bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Why is the meaning of a sentence better remembered than its form? An fMRI study on the role of novelty‐encoding processes
Authors: Poppenk J. , Walia G. , McIntosh A.R. , Joanisse M.F. , Klein D. , Köhler S.
Published: June 2008

Episodic memory is based primarily on meaning. This is behaviorally well documented in studies on memory for prose, in which the meaning of novel sentences is typically well remembered but information pertaining to exact wording and syntax is not. The neural basis of this ‘verbatim effect’ is poorly understood. In the current fMRI study, we manipulated the novelty of sentences at different levels to test whether medial temporal lobe (MTL) regions that are known to play a critical role in verbal episodic encoding would respond preferentially to the novelty of sentence meaning. Fifteen participants were pre‐familiarized with auditory sentences describing unique episodes. During scanning, they encountered sentences that were old, that contained a change in (i.e., were novel in terms of) syntactic relationships, that contained a change in semantic relationships, or that described an entirely novel episode. Subsequently, participants performed a recognition memory test for the different types of novel information encountered. Behavioral data confirmed the typical verbatim effect. Analyses of fMRI data revealed differential MTL activation in the left hippocampus and entorhinal cortex with a response profile across conditions that paralleled the behavioral results; the identified region responded selectively to those conditions that contained semantic novelty. Other regions, by contrast, showed a novelty response that did not share this selectivity. Our findings suggest that the verbatim effect can be linked to hippocampally‐based novelty‐assessment processes that operate based on semantic relationships. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rain event properties in nature and in rainfall simulation experiments: a comparative review with recommendations for increasingly systematic study and reporting
Authors: Dunkerley David
Published: June 2008

In hydrology and geomorphology, less attention has been paid to raineventproperties such as duration, mean and peak rain rate than torainproperties such as drop size or kinetic energy. A literature review shows a lack of correspondence between natural and simulated rain events. For example, 26 studies that report event statistics from substantial records of natural rain reveal a mean rain rate of just 3·47 mm h−1(s.d. 2·38 mm h−1). In 17 comparable studies dealing with extreme rain rates including events in cyclonic, tropical convective, and typhoon conditions, a mean maximum rain rate (either hourly or mean event rain rate) of 86·3 mm h−1(s.d. 57·7 mm h−1) is demonstrated. However, 49 studies using rainfall simulation involve a mean maximum rain rate of 103·1 mm h−1(s.d. 81·3 mm h−1), often sustained for > 1 h, exceeding even than of extreme rain events, and nearly 30 times the mean rain rate in ordinary, non‐exceptional, rain events. Thus rainfall simulation is often biased toward high rain rates, and many of the rates employed (in several instances exceeding 150 mm h−1) appear to have limited relevance to ordinary field conditions. Generally, simulations should resemble natural rain events in each study region. Attention is also drawn to the raindrop arrival rate at the surface. In natural rain, this is known to vary from < 100 m−2s−1to > 5000 m−2s−1. Arrival rate may need to be added to the list of parameters that must be reproduced realistically in rainfall simulation studies. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Monotonic trend and abrupt changes for major climate variables in the headwater catchment of the Yellow River basin
Authors: Zhao F. F. , Xu Z. X. , Huang J. X. , Li J. Y.
Published: June 2008

On the basis of the mean air temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration and pan evaporation at 23 meteorological stations in the headwater catchment of the Yellow River basin from 1960 to 2001, the long‐term monotonic trend and abrupt changes for major climate variables have been investigated. The plausible monotonic trend of annual climatic time series are detected using a non‐parametric method. The abrupt changes have been investigated in terms of a 5 year moving averaged annual series, using the moving t‐test (MTT) method, Yamamoto method and Mann–Kendall method. The results showed that the annual air temperature has increased by 0·80 °C in the headwater catchment of the Yellow River basin during the past 42 years. One obvious cold period and one warm period were detected. The warmest centre was located in the northern part of the basin. The long‐term trend for annual precipitation was not significant during the same period, but a dry tendency was detected. According to the Kendall slope values, the declining centre for annual precipitation was located in the eastern part and the centre of the study area. The long‐term monotonic trend for annual sunshine duration and pan evaporation were negative. The average Kendall slopes are − 29·96 h/10 yr and − 39·63 mm/10 yr, respectively. The tests for abrupt changes using MTT and Yamamoto methods show similar results. Abrupt changes occurred in the mid 1980s for temperature, in the late 1980s for precipitation and in the early 1980s for sunshine duration and pan evaporation. It can be seen that the abrupt changes really happened in the 1980s for the climate variables. Different results are shown using the Mann–Kendall method. Both the abrupt changes of temperature and precipitation took place in the early 1990s, and that of pan evaporation occurred in the 1960s. The only abrupt change in sunshine duration happened during the similar period (in the 1980s) with the results detected by the MTT and Yamamoto methods. The abrupt changes which occurred in the 1990s and 1960s are not detectable using the MTT and Yamamoto methods because of the data limitation. However, the results tested by the MTT and Yamamoto methods exhibited great consistency. Some of the reasons may be due to the similar principles for these two methods. Different methods testing the abrupt climatic changes have their own merits and limitations and should be compared based on their own assumption and applicable conditions when they are used. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A hybrid protein comprising ATF domain of pro‐UK and VAS, an angiogenesis inhibitor, is a potent candidate for targeted cancer therapy
Authors: Sun Qiming , Xu Qian , Dong Xiangbai , Cao Lin , Huang Xiaofeng , Hu Qingang , Hua Zi‐Chun
Published: June 2008

Directional and controllable degradation of extracellular matrix mediated by the uPA‐uPA receptor (uPAR) system is ubiquitously implicated in tumor establishment, invasion and metastasis. Targeting the excessive activation of this system as well as the proliferation of the tumor vascular endothelial cell would be expected to prevent tumor neovasculature and halt the tumor development. In this study, we created a fusion protein (ALV), comprising the aminoterminal fragment (ATF) of urokinase and VAS, the antiangiogenic functional domain of vasostatin. The antitumor activity of this hybrid molecule was evaluated with both in vitro and in vivo experiments. Cell adhesion and motility assays demonstrated that ALV, owing to its ATF moiety, could interact with uPAR on the tumor cell surface with high affinity and specificity, and thereby might competitively inhibit the plasmin activation by localized urokinase and contribute to the suppression of tumor invasion. These results and speculations were validated by zymography assay and Matrigel invasion assay. In addition, ALV exhibited an improved inhibitory efficacy against endothelial cell (EC) proliferation and capillary vessel formation in a 3D angiogenesis model, proving that ATF and VAS, when fused into a chimeric molecule, cooperatively inhibited angiogenesis by targeting both the interaction of uPA and uPAR on cell surface (by ATF) and EC proliferation (mainly by VAS). Animal model confirmed that, at the same molar dose, ALV produced significantly higher therapeutic benefit than VAS and ATF in terms of tumor growth delay and mice survival prolongation. Conclusively coupling VAS with the uPAR ligand ATF resulted in an improved antineoplastic activity, which may show a novel avenue for the design of tumor therapeutic drugs. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lung, liver and bone cancer mortality in Mayak workers
Authors: Sokolnikov Mikhail E. , Gilbert Ethel S. , Preston Dale L. , Ron Elaine , Shilnikova Natalia S. , Khokhryakov Victor V. , Vasilenko Evgeny K. , Koshurnikova Nina A.
Published: June 2008

Workers at the Mayak nuclear facility in the Russian Federation offer the only adequate human data for evaluating cancer risks from exposure to plutonium. Risks of mortality from cancers of the lung, liver and bone, the organs receiving the largest doses from plutonium, were evaluated in a cohort of 17,740 workers initially hired 1948‐1972 using, for the first time, recently improved individual organ dose estimates. Excess relative risk (ERR) models were used to evaluate risks as functions of internal (plutonium) dose, external (primarily gamma) dose, gender, attained age and smoking. By December 31, 2003, 681 lung cancer deaths, 75 liver cancer deaths and 30 bone cancer deaths had occurred. Of these 786 deaths, 239 (30%) were attributed to plutonium exposure. Significant plutonium dose‐response relationships (p < 0.001) were observed for all 3 endpoints, with lung and liver cancer risks reasonably described by linear functions. At attained age 60, the ERRs per Gy for lung cancer were 7.1 for males and 15 for females; the averaged‐attained age ERRs for liver cancer were 2.6 and 29 for males and females, respectively; those for bone cancer were 0.76 and 3.4. This study is the first to present and compare dose‐response analyses for cancers of all 3 organs. The unique Mayak cohort with its high exposures and well characterized doses has allowed quantification of the plutonium dose‐response for lung, liver and bone cancer risks based on direct human data. These results will play an important role in plutonium risk assessment. Published 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Retracted: TW‐37, a small‐molecule inhibitor of Bcl‐2, inhibits cell growth and invasion in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Wang Zhiwei , Song Wen , Aboukameel Amro , Mohammad Mussop , Wang Guoping , Banerjee Sanjeev , Kong Dejuan , Wang Shaomeng , Sarkar Fazlul H. , Mohammad Ramzi M.
Published: June 2008

This article has been retracted at the request of: Editor‐in‐Chief and Author

‘TW‐37, a small‐molecule inhibitor of Bcl‐2, inhibits cell growth and invasion in pancreatic cancer’ by Wang, Z., Song, W., Aboukameel, A., Mohammad, M., Wang, G., Banerjee, S., Kong, D., Wang, S., Sarkar, F. H. and Mohammad, R. M.

The above article, published online on 4 June 2008, in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com), has been retracted by agreement between the authors, the journal Editor‐in‐Chief, Professor Peter Lichter, and Wiley Periodicals, Inc. A university investigation involving the first and the second‐to‐last author determined that several figures from another published paper were manipulated or duplicated and re‐used in this paper. Therefore, the authors are retracting the paper in its entirety although they maintain that these issues did not affect the major conclusions. They apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.

Reference

Wang, Z., Song, W., Aboukameel, A., Mohammad, M., Wang, G., Banerjee, S., Kong, D., Wang, S., Sarkar, F. H. and Mohammad, R. M. (2008), TW‐37, a small‐molecule inhibitor of Bcl‐2, inhibits cell growth and invasion in pancreatic cancer. Int. J. Cancer, 123: 958–966. doi: 10.1002/ijc.23610
Resonance Raman investigation of redox‐induced structural changes of protein and heme in the sensor domain of Ec DOS protein
Authors: El‐Mashtoly Samir F. , Takahashi Hiroto , Kurokawa Hirofumi , Sato Akira , Shimizu Toru , Kitagawa Teizo
Published: June 2008

The direct oxygen‐sensor protein from Escherichia coli (Ec DOS) is a heme‐based signal transducer protein responsible for phosphodiesterase (PDE) activity. We investigated the redox‐dependent conformational changes of the sensor domain (Ec DOSH) of Ec DOS by using ultraviolet resonance Raman (UVRR) spectroscopy excited at 229 and 244 nm in combination with site‐directed mutagenesis. The UVRR‐difference spectra (reduced–oxidized) of the wild‐type (WT) revealed several features for the Trp and Tyr bands, indicating that these residues undergo environmental changes. Some of these features were assigned to Trp53, Tyr126, and Tyr80, which are located near the 2‐vinyl, 4‐vinyl, and propionate side chains of heme, respectively. Other changes of UVRR spectra were assigned to Tyr55, Trp110, and Tyr125, which are located near the surface of Ec DOSH, implying that this protein undergoes global conformational changes upon redox change of heme. Furthermore, the mutation of Tyr55 in the full‐length protein (Ec DOS), which is located in heme proximal side near Trp53, perturbed the PDE activity compared with WT, demonstrating the importance of Tyr55 for the catalytic reaction. Finally, visible RR spectra of Ec DOSH showed significant changes in vibrations of heme peripheral groups upon a redox change. Thus, our results strongly suggest that heme redox changes induce structural changes of the heme side chains, and then are communicated to the surface of the sensor domain through Trp53, Tyr126, and Tyr80, resulting in global changes of the protein conformation. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Folding and Assembly of Fibroin Driven by an AC Electric Field: Effects on Film Properties
Authors: Servoli Eva , Maniglio Devid , Motta Antonella , Migliaresi Claudio
Published: June 2008

Silk fibroin from Bombyx mori is a high‐molecular‐weight protein, largely employed in the biomaterials field. Several parameters can affect the folding and assembly of fibroin heavy and light chains. The present work has shown that anisotropic and water‐stable films are produced when fibroin solution is cast under an alternating electric field (AC). The treatment can affect the mechanical, thermal and surface properties of fibroin films. These effects have been related to the alignment of molecular dipoles and the formation of oriented supramolecular assemblies. Cell response is affected by this novel processing: MRC5 fibroblasts, cultured on anisotropic fibroin films, preferentially spread parallel to the field direction 6 h after seeding.

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Parameters affecting TGO growth rate and the lifetime of TBC systems with MCrAlY‐bondcoats
Authors: Toscano J. , Naumenko D. , Gil A. , Singheiser L. , Quadakkers W. J.
Published: June 2008

In the present work different parameters which affect the oxide growth on MCrAlY‐bondcoats have been studied, in an attempt to find a reliable way to define the critical oxide thickness to failure of an EB‐PVD thermal barrier coatings (TBC). It was found that the variation of selected parameters such as oxidation temperature, surface roughness, and bondcoat thickness certainly alters the thermally grown oxide (TGO) growth rate. However, simultaneously the morphology, composition, and/or microstructure of the oxide are changed, which can affect the critical TGO thickness to failure in a TBC system. In contrast, the variation of the oxygen partial pressure of the oxidizing atmosphere led to different TGO growth rates without significantly changing the oxide morphology and composition. Comparing the TGOs grown at different rates in the specimens exposed to high pO2 and low pO2 atmospheres, it was estimated that at failure the oxide scales in both specimens have reached a similar critical thickness.
Human mummified brain from a medieval tomb with lime‐soil mixture barrier of the Joseon Dynasty, Korea
Authors: Kim M. J. , Oh C. S. , Lee I. S. , Lee B. H. , Choi J. H. , Lim D.‐S. , Yi Y. S. , Han W.‐J. , Kim Y.‐S. , Bok G. D. , Lee S. D. , Shin D. H.
Published: June 2008

Although all of the Korean medieval mummies found up to the present time have shown relatively well‐preserved brains, relevant biomedical information has been difficult to acquire owing to the obstacles to obtaining permission to conduct invasive investigations. However, recently we were able to secure permission to investigate, through various forms of examination including dissection, a well‐preserved brain found in a lime‐soil mixture barrier (LSMB) tomb in Yongin, Korea, because the remains found within the tomb were mostly skeletal. As in the cases of mummified brains from tombs found in other countries, the current Yongin case showed well‐preserved grey and white matter within well demarcated brain lobes, on which sulci and gyri could be identified. On histological examination, we found that the remaining brain tissue was composed mainly of lipids, which seems to correspond to the preserved myelin sheath. The present paper is the first report on the general preservation status of a mummified brain found in Korea. Moreover, because mummified brains are found quite frequently in LSMB medieval tombs, this study could provide a good basis upon which further such palaeo‐neuropathological studies can be progressed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Establishment of a PF2D‐MS/MS platform for rapid profiling and semiquantitative analysis of membrane protein biomarkers
Authors: Lee Hyoung‐Joo , Kwon Min‐Seok , Lee Eun‐Young , Cho Sang Yun , Paik Young‐Ki
Published: June 2008

Current proteome profiling techniques have identified relatively few mammalian membrane proteins despite their numerous important functions. To establish a standard throughput‐potential profiling platform for membrane proteins, Triton X‐100‐solubilized rat liver microsomal proteins were separated on a 2‐D separation system (2‐D liquid phase fractionation (PF2D)) in two different pH ranges (4.0–8.5 and 7.0–10.5). This system produced 182 proteins with more than two transmembrane domain (TMD), including 16 TMDs with high confidence. Comparative 2‐D liquid maps with high resolution and reproducibility have been constructed for liver microsome from the phenobarbital (PB) treated rats. PF2D was also found to be useful for the semiquantification of some representative cytochrome P450 family proteins (e.g., cytochrome P450 2B2) that were induced by PB treatment compared with untreated controls. Thus, the combination of both high‐detection capacity and rapid preliminary semiquantification in a PF2D platform could become a standard system for the routine analysis of membrane proteins.
Measurements on Particle Size Distribution and Concentration by Transmission Fluctuation Spectrometry with Temporal Correlation
Authors: Yu Bin , Shen Jianqi , Xu Yamin , Riebel Ulrich , Guo Xiaoai
Published: June 2008

Transmission fluctuation spectrometry with temporal correlation (TFS‐TC) is a new method for particle analysis. When a narrow light beam irradiates on a particle dispersion flow, the variation of the number of particles in the small measuring zone will cause the transmitted light to fluctuate, which includes the complete information on both particle size distribution (PSD) and particle concentration. The method may be used for real‐time, inline/online applications due to its simplicity of measuring principle and experimental setup. Until recently, the theory has been limited to low particle concentrations. In this work, an experimental study of the TFS‐TC measurement is presented for a very wide range of the particle concentrations. By introducing an empirical correction including the high concentration effects and considering the effect from rheological conditions in the inversion algorithm, the particle size distribution and particle concentration are reconstructed, resulting in the coverage of a broad range of particle size and concentration.
Protocol for Automated Kinetic Investigation/Optimization of the RAFT Polymerization of Various Monomers
Authors: Becer Caglar Remzi , Groth Andrew M. , Hoogenboom Richard , Paulus Renzo M. , Schubert Ulrich S.
Published: June 2008

A standard protocol for the parallel optimization of Reversible Addition–Fragmentation Chain Transfer (RAFT) polymerization conditions using an automated synthesizer is described in this report. Experimental design based on the knowledge obtained from previous screening experiments and the literature is the most effective initial step of the High‐Throughput Experimentation (HTE) cycle. In this paper, the polymerization procedure is explained step‐by‐step including preparation of stock solutions, inertization of the reactors and synthesizer environment, liquid transfers to or from the reactor vessels including sampling, as well as termination of the polymerization. Automated characterization techniques for the determination of monomer conversion and the molecular weight distribution of the polymers are discussed to complete the HTE cycle. Consequently, analysis of the data obtained from parallel screening of reactions and their products will result in the design of the next experimental cycle.
Monte Carlo localization in outdoor terrains using multilevel surface maps
Authors: Kümmerle Rainer , Triebel Rudolph , Pfaff Patrick , Burgard Wolfram
Published: June 2008

We propose a novel combination of techniques for robustly estimating the position of a mobile robot in outdoor environments using range data. Our approach applies a particle filter to estimate the full six‐dimensional state of the robot and utilizes multilevel surface maps, which, in contrast to standard elevation maps, allow the robot to represent vertical structures and multiple levels in the environment. We describe probabilistic motion and sensor models to calculate the proposal distribution and to evaluate the likelihood of observations. We furthermore describe an active localization approach that actively selects the sensor orientation of the two‐dimensional laser range scanner to improve the localization results. To efficiently calculate the appropriate orientation, we apply a clustering operation on the particles and evaluate potential orientations on the basis of these clusters. Experimental results obtained with a mobile robot in large‐scale outdoor environments indicate that our approach yields robust and accurate position estimates. The experiments also demonstrate that multilevel surface maps lead to a significantly better localization performance than standard elevation maps. They additionally show that further accuracy is obtained from the active sensing approach. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Convenient Synthesis and Properties of Polypropyleneimine Dendrimer‐Functionalized Polymer Nanoparticles
Authors: Larpent Chantal , Cannizzo Caroline , Delgado Anne , Gouanvé Fabrice , Sanghvi Paresh , Gaillard Cédric , Bacquet Gérard
Published: June 2008

A simple synthesis of polymer core–dendrimer shell nanoparticles (NPs) in the 15–20‐nm‐diameter range is presented. Amine‐terminated polypropyleneimine (PPI) dendrimers DAB‐dendri‐(NH2)4 and DAB‐dendri‐(NH2)16 (DAB4 and DAB16) are covalently attached to the surface of primary polystyrene‐based NPs bearing reactive chlorobenzyl groups produced by microemulsion polymerization in the presence of a cationic surfactant. The grafting readily proceeds under mild conditions and leads to translucent aqueous suspensions of core–shell‐type NPs with a high density of peripheral amine groups that have been characterized relative to their size and chemical composition. The dendritic shell acts as a protective ionizable outer layer and provides an improvement of the colloidal stability in neutral and acidic media. The metal‐binding capacity of the PPI dendrimers is retained, and spectrophotometric titrations show that the dendrimer‐grafted NPs can trap a large number of Cu2+ ions (more than 900 Cu per NP‐DAB16). These properties make them potentially valuable templates for the elaboration of hybrid nanomaterials. The reactivity of the external amine groups is used to link covalently azobenzene chromophores (disperse Red 1 residues) through aza‐Michael addition in aqueous suspension. This simple method gives access to colored NPs with high dye contents in the outer layer (up to 1000–1500 dye molecules per NP), which indicates that dendrimer‐functionalized NPs are valuable building blocks for the construction of multifunctional nanomaterials.
Histopathological alterations in the liver of the sharptooth catfish Clarias gariepinus from polluted aquatic systems in South Africa
Authors: Marchand M. J. , van Dyk J. C. , Pieterse G. M. , Barnhoorn I. E. J. , Bornman M. S.
Published: June 2008

There is a need for sensitive bio‐monitoring tools in toxicant impact assessment to indicate the effect of toxicants on fish health in polluted aquatic ecosystems. Histopathological assessment of fish tissue allows for early warning signs of disease and detection of long‐term injury in cells, tissues, or organs. The aim of this study was to assess the degree of histopathological alterations in the liver of C. gariepinus from two dams in an urban nature reserve, (Gauteng, South Africa). Two dams (Dam 1 and Dam 2) were chosen for their suspected levels of toxicants. Water and sediments were sampled for metal and potential endocrine disrupting chemical analysis. A quantitative and qualitative histology‐based health assessment protocol was employed to determine the adverse health effects in fish. The analysis of blood constituents, fish necropsy, calculation of condition factors, and hepatosomatic indices were employed to support the findings of the qualitative and quantitative histological assessment of liver tissue. Assessment of the liver tissue revealed marked histopathological alterations including: structural alterations (hepatic cord disarray) affecting 27% of field specimens; plasma alterations (granular degeneration 98% and fatty degeneration 25%) of hepatocytes; an increase in melanomacrophage centers (32%); hepatocyte nuclear alterations (90%); and necrosis of liver tissue (14%). The quantitative histological assessment indicated that livers of fish collected from Dam 1 were more affected than the fish livers collected from Dam 2. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2009.
Difference in the sensitivity to chemical compounds between female and male neonates of Daphnia magna
Authors: Ikuno Erika , Matsumoto Takeru , Okubo Tomohiro , Itoi Shiro , Sugita Haruo
Published: June 2008

Daphnia magna usually produce female offspring by parthenogenesis, and thus only female neonates are used to evaluate the environmental toxicity to chemicals. Additionally, it is known that male daphnids are induced by exposure to a juvenile hormone, methyl farnesoate, during late ovarian development. In this study, we investigated the concentration of methyl farnesoate in a 24‐h exposure producing 100% males, and the difference in sensitivity to chemical compounds, potassium dichromate, pentachlorophenol, and paraquat, between females and males, referring to OECD Test Guideline 202. The results show that the minimum concentration for 100%‐male induction of methyl farnesoate in adult females was 50 μg/L. In addition, acute toxicity tests (immobility test) with the other chemicals showed that male neonates have higher tolerance to potassium dichromate and pentachlorophenol than females for at least 24 h after birth, while no sex difference was observed in the sensitivity to paraquat. The differences in the median effective concentrations in these compounds between female and male neonates suggest two different overall modes of action. Using female daphnids for environmentally toxicity testing seems reasonable, since the females are more sensitive to chemicals than males. Furthermore, the method of male induction established in this study could be used for screening of endocrine disruptors. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2008.
Radioactivity concentrations in sediments on the coast of the Iranian province of Khuzestan in the Northern Persian Gulf
Authors: Pourahmad Jalal , Motallebi Abbasali , Asgharizadeh Farid , Eskandari Gholam Reza , Shafaghi Bijan
Published: June 2008

Gamma‐ray spectrometric analyses were performed on sediment samples from the coast of Khuzestan province (south west of Iran, neighbor to Iraq and Kuwait) to study the concentration of natural as well as man‐made radioactive sources. The coast of Khuzestan, which extends for ∼400 km is mainly soft areas of mud flats within different ecosystems including river mouth, estuaries, creeps, and small bays. Suspended material from the Iranian rivers including Arvand (Karun), Bahmanshir, Jarrahi, and Zohreh has settled to form these extensive soft areas. Eighty three samples were taken at different points along the coast in undisturbed areas at intervals of about 5 km since Fall 2005 to Winter 2006. Collection was carried out during low‐tide, where it was possible to collect sediments from the wet region that was covered by sea water during the high tide. At each of the sample sites, a sampling area of about 1 m2was considered. All samples were of a muddy nature, and were left to dry in open air before drying in the oven at 105°C for 2–3 days to remove all water content. The average activity concentration of the radionuclides226Ra (30 Bq/Kg),232Th (11 Bq/kg),238U (18 Bq/kg), and137Cs (2.6 Bq/kg) along the shore of Khuzestan reaches are much less than the values commonly assigned as the world average. Nevertheless in case of40K which is a long lived naturally occurring radionuclide, the result (481 Bq/kg) was higher than the world average which could be due to a large Kuwaiti oil spill and also fallout and deposition of tremendous amount of fly ashes which resulted from ignited Kuwaiti oil fields during the 2nd Persian Gulf war (1990–91). For man‐made137Cs and naturally occurring232Th, the western and eastern parts of Khuzestan shore showed higher concentrations than the middle part (Khooriat or creeps). For the long lived naturally occurring radionuclide40K and Gulf war238U (anti armor shells), there were no significant differences (P< 0.05) among the three regions. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2008.
Isolation and characterization of naphthalene‐degrading bacteria from sediments of Cadiz area (SW Spain)
Authors: Nair D. , Fernández‐Acero F. J. , García‐Luque E. , Riba I. , Del Valls T. A.
Published: June 2008

Petroleum hydrocarbon contamination of harbor sediments from shipping activity, fuel oil spills, and runoffs are becoming a great concern because of the toxicity and recalcitrance of many of the fuel components. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are of most concern due to their toxicity, low volatility, resistance to degradation, and high affinity for sediments. Microorganisms, especially bacteria, play an important role in the biodegradation of these hydrocarbons. The objective of the present study was to characterize and isolate PAH‐(naphthalene) degrading bacteria in the coastal sediments of Cadiz (SW Spain), since this area is mostly polluted by PAH occurrence. A total of 16 naphthalene‐utilizing bacteria were isolated from these sites. Introduction of bacteria isolated from contaminated sediments into mineral medium contributed to the increased rate of hydrocarbon utilization. The bacterial isolates obtained from these sites are very potent in utilizing naphthalene and crude oil. It would be interesting to assess if the selected naphthalene‐degrading isolates may degrade other compounds of similar structure. Hence these isolates could be very helpful in bioremediating the PAH‐contaminated sites. Further pursue on this work might represent eco‐friendly solution for oil contamination on sea surface and coastal area. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2008.
Oilseeds and oil in the people's Republic of China
Authors: Pomeranz Y.
Published: June 2008

Abstract and Summary

This article reviews some experiences and information gathered by the author on agricluture, cereal grains, oilseeds and oilseed production, oil and fat consumption, foreign trade, and oil extraction in the People's Republic of China.
Effect of heat and frying on sunflower, oil stability
Authors: Robertson James A. , Morrison W. H.
Published: June 2008

Sunflowers are one of the most important sources of vegetable oils in the world, second only to soybeans. Although in use throughout many parts of the world, sunflower seed are just now beginning to attact attention and use in the United States. Composition of the oil appears to be dependent on area of production. Sunflower oil from seed grown in northern US typically contains 70% linoleic acid. In contrast, oil from seed produced in the South generally contains 40–50% linoleic acid and is higher in mono‐unsaturated fats. For most of the edible oil market, sunflower oil appears to have an advantage over most other vegetable oils. Lightly hydrogenated sunflower oil was compared with a cottonseed‐corn oil mixture for frying potato chips. Organoleptic evaluation indicated that chips did not differ significantly. We also evaluated the useful life of various sunflower seed oils for deep‐fat frying. Hydrogenated and unhydrogenated sunflower oils and a commercial shortening were used to deep‐fry raw potatoes. A plot of the log of the Active Oxygen Method (AOM) values of the oils versus time gave a straight line, the slope of which reflects the oxidizability of the oil. Data indicated that lightly hydrogenated northern sunflower oil was much less prone to oxidation after abuse than the commercial shortening and was useful for a longer time. The southern oil deteriorated faster than the northern sunflower oil, but the two oils were processed differently. Thus, in recent work, care was taken to process both northern and southern grown sunflower seed under identical conditions. Frying studies indicated that oil from southern grown seed was more stable than that from northern seed as would be expected from their fatty acid composition.
Improving the nutritional properties of rapessed
Authors: Slinger S. J.
Published: June 2008

Canadian plant breeders have recently succeeded in producing rapeseed with <1% erucic acid in the oil and with a very low level of glucosinolates in the meal. One suchBrassica napus cultivar, ‘Tower,’ is now licensed. The meal from ‘Tower’ seed has been subjected to extensive chemical and biological testing and has proven to be a markedly superior product as compared with conventional rapeseed meals. This new cultivar is less goitrogenic and more palatable and gives satisfactory productive performance in animals at use levels well in excess of older varieties. The presence of high levels of erucic acid in older varieties made the oils undesirable, particularly because this compound is not well metabolized by cardiac and certain other tissues and results in pathological changes in a number of experimental animals. ‘Tower’ rapeseed oil is less cardiotoxic than high erucic oils and appears to be no more detrimental when used at the 20% level in animal diets than a number of other oils used in human foods.
Viscosity of linseed oil as a function of mineral spirits and temperature
Authors: Gallagher T. , Kline D. E.
Published: June 2008

Abstract and Summary

The viscosities of raw linseed oil, boiled linseed oil, and combinations of raw or boiled linseed oil with mineral spirits were measured as a function of temperature. In general, the viscosity data for these solutions were found to follow the equation n=BeE/RT, where n is viscosity, B is a constant, E is the activation energy of flow, and T is absolute temperature. The viscosity values interpolated from the regression equations at 25 C, 40 C, and 60 C were analyzed as a function of percent mineral spirits for raw and boiled linseed oils. The results suggest that linseed oilmineral spirits mixtures behave as ideal solutions.
Nitrogen balance of women consuming cottonseed protein
Authors: Alford B. B. , Kim S. , Onley K.
Published: June 2008

Abstract and Summary

This study investigated the ability of cottonseed protein in liquid formula diets to maintain the nitrogen balance of twelve young women at the level of protein intake usually eaten by adults in the United States. Four levels of defatted cottonseed flour (0, 30, 60, and 100%) and R1–5, a commercially available protein product presumed to be adequate to support nitrogen balance, were used to provide 10 grams of nitrogen. After equilibration each diet was fed for 7 days. Mean daily nitrogen balances were −0.05, S.D. 1.28, +0.76, S.D. 1.62; +0.35, S.D. 2.46; and +1.42, S.D. 1.88 for the 0, 30, 60, and 100% cottonseed diets. The ratios of essential to nonessential amino acids were 0.82, 0.76, 0.67, and 0.59 for the diets from 0 to 100% cottonseed. At the level fed in this study, cottonseed protein adequately maintained nitrogen equilibrium in young adult women.
The Balkans in Transition and the Great Powers
Authors: Veremis Thanos
Published: June 2008

Things in the politics of small states are not always what they appear to be. Local agendas may succeed or fail dismally according to their compatibility, or lack of it, with great power priorities. The dissolution of Yugoslavia and the breakaway of its constituent parts are certainly events generated by local actors, but the decision to grant or deny them the status of a state can also be explained by the priorities of extra-regional powers. The dynamic intervention of Russia in the controversy over Kosovo's independence streamlines Russian interests in its ‘close neighbours’ with the support of international legality. The US sees little intrinsic value in the Balkans and places them in the periphery of the energy-producing Eurasia and the Middle East. Unlike the other two, the EU is a supranational actor with an interest in the stabilisation and development of its own southeastern neighborhood.
Whither the European Neighbourhood Policy? Scenarios for a Special Relationship
Authors: Bechev Dimitar , Nicolaidis Kalypso
Published: June 2008

The need to redefine the European Union's relations with neighbouring countries in the southern Mediterranean and Eastern Europe has become critical in light of the EU's most recent enlargement and the institutional reform process now underway. This paper explores the main instruments of the EU's external policy: the “integration without accession” principle of the European neighbourhood policy (ENP) and the idea of a “special relationship” proposed in the Lisbon Treaty. As the ENP and the Reform Treaty appear somewhat ambiguous and vague, the authors suggest “decentralised integration” as a new paradigm to craft the “special relationship” between the EU and its neighbours.
The Pro-democracy Movement: A Lost Decade?
Authors: Cheng Joseph Y. S.
Published: June 2008

This article draws on statistical data on the political expectations of the Hong Kong population to evaluate democratic trends in the region after its return to China in 1997. In spite of the democratic awakening with the protest rallies of 2003, the prospects for Hong Kong's democratisation have lessened in recent years. This is primarily due to an inequitable electoral system and the absence of universal suffrage. The article's assessment also highlights ways in which the weakness of the pro-democracy movement stems from its inherent inadequacies, such as a lack of political recruitment, scarce financial resources and, above all, a lack of solidarity among democratic parties.
Interference of iohexol with radioiodine thyroid uptake in the hyperthyroid cat
Authors: Peremans Kathelijne , Vandermeulen Eva , van Hoek Ingrid , Daminet Sylvie , Vermeire Simon , Bacher Klaus
Published: June 2008

Absorbed thyroid dose and effective half-life were determined in 46 hyperthyroid cats after treatment with a low dose (mean 111 MBq) of radioiodine intravenously. Thirteen of these cats had received iohexol for glomerular filtration rate (GFR) measurement within 24 h before treatment with radioiodine in view of another ongoing study at our institution. Pre-therapy values were obtained for total thyroxine (TT4) and for the thyroid to salivary gland ratio with sodium pertechnetate γ-camera imaging. All cats underwent post-therapy scans at 24, 48 and 120 h for evaluation of radioactive iodine uptake (RAIU) and the effective half-life of radioiodine. The absorbed dose was calculated from the cumulative activity with Olinda software. Both groups were comparable in age, TT4 and the ratio of thyroid activity to salivary gland activity. Statistical analysis revealed a significant decreased absorbed dose in the thyroid in the iohexol group. This decreased uptake was not accompanied by an decreased effective half-life of the radioiodine. The variation of inter-individual RAIU decreased in this group and more homogenous absorbed doses were obtained. No significant difference in outcome could be demonstrated. However, a tendency towards a higher number of residual hyperthyroidism in the iohexol group was noted (15 versus 6% in control group). This study demonstrates that iohexol interferes with the uptake of radioiodine in the hyperthyroid cat but does not provoke increased turnover. In this study, albeit including a small number of cats, outcome did not seem to be significantly affected.
Long‐term complications of septal dermoplasty in patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia
Authors: Levine Corinna G. , Ross Douglas A. , Henderson Katharine J. , Leder Steven B. , White Robert I.
Published: June 2008

Objective

Septal dermoplasty has been recommended as the treatment of choice for life‐threatening epistaxis in patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. This study evaluates the complications of septal dermoplasty in the management of transfusion‐dependent epistaxis.

Study Design

Consecutive retrospective study.

Subjects and Methods

Between 1994 and 2006, septal dermoplasty was performed on 106 consecutive patients with transfusion dependent epistaxis. Of 103 potential patients, 37 either died or were lost to follow‐up, which left 66 patients for study. Data on complications and quality of life were collected on 50 (76%) of 66 patients (mean follow‐up, 3.75 years) via phone interview.

Results

Seventy‐eight percent experienced nasal odor; 72% had nasal crusting; 58% had decreased sense of smell; 30% noted worsened sinus infection; 88% could breathe through their nose; 86% stated improved quality of life.

Conclusion

Septal dermoplasty remains an effective way of treating transfusion dependent epistaxis in patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia and subjectively improves their quality of life.
Traumatic neuroma of the tympanic (Jacobson's) nerve as a possible cause of otalgia
Authors: Naraev Boris G. , Linthicum Fred H.
Published: June 2008

Objective

To show that traumatic neuroma of the tympanic (Jacobson's) nerve may be a cause of recurrent intractable otalgia in patients following radical mastoidectomies.

Study Design

Histologic evaluation of four temporal bones from three patients with a history of recurrent otalgia following radical mastoidectomy.

Subjects and Methods

The medical records of three patients with multiple middle ear surgeries in four ears because of recurrent otalgia were reviewed. Histopathologic studies of the four temporal bones were performed.

Results

All four of the temporal bones that underwent multiple surgeries were found to have traumatic neuromas of the tympanic (Jacobson's) nerve.

Conclusion

Recurrent otalgia in patients after radical middle ear surgery may be caused by a traumatic neuroma of the tympanic (Jacobson's) nerve.

© 2008 American Academy of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. All rights reserved.
Bilateral middle ear cholesterol granuloma in familial hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Masaany Mansor , Siti Hashim Sabzah , Nurliza Idris , Mazita Ami
Published: June 2008

Cholesterol granuloma (CG) is a histologic description of foreign body giant cell formation toward cholesterol crystals. The majority of temporal bone CG is unilateral and most common in the petrous apex. Middle ear CG is usually the result of underlying ear diseases. Primary middle ear CG is very rare. Most reported CG has not been associated with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). FH, an autosomal dominant disorder, manifests as high levels of serum cholesterol and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. We report a rare case of FH and bilateral aggressive primary middle ear CG. This publication has been approved by the IRB, Hospital Alor Setar.
Submandibular sialoadenectomy with local anesthesia in the era of minimally invasive surgery
Authors: Chow Tam‐Lin , Chan Tony Tung‐Fei , Choi Chi‐Yee , Lam Siu‐Ho
Published: June 2008

Objective

To assess the feasibility and advantages of submandibular sialoadenectomy under local anesthesia.

Study Design

Retrospective clinical study.

Subjects and Methods

Twenty patients with benign submandibular masses underwent submandibular sialoadenectomy. The procedure was carried out under local anesthesia (LA) in 12 patients and general anesthesia (GA) in 8 patients. The patient and tumor characteristics, as well as treatment outcome or complications, were compared between the two groups.

Results

There was no conversion from LA to GA. Nine patients in the LA group could be discharged as day‐case surgery versus none in the GA group, P = 0.001. The postoperative hospital stay was also much shorter in the LA group: 0.4 day vs 2.0 days, P < 0.001. Postoperative vomiting occurred in only two of the eight patients of the GA group. Complication rate was similar.

Conclusion

Submandibular sialoadenectomy under local anesthesia is feasible. It can shorten the hospital stay and facilitate day‐case surgery.
Methods and Findings in the Study of Suicide Terrorism
Authors: PAPE ROBERT A.
Published: June 2008

Scott Ashworth, Joshua Clinton, Adam Meirowitz, and Kristopher Ramsay (2008) allege that I have committed the sin of sampling on the dependent variable by considering only the universe of suicide terrorist attacks rather than the universe of all imaginable instances when potential or actual terrorists might have committed suicide attacks, and so cannot measure the effects of any independent variables. They go on to describe a method that they say I should have used, which is not of interest because the accusation that is supposed to motivate this discussion is inaccurate.

The main claim—that my work on suicide terrorism samples on the dependent variable—is simply wrong. Indeed, the authors paid no attention to the large portions of my recent book that explain what we know about factors that make resort to suicide terrorist campaigns more or less likely, and how we know it. Hence, this letter is mainly devoted to updating Ashworth, Clinton, Meirowitz, and Ramsay on my work. I also make a few comments about the general question of whether concerns about “sample bias” should carry significant weight when dealing with the complete universe of a phenomenon, as is the case in my work on suicide terrorism.
Transtympanic gentamicin treatment using Silverstein MicroWick in Ménière's disease patients: long term outcome
Authors: Suryanarayanan R , Srinivasan V R , O'Sullivan G
Published: June 2008

Objective:

To assess the long term outcome of gentamicin inner-ear perfusion using the Silverstein MicroWick™ in the treatment of Ménière's disease.

Study design:

Retrospective questionnaire survey of patients and review of medical records.

Setting:

A district general hospital.

Participants:

All 15 patients who completed a minimum follow up of at least 24 months were included.

Main outcome measures:

Subjective symptoms, change in hearing thresholds and Glasgow benefit inventory scores.

Results:

Based on the American Association of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (1995) guidelines for reporting, 80 per cent of respondents obtained class A vertigo control and 20 per cent obtained class B control. Respondents' functional level improved from pre-operative levels of between three and six to post-operative levels of between one and three. Three respondents had pre-operative ‘dead ears’ and one developed the condition post-operatively. Hearing deteriorated further in three respondents, improved in two and remained unchanged in the rest. Respondents with class A control demonstrated improved quality of life, with a mean Glasgow benefit inventory total score of +34.

Conclusion:

Transtympanic gentamicin therapy via the Silverstein MicroWick results in good vertigo control. Patients should however be made fully aware of the risk of hearing deterioration.