bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synchronous second primary tumors in 2,016 head and neck cancer patients: Role of symptom‐directed panendoscopy
Authors: Rennemo Erlend , Zätterström Ulf , Boysen Morten
Published: January 2011

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Second primary tumors (SPTs) are prevalent in head and neck cancer patients. Synchronous SPTs occur within the first 6 months after diagnosis of a first primary tumor. Work‐up of first primary head and neck cancers may include panendoscopy if SPTs are suspected. It is unclear whether this strategy has significant impact on treatment results.

Study Design:

Prospectively recorded data on head and neck cancer patients treated at an academic tertiary referral center.

Methods:

The distribution of SPTs was retrieved from a database of 2,016 patients with head and neck cancer. Initial work‐up included panendoscopy when an SPT was clinically suspected.

Results:

Of 2,016 patients, 49 (2.4%) had synchronous SPTs. Of these, there were 26 diagnosed simultaneously with the first primary tumor, of which 18 (69%) were located in areas covered by panendoscopy. The remaining 23 were nonsimultaneous synchronous SPTs; 10 of them were located at sites accessible by panendoscopy, of which 6 were in the bronchial tree. Median survival after simultaneous SPTs was 9 months versus 3 months after nonsimultaneous synchronous SPTs (P= not significant). The highest frequency of synchronous SPTs was seen with first primary tumors of the hard palate, the dorsum of the tongue, and of the mandibular gingiva.

Conclusions:

Symptom‐directed panendoscopy at initial work‐up was successful at finding SPTs of the upper aerodigestive tract, but not SPTs located in the lower airways. Synchronous SPTs missed at initial work‐up did not have significantly worse prognosis than simultaneous SPTs. Laryngoscope, 2011
An architecture and a dynamic scheduling algorithm of grid for providing security for real‐time data‐intensive applications
Authors: Islam Mohd Rafiqul , Hasan Mohd Toufiq , Ashaduzzaman G. M.
Published: January 2011

Real‐time data‐intensive applications with security concerns are arising in many disciplines of science and engineering. Scheduling algorithms play an important role in the design of real‐time data‐intensive applications. However, conventional real‐time scheduling algorithms are inappropriate to fulfill the security requirements of real‐time data‐intensive applications. In this paper we have proposed a security‐attentive dynamic real‐time scheduling algorithm named SARDIG for scheduling real‐time data‐intensive applications. We have proposed a grid architecture which describes the scheduling framework of real‐time data‐intensive applications. In addition, we have introduced a mathematical model for providing security of the real‐time data‐intensive applications and a security gain function to quantitatively measure the security enhancement for applications running in the grid sites. We have also proved that the SARDIG algorithm always provides optimum security for real‐time data‐intensive applications. The time complexity of the SARDIG algorithm has been analyzed to show the efficiency of the algorithm. Simulation results show that the SARDIG algorithm provides better performance and security than other existing scheduling algorithms. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improving UDP performance using intermediate QoD‐aware hop system for wired/wireless multimedia communication systems
Authors: Darabkh Khalid , Aygün Ramazan
Published: January 2011

Multimedia communication in wireless networks is challenging due to the inherent complexity and constraints of multimedia data. To reduce the high bandwidth requirement of video streaming, videos are compressed by exploiting spatial and temporal redundancy, thus yielding dependencies among frames as well as within a frame. Unnecessary transmission and maintenance of useless packets in the buffers cause further loss and degrade the quality of delivery (QoD) significantly. In this paper, we propose a QoD‐aware hop system that can decide when and which packets could be dropped without degrading QoD. Moreover, the transmission of useless packets causes network congestion and vain payment by the wireless system subscriber. In this paper, we focus on two types of frame discarding policies to maintain QoD: partial frame discarding policy (PFD) and early frame discarding policy (EFD). PFD policy discards the succeeding packets of a frame if a packet of the frame cannot be served. On the other hand, in EFD policy, when it is likely to fail to serve packets of a frame (based on a threshold) the subsequent packets of the frame are discarded. We first provide an analytical study of average buffer occupancy based on these discarding policies and show the closed‐form expressions for average buffer occupancy. We then perform our simulations by implementing a Markovian model and measure the frameput (the ratio of number of frames served) rather than the number of packets served. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A note on ℝ‐linear GMRES for solving a class of ℝ‐linear systems
Authors: Du Kui , Nevanlinna Olavi
Published: January 2011

We prove that ℝ‐linear GMRES for solving a class of ℝ‐linear systems is faster than GMRES applied to the related ℂ‐linear systems in terms of matrix–vector products. Numerical examples are given to demonstrate the theoretical result. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatal screening for Down syndrome: a survey of willingness in women and family physicians to engage in shared decision‐making
Authors: Légaré France , St‐Jacques Sylvie , Gagnon Susie , Njoya Merlin , Brisson Michel , Frémont Pierre , Rousseau François
Published: January 2011

Objective

To assess the willingness of women and their family physicians (FPs) to engage in shared decision‐making (SDM) as regards prenatal Down‐syndrome screening and the factors that might influence their willingness to do so.

Methods

We conducted a survey of participants in Québec City, Canada, using the theory of planned behavior. We used a general linear model and multilevel approach that took the fact that some women consulted the same FP into account.

Results

This study comprised 109 pregnant women and 41 FPs. On a scale of − 3 to + 3, the pregnant women's and FPs' response scores were, respectively, 2.11 ± 1.38 and 2.66 ± 0.40. In women, attitude, significant others, self‐efficacy, perceived moral correctness, and their FP's attitude influenced their willingness to engage in SDM. However, women without a post‐secondary education were less likely to engage in SDM than women with a post‐secondary education, mostly because the former lacked a sense of self‐efficacy. In FPs, only attitude and significant others influenced their willingness to engage in SDM.

Conclusion

Overall, the women and their FPs wished to engage in SDM as regards prenatal Down‐syndrome screening. Only a few factors influenced this desire which therefore may be modifiable. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Crosslinked monosulfonated poly(arylene ether) using cyclodimerization of trifluorovinyl ether groups for fuel cell applications
Authors: Kim Byoung Gak , Kim Hyoung‐Juhn , Jang Jong Hyun , Cho Eun Ae , Henkensmeier Dirk , Kim Soo‐Kil , Oh In‐Hwan , Hong Seong‐Ahn , Lim Tae‐Hoon
Published: January 2011

A crosslinker and crosslinkable sulfonated poly(arylene ether)s with trifluorovinyl ether groups were synthesized via reaction of 4‐trifluorovinyloxyphenol for application in fuel cells. Crosslinked poly(arylene ether) membranes were prepared by thermal irradiation, and the cyclodimerization of the trifluorovinyl ether groups in the polymers as well as the crosslinker was confirmed using differential scanning calorimetry and infrared measurements. These crosslinked membranes showed a low swelling ratio, comparable to that of Nafion 112. The proton conductivity of the crosslinked membranes was 0.17 and 0.3 S cm−1 at 30 and 80 °C, respectively, much higher than that of Nafion 112 under the same conditions. The excellent dimensional stability and high conductivity of the crosslinked membranes can be attributed to this new type of crosslinking system (end‐group crosslinking) as well as the chemical structure of crosslinked (multi‐block) polymers. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Preliminary study of the specific endothelin a receptor antagonist zibotentan in combination with docetaxel in patients with metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Trump Donald L. , Payne Heather , Miller Kurt , de Bono Johann S. , Stephenson Joe , Burris Howard A. , Nathan Faith , Taboada Maria , Morris Thomas , Hubner Andreas
Published: January 2011

BACKGROUND

This two‐part study assessed the safety and tolerability of combined treatment with zibotentan (ZD4054), a specific endothelin A receptor antagonist, plus docetaxel in patients with metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer.

METHODS

Part A was an open‐label, dose‐finding phase to determine the safety and toxicity profile of zibotentan in combination with docetaxel. Patients received once‐daily oral zibotentan 10 mg (initial cohort) or 15 mg in combination with docetaxel 75 mg/m2(administered on day 1 of each 21‐day cycle) for up to 10 cycles. Part B was a double‐blind phase which evaluated the safety and preliminary activity of zibotentan plus docetaxel. Patients were randomized 2:1 to receive zibotentan (at the highest tolerated dose identified in part A) plus docetaxel or placebo plus docetaxel.

RESULTS

Six patients were enrolled in part A (n = 3, zibotentan 10 mg; n = 3, zibotentan 15 mg). No dose‐limiting toxicity was observed, thus zibotentan 15 mg in combination with docetaxel was evaluated in part B (n = 20, zibotentan plus docetaxel; n = 11, placebo plus docetaxel). CTCAE grade ≥3, most commonly neutropenia or leucopenia, were reported in 10 (50%) and nine (82%) patients in the zibotentan and placebo groups, respectively. One (17%) patient receiving placebo achieved complete response, two (22%) patients receiving zibotentan achieved partial response and stable disease occurred in six (67%) and three (50%) patients receiving zibotentan and placebo, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The tolerability of zibotentan plus docetaxel was consistent with the known profiles of each drug. Sufficient preliminary activity was seen with this combination to merit continued development. Prostate 71:1264–1275, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Efficacy of Bacillus thuringiensis Cry3Aa protoxin and protease inhibitors against coleopteran storage pests
Authors: Oppert Brenda , Morgan Tom D , Kramer Karl J
Published: January 2011

BACKGROUND: Environmental impacts and resistance to insecticides pose serious challenges to stored‐product insect and other types of pest control. Insect‐resistant transgenic grain is a potential alternative to fumigants, but candidate control proteins are needed, especially for coleopterans. Therefore, we evaluated the efficacy of a coleopteran‐active toxin, Bacillus thuringiensis Cry3Aa, with or without protease inhibitors, in laboratory feeding assays against coleopteran storage pests.

RESULTS: In a comparison of the toxicity of Cry3Aa protoxin towards three species of coleopteran storage pests, Tenebrio molitor L. was found to be most sensitive, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst.) was most refractory and Rhyzopertha dominica F. displayed an intermediate response. For R. dominica, Cry3Aa combined with 3500 mg potato carboxypeptidase inhibitor or 5000 mg aprotinin kg−1 diet resulted in both delayed development and increased mortality. Potato carboxypeptidase inhibitor and bovine aprotinin reduced the LC50 of Cry3Aa for R. dominica two‐ and threefold respectively. Cry3Aa treatment resulted in fewer progeny from R. dominica, and progeny was further reduced when the protoxin was combined with potato carboxypeptidase inhibitor.

CONCLUSIONS: These data support the hypothesis that a combination of Cry3Aa protoxin and protease inhibitors, particularly a potato carboxypeptidase inhibitor, may have applications in control strategies for preventing damage to stored products and grains by coleopteran pests. Published 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pyrethroid resistance monitoring in European populations of pollen beetle (Meligethes spp.): a coordinated approach through the Insecticide Resistance Action Committee (IRAC)
Authors: Slater Russell , Ellis Steve , Genay Jean‐Paul , Heimbach Udo , Huart Gerald , Sarazin Michel , Longhurst Chris , Müller Andreas , Nauen Ralf , Rison Jean Luc , Robin Fabrice
Published: January 2011

BACKGROUND: Pollen beetle (Meligethes spp.) is a major pest of European oilseed rape crops. Its resistance to pyrethroid insecticides has been recorded in samples of beetles collected in Europe since at least 1999, and problems with the control of the beetle in the field have been widely reported. In 2007, a Pollen Beetle Working Group was formed through the Insecticide Resistance Action Committee (IRAC) in order to coordinate efforts for surveying pyrethroid resistance development.

RESULTS: The results of the first 3 years of the pollen beetle pyrethroid susceptibility survey using a laboratory test are presented in this paper. Resistant beetle samples were collected from 20 of the 21 countries surveyed, with a general trend of increasing frequency and spread of resistant samples in European oilseed‐rape‐growing regions.

CONCLUSION: Pyrethroid‐resistant beetles dominate in Western and Central Europe and are becoming established in the North and East, the main oilseed‐rape‐growing areas of Europe. The development and spread of pyrethroid‐resistant pollen beetles highlights the need for effective management strategies for oilseed rape insect pests. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Enhanced magnetic properties of annealed Fe48Pt52C composite films by N incorporation
Authors: Mi W. B. , Jin J. , Bai H. L.
Published: January 2011

N‐incorporated Fe48Pt52C composite films were fabricated using a reactive facing‐target sputtering system in a mixture of Ar and N2gases, and annealed in a chamber with the vacuum of 10−6 Pa. Upon annealing, the escape of N atoms improves the ordering of the face‐centered tetragonal (fct) FePt grains. The coercivity of the 100‐nm thick films increases with the increase of nitrogen partial pressure. The maximum coercivity reaches 7.2 kOe at a 10‐kOe field, and the reversal mechanism approaches the Stoner–Wohlfarth (S–W) rotation mode. The easy axis turns from perpendicular to parallel to the film plane, and the coercivity increases with the increase of the film thickness (t). With increasingt, the out‐of‐plane magnetization decreases, but the in‐plane magnetization first increases, then decreases. The change of the magnetic properties should be related to the escape of the N atoms and the lattice mismatch effect of the MgO(100) substrates.
A new mathematical approach for the estimation of the AUC and its variability under different experimental designs in preclinical studies
Authors: Navarro‐Fontestad Carmen , González‐Álvarez Isabel , Fernández‐Teruel Carlos , Bermejo Marival , Casabó Vicente Germán
Published: January 2011

The aim of the present work was to develop a new mathematical method for estimating the area under the curve (AUC) and its variability that could be applied in different preclinical experimental designs and amenable to be implemented in standard calculation worksheets. In order to assess the usefulness of the new approach, different experimental scenarios were studied and the results were compared with those obtained with commonly used software: WinNonlin® and Phoenix WinNonlin®. The results do not show statistical differences among the AUC values obtained by both procedures, but the new method appears to be a better estimator of the AUC standard error, measured as the coverage of 95% confidence interval. In this way, the new proposed method demonstrates to be as useful as WinNonlin® software when it was applicable. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Approximate dynamic programming with state aggregation applied to UAV perimeter patrol
Authors: Krishnamoorthy K. , Pachter M. , Darbha S. , Chandler P.
Published: January 2011

One encounters the curse of dimensionality in the application of dynamic programming to determine optimal policies for large‐scale controlled Markov chains. In this paper, we provide a reward‐based aggregation method to construct suboptimal policies for a perimeter surveillance control problem which gives rise to a large scale Markov chain. The novelty of this approach lies in circumventing the need for value iteration over the entire state space. Instead, the state space is partitioned and the value function is approximated by a constant over each partition. We associate a meta‐state with each partition, where the transition probabilities between these meta‐states are known. The state aggregation approach results in a significant reduction in the computational burden and lends itself to value iteration over the aggregated state‐space. We provide bounds to assess the quality of the approximation and give numerical results that support the proposed methodology. Published 2011. This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
State–space solution to the ℋ︁−/ℋ︁∞ fault‐detection problem
Authors: Li Z. , Mazars E. , Zhang Z. , Jaimoukha I. M.
Published: January 2011

In this paper we give an optimal state–space solution to the ℋ︁−/ℋ︁∞ fault‐detection (FD) problem for linear time invariant dynamic systems. An optimal ℋ︁−/ℋ︁∞ FD filter minimizes the sensitivity of the residual signal to disturbances while maintaining a minimum level of sensitivity to faults. We provide a state–space realization of the optimal filter in an observer form using the solution of a linear matrix inequalities optimization problem. We also show that, through the use of weighting filters, the detection performance can be enhanced and some assumptions can be removed. Two numerical examples are given to illustrate the algorithm. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pursuit formations with dynamic control gains
Authors: Ding Wei , Yan Gangfeng , Lin Zhiyun
Published: January 2011

The paper presents a coordinated motion control law of multiple autonomous agents based on the pursuit strategy with dynamical gains. In particular, we are interested in the control law with no communication between the agents, that is, the leader's moving velocity is not known by the follower robots. Each follower only utilizes its local measurement of relative position information to keep a desired distance and a desired bearing with its neighbors according to a fixed topology. The paper proposes a modified follower's control law, in which each follower pursues its neighbor along the line of sight rotated by a constant offset angle with a dynamic control gain. The offset angle is designed to attain the specific bearing and the dynamic control gain is introduced for the purpose of achieving the desired distance to its neighbor. Then, all the agents make the same motion to the leader's in a steady formation. It is shown that, for the case of uniform rectilinear motion, the group of mobile robots converges to the exact formation specified by the offset angles and the distances no matter what the leader's velocity is, whereas for the case of uniform circular motion, the group of agents converges to an approximation of the formation attained in the rectilinear motion case when the leader's turning radius is much greater than the desired distances between neighboring robots. The effectiveness of the proposed technique and the obtained analytical results are demonstrated in simulations. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ancient ‘gilded’ art objects from European cultural heritage: a review on different scales of characterization
Authors: Crina Anca Sandu I. , de Sá M. Helena , Pereira M. Costa
Published: January 2011

This paper is a review on the studies performed through imaging and spectroscopy‐based analytical methods on ancient ‘gilded’ art‐objects (9th–19th centuries) from the European cultural heritage.

The review takes into consideration the gilded surfaces in polychrome art objects (easel and mural paintings, polychrome wooden objects, gilt leather and parchment), thus meaning the materials and techniques of application of gold or its imitations (silver, copper leaves, other metal alloys) from technical, analytical and conservation points of view.

The characterization of artistic gilded objects is important for establishing the compositional, structural, morphological and physical–chemical parameters useful for monitoring the conservation state, behavior and evolution in time of their aging/degradation/deterioration processes, the restoration treatments (cleaning, consolidation, retouching, varnishing) influence on the conservation state of the original materials and also for a rationale choice of methods and materials of intervention, compatible with the original ones.

The analytical approach has, as main requirement, to be noninvasive and non‐ or microdestructive, therefore, sampling is to be avoided or reduced to a minimum. A wide range of imaging and spectroscopy‐based techniques is nowadays available from optical microscopy, UV fluorescence photography, IR reflectography, X‐radiography, thermography, to scanning/transmission/environmental electron microscopy (SEM/TEM, E‐SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), FTIR and Raman microscopy (micro‐FTIR, micro‐Raman), X‐ray spectrometry (WDXRF/EDXRF/TXRF, XPS), Ion Beam Analyses (PIXE/PIGE, RBS, SR), etc. The most reliable and complete information can be obtained from an integrated, complementary and interdisciplinary approach, but microscopy still remains one of the most used and efficient tools in the characterization of gilding materials and their application techniques. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The social amplification/attenuation of risk framework: application to climate change
Authors: Renn Ortwin
Published: January 2011

The social experience of risk is not confined to the technical definition of risk, that is, the product of probability and magnitude. What human beings perceive as threat to their well‐being and how they evaluate probabilities and magnitudes of unwanted consequences is codetermined by values, attitudes, social influences, and cultural identity. This article introduces the social amplification of risk framework (SARF) and applies it to climate change. The SARF is based on the thesis that events pertaining to hazards interact with psychological, social, institutional, and cultural processes in ways that can heighten or attenuate individual and social perceptions of risk and shape risk behavior. Drawing upon the concept of social amplification of risk, this article investigates the mechanisms of amplification and attenuation in the climate change debate: it focuses first on the micro‐sociological and psychological literature on amplification and attenuation of individual responses (including behavior) in relation to climate change; and second on the application of functional resonance and common pool concepts to the intensity of societal concern and action, interpreted in the light of the SARF. WIREs Clim Change 2011 2 154–169 DOI: 10.1002/wcc.99

This article is categorized under:

Perceptions, Behavior, and Communication of Climate Change > Social Amplification/Attenuation of Climate Risks
Polytomous Latent Scales for the Investigation of the Ordering of Items
Authors: Ligtvoet Rudy , van der Ark L. Andries , Bergsma Wicher P. , Sijtsma Klaas
Published: January 2011

We propose three latent scales within the framework of nonparametric item response theory for polytomously scored items. Latent scales are models that imply an invariant item ordering, meaning that the order of the items is the same for each measurement value on the latent scale. This ordering property may be important in, for example, intelligence testing and person-fit analysis. We derive observable properties of the three latent scales that can each be used to investigate in real data whether the particular model adequately describes the data. We also propose a methodology for analyzing test data in an effort to find support for a latent scale, and we use two real-data examples to illustrate the practical use of this methodology.
Unconscious transfer of meaning to brands
Authors: Galli Maria , Gorn Gerald
Published: January 2011

We examine semantic conditioning in a consumer context. We subliminally paired neutral ideographs with attributes. In experiment 1, the ideographs served as primes during a lexical decision task and slowed down response times to target words with the opposite semantic meaning. In experiment 2, the ideographs served as brand names of beverages, and attitudinal responses to them were less favorable when the associated attributes were incongruent with existing schemas. These results showed that semantic conditioning (1) can occur unconsciously, (2) can have significant and meaningful consequences for brand evaluation, and (3) influences subsequent attitudinal responses via conceptual disfluency processes.
Cerebral vascular hamartoma in a geriatric cat
Authors: Martin-Vaquero Paula , Moore Sarah A. , Wolk Kendra E. , Oglesbee Michael J.
Published: January 2011

An 11-year-old castrated male domestic medium hair cat was presented with neurological signs consistent with a right thalamocortical lesion. Computed tomography (CT) images revealed a heterogeneously, hyperattenuating, poorly contrast enhancing intra-axial mass within the right lateral ventricle. The histological diagnosis at post-mortem examination was vascular hamartoma with hemorrhage and necrosis. This is the first report of a vascular hamartoma affecting the thalamocortex in a geriatric cat. Also, this is the first time that CT images of a feline cerebral vascular hamartoma have been reported.
Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors attenuate renal tubular apoptosis after partial unilateral ureteral obstruction: An experimental study
Authors: Akgül Turgay , Huri Emre , Yagmurdur Hatice , Ayyıldız Ali , Üstün Hüseyin , Germiyanoğlu Cankon
Published: January 2011

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors on renal tubular apoptosis and also on expressions of endothelial and inducible nitric oxide synthases (eNOS and iNOS) in the ipsilateral kidney after partial unilateral ureteral obstruction (PUUO) in a rat model. Forty Wistar albino rats were divided into five groups. In Groups 1–4, left experimental PUUO was created. Sildenafil, vardenafil, and tadalafil were administrated to the rats of Groups 2–4, respectively. The pills were orally given to the rats for 30 days. Group 5 was defined as sham. After 30 days, all rats were sacrificed, and nephrectomy was performed. The renal specimens were examined histopathologically. Left hydroureteronephrosis was observed in Groups 1–4. Mean apoptotic cell count and eNOS and iNOS levels were significantly increased in Group 1 when compared with the other groups. The rats in Groups 2–4 showed significantly decreased apoptotic cell count and eNOS and iNOS values in the renal tubular tissue in accordance with Group 1 (p < 0.05). There were significant differences in apoptotic cell counts between sildenafil group and the other two study groups. The sildenafil group demonstrated lesser apoptotic cell count than the vardenafil (p = 0.021) and tadalafil (p = 0.009) groups. PUUO increases the renal tubular apoptosis and elevates NOS concentrations in renal tubular tissue after PUUO. Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors have a protective effect against the tubular apoptosis.
Maternal fish consumption, fetal growth and the risks of neonatal complications: the Generation R Study
Authors: Heppe Denise H. M. , Steegers Eric A. P. , Timmermans Sarah , Breeijen Hanneke den , Tiemeier Henning , Hofman Albert , Jaddoe Vincent W. V.
Published: January 2011

Maternal fish consumption during pregnancy has been suggested to affect birth outcomes. Previous studies mainly focused on birth outcomes and did not study fetal growth during pregnancy. In a prospective cohort study from early pregnancy onwards in The Netherlands, we assessed the associations of first-trimester maternal total-fish, lean-fish, fatty-fish and shellfish consumption with fetal growth characteristics in the second and third trimesters, growth characteristics at birth and the risks of neonatal complications, including pre-term birth, low birth weight and small for gestational age. In total, 3380 mothers completed a 293-item semi-quantitative FFQ to obtain information about fish consumption during the first trimester of pregnancy. Head circumference, femur length and fetal weight were estimated in the second and third trimesters by ultrasound. Information about birth anthropometrics and neonatal complications was available from hospital and midwife registries. Maternal older age, higher educational level, folic acid supplement use, alcohol use and not smoking were associated with higher fish consumption (P < 0·01). After adjustment, we observed no consistent associations of maternal total-fish consumption or specific consumption of lean fish, fatty fish or shellfish with fetal growth characteristics in the second and third trimesters and at birth. Likewise, total-fish consumption or specific consumption of any type of fish was not consistently associated with the risks of neonatal complications. These findings suggest that in a population with a relatively low fish intake, consumption of lean fish, fatty fish or shellfish in the first trimester is not associated with fetal growth or the risks of neonatal complications.
Influence of dietary spices on thein vivoabsorption of ingested β-carotene in experimental rats
Authors: Veda Supriya , Srinivasan Krishnapura
Published: January 2011

Animal studies were conducted to evaluate the influence of dietary spice compounds, piperine, capsaicin and ginger, on the absorption of orally administered β-carotene and its conversion to vitamin A. In rats maintained on these spice-containing diets for 8 weeks, concentrations of β-carotene and retinol were determined in the serum, liver and intestine 4 h after a single oral administration of β-carotene. β-Carotene concentration was significantly increased in the serum, liver and intestine of piperine- and ginger-fed rats, suggesting improved absorption of β-carotene. However, retinol concentration was not significantly changed in these animals, suggesting that the bioconversion of β-carotene to vitamin A was not similarly influenced. Between the two enzymes involved in the bioconversion of β-carotene to vitamin A, the activity of intestinal and hepatic β-carotene 15,15′-dioxygenase was either unaffected or lowered by these spice treatments. The activity of intestinal and hepatic retinal reductase was unaffected by the dietary spices. Activities of these two enzymes involved in the bioconversion of β-carotene to retinal were inhibited by the test spicesin vitro, thus corroborating with thein vivoobservation. Although the bioconversion of β-carotene was not promoted, increased absorption and tissue levels of β-carotene by the dietary spices may contribute to a higher antioxidant protection.
THE WATER RELATIONS AND IRRIGATION REQUIREMENTS OF SUGAR CANE (SACCHARUM OFFICINARUM): A REVIEW
Authors: CARR M. K. V. , KNOX J. W.
Published: January 2011

The results of research on the water relations and irrigation needs of sugar cane are collated and summarized in an attempt to link fundamental studies on crop physiology to irrigation practices. Background information on the centres of production of sugar cane is followed by reviews of (1) crop development, including roots; (2) plant water relations; (3) crop water requirements; (4) water productivity; (5) irrigation systems and (6) irrigation scheduling. The majority of the recent research published in the international literature has been conducted in Australia and southern Africa. Leaf/stem extension is a more sensitive indicator of the onset of water stress than stomatal conductance or photosynthesis. Possible mechanisms by which cultivars differ in their responses to drought have been described. Roots extend in depth at rates of 5–18 mm d−1 reaching maximum depths of > 4 m in ca. 300 d providing there are no physical restrictions. The Penman-Monteith equation and the USWB Class A pan both give good estimates of reference crop evapotranspiration (ETo). The corresponding values for the crop coefficient (Kc) are 0.4 (initial stage), 1.25 (peak season) and 0.75 (drying off phase). On an annual basis, the total water-use (ETc) is in the range 1100–1800 mm, with peak daily rates of 6–15 mm d−1. There is a linear relationship between cane/sucrose yields and actual evapotranspiration (ETc) over the season, with slopes of about 100 (cane) and 13 (sugar) kg (ha mm)−1 (but variable). Water stress during tillering need not result in a loss in yield because of compensatory growth on re-watering. Water can be withheld prior to harvest for periods of time up to the equivalent of twice the depth of available water in the root zone. As alternatives to traditional furrow irrigation, drag-line sprinklers and centre pivots have several advantages, such as allowing the application of small quantities of water at frequent intervals. Drip irrigation should only be contemplated when there are well-organized management systems in place. Methods for scheduling irrigation are summarized and the reasons for their limited uptake considered. In conclusion, the ‘drivers for change’, including the need for improved environmental protection, influencing technology choice if irrigated sugar cane production is to be sustainable are summarized.
GRAFTING FOR IMPROVING NET PHOTOSYNTHESIS OF COFFEA ARABICA IN FIELD IN SOUTHEAST OF BRAZIL
Authors: NOVAES PAULA , SOUZA JOÃO PAULO , PRADO CARLOS HENRIQUE BRITTO ASSIS
Published: January 2011

Leaf gas exchange and leaf water potential (Ψleaf) were measured seasonally on non-grafted and grafted Coffea arabica on Coffea canephora in the field to investigate whether grafting would be able to protect the carbon balance against the rise of in vapour pressure deficit (VPD) and air temperature (Tair) under future climate change. The net maximum photosynthetic rate obtained from the net photosynthesis (PN) curve as a function of photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) in wet and dry periods was used to estimate the integrated potential diurnal net CO2 assimilation (IPPN) around midday. The difference between IPPN and the integrated values of PN during diurnal courses (IPN) was measured to test grafting as suitable practice for minimizing midday depression of PN. Higher values of PN in grafted plants around midday showed that grafting was important even when environmental conditions were favourable in field conditions. Reduced susceptibility of grafted plants to midday depression was revealed by lower values of Ψleaf associated with higher values of PN and leaf transpiration (E) on sunny days in summer and spring, and by higher values of stomatal conductance (gs) around midday in autumn, winter and spring. The differences of E, gs, PN and Ψleaf between non-grafted and grafted plants were higher in dry periods in winter and spring. In addition, the ratio IPN/IPPN in grafted was double that in non-grafted plants around midday in sunny summer and in spring. Indeed, PN and gs of non-grafted plants showed higher dependence on VPD than grafted ones. The lower susceptibility of grafted plants to water stress demonstrated the graft efficiency for increasing positive components of leaf carbon balance of C. arabica in the field, especially under high VPD in projected future climate conditions.
Direct numerical simulations of riblets to constrain the growth of turbulent spots
Authors: STRAND JAMES S. , GOLDSTEIN DAVID B.
Published: January 2011

A spectral direct numerical simulation (DNS) code was used to study the growth and spreading of turbulent spots in a nominally laminar, zero-pressure-gradient boundary layer. In addition to the flat-plate case, the interaction of these spots with riblets was investigated. The flat plate, riblets and initial spot perturbation were simulated via an immersed boundary method, and a ‘suction wall’ allowed the available channel code to model a boundary layer. In both flat-wall and riblet cases, self-similar arrowhead-shaped spots formed. The λ2 variable of Jeong & Hussain (1995) was used to visualize the vortical structures within a spot, and a spot was seen to consist primarily of a multitude of entwined hairpin vortices. The range of scales of the hairpin vortices was found to increase as the spot matures. Ensemble averaging was used to obtain more accurate results for the spot spreading angle, both for the flat-wall case and the riblet case. The spreading angle for the flat-wall spot was 6.3°, in reasonably good agreement with prior DNS work. The spreading angle for the spot over riblets was 5.4°, a decrease of 14% compared with the flat-wall.
Cross-independence closure for statistical mechanics of fluid turbulence
Authors: TATSUMI TOMOMASA
Published: January 2011

The infinite set of the Lundgren-Monin equations for the multi-point velocity distributions of fluid turbulence is closed by making use of the cross-independence closure hypothesis proposed by Tatsumi (Geometry and Statistics of Turbulence, 2001, p. 3), and the minimum deterministic set of equations is obtained as the equations for the one-point velocity distributionf, the two-point velocity distributionf(2)and the two-point local velocity distributionf(2)*. In practice, the two-point distributionsf(2)andf(2)* are more conveniently expressed in terms of the velocity-sum and -difference distributionsg+,g−andg+*,g−*, respectively.

As an outstanding result, the energy dissipation rate is expressed in terms of the distributiong−which is mainly contributed from small-scale turbulent fluctuations, making clear analogy with the ‘fluctuation-dissipation theorem’ in non-equilibrium statistical mechanics.

It is to be remarked that the integral moments of the equations for the distributionsfandf(2)give the equations for the mean flow and the mean velocity procducts of various orders, which are identical with the corresponding equations derived directly from the Navier--Stokes equation. This results clearly shows the exact consistency of the cross-independence closure and gives an overall solution for the classical closure problem concerning the mean velocity products since they are derived from the known distributions.

Although the present work is confined to the two-point statistics of turbulence, the analysis can be extended to the higher-order statistics and even to turbulence in other fluids such as magneto and quantum fluids.
Hamiltonian form of the modified nonlinear Schrödinger equation for gravity waves on arbitrary depth
Authors: GRAMSTAD ODIN , TRULSEN KARSTEN
Published: January 2011

The commonly used forms of the modified nonlinear Schrödinger equations for deep water (Dysthe, Proc. R. Soc. Lond. A, vol. 369, 1979, p. 105) and arbitrary depth (Brinch–Nielsen & Jonsson, Wave Motion, vol. 8, 1986, p. 455) do not conserve momentum and are not Hamiltonian. We show how these equations can be brought into Hamiltonian form, with the action, momentum and Hamiltonian being conserved. We derive the new fourth-order nonlinear Schrödinger equation for arbitrary depth, starting from the Zakharov equation enhanced with the new kernel of Krasitskii (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 272, 1994, p. 1).
A stochastic view of isotropic turbulence decay
Authors: MELDI MARCELLO , SAGAUT PIERRE , LUCOR DIDIER
Published: January 2011

A stochastic eddy-damped quasi-normal Markovian (EDQNM) approach is used to investigate self-similar decaying isotropic turbulence at a high Reynolds number (400 ≤ Reλ ≤ 104). The realistic energy spectrum functional form recently proposed by Meyers & Menevau (Phys. Fluids, vol. 20, 2008, p. 065109) is generalized by considering some of the model constants as random parameters, since they escape measure in most experimental set-ups. The induced uncertainty on the solution is investigated, building response surfaces for decay power-law exponents of usual physical quantities. Large-scale uncertainties are considered, the emphasis being put on Saffman and Batchelor turbulences. The sensitivity of the solution to initial spectrum uncertainties is quantified through probability density functions of the decay exponents. It is observed that the initial spectrum shape at very large scales governs the long-time evolution, even at a high Reynolds number, a parameter which is not explicitly taken into account in many theoretical works. Therefore, a universal asymptotic behaviour in which kinetic energy decays as t−1 is not detected. However, this decay law is observed at finite Reynolds numbers with low probability for some initial conditions.
Multi-dimensional instability of solitary waves in ultra-relativistic degenerate dense magnetized plasma
Authors: MAMUN A. A. , DUHA S. S. , SHUKLA P. K.
Published: January 2011

The basic features and multi-dimensional instability of electrostatic solitary waves propagating in an ultra-relativistic degenerate dense magnetized plasma have been investigated by the reductive perturbation method and the small-k perturbation expansion technique. The Zakharov–Kuznetsov (ZK) equation has been derived, and its numerical solutions for some special cases have been analysed to identify the basic features (viz. amplitude, width, instability, etc.) of these electrostatic solitary structures. The implications of our results in some compact astrophysical objects, particularly white dwarfs and neutron stars, have been briefly discussed.
The impact of sediment deposition and iceberg scour on the Antarctic soft shell clam Laternula elliptica at King George Island, Antarctica
Authors: Philipp Eva E.R. , Husmann Gunnar , Abele Doris
Published: January 2011

Recent rapid changes of air temperature on the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula results in increased sediment discharge and ice scouring frequencies in coastal regions. These changes are bound to especially affect slow growing, sessile filter feeders such as the Antarctic bivalve, Laternula elliptica, a long-lived and abundant key species with circumpolar distribution. We investigated the effect of sedimentation and ice scouring on small/young and large/old individuals at two closely located stations, distinctly influenced by both types of disturbance. Small individuals dealt better with disturbance in terms of their respiratory response to sediment exposure, reburrowing ability, and survival after injury, compared to larger animals. At the more disturbed station L. elliptica population density was lower, but larger animals reburrowed faster after iceberg disturbance and reduced their metabolic rate under strong sediment coverage, compared to larger animals of the less disturbed station, indicating that an adaptation or learning response to both types of disturbance may be possible. Smaller individuals were not influenced. Laternula elliptica seems capable of coping with the rapidly changing environmental conditions. Due to a decrease in population density and mean population lifespan, L. elliptica could however lose its key role in the bentho-pelagic carbon flux in areas of high sediment deposition.
ACCOUNTING FOR LIFE-CYCLE WEALTH ACCUMULATION: THE ROLE OF HOUSING INSTITUTION
Authors: Cho Sang-Wook (Stanley)
Published: January 2011

This paper constructs a quantitative general equilibrium life-cycle model with uninsurable labor income to account for the differences in wealth accumulation and homeownership between Korea and the United States. The model incorporates different structures in the housing market in the two countries, namely, the mortgage market and the rental arrangements. The results from the calibrated model quantitatively explain some empirical findings in the aggregate and life-cycle profiles of wealth and homeownership. Quantitative policy experiments show that the mortgage market alone can account for more than 40% of the differences in the aggregate homeownership ratios. When coupled with the rental arrangements, both institutions can account for approximately 52% of the differences in the cross-country homeownership ratios.
Diagnostik der Herzinsuffizienz
Authors: Maeder Micha T. , Rickli Hans
Published: January 2011

Die Diagnose der Herzinsuffizienz beruht auf typischen Symptomen und Zeichen der Stauung und/oder des verminderten Herzminutenvolumens und dem Nachweis einer kardialen Funktionsstörung. Klinische Untersuchung, EKG und Thoraxröntgenbild stellen die wichtigsten Basisuntersuchungen dar, wobei kein Befund absolut sensitiv oder spezifisch für eine Herzinsuffizienz ist. Ein tiefer Wert des B-type natriuretic peptide macht eine Herzinsuffizienz als Ursache für eine akute Dyspnoe unwahrscheinlich. Die Echokardiografie ist ein unentbehrliches Werkzeug, um das Vorhandensein einer kardialen Funktionsstörung und den Mechanismus der Herzinsuffizienz zu erfassen. Dies ist für die Therapie entscheidend.
Medikamentöse Therapie der chronischen Herzinsuffizienz mit verminderter Auswurffraktion
Authors: Rickenbacher Peter
Published: January 2011

Medikamente bilden basierend auf einer Vielzahl von großen, randomisierten, kontrollierten Studien der letzten rund 20 Jahre die Grundlage der Therapie bei chronischer Herzinsuffizienz mit verminderter Auswurffraktion (HFREF). Trotz der soliden Evidenz für deren Wirksamkeit und Sicherheit sowie detaillierter Richtlinien nationaler und internationaler Fachgesellschaften wird nach wie vor ein substantieller Anteil der Population mit HFREF nicht oder ungenügend behandelt. Behandlungsziele sind Reduktion von Mortalität und Hospitalisa-tionen, Verbesserung von Symptomen und Lebensqualität und Prävention der Progression der Erkrankung. ACE-Hemmer und Betarezeptorenblocker beeinflussen alle Therapieziele günstig und sind prinzipiell bei allen Patienten mit HFREF indiziert. Diuretika erlauben eine Kontrolle der Flüssigkeitsretention und Erhaltung einer „Euvolämie“. Der Einsatz von niedrigdosiertem Spironolacton ist zu erwägen bei mittelschwerer bis schwerer HFREF (NYHA 3 – 4) trotz optimierter Therapie. Angiotensinrezeptor-Blocker sind indiziert bei ACE-Hemmer Intoleranz oder zusätzlich zu ACE-Hemmern und Betarezeptoren-Blockern bei persistierender Symptomatik. Eine Trippeltherapie mit ACE-Hemmern, Angiotensinrezeptor-Blockern und Aldosteronantagonisten sollte wegen der Gefahr von Hyperkaliämie vermieden werden. Digoxin wird vorwiegend bei ungenügender Frequenzkontrolle eines Vorhofflimmerns eingesetzt. Die Einleitung und Erhaltung der Behandlung erfordert engmaschige Kontrollen von Klinik, Nierenfunktion und Elektrolyten. Generell wird empfohlen Substanzen einzusetzen und Dosierungen anzustreben, welche sich in klinischen Studien als wirksam erwiesen haben. Obwohl die Herzinsuffizienz vor allem eine Erkrankung des höheren Alters ist, wird diese Population in den klinischen Studien ungenügend repräsentiert. Aufgrund physiologischer Veränderungen im Alter, häufiger Komorbiditäten und daraus resultierender Polypharmazie erhöht sich das Risiko von Nebenwirkungen und Interaktionen.
Herzinsuffizienz im Alter
Authors: Pfister Otmar , Buser Peter , Brunner-La Rocca Hanspeter
Published: January 2011

Die zunehmende Häufigkeit von koronarer Herzkrankheit und arterieller Hypertonie sowie deren langjährigen Folgen führen zu einem markanten Anstieg der Inzidenz und Prävalenz der Herzinsuffizienz im Alter. Zusätzlich reduzieren altersbedingte strukturelle Veränderungen des Myokards und der großen Gefäße die Toleranz für Druck- und Volumenschwankungen und begünstigen dadurch das Auftreten einer Herzinsuffizienz. Anders als bei jungen Patienten wird die Herzinsuffizienzsymptomatik im Alter oft dem natürlichen Alterungsprozess zugeschrieben, was eine ungenügende Diagnostik zur Folge hat. Auch die Therapie bringt besondere Herausforderungen mit sich. Multiple Komorbiditäten mit entsprechender Polypharmazie sowie verminderte Adaptationsmöglichkeiten erschweren die Durchführung einer leitliniengerechten Herzinsuffizienztherapie mit Hemmern des Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosteron Systems und Betablockern. Obwohl es keine überzeugenden Daten gibt, die zeigen, dass diese Medikamente im höheren Alter anders wirken, werden sie aus Angst vor Nebenwirkungen vielen älteren Patienten vorenthalten.