tissue in cold–dry climates through greater turbulence during inspiration and a higher surface‐to‐volume ratio in the upper nasal cavity. Am J Phys Anthropol 2011. © 2011Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
DJ‐1 modulates the expression of Cu/Zn‐superoxide dismutase‐1 through the Erk1/2–Elk1 pathway in neuroprotection
Authors: Wang Zhiquan , Liu Jun , Chen Siyan , Wang Ying , Cao Li , Zhang Yu , Kang Wenyan , Li Hui , Gui Yaxing , Chen Shengdi , Ding Jianqing
Published: June 2011

Objective:

Loss of function mutations of Park7/DJ‐1 gene increase the susceptibility of dopaminergic cells to reactive oxygen species and cause early onset familial Parkinson disease (PD). However, the mechanisms underlying dopaminergic neuron loss related to DJ‐1 mutation remain undefined. Therefore, it is important to find the new mechanisms underlying the antioxidative functions of DJ‐1.

Methods:

DJ‐1 knockdown cells and DJ‐1 knockout mice were used to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the antioxidative stress of DJ‐1. Preliminary study of the saliva from PD patients and controls was used to confirm our findings obtained from the above studies.

Results:

Our experiments showed that DJ‐1 interacted with Erk1/2 and was required for the nuclear translocation of Erk1/2 upon oxidative stimulation. The translocation of Erk1/2 activated Elk1 and sequentially promoted superoxide dismutase1 (SOD1) expression. The nuclear translocation of Erk1/2, the activation of Elk1, and the ensuing upregulation of SOD1 were all suppressed in DJ‐1 knockdown cells and DJ‐1 null mice treated with oxidative insult. Furthermore, reintroduction of SOD1 into DJ‐1 knockdown cells protected them against oxidative stress. Finally, in the preliminary study, we found close correlation between the protein levels of DJ‐1 and SOD1 in the saliva samples from different stages of PD patients.

Interpretation:

Our studies suggest that DJ‐1 regulates SOD1 expression through Erk1/2–Elk1 pathway in its protective response to oxidative insult. ANN NEUROL 2011
Enhancement of photocatalytic degradation of poly(vinyl chloride) with perchlorinated iron (II) phthalocyanine modified nano‐TiO2
Authors: Fa Wenjun , Gong Chuqing , Tian Lihong , Peng Tianyou , Zan Ling
Published: June 2011

A novel photodegradable thin film of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) composite was prepared by embedding modified TiO2 nanoparticles into the commercial PVC. The photocatalyst nanoparticles were modified with perchlorinated iron (II) phthalocyanine (FePcCl16) to improve their photocatalytic activity. Solid‐phase photocatalytic degradation of the PVC‐FePcCl16‐TiO2 thin film was carried out under ultraviolet (UV) lamp or sunlight irradiation in atmosphere. The properties of composite films were compared with those of pure PVC film and poly(vinyl chloride)‐TiO2 (PVC‐TiO2) composite films through performing weight loss monitoring, scanning electron microscope and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy. The results indicated that the degradation efficiency of PVC‐FePcCl16‐TiO2 composite film was significantly higher than that of pure PVC film and PVC‐TiO2 composite film under UV or sunlight irradiation. The photocatalytic degradation mechanism was discussed briefly. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
New approach for the polymerization of 2‐chloroethyl vinyl ether using a maghnite clay as eco‐catalyst
Authors: Chabani Malika , Yahiaoui Ahmed , Hachemaoui Aïcha , Belbachir Mohammed
Published: June 2011

The polymerization of 2‐chloro ethyl vinyl ether (CEVE) catalyzed by the Maghnite‐H (Mag‐H+) was investigated. Mag‐H+ is a Montmorillonite sheet silicate clay exanchanged with protons. It was found that the cationic polymerization of 2‐chloroethyl vinyl ether is initiated by Mag‐H+ at 20°C in bulk and in solution. The effect of the amount of Mag‐H+, the temperature and the solvent was studied. The polymerization rate increased with increase of the temperature and the proportion of catalyst, and it was higher in dichloromethane than that in toluene. It may be suggested that the polymerization is initiated by proton addition to monomer from Mag‐H+. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Optical and vibrational studies on single walled carbon nanotubes/short oligo‐para‐methoxy‐toluene composite
Authors: Said A. Haj , Ayachi S. , Chefia I. , Wéry J. , Alimi K.
Published: June 2011

In a solution state, an oligophenylene prepared by electrochemical oxidation of para‐methoxy‐toluene exhibited luminescence in the violet‐to‐blue region. However, in a solid state, a clear red shift was observed as a signature of a supramolecular π‐stacking interaction between oligomer chains. In a de‐doped state, by chemical reduction, a fine structure in the form of two peaks was observed and luminescence intensity was strongly improved. When mixed with single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs), a quenching in the luminescence intensity accompanied by a slight blue shift of the PL peak of the nanocomposite was observed. This implies the shortening of the oligomer's effective π‐conjugation length caused by the added amount of SWNTs. A charge transfer in the photo‐excited state was also noted. The interaction taking place between the two materials was supported by optical infrared absorption and Raman scattering measurements and then a functionalizing mechanism was proposed. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Microemulsion polymerization of microlatex in sublimation ink for cotton fabric ink jet printing
Authors: Chang Shiau‐Yin Peggy , Chao Yu‐Chou
Published: June 2011

A novel microlatex of styrene/2‐ethylhexylacrylate (2‐EHA)/2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (2‐HEMA)/N‐(isobutoxy methyl) acrylamide (IBMA) copolymer was synthesized and mixed in sublimation inks to be inkjet printed on the cotton fabric to provide soft hand feel and good color fastness after heat‐press. In the optimized microemulsion composition with highest monomer mixture amount, polymerizable maleate surfactants with moderate EO value attained smaller microemulsion droplet size in mono distribution and lower dosage than conventional POE surfactants in combination with anionic surfactants. With adopted semicontinuous process in microemulsion copolymerization at 65°C, the polymerizable surfactants stabilized the growth of microlatex particle size within 70 nm in 240 min and attained 100% of monomer conversion rate with two initiator systems, 2‐2‐azobis(2‐methlypropionamidine dihydrochloride (AAPH) and tert‐butylhydroperoxide (TBHP)/sodium formaldehyde sulfoxylate (SFS). The microlatex particle size of two surfactant systems increased with higher conversion rate and reaction temperature, which synchronized with initiator concentration. High polymer solid content was contributed mainly by IBMA monomer ratio requiring higher amounts of anionic surfactants and 2‐HEMA as a cosurfactant in particle stabilization. Although the optimum ink containing high IBMA microemulsion exhibited small variation in viscosity, pH value and surface tension, disperse dyes in four colors had different interaction with the microlatex to demonstrate distinct printing durability and color performance. The resulted cotton fabric attained high K/S value for color strength, great AATCC grade for color fastness, and nearly zero color difference for negative dye particle diffusion or migration. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Oxyfold: A Simple and Efficient Solid‐Supported Reagent for Disulfide Bond Formation
Authors: Verdié Pascal , Ronga Luisa , Cristau Michèle , Amblard Muriel , Cantel Sonia , Enjalbal Christine , Puget Karine , Martinez Jean , Subra Gilles
Published: June 2011

The synthesis and use of novel polymer‐supported reagents for disulfide bond formation is described. This family of supported reagents consists of a series of oxidized methionines grafted onto a solid support. Their cost and the simplicity of their preparation through N‐carboxyanhydride polymerization on beads make them reactants of choice for the formation of disulfide bridges in peptides.
Variant origin of the superior thyroid artery in a Kenyan population
Authors: Ongeti Kevin W. , Ogeng'o Julius A.
Published: June 2011

Variant anatomy of the superior thyroid artery is important during surgical procedures, interpretation of angiograms, and interventional radiography in the neck. Pattern of the variations shows population differences but there is no data from the Kenyan population. This study therefore investigated the variations in origin of the superior thyroid artery in a Kenyan population. Forty six necks (36 males and 10 females) from 46 cadavers of black Kenyans in Department of Human Anatomy University of Nairobi, Kenya were bilaterally dissected to expose the origin of the superior thyroid artery. Pattern of origin of the vessel was determined on both sides in males and females. It originated from the external carotid artery common carotid artery and linguo‐facial trunk in 80%, 13%, and 6.5% of the cadavers respectively on the right side. All but one of the superior thyroid arteries were ventral branches. There was asymmetric origin in 6.5% of cases. Origin from the common carotid artery was associated with high carotid bifurcation. Nearly 20% of superior thyroid arteries showed variant origin. Of these, 6.5% arose from the linguo‐facial trunk, much higher than in the Caucasian and Oriental populations. Origin from common carotid artery is substantially lower than prevailing figures from other populations. These findings support ethnic variations. Preoperative angiographic evaluation is recommended. Clin. Anat. 25:198–202, 2012. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Parotidectomy—Anatomical considerations
Authors: Wang Steven J. , Eisele David W.
Published: June 2011

The parotid glands are paired major salivary glands and are located in the preauricular region. Parotidectomy is a surgical procedure that entails removal of all or a portion of the parotid gland. The most common indications for this operative procedure are a neoplasm of the parotid gland or metastases to parotid lymph nodes. An intimate knowledge of the anatomy of the parotid gland and related structures is necessary for the performance of safe and successful parotid surgery. This report will discuss the anatomy of the parotid gland as it pertains to parotid surgery and the avoidance of complications related to this surgery. Clin. Anat. 25:12–18, 2012. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis and Photochemical Investigations of Tetrasubstituted Alkenes as Molecular Switches—The Effect of Substituents
Authors: Tietze Lutz F. , Düfert M. Alexander , Hungerland Tim , Oum Kawon , Lenzer Thomas
Published: June 2011

Molecular switches based on helical tetrasubstituted alkenes, substituted with either electron‐withdrawing (CF3, F, CN; 2 a–c, 3 a,c) or ‐donating substituents (Me, OMe; 2 d,e), have been synthesized from acyclic precursors 4 and 5 in a domino carbopalladation/Stille reaction. This palladium‐catalyzed process allowed the rapid assembly of two CC bonds, two six‐membered rings, and the tetrasubstituted double bond in a completely diastereoselective fashion. The electronic effects of the substituents on the overall switching process were investigated by alternating irradiation of two different wavelength regions. Although the substituents had only a small influence on the absorption maxima, drastic differences in the switching behavior were observed.
High‐Intensity Fluorescence Imaging and Sensitive Electrochemical Detection of Cancer Cells by using an Extracellular Supramolecular Reticular DNA‐Quantum Dot Sheath
Authors: Zhong Hua , Zhang Qinglan , Zhang Shusheng
Published: June 2011

Acting as a cage‐type cellular probe, an extracellular supramolecular reticular DNA–quantum dot (QD) sheath has been developed for high‐intensity fluorescence microscopy imaging and the sensitive electrochemical detection of Ramos cells. The extracellular supramolecular reticular DNA–QD sheath is constructed from layer‐by‐layer self‐assembly of DNA–CdTe QD probes and DNA nanowire frameworks functionalized with a Ramos cell‐binding aptamer. The DNA–QD sheath forms specifically and quickly on the surface of Ramos cells at physiological temperature, and the assembly of large numbers of DNA–CdTe QD probes on the surface of Ramos cells produces exceedingly high fluorescence intensity. Using the extracellular supramolecular reticular DNA–QD sheath as the cellular probe, Ramos cells can be clearly observed and easily distinguished from a mixture of multiple cancer cells by fluorescence microscopy imaging. Using the new cage‐type cellular probe, a sensitive sandwich‐type electrochemical strategy has also been developed to achieve accurate quantitative analysis of Ramos cells. Under the optimized conditions, Ramos cells can be detected quantitatively in a range from 10 to 1000 cells with a detection limit of 10 cells. This strategy presents a promising platform for highly sensitive and convenient evaluation of cancer cell levels.
ChemInform Abstract: Structural and Magnetic Properties of the Ternary Compounds Gd2Sc3X4 with X: Si and Ge.
Authors: Gaudin E. , Chevalier B.
Published: June 2011

Gd2Sc3Si4 is characterized for the first time by single crystal XRD.